A massive fire has broken out at the popular fitness centre, Eco Fitness Hub, in Gwarinpa, Abuja. According to TVC, the fire, which erupted on Wednesday, has engulfed large portions of the facility, though the cause remains unknown. As of the time of filing this report, no casualties have been reported.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in on Tuesday in Benin City. Following his victory in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former Governor Godwin Obaseki. Amid heavy crowd and security presence, Okpebholo, accompanied by his two daughters, took the oath of office and allegiance at 1:00 pm administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. Earlier, Idahosa, accompanied by his wife, mounted the podium to take the oath as the deputy governor of the state. The governor later went ahead to inspect the guard of honour as well as a parade by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police. Supporters of the party at the stadium cheered all through the oath-taking exercise meant to usher in the new administration in the state. Speaking after his swearing-in, Okpebholo unveiled a five-point agenda for the development of the state. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to prioritise security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education. The governor declared war on criminals, saying the era of incessant kidnapping and other violent crimes was over. “Our citizens are a top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people. “We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa,” Okpebholo said. Bemoaning incessant cases of kidnapping and other crimes, the governor said his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of the state. “For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes. “To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land, so that farming and other business activities will flourish again. “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another. “Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all. “We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again. “We are also ready to partner with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors,” he said. The governor promised that the new administration would support small businesses and market women with soft loans. “Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them in acquiring relevant skills for self-empowerment. “My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms. “Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways, too, to ensure quality education,” Okpebholo added. He added, “Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity. “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage. “It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, which were looted by British colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” he said. He promised to work closely with other arms of government to strengthen democracy and good governance in the state. The governor also announced a panel of inquiry into the remote cause of the failure to inaugurate 14 members-elect of the House of Assembly in 2019. Okpebholo names new appointees The governor appointed Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, son of the former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health-designate. In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday, the governor also appointed Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to State Government and a former member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice-designate. Cyril’s academic journey began at St. Anne’s Primary School, followed by Command Secondary School. He later pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. He enrolled at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, where he obtained a Master of Science in Public Health, majoring in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management. His academic pursuits continued at Harvard University, Boston, where he underwent postgraduate training in Clinical Research and at Queen Mary University, London, where he studied Gastroenterology. Ikhilor was born on the 6th of August 1980 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LL.B in 2008 (Second class Upper Division). In 2009, he obtained a B.L. (Second Class Upper Division) at the Nigerian Law School and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In 2017, Ikhilor proceeded to acquire his Masters degree in Telecommunications Law (LL.M) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking procedures and processes, constitutional drafting and amendment, and general legislative governance issues working in various capacities at the National Assembly. In 2019, he was appointed a Consultant to the House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he had been closely analysing and reviewing matters on gender equity, human rights, strengthening institutions of government and creating efficient and transparent processes and systems to deliver good governance. Also in 2019, he was appointed as Senior Special Assistant and later Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who also doubled as the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. In May 2022, he was assigned to act as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of … Read more
The Ondo State Police Command, on Tuesday, said it had arrested one prophetess, Mrs Folashade Adekola, over the death of a woman, Jumoke Adesuwa and her newborn baby inside the church. Our correspondent gathered on Tuesday that the deceased bled to death from complications after childbirth inside the suspect’s church located in the Oke-Aro area of Akure, the state capital. The baby was said to have also died immediately. It was also learnt that the suspect was arrested by the men of the command after the deceased’s brother reported the matter at the police station. