In preparation for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set key dates for pivotal pre-election activities. The peace accord is slated for signing on September 12, 2024, while a critical test-run of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is scheduled for September 10. The announcement came from INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during a comprehensive briefing with political parties in Abuja. The early signing of the peace accord, facilitated in collaboration with the National Peace Committee, aims to ensure a smooth and violence-free election. Unlike previous elections, where agreements were formalised mere…
Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi
Ado Ekiti, Nigeria – Aare Afe Babalola, the esteemed Chancellor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), has openly criticized the Federal Government’s recent enforcement of an age limit for students seeking to take WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as university admissions. This policy mandates that students must be at least 18 years old to sit for these examinations and to be eligible for university entry. During a press conference held in Ado Ekiti this Thursday, Afe Babalola condemned the policy as “retrogressive” and warned that such measures could stifle the potential of the nation’s youth. “It is disheartening that no…
Abuja, Nigeria — A Zimbabwean bishop has reportedly been repatriated from Nigeria after allegedly violating the country’s immigration laws. Mr. Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a prominent figure within the Zimbabwean Methodist community, was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa State, according to sources familiar with the incident. Initial reports indicate that Bishop Nhiwatawi was accused of conducting an election for a church faction in support of LGBTQ rights, a charge he has vehemently denied. The situation has sparked significant controversy, with some sources suggesting that his detention may be linked to ongoing internal power struggles within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria. Allegations…
London, U.K. — In a major crackdown on immigration fraud, four Nigerian nationals were sentenced on Tuesday at Woolwich Crown Court for orchestrating an elaborate scheme to forge more than 2,000 marriage documents. The operation, which spanned four years, involved fraudulent applications to the EU Settlement Scheme, enabling Nigerian nationals to illegally remain in the United Kingdom. The Home Office revealed that the group, described as an organized criminal syndicate, was responsible for producing false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fabricated documents to support the fraudulent applications. The illegal activities were carried out between March 2019 and May 2023,…
Abuja, Nigeria—In a critical step towards combating the ongoing threat of mpox, the United States government has donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria. This donation, made on Tuesday, is part of a broader effort to address the viral illness that has caused significant public health concerns globally, particularly in the wake of recent outbreaks. The Jynneos vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is specifically designed to prevent both smallpox and mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of infection. This vaccine is seen as an essential tool in the…
Abuja, Nigeria—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is preparing to visits the People’s Republic of China in the first week of September, a move that underscores his administration’s commitment to bolstering economic ties and attracting significant investments to Nigeria. The visit, which is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economic future, will see President Tinubu engaging with key Chinese business leaders and government officials to foster deeper bilateral cooperation. During a press briefing at the State House in Abuja, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, highlighted the strategic importance of the trip. He emphasized that the…
Lagos, Nigeria—In a move that has stirred significant debate, the Nigerian government has recently instituted a policy mandating that students must be at least 18 years old to sit for the national exams, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). This decision, aimed at standardizing educational oversight and ensuring a consistent academic trajectory for students across the nation, has raised questions about its impact on students’ long-term success. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, defended the policy, outlining a structured educational timeline that begins with pupils entering primary school at age six. Under…
Concerning public health development, the Osun State Government confirmed on Monday that two cases of monkeypox have been detected within the Ilesa West Local Government Area. The patients, two males aged five and twenty-five, are currently under medical care at the State Hospital in Ilesa West, where they are receiving the necessary treatments to manage their symptoms.Mr Jola Akinola, the State Commissioner for Health, shared details of the outbreak during a press briefing, urging the community to stay calm and informed. “We are on top of the situation and are taking all necessary measures to contain the virus,” Akinola assured,…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced new age requirements for students wishing to sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be eligible to participate in these secondary school leaving examinations.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed the directive recently on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program. The move aims to standardize the educational journey and ensure that students meet the maturity level deemed necessary for higher education and beyond.”This year will serve as a transitional period where the Joint Admissions and Matriculation…
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant reshuffle within Nigeria’s intelligence sector by appointing new leaders for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). This was announced on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed steps in as the new Director-General of the NIA, bringing extensive experience from international diplomacy and intelligence. Concurrently, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has been appointed to lead the DSS, marking a new era for the country’s domestic intelligence operations. These appointments follow the unexpected resignations of the former heads of these crucial agencies.…
