Author: Friday Omosola

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has emphasised the need to make Nigeria more accessible to tourists. He cited the unprecedented influx of visitors during last December’s festivities as a wake-up call for the government. Speaking on ‘Politics Today’ on Channels Television, Tunji-Ojo highlighted how the surge in foreign visitors positively impacted the economy. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to improving access to Nigeria for legitimate travellers to boost tourism and foreign investment. “We must ensure that people who genuinely want to visit and explore Nigeria can do so without unnecessary barriers,” he said. READ ALSO:…

A bill seeking to prevent individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of president and governor has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. If enacted, the legislation would disqualify President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from participating in the 2027 presidential election, as all are over the proposed age limit. Sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, a lawmaker from Imo State, the bill is formally titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Review the Qualification Criteria…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as a ‘blatant lie from the pit of hell’ the allegations linking him to purported financial dealings involving Lagos State funds. In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku refuted reports suggesting that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Ms Aisha Achimugu, provided funds to him during the 2023 presidential election. Describing the claim as ‘contrived political hogwash’ and a ‘futile campaign of calumny’, he noted that the accusation was an attempt to serve the political interests of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku stressed that he has no relationship…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved an increase in the monthly subvention allocated to the Judiciary, the legislative arm of government, and other subvented institutions in the state.   Olayinka Oyebode, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, announced this in a statement on Thursday. The increment, totalling ₦438.9 million monthly, is aimed at enabling these institutions to accommodate the new minimum wage and the consequential salary adjustments for workers. The beneficiaries of this increase include the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice, Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service…

The Senate has dismissed a motion seeking to rename the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in honour of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. Nwosu was the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) who oversaw the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. The motion, reintroduced on Thursday by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe after being previously rejected, also called for a posthumous national honour for Nwosu in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development. However, the proposal reignited sharp disagreements among lawmakers, with opinions divided over Nwosu’s legacy. READ ALSO: Akpabio: Senate to reintroduce statutory delegates…

The Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Orbih, paid his first official visit to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command. During the visit yesterday, ACG Orbih highlighted the importance of synergy between the command and relevant stakeholders, stressing that collaboration and professionalism among officers were crucial to achieving the Service’s mandates. “The success of our mandates—revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security—depends heavily on seamless collaboration. “The synergy between commands in the zone and our partnership with sister agencies must be strengthened to optimize our performance,” he stated. READ…

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm over what it describes as planned, sponsored protests aimed at destabilizing the state. The party claimed to have received credible intelligence indicating that certain individuals and leaders within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are behind the purported demonstrations. In a statement issued yesterday by the party’s chairman, Jarret Tenebe, alleged that these protests are not driven by genuine concerns of the people but are instead politically motivated attempts to create unrest.  He emphasised that Governor Monday Okpebholo respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has sworn in Ibibia Lucky-Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The New Daily Prime reported that Ibas appointed Worika, a distinguished legal expert and administrator, as SSG on 25 March and emphasised that Worika’s selection followed a meticulous vetting process. During the swearing-in ceremony, he urged him to apply his expertise in advancing governance and stability in the state. The swearing-in ceremony, held yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, underscored the administrator’s commitment to strengthening public administration and fostering trust in governance. READ…

President Bola Tinubu has appointed four new members to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), filling existing vacancies and reinforcing the board’s operational strength.   The newly appointed members include Olusegun Omosehin of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Wole Ogunsanya, representing the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). Also joining the council are Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi of the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF) and Barrister Owei Oyanbo from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints Governing Board of NWDC These appointments follow the exit of previous institutional representatives from the council. …

Ogun State Government has formalized a strategic partnership with Morocco to drive advancements in energy, infrastructure, and education.  The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM), aims to enhance power supply, housing, port development, and industrial expansion. Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted Morocco’s success in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, noting that the state seeks to tap into its expertise. READ ALSO: Ogun govt to strengthen Amotekun Corps with 500 new recruits Key areas of discussion included the ‘Light Up Ogun Project’ to improve electricity supply, investment in fertilizer production, and the…