Author: Friday Omosola

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticised the increase in the 2025 budget, stating that there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify it. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu raised the proposed 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues from key government agencies as the reason for the increase.   The revised figures were conveyed in separate letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Reacting in a statement on his X page on Friday, the former Anambra State governor noted that Nigerians…

The Nigeria Police Force arrested 82 individuals in January 2025 for a range of financial and cyber-related crimes, including internet fraud, romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, transnational fraud, and other cyber offences. Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Thursday said the operation was spearheaded by the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), which successfully apprehended 32 of the suspects across the country. He added that the crackdown underscored the police’s commitment, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to its Action Plan aimed at redeeming the nation’s reputation and moving it off the FATF Grey List. Adejobi said police…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria is seeing a rise in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries flocking to the nation’s hospitals for affordable, high-quality kidney transplants.  This surge, he said, is attributed to both the cost-effectiveness and the exceptional expertise available within the country’s medical community. Shettima made this observation during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference. He pointed out that the affordability and expertise found in Nigerian healthcare facilities are key reasons why patients are increasingly…

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that Nigeria’s economy and security improved significantly during his eight-year tenure.   Speaking yesterday at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, he addressed members of the Katsina State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, emphasising the strides made under his leadership.   He claimed to have inherited a struggling economy and severe security challenges from the Peoples Democratic Party, which had governed for 16 years. READ ALSO: Sowore faults accolades for Buhari at 82 However, he maintained that his administration’s policies effectively addressed these issues, reducing terrorism and economic difficulties. “Nigeria’s security and economy…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opted not to present witnesses in its defence at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. At the tribunal’s resumed hearing on Thursday, INEC, represented by its lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, announced that it would not be calling any witnesses to support its declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21 governorship election. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that INEC declared Okpebholo the winner of the Edo governorship election with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ighodalo, who polled 247,655 votes. This…

The lifeless body of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been discovered in a decomposed state on the 2nd Niger Bridge, weeks after his abduction.   Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1, was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunabankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. His disappearance triggered widespread concern and an extensive investigation by security agencies. After weeks of manhunt, security operatives from Abuja arrested several suspects late Wednesday. The suspects later led authorities to the site where they dumped the lawmaker’s remains. READ ALSO: Abducted Anambra nuns freed after 6 days Although…

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB) has extended the deadline for the payment of the 2025 Hajj fare from January 31 to February 10, 2025. LSMPWB said the decision aligns with the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Announcing the development in a statement yesterday, the Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede said the extension was granted following a virtual meeting between NAHCON, State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and other stakeholders. Onipede added that the meeting considered appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the initial deadline. He urged affected pilgrims to…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting fairness and equity among all religious groups while fostering cultural heritage and development in the state. The governor made this pledge while hosting the leadership of the Traditional Religious Worshipers Association of Osun State (TWARSO) during a courtesy visit to his office.  Describing the visit as a ‘remarkable milestone’ in strengthening understanding, respect, and collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, he emphasised the crucial role of traditional worshipers in shaping Yoruba identity and societal values. “It is my utmost pleasure to restate that I will continually uphold fairness…

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has pledged to act on the findings and recommendations of the Assets Verification Committee, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in managing state resources.   Speaking at the Government House in Benin City, where he received the committee’s report, Governor Okpebholo commended the team for their diligence and assured them their recommendations would not be overlooked. “I appreciate the committee for a job well done and the time invested in this exercise. I understand the challenges you faced, yet you successfully carried out this crucial assignment. Rest assured that your findings and recommendations…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, held a crucial meeting with contractors and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday, aimed at reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and ensuring their timely completion.  The meeting, which took place in the Governor’s Office Conference Room in Ado-Ekiti, focused on the set deadlines and quality delivery of projects scheduled for completion this year. During the meeting, Governor Oyebanji carefully examined progress reports on various ongoing projects across the state. Contractors reiterated their commitment to meeting the agreed-upon deadlines for each project. The governor emphasised the importance of taking advantage of the…