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, said the prophetess was arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation. “The case was reported by the deceased’s brother, that the sister died after childbirth in the church and the prophetess is already in custody. Investigations are still ongoing,” the PPRO said. A source in the family who spoke to PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity, because he was not permitted to speak with the media, narrated that someone from the church called the family to inform the deceased’s husband that his wife had been delivered of a baby. The deceased’s husband called a family member and both rushed to the church. He said, “When we got there, they were told that the baby died after childbirth but that the mother was alive. On sighting the deceased, we saw her in a pool of blood, bleeding profusely. So, we rushed her to a nearby hospital. “Due to her condition, she was rejected at three hospitals and she died in the process of reviving her in the last hospital that admitted her. To our surprise, we got to the church to collect the baby’s remains and found the corpse in a room. The condition of the room was very worrisome as it did not look like a delivery room. “We approached the Oke-Aro Police Station in Akure to report the case which led to the arrest of the prophetess in charge. The remains of the woman have been deposited at the mortuary.” Punch
Following his narrow victory in the November 5 election, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced a series of cabinet nominees and appointees who will form the core team for his second term. These initial choices, covering areas from environmental policy to border control, reflect Trump’s focus on returning to many of the “America First” principles that shaped his first presidency. Trump’s administration is set to begin on January 20, 2025, and he has emphasised that these appointments will steer the nation towards what he calls a “renewed American strength.” Here is a list of Trump’s appointments so far: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin Lee Zeldin, a former New York Congressman and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, has been selected to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin, 44, has previously voiced scepticism towards the Paris Agreement, advocating for a version that imposes stricter standards on all signatory nations. In his acceptance message, he emphasised goals to “restore U.S. energy dominance” and strengthen the automotive industry while upholding standards for clean air and water. National Security Advisor: Mike Waltz Trump’s choice for National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, brings a military-focused approach to U.S. foreign policy. Waltz, a U.S. Army Green Beret and Congressional representative for Florida, has served in Afghanistan and written extensively about his military experience. Waltz’s addition signals a focus on defence readiness, especially concerning U.S.-China relations. As part of the House China Task Force, Waltz has previously identified key threats and advocated for proactive measures to counter Chinese influence. White House Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles Susie Wiles, known for her significant role in Trump’s 2024 campaign, is appointed as the White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, 67, has a long history in Republican politics, including advising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his initial gubernatorial campaign. Trump acknowledged Wiles’ influence during his victory speech, referring to her as “the Ice Baby,” a moniker that reflects her reserved yet determined approach. Border Czar: Tom Homan Former ICE Director Tom Homan will reprise a prominent role within Trump’s administration as the newly appointed Border Czar. Known for his tenure under Trump’s first administration, Homan, 62, has advocated for strict immigration enforcement. Trump has vowed that Homan will oversee the “largest deportation operation in U.S. history” as part of a campaign to curb illegal immigration. Ambassador to the United Nations: Elise Stefanik Elise Stefanik, a Republican Congresswoman from New York, has been named Ambassador to the United Nations. At 40, Stefanik is a vocal figure in the GOP, known for her questioning of university officials during congressional hearings on antisemitism. Stefanik’s appointment aligns with Trump’s goals for reforming U.S. foreign relations, including his commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine. Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy: Stephen Miller Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s first administration immigration policies, returns as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Miller’s focus on stringent immigration measures and American sovereignty has been a hallmark of his advocacy, both in government and through his America First Legal Foundation. His recent rally speech emphasising “America is for Americans” underscores the administration’s planned focus on restrictive immigration policies. As Trump’s team begins to take shape, the emphasis on strong national defence, limited immigration, and a recalibrated approach to climate policy reflects the values of Trump’s base, signalling a return to many of the policies that defined his first term. The National Post reports that further appointments and policy outlines are expected in the coming weeks as the administration prepares for its January inauguration. Punch
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa have been sworn in on Tuesday. The Chief Justice of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, administered the oath to the number one and two citizens of the state at the stadium at Samuel Ogbemudia, Stadium. They both swore to uphold the constitution and work within its dictate as well as see to the well-being of the people of the state. Supporters of the party at the stadium cheered all through the oath-taking processes meant to usher in a new administration in the state. Details later…
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, will present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Oyo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, 13 November. The governor will present the Budget estimate to the lawmakers at an event scheduled to hold at the House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The presentation is coming on the heels of the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum Meetings held across the five zones of the state on the 2025 Budget, where inputs from residents of the state were collated. Governor Makinde said on Monday that the 2024 Budget performance had reached 64 per cent by November.
Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were among the early birds to the Super Eagles’ camp on Monday in Coted’Ivoire, ahead of preparation for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that six other players, Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also arrived in Abidjan on Monday. The Super Eagles Media Officer who confirmed the report to NAN on Monday said no fewer than eight players had arrived, adding that some others were still been expected on Tuesday. Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players were invited for the qualifier. The Super Eagles will seek six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign this month. The team’s camp opened officially on Monday in Abidjan ahead of the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday. The Super Eagles are expected to travel down to Uyo on Friday ahead of their final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday. The Super Eagles who are currently top of their Group D, will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points. However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi. The Rwandans have a one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two matchdays. NAN
The naira is forecasted to depreciate to N1,993 against the United States dollar by 2028, posing a significant challenge to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, particularly in importing essential medical devices, a new report by BMI, a Fitch Solutions subsidiary, has revealed. In the report titled “Weak Naira and Structural Challenges to Constrain Nigeria’s Medical Devices Market Growth”, BMI projected that despite an anticipated rebound in the economy, Nigeria’s medical devices sector will face operational and demand challenges in the near term. The report noted that Nigeria relies on imports for over 95 per cent of its medical devices, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in exchange rates. “Continued weakness of the naira will increase medical device import costs and erode consumer purchasing power. Similar to other markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria heavily relies on medical device imports, with reliance of over 95 per cent. “We expect that the naira will end 2028 at N1,993/$ from N306/$ in 2018. As the naira weakens, the cost of importing medical devices will continually increase, eroding both the health system and patient purchasing power especially to invest in essential medical technologies given underfunding of the public health sector. “This would particularly affect high-cost demand for devices such as diagnostics, orthopaedics and dental products. On the export front, a weaker naira will enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured medical devices, fostering growth in the sector,” the report stated. While a weaker naira could enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured medical devices, BMI highlighted persistent barriers to local production. These include a scarcity of skilled labour, limited access to modern technology, and inadequate infrastructure, which continue to undermine manufacturing efforts despite government incentives. The administration of President Bola Tinubu has implemented measures aimed at easing these pressures. In June 2024, an executive order was issued to reduce medical service costs by eliminating tariffs, excise duties, and Value Added Tax on specific machinery, equipment, and raw materials, with the goal of lowering local production costs. However, BMI observed that the medical devices market would continue to face significant challenges in the short term. The report forecasted that Nigeria’s medical devices market could grow to a value of N171.1bn (£344.7m) by 2028, supported by a large population, an increasing focus on universal health coverage, and the double burden of chronic and communicable diseases. Nigeria’s economy is expected to recover in 2025, with a growth rate of 3.0 per cent predicted for 2024, compared to 2.9 per cent recorded in 2023. However, persistent issues such as high inflation, tighter monetary policies, and weak foreign direct investment could weigh on the growth of the medical devices sector. The PUNCH further observed that the naira traded at N1,681.42 per dollar on Monday, November 11, 2024, reflecting a marginal decline of 0.15 per cent from Friday’s closing rate of N1,678.87, as recorded on November 8, 2024. FX turnover on the official market dropped significantly by 66.41 per cent, from $1.4bn on Friday to $471.5m on Monday, indicating lower market activity. During the period under review, the naira reached a high of N1,695 and a low of N1,631. Punch
At least N19.43bn was spent on the maintenance and operations of the Presidential Air Fleet from July 2023 to September 2024, The PUNCH learnt. Checks by our correspondent on GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending, showed that for 2024, the payouts amounted to N13.55bn, representing 66 per cent of the allocations for the fleet in the 2024 fiscal year. Most disbursements were labelled ‘Forex Transit Funds,’ typically funds allocated for foreign exchange requirements to facilitate international transactions and engagements. In the context of the Presidential Air Fleet, such funds are used to cover expenses related to operations outside the country, including fuel purchases, maintenance or services in foreign currencies. In November of that year, N1.26bn was released to the Presidential Air Fleet naira transit account. The first overhead for 2024 came in March, where N1.27bn were disbursed twice, amounting to N2.54bn. The transit account received N6.35bn in April, N4.97bn in May and N210m in July. August saw the highest frequency of transactions, with N5.60bn released in six separate disbursements. Although these transactions were not clearly labelled, the monies were paid into the Presidential Air Fleet naira transit account, including the N35m transfer made in September. In late April, the transit account received N5.08bn; this came around the same time the President was on a two-nation tour to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. Although Tinubu arrived in the Netherlands in a state-owned Gulfstream AeroSpace 550 Jet, the aircraft could not proceed to Saudi Arabia due to unspecified technical problems. He reportedly continued his journey on a chartered private plane. At the time, the President’s Boeing 737 business jet was undergoing maintenance. It was later replaced with an Airbus A330 purchased for $100m in August through service-wide votes. The nearly 15-year-old plane, an ACJ330-200, VP-CAC (MSN 1053), is “spacious and furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customised interior and communications system,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said, adding that it “will save Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.” The new Airbus A330 is just one of several aircraft currently on the Presidential Air Fleet, arguably one of Africa’s largest, with around 11 aircraft of various makes and models. Until August, it comprised the 19-year-old B737-700 and a 13-year-old Gulfstream Aerospace G550. The BBJ was acquired