News Rider

The devastation caused by harmful agricultural policies on Africa’s farmland remains a challenge to attaining food security in the continent. In this report, CHIKA OKEKE brings to limelight the challenges of some farmers and the need to protect Africa's food system.                               Smallholder farmers cultivating in a farmland The impact of climate change is taking its toll on every sector of Africa's economy especially the agricultural sector that is threatened by shortage of food supply.  While Africa accounts for 3.8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions globally, Nigeria contributes 0.57 percent to the global statistics on emissions. Regrettably, the continent is highly taunted by the negative effect of climate change. Aside wobbly policies initiated by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), banditry, farmers/herders clashes, shrinking of Lake Chad, insurgency and high...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Asagbra (middle); Acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, NBMA, Mrs Scholastica Bello (3rd left), flanked by members of Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) during a courtesy visit to NBMA's headquarters in Abuja on Friday.  The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has pledged to partner with members of Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) for wider coverage of biosafety and biotechnology issues in Nigeria.  Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra stated this on Friday when she received members of EMCAN, on a courtesy visit to the agency's headquarters in Abuja. News Rider reports that NBMA is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment committed to regulating modern biotechnology and its products to avoid causing harm to huma...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Abdul Rasheed Muhammad standing behind the stolen Prado Jeep Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a Nigerian Navy Seaman, Abdul Rasheed Muhammad allegedly behind the murder of Aminu Ibrahim in Abuja.  The deceased is the son of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd). Parading the suspect on Wednesday in Abuja, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh informed journalists that Muhammad killed Aminu and stole his car two weeks ago.  He said that Muhammad confessed to killing the deceased and the car has been recovered. Igweh added: "About two weeks ago, Aminu Ibrahim, the son of Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, was robbed and killed in the Maitama area of Abuja, and his Prado SUV was taken. "I want to inform you that Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, a serving Nigerian Navy personnel committed the murder. He has confessed to the crime, and we have recovere...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja       Barr Seyi Tinubu The Coordinator of the Conference of Patriotic Nigerians (COPAN) Barr. Odieli Uchenna has urged Nigerians to look beyond family ties and evaluate Barr. Seyi Tinubu’s performance based on merit. He stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to controversies surrounding Seyi's presence at the swearing-in of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.  Uchenna emphasized that the young lawyer has taken up responsibilities that would lead to massive transformation in the judiciary, adding that Seyi's contributions should not be misinterpreted due to his surname. News Rider reports that at the swearing in of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd CJN on Friday, August 2024, Seyi was sighted in a place designated for cabinet members and top government functionaries. Nigerians had since expressed dissatisfaction over Seyi's presence at the arena, while some lauded his bold moves meant to broaden his knowled...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   L-R: Mohammed Mohammed and Adeola Ajayi President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).  This followed the resignation of the immediate past DG, Ahmed Abubakar on Saturday, August 24, who cited personal and family issues as his reasons for exiting the office.  Mohammed rose through the ranks in the Nigerian Foreign Service since joining the NIA in 1995. He had served in various roles, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Director and his subsequent appointment as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya. The 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, had served in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.  This was even as Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi will head the Department of State Services (DSS) as the new Director-General.  Ajayi rose to his current position as the Assistant director-general of DSS, having serv...

  Tahir Mamman  The Federal Government has released full list of accredited universities authorised to award degrees to Nigerians studying in Togo and Benin Republic. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme on Sunday night, Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman insisted that the universities are only eight.  News Rider reports that at a media briefing on Friday, August 23, to celebrate the minister's one year in office, he announced that 22,789 Nigerians are in possession of fake certificates from Benin Republic and Togo universities.  To curb the illegality, Tahir had declared that all degree certificates from Cotonou University issued between 2017 till date would be rendered invalid. This, he said was part of the recommendations by an inter-ministerial committee set up by the Federal Government to investigate issuance of degree certificates by foreign and local universities in Nigeria. But at the Channels TV programme, Tahir hinted tha...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja          Tahir Mamman  Amidst rot in educational institutions, the Federal Government has disclosed that 22,789  Nigerians are in possession of fake certificates from Benin Republic and Togo universities.  This followed a report published on December 2023, detailing how an undercover journalist from a Nigerian-based media obtained a certificate from a neighbouring country in less than two months of enrolling in the university. Specifically, the report indicted Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) Cotonou, Benin Republic for issuing the certificate.  But at a press conference on Friday in Abuja to mark his first anniversary in office, Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman directed that all degree certificates from Cotonou University issued between 2017 till date would be rendered invalid.  He stated that the decision was part of the recommendations by an inter-ministerial committee set up b...

