News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Chigozie Okoye, elder brother and ex-manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct P-Square music group over alleged N1.38bn fraud.  Lagos Zonal Directorate of EFCC arraigned the accused on February 26, 2025, before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. He was prosecuted alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.38billion, $1million and £34,537.59. One of the charges read: "That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and...

In this report, CHIKA OKEKE unlocks the dual roles played by women in peace building and security despite rising cases of Gender- based Violence (GBV).  Peace-building and security are crucial for the growth and development of any nation. From the Global South down to Global North, the roles of women are indiscribable. However, there seems to be a paradigm shift as women tries to navigate troubled terrains.   Recognising the contributions of women, the Beijing Declaration was adopted by the United Nations at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women in September 15, 1995.  The resolution was adopted to promulgate a set of principles concerning the equality of men and women during the fiftieth anniversary of the UN.  Article 35 of the Declaration states that: "(We) recognize that the status of women has advanced in some important respects in the past decade but that progress has been uneven, inequalities between women and men have persisted and majo...

 BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo has disclosed that annual budgets cannot fund over  35,000 kilometres of Federal roads across Nigeria, hence the need for alternative funding outside the government’s coffers. Goronyo stated this while addressing the Management and Staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Kogi State Field Office at Lokoja, during his maiden visit to the office, alongside the Managing Director of FERMA.  He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to fix all the roads to drastically reduce unemployment, crimes and insecurity.  Goronyo said: "Let me commend President Tinubu for his determination. I have never seen a President so committed to sustaining physical assets nationwide. The administration gives priority to various road projects scattered across the country. "This shows that he is a patriotic Nigerian. He is undertaking these projects so th...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  L-R: Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi and, Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshomole at the flag-off of H7dualisation of Ajaokuta to Benin roads in Kogi and Edo States.  President Bola Tinubu has approved the dualisation of Federal roads using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology that lasts between 50-100 years.  The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi stated this during the flag off of Ajaokuta junction-Okene-Okpella-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin dual expressway in Kogi and Edo States at Ekpoma recently News Rider reports that sequel to the  termination of contracts for the dualisation of Sections II, III, and IV of the Obajana Junction - Benin road due to non-performance and effluxion of time last year, the Federal government through the Ministry of Works reawarded the project to another contractor.  He noted that commuters and motorists h...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Fresh evidence has emerged on why the Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan out of plenary.  Akpabio represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District while Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.  A heated arguement had erupted during Thursday’s plenary session when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reallocation of her seat by Akpabio, with her nameplate removed. Not satified with the seating arrangement, Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded an explanation over the injustice meted to her.  Worried by the heated arguement, the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and other colleagues offered to resolve the isssue.  However, the Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno also raised a point of order, citing sections of the Senate rule book to justify the reassignment of seats. Monguno disclosed that the changes were necessary to accommodate shifts caused by some opp...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba (left) alongside others at the maiden edition of the National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) on Tuesday in Abuja.  The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has unveiled policies aimed at reducing Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions and protecting the environment.  They are Premises-based National Greenhouse Gases (GhGs) Emission Monitoring Programme (NGHGEMP), and National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (NEHPR) 2025.   This was one of the major highlights on Tuesday at the maiden edition of the National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA), organised by EHCON in Abuja. News Rider reports that President Bola Tinubu was conferred as the Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and Life Fellow of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPH...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: Minister, Federal Ministry of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume at the Maiden Edition Of Environmental Health Excellence Award on Tuesday in Abuja.  Given the escalating climate crisis, deforestation and pollution, President Bola Tinubu has pledged more investment in sustainable environmental solutions. This was even as the President  harped on the need to embrace innovations and collaborate with stakeholders toward safeguarding the environment and public health sectors for future generations.  He stated this on Tuesday at the maiden edition of the National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA), organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) in Abuja. News Rider reports that President Tinubu was conferred as the Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Asso...

