News Rider

Late Ms Greatness Olorunfemi The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced probe over the refusal of Maitama District Hospital, Abuja to treat Ms Greatness Olorunfemi, a situation that allegedly led to her death.  Olorunfemi, a victim of one chance syndicate, was thrown from a moving vehicle along the Maitama-Kubwa highway. The deceased, who is a member of of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, was unconscious and rushed to Maitama District Hospital where they kept requesting for a Police report till she died twenty minutes later. Coordinator of YALI Network Abuja, Moyosoluwa Oladayo noted that the deceased died due to delay by healthcare workers at the hospital.  Moyosoluwa also revealed a viral video, indicating that the deceased was thrown out of the vehicle. But the FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Babatunde Irukera said on Saturday that the commission welcomed the statement of the Office of FCT Secretary for Health S

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after actively participating in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and a short visit at Paris, France.  Sources revealed that the President's convoy arrived at his official residence in the Aso Rock Villa on Friday at 09:47 pm West African Time.  This comes barely 48 hours to Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary and four days to the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. The President had kicked against the spate of military coups in Africa during his maiden address at UNGA, describing them as wrong and unreflective of the collective aspirations of Africans. He noted that their pervasiveness does not signify Africa’s support for unconstitutional change of government but a demand for solutions to perennial problems. Tinubu hinted that democratic governance is the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people.  &qu

As Nigeria celebrates 63rd Independence anniversary on Sunday, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 3,000 personnel to provide adequate security in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT). The FCT Commandant of NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu said that officers and men of the command will protect the citizens alongside all national assets and infrastructure in the territory. To this end, the commandant also directed personnel of strategic departments and units in the headquarters, area and divisional offices to ensure high security presence in the city centre and its suburbs. In a statement by the FCT NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASC1 Comfort Okomanyi, on Friday in Abuja, Odumosu assured FCT residents of a hitch-free celebration. The commandant also ordered the officers to maintain routine patrols, especially in public places such as markets, parks, recreation centres and places of worship to prevent miscreants intending to disrupt the celebration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has assured Nigerians that they would not backtrack on their resolve to embark on industrial action.  This is even as the union faulted a report that it reached an agreement with the Federal Government to suspend the planned indefinite strike scheduled for October 3. This followed a statement credited to the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Olajide Oshundun, that NLC agreed with the Federal Government to call off the strike.  Recall that the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting concluded to embark on indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday over the hardship caused by the recent hike in the price of petrol and other sundry issues.  But in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the Head of Information and Public Affairs of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah pointed out that the union did not hold talks with the Federal Government that may lead to th

A viral eye infection has forced the government of Pakistan to shutdown 59 schools.  The infection known as conjunctivitis or pinkeye has already spread rapidly in Punjab province. To this end, the schools sited in Pakistan’s most populous province were closed on Thursday after the infection affected nearly 100,000 people.  The Regional Health Minister, Jamal Nasir noted that the 56, 000 primary and secondary schools were ordered to remain shut until Monday.  Reacting, Punjab’s Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi disclosed that the local government would issue guidelines before Monday on how to prevent students from the infection. As at the time of filing this report, the situation compelled the government to inform people to limit physical contact and stay indoors.

      Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo  Federal Government has declared Monday, October 2 as public holiday in commemoration of Nigeria's 63rd independence anniversary.  The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed on Thursday that the Federal Government is committed to tackling the challenges confronting the country.  This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade in Abuja.  While congratulating all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the anniversary, he noted that the  difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global issues and Nigeria is not exempted. The minister hinted that the government is making efforts to address the varied and numerous challenges until there is respite.  Tunji-Ojo stated that the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country is achievable if all Nigerians work together in unity. He informed that the warm welcoming s

    Barr Nyesom Wike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has terminated the appointments of 21 heads of parastatals, agencies, and government companies of the FCT Administration (FCTA). The disengaged appointees are expected to hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank. In a statement by the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye on Wednesday in Abuja, revealed that appointments into the offices would be made in due course. Below are the list of disengaged appointees.  1. Group MD/CEO, Abuja investment Company Ltd 2. CEO/MD, Abuja Markets Management Ltd 3. MD/CEO, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company 4. CEO/MD, Abuja Property Development Company 5. CEO/MD Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone Company 6. CEO/MD Abuja Film Village International 7. CEO/MD Powernoth AICL Equipment Leasing Company Ltd 8. MD Abuja Broadcasting Corporation 9.  MD, Abuja Enterprise Agency 10. GM, FCT Water Board 11. DG, F

