Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

Nigeria will use the upcoming France Business Forum in Paris to highlight the economic strides made under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The Minister’s remarks came on Friday during a courtesy visit by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, to the Minister’s office in Abuja. Idris was presented with an invitation to the forum, which is set to take place on April 10, 2025. In a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister expressed confidence that the forum would serve as an ideal platform…

The Osun State Government has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former governor and current Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, over claims of misappropriation of a $20 million World Bank health grant. The petition, filed on March 7, 2025, accuses Oyetola of financial misconduct, money laundering, and violations of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) during his tenure as governor. According to the petition, the funds were intended to improve the state’s health sector, but they were allegedly diverted and misused. The Osun government claims that Oyetola, as the chair of a special Health Intervention…

President Bola Tinubu has rejected a N942 billion proposal from the National Population Commission (NPC) for the upcoming national housing and population census, insisting that significant cost-cutting measures be implemented. At a meeting with NPC officials at the State House, Tinubu stressed the need for the census to be conducted within the government’s current financial limitations. He proposed the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to reduce personnel costs, while promising to set up a committee to reassess the census budget. The President expressed support for the census but noted that the proposed cost of nearly N1 trillion…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the formation of a caretaker committee to manage its affairs in the South-South zone, challenging the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In a statement issued on Friday, March 7, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, explained that the decision was made by the National Working Committee (NWC) to prevent a leadership vacuum in the zone, which would occur after the expiration of the current zonal executive’s tenure on March 9, 2025. The move follows a legal setback in the Rivers State High Court, which had restrained the…

The Hope and Unity Foundation, a community development group, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences and collaborate towards the development of the state. In a statement issued on Friday, March 7, by the Chairman, Zeismer Evans, and the Secretary, Owhor Chimenem, the foundation expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two leaders, which it warned could harm the state and its citizens. The foundation highlighted that the growing conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, was not in the best interests of…

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, has intensified its efforts to address the escalating farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria through a high-level workshop aimed at refining the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan. The workshop, held on Thursday, March 6, brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, peace commissions, civil society, academia, and international development partners. The event focused on developing inclusive, conflict-sensitive strategies to improve the security and productivity of Nigeria’s livestock sector. Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, opened the workshop with a strong call…

The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has called on the Nigerian Air Force, the military, and the presidency to identify and punish officers involved in the violent attack on staff and journalists at Ikeja Electric on Thursday, March 6. The association vowed to continue pressing for justice following the brutalisation of civilians at the Ikeja Electric headquarters in Alausa, Lagos. Among those assaulted was a correspondent, who was also reportedly beaten by the military personnel involved in the incident. Following the attack, Air Vice Marshall AK Ademulegun, the Area Officer Commanding of the Logistics Command, visited the Ikeja Electric…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed his delight in the overwhelming support from the people of the state for his administration, particularly highlighting the successful revitalisation of the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Substation in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, Governor Fubara emphasised that the newly upgraded fire station would now offer more efficient services, enabling a quicker response to fire emergencies. This, he said, would ensure the safety of lives and property for residents of Rumuodomaya, Obio/Akpor, and the surrounding communities. Governor Fubara said: “I feel very happy again to stand before you…

Students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), took to the streets on Wednesday, March 5, in protest against what they termed an orchestrated attempt to destabilise the institution through unfounded allegations against the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina. The protest, led by the Vice President of the Student Union, Olaniyi Eniola, comes in response to a demand by the National Women’s Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which has called for Prof. Fasina’s suspension over an alleged sexual harassment case involving Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member at the university. The controversy unfolded during a recent…

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has urged his team to approach their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign with full confidence, stating that belief in their abilities is key to securing victory in the competition. Ahead of Chelsea’s Round of 16 first-leg clash with Copenhagen on Thursday, March 6, the Spanish international emphasised the importance of self-assurance for Enzo Maresca’s side. Cucurella believes that the team, with its impressive squad and talent, has the potential to go all the way in the tournament. “For sure. Chelsea are a top club. We have top players with skills and ability, We need to feel…