News Rider

President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has honoured the invitation of the State of Qatar to participate in the business and economic forum.  To this end, the President is expected to depart Abuja on Thursday for Qatar on the invitation of Emir of the State of Qatar, Tamin Al-Thani.  Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.  He stated that Tinubu will depart Lagos State on the two-day official visit, meant to strengthen the cooperation between the two nations in several areas such as security, cultural exchange and economic development. During the visit, the President is expected to witness the signing of agreements on boosting Nigeria’s realty sector and creating value-additive investments. Ngelale hinted that the agreements would be in the areas of trade, education, culture, solid minerals, digital economy, agriculture, oil and gas, as well as fostering cooperation on counter-terrorism. He said

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to sack the Chief Executive/Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr Babatunde Irukera.  News Rider reports that Tinubu had in a letter dated January 30, asked the senate to approve the disengagement of Irukera.  At the plenary on Wednesday, the senate Leader, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for consideration of the President’s request. But Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) argued that if there was an allegation of misconduct, the senate was entitled to know the totality of the facts of the alleged misconduct. Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) hinted that though the FCCPC Act of 2018, has a section on misconduct but the President did not link the removal of Irukera on misconduct. “The President is not seeking the removal of the officer based on misconduct but inability to effectively perform his duty. “It is not for the senate to know whether he is performing or not, the P

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended the two-day nationwide protest over hunger and economic hardship in the country. This was contained in a communique jointly signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary of the Congress, Mr Ismail Bello at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja. Ajaero said that NEC agreed to suspend the protest after reviewing and assessing the  effectiveness of the execution of the first day of the nationwide protest. “NEC-in-session resolved to suspend street action for the second day of the protest having achieved overwhelming success, thus attained the key objectives of the two-day protest on the first day. "However, nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous press conferences across all the states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress including the National Headquarters,” he added.  He noted that NLC had extended the seven -day ul

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has crippled economic activities as workers commenced a two-day peaceful protest nationwide over the escalating hunger and insecurity in the country. The workers carried placards with inscriptions such as: "End hunger and poverty, Reject IMF/World Bank policies, End Naira devaluation, Support local production”. Others are: “Stop the profligacy in government, subsidise the poor, Fix local refineries, end subsidy, Remove tax on drugs, our health matters, among others. Addressing the workers at the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero pleaded with the Federal Government to resolve hunger, hardship and end naira devaluation.  News Rider reports that on February 16, NLC had at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting declared its intention to embark on a two-day nationwide protest from February 27 to 28, over the worsening economic hardship and insecurity in the country.

  Scene of the collapsed building in Onitsha, Anambra State on Monday.  At least, five persons died on Tuesday following the tragic collapse of a building  under construction at Odu-Igbo Market in Ochanja, Anambra State.  News Rider reports that the building meant to serve as a market upon completion, collapsed at about 8 pm on Monday, with some workers inside the building. To this end, 26 victims had been rescued so far and rushed to hospitals for emergency treatment.  Addressing residents at the scene of the incident on Tuesday, Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo described the building collapse as tragic.  He stated that rescue efforts are ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles. While lamenting that the incident was avoidable, he assured his commitment in tackling the issue of illegal construction and impunity in the state. He informed that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without government’s approval. Soludo insiste

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr Yakubu Baba and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Adam Kambari during a Ministerial press briefing on Monday in Abuja.  The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has faulted health workers for neglecting the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in treating patients taunted by emerging diseases.  This followed the outbreak of an Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) suspected to be Lassa Fever at the Accident and Emergency unit of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna State last week.  News Rider reports that a circular issued on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, by the Acting Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Brigadier General S.O Okoigi revealed that the index patient died at the hospital after presenting symptoms of febrile illness while three health workers died within 48 hours. The PPEs are goggles, masks, glov

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a sexagenarian in possession of 57kg of Indian hemp. The 67-year-old man was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Thursday,  February 15, 2024, at Magbon in Ogun State. Other items seized from the grand father were 2,700 pills of tramadol and 231 bottles of Codeine syrup. NDLEA’s spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi said on Sunday in Abuja that operatives also raided a drug joint in Benin on Tuesday, February 13.  This, he noted led to the arrest of a 24-year-old sales girl, just as assorted illicit drugs were recovered from the suspect.  He added that a follow-up operation on Wednesday, February 14, also facilitated the arrest of the owner of the joint, a 36-year-old commander of a vigilance group in the area. Babafemi hinted that NDLEA operatives recovered 179kg of Indian hemp in Badagry, Lagos State on Wednesday, while they arrested a 25-year-old lady in Bagga, Borno, who was in possession of cocaine and heroin.  He informed th

