News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed a quarry sited in the Federal Capital Territory over the death of a 10-year-old boy.  The incident occurred on Friday, February 27, 2026, during blasting operation by Dai Jin Jia Quarry in ACO Village, Airport Road, Abuja. In an interview with newsmen, Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor recalled that Dai Jin Jia quarry was shutdown last year in accordance with the agency’s commitment to uphold the highest environmental standards and ensure the safety of host communities.  He lamented that despite warnings and regulatory oversight by the agency, the facility remained recalcitrant. "It is distressing to see that despite prior warnings and sealing, the facility chose to continue operations that not only violate National Environmental Regulations but also put lives at risk. The quarry has been sealed again, this time in response to the grievous ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Pastor Enoch Adeboye  President Bola Tinubu alongside his wife, Senator Oluremi have paid glowing tribute to the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye ahead of his 84th birthday.  They described him as one of the nation's greatest gifts and a spiritual fortress that is always interceding for Nigeria and Nigerians.  In a message to Adeboye on Sunday, the first family described his humility as genuine, adding that his wisdom runs beyond the ordinary.  It reads: "His humility is genuine, and his wisdom runs deep beyond the ordinary. His contributions to our nation extend beyond the pulpit—where he ministers to souls—to philanthropy, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.  "We celebrate the grace of stewardship and leadership upon the life of Pastor Adeboye, fondly called Daddy G.O., as he marks his 84th birthday on March 2, 2026.  "We congratulate him and join his wife, Past...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: General TY Danjuma in a handshake with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.  President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received Ex-Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This was revealed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.  Although details of the meeting were not disclosed immediately but Danjuma had been vocal on national issues especially in the areas of politics and security.  The 87-year-old General Danjuma is one of Nigeria’s most influential military and political figures. Briefly Danjuma served as Defence Minister during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's first tenure, from 1999 to 2003. He served as Chief of Army Staff from 1976 to 1979 under the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2003 during Obasanjo’s civilian adminis...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the tenure of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi for a new five-year term.  With the reappointment, which took effect from Friday, February 27, Audi will pilot the affairs of NSCDC till 2031. Audi was first appointed to the position in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.  His initial five-year term ended last Friday as he participated in activities commemorating the 2026 World Civil Defence Day at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. Audi is expected to resume his duties on Monday with a renewed mandate. President Tinubu charged Audi to reposition the service to play a more significant role in the country's security, especially as the police refocus on their primary responsibility of protecting citizens from bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. Briefly  Dr Audi was born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D has honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, with the 'Trailblazer in Women Political Representation' award in recognition of her contributions to advancing women’s political empowerment in Nigeria. The award was presented to the minister by the leadership of NAWOJ during a courtsey visit in Abuja.  Vice President of NAWOJ Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche said the essence of the recognition was to acknowledge the minister’s dedication to promoting women’s leadership and increased participation in politics. She said that NAWOJ Zone D — comprising Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kwara states and the Federal Capital Territory — is excited with the minister’s leadership and impact. Ogbeche commended the minister for helping to address speculation surrounding a sensitive case currently under investigation and assured of the association’s commitment to responsible journa...

A High Court sitting in Awka on Friday sentenced Anambra Celebrity Native Doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as 'Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki' to 11 months imprisonment over his involvement in Oke-ite rituals and related other offences.  The imprisonment followed the arrest and detention of Nwangwu and two other native doctors, Eke Hit and Onye Eze for fraudulently engaging in money ritual, oke ite and the preparation of charms for criminals. Presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, the court ruled that part of the sentence will run concurrently with the period already spent in custody, leaving him with eleven months to complete his jail term. News Rider reports that out of the 10-count charges against Nwangwu, Justice Obiora struck out six counts while upholding four. The court also waived a total of six years’ imprisonment and a N60 million optional fine that would have run concurrently. In addition to the prison sentence, Nwangwu will become an ambassador for youth ...