Author: Friday Omosola

South Africa has expressed keen interest in collaborating with Nigeria to tap into its lithium reserves as part of efforts to drive the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution and green energy transition. Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu spokesperson in a statement said the announcement came during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable held on Tuesday in Cape Town.   President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Nigeria’s vast lithium resources as a cornerstone for industrialisation in the EV sector. He urged private sector players and development finance institutions to work together in building infrastructure and scaling up manufacturing capabilities for EV batteries. “There is much…

In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, Nigeria and South Africa have operationalised the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy said the announcement was made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable held on Tuesday in Cape Town. The council, first launched in 2021 during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Nigeria, aims to resolve trade and investment challenges, foster policy alignment, and create a conducive environment for business growth in both nations. The full activation of this council is…

The Kwara State Government has taken disciplinary action against a school teacher, Hamzat Fatimoh, accused of assaulting a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin. Earlier, The New Daily Prime reported the assault of the female corps member (name withheld) when she visited the school to collect her clearance letter. She was accused of failing to greet the teachers properly—was scolded, physically assaulted, and had her NYSC white T-shirt torn by a teacher. Another teacher allegedly joined in the attack by slapping her. The incident ignited widespread outrage, with Nigerians demanding justice and…

The Kwara State Government has announced plans to vaccinate over 330,000 cattle, sheep, and goats in a state-wide Mass Anthrax Vaccination Campaign. The initiative aims to safeguard livestock and public health against the deadly anthrax disease and other zoonotic infections. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, during a training workshop for veterinary personnel organised by the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Ilorin. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Funke Sokoya, the Commissioner highlighted the…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).  Speaking at the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities event held at the Jibowu Hall, Government House Grounds, Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, the governor described PWDs as valuable assets capable of reshaping their communities. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, Governor Oyebanji emphasised the potential of PWDs to actively contribute to societal development. He also distributed over 200 assistive devices, including wheelchairs and white canes, to support their daily activities. The governor urged PWDs to…

In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, South Africa has relaxed its visa requirements for Nigerian tourists and businesspeople. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Tuesday said President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town.  The session was attended by President Tinubu. President Ramaphosa revealed that Nigerian business travelers who meet the criteria will now be eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas. Additionally, Nigerian tourists can apply for visas without the need to submit their…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a fire outbreak has destroyed its Ika North East Local Government Area office in Owa-Oyibu, Delta State.  INEC in a statement on its Facebook page signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee on Tuesday said the incident occurred on Monday afternoon. The Commission said the fire outbreak was caused by a sudden power surge following the restoration of public electricity, according to a preliminary report presented by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Etekamba Udo Umoren. INEC added that the inferno…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has unveiled a groundbreaking Contactless Biometric Passport system, which took effect on December 1. NIS in a statement on its X page Tuesday said the innovative initiative aims to enhance security, streamline the passport application process, and provide greater convenience for Nigerian citizens. According to the service, the Contactless Biometric Passport system will initially cater to applicants renewing their passports and individuals aged 18 and above. NIS added that applicants can choose between the new contactless option or the traditional physical capture process. “This flexibility ensures that users can select the method that best suits…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of activist and human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, arrested over alleged defamation.   Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), confirmed the arrest in a post on his X handle on Tuesday. Mr Sowore said the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force arrested Mr Farotimi following a defamation complaint filed by the Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu. He said Mr Elumelu’s petition alleged Mr Farotimi of defamation, which prompted his arrest. Mr…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 into law.  The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Conference Room of Lagos House, Alausa Ikeja, marking a critical step toward addressing longstanding challenges in the state’s energy sector. The Lagos Electricity Law 2024 is a cornerstone of the governor’s commitment to fostering industrial growth, improving quality of life, and promoting energy equity, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability in Africa’s largest city. The newly signed law is designed to create a technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated Lagos Electricity Market. Its key objectives include: ensuring access…