Author: Gbenga Olaleye

Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, Reflects on Six-Month Stewardship, Highlights Restoration of Peace and Return to Democracy The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reflected on his six-month tenure, describing it as a period marked by both immense challenges and significant progress. He stated that the core objective of restoring peace and stability to the state had been achieved, setting the stage for the return of democratic governance at the grassroots. Vice Admiral Ibas made these remarks on Tuesday during a public lecture titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends”, delivered by Professor Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike,…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated celebrity chef Hilda Baci for setting another Guinness World Record, this time for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Mrs Tinubu praised the 28-year-old chef’s resilience and creativity, describing her global recognition as an inspiration to young Nigerians. “Hilda, your passion, resilience, and creativity in showcasing your craft as a celebrity chef of one of Nigeria’s most loved dishes on the global stage is inspiring,” she said. The First Lady added that Baci’s accomplishment demonstrated the ability of young Nigerian women to succeed internationally…

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has signed a $120 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African Industries Group to establish a state-of-the-art greenhouse project in Gujeni, Kaduna. In a statement, Governor Sani described his recent trip to Bucharest, Romania, as a turning point in the state’s efforts to harness its vast agricultural potential. During the visit, the MoU was formally signed between the Kaduna State Government, African Industries Group led by its Chairman Mr Raj Gupta, and the Bank of Agriculture. He said the project will not only transform irrigation farming in Gurara but also herald a new era…

Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building lasting peace and driving inclusive development across the state. Speaking after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders at Government House in Katsina, Radda said the gathering was convened to address insecurity, review achievements, and strengthen strategies for sustainable progress. “We are committed to ensuring that peace returns to every community in Katsina. Development cannot thrive without security, and we are determined to achieve both through collaboration with stakeholders at every level,” the governor declared. The high-level meeting drew political leaders, traditional rulers, security experts, scholars, and…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under fire following a social media post quoting a Bible verse to promote its upcoming public engagement series. In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the Commission announced the 164th edition of EFCC Connect, themed “Fighting Economic and Financial Crimes in the House of God.” The EFCC also cited 1 Peter 4:17, which says “judgment shall start from the house of God.” The message, however, sparked heated reactions from Nigerians online, with many accusing the agency of misplacing its priorities and practicing selective enforcement. One…

A fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s political space following reports that the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, paid a private visit to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami. The visit, which reportedly took place on the evening of 15 September 2025, has stirred sharp reactions on social media, particularly from critics who recall past accusations linking Pantami to extremist sympathies. One of the most vocal responses came in an open letter directed at activist Serah Ibrahim, a prominent supporter of Mr. Obi. The statement drew attention to her previous hard-line criticisms…

Former governors of Ogun, Osun, and Ondo states – Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola, and Olusegun Mimiko – on Tuesday paid homage to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan. Speaking during the visit, Daniel, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, said the team was in Ibadan to congratulate Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland. He described Ladoja as a statesman of many parts, recalling their days as contemporaries in the South-West governors’ forum. “Ladoja is a great politician, a great businessman, a shipowner, and a great governor. The two…

The Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2024 Edo State election, Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, has firmly refuted claims circulating on social media that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a public statement issued on 16 September 2025, Akpata described the reports as “a malicious, mischievous and utterly false rumour concocted in the dark alleys of social media,” stressing that they are not only baseless but also “laughable.” The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president lamented that social media continues to be used as a “breeding ground for falsehoods,” accusing mischief-makers of deliberately seeking to mislead the…

Nigeria’s inflation rate has declined for the fifth consecutive month, increasing pressure on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cut its benchmark interest rate from the current 27.50 per cent. According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), headline inflation dropped to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, down from 21.88 per cent recorded in July. This represents a 1.76 percentage point drop month-on-month. On a year-on-year basis, inflation fell by 12.03 percentage points compared to 32.15 per cent in August 2024, a decrease partly attributed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rebasing carried…

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has cautioned local government chairmen across the state to avoid financial mismanagement and wasteful spending that could undermine the financial autonomy recently granted to the councils. Speaking through his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, during an event held in Igogo Ekiti, Ero Local Council Development Area, on Monday, the governor said financial freedom at the grassroots was aimed at facilitating meaningful development through landmark and people-oriented projects. Oyebanji stressed that the intention behind granting autonomy was not for the funds to be diverted or squandered on frivolous activities, warning that such abuse would defeat the very…