News Rider

  Late Jimmy Carter World leaders have been thrown into mourning and continued to pay glowing tributes following the death of Jimmy Carter on Sunday.  Carter, the former President of the United States of America died at the age of 100.  He passed away on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia. The son of the ex-president, Chip Carter confirmed his father's death in a statement on Sunday, December 29, 2024.  He said: "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. "The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs." Before his death, Carter, who was a former peanut farmer, was the longest ex-president that ever lived.  He celebrated his 100th birthday in October, 2024, two months before his death. World Leaders Pay Tributes The President of US, Joe Biden alongside his wife, Ji...

  Scene of the incident The Federal Government has pledged to commence investigation on the airstrikes that killed 10 persons in Sokoto State. News Rider reports that 10 civilians died on Christmas day when the military launched airstrikes in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area.  Though the victims were buried on Boxing Day, the airstrike also killed dozens of livestock in the affected villages. An eyewitnesses had revealed that several food silos and houses were also burnt. The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana informed that the villagers sat outside peacefully when the bombs were dropped on the communities.  He added: "They (victims) were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record. "It is early for me to confirm the number of people that were either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development."  But at a condolence visit to the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed A...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi addressing Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum in Ebonyi State on Friday  The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has assured that year 2025 will mark a turning point towards Federal Government's commitment in resolving insecurity in the Southeast.  He stated this on Friday while receiving members of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Recounting the unprecedented democracy dividends in the South East under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he called  for more support and solidarity to President Bola Tinubu's administration.  "We must always be grateful to God, and we must be grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I believe strongly that the people of South East people, are now on the right  track.We have learnt to talk less. We have learnt to know that the centre belongs to all of us. We have learnt to suppo...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  One of Nigeria's leading airlines, Air Peace has debunked reports circulating on the Social Media of a purported plane crash involving one of its aircraft.  The aircraft was allegedly carrying 50 persons including the cousin of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was said to have crashed in the Western Sahara region. But in a statement on Friday in Lagos, the company described the report as false, malicious and misleading. The airline's Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo said the allegation that the crash resulted in fatalities including the death of a prominent individual is false. It reads: "We categorically state that this information is false and malicious. “This is a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and tarnish the impeccable safety record of Air Peace. “It is important to note that the author of this post has a history of disseminating false and alarming information about non-existent tragic incidents." News R...

