News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Mr Taiwo Oyedele  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Taiwo Oyedele as the Minister of State for finance, replacing Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite. Uzoka-Anite will now move to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as the Minister of State, making it her third portfolio in the APC-led administration.  President Tinubu on Tuesday conveyed the nomination of Oyedele to the Senate for confirmation, in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Until President Tinubu nominated him as a minister, Oyedele from Ikaram, Akoko, Ondo State, was the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system.  Oyedele, 50, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert. He attended Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in accountancy and finance. He attended Oxford Brookes University and earned a BSc in applied accounting.  Oye...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Engr David Umahi The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has emerged winner of the Silverbird Group Extraordinary Personality of the Year award for transformative road projects across the country.   The award conferred on Umahi over the weekend at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, brought together top government officials, lawmakers, technocrats, and stakeholders in the works sector.  Organised by Silverbird Group, the attendees were drawn by a shared recognition of a minister whose tenure symbolises scale, speed, and ambition in Nigeria’s infrastructure drive. The minister described the honour as a deserved recognition of visible performance and hard choices taken in the national interest. The Minister of State (Works), Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who represented Umahi said: "We cannot but register our sincere gratitude and appreciation for this award for identifying our own, the  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, f...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu  President Bola Tinubu has finalised plans to swear-in the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu on Wednesday. This followed a meeting on Monday by the Nigeria Police Council at the State House, which unanimously ratified the appointment of Disu.  The inauguration of Disu will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for Wednesday.  Presided over by President Tinubu, the council meeting had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution. Others at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume;  National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Head of Service, Mrs Esther Didi Wal...

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...