Author: Friday Omosola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its crackdown on fraud-related activities, with two major operations reported on Wednesday. In Abuja, EFCC arrested an unnamed suspected internet fraudster at No. 25 Aliyu Modibbo Street, Guzape Hills, following credible intelligence about his involvement in cybercrime. Items recovered from the suspect included a 2019 Range Rover Velar, $4,100, N2 million in cash, an AP silver wristwatch, two mobile phones, and a laptop. The suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. Meanwhile, in Maiduguri, the EFCC’s Zonal Directorate arraigned one Bukar Umar Alhaji before Justice…

The 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Guinea commenced on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with a strong focus on enhancing maritime security and fostering sustainable development in the region.  The two-day event, scheduled to conclude on Thursday, brought together key stakeholders to address the pressing security challenges in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime zones. Themed “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea,” the high-level gathering is organized by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the European Union and the French Navy. The Symposium seeks to…

Nigeria has called for strengthened governance, transparency, and regional cooperation in Africa’s extractive industries to transform resource wealth into sustainable development.  Vice President Kashim Shettima made this assertion during the inaugural International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.   Addressing the summit themed “Policies and Strategies for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries,” Shettima emphasised that robust institutions are vital for turning natural resource wealth into national prosperity. “This is not just about resources; it’s about people, prosperity, and posterity. The strength of our governance institutions will determine whether resource wealth becomes…

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his Deputy,  Olayide Adelami, on Tuesday paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to brief him on the recently concluded governorship election in the state.   The governor expressed gratitude to the President for his support and exemplary leadership, which he credited for ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election in Ondo State. During the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa and Adelami presented their Certificates of Return to the President, symbolising their official confirmation as winners of the election. Accompanying them were Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji,…

President Bola Tinubu has nominated three individuals to fill vacant positions on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The nominations, aimed at strengthening the Bureau’s oversight functions, were disclosed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The nominees include Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River State, and retired Federal High Court judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba. The Code of Conduct Bureau, established in 1979, plays a pivotal role in promoting integrity and ethical conduct within Nigeria’s public service. The Bureau operates with a 10-member board responsible for ensuring adherence to the nation’s…

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, is set to unveil the winner of the “Every Home A Garden” competition on December 5.  This initiative launched nearly a year ago, was designed to promote home gardening as a means of achieving food sufficiency and self-reliance in Nigerian households. During a final selection review held in her office, Mrs Tinubu expressed her satisfaction with the success of the initiative. “The objective of this competition has been achieved because people can now feed themselves and their neighbours,” she said. “When we started this journey almost a year ago, nobody would have believed us that it…

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has hailed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for fulfilling its long-standing promise of revamping the Port Harcourt refinery.  In a statement on his X on Wednesday, the former Anambra State Governor congratulated the corporation on this milestone, emphasising the potential positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.   The Port Harcourt refinery, which resumed operations on Tuesday, boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The facility is expected to dispatch products via approximately 200 trucks daily, signalling a significant boost to local refining capacity and…

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday marked his administration’s second anniversary, highlighting a series of accomplishments aimed at transforming the state’s infrastructure, economy, and social sectors.   In a broadcast to residents, Mr Adeleke expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and prayers from the people of Osun, acknowledging the challenges inherited by his administration. He outlined a five-point agenda that has guided his government’s efforts to address critical issues and deliver on good governance. Governor Adeleke revealed significant strides in healthcare, including the upgrade of 200 primary healthcare centres with modern facilities and renewable energy solutions. He said two major…

President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday depart Abuja for a three-day state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.  Bayo Onanuga, his spokesperson in a statement said the visit aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations while fostering partnerships in key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, employment, innovation, and energy transition. Onanuga said upon arrival on Thursday, the President and his wife, Oluremi will be received at Les Invalides, the historic French military museum, and the Palais de l’Élysée by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.  He…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art therapy centre for children with disabilities. Built-in partnership with Premium Trust Bank, the centre aims to provide essential therapeutic support and promote social inclusion for children with disabilities. Governor Oyebanji emphasised his administration’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for PWDs to thrive. He described the centre as a significant milestone in his drive to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to opportunities to achieve their potential. “This multi-sensory therapy centre is…