There is an indication that a 2-day heavy rainfall leading to flooding will hit Anambra, Kogi and 23 other states.  Other affected states are Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia,  Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) disclosed this on Tuesday via its weekly heavy rainfall forecast bulletin.  It reads: “Moderate to Heavy rainfall is expected within the forecast period (Thursday 28th and Friday 29th September 2023) over parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa. “Other States are Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory.” The agency informed that other parts of the country would experience light to moderate rainfall. NIMET hinted that the expec

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to use the period of Eid-el-Maulud celebration to pray for Nigeria and encourage their followers to emulate the exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). News Rider reports that Eid-ul-Maulud festivity signaled the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). While congratulating Muslims in Nigeria and beyond on this year’s celebration, he urged them to make deliberate efforts to adhere to the teachings of the Prophet. The President disclosed this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday in Abuja.  He noted that there are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that Nigerians could learn from the life of the Prophet. Tinubu noted that the government has taken all necessary measures to make the country secure and economically viable.  He said though Nigeria has arrived at an important j

Dr Yemi Cardoso The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Dr Olayemi Cardoso has harped on the need to create a stable exchange rate and apply short and medium term measures to achieve the target.  He stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the  confirmation of his appointment as the bank’s governor by the Red Chamber.  This was even as the senate confirmed the nomination of Mrs Emem Usoro, Mr Muhammad Dattijo, Mr Philip Ikeazor and Dr Bala Bello as the bank’s four deputy governors. The nomination ollowed the consideration and approval of a motion moved by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central) at the chamber. Cardoso noted that CBN’s new management team would evolve rules that would be transparent and comprehensible by all stakeholders in the finance sector.  “We cannot expect serious foreign investors, portfolio investors who have an impact on the market to do so if we do not have a transparent system that everybody understands and can rely on,’’ he s

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have concluded plans to commence an indefinite industrial action from October 3, 2023.  This is with a view to compel the APC-led government to rescind the decision on the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol  and other resolutions that caused hardship in the country.  To this end, Nigerian workers, both in public and private sector have been directed to withdraw their services from October 3, 2023. These were contained in a communique issued at the end of a joint National Executive Council meeting of the two labour unions on Tuesday in Abuja.  It was jointly endorsed by the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr Festus Osifo. Comrade Ajaero noted that labour and the government agreed that there was massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of petrol. He pointed out that the demands needed

        Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Federal Government has declared Wednesday,  September 27, 2023 as a public holiday in commemoration of this year's Eid-ul-Maulid celebration.  The Eid-ul-Maulid festivity signaled the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo admonished Nigerians to  imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance.  This, he said were the deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified.  The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Oluwatoyin Akinlade, who endorsed the minister's message, enjoined Nigerians, especially the youths, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.  He pleaded with Nigerians to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration in its quest to build a progressive and enviable nation.  The

Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have rescued more seven female students of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State and three construction workers who were kidnapped by bandits.  Recall that on Friday, September 22, 2023, armed bandits broke into three hostels around 3.am and abducted many students including females.  The personnel of the Nigerian Army engaged the terrorists in a shootout and rescued six female students during the Friday saga. This brings to 13, the number of students rescued so far by the troops in addition to three construction workers.  The identities of the 13 students rescued so far include Rukayya Sani Batola of Education Chemistry (200 Level); Merry Monday of Microbiology (300 Level); Maryam Salawuddeen of Accounting (300 Level); and Salamatu Jummai Dahiru, Microbiology (200 Level). Some of the students were Fiddausi Abdulazeez of Education Biology (200 Level); Amamatullahi Asabe Dahiru of Education Chemistry (200 Level); Ketora Bulus of Education

