Author: Friday Omosola

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…

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has called on the National Assembly to suspend ongoing debates on the tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024. Pantami in a statement on his Facebook page Tuesday asked the lawmakers to allow for wider consultations with relevant stakeholders. The four tax reform bills successfully passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa of Niger East, for further legislative action, including a public hearing. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also directed the committee to…

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s resolve to drive digital transformation in the state, underscoring its potential to improve governance, economic growth, and inclusivity. The governor made this known during an inspection of facilities at Galaxy Backbone Limited, a leading information and communication technology (ICT) service provider in Abuja. The visit was part of the state government’s efforts to introduce e-governance initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. Describing Galaxy Backbone as a national asset, Governor Mutfwang praised its role in fostering good governance and digital inclusivity. “This visit has been both enlightening…

On 1 December, the Nigerian government began deducting a ₦50 electronic levy (E-Levy) from transactions conducted through financial technology platforms like Opay and Moniepoint. In September, The New Daily Prime reported that Opay and other fintech companies had announced plans to impose a ₦50 charge on customer transfers of ₦10,000 and above. The companies clarified that these charges are not a source of revenue for the payment platforms but are mandated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as part of government policy. The electronic levy (E-Levy) is a tax imposed on digital financial transactions. Its purpose is typically to generate revenue…