Ahmed  Abubakar  The Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Abubakar has explained the rationale behind his unexpected resignation.  National Intelligence Agency is saddled with the responsibilities of overseeing foreign intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. News Rider reports that Abubakar had on Saturday presented his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. Addressing State House Correspondents shortly after his meeting with Tinubu, the former NIA boss cited personal and family issues as his reasons for exiting the exalted office.  He stated that he resigned after visiting the President for a routine briefing at the Villa. "There are quite a number of reasons one will do that. Some personal family issues, but nothing very serious, actually, and the friendship will continue. "I discussed with Mr. President, he understood very well, and I promised to remain steadfast with issues and t...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun  President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). She was inaugurated as the 23rd CJN at the State House Council Chambers on Friday, pending her confirmation by the Senate.  The acting CJN took the oath of office and signed the oath register at the brief ceremony.  Kekere-Ekun succeeded Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who bowed out on Thursday, August 22, having attained 70 years as a public officer in the judiciary.  Earlier, President Tinubu congratulated Justice Ariwoola, GCON as he retired as the Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career. Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011. He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022 and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu and Prof Yusuf Jibrin Bara  President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Professor Yusuf Jibrin Bara as the Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, for a second and final term of four years. The President’s approval follows an assessment of Prof Bara’s performance in his first term in office. Tinubu anticipates that with the renewal of Prof Bara’s appointment, he would consolidate on the achievements recorded in his first term in office. Tinubu also reappointed Professor Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe as the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State.  This latest appointment is for a second and final term of four years, with effect from December 5, 2023.  Prof Sheshe was first appointed as the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on December 6, 2019. The President expects that with the renewal of Prof Sheshe’s appointment, he would re...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  Operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have seized three petrol tanker for allegedly transporting crude edible vegetable oil in Apapa, Lagos State.  The oil was trans-loaded into the tankers from an edible oil depot, according to a statement shared via the Agency's official X handle on Wednesday, August 21. Upon the discovery of potential health risks attached to the oil, NAFDAC officials escorted the tankers to a processing facility in Sango-Ota. The statement reads: "NAFDAC officials have seized three petrol tanker trucks in Apapa for allegedly transporting crude edible vegetable oil. The oil had reportedly been trans-loaded into the tankers from an edible oil depot. "Concerned about the potential health risks due to chemical contamination from the tankers' previous use for transporting petrol, NAFDAC officials escorted the tankers to a processing facility in Sango-Ota. "The cr...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Nigeria's delegation to COP 28 in Dubai last year  The Federal Government has finalised plans to save N10 billion from Nigeria's participation at the forthcoming 29th edition of Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Scheduled to hold in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024, the cost saving measures would be strictly implemented compared to the expenditure recorded during COP 28 in Dubai last year. Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Chief Ajuri Ngelale stated this at the State House on Tuesday while briefing the media on Nigeria’s preparation for the climate conference. Fondly called UN Climate Change Conference, the 21st edition of COP, which took place in Paris, December 2015 was a breakthrough for obtaining international commitment in addressing climate change.   It produced the landmark 12-page Paris Agreement that mandated all 195 neg...

  BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         Daser David  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Daser David as the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). Under the new portfolio, David is expected to introduce innovations that will strengthen the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based institute in line with global best practices.  He is an academic and industry expert with a deep understanding of digital technologies and educational leadership. The President also appointed Mr. Reuben Oshomah as Executive Director of Marketing, and Mr. Adama Kure as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, both at Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).  Oshomah has extensive experience in communications satellite marketing and strategic business development, while Mr. Kure is a seasoned finance professional with a strong record in financial management and corporate governance. The Presid...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Usman replaced Jalal Ahmad Arabi, who was appointed as acting chairman of NAHCON in October 2023.  Arabi is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the alleged embezzlement of monies meant for Hajj. Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence, the University of Madinah, and Peshawar University, Pakistan. Until his appointment, Usman served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board.  He is well-grounded in Hajj operations, having successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of Kano state pilgrims in the country. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Tinubu expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to d...

It was a moment of celebration as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) rewarded excellent service in God's vineyard. CHIKA OKEKE writes that the event was part of the activities set aside to commemorate the 35th Anniversary and International Convention of the church.  R-L: General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya and his wife, Pastor Shade Olukoya during the 35th  Anniversary and International Convention of the Church in Ogun State. The entrance to the 500, 000-capacity Prayer City auditorium with an overflow of 250, 000 worshippers, was adorned with fascinating decoration that captured the moment.  Flashy cars of different sizes and colours surrounded the power arena as Asoebi uniforms from worshippers spiced up the sparkling environment.  It was the 35th Anniversary and International Convention of MFM, held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Prayer City, Km 12, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway, Ogun Sta...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has slashed the number of Nigeria's official delegation to the forthcoming 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)  in New York, United States. The decision to trim down the number of participants at the conference slated for September, is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance. To this end, the President directed that only authorised officials with business at UNGA are expected to attend the conference.  Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila stated this on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision. News Rider reports that UNGA is the only universally representative body of the United Nations that makes recommendations on issues related to international peace and se...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Participants at the 2-day sensitisation workshop on Combating Violent Extremism in Bauchi recently.  The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) has blamed faulty recruitment process in the public and private sector on systemic infiltration of violent extremists’ activities. This was even as the organisation disclosed that fast-eroding social values and poor orientation at family levels, and growing impact of illicit drug abuse and trafficking provided a breeding ground for terrorism, terrorism financing and violent extremism. Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa stated this at the end of a 2-day sensitisation workshop for community networks and security agencies on early detection, reporting, prevention and proactive response to violent extremism as well as the utilisation of Early Warning/Early Response Systems (EWER). It was organised by CISLAC/TI-Nigeria and jo...