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to rescue the remaining kidnapped female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State.  Recall that on Friday, September 22, 2023, armed bandits broke into three hostels around 3.am and abducted many students including females.  It was also reported that personnel of the Nigerian Army engaged the terrorists in a shootout and rescued six female students during the Friday saga. Despite the intervention, over 20 students remain in the terrorist custody. The latest incident happened barely five months after armed persons kidnapped at least two female students of the same university. In addition, over 80 youths who went to the forest to gather firewood were also kidnapped in Wanzamai village in Zamfara. But a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Sunday revealed that there was no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims whose onl

 The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has successfully intervened and put off the fire that affected the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja on Monday.  Spokesperson of the FFS, Mr Abram Paul confirmed that the fire started at about 7.30 a.m on Monday, saying that firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call.  “As I speak to you now, the fire is under control; the atmosphere is calm and everybody is going about his or her official duties," he said. Paul said though there was no casualty but some files were lost to the inferno.  “Thank God that there was no casualty, but a couple of files were said to have been lost to the inferno. Nothing more than that. Our men are on top of the situation,” he added. As at the time of filling this report, he noted that the cause of the fire could not be ascertained as  investigation is ongoing to unravel the immediate  cause.

  Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye  National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the use of products containing potent medicinal ingredients, steroids and other banned substances. The four products are tadalafil, sibutramine, Enru Plus+ and Herba Kurus Tradisi also known as HKT.  In a public alert signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on Sunday in Abuja, revealed that the agency was notified of the product via a statement by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore. She disclosed that potent medicinal ingredients were outlawed in the affected products as it might cause severe side effects on consumers. Adeyeye pointed out that HSA confirmed that four consumers experienced adverse effects after taking three of the products, adding that laboratory analysis conducted by HSA revealed that the products contain potent medicinal ingredients, including steroids. She said that sibutramine is a banned wei

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     Wale Adeyemo The US Deputy Secretary of Treasury, Wally Adeyemo has disclosed that the United State's investment in Nigeria would trigger economic growth especially for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).  This, he believed would build the type of ecosystem that could help Nigeria to be successful over time, adding that there is no quick and easy solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges.  The Nigerian-born Adeyemo disclosed this recently during the Lagos Business School parley on the US–Nigeria Economic Relationship, as part of President Joe Biden administration’s commitment to deepening the US–Africa economic and trade relationship. He noted that the US is highly interested in maintaining and increasing investments into Nigeria in order to strengthen international bonds between the two nations. Adeyemo lamented that Nigeria lacked a macroeconomic framework to attract more dollar-denominated foreign direct investments into its economy. He

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite  The Federal Government has unveiled a talent export schemes tagged: “National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), meant to bridge the unemployment gap in the country.  Through NATEP, Nigeria is expected to create at least one million jobs over the next five years as a special purpose vehicle especially for the youths.  Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite stated this on Saturday during "Positioning Nigeria as a Global Talent Hub in New York” event, on the sidelines of 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  She said that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to diversify the Nigerian economy, create sustainability opportunities and generate about 50 million jobs for the youths.  Experts had revealed that the global talent sourcing industry was valued at $620 billion as at 2020 and would likely rise to about $904 billion by 2027. The minister described NATEP as a key national initiative that w

The Federal Government has approved the increment of salaries for staff of all Federal-owned tertiary institutions including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education by 35 and 23 percent.  This was even as the Federal Government would offset all the arrears from 1st January 2023. The pay rise was captured in a memo from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation with Ref. NO: OAuGF/Sw/C/QP/1395/VOL.1/II. 

Dr Yemi Cardoso  The newly appointed Acting Governor, Dr Olayemi Cardoso has officially resumed at the Central Bank of Nigeria.  This followed the resignation of Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.  In addition, the Deputy-Governors-designate have also assumed duty in acting capacities. This is sequel to the formal resignation of Mr Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs Aishah Ahmad, Mr Edward Adamu and Dr Kingsley Obiora as deputy governors. A statement by CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin on Friday revealed that Cardoso’s resumption in acting capacity is pending his confirmation by the Senate. He disclosed that Cardoso and his colleagues subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Abuja. AbdulMumin noted that the appointees had since settled down to the task of administering monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government. Recall that Cardoso was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as th

