Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The Nigerian Senate has officially passed legislation to create the South West Development Commission, a move aimed at addressing the pressing environmental, ecological, and developmental challenges faced by the southwestern region of the country. The new commission is designed to spearhead initiatives that will foster sustainable development and tackle issues such as environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities in the area. Senators emphasized the need for targeted interventions to improve living conditions and promote economic growth in the region. The legislation garnered widespread support, with lawmakers highlighting the unique challenges that the South West faces, including the impact of…

The Federal Government has proposed a significant shift in the payment practices of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), suggesting that these agencies start collecting all fees, charges, fines, and other payments in Naira rather than in foreign currencies. During a recent briefing at the State House in Abuja, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that this initiative is part of an economic stabilization bill that will soon be submitted to the National Assembly (NASS). Onanuga explained, “The amendment in the economic stabilization bill stipulates…

Donald Trump has hit out at Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not negotiating with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, claiming that even the “worst deal” would be better than the current level of death and destruction. Speaking at a campaign rally in North Carolina on Wednesday, Trump said that Ukraine would never be able to replace its “many dead people” and towns and cities destroyed in the war. “Those cities are gone. They’re gone, and we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelenskyy. There was no deal that he could have…

Ahead of the cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu has called for fresh scorecards from his 46 ministers, prompting an increase in lobbying efforts among political figures and cabinet members seeking to secure their positions. The Presidency confirmed on Wednesday that the planned cabinet shake-up is imminent, aligning with reports from earlier this month. As speculation grows, many ministers have begun reaching out to their political allies to influence the President’s decisions. “It is common for ministers to call on their godfathers for support,” said a presidential aide. “However, the President will ultimately act in the best interest of the country.”…

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello appealed to President Bola Tinubu on September 25, urging intervention in his ongoing dispute with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has accused Bello of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation, with allegations totaling N80.2 billion. In a statement released by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor claimed that the EFCC’s actions were intended to humiliate him. He called for an investigation into the agency’s motives, asserting that ulterior motives may drive them. Bello is facing a court order to appear before Justice Emeka…

The Federal Government has announced that the implementation of the new minimum wage will begin on July 29, 2024, as confirmed by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). Chairman Ekpo Nta made this statement during a press briefing on Tuesday, September 24. Nta clarified that this date corresponds with the President’s approval of the wage bill, following its passage by the National Assembly. This announcement comes in contrast to a previous statement by Minister of State for Labour Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who indicated that payments would start on May 1, 2024. As a result, if payments begin by the…

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé will be absent for this weekend’s highly anticipated La Liga derby against Atlético Madrid due to a thigh injury. The injury, which occurred during the team’s recent 3-2 victory over Alavés, has sidelined the French superstar for an estimated three weeks. Mbappé, who has been in impressive form this season with five goals in seven league matches, was substituted during the Alavés match, raising immediate concerns about his fitness. The news comes as a significant blow to Real Madrid as they prepare for one of their most important fixtures of the season. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti…

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been officially confirmed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Senate. Her confirmation was announced on Wednesday, September 25, following a rigorous two-hour question-and-answer session with senators. Kekere-Ekun, who is the highest-ranking justice of the Supreme Court, becomes the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria. She has been serving in the role on an acting basis since August, demonstrating her leadership during this interim period. During the confirmation session, senators probed her on various legal and constitutional matters, underscoring the importance of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law in Nigeria. Kekere-Ekun’s extensive experience on…

The Take It Back Movement (TIB) has suggested a virtual meeting with the Lagos State Police Command in light of logistical challenges that would impede an in-person discussion. This proposal follows an invitation from the police to key members of TIB to meet with the new Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, regarding pressing national issues. In a letter sent to Assistant Commissioner of Police Jaiyeoba Joseph on Wednesday, the group’s legal representatives, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, outlined their concerns regarding a physical meeting. Sources within TIB, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed fears that an in-person gathering could be a tactic…

As Americans prepare to head to the polls on November 5, the presidential race has taken an unexpected turn following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal in July, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. This shift has set the stage for a potential historic election will the United States elect its first woman president, or will Donald Trump secure a second term? National Polling Averages Recent national polling averages show Kamala Harris slightly ahead of Trump, with her lead growing from 2.5 percentage points immediately following her campaign launch to 2.9 points as of late September. This trend shows the…