during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo at $43m but became a money guzzler as it aged. Onanuga, defending the purchase of Airbus A330, argued that the new Airbus 330 aircraft and the costs of maintaining the air fleet were not for the president but in the interest of Nigerians. “It’s not President Tinubu’s plane; it belongs to the people of Nigeria, it is our property…the President did not buy a new jet; what he has is a refurbished jet – it has been used by somebody else before he got it, but it is a much newer model than the one President Buhari used. “The one President Buhari used was bought by President Obasanjo some 20 years ago. There was a time when the President went to Saudi Arabia, and the plane developed some problems. The President had to leave the Netherlands with a chartered jet. “Nigerians should try to prioritise the safety of the President. I’m not sure anybody wishes our president to go and crash in the air. We want his safety so that he can hand it over to whoever wants to take over from him,” Onanuga said. The presidential aide said he discussed with the National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, on the faulty plane [Boeing 737 jet] and he said the maintenance costs were excessive because of the age of the aircraft, hence the need for another plane. The presidential fixed-wing fleet includes a Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7Xs, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605. Three of the seven fixed-wings are reportedly unserviceable. Meanwhile, the rotor-wing fleet includes two Agusta 139s and two Agusta 101s, all operated by the Nigerian Air Force but supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Former President Buhari promised to reduce the number of aircraft in the PAF to the absolute necessary. In April 2023, three jets were put up for sale, but there were no specifics on which. However, efforts to sell one of the Dassault Falcon 7x and the Hawker 4000 in October 2016 stalled when a potential buyer reduced their initial offer from $24m to $11m. Since 2017, budgetary allocations for the fleet have shown a growing trend, with one exception in 2020. The allocation for the fleet increased from N4.37bn in 2017 to N20.52bn in 2024, showing a 370 per cent rise in running costs. In 2018, the fleet’s budget rose significantly by 66.13 per cent to N7.26bn, driven by a substantial increase in capital project allocations while maintaining similar levels for recurrent costs. This upward trajectory continued into 2019, slightly increasing the total allocation to N7.30bn. The exception came in 2020, when the budget dropped by nearly seven per cent to N6.79bn, primarily due to decreased overhead costs, a reflection of the global economic impacts of lockdowns and disruptions in operations. By 2021, however, the budget surged dramatically to N12.55bn—a record increase of 84.83 per cent from the previous year. In 2022, maintenance expenses for each aircraft ranged from $1.5m to $4.5m annually. The 2022, 2023 and 2024 appropriation acts earmarked N12.48bn, N13.07bn and N20.52bn respectively. On his way to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa, a foreign object damaged the cockpit windscreen of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s GulfStream aircraft during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York. According to Lee Aerospace, manufacturers of the Gulfstream, jet windshields consist of thick multilayered structures of varying layers of glass and transparent acrylic built to withstand collision with a 2kg object. However, damage to the windshield must have affected its inner layers. While specific prices for replacement can vary based on supplier, labour rates and regional costs, estimates … Read more
The United States of America has offered a $25,000 reward for anyone who could provide it with information that could facilitate the arrest of a Nigerian, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, who is reportedly facing trial for the alleged murder of his child. PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement credited to the Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, Don Freeman, and obtained from the agency’s website on Monday, that Olawusi has also been named among the 15 most wanted fugitives in the US. Freeman noted that Olawusi, who lived in Rhodes Island, US, was arraigned on two counts bordering on first-degree murder caused by inflicting bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He added that the incident occurred on April 3, 2017, after police operatives and firefighters found the three-month-old child and rescued him at the hospital where it was discovered that the child had suffered injuries in 18 parts of his body. The discovery was said to have led to the arrest of Olawusi. Upon his arrest, Olawusi was charged in court on April 20, 2017, but his whereabouts became unknown after he was released the same day while the trial was pending. Freeman added that the infant died six months after being hospitalised as a result of the injuries he had allegedly sustained from his father’s abuse which prompted the prosecuting department to include a murder charge in the ongoing trial. He said, “A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives list with an up to $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest. “Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, was charged in Providence with first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child after Providence Police and Fire personnel found his three-month-old son bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence on April 3, 2017. “The child was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated to regain a pulse. An examination at the hospital noted 18 injuries at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of long-term abuse. These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, significant brain injury, and fractures of the child’s ribs, clavicle, legs and arms. He was placed on life support but died six months later. “Providence police arrested and charged Olawusi on April 20, 2017, with first-degree child abuse. He was released the same day and subsequently fled. The murder charge was added following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017.” The US Supervisory Deputy Marshall noted that after frantic efforts to locate Olawusi, it was discovered that he had fled the country on June 20, 2017, while stressing that further investigation revealed that he was receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria. He added that the suspect has been placed on the wanted list because he could pose a danger to children and other members of the public and the US would deploy all its resources to ensure that he faces justice. “Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice. We have placed Mr Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes he’s committed and the threat he continues to pose to the public. The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community. “Olawusi, who uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App,” Freeman concluded.
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