Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, in a move aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture and boosting military capacity across the country. The approval brings the total number of Nigerian Army depots to three, expanding beyond the long-standing facilities in Kaduna and Osogbo, which have served as the backbone of army training and logistics for decades. The new depot is expected to play a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. The announcement was made public on Saturday by the Special Assistant to President…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the appointment of caretaker committees to oversee its chapters in Enugu, Delta and Rivers States, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen party structures ahead of forthcoming congresses. The decision was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), in accordance with Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended). The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan. According to the statement, the newly constituted committees will administer party affairs for a period not exceeding…

President Bola Tinubu has rejected allegations that Nigeria is experiencing a Christian or Muslim genocide, insisting that the country’s security challenges are driven by terrorism, criminality and extremism—not religion. Tinubu made the remarks on Friday while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society’s (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja. The theme of the gathering was “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community”. Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the President described recent accusations circulating locally and internationally as unfounded, harmful, and capable of inciting division.…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday commissioned the newly rehabilitated Akilo Water Facility in Ogba, a key project expected to supply one million gallons of potable water daily to residents within the axis. Speaking during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu said the revitalised waterworks demonstrates his administration’s commitment to widening access to clean water and strengthening public health across the state. He described the project as a “beacon of hope”, noting that it was delivered through a collaboration between WaterAid Nigeria and the Lagos State Water Corporation under the Urban Water and Sanitation Access Project. The governor appealed to residents in…

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has announced that all taxable Nigerians will be required to provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to operate or maintain a bank account, beginning 1 January 2026. Oyedele made the clarification in an interview shared on his X account on Thursday, explaining that the measure forms part of the Federal Government’s new tax administration framework under the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA). The Act, which comes into force in January 2026, makes possession of a tax ID compulsory for every taxable individual in the country. According…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced yet another substantial reduction in its petrol gantry price, slashing the ex-depot rate from N828 to N699 per litre. The latest adjustment, which took effect on 11 December 2025, represents a N129 decrease—a 15.58 per cent cut—and marks the 20th petrol price review by the refinery this year. Real-time data published on Petroleumprice.ng on Friday confirmed the downward revision, reflecting significant shifts in domestic fuel pricing as the refinery continues to expand its output. An official of the refinery, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, corroborated the development, saying simply: “The refinery has reduced…

The Baamofin of Ijebuland, AbdulWasiu Oduwole, has called on kingmakers to maintain neutrality and integrity in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland, warning against corruption and attempts by wealthy individuals to influence the process. The Awujale throne became vacant on 13 July following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years. Speaking in a statement made available on Thursday, Oduwole urged kingmakers to prioritise the best interest of Ijebuland in their decision-making. “The kingmakers must avoid corruption, as the immediate past Awujale also warned. No moneybag should be allowed to hijack the process. Their responsibility…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, following a sudden collapse at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon. In a statement released on Thursday night and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it received the news “with deep shock” and described Ewhrudjakpo as “a trusted, faithful party man.” “The National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, are in profound grief,” the statement…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday emphasised that his administration is cultivating a digital workforce poised to propel Nigeria’s next phase of economic growth. Speaking at the 3MTT National Impact Summit at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, he described the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda and a pathway towards a trillion-dollar economy anchored on productivity and innovation. Tinubu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a digital workforce that will power Nigeria’s next chapter…

Tensions flared in the Senate on Thursday as two senior lawmakers, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), engaged in a heated confrontation over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri. The clash unfolded during the second day of screening for President Bola Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees. Omokri, seated quietly in Room 301 of the Senate building, watched the fiery exchange between two of the chamber’s most outspoken figures. Trouble began shortly after Oshiomhole commenced remarks on Omokri’s candidacy, prompting him to declare, “I cannot be intimidated by people…