Author: Friday Omosola

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to expedite the implementation of all bilateral agreements signed with Colombia, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships. The assurance was given during a meeting with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez at the State House. Tinubu emphasised that in a world of volatile economies and shifting policies, nations must forge new alliances for shared prosperity. READ ALSO: Tinubu greets Bishop Kukah at 73 He assured the Colombian delegation, which included senior government officials and business leaders, that Nigeria would replicate the aviation and consular agreements recently signed with Brazil. The President stated that the conclusions reached…

Nigeria and Colombia have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, signalling a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. The agreement was signed on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum. The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir. READ ALSO: Shettima: FG to unlock Nigeria’s geo-heritage potential According to Jassir, the agreement will facilitate frequent political dialogue and simplify visa approvals for Colombian diplomats visiting Nigeria. Speaking at the…

The Federal Government, FG, has issued a statement directly addressing what it calls “insinuations, half-truths and fake information” that suggest President Bola Tinubu’s administration is favouring certain regions of the country in the distribution of projects and appointments. The government asserts that its actions are guided by principles of fairness, justice, and equity across all six geopolitical zones. According to a press release by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the administration has demonstrated an “uncommon commitment to balanced development.” READ ALSO: Nigerians fume as FG hikes passport charges again Idris highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Kaduna State Police Command for its handling of the recent attack on the party’s inauguration event. In a statement issued on Sunday, the party accused the police of attempting to “criminalise legitimate political activity” while failing to protect its members from armed thugs. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, faulted the police press release for what he called a “troubling attempt to pre-judge individuals.” READ ALSO: INEC rebuts ADC’s claims of inflating voter registration figures in Osun He argued that the police’s statement was more “political than professional” because it linked the…

Solomon Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and a key figure in police reform, has died at a hospital in Abuja. He was 69 years old. Arase, who was also the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) from January 2023 to June 2024, had a long and distinguished career. READ ALSO: Retired police officers begin nationwide protest, IGP directs full security Before he was appointed IGP, he led the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau. A native of Edo State, Arase joined the police force in 1981 after earning a degree in political science from Ahmadu Bello University. He…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, to immediately reverse a sharp increase in passport fees. The rights group described the new fees as “arbitrary, unlawful, unjustified, and excessive.” The new fees, which are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, will increase the cost of a 32-page, five-year passport to ₦100,000 and a 64-page, 10-year passport to ₦200,000. SERAP noted that this is the second increase in a year, following a similar…

In a move aimed at restoring peace to the Akungba Akoko community, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has installed His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, as the new Alale of Akungba, ending a long-standing chieftaincy dispute. The ceremony, which took place on Saturday followed years of legal battles that reached the highest courts. Aiyedatiwa stated that the government’s decision was based on court rulings that favored Oba Adu’s claim to the throne. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa pledges road completion, pushes APC unity ahead of 2027 He emphasised that the administration remained neutral in the chieftaincy matter and acted to uphold justice and fairness.…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured residents that his administration will complete all ongoing road projects across the state, including those inherited from previous governments. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, the governor also urged party members to actively participate in voter registration and mobilise new supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa commissions new mental health, drug rehabilitation centre in Ondo Aiyedatiwa said his administration is working to attract investors to boost the state’s economy, citing a memorandum of understanding for a cement factory, a fertiliser plant, and a…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cast his vote in the Rivers State local government elections, hailing the process as peaceful and dismissing concerns over the lack of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Wike, a former governor of the state and a two-term local government chairman of Obio/Akpo, voted in his home area of Rumepirikom. Following his vote, he expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the polls, stating, “The election is very peaceful.” READ ALSO: Wike casts vote in Rivers LG polls He noted the absence of violence and ballot-box snatching, which he said…

The Lagos State Government has expressed commitment to a partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to enhance educational standards and ensure every child has access to quality schooling. This commitment was made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, during a courtesy visit by the UBEC Board. READ ALSO: Lagos records over 8,600 domestic, sexual violence cases in one year Sanwo-Olu stated that education is the bedrock of national development and must be prioritised. He declared, “In 2025, no child in Nigeria should be left out of school,” and emphasised that education is a fundamental human…