Author: Friday Omosola

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has finalised plans to deploy a digital payment platform to streamline the collection of taxes and other government-related payments. The initiative follows a strategic partnership between the state government through the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) and BBA Consult Ltd., a consulting firm specializing in digital financial solutions. Speaking after a demonstration meeting with BBA Consult at the Governor’s Office in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve revenue collection. He emphasised that the new platform would not only enhance the ease of tax payments for individuals and businesses…

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable city, dismissing claims circulating on social media that the state has an unpleasant odour. In a statement released yesterday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that Lagos is undergoing a transformation driven by strategic environmental initiatives. “Lagos is not smelling; it is evolving towards sustainable waste processing, modernized landfill management, cleaner waterways, and structured sanitation systems,” Wahab stated. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to building a resilient and livable city.” The commissioner highlighted several steps taken by the…

The Federal Government (FG), in partnership with Africa Plus Partners, has launched the 125km Benin–Asaba Expressway Project in Edo State. The project, a dual-carriage, solar-lit superhighway, is fully financed by private investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the initiative as a major breakthrough in infrastructure financing. He emphasised that the project is backed by private capital and does not depend on direct federal funding. “What you see on the front page of the pamphlet will be delivered—because the cash is there,”…

For the first time since his suspension, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appeared in public. He attended a church service at Salvation Ministries headquarters in GRA, Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, made no public statements during his church visit. His next move remains uncertain as political tensions in the state continue to escalate. Fubara’s appearance followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State last Tuesday. Tinubu cited rising political tensions and security threats, as the reasons for suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing education policies that equip students with practical skills and prepare them for real-world challenges. He made this known over the weekend while receiving a delegation from South Korea, led by KOICA Deputy Country Director, Baik Ki-Hyyn, at his office in Ado-Ekiti. The delegation was in the state to conduct an in-depth survey of the Smart School Project. According to a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji emphasised that his government is leveraging smart technology in education to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving…

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to launch an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual harassment levelled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a statement issued by Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, the organization emphasised the urgency of addressing the allegations rather than allowing them to be dismissed or ignored. He warned that failing to act on the allegations could set a dangerous precedent, making it harder for victims of sexual harassment to seek justice while emboldening perpetrators. “The National Assembly must not continue to look away while the allegations remain and are…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken President Bola Tinubu to court over the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly members. The New Daily Prime reported that Tinubu suspended them for six months while declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing his constitutional powers. The lawsuit was filed by Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, who are members of the SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State. The plaintiffs are registered voters who participated in the 2023 general elections. The Attorney General of…

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening state-owned businesses as part of its broader plan to achieve a self-sufficient economy. Speaking during a working visit to HHL Insurance Brokers Limited, the General Manager of the Kwara State Public Procurement Agency (KWPPA), QS Raheem Abdulbaki, emphasised the agency’s dedication to promoting local content across the state. He noted that these efforts have been consistently implemented over the past four years, yielding significant results. “Our framework ensures that Kwarans benefit from every contract awarded in the state, leading to financial and technical gains. “This, in turn, boosts internally generated…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational excellence with the commissioning of Ipara Junior College in Majiyagbe, Badagry. Speaking at the event held at the school premises, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described the development as a major milestone aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Developmental Agenda for high-quality and inclusive learning. The governor emphasised his administration’s literacy initiatives, ensuring that every school in Lagos has access to modern technology and resources. He highlighted the significance of the project, not just for students, but also for empowering communities with…

A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has overturned an earlier ruling that prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting a recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by her constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District. Delivering the judgment yesterday, the court upheld that the recall process remains a constitutional right of the constituents and must be allowed to proceed. The judge also urged the petitioners to continue exercising their rights peacefully and lawfully. This ruling came a day after the court had issued an interim injunction restraining INEC and its representatives from receiving or acting on any…