  Governor Babagana Zulum presenting the gift an Internally Displaced Person in Borno on Sunday.  Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has splashed 447 housing units to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Dalori community in Konduga Local Government Area.  News Rider reports that each of the 447 households, comprising about 2,500 family members also received food items, mats, blankets and clothing materials. Presenting the houses on Sunday, he stated that Boko Haram insurgents displaced the beneficiaries from their homes, which necessitated the government to provide essential humanitarian support to enable them return home and become self-reliant. He noted that the beneficiaries were  drawn from two IDP camps –197 from Kawar Maila camp and –250  from Dalori town. The governor was optimistic that his administration would provide agricultural kits and entrepreneurship support for the returnees to promote sustainable livelihoods. “It is no longer sustainable to keep peop

BY NKEIRUKA NWODE, Abuja IGP Kayode Egbetokun  The psychology in fighting crime is incomplete without mentioning a mental and physical health. This aspect of human thought cannot be over emphasised.  When a man is healthy and strong, the attendant outcome is an impressive production. Hence, a fantastic policy framework and implementation is a reflection of a healthy mind and body.  This goes to compliment the saying that a healthy man, is a wealthy man. It is to say that wealth goes with health. When the country's security architecture is unhealthy, it affects wealth creation and development.  The task before the police is so enormous and complicated on daily basis, considering the growing need for survival. Population explosion, urban migration, unemployment, and technological challenges further frustrate the ability of the police in curbing incidents of insecurity, thereby increasing crime wave and leaving citizens at the mercy of poverty, hardship and vulnerable.  Th

President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Ibrahim Gaga as the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM). Gaga, a lawyer has over 25 years of experience in the banking sector and legal services. He served as the Board Secretary and Legal Adviser at NEXIM before his new portfolio.  Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale hinted this on Wednesday in Abuja. Tinubu expected Gaga to bring renewed zeal and diligence to enhance NEXIM’s mandate during his tenure. He listed the mandate as provision of finance, risk mitigation services, accurate trade, market information and export advisory services to Nigerians. This, he believed would enhance the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda of supporting the economic development of Nigeria.

Mrs Kemi Nandap  President Bola Tinubu has named Mrs Kemi Nandap as the new Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).   The appointment takes effect March 1, 2024.  Mrs Nandap, who is a Deputy Comptroller General, will replace Caroline Adepoju, whose term in office expires on February 29. Until her appointment, Mrs Nandap was the deputy comptroller-general in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service. The president anticipated that the new CG would deepen the ongoing reforms in the service and create a robust mechanism for efficient and dedicated service delivery to Nigerians.  He was optimistic that Nandap would strengthen the nation’s security through proactive and effective border security and migration management.  Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja. 

As part of its efforts to end dollarisation of the naira, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has joined forces with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to clampdown on Foreign Exchange (FOREX) racketeers.  This followed a recent intelligence report that revealed continuous illicit activities within the Nigerian foreign exchange market.  Head of Strategic Communication at ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa said on Tuesday in Abuja that both agencies are determined to tackle the infractions headlong.  He noted that the partnership would involve a coordinated effort with key law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Mijinyawa informed that the primary objective of the alliance is to systematically identify, thoroughly investigate and appropriately penalise individuals and organisation involved in wrongful activities within the FX

Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) The Victims Support Fund (VSF) has commenced the distribution of livelihood support for victims of bandits' attacks in three Local Government Areas of Plateau State.  At the inauguration of the scheme on Monday in Jos, Chairman of VSF, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) said that the aim of the empowerment scheme was to alleviate the victims’ sufferings by providing  alternative means of livelihoods.  Danjuma informed that apart from the distribution of food to the victims, they would also benefit from income generation and psychosocial support, peace building and education. He explained that VSF would spend N250 million to execute the programme in Bassa, Barkin-Ladi and Riyim Local Government Areas of the state. Danjuma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Programmes and Operations, Mrs Toyin Akerele-Ogunsiyi recalled that VSF was established in 2014 with the mandate to provide support to victims of insecurity in the Northeast. ”But r

