Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The Nigerian electricity sector experienced a slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the electricity production index falling by 1.64% year-on-year, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria. This marks a notable reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter (Q3 2024). Despite the decline in production, electricity generation showed a slight improvement. The average estimated generation rose by 2.34%, increasing to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) in Q4 2024, up from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024. Likewise, electricity consumption saw a modest rise, climbing by 2.63% to 4,105.66 MW/h, compared to 4,000.24 MW/h in…

The Osun State Government has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers in the communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, threatening dethronement if communal clashes continue to erupt within their domains. Governor Ademola Adeleke delivered the cautionary message on Monday, following reports of renewed tensions in these historically conflict-prone areas. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor condemned any attempts to exploit the recent relaxation of the curfew to incite further violence. He emphasised that the state government would take decisive action against any traditional ruler or community leader involved in fomenting unrest. “I have received…

Rashidi Ladoja, the former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has expressed his support for the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, stating that the move has led to relative peace in the state. In a statement made on Sunday, March 30, Ladoja referred to the emergency rule as a welcome development that has helped to ease the tension between the political leaders in Rivers. The declaration came after months of escalating conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which was loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike. NewDailyPrime reported that…

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has stressed the importance of mutual love and understanding between political leaders and Nigerians as a vital step toward advancing the nation. In his message to Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitr, the revered monarch called for renewed commitment to both the Creator and to the welfare of mankind. The royal statement, issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the gift of life and to embrace values such as tolerance and contentment. Oba Owoade highlighted that true devotion to Allah is…

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has expressed strong reservations regarding a recent proposal by the House of Representatives to empower the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with the authority to sanction and remove corrupt judges. The bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution, was passed by the House of Representatives on March 25, 2025. The bill proposes that the NBA should receive petitions against judges accused of corruption, review the defence presented by the judges in question, and take subsequent action based on the findings. The proposal aims to provide an additional layer of accountability within the judiciary, enabling the…

President John Mahama of Ghana, who is currently leading ECOWAS’s efforts to mediate with the military juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Thursday, March 27, to update him on recent developments in the ongoing negotiations with these estranged states. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mahama revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is still engaged in discussions with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). However, he acknowledged that the talks had been complicated, urging that ECOWAS must continue its efforts to restore dialogue with the three nations,…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over the tragic passing of her daughter, Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi. In a statement issued on Friday, March 28, and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the loss as both unexpected and heartbreaking, offering his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. “In a poignant conversation with the grieving mother on Thursday, President Tinubu conveyed his sincere condolences, acknowledging the sudden and heart-wrenching departure of a cherished daughter, devoted wife, and…

President Bola Tinubu will on Friday, March 28, participate in a special prayer session at the National Mosque in Abuja to commemorate his 73rd birthday, which falls on Saturday, March 29. The event will bring together fellow Muslims for a moment of spiritual reflection and supplication for the nation. In a statement released on Thursday, March 27, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed that President Tinubu would utilise the occasion to express gratitude to God for His continuous preservation and support as he leads the country. The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu To Mark 73rd…

A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct general elections on the same day has successfully passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 in a bid to reduce the spiralling costs of elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officeholders to participate as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Senator Saliu Mustapha emphasised the unsustainable financial burden of elections, noting that the cost has surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to a staggering ₦350…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) is in the final stages of preparing for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and is set to be listed on the stock market, according to a recent announcement. In a statement issued by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company revealed that it is currently in the midst of selecting project partners ahead of its public listing. This selection process will focus on identifying the most advantageous partnerships to support the IPO. “NNPC Ltd is at the final stage of getting listed in the capital market,…