BY LAW MEFOR, Awka   Law Mefor A battle for Anambra’s soul has been sparked by the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, which declares certain categories of practitioners as persona non grata.  The most prevalent of these are evil native doctors, fake native doctors, and other fakes, such as false prophets who deceive the gullible populace, especially the younger generation. Some claim that traditional religion and practices have been banned in the state by the new law, which establishes the legal and operational frameworks for the battle to reclaim the Anambra social order.  This assertion, which is made out of ignorance or malice, is completely untrue. By purging traditional worship of quacks and other evil practitioners who are robbing the state of its youth, the new law and its implementation aim to sanitise, not to ban. According to reports, the evil pot called Oke-ite and its affiliated sorcery potions, including Uduakomili, Ibobo, and Awale, ar...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Late Edwin Clark One of Nigeria's foremost Elder Statesman, Edwin Clark is dead. He died on Monday, February 17, 2025 at the age of 97.  Until his death, Clark was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). A representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark confirmed his death on Tuesday.  The statement reads: "The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025. "The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family." Briefly Born on May 25, 1927, Clark began his political career in 1953 when he was elected Councillor of Bomadi in Delta State.  Clark later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) political party. He served as Midwestern Commissioner of Education and Commissioner of Finance respectively  between 1966 and 1975. Clark wa...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  Singer Innocent Idibia and Hon Natasha Osawaru Fresh facts have emerged on why the family of legendary Singer, Innocent Idibia aka Tuface declared him missing.  This ugly incident propped up as Tuface had on January 26, 2025, announced a seperation from his wife, Annie via his Instagram handle. He revealed that Annie and him had been separated for a while and already filed for a divorce. News Rider reports that 'If Love Is A Crime' crooner had sought to marry Edo State lawmaker, Hon Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, a situation that confirmed his years of affairs with the lawmaker.  But Tuface's sudden disappearance from home and barrage of text messages as well as calls received by closed friends through his social media accounts requesting from financial assistance compelled the family to declare him missing.  In a petition signed by their lawyer, Wilson Anuge and addressed to the Department of State Services, the Idibia family noted that ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has concluded plans to honour President Bola Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the Society for Environmental And Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON).  This is even as the President will be inducted as the Fellow of the Chattered Institute of Leadership, London.  The recognition will form the crux of the maiden National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) organised by EHCON.  News Rider reports that the award will be focused on both public and private sector of the Nigerian economy, as well as for individuals and corporate Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the delivery and support of environmental health services and practice in Nigeria.  The event is slated to hold at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on  Tuesday, February 18, 2025.  It will also feature the unveiling of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (NEHPR)...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Tuface and Natasha As the brouhahaha created by his breakup announcement with wife, Annie Macualay is yet to settle, one of Nigeria's legendary musicians, Tuface has again ignited another social media frenzy.  This time around, the 'If Love Is A Crime' crooner is seeking to marry Edo State lawmaker, Hon Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, a situation that confirmed his years of affairs with the lawmaker.  Osawaru is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Egor Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  Born on November 14, 1993, in Egor Local Government Area, Natasha is the grand daughter of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion. News Rider reports that Innocent Idibia popularly called Tuface or 2baba stirred a controversy on Monday with his sudden appearance at the Edo State House of Assembly during plenary on Monday, February 11, 2025.  As Nigerians were in a fix on why Tuface appeared during the pl...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo The State government has revealed that the new Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 will address crime and criminality committed by quacks and evil native doctors. Specifically, the government revealed that the law was designed particularly for evil native doctors that pervert and alter the core values of the Igbo society as well as those who promote and teach the acquisition of wealth without work, and deceive the younger generation and unwary members of society.  This formed part of the deliberations during the second meeting of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) at the Council Chamber on Monday.  While reviewing the impact of the new law, the council chastised those demonising and misrepresenting the new law as being against traditional worship, noting that it is an essential component of Igbo traditional religion and culture.  The council reaffirmed that the state government will not ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R:  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi in a handshake with the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Monday Okpebholo during the latter's visit to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja on Monday.  The Edo State government has lauded the tenacity of Federal Ministry of Works in adopting Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology for road construction.  This was even as the government praised the ongoing construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and emergency repairs of Federal roads in Edo State.  The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Monday Okpebholo stated this on Monday in Abuja when he visited the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi to discuss recent developments in the state’s road infrastructure.  He was optimistic that the implementation of CRCP in key Federal projects has greatly enhanced the durability and performance of roads.  The governor said: "We have come to thank the m...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Dr Akinwunmi Adesina President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr Akinwunmi Adesina on his 65th birthday.   Tinubu rejoiced with the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, whose leadership of national and multilateral institutions continues to set new standards of innovativeness, transformation, and sustainable development. The President affirmed that the numerous recognitions and awards bestowed on the versatile and cerebral technocrat are well deserved, following his track record of inspiring growth and development, mainly targeting the poor and vulnerable to reduce poverty.  He acknowledged Dr. Adesina's impactful leadership at the helm of the AfDB, which took the institution to historic heights by raising the capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion. President Tinubu believed that the economic diplomacy of the AfDB President repositioned Nigeria and the ent...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has overhauled management staff at Federal Universities and filled the vacant positions with new leaders.  The changes are effective immediately. At Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja, Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. She was replaced with Senator Lanre Tejuoso, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.  Tejuoso will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education. To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.  She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available. In addition, President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his p...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Committed to maintenance of road infrastructure, the Federal Government has commenced toll collections with the newly constructed Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway corridor.  The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi highway serves as a crucial economic and social link for the Northcentral and other northern parts of Nigeria by facilitating trade, mobility and national security.  Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi flagged off the exercise on the 227.2 kilometre road project on Tuesday in Garaku, Nasarawa State. He described the occasion as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s road infrastructure development.  Represented by the Minister of State, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, he stated that the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway corridor is one of the nine planned tolling operations on the highway, with others set to commence soon. He emphasised that tolling is essential for maintenance, sustainability, and future expansion of road infrastructure, ens...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Federal Government has insisted that one of the telecommunication giants, MTN will pay three contractors ₦202 billion, being the original contract sum, for the construction of 79 kilometers road.  This is even as the remaining 72km of the road will be awarded to other contractors through due process, while MTN and RCC would be invited to bid for the project.  Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi stated this while receiving a delegation from the Anambra and Enugu caucus of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja recently.  The delegation were in Abuja to seek  the Federal Government's intervention for the speedy completion of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway handled by RCC Limited and funded by MTN under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme. The minister resolved that the Federal Ministry of Works will write the MTN to demand that they should pay contractors a minimum of ₦15 billio...