News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Experts in the agriculture sector have revealed that upscaling organic and agroecology practices is essential for healthy living in Nigeria.  This was the crux of a zoom seminar organised by the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN) in collaboration with Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP), and Journalists Go Organic Initiative. The theme of the symposium was: "Demand for Organic and Agroecological Produce and Products in Nigeria: Calling for Supply." Convener of Journalists Go Organic Initiative, Mrs Ebere Agozie, who was one of the discussants called for caution when purchasing consumables, noting that people are unwittingly serving deadly meals to families. "Its unfortunate that some of us, especially women, poison the families with every meal served as most of the farm produce purchased are laced with toxins. "Most chemicals used by farmers are killing Nigerians daily. Even when people try to use herbs to cur...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun The Arewa Renaissance Group has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to sanction police officers at Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) handling the case involving a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki and Hadiza. News Rider reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Tuesday, declined to grant the request of Turaki to stop the police from presenting the DNA test result in the paternity case with a lady, Hadiza Baffa in another court. The trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling on an ex-parte motion, moved by Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, held that he could not grant the relief sought by the former minister without hearing from the respondents. But the coordinator of the group, Usman Abba chided the investigating team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of gender over poor h...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1 as public holidays for Eid-el-Fitr celebration. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. The statement was made available by the  Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Magdalene Ajani on behalf of Tunji-Ojo on Wednesday.  Tunji-Ojo urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society. He enjoined Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation. The minister was optimistic that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines. Tunji-Ojo encouraged all the citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Federal Government has adopted  Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the reconstruction of Benin-Asaba expressway.  The Benin-Asaba alignment, a 125 kilometre Dual Carriageway beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, serves as a major link between the South-East, the South-South and some parts of the South-West of Nigeria. News Rider reports that the total project cost required for the rehabilitation and value-added concession of the expressway will be funded by the Benin - Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited - Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited Consortium (APPNLC), with a 30-month completion period. The project which is a vital road corridor connecting vibrant economic regions was flagged off on Sunday by Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed that the project is...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Committed to poverty alleviation, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo has flagged off the distribution of annual Ramadan package to households in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.  This, he said was to complement the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments especially during the Holy month.  The items distributed include bags of  rice, millet, maize, and cash gifts worth over N150 million for party stalwarts, religious leaders, members of trade unions, as well as security agencies in the 11 wards of the L.G.A.  Other beneficiaries were women, youth and social media groups, the elderly, and needy in the society. Goronyo assured the people of the unwavering commitment of President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu in improving the quality of lives of Nigerians through various policies and programmes under the Renowned Hope Agenda, which cuts across many sectors. The beneficiaries thanked the minister for...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Bassey Ita-Ikpang The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has pleaded with stakeholders to empower rural women and harped on the need to bridge gender gaps in order to create equal opportunities for women to grow.  Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang disclosed this on Saturday in commemoration of 2025 International Women's Day (IWD) in Abuja.  The theme of this years celebration: "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment", reflected the global effort to celebrate the achievements of women and to continue the fight for gender equality. Ita-Ikpang noted that women particularly those in rural communities, continue to face challenges including limited access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and political representation.  She emphasised the importance of recognising the significant contributions that women continue to make in all spheres of life. "While progress has been made, th...

President Tinubu Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis. With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy. Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the  House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal inter...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu Replaces Fubara With Ibokette Ibas As the political crisis between supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike deepened, President Bola Tinubu has declared a State of emergency in Rivers State.  By the declaration, the President suspended Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State for an initial period of six months. The President stated this on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast on the political crisis in Rivers.  He said: "In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Re...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As the crisis between loyalists to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike deepens, President Bola Tinubu has waded into the face-off and called for ceasefire.  Addressing representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday in Abuja, he begged the supporters to sheath their sword and maintain rule of law for lasting peace and prosperity in the state.  He informed the political leaders that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony. The President advised them to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, insisting that the judiciary's interpretations of the constitution should be respected. "I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must d...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Peter Obi  The Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has lamented that Senators Ireti Kingibe and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have continued to face the harshest forms of discrimination and hostility in the public space despite their electoral victories. This, he said are solid examples of the brutal reality for women in politics, a system that not only resists their inclusion but actively works to push them out.  He stated this via his X handle on Saturday in commemoration of 2025 International Women's Day (IWD) with the theme: ""For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment," The IWD is a day set aside by the global community to celebrate women and womanhood, and  honour women's achievements and advance advocacy for their rights, opportunities, and empowerment.  Obi noted that the theme for this year's celebration: "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment," highlighted the imp...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Doyin Okupe Ex-Presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe is dead.  He died on Friday, March 7, 2025, exactly 15 days to his 73rd birthday. Born on March 22, 1952, Okupe hails from Iperu-Remo in Ikenne  Local Government area of Ogun State.  Though details of his death are still sketchy but unconfirmed reports revealed that he died of prostate cancer.   Briefly  Okupe passed away in the early hours of Friday in Lagos at 72 years.  He attended St. Jude's School in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos and the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Oyo State. He was also a former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. Laced with controversial political journey, Okupe stepped down from Obi’s campaign after being indicted of money laundering acts in December, 2022.  The presiding judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu  found Okupe guilty of contravening sections 16(1)&(2) of the Money Laundering...