  Governor Ademola Adeleke  Osun Judiciary Clarifies Case  In line with the true spirit of Christmas, the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke has pardoned a man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a chicken and eggs.  News Rider reports that Segun Olowookere was convicted in 2014 for the offence by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.  As part of his commitment to extend love to prisoners, Adeleke directed that Olowookere should be pardoned.  Olowookere’s co-defendant, Sunday Morakinyo, was also granted pardon by the governor. This was even as the governor extended the prerogative of mercy to 51 other convicts.  In a statement posted on the governors X platform, he directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man. He noted that Osun is a land of justice and equity, and the government must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. Given the ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Peter Obi The 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has pleaded with Nigerians to empathise with the Underprivileged, adding that the true spirit of Christmas revolved around love and peace.  In his Christmas message to Nigerians on Wednesday, Obi noted that despite the challenges plaguing the nation, the festive period portrays hope, even in the darkest times. He said: "At such times as this, we must, therefore, in the spirit of love,  prioritize the well-being of one another, help the poor, feed the hungry, and show love to everyone. "Amid the many challenges plaguing our nation, the season of Christmas reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a new dawn.  The former Governor of Anambra State joined the Christendom to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  "In this season of Christmas, I join the entire Christendom to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  "...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     President Bola Tinubu  In line with Holy Scriptures, President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Christians across Nigeria and worldwide on Christmas celebration, which signified the birth of Jesus Christ.  In his Christmas message to Nigerians on Wednesday, he noted that Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. Tinubu said: "It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us." The President prayed for the victims of Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja stampedes, as well as others that continued to suffer from the tragic and heartbreaking incidents.  "We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short. "I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Engr Dave Umahi As Christians all over the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has emphasised the need for love and generosity towards mankind.  This is even as the minister informed Nigerians that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies joy and hope of everlasting salvation to humanity.  In his Christmas message on Wednesday, the minister noted that Nigerians are expected to reflect on the gains of fostering stronger bonds and positive memories through interpersonal relationships. He said: "Indeed, this Christian festival offers us a memorable opportunity to reflect on the need to renew our attitude to gratitude to God our Maker, through our unflinching love for one another, boundless generosity to our neighbours and selfless service to humanity, which are divine values required to make the world a better place. "In a moment like this, we are expected to reflect on our personal devotions to the ca...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   VP Kashim Shettima  Vice President Kashim Shettima has condoled with the victims of Ibadan, Abuja and Anambra stampedes that claimed multiple lives.  This was even as the vice president described the incidents as a national tragedy and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured persons. News Rider reports that 35 children died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at a Christmas party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The Ibadan stampede occured at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, when the children rushed to collect their gifts, at an event organised by Wings Foundation, owned by the former wife of Oni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, in partnership with Agidigbo FM. This followed another stampede where 29 persons mostly women, died on Saturday, December 21, in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the distribution of bags of rice by Obijackson Foundation owned by Anambra businessman and philanthro...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja       Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo The Federal Government has declared three-day public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year festivities. This implies that Wednesday 25,  Thursday 26 December, 2024 and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 will be set aside for the celebrations.  Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani on Monday, the minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians. He called on Nigerians to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.  Tunji-Ojo noted that the importance of the season is to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities. He enjoined Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development. "The Christmas season is a goo...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has stated its readiness to review the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to accommodate landmark features that would increase the economic potentials.  Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi stated this on Friday in Lagos during the inspection of Sections I and II of the project handled by Hitech Construction Company Limited.  He commended the progress and quality of work at the Coastal highway project, describing it as a signature of excellence and innovation on road infrastructure development by the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu. Umahi said: "We will plant trees and of course, we are going to also have some lay bay. We can decide that in every five kilometers, we will have a lay bay where we will connect all our CCTV cameras. And then, we will have vehicles and security within the cabin so that response time will be like 10 minutes.  "I am sure that you've witnessed what we did at T...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has ordered states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately across the country to avert frequent stampedes.  This was even as 29 persons  mostly women, died on Saturday in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the distribution of bags of rice by Obijackson Foundation owned by Anambra businessman and philanthropist, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi.  Also, 10 others died in a stampede during the distribution of food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja. The two incidents occured barely 72 hours when 35 children died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at a Christmas party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. News Rider reports that the Ibadan stampede happened at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, when the children rushed to collect their gifts, at an event organised by Wings Foundation, owned b...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Late Prophetess Ogonnaya Umeham The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has expressed deep shock over the death of Prophetess Ogonnaya Umeham, who was a former Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter.  Prophetess Umeham died on Friday after a prolonged illness.  The devastating news occured barely 24 hours after the death of Hajiya Rafat Salami on Thursday night.  Salami, a broadcast journalist with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and former Secretary of the NUJ FCT, was recently re-elected as the Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria. Until her death, Umeham was a former staff member of Daily Times Newspapers and served as the News Editor of Weekenders Magazine. In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, he expressed sadness over the tragic and unfortunate loss. The statement reads: "The Nigeria Union of Journali...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Late Rafat Salami The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter and the entire members have expressed sadness over the death of Hajiya Rafat Salami. She died on Thursday night after battling an undisclosed illness.  Until her death, Salami was a broadcast journalist with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and former Secretary of the NUJ FCT. She was recently re-elected as the Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria. The NAWOJ FCT lamented that journalists and Nigeria generally lost a media icon and an exceptional personality.  A statement issued jointly by the Chairperson, NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Bassey Ita Ikpang and Secretary, Nkiru Okeke in Abuja on Friday., described late Salami as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and professional in the field of journalism.  The female union reminisced her contribution to the journalism profession, her mentorship, and unwavering dedication to truth and...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo has praised President Bola Tinubu for embarking on massive renewal of road infrastructure, aimed at strengthening economic and social development.  He disclosed this on Wednesday at the commissioning of road project traversing Gusau and Talata Mafara towns in Zamfara State, rehabilitated  by the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).  Goronyo extolled the visionary, dogged and consistent commitment of Mr. President toward alleviating the plight of Nigerians through the provision of quality infrastructure. The minister has been crisscrossing many states in the past few weeks to inspect and commission FERMA projects.  He assured that Gusau-Talata Mafara road project has the potential to boost socio-economic activities within the corridor, reduce road accidents and promote ease of travels for the residents and Nigerians generally.  Goronyo made an unsc...

