Author: Friday Omosola

The Lagos State Government has once again reiterated its unwavering support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and pledged to sustain a business-friendly environment that allows entrepreneurs to thrive. This commitment was reaffirmed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, at the opening of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. The three-day event, which runs from April 11 to 13, is organised in partnership between the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Naija Brand Chick (NBC). The…

The federal government (FG) has inaugurated a specialised panel to analyse how the recent trade tariff measures introduced by the United States might affect Nigeria’s economic outlook. According to a statement released yesterday, Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, said the initiative followed deliberations by the Economic Management Team (EMT). The committee is chaired by the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. Although Nigeria’s primary export, crude oil, is not directly impacted by the new US trade actions, the development coincides with a dip in global oil prices—raising alarm…

Local government elections in Lagos State will take place on 12 July. This was disclosed in an official statement from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). LASIEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Tope Ojo, confirmed that the polls will cover 57 council chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions across the state. A potential run-off election has been tentatively set for 19 July, should the need arise. Lagos State is administratively divided into 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), encompassing 376 political wards. READ ALSO: Join the military, Lagos govt begs youths The commission noted that…

Air Peace has announced its commitment to repatriating a group of underaged Nigerian girls trafficked to Ivory Coast, along with providing them with complimentary medical treatment upon their return. The airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, revealed this in an official statement, urging Nigerians to unite against human trafficking, which he described as cruel and morally reprehensible. This development follows a viral revelation by activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who drew national attention to the plight of trafficked girls. In response, Onyema pledged the airline’s support by offering free flights to bring the victims home and ensuring they receive…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that poverty should have no place in Nigeria, given the nation’s wealth of natural and human resources. Speaking during a dinner held in his honour by the Abia State Government at the Government House in Umuahia yesterday, Obasanjo expressed frustration over the persistent mismanagement of Nigeria’s abundant blessings. “There’s no reason why Nigerians should be living in poverty,” he said. “God has already provided us with everything we need. The problem lies with how we’ve chosen to manage those gifts—not with God.” Obasanjo commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s progressive policies…

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that the training for the 10,000 newly recruited police officers across the country will begin on 12 April. Adejobi Olumuyiwa, the police spokesperson, in a statement, said the nationwide training programme, which will take place in various police colleges and training institutions, is part of the efforts to equip recruits with the skills, discipline, and knowledge necessary for effective policing and public service. Ahead of the resumption, the police held an orientation ceremony on Friday, April 11, for Commandants and Directing Staff of the training institutions. READ ALSO: Ekiti Airport set for operation, says…

The federal government (FG) has dismissed recent claims circulating on social media alleging lopsidedness in federal appointments, reaffirming its commitment to equity, justice, and national unity. In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) described the claims as ‘unfounded speculations’. OSGF emphasised that all appointments are made per the federal character principle as outlined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered). “The government categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness and emphasises its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and…

The Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has made a compelling pitch to French investors. He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, vast market potential, and pro-business environment as part of the government’s push to attract foreign direct investment. Idris addressed over 200 French companies at the Nigeria Business Forum in Paris yesterday, organised by Business France. The event, which brought together key stakeholders from sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic ties with France. Idris praised longstanding French partners in Nigeria, including TotalEnergies, Lafarge, Peugeot, Danone, Alstom, and Schneider…

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has thrown its weight behind the federal government’s renewed commitment to the Naira-for-Crude initiative. PETROAN described it as a policy that could significantly lower petrol prices across the country. Speaking in Abuja, PETROAN’s National PRO, Joseph Obele, welcomed the decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to uphold the Naira-for-crude arrangement. Obele called it a forward-thinking approach to revitalising the energy sector. “This move is not only timely but necessary,” Obele said. “By enabling local refineries to purchase crude oil in Naira, we reduce our overdependence on foreign exchange and…

In response to the recent killings of several hunters in Uromi, Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the establishment of a fact-finding committee by the federal government (FG), in collaboration with the state government, to investigate the incident. Fred Itua, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, disclosed this in a statement, noting that Okpebholo made the announcement yesterday while receiving a high-level delegation from Kano State, led by the Deputy Governor, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, at the Government House in Benin City. According to the governor, President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the events in Uromi and is committed to ensuring…