Author: Olamilekan Botti

The Nigerian unemployment rate has dropped to 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, indicating a significant improvement in labour market conditions. This latest statistic, released on Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), signifies a decrease from the previous quarter’s rate of 5.3 per cent and represents a gradual recovery from 5.0 per cent recorded in the third quarter of 2023. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the employment landscape in Nigeria, revealing a favourable trend in workforce engagement. The Labour Force Participation Rate, which tracks the proportion of the working-age population actively participating in…

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, addressed the public on Monday, affirming that the investigation initiated by the Federal Government, aimed at identifying civil servants who are still receiving salaries while residing abroad, is currently in progress. In a clear response to allegations suggesting the discontinuation of this critical investigation, Walson-Jack emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the issue. She remarked that individuals who have relocated to foreign countries in pursuit of better employment opportunities should no longer benefit financially from the Nigerian civil service system. This statement was delivered during a significant event…

Access Bank has categorically denied claims suggesting that a sum of N500 million is unaccounted for in a customer’s account. This statement was released on Sunday via the bank’s official social media channels, firmly asserting the institution’s commitment to ethical banking practices and customer satisfaction. The controversy arose from a viral video posted by social media influencer Vincent Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan. In this video, Otse accused Access Bank of engaging in dubious practices involving the account of a deceased customer, alleging discrepancies that allegedly amount to N500 million. Such accusations, if true, would represent a severe breach of…

On Monday, the foreign minister’s Group of Seven (G7) nations gathered near Rome for a crucial two-day summit aimed at addressing pressing global issues, with a particular focus on the Middle East. The discussions will shift later to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as the ministers seek to forge a unified response to the challenges facing both regions. Hosted by Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, this significant meeting brings together high-ranking officials from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken is amongst the key participants in this diplomatic forum, which is…

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the Catholic community across the state in light of the recent passing of Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who holds the title of the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria. Monsignor Oleghe breathed his last at the remarkable age of 104 years on the morning of Sunday, November 24, 2024. In an official press statement released on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Senator Okpebholo reflected on the profound legacy left behind by Fr. Oleghe, describing his exemplary life as a powerful lesson for all Nigerians. He…

In the early hours of Thursday, an Air Peace aircraft travelling from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Lagos was unexpectedly halted on the tarmac due to suspected technical faults. The incident raised alarms among passengers, many of whom took to social media platforms to voice their concerns and fears regarding the abrupt interruption. Prominent human rights lawyer, Inihebe Effiong, who was aboard the flight, shared his experience on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to Effiong, the flight, which was scheduled for departure at 6:30 AM, was “forcefully” stopped while taxiing on the runway just before takeoff. In…

The Ogun State Security Network, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps, has successfully dismantled a self-kidnap scheme orchestrated by a 41-year-old resident identified as Enitan Awoyemi. This elaborate plan was allegedly devised by Awoyemi in a desperate bid to evade repayment of a staggering debt amounting to approximately N1 million, stemming from his gambling activities. The unsettling details of this case were made public through a statement issued on Wednesday by the state’s Amotekun Commander, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.). The incident unfolded in the town of Irolu-Remo, located within the Ikenne Local Government Area, where Awoyemi is known to…

The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has warned contractors operating within the state that it will not tolerate substandard work or delays in the execution of projects. The announcement was made by the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Sunday Amuna, during a formal bid opening ceremony held at the board’s headquarters. This statement sets a clear tone for what the board expects from its partners as it strives to enhance the quality of education in the region. The event was centred around awarding contracts for the manufacture and supply of plastic classroom furniture for public schools. The contracts are…

In a chilling case that has captured national attention, the United States government is offering a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian fugitive accused of the heinous murder of his three-month-old child. According to a statement released by Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, Olawusi has been placed on the U.S. Marshals Service’s list of 15 most wanted fugitives. The troubling allegations against Olawusi stem from a harrowing incident that took place on April 3, 2017, in Providence, Rhode Island. Law enforcement officials and emergency responders were called to a residence…

A powerful explosion shook the city of Jos on Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through surrounding communities. Eyewitnesses reported that the blast occurred around 10:30 am near the densely populated Terminus market area. Initial reports indicate that several people were injured in the blast, with some sources suggesting there may have been fatalities. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but witnesses described scenes of destruction and chaos.“I was nearby when I heard a loud bang,” said an eyewitness. “I saw people running and screaming. It was terrifying,” added Gyang Buba, a clothes vendor who confirmed the incident. Emergency services, including…