Author: Damilola

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, commending the elder statesman for decades of service and commitment to Nigeria’s unity. In a message shared on his official X account on Thursday, the former vice-president celebrated Obasanjo’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s political and national development, describing him as a leader whose life reflects dedication, courage and patriotism. “Atiku wrote, “As President Olusegun Obasanjo marks his 89th birthday, I celebrate a life that has been defined by service, courage, and an enduring commitment to Nigeria.” “His journey…

The federal government has announced a six-year suspension on the establishment of new universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve quality and sustainability within the country’s higher education system. The decision was reached during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja. Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the temporary ban was introduced to consolidate existing institutions rather than expand the system without adequate capacity. “Today, access is not easy in the country. We…

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately suspend its newly introduced cashless payment system following widespread traffic congestion at airports across the country. The directive was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by the president. The suspension comes barely four days after the rollout of the policy, which required travellers and motorists to make digital payments through ‘Go Cashless’ cards or POS platforms for airport entry gates, parking areas, lounges and other services — replacing decades-long cash transactions.…

The Federation International Football Association (FIFA) on Wednesday officially unveiled the final list of countries participating in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, confirming Democratic Republic of the Congo as Africa’s representative. The announcement effectively ends Nigeria’s hopes of securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the play-off route. In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the structure of the tournament and confirmed the six nations that will compete for the remaining qualification slots. DR Congo’s confirmation follows the unsuccessful challenge mounted by the Nigeria Football Federation after the Super Eagles’ defeat in the…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial of Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to March 10. Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. The DSS accused the former justice minister of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for legal action. At the resumed proceedings on Wednesday, Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecution, informed the court that the…

The United States Embassy Abuja has suspended all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, citing security concerns linked to a potential protest in the nation’s capital. In a statement shared on X, the embassy said affected applicants would be contacted with instructions on how to reschedule their appointments. The decision follows protests earlier this week by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, over the killing of Ali Khamenei during recent joint US-Israeli military strikes on Tehran. Demonstrations were reported across several states, including Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe and Kaduna, with protesters condemning…

The United States Embassy Abuja has issued a security advisory to American citizens in Nigeria, cautioning against a possible protest in the federal capital territory amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Earlier on Monday, the US government released a global security alert urging its citizens worldwide, including those in Nigeria, to exercise increased vigilance following escalating hostilities in the Middle East. The advisory noted that the evolving situation could pose risks to personal safety and travel plans, including possible disruptions to international air travel. In a post shared on X on Wednesday, the embassy warned that there…

Captain and forward of Al-Nassr FC, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reportedly departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid, Spain, following rising security concerns linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East. According to a report by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, the 41-year-old football star left Riyadh late at night aboard his £61 million ($81 million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet. His departure comes amid growing regional instability after recent US-Israeli military strikes on Iran. Overnight, two drones struck the United States embassy in Riyadh, while Iranian state media also reported the destruction of a command and staff facility in Bahrain. “Riyadh,…

Iran’s foreign ministry has cautioned that the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States could widen significantly if the international community fails to intervene. Speaking on the development, Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had prioritised diplomacy from the outset but warned that continued military actions risk triggering broader instability. “They must stop the war,” Baghaei said, referring to Israel and the United States. The warning follows missile strikes launched by the US and Israel against Iranian targets on Saturday, shortly after both countries concluded another round of negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement over Iran’s nuclear programme. Although no final…

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has transmitted a list of nine commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the executive council. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Clerk of the Assembly, Emeka Amadi, directed the nominees to submit their official documents to his office ahead of the screening process. Those nominated include Datonye Alasia, Tonye Bellgam, Temple Nwofor, Peters Nwagor, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Lekue Kenneth, Otonye Amachree, and Amairigha Edward Hart. “The Rivers state house of assembly hereby invites nominees for appointment as commissioners and members of the Rivers State…