Author: Friday Omosola

The Lagos State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board has finalized arrangements to refund a total of N223 million to pilgrims who participated in the Y2023 Holy Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia through the state.  This was disclosed in a statement by the Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, and released by the Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal. Onipede revealed that the sum of N223 million was received from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as a refund for services that were not rendered by Saudi Authorities during the pilgrimage. He further stated that each of the 3,651 pilgrims/beneficiaries is entitled to N61,080,…

The Lagos State Government has reinforced its commitment to maintaining law and order in the building sector by sealing multiple buildings on Lagos Island for lacking proper planning permits. Leading the enforcement exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, stressed the importance of compliance with physical planning laws.  He noted that the government had offered a generous amnesty programme for property owners to regularize their permits, but many ignored the initiative and continued illegal constructions that failed to meet safety and environmental standards. “The amnesty programme provided an opportunity for property owners to regularize their building…

The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KWHIA) has further strengthened its commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare services by opening three regional offices across the state’s geopolitical zones. The move aims to improve accessibility and ensure that no resident is left behind in the quest for better health outcomes. Speaking at an inter-ministerial press briefing organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Communications, the Executive Secretary of KWHIA, Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, emphasised the agency’s mandate to deliver accessible healthcare services to all residents, regardless of tribe or religious beliefs. Represented by the Controller of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Atobiloye Mufliu,…

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has unveiled the ‘Action Plan on Durable Solutions’, an initiative aimed at facilitating the safe and sustainable return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that the governor, during a visit to the dry season farm project site along Gboko Road, Makurdi, announced the initiative.   However, in a statement yesterday, he emphasised the robust and strategic framework designed to return, integrate, and resettle over 500,000 displaced persons in Benue State.   Governor Alia described the initiative as a pivotal milestone in his administration’s journey toward securing lasting solutions…

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has announced its relocation from Benin City, the state capital, to Abuja. In a notice dated yesterday and signed by the Tribunal Secretary, Mu’azu Bagudu, all parties involved in the case were informed about the move. The notice read in part, “I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27th January 2025.” No reason was provided for the relocation. READ ALSO: Edo Election Tribunal admits…

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Sunday for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit scheduled for January 27–28. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy disclosed this in a statement.  The Summit, jointly organised by the government of Tanzania, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank, is focused on advancing “Mission 300,” an ambitious initiative aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. In Dar es Salaam, African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society groups will…

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has taken a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting with Governor of Namibe State, Angola, Archer Mangueira, along with Vice-Governors Ema Samali Henriques da Silva and Abel do Rosário Kapitango.   Governor Diri, who disclosed this in a statement on his X page on Saturday, revealed that discussions centred on exploring collaborative opportunities in the maritime sector, agricultural development, potential oil and gas ventures, and cultural exchanges. He highlighted that Namibe State, with a coastal terrain similar to Bayelsa and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, has advanced its marine economy to become the fisheries…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on 1,130 newly graduated police constables to uphold integrity, professionalism, and the highest ethical standards as they commence their duties in the Nigeria Police Force. The governor gave this charge during the 2022 Constable Passing-Out Parade held at the Police College in Ikeja yesterday.   Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the constables for their dedication and hard work during the rigorous six-month training program. He emphasised the importance of treating citizens with respect and maintaining integrity, even in challenging situations. READ ALSO: Governors pledge support for…

The Edo State Government has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Italian Government to address the challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking in the state. This was disclosed by Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, during a meeting yesterday at the Government House, Benin City, with a delegation led by Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy.   Welcoming the delegation, Mrs Anani emphasised the significance of the partnership in tackling unemployment and providing opportunities for Edo youths. She expressed optimism about the…

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Finnish government for its decisive intervention in the case of Simon Ekpa, whose actions, according to the President, threatened Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence. Speaking on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, at the State House, President Tinubu affirmed his administration’s resolve to uphold stability and cohesion in the country.   “We will not tolerate actions or statements that foster divisiveness among our citizens. Nigeria is indivisible,” President Tinubu declared, commending the Finnish authorities for taking action against Simon Ekpa. The President described the…