Author: Friday Omosola

The lifeless body of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been discovered in a decomposed state on the 2nd Niger Bridge, weeks after his abduction.   Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1, was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunabankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. His disappearance triggered widespread concern and an extensive investigation by security agencies. After weeks of manhunt, security operatives from Abuja arrested several suspects late Wednesday. The suspects later led authorities to the site where they dumped the lawmaker’s remains. READ ALSO: Abducted Anambra nuns freed after 6 days Although…

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB) has extended the deadline for the payment of the 2025 Hajj fare from January 31 to February 10, 2025. LSMPWB said the decision aligns with the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Announcing the development in a statement yesterday, the Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede said the extension was granted following a virtual meeting between NAHCON, State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and other stakeholders. Onipede added that the meeting considered appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the initial deadline. He urged affected pilgrims to…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting fairness and equity among all religious groups while fostering cultural heritage and development in the state. The governor made this pledge while hosting the leadership of the Traditional Religious Worshipers Association of Osun State (TWARSO) during a courtesy visit to his office.  Describing the visit as a ‘remarkable milestone’ in strengthening understanding, respect, and collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, he emphasised the crucial role of traditional worshipers in shaping Yoruba identity and societal values. “It is my utmost pleasure to restate that I will continually uphold fairness…

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has pledged to act on the findings and recommendations of the Assets Verification Committee, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in managing state resources.   Speaking at the Government House in Benin City, where he received the committee’s report, Governor Okpebholo commended the team for their diligence and assured them their recommendations would not be overlooked. “I appreciate the committee for a job well done and the time invested in this exercise. I understand the challenges you faced, yet you successfully carried out this crucial assignment. Rest assured that your findings and recommendations…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, held a crucial meeting with contractors and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday, aimed at reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and ensuring their timely completion.  The meeting, which took place in the Governor’s Office Conference Room in Ado-Ekiti, focused on the set deadlines and quality delivery of projects scheduled for completion this year. During the meeting, Governor Oyebanji carefully examined progress reports on various ongoing projects across the state. Contractors reiterated their commitment to meeting the agreed-upon deadlines for each project. The governor emphasised the importance of taking advantage of the…

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has secured funding for a study facility aimed at developing a comprehensive roadmap for Nigeria’s critical minerals value chain, from extraction to beneficiation.  The Minister made the announcement on his X page on Wednesday, revealing that the funding was secured during the prestigious Mining Indaba event in Cape Town, South Africa.  Alake emphasised that the initiative will be supported by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, a specialized body within Sustainable Energy for All, a United Nations agency dedicated to advancing the Agenda for Sustainable Development. He said the collaboration is expected to…

Inaugurates debt management office supervisory board Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of transforming Nigeria’s public debt into an asset for economic growth, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction.  The Vice President made this statement while inaugurating the Supervisory Board of the Debt Management Office (DMO) at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday. The inauguration marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy coordination and ensure long-term debt sustainability, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Shettima, who also serves as Chairman of the newly inaugurated Board, urged its members…

President Bola Tinubu has increased the proposed 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, attributing the rise to additional revenues from key government agencies. The revised figures were communicated in separate letters sent to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters aloud during today’s plenary session. READ ALSO: Tinubu raises retirement age for healthcare workers to 65 According to President Tinubu, the budget adjustment reflects an extra N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and N1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies.…

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq yesterday inaugurated a steering committee to reverse the transfer of the Kampe Game Reserve, located in the Patigi Local Government Area, to the Federal Government (FG) for its upgrade to a National Park.  The handover marks a significant step in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management in the state. At the ceremony held in Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative. “Today marks a crucial moment in our collective efforts. The inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfilment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Game Reserve…

Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, has been remanded at a correctional centre in Ilaro, Ogun State, after appearing before the Ifo Magistrate Court. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the suspension of Oba Ogunjobi following an assault on Areola Abraham. The monarch, who faces allegations of assault, was not granted immediate release as he failed to meet the court’s bail requirements. READ ALSO: Ogun monarch lands in court for assaulting 73-yr-old man He attended court on Tuesday to answer a three-count indictment brought by the Nigeria Police Force. “That Abdul-Semiu…