Author: Friday Omosola

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on eligible residents to participate actively in the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025. Mr Sanwo-Olu, in a statement he signed on Friday, described the grassroots polls as a crucial exercise in deepening democracy and advancing development at the community level. READ ALSO: Police announce total vehicular restriction for Lagos LG poll He emphasised that local government is the closest tier of governance to the people and plays a pivotal role in delivering essential services. “The election offers Lagosians an opportunity to shape the leadership of their local councils by…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday, received his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, in Akure as both states formalised a strategic partnership aimed at boosting agriculture, industrial development, and investment. The high-profile meeting has already yielded significant dividends, with Residents Group Cement confirming plans to invest $2.6 billion in Ondo State for the construction of a fertiliser and harmonial plant, as well as a major petrochemical facility. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months and create thousands of jobs across the state. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa appoints Ategbole as Ondo hospital board chair The investor, Abbas Waziri,…

As the global community observes World Population Day, 2023, Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has underscored the critical importance of accurate population data for national development and lamented Nigeria’s long overdue census. In a statement on his X page on Friday, Mr Obi drew attention to the nation’s significant youth population and the urgent need for investment in their future. Mr Obi pointed out that while the United Nations recommends a population census every ten years, Nigeria’s last official count was conducted in 2006, meaning the country has operated without clear population data for nearly two decades. READ ALSO: Obi…

The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to collaborate with China under the China-Nigeria Low-Carbon Demonstration Initiative (Nextier) to implement the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone (LLCDZ) Project, aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the state. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with representatives of the Nextier initiative at the Ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja. READ ALSO: Police announce total vehicular restriction for Lagos LG poll He noted that the proposed partnership aligns with the state’s climate ambitions and environmental policy frameworks. Mr Wahab highlighted Lagos’s ongoing efforts to promote climate-resilient growth,…

The Presidency has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi as posing no credible threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, on Thursday. He maintained that Mr Tinubu’s achievements in office would serve as his most effective campaign tool. READ ALSO: ‘No ban on 5-year visas for U.S. citizens’ – Presidency clarifies Mr Onanuga also downplayed the relevance of the emerging opposition coalition reportedly forming under the African Democratic Congress…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the critical need for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s public service. He urged both former and current public officials to courageously document their experiences and contributions while in office. He likened public life to a continuous legal process, emphasising that ‘life is a litigation with no end and no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice.’ READ ALSO: Shettima: Cassava to drive Nigeria’s industrial growth, cut imports Mr Shettima made these remarks on Thursday at the public presentation of ‘OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block’, a memoir penned by former…

In a notable reshuffle of its committee leadership, the Senate on Thursday replaced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The Senate appointed Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District to the role. The decision was announced during plenary, with no official explanation provided for the change. READ ALSO: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan writes IGP, accuses Akpabio of tarnishing her image Senator Bassey is expected to commence his new duties immediately. This marks another change in committee assignments for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. She assumed the chairmanship of the Diaspora and NGOs…

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has not suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement on Thursday reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations with the United States. He stated that, upon assuming office, Mr Tinubu’s administration directed all relevant service departments to implement bilateral agreements with foreign nations and ensure strict adherence to diplomatic reciprocity. READ ALSO: Nigerians slam U.S. Visa rule as ‘discriminatory, damaging’ Mr Onanuga further disclosed that…

By Friday Omosola, Fatimah Idera and Helen Okechukwu  The New Daily Prime reported on Tuesday that the United States has reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens to three months, allowing only a single entry. This marks a reversal of the five-year multiple-entry visa agreement that had been in place since 2023, when both countries agreed to issue long-term visas for business and tourism purposes. The decision follows a 60-day ultimatum previously issued by U.S. authorities, urging several countries—including Nigeria—to comply with updated U.S. entry requirements. According to initial reports, the policy is driven by growing concerns within…

By Alade Adisa  The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo and affirmed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed as lacking in merit, the appeal by Mr Ighodalo. Mr Ighodalo has sought that the apex court nullify the election. READ ALSO: 2027: Okpebholo vows to secure 2.5m Edo votes for Tinubu He alleged that the poll was manipulated…