       Late Hamisu Danjibga The Speaker of Zamfara House of Assembly, Alhaji Bilyaminu Moriki has faulted the murder of a Veteran journalist with Voice of Nigeria (VON) Alhaji Hamisu Danjibga by unknown gunmen.  Danjibga, who was the State Correspondent, Hausa Service of VON, was missing for three days before his corpse was found in a soakaway behind his house on Wednesday, September 20.  The speaker said on Thursday in Zamfara that the death of  Danjibga was a great loss not only to the deceased family but Zamfara, Nigeria and the entire journalism profession. He condoled the family of the deceased, Zamfara NUJ Council, state NUJ Correspondent’s Chapel and entire journalists in the state over the murder of Danjibga.  The speaker also prayed Allah to grant the deceased paradise and give the family courage to bear the loss, just as he urged security agencies to ravel those behind the gruesome murder.  These were contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, B

    Late Blessing Moses The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr Haruna Garba has ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain the mystery behind the killing of Abuja undergraduate, Blessing Moses. Moses, a 26-year-old undergraduate of National Open University of Nigeria was found dead and decomposing in the wood on September 20, in the Karimo area of Abuja. The deceased was declared missing after leaving her place of work in Garki since September 11, 2023. But Garba confirmed on Thursday that the police are determined to uncover both the immediate and remote causes of the tragic incident. A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh on Thursday in Abuja, hinted that the police are working closely with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to retrieve the decomposed remains. While acknowledging the sensitive nature of the task, he assured that the FCT command would continue to provide updat

Senator Oluremi Tinubu The Staff and management of the State House Abuja has felicitated with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 63rd birthday anniversary. She was celebrated as a compassionate and responsive mother to both her children and the entire nation, as contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday in Abuja.  He revealed that Mrs Tinubu's remarkable qualities extended beyond her role as the Chief Supporter and Confidant of Nigeria’s number one citizen. The spokesman described Sen. Tinubu as a consummate leader, teacher, humanitarian and a fervent minister of the gospel. He noted that through her landmark project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she restored hope into the lives of thousands of displaced and disadvantaged Nigerians.  Ngelale disclosed that the first lady has been working tirelessly to provide shelter for the homeless, improve access to education and healthcar

The Upper Area Court sitting in Karu, Abuja on Wednesday paraded Hannah Bassey for allegedly stealing N200, 000 and personal belongings from her roommate.  Police charged Bassey 48, who lives in Nyanya, Abuja with house breaking and theft.  She pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Mr Ade Adeyanju, told the court that the defendant stole her roomates's personal belongings and N200, 000 cash. He stated that during police investigation, the defendant could not give satisfactory account of herself. The prosecutor said that the offence contravened sections 354 and 288 of the Penal Code law.  But the judge, Malam Yusuf Adamu admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N150, 000 with one surety in like sum. He added that the identity card and statement of account of the surety must be kept in the court’s custody. The judge adjourned the case until November 8 for further hearing.

At least seven security operatives were murdered on Tuesday when unknown gunmen laid ambush at Umualumaku settlement in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.  This was even as the gunmen razed down two Hilux conveying the security operatives to their duty post.  The incident occured at exactly 12p.m as the security operatives made up of Joint Tasforce were getting ready to mount check point in the area.  A source who spoke on condition of anonymity noted that the deceased officers included men from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The source said that sporadic gunshots filtered the air when gunmen attacked the deceased, but he could not  ascertain the real crisis until somebody alerted him that soldiers and policemen were killed and burnt in two Hilux vehicles.  He noted that the incident triggered tension in the area as the residents ran helter-skelter for safety, while the commercial vehicles plying th

President Tinubu engaged in a dialogue with Mr. Gopichand Hinduja.  As President Bola Tinubu marked his 100 days in office, CHIKA OKEKE takes a cursory look at some of his achievements and action plan that would place Nigeria on a pedestal of growth and development.  "Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals."-Unknown The above statement spoke volumes on the leadership traits of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was inaugurated as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, amidst pomp and pageantry.  In his inaugural speech, the first major and difficult announcement was the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the third quarter of 2023. The implication was that subsidy on petroleum products would automatically seize to exist from July, 2023.  Before the announcement, Nigeria spent more than $850 million monthly on payment of fuel subsidy as indicated