Author: Alade Adisa

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is currently in France, accompanying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. The delegation also includes governors Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and key ministers including David Umahi. The visit, which aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and France involves discussions on economic cooperation, security, and investment opportunities. President Tinubu and his team, which included big businessmen like Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu and Jim Ovia had engaged with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders. Observers anticipate that these engagements will bolster…

Renowned investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo has been detained by the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His arrest, which occurred three days ago, was confirmed on Friday by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Sources suggest Soyombo’s detention may be linked to his recent exposé on corruption and smuggling activities involving the Nigerian Customs Service. The FIJ has condemned his arrest, calling it a threat to press freedom and demanding his immediate release. Soyombo, celebrated for his fearless reporting on corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has faced numerous threats throughout his career. His arrest…

World Trade Organization chief, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was reappointed Friday for a second term, in the shadow of the coming return of Donald Trump and his disdain for international trade rules. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to head the WTO, was the only candidate in the race, and had been all but assured a second term. The organization’s 166 members “today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general,” the WTO said in a statement. The 70-year-old Nigerian’s reappointment was approved by consensus during a special meeting of the organisation’s General Council, held behind closed…

A Nigerian doctor convicted of rape and sexual assault has been acquitted by the appeal court. Femi Olaleye, a Lagos-based doctor, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the high court on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of his wife’s 16-year-old niece. However, the Court of Appeal on Friday discharged and acquitted him. The appellant was freed after challenging his conviction and life imprisonment sentence. Mr Olaleye, the medical director of Optimal Cancer Care, was arraigned in 2022 by the Lagos State Government at the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, in Ikeja, Lagos.…

Chad has ended an agreement with France aimed at strengthening cooperation in security and defence between the two nations.“The Government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to terminate the defence cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic,” a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday said.The statement, signed by Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, said that after decades of independence, it is time for the country to “assert its full sovereignty and to redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.”It said the decision to terminate the agreement, which was revised in September…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that fleet operators play a vital role in achieving zero road accidents in the country.The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this during the annual Safety Manager Retreat on Thursday in Abuja, with theme entitled: “Driver Management: Enhancing Safety Through Technology.”The FRSC boss said that drivers were vital part of every transport business – as they also played the most crucial role in the transportation process.“Driving can be daunting, so drivers should be encouraged by implementing policies to make their work easier.“The recruitment of drivers – which is foundational…

The Federal Government (FG) has urged fleet operators to take advantage of technology to enhance safety and reduce road accidents in Nigeria.The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, gave the advice during the Annual Safety Manager Retreat, organised by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja, which had the theme: “Driver Management: Enhancing Safety Through Technology.”Alkali, represented by Mr Abubakar Usman, the Transport Director at the Ministry, said that technology had a crucial role to play in reducing road accidents and improving fleet efficiency.He also urged fleet operators to take advantage of innovations such as telematics and advanced driver assistance…

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has expressed optimism that the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) nations are ready to work together to tackle insecurity in the region.Ogalla disclosed this at the end of the 8th edition of the Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coastguards in the GoG, on maritime environment in Abuja.The symposium with the theme “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea” is hosted by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the French Navy.He said the meeting had recorded tremendous success, adding that the 8th edition…

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has said the Federal Government will soon commence the regulation and licensing of players in the space ecosystem for more revenues generation.Nnaji said this at the inauguration of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory (AUAVL) of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja on Thursday.The inauguration of the laboratory was part of the activities to celebrate 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space.Nnaji stated that there were lots of illegalities in the oil and gas sector and different sectors of the economy which satellite technology could detect and address.“Very…

Ukraine on Friday said Russia launched over a hundred drones overnight, wounding at least eight people in the latest in an intensifying string of attacks on the war-torn country.The wave of attacks comes a day after Russia launched around 90 missiles on Ukraine, cutting power to over a million people.Ukraine’s air force said in a statement that Russia fired 132 drones, out of which “88 drones were shot down” and “41 were lost, presumably due to defence countermeasures.” It did not specify what happened to the remainder.Drones were destroyed over a dozen regions, including above the southern region of Odesa.”Seven…