Author: Friday Omosola

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, has been named the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His selection and subsequent election by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) took place during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday. He succeeded and took over the leadership of the party from Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned from the chairmanship in June, citing personal reasons. READ ALSO: Yilwatda: 10 things to know about Humanitarian minster turned APC national chair Yilwatda’s nomination was put forth by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and was…

Google on Thursday announced a significant investment package of $37 million aimed at accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) development across the African continent. The U.S. technology giant pledged comprehensive support for local AI research and a diverse range of projects, from advanced crop monitoring systems to adapting AI for Africa’s many languages. This commitment also extends to backing promising startups, particularly within the health and education sectors. READ ALSO: FG partners Google to empower 2,500 youths James Manyika, a senior vice president at Google, highlighted the continent’s growing prominence in the AI landscape during the launch of a new ‘AI community centre’…

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into critical issues plaguing Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The probe will scrutinise various aspects, including the contentious turnaround maintenance of national refineries, the acquisition of OVH Energy, and growing concerns about market dominance by the Dangote Refinery. Committee Chairman Ikenga Ugochinyere announced the inquiry during a press conference in Abuja yesterday. READ ALSO: Reps summon Education minister over alleged illegal action on VCs, varsity councils He expressed dismay over the repeated shutdowns of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, particularly after much fanfare surrounded their supposed return…

The Federal Government (FG) has elevated flood prevention to a national security priority, announcing a strategic shift from reactive disaster management to an early, coordinated response mechanism. This new approach is encapsulated in a recently unveiled Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods, presented to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday. The comprehensive framework incorporates scientific and traditional data-gathering methodologies, establishes clear triggers for early action, and includes a consolidated budget dedicated to flood response. READ ALSO: After 22-year wait, FG approves pensions for ex-Nigeria Airways staff Its core objective is to bolster resilience within Nigerian states and…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday announced the launch of the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering food security and agricultural self-reliance within Lagos State and across Nigeria. The programme is backed by a substantial ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, signalling a significant push to develop a robust, localised food supply chain. In a statement posted on his X page, Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over half of the food traded in the South-West region. READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu renews demand for special status for Lagos at constitution review hearing…

The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to electricity across 25 underserved communities in the state. The agreement was formalised yesterday during a roundtable discussion held in Abuja under the theme ‘From Access to Impact: Unlocking Ondo’s Renewable Energy Potential for Economic Transformation and Socioeconomic Inclusion.’ Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who led the state delegation, described the partnership as a pivotal step towards delivering sustainable energy solutions that would transform rural communities and stimulate inclusive growth. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa flags off FG’s ₦1.2bn conditional cash transfer scheme…

The Federal Government (FG) has given the green light for pension payments to thousands of retired aviation workers, a decision that ends a nearly 22-year struggle for former employees, particularly those from the defunct Nigeria Airways. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) confirmed on Tuesday via its official X account that the Ministry of Aviation has committed to commencing disbursements transparently and fairly shortly. This long-awaited approval brings significant relief to individuals who dedicated years to the nation’s aviation sector. READ ALSO: Groups urges Diri to defect to APC, align Bayelsa with FG The move follows decades of relentless advocacy from various…

The Senate has acknowledged the defection of four lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC). This latest political realignment announced on Wednesday solidifies the APC’s numerical strength within the upper legislative chamber. The senators who switched allegiance are Ekong Samson (representing Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central). READ ALSO: Why Adeleke’s defection to APC was stalled Their move was marked by the Senate temporarily suspending its usual procedures to accommodate a delegation of prominent APC figures. Among those present to witness the…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the President Bola Tinubu administration’s recent celebration of Nigeria’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The party labelled the celebration as a deceptive public relations exercise that masks underlying economic hardship. In a statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, dismissed the fanfare surrounding the new GDP figures as mere ‘economic cosmetics.’ READ ALSO: Ortom dismisses ADC coalition, says He’s staying in PDP Abdullahi stated that these rebased statistics do not translate into an improved quality of life for ordinary Nigerians nor do they address the fundamental crises gripping the economy. “Economic growth…

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Falcons to go all the way and clinch the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy. He made this call in a post on his X page following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semi-final clash. While congratulating the team, Tinubu described their win as well deserved, commending the players for their resilience and outstanding performance. READ ALSO: Nigeria, South Africa set for WAFCON heavyweight duel “Congratulations to our Super Falcons. Your incredible #WAFCON2024 semi-finals victory over South Africa today was nothing short of superlative. It was a magnificent…