Author: Friday Omosola

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the African Union (AU) to renew its focus on diplomacy as the primary tool for resolving conflicts across the continent. Representing President Bola Tinubu at a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he acknowledged the role of the AU’s Peace Support Operations (PSOs) but noted their substantial financial cost. Shettima stressed that given the financial challenges and the shifting focus of traditional global partners, relying solely on expensive military missions is unsustainable. “Our continent must continue to maintain a diplomatic…

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), formerly the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has marked its 25th anniversary with a commemorative event themed “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future.” The celebration, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, recognised the agency’s dedicated service to making justice accessible in the state since its establishment in 2000. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, congratulated the BPD for its “steadfast service.” READ ALSO: Lagos govt reasserts right to enforce physical planning laws at Trade Fair…

The Federal Government’s re-entry into Ogoniland to resume oil operations has been hailed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) as a “historic turning point” anchored on reconciliation and justice. The announcement came during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House recently. President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the community’s long-standing struggles, emphasising that the government recognises the suffering endured by the Ogoni people. READ ALSO: NNPC revenue hits N4.655trn as production dips amid maintenance “We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise we would…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged 404 passing-out cadets to embody integrity and discipline as they begin their careers in the anti-graft agency. Speaking at the Passing out Parade on Friday at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Olukoyede stressed that rectitude is the foundation of their work. The new batch comprises 294 detective superintendents and 110 detective inspectors. READ ALSO: Legal expert slams Rivers assembly’s ₦254bn probe, as Tinubu hosts Ibas, EFCC chairman “Being an operative of the EFCC carries heavy responsibilities of personal discipline, integrity, courage…

President Bola Tinubu celebrated the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, describing the new monarch as a “rare gem in history.” The President attended the ceremony in Ibadan and praised the former governor for his resilience and reliability throughout his public life. “Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour to witness your coronation, to witness history,” the President said. READ ALSO: Tinubu attends coronation of Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland He recalled their shared time in the Senate and the monarch’s political struggles, including his impeachment battle while he was…

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reaffirmed that its authority to enforce physical planning laws extends to the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo. The state insists that despite the complex being located on federal land, developers are not exempt from complying with state building regulations. READ ALSO: Lagos govt challenges export committee to make state Africa’s non-oil export hub Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, stated that the state’s legal jurisdiction is supported by a 2003 Supreme Court judgment and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended). “The location of the Trade Fair Complex…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for greater collaboration with youth organisations to boost voter mobilisation, especially in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). The call was made during a ceremony where the National Youth for Good Leadership and Governance (NYGLG) presented a Certificate of Excellence Award to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu. National Commissioner Professor Kunle Ajayi, who received the award on behalf of the Chairman, highlighted the critical role of young Nigerians in the democratic process. READ ALSO: INEC announces start of campaigns for 2026 FCT area council election Citing official statistics, he noted that the youth…

The Lagos State Government has tasked its Export Promotion Committee with intensifying efforts to establish the state as the premier hub for non-oil exports in Nigeria and across Africa. The directive was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), Olugbemiga Aina, at a recent committee meeting. Aina stressed the urgency of diversifying the state’s economy by leveraging its strengths in products like coconut, fisheries, and vegetables. READ ALSO: Lagos govt demolishes illegal structures at Trade Fair Complex He cited a major milestone achieved in December 2024 with the commencement of coconut exports from…

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has made it mandatory for all local government (LG) chairmen to hold citizens’ engagement forums before preparing their annual budgets. He said the directive is aimed at ensuring that local government projects and initiatives directly address the needs and priorities of the grassroots communities, mirroring the participatory budget process already in place at the state level. Oyebanji issued the mandate yesterday during a Town Hall Meeting and Citizens’ Engagement session with people from the Ekiti North and Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts, held in Otun Ekiti and Ijero Ekiti, respectively. READ ALSO: Oyebanji expresses confidence in…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today at the UN Headquarters during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA80). The meeting focused on Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors. Shettima stressed the need for greater support from the global body, stating that the UN must “support Nigeria even more so that we achieve more,” particularly as the nation “is aspiring to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.” READ ALSO: UNGA 80: Shettima to deliver Tinubu’s national statement today The…