Author: Friday Omosola

The United States (US) has finalized plans to repatriate 201 Nigerians, including individuals with criminal records and those residing in the country without proper documentation.   This move is part of a broader immigration enforcement effort under President Donald Trump’s administration. The US government cited violations of immigration laws and criminal records as reasons for the deportation. During a meeting with US Ambassador Richard Mills at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, addressed concerns over the impending deportation. READ ALSO: Three Nigerians win election in US, Australia The minister stated that those being…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke permission to amend her legal challenge against the final forfeiture of her assets. The New Daily Prime reported that Alison-Madueke was previously ordered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the request on Monday after Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Godwin Inyinbor, moved the motion, which was unopposed by EFCC’s counsel, Divine Oguru. During the hearing, Inyinbor informed the court that they had already submitted the amendment request and duly served the defendant. With no objection from the EFCC, Justice Ekwo ruled in favor of…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of Afenifere. The New Daily Prime earlier that Adebanjo died on Friday at the age of 96.  The Vice President in his tribute described Adebanjo as a steadfast advocate for a more equitable and progressive Nigeria. Reflecting on Adebanjo’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, he highlighted his role as Organizing Secretary of the Action Group and his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the military era. The Vice President emphasised that Adebanjo’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment…

At the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu urged the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritise the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force to strengthen security in the Gulf of Guinea. Speaking yesterday, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos. He emphasised the need for a coordinated regional approach to combat security threats in Africa’s maritime domain. “The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council…

Nigeria has expressed strong opposition to a proposed restructuring of the African Union’s (AU) Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), arguing that such a move would be unnecessary and financially burdensome. Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, in a statement, said his stance was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during deliberations on AU reforms.  While backing broader efforts to make the continental body more effective, Nigeria rejected the proposal to carve out a new department from PAPS, currently headed by Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Bankole Adeoye. “We do not…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw the recent increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, describing it as unlawful and unfair.   In an open letter dated February 15, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that the policy would worsen financial hardship for Nigerians. The CBN recently announced that ATM withdrawals outside bank premises would now attract a N100 charge per N20,000, with an additional surcharge of up to N500 at certain locations. SERAP argued that the policy favors banks while…

A report from the Edo State Administrative Panel of Enquiry has exposed alleged financial mismanagement amounting to N96 billion, linking former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the recently impeached 18 Local Government Chairmen to questionable transactions. The panel, inaugurated on December 18, 2024, was tasked with scrutinizing the financial records of the affected local councils between September 4, 2023, and November 2024. Governor Monday Okpebholo, who received the findings over the weekend vowed to escalate the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. READ ALSO: Osun gov reaffirms commitment to religious equity, cultural heritage According to…

The Lagos State Government has launched the Charity Begins at Home Waste Valorisation Initiative, a strategic waste management project designed to transform waste into economic value while promoting environmental sustainability. The initiative, unveiled during the week at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB) Quadrant in Alausa, was spearheaded by the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy. The event brought together government officials, civil servants, private sector stakeholders, and environmental advocates to witness the launch of infrastructure aimed at redefining waste as an asset. Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Climate Change…

Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State has approved the promotion of 8,476 primary and junior secondary school teachers across the state’s 18 Local government areas. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said the promotion was part of his administration’s first 100 days in office. The Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo-SUBEB), Onomen Goodness Briggs, described the move as a testament to the governor’s commitment to recognizing the dedication and hard work of teachers. READ ALSO: Akpabio: Okpebholo’s mandate divinely ordained by God “Governor Okpebholo is ensuring that every teacher…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on his 65th birthday. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised El-Rufai’s contributions to democracy, his dedicated service to the nation, and his role in mentoring the younger generation. The President acknowledged El-Rufai’s key involvement in the discussions that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his contributions to the party’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections. After winning the election and being inaugurated into office, Mr Tinubu nominated El-Rufai as a minister. But…