Author: Friday Omosola

The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its commitment to launching a national air carrier soon.  This assurance was given by the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abubakar Kana, during a formal handover ceremony at the ministry. Kana emphasised his dedication to establishing the long-awaited national air carrier and revamping airports across the country. He noted that his mandate aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the aviation sector. According to Kana, achieving these goals will require strategic partnerships with the private sector due to limited resources. He pledged full support to…

The appointment of Éric Chelle, former Mali head coach and ex-manager of clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, making him the third man to lead the national team since Jose Peseiro resigned in March 2024. In confirming the news, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that Chelle would immediately take charge of the home-based Super Eagles at the 2024 African Nations Championship in Tanzania, Kenya,…

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has rejected the Federal Government’s (FG) request to resume his trial, insisting that the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, must withdraw from the case. Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this development on Tuesday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Justice Nyako’s earlier decision to recuse herself remains valid and binding. “Our position is based on the fact that Justice Nyako entered and enrolled an order recusing herself on September 24, 2024, and to date, that order remains extant and subsisting. It has not been…

An Ibadan High Court has set Tuesday, January 13, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the bail applications filed by Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan.   The three defendants are facing trial for their alleged involvement in a tragic stampede at a December funfair held at Islamic High School, which claimed the lives of 35 people, mostly children. On December 24, they were remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre after being charged with conspiracy, negligence resulting in harm, and failing to…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the leadership of Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Mahama, stating that his administration will bring positive change to the country and strengthen ties between Ghana and Nigeria. Speaking at Mahama’s inauguration ceremony in Accra, Tinubu described the event as a celebration of African democracy and a testament to the continent’s capacity for progress and productive governance. He said the inauguration symbolizes another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society and answers the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Praising Ghana’s resilience and progress, the former governor of…

Nigeria, particularly Lagos State, has blossomed into a global hub, captivating both domestic and international celebrities. From Christmas festivities and cultural celebrations to tours and diverse events, the allure of Lagos is undeniable. A diverse array of figures, including prominent footballers like Bukayo Saka (Arsenal and England) and Rio Ferdinand (former Manchester United star), as well as renowned figures like Rick Ross (Maybach Music Group executive), have been drawn to Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry and unique experiences. This trend continues with recent visits from international stars like American singer Chloe Bailey, who sparked dating rumours with Burna Boy, and rapper…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations made by Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, against its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), alleged on his X page yesterday that Morka had threatened him for criticizing the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The 63-year-old claimed that the APC spokesperson warned him that he had “crossed the line” and would face consequences for his remarks about the Tinubu administration. The allegations sparked widespread speculation and condemnation, with notable criticism coming from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged…

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called on the Federal Government to reduce the cost of the 2025 Hajj, citing the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The governor made the appeal during a ceremony hosted by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board to distribute a N375 million refund to pilgrims who performed the 2023 Hajj. The refund was made by the Saudi Arabian government in response to outage during last year’s Hajj operations. At the event, Governor Yusuf praised both the Saudi government and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for their transparency and accountability. He also commended…

A notorious bandit leader,Dogo Gide and his gang have ordered 23 communities in Tsafe West, located in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area, to pay over N100 million in levies. According to sources, the affected communities have been assigned specific amounts, with the highest levies set at N20 million for Kunchin-Kalgo, N15 million each for Sungawa and Rakyabu, and N10 million for Kwaren Mai-Saje and Magazawa. Other villages include Gijin-Zama (₦8.5 million), Giwa (₦7 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), and Barebari (₦6 million). READ ALSO: FG lifts mining ban in Zamfara The bandits’ demands extended to several other villages, including…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised Felix Morka, the APC Publicity Secretary, for his incendiary remarks about Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State. Atiku described the comments as ‘a troubling reflection of President Bola Tinubu led administration’s attitude towards opposition voices.’  On January 5, 2025, during a national television appearance, Mr Morka accused Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), of crossing the line ‘so many times’, adding that whatever consequences he faced, he should accept and manage.   The New Daily Prime reported that Obi responded on his X page, revealing he had received…