News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu  Worried by the deteriorating electricity distribution, President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦3.3 trillion payment plan to facilitate steady power supply across the country.  The fund is expected to offset the outstanding debts under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.  It followed the final review of the legacy debts that have beset the power sector for more than a decade. The long-standing debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025. Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion was agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution. Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion.  Already, the Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway. With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Engr David Umahi The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, calling for renewed hope and commitment to nation-building.  In his Easter message to Christians on Sunday, the minister described the season as a sacred period that symbolizes enduring values of sacrifice, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a powerful symbol of faith, new beginnings, and hope, especially in challenging times. "At this point in our national journey, these values matter deeply," he stated, urging Nigerians to embrace unity over division, love over apathy, and faith over fear. The minister encouraged citizens to remain steadfast, support one another, and work together towards building a nation that symbolizes shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. He wished all Christian faithful a joyful Easter celebration, praying that the spirit of the seas...

BY BAYO ONANUGA, Abuja President Tinubu's itinerary for Thursday included two main engagements: receiving the Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, and proceeding to Iperu, Ogun State.  After Governor Caleb Mutfwang's briefing, President Tinubu suspended the trip to Ogun. Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential assets quickly deployed. However, the President could not postpone the scheduled visit by the Chadian leader.  The President of Chad was at the Presidential Villa for a very important bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration between the two countries. The meeting ran longer than expected, affecting President Tinubu’s scheduled departure for Jos. Upon arrival in Jos, the visit encountered some logistical challenges. While the road distance from the airport to Jos township is approximately 40 minutes, the runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational ...

  President Bola Tinubu I rejoice with Nigerians at home and abroad as we celebrate another Easter. To Christians in Nigeria and around the world, the Easter season reminds us of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemptive power of salvation for humanity. This season also reminds us of the significance of Easter and the message it embodies— of sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. For us in Nigeria, the essence resonates with our current realities as we navigate a period marked by economic strain and security challenges, even as determined efforts are underway to address them. Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained. However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisiv...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has concluded plans to deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras to help law enforcement agencies combat insecurity in Plateau State. President Bola Tinubu stated this during his visit to Jos on Thursday over the recent attacks.  He commiserated with the government and people of the state on March 29 gun attacks that claimed the lives of innocent citizens in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North Local Government Area. "I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself," he said. President Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd); Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu to 'unearth and find the killers' of innocent Nigerians. He announced that the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, will oversee the immediate installation of the security cameras in close coordina...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebrations. News Rider reports that April 3 is Good Friday, while April 6 is Easter Monday in the Christendom calender.  Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.  Easter signifies the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking his victory over death and the fulfillment of the promise of salvation for humanity.  In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister  congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter.  Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The minister called on Nigerians to remain committed to the...