Author: Friday Omosola

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against child trafficking, particularly the illegal buying and selling of children, vowing to intensify efforts to protect the rights and welfare of every child in the state. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, made this declaration at a press briefing at the Zone II Police Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.  The event also marked the handover of several rescued children from the Nigeria Police Force to the Ministry. Commending the police for their efforts, Ogunlende revealed that five children—Marvelous Obi (M, 1 year old), Promise Ifekwuna (M, 3 years…

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced new withholding tax regulations aimed at improving tax collection, increasing compliance, and boosting government revenue to support economic growth. In a statement released yesterday, Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communication and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, highlighted that the updated system is designed to enhance efficiency, ensure transparency, and promote accountability among businesses and employers.   The new framework mandates the deduction of taxes at the point of payment for various transactions, including salaries, rent, professional fees, and dividends. By placing the responsibility on businesses and employers to withhold and remit…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged heads of government agencies and parastatals to renew their commitment to making the state not only Nigeria’s commercial hub but also a model of good governance and sustainable development for Africa. Speaking through the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, at the closing ceremony of the maiden retreat for agency heads held at Jubilee Chalet, Epe, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional results.   “I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your tireless dedication and service to the people of Lagos.…

The Federal Government (FG) has announced that Nigerians should expect an increase in electricity tariffs in the coming months as part of efforts to improve the country’s power sector.   President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, disclosed this in an interview in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during a World Bank-backed conference where Nigeria presented a $32 billion electricity expansion plan to boost power connections by 2030. The plan is expected to attract$15.5 billion from private investors, while the remaining funds will come from public sources, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Verheijen explained that Nigeria’s…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into allegations that over N26 billion in public funds were misappropriated, diverted, or stolen from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.   SERAP’s demand follows revelations from the 2021 audited report released by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on November 13, 2024. The organization urged the President to direct Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims and prosecute anyone found responsible. In a letter dated February 1, 2025,…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reaffirmed his stance on political integrity, stating that he does not engage in the kind of pretense often associated with some politicians. El-Rufai made this remark on Saturday while responding to an X user, Engr Ira Habib, who praised his book, ‘The Accidental Public Servant’.  The user noted that after reading the book, he concluded that no politician would want El-Rufai in their cabinet unless they were genuinely committed to national development. Reacting to the post, El-Rufai appreciated the compliment and emphasised that he has never been one to feign allegiance or play…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged Nigerians to continue praying for the government and to remain thankful to God. Speaking during the January edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji called on the people of the state to stay united in supporting his administration’s vision for sustainable development.   He emphasised that the state has continued to enjoy peace and progress at all levels and urged citizens to remain prayerful, grateful to God, and committed to the collective vision for a better Ekiti. Acknowledging divine guidance…

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has condemned the Nigerian government’s handling of pension payments, describing the country as one that had lost its sense of humanity and compassion. Obi expressed his concerns in a statement posted on his X page on Sunday.   He made this remark while reacting to an incident involving an elderly woman who struggled while interacting with the management and students of Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, Enugu State. The former governor of Anambra State lamented that the elderly woman had to struggle to receive her rightful entitlements after years…

The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its commitment to restructuring and recapitalizing the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) as part of a broader strategy to boost the economy and enhance food security.  The move is expected to strengthen the agricultural sector, stabilize food prices, and contribute to long-term economic stability. At a progress report meeting held during the week, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, emphasised the crucial role of the BoA in increasing agricultural production and stabilizing market prices. “While monetary measures remain important, we must also implement fiscal and real-sector strategies that increase output,…

Former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has assured party members that the ongoing leadership crisis within the state chapter will soon be resolved. The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, spoke at stakeholders’ meetings held in Obiaruku and Kwale, covering Ukwuani and Ndokwa West Local Government Areas. Omo-Agege urged party leaders and members to move past the setbacks of the last election and focus on strengthening the party for the 2027 polls. “We cannot dwell on past mistakes. Instead, we must work harder to ensure victory in 2027,” he stated. Acknowledging the dedication of…