The Palace of Oni of Ife has pledged to support the families of the victims of Ibadan Christmas party stampede.  News Rider reports that at least 35 children died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at a Christmas party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.  The incident occured following a stampede at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, when the children rushed to collect their gifts.  Aside the casualties, about six injured persons are receiving medical attention.  The event was organised by Wings Foundation in partnership with Agidigbo FM. In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, he extended his heartfelt sympathy to the victims' families, government of Oyo State and the bereaved.  He said: "The House of Oduduwa extends its heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo state, the organisers; Agidigbo Radio owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, the Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) owned by a former qu...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina displaying the title deed of the site hosting the institution’s headquarters building in Abidjan  The African Development Bank has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art building for its headquarters in Abidjan, the commercial nerve centre of Côte d’Ivoire. AfDB's Boards of Directors stated this yesterday at a meeting for management staff in Côte d’Ivoire.  The executive directors informed that it was important for the bank to maintain its strong presence in Abidjan and invest in a work environment that supports the well-being of its staff. President of AfDB Group and Chairman of the board of directors, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina described the decision as historic for the staff, bank, Cote d’Ivoire and Africa generally.  He noted that the decison sent a clear message that the AfDB being Africa’s premier financial institution, deserves a headquarters befitting its global status. ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE  Abuja The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to providing quality infrastructure designed to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.  Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo disclosed this on Tuesday at the commissioning of solar- powered streetlights along Sultan Abubakar International Airport Road in Sokoto State.  The streetlights will enhance visibility, improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the community, ease travel stress on road users, and mitigate security challenges. While maintaining that the project is very strategic to travelers commuting from Sokoto to the adjoining Zamfara State, he stated that the project aligned with the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.  He described the President as an astute and patriotic leader committed to ameliorating the living conditions of Nigerians, as well as rewriting the negative history of the country.  Tinubu congratulated the Federal Airp...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Dr Yakubu Baba  Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has challenged professional bodies to unearth scientifically proven solutions in addressing emerging and re-emerging issues in public and environmental health.  Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this on Tuesday at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON), Environmental and Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (EPHPAN), and West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB) in Abuja.  The MoU is expected to bridge human capacity gaps, strengthen Environmental Health (EH) practise and public health, and provide the needed manpower to bolster EH profession in Nigeria.  Baba stated that the council will leverage on the manpower and resources within the society to move EH to a new level, saying that the dynamics in the practice results to emerging and re-emerging issues. He recalled tha...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Outgoing Permanent Secretary, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata presenting a handover note to the incoming Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi in Abuja on Tuesday. The new Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi has pledged to resolve alleged disparity in the geographical allocation of road projects amicably.  He stated this on Tuesday during a brief takeover ceremony from the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Engr Yakubu Adams Kofarmata in Abuja. Adebiyi lauded the outgoing PS for his excellent track record in office, noting that the staff garnered sufficient knowledge while working with him.  He hinted that Kofarmata has always been there for the staff to ensure that assignments were carried out as directed by the Federal Government.  Adebiyi pleaded with the staff for more cooperation and dedication to duty, saying that the ministry and Nigeria are facing enormous challenges that needed ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     L-R: Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie  President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman for winning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.  This was even as he hailed Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year. The awards were announced on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. Tinubu joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage. He was optimistic that the recognition by Africa's highest football authority would inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams. The President affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscored the ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Registrar of  Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr Yakubu Baba  displaying a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Registrar of West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB) Mrs Bola Oladejo in Abuja on Tuesday.  In line with global best practices, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has sealed deal with strategic professional bodies to revamp environmental and public health issues across the country.  They are Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON), Environmental and Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (EPHPAN), and West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB).  Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this on Tuesday at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the professional bodies in Abuja.  He noted that Environmental Health (EH) is a profession recognised and established by Act 11 of Environmental Health Officers Registration Counc...

BY CHIKA OKEKE The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State has honoured the Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi with Honorary Doctorate Degree.  Ogunbiyi, an alumnus of OAU was conferred with the Doctor of Business Management degree during the 48th convocation of the university at Ile-Ife on Saturday. News Rider reports that four other distinguished individuals, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu also bagged an award.  While Mrs. Tinubu was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe received an honorary Doctor of Science in Energy Planning and Management.  Also, Olukotun Karl Toriola and Daere Akobo were awarded honorary Doctors of Science in Engineering and Business Management respectively. In his acceptance speech, Ogunbiyi thanked the university for the award, adding that the event reminisced his moment of great achievements.   The mutual ben...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a six-month ultimatum to  Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to reconsider their decision to exit the regional bloc. The grace period is expected to commence from January 29, 2025 and terminate on July 29, 2025.  President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray announced the ultimatum on Sunday in Abuja after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. The communique reads: "The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. "The Authority acknowledges that by the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from January 29, 2025. "The Authority decides to set the period from January 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open...