Author: Gbenga Olaleye

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling poverty by fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation, stating that Nigerians have “no reason to be poor.” Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s vast potential, underpinned by its abundant human and natural resources. “Cross River, for instance, possesses fertile land capable of sustaining nearly every crop. The Federal Government plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees – and no other state is better…

A senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Umar Sani, has expressed doubts over the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, keeping his promise to serve only one term if elected president. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Sani acknowledged Obi’s integrity but warned that pressure from his supporters might prevent him from honouring the pledge. “Mr Peter Obi could be very sincere, you know. But the issue is not about Obi’s integrity; it’s about how he panders to his supporters,” Sani said. “His supporters will not agree [to the one term] because…

The Federal Government has clarified the differing responses to two recent aviation-related incidents involving passengers Comfort Emmanson and popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, also known as Kwam 1, following public outcry over perceived selective justice. The controversy stems from the remand of Comfort Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted crew members on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, while Kwam 1, accused of disrupting a ValueJet flight in Abuja last week, faced no court action. Addressing the matter during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria…

Prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a protest to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the discharge certificate of Ms Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member whose service year was allegedly extended unjustly. The protest came in the wake of serious allegations of political victimisation and abuse of office by NYSC officials, sparking widespread outrage among human rights advocates and legal practitioners. Addressing the demonstrators, Sowore insisted that Ms Uguamaye had dutifully completed her national service and was entitled to her discharge certificate without delay.…

The Ogun State Government has clarified that it is unaware of any official action to seal properties belonging to former Governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel. At a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta on Monday, Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr Tunji Odunlami, addressed the issue, stating that the notices served on the properties in question were not sealing orders but stop-and-quit notices. These notices, he explained, are intended to prompt property owners or their representatives to report to the appropriate offices for document verification and clearance. “What we are doing now…

Ondo State leader welcomes Labour Party defectors to APC, vows party will retain power in 2027 Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has strongly criticised politicians advocating for a coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, labelling them “daydreamers” and “unserious actors” lacking any credible blueprint for Nigeria’s development. Speaking in Akure on Monday during a formal ceremony to welcome Hon. Dayo Awude, former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and members of his political movement, the Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN), into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed Ondo State’s unwavering…

The Ogun State Government on Monday sealed off Asoludero Court, the Conference Hotels, and its annex in the Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA), properties owned by former Governor and serving Senator for Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. The move followed a quit notice issued last Friday by the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority, which cited violations of the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022. According to officials from the Authority’s Sagamu Zonal Office, the buildings failed to comply with planning regulations and were lacking appropriate permits. Fresh sealing and demolition notices…

The newly appointed Assistant Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Akin Olowokere, tragically passed away on Monday morning after collapsing during a training session. Olowokere, who was one of the recently appointed coaching staff at 3SC, reportedly slumped on the pitch during the team’s morning practice in Ibadan, Oyo State. Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that he was immediately rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Details surrounding the cause of his sudden death remain unclear, with no official statement released as of press time. A former player for Sunshine Stars of Akure, Olowokere transitioned into coaching and…

Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, has categorically refuted widespread rumours suggesting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is currently hospitalised in an undisclosed London medical facility. Speaking during a visit to the Senate President in London, Senator Daniel revealed that he had made a brief stopover in the UK capital to personally inform Akpabio of his intention to return to Nigeria for the upcoming 16th August bye-election. The poll aims to fill the vacant Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat in Ogun State, left open following the passing of Hon Adewumi Onanuga, the former Deputy Whip of…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, Adewale Murphy Olatunji, are facing growing public outrage after reports emerged that the party allegedly distributed sachet alcohol as part of its campaign souvenirs. The incident, which took place during a recent campaign outreach in the constituency, has drawn sharp criticism from residents, civil society organisations, and political observers, who have described the gesture as “insensitive,” “irresponsible,” and “an insult to the values of Ibadan North.” Residents expressed shock and disappointment over the choice of campaign material, citing concerns about alcohol abuse and the…