Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja following his spiritual trip to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser hajj (Umrah) at the revered Masjid al-Haram (Holy Mosque of Makkah). In a statement released yesterday, Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President prayed for Nigeria’s peace and stability during his visit to the holy site. “Our prayer is for peace to prevail in our land. May Allah grant…

As the battle to check drug trafficking continues, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested four suspects for cultivatingg an Indian hemp farm in Alaka village, Ogun State. A six-hectare hemp farm was destroyed as NDLEA operatives stormed the farm.According to NDLEA State Command, investigations are ongoing over the clampdown The agency’s state commandant, Tijani Rabe yesterday disclosed this to journalists at a press conference in Abeokuta. Based…

The Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, has acknowledged that although some of the reforms introduced by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration have been challenging, but they were necessary for the long-term stability of the economy. “It’s true that some of them are quite painful, but we needed these reforms, especially the foreign exchange unification,” Rabiu said while also expressing confidence that the Nigerian economy is on the road…

The Cross River Police Command, on Friday, paraded Idongesit Akpan and his wife, Angela, for their alleged involvement in child stealing and trafficking. According to Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, the couple lured their Facebook friend, Ms. Blessing Godday, a resident of Obubra, to Akamkpa under the guise of offering her a job. The CP said, “Following the promise of a job, she travelled to Akamkpa with her two sons,…

Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah has emerged as the winner of the 45th Miss Nigeria beauty pageant, which was held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Victoria Island, Lagos. Ogah, a lawyer and model representing the South-South region, stood out among 45 contestants, with 20 advancing to the semi-finals and 10 making it to the finals. The event, themed “Beyond Beauty: Reigning Together as Queens,” celebrated elegance, intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. Outgoing…

A devastating fire in the early hours of Saturday, engulfed the renowned spare parts market at Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State, and causing losses estimated in billions of naira. The fire, which began around midnight, continued to spread as firefighters and local residents worked relentlessly to contain it, adding to the series of tragedies which has befallen the ancient city. This follows the recent stampede at Islamic High School that…

The Federal Government has allocated ₦27 billion for the entitlements of former presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, chiefs of staff, retired heads of service, and professors in the 2025 fiscal year. The beneficiaries of this allocation include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, alongside ex-vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Other notable individuals expected to benefit from this allocation are ex-military Heads of…

Major oil marketers lifting petrol, from Dangote Petroleum Refinery have reduced the price from N1,060 to N939.50 per litre. A number of oil major marketers, including MRS, have adjusted their pump prices to reflect the reduction as of Friday. At MRS filling station in Ojota, Lagos, the company sell petrol at N939.50 per litre Friday evening, although the Chairman of MRS, Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, declined to comment when contacted.…

A Rivers State high court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday nullified the congresses of the All Progressives Congress in the state. The congress, which produced Chief Tony Okocha as the state chairman, was nullified following a contempt of court proceeding filed by the camp of the reinstated chairman of the party in the state, Chief Emeka Beke. The court had earlier issued an order stopping the conduct of the…

Less than a month after its much-anticipated reopening, the Port Harcourt Refining Company has halted operations once again. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, our correspondent visited the facility and observed that the lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, had come to a standstill. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that petrol lifting had ceased as early as Friday, December 13, with the refinery’s 18-arm loading bay…

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has outlined key proposals aimed at stimulating Nigeria’s economic growth, including the elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and exports. In a session with the Organised Private Sector, monitored virtually by PUNCH on Friday, Oyedele emphasized that these reforms would reduce the tax burden on businesses, simplify tax rules, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness. “The…

Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has distributed 100 truckloads of rice to residents of the state as part of his efforts to ensure a joyous Christmas and New Year celebrations for families. This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday in Lokoja. He said the gesture is aimed at alleviating the burden of rising food costs in festive…