Author: Friday Omosola

Lagos State has solidified its position as Nigeria’s most competitive business environment, clinching two prestigious titles at the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) 2025 Awards: “Best Subnational for Ease of Doing Business” and “Best State Reform Champion” in Nigeria. The honours were announced during a ceremony held recently at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Lagos was recognised for achieving a top-tier performance score of 85.6%. READ ALSO: 2027: Lagos APC accuses opposition of being desperate The state’s top-ranking performance was driven by significant reforms across several critical sectors.  The PEBEC assessment highlighted the state’s advancements in land administration and…

The Coalition for Local Election Administration Reform (CLEAR) has called for a strategic partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory to address operational bottlenecks ahead of the February #FCTDecides2026 Area Council elections. During an advocacy visit to the INEC FCT office yesterday, CLEAR spokesperson Princess Hamman-Obels emphasised that early collaboration is vital to resolving recurring electoral challenges.  READ ALSO: INEC explains delay in prosecuting vote-buying suspects arrested Anambra The engagement aimed to identify specific areas where technical support could improve the administration of the polls and the overall experience for voters. Hamman-Obels noted that the…

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s youth empowerment initiatives are designed to serve all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations. Speaking during an interactive session with students and youth leaders at “The Nest Resource Centre” in Abuja yesterday night, the minister clarified that the administration’s focus is on expanding opportunities and restoring national prosperity rather than partisan gains. “NELFUND is for Nigerians; it is not for APC. The 3MTT is for Nigerians; it is not for APC,” Idris stated, addressing a diverse audience moderated by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel.…

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, has unveiled a major policy shift aimed at unifying Nigeria’s social welfare efforts under a single, transparent framework dubbed the “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction System.” Speaking on Monday at a High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Abuja, Doro emphasised that the new national platform will track and harmonise interventions across government agencies, development partners, CSOs, and the private sector.  The system is designed to provide real-time data, eliminate duplication of efforts, and ensure that financing is strictly linked to verifiable outcomes. READ ALSO: Doro, Ribadu visit Kontagora, assure parents of safe return…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a strategic shift to strengthen its Community Development Service (CDS) initiatives, aiming to address modern societal challenges through grassroots engagement and sustainable projects. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop in Abuja, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, emphasised that the scheme is prioritising the empowerment of officers to better guide Corps Members in identifying community needs and mobilising resources effectively. The training, themed “Strengthening Community Development Service (CDS) for Sustainability in a Changing Society”, focused on equipping CDS officers with contemporary tools to improve the well-being of host communities. READ…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has requested that friends, associates, and well-wishers refrain from organising birthday parties or placing newspaper advertisements in his honour as he approaches his 58th birthday on December 21, 2025. In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor urged those wishing to celebrate the occasion to instead channel their resources toward cash and material donations for less privileged children and persons with disabilities across the state. Oyebanji requested that all gestures of goodwill be directed to the following state-run institutions. READ ALSO: Oyebanji cuts leave short, set to resume…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed grave concern over a recent Supreme Court judgment regarding the President’s emergency powers, warning that it could lead Nigeria toward a “dangerous democratic bend.” In a statement issued yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party reacted to the split decision (six to one) in suit SC/CV/329/2025. READ ALSO: PDP raises alarm over recent judgment on presidential emergency powers The suit, filed by the Attorney-General of Adamawa State and others, challenged the President’s power to suspend democratically elected officials, such as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State, as well as…

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to crush security threats and protect the lives of all Nigerian citizens. The President made this declaration yesterday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, in Ojuelegba, Lagos.  Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President identified security as a central pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that no nation can achieve greatness without it. READ ALSO: Tinubu meets service chiefs behind closed doors amid worsening security concerns A major highlight of the conference…

Governor Monday Okpebholo has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, valued at ₦939.85 billion, to the Edo State House of Assembly, outlining an ambitious fiscal plan aimed at accelerating development across the state. Christened the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” the proposal represented a significant increase on the previous year’s estimate and aligned with the administration’s SHINE Agenda. READ ALSO: Okpebholo vows decisive action on security, health reforms The governor said the 2026 budget built on the “practical governance” foundation laid in 2025, supported by improved revenue performance and a firm commitment to people-centred development. He disclosed that the budget prioritised physical…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). SERAP’s request follows public disclosures made by the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote. READ ALSO: SERAP sues Akpabio, Abbas over alleged missing ₦18.6bn NASS commission funds SERAP urged the anti-corruption agencies to jointly invite the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, for questioning regarding two major allegations.…