News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Lamido Abubakar Yuguda  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The appointment is in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. Yuguda’s nomination follows the recent appointment of the erstwhile Deputy Governor, Mr Bala Bello, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy. The President charges them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, in their respective roles.    Yuguda's last public post was as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a position he held from 2020 to 2024. Briefly The former SEC DG is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated in 1983 with a B.Sc. in Accountancy.  In 1991, he obtained a master's degree in Money, Banking and Financ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In a step toward ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated National Convention for the All Progressives Congress (APC) the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has formally inaugurated the party’s Committee on accommodation and transportation.  The strategic committee will oversee critical logistics for the forthcoming convention. While Umahi chairs the transportation component, the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, heads the accommodation arm. Both committees are designed to function as sister structures, working in close coordination to ensure that every logistical detail of the convention will be correctly handled. Held on Tuesday in Abuja, the inauguration ceremony brought together key members entrusted with the responsibility of planning and managing the movement and lodging of party leaders, delegates, and special guests expected from across the country. The committee’s mandate includes transportation logistics and movem...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja A Pan-African non-governmental organisation, Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) has finalised plans to unveil green enterprise, aimed at empowering the youth to achieve sustainable livelihoods.  Tagged GreenWorks 4 Africa forum, the inaugural ceremony is scheduled for 11 to 13 August 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.  JLA acts as a catalytic integrator of youth-led green enterprise growth as a pathway to inclusive and climate-resilient economic transformation. The landmark event is designed to accelerate green skills development and job creation across the continent. Away from the traditional conference format, the forum will adopt a case-study-driven approach that will garner policymakers, private sector leaders, and NGOs to co-create actionable solutions that will position Africa as a global leader in the green enterprise agenda. The urgency of the forum is underscored by projections from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which suggest that the gr...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Initiative for Women's Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) has informed the government that excluding women from governance and elective position is unacceptable and negates the principle of true democratic ideals. To this end, the foundation called on the National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Bill into law in order to bridge the gender gaps in politics.  President and Founder of INWOAD, Evelyn Onyilo stated this in commemoration of the International Women's Day (IWD) celebration in Abuja.  She noted that the theme of IWD, 'Give to Gain', was focused on the power of reciprocity and support in achieving gender equality and sustainable development.  Onyilo enjoined the government and stakeholders to contribute their quota by creating more opportunities for women through donations, skills acquisition and training, advocacy and intergenerational mentorship. The INWOAD president pleaded with major stakeholders and partners t...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Grace Ike The first female Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Grace Ike has emphasised the need for more investment in women, expressing optimism that it would yield returns for the profession.  Ike disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja, while commemorating International Women's Day celebration with theme: 'Give To Gain'.  The theme reflected the gains of empowering women through education, mentorship, opportunity, and resources. Ike described women as not merely individuals; but those strengthening families, communities, institutions, and nations, adding that this year’s celebration carries a deeply personal meaning.  She stated that media owners must deliberately mentor young female journalists, create safe and supportive workplaces, provide leadership opportunities, and ensure that women’s voices are heard in decision-making space.  Noting that the celebration must go beyond recognition and transla...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has praised President Bola Tinubu's visionary leadership that led to the resolution of longstanding dispute over OPL 245, an act he believed will reposition the economy and strengthen the country's fiscal muscle.  Fagbemi spoke after signing the legal agreement that brought the dispute to an end in Abuja, describing the development as a milestone in repositioning Nigeria’s economic landscape. "The agreement marks a turning point for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector after more than two decades of legal battles and international arbitration," he said. Federal Government reached the settlement with Eni and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL), effectively ending the protracted dispute over OPL 245. The AGF emphasised that resolving the dispute over OPL 245 will recalibrate the national economy and bolster the Federal Government's fiscal position. Accordin...