  Doyin Okupe A former presidential spokesperson and prominent political strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe is dead.  Okupe, a medical doctor passed away in the early hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, in Lagos. He was 72 year.   Okupe was Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. Details of his death are still sketchy at the time of filling this report. 

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the employment of 774 National Health Fellows, a pivotal initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Health to improve the healthcare system. President Tinubu announced the fellows ‘ employment on Thursday during the programme’s launch at the State House in Abuja.  News Rider reports that Nigeria’s development partners, senior government officials, and traditional leaders, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III attended the ceremony. The employment of these fellows, selected from each local council, stemmed from the recommendation of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate,  He praised the bold initiative and the rigorous selection process, highlighting its significance. "This programme is a transformative initiative that underscores my administration’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of Nigeria’s greatest asset—its young people. ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE Determined to phase-out substandard products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 50 trailer loads of fake drugs and recovered two rifles, live cartridges, machetes, and other weapons at the Niger Bridge Head drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State.  This is happening as the agency intensified its crackdown on fake and substandard drugs across the country. News Rider reports that NAFDAC had since February 10, 2025, shutdown Onitsha Bridge Head market as part of a nationwide campaign to protect public health by eliminating counterfeit drugs from circulation. Addressing newsmen at the market on Wednesday, Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye was shocked over the weapons discovered during the raid.  She described the weapons as a possible assassination attempt on the agency’s South-East Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who regularly conducts debriefings at the location. The DG who was represent...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Governor Chukwuma Soludo The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has approved contract for the development and publication of the electronic database of revised Anambra State laws and associated services.  It was awarded to Lextech Ecosystem Ltd was at the cost of N89,139,000.00. Also, the contract for the supply and installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment at the State Trauma Centre, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku Awka was awarded to Oxygen Healthcare Ltd for N2,193,772,108.00. At its 5th meeting on March 3, 2025, in Awka, the contract for the 2-IN-1 Urban Regeneration Projects at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, was awarded to Zhontiang Construction Company at the cost of N273,026,399.67. Foremost Security Company, Stansol Synergy Ltd will supply and install security equipment in the new Government House & Governor’s Lodge, Awka, at the cost of N131,627,533.73. In additio...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi while inspecting the ongoing construction of Abuja-Kaduna -Zaria-Kano, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) recently.  In a bid to facilitate speedy completion of projects, the Federal Government has unveiled a new policy for mobilising contractors embarking on road projects across the country.  In the revised policy, every contractor must be actively working on the site for at least two weeks before receiving mobilisation fee.  This was against the initial agreement where contractors are paid 30 percent mobilisation fee before the comencement of a new project.  Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi stated this over the weekend while inspecting Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) that commenced from Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and ended at the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Capital.  The project, with an additional four kilometres from Zuba towards Gwagw...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi Lagos State has granted Jude Chigozie Okoye, elder brother and ex-manager of Paul and Peter Okoye N100 million bail, with two sureties in like sum.  Justice Alexander Owoeye, who presided over the case had also on Monday, March 3, 2025, adjourned hearing in the trial of the accused till April 14, 2025. Okoye is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on seven- count charges  bordering on money laundering raised against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). One of the counts reads: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Limited sometime 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 ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: President, Youth Partnership for African Development (YOUPAD), Comrade Nwankwo Henry presenting Thomas Sankara Pan African Leadership Prize For Excellence and Icon of Selfless and Innovative Leadership Award to the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo on Thursday in Abuja. Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo has been honoured with a Pan-African award for his outstanding contributions to governance, leadership and national development. The prestigious Thomas Sankara African Leadership Prize was bestowed on Goronyo as an Icon of Selfless and Innovative Leadership in acknowledgment of his contributions. In his acceptance speech over the weekend in Abuja, the minister thanked the Youth Partnership for African Development (YOUPAD) for the recognition.  He reaffirmed his commitment to national development and sustainable progress across Africa, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in achieving a prosperous ...