Thirty-five Nigerian states have collectively allocated a staggering N214 billion for local security outfits, defence initiatives, and the purchase of arms and equipment in their 2025 budgets. Despite these substantial funds aimed at curbing insecurity, the country continues to suffer from widespread violence, with over 367 people killed during festive periods from 2019 to 2025, New Daily Prime reports. The budgets, compiled on the Open States platform, reflect significant efforts…

The Muslim Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, expressing deep sorrow over the senseless act of violence. In a statement issued by its Amir, Alhaji AbdulWasi’I Taiwo Bangbala, the council called for restraint from affected communities, urging them to resist any urge for retaliation. TMC emphasised that violence only perpetuates conflict and that trust must be placed in the legal…

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of economic mismanagement, asserting that the government has failed to implement effective policies. Speaking in an interview on Arise News Prime Time on Tuesday, April 1, Obi pointed to several key issues, including the devaluation of the naira, rising national debt, and high-interest rates, which he believes have worsened Nigeria’s economic woes. Obi criticised President Tinubu’s…

President Bola Tinubu has overhauled the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, removing Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari and Board Chairman Pius Akinyelure, along with all board members appointed in November 2023.  In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu appointed Engineer Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO and Musa Kida as the non-executive chairman of the 11-member board.  The…

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has arrested six commissioners over alleged involvement in breach of a contract for the construction of 140 housing units for Izzo and Amaze communities. The Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr Timothy Nwachi, was also suspended. The arrested commissioners are Professor Omari Omaka (Tertiary Education), Victor Chukwu (Environment), Ifeanyi Ogbuewu (Culture and Tourism), Uchenna Igwe (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters), Moses…

Gold has surged to a record high, with spot prices trading at approximately $3,132 per ounce as of 1:00 PM WAT. Data from commodity tracking platform GoldPrice.com indicates that the precious metal closed at $3,118 per ounce on March 31. Since the start of the year, gold has gained 19.8%, having opened 2025 at $2,625 per ounce. The rally is largely driven by heightened uncertainty in the global financial markets,…

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has restated its commitment to achieving a zero-waste Lagos, aligning with global efforts to minimise waste generation and maximise resource recovery. Speaking on the occasion of International Zero Waste Day, themed ‘Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles’, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised the need for sustainable waste management practices. He highlighted LAWMA’s ongoing initiatives to reduce landfill dependence, increase recycling…

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, cried out to Nigerians to hold the trio of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, responsible if anything untoward happens to her and her supporters. The embattled lawmaker raised the alarm in a post via her official Facebook, writing thus: “My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah…

A mammoth crowd of supporters on Tuesday gathered at the country home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The crowd, holding placards and chanting solidarity songs, awaits her arrival despite heightened political tensions and ban on political gatherings by the state government on Monday. The event is being captured live on AIT.life as well as some other electronic media outlets. Senator Natasha Akpoti…

In a mark of compassion, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has condoled with a former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom over the death of his younger brother, Bernard Tyozenda Ortom. The minister, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka on Tuesday, described the death of the younger Ortom as painful, and prayed for the repose of his soul. He…

By Alade Adisa Few hours after the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal summoned parties to appear before it on Wednesday for its judgment on the poll, leaked copies of the judgment have surfaced on the internet. The tribunal had early on Tuesday told parties to come before it on Wednesday for its decision on the poll. The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member tribunal had on March 3, reserved its judgement…

Over 5,000 members of various political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. Citing poor performance by the ruling party for their defection, they also blamed the APC for failing to address the security situation in the state, and on the…