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja There is an indication that barracks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 84 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will remain in darkness soon over N47.1 billion debt.  To this end, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) PLC has issued the affected customers 10-day disconnection notice to defray their debts or risk blackout from February 28, 2024. In a disconnection notice issued on Monday, AEDC lamented that the MDAs have long outstanding unpaid bills for services rendered to them through the provision of electricity supply.  Some of the affected MDAs include the Ministries of Finance, Information, Budget, Works and Housing, barracks, Nigeria Police Force, Presidential Villa, CBN Governor, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and state liaison offices in the FCT. It reads: "The Abuja Electricity Distribution PLC is constrained t

At least 10 persons died from Lassa fever including a pregnant woman and two children in Ebonyi State from January 4 to February 16, 2024. Disease Surveillance Notification Officer,  Ebonyi Ministry of Health, Mr Sampson Orogwu stated this on Sunday in Abakaliki, the state capital.  He hinted that 25 persons were infected, including two healthcare workers, adding that 16 out of the infected persons are males while nine are females. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Humans are infected with the virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats that is prevalent in West Africa.  Mild symptoms include fever and headache. Orogwu listed the affected Local Government Areas as Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu and Abakaliki, noting that Hausa quarters and Nkaliki areas in Abakaliki recorded the highest number of cases. He u

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested drug syndicate in Abia State comprising of a female lawyer, her lover, mother and a herbalist. Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that large quantities of various illicit drugs were recovered after a raid at their premises. Babafemi hinted that the raid was conducted by NDLEA officials and men of Abia Homeland Security on a property located at No 23 Arochukwu street, Umuahia on February 14, 2024, at about 11.00 p.m. He informed that the raid led to the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, 36; her boyfriend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; and her mother, Ngozi Nweke, 65. “Also, Dike Okpara, 43, who is a herbalist to the family; Chukwudi Abel, 33, member of the family; Amarachi Paul, 18, another member of the family and their 22-year-old salesgirl, Blessing Jonathan, were all arrested," he added.  The spokesperson said that investigation revealed that members of the fam

The Federal Government has reopened the head office of Sahad Stores, sited in Area 11, Garki Abuja over price variations.  News Rider reports that the store was sealed on Friday, February 16, 2024, by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) enforcement team for lack of transparency in products' prices and extortion of customers.  In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Dr Adamu Abdullahi informed that the reopening followed a mutual understanding and commitment from the management of the store to implement transparent pricing practices. He noted that the commission is aware that similar practices might be happening at other Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) outlets nationwide. Abdullahi enjoined supermarkets or outlets extorting customers to desist from such practice immediately to avoid consequences. He said: ”Businesses are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make

President Bola Tinubu has picked a new Director-General for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Olajide Idris. Idris, who is expected to assume office on February 19, 2024, replaced Prof. Ifedayo Adetifa, the immediate past DG.  Tinubu also reappointed the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. Moji Adeyeye. Also, Dr. Mansur Kabir was appointed as the new Chairman of the board of NAFDAC.  Both agencies are under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.  Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale revealed this on Thursday in Abuja.  The President also approved the appointment and reappointment of board chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers for eight agencies under the ministry. They are Prof. Abba Zubairu and Dr. Saleh Yuguda as board chairperson and CEO for the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC); Prof. Afolabi Lesi and Dr. Fatima Kyari as board chairperson and CEO

President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has appointed new Chief Executives and management team for agencies under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.  This was even as he named Oyetunde Ojo as the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) alongside four executive directors. Ojo replaced Mr Gbenga Ashafa, who had served as FHA’s MD since 2020. Tinubu also appointed Mr Shehu Osidi as the new Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) alongside three executive directors. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja.   The four executive directors at the FHA include Mr. Mathias Byuan (Housing Finance and Accounts), Umar Abdullahi (Business Development), Oluremi Omowaiye (Project Implementation) and Ezekiel Nya-Etok (Estate Services). At the FMBN, Tinubu also appointed Mr. Ibidapo Odojukan as Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Services), Muhammad Abdu (L

The Federal Government has sealed a popular supermarket in Area 11, Garki Abuja, Sahad Stores over exorbitant prices on its goods. This followed the directive by President Bola Tinubu to security agencies to clamp down on hoarders and speculators of food items across the country.  The management of Sahad Store was accused of shortchanging customers by charging prices other than the official price tag on their shelves. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) enforcement team led by its Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi sealed the grocery store on Friday.  He informed newsmen that FCCPC's preliminary investigation revealed that the owners of the supermarket were short-changing customers. Abdullahi stated that the store would remain sealed until FCCPC completes all the necessary investigation. He said: “What we have found out that these people are doing is misleading pricing and lack of transparency in the pricing, which is agains

Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire has defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The long-awaited final was played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday night, amid high expectations from both Nigerian and Ivorian fans.  William Troost-Ekong scored Nigeria's lone goal during the first half at 38th minute, while Franck Kessie of  Cote d’Ivoire scored in the 62nd minute, and Sebastian Haller pulled the winning goal in the 81st minute. With the win, the Ivorians clinched their third title at the 34th edition of the AFCON competition. The Super Eagles gunned for a fourth AFCON title, while the Elephants had previously won in 1992 and  2015. News Rider reports that Nigeria’s stand-in captain  Troost-Ekong won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament award. Troost-Ekong, who played his last AFCON tournament on Sunday, had scored three goals including the superlative header in the finals. Mamelodi Sundown

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Bassey Ita-Ikpang of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) has emerged the new Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.  Ita-Ikpang coasted to victory at the Saturday, February 10, 2024, election of the Executive Members of the association.  She defeated her closest rival, Anna Daniel, the immediate past FCT NAWOJ Chairperson, who stepped down 24 hours to the election.  In addition, Rebecca Bolanle-Ukpevo won the position of the Vice Chairperson with 123 votes, beating her strongest contender, Francisca Ogar, who polled 115 votes.  Other unopposed positions won by the NAWOJ executives include: Secretary, Nkiruka Nnoli-Okeke; Assistant Secretary, Laraba Murrey; Financial Secretary, Remi Johnson; Internal Auditor, Mena Iorkegh; and Treasurer, Chinasu Udeze. In her acceptance speech shortly after the swearing in,  Ita-Ikpang vowed to promote press freedom and work tirelessly to uphold the val

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife, Doreen and son, Chizi.  The Wigwe's, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members perished in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday, February 9, 2024.  Late Wigwe was also the Founder of HOW Foundation. President Bola Tinubu described the death of Wigwe, Ogunbanjo and members of the Wigwe family as a rude shock. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale disclosed in a statement on Sunday that Tinubu has received an official confirmation of the incident.  While mourning the exceptional Nigerian business leaders, Tinubu described their death as an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension. The President commiserated with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community and all those impacted by the harrowing incide

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on a penalty, to clinch the final ticket at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).  News Rider reports that the match played at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake in Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday night, ended in a penalty after both teams exhausted the 120 minutes full and extra time.  As the match commenced, the South Africans dominated the play but were pulled back by Nigerians sterling performance as exhibited by Captain William Troost-Ekong. Despite the wonderful performance by both teams, the first half ended in 0-0.  But during the second half, Troost-Ekong covered the gap and scored Eagles first goal after 67 minutes into the match. Teboho Mokoena of South Africa also equalised from a 90th-minute spot-kick. Nigeria goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who plays for South African top-flight club, Chippa United saved the game.  The match was eventually decided on penalties, with Nigeria winnin

The National Population Commission (NPC) has disclosed that persons above 18 years are not qualified to receive birth certificate.  Instead of birth certificate, persons born before 1992 and those above 18 years will be given Attestation of Birth. This latest revelation will likely douse the tension created by some agencies that are requesting for birth certificate from persons older than 18 years.  State Director of NPC in Oyo, Mr Akin Oyetunde stated on Tuesday in Ibadan that the decision is in accordance with the commission's Birth and Death Act 1992.  “The NPC is guided by an Act propagated in 1992, so, any child born before 1992 will not be issued birth certificate. "Those below 18 years will be issued birth certificate by the commission," he added.  Oyetunde noted that all the Local Governments in Nigeria have its birth and death registration centres, adding that each has a maximum of three registration centres. He pointed out that the certificates issue

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Participants at a one-day dialogue on  Early Warning and Early Response in Enugu recently. As insecurity threatens source of livelihoods, disrupts socio-communal life, and deepen public distrust, the  Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has  disclosed that Early Warning and Early Response Systems (EWERS) is crucial in mitigating conflict, crime and hazards.  This was part of the discuss at a one-day Community Security Architecture Dialogue on Early Warning and Early Response organised by CISLAC/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) with support from Open Society Foundation Africa (OSF-Africa) in Enugu.  The dialogue which took place on January 24, 2024,  was aimed at strengthening local participation and expanding community-based early warning and response system.  It attracted participants from traditional institutions, community observers, community response networks, security agencies, civil society organisations and loca