Author: Friday Omosola

President Bola Tinubu has approved increasing the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years. This decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos by Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). Bature explained that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to formally submit the approval to the Council on Establishment via the Office of the Head of Service for finalization. During a high-level meeting with NMA President Bala Audu and other key health sector stakeholders, Professor Pate outlined the policy…

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for Paris, France, on a private visit before proceeding to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed this in a statement today. In Addis Ababa, the President will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled for February 12th to 16th, 2025. This departure comes shortly after President Tinubu’s return from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he participated in the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the Nigerian Army to strengthen its collaboration with other security agencies in the state to enhance security and eliminate criminal elements. He made the call on Tuesday while receiving the new Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, during a courtesy visit to his office in Ado-Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji emphasised that such cooperation and increased military presence would complement the efforts of other security operatives already active in Ekiti, contributing to a more secure environment. He commended the existing synergy among security chiefs in the state, which has helped…

Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, stated that the federal government (FG) spends N200 billion monthly on electricity subsidies.  In a statement yesterday, the presidential aide noted that despite this spending, only a few Nigerians are benefiting from the subsidies. She said: “Today, the Federal government spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance. “To address this, the Federal government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most…

In a significant move to bolster national financial security and facilitate Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), organised a two-day empowerment workshop for fifty law enforcement officers. The workshop, themed “Proactive Detection of Non/False Currency Declaration and Application of Appropriate Sanctions”, took place in Abuja. During the opening address, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede stressed that the workshop was a critical government initiative aimed at exiting the FATF grey list—a step he insisted was…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye, on seven revised charges. This development follows the amendment of the original allegations, which were initially presented on January 10, 2024. The updated charges, which centre on fraudulent contract awards and official corruption, were formally brought before Justice J.O. Onwuegbuzie at the High Court in Apo, Abuja, within the Federal Capital Territory. Count one read “That you, Olu Agunloye, whilst being the Minister of Power and Steel on or about the 22nd of May, 2003 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable…

The Ogun State Government has suspended Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, for six months over conduct deemed unbefitting of a traditional ruler.   In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that the suspension was necessary to uphold human dignity and preserve the sanctity of the revered traditional institution. According to The New Daily Prime, the monarch was captured in a viral video assaulting Chief Arinola Abraham Love. READ ALSO: Ogun govt suspends teacher, queries principal over pupil’s death Following the incident, both the monarch and his…

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved an allocation of N4.8 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS. The approval follows an emergency humanitarian waiver granted by the US government, reversing a previous funding pause on HIV treatment in developing countries, including Nigeria.  This pause had been ordered under an executive directive by former US President Donald Trump as part of a broader review of foreign aid. Nigeria has been heavily reliant on international assistance, particularly from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), to fund HIV initiatives. The N4.8…

The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has reaffirmed the federal government’s (FG) commitment to sound fiscal management and sustainable economic development through the introduction of the revised policy on Cash Management and Bottom-Up Cash Planning. Uzoka-Anite made the statement during the Stakeholders Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Revised Policy on Cash Management and Bottom-Up Cash Planning Protocols, held in Abuja.  The Minister emphasised that the revised policy, introduced in 2024, marks a critical milestone in the government’s efforts to streamline fiscal management and promote economic growth. “This policy represents a pivotal step in ensuring that funds…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for stronger collaboration with student union leaders from institutions of higher learning across Nigeria in the battle against economic and financial crimes, particularly internet fraud.  This plea was made by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, during an interactive session with the Student Union Executives of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Speaking through the Acting Zonal Director of the Commission’s Benin Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Effa Okim, Olukoyede emphasised the importance of student leaders in the fight against internet fraud, which has tarnished the country’s image. …