News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo  In commemoration of Workers' Day, the Federal Government has declared Thursday May 1, as a public holiday.  The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, he emphasised the need for peace to drive industrialisation and economic growth.  Tunji-Ojo commended workers for their diligence and sacrifice, adding that their efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria commands in the comity of nations.   He said: "There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do, is vital to nation-building." The minister encouraged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity.  Tunji-Ojo advised workers to raise the bar of their trade to drive and upgrade the bar of governance and make Nigerians derive m...

As soon as the funeral Mass ended,  Pope Francis’ mortal remains made their way across the Eternal City to his final resting place at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Rome.  His remains were carried through Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he was buried near the icon of Mary Salus Popoli Romani. During the burial procession, about 150,000 people lined the streets to bid a final farewell to Pope Francis.  Recall that Pope Francis had on Sunday, April 20, the day before he died, drove around St. Peter's Square in his popemobile, where he unknowingly said goodbye to the faithful. A statement from Vatican Press Office on Saturday indicated that the procession cut across the ancient ruins of Rome and past the monument of the fallen soldiers in Piazza Venezia.  The Pope, who had tirelessly advocated for peace; past the ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum, denouncing the economy of indifference and calling for an economy of peace. Inside the Ba...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has faulted the poor implementation of whistle-blower protection policy and the passage of related Bills that would bolster whistle-blowing activities, as well as anti-corruption efforts especially in Nigeria's Defence and Security sector.  To this end, the organisation lamented that lack of institutionalised strategy to protect information secrecy of whistle-blowers reporting corruption cases, coupled with inadequate modern technology to facilitate gathering of accurate information within the sector discourages whistle-blowing activities. This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day Steering Committee Meeting on Anti-corruption (financial management, gender and operational disparities) in the defence and security sector.  It was jointly signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani); Ms Je...

Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8:00 pm.  Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning. The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials. It will mark the end of public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica, which has seen tens of thousands of people pay their respects to the late Pope. As his mortal remains lie in state, over 50,000 people have filed past the Altar of the Confession in the 24 hours since the Vatican Basilica opened to the faithful on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025.  A statement obtained from Vatican Press Office on Friday highlighted that the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations requested the presence of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Pietro Parolin, Roger Mahony, Domenique Mamberti, Mauro Gambetti,...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has pledged to strengthen ties with the Action Aid Nigeria towards the actualisation of Women Voices and Leadership (WVL) programme.  News Rider reports that the programme is the brain child of Action Aid Nigeria while NAWOJ serves as one of the implementing partners.  The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Aisha Ibrahim stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit at the  headquarters of Action Aid Nigeria in Abuja.  Ibrahim highlighted the numerous achievements of NAWOJ through the generous support and contribution of Action Aid Nigeria in empowering Nigeria women.  "Through your generous contributions, we have been able to establish a functional national secretariat for our association. This has been a pivotal step in streamlining our operations, enhancing our communication and ensuring that we can respond effectively to the needs of our members and the society at large. "Als...

Following an ancient tradition, the Catholic Church will observe nine consecutive days of mourning, marked by Masses held in suffrage for the late Pope Francis. The nine days of mourning expected to commence on Saturday, April 26– funeral of late Pope Francis– will end on Sunday, May 4, 2025.  To this end, only Cardinals will be allowed to concelebrate the Masses dedicated to the Papal Chapel on April 30 and May 4. A statement from Vatican Press Office on Wednesday revealed that the funeral Mass will mark the beginning of an ancient tradition of holding nine consecutive days of mourning, which will be marked by Eucharistic celebrations.  While the Eucharistic celebrations are open to everyone, each day a different group is scheduled to participate—based on their connection with the Holy Father. This diversity of groups reflects both “the scope of the Supreme Pastor’s ministry and the universality of the Church of Rome” (cf. Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, nos. ...

The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie-in-state until his funeral on Saturday morning. A statement from Vatican Press Office on Tuesday revealed that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10am  in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe. The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul. The late Pope's body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment. Earlier on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Bas...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As Christians globally celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter has enjoined faithfuls to embrace easter with renewed hope and faith.  This is even as the association congratulated Christians on the successful completion of the Lenten season and the feast of the resurrection of Christ. This was contained in a statement by the Chairperson of FCT NAWOJ, Bassey Ita Ikpang and Secretary, Nkiruka Okeke on Sunday in Abuja. She said: "Easter reminds believers of new beginnings, unconditional love, and the incredible power of grace and sacrifice—and we see those same gifts reflected in our lives and association every day. "May this season fill our hearts with peace, renew our spirits with hope, and strengthen the bond that holds us together. "As the Lord rises today, so shall every dead areas of our lives rise to the glory of God Almighty." Ita-Ikpang urged Christians to c...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu (3rd Right); Minister of Works Engr. Nweze David Umahi (4th Right); Minister of state Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo (4th Left) and others during the official flag-off of 65KM:3-lane dual Carriageway component of the 750 kilometres Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway  in Cross River State recently. The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has described the landmark Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project as a symbol of Nigeria's progress.  He stated this at the flag off of Sections (3A & 3B) of the project on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State.  The event marked the beginning of a monumental infrastructure project aimed at connecting eight coastal states across Nigeria.  Umahi reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to completing the highway on schedule, with the project set to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth in the affected regions.  He reiterated President Bola...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The atmosphere was electrifying as thousands of worshippers within and outside Kogi State gathered at Afims Hotel Oro, Obehira road for the highly anticipated 'Night Of Mercy And Worship'.  Theme of the event: "Ignite The Fire", was insightful for the worshippers, who trooped to the venue as early as 4p.m, as against the 7p.m scheduled for the programme on Friday, March 28, 2025.  Organised by Dr. Yusuf John Suberu, powerful men of God and gospel singers attended the programme. They were Bishop Steve Balogun(JP); Apostle Jide Ogunsakin; Bishop of Anglican Communion, Diocese of Okene,  Rt.Rev.Dr.E.I Onsachi; Prophet Ajinomoh Anda Isaac and Rev. Isaac Ogunmola.  Others were General overseer of the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental, Pastor Isaiah Alabi; Kogi Central Coordinator of Peace House, Pastor Solomon Enya; Kogi Central Coordinator of CAN, Evangelist Job Apana; Evangelist Eunice Omonayi; Pastor P-Daniel; Pastor Emerald Johnson; Mi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Dr. Yusuf John Suberu Foundation extends its warmest congratulation to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed for winning the prestigious Kofi Annan Road Safety Award as Africa Best Road Safety Agency. The prestigious award ceremony was recently held at Eswatini.   Founder of the organisation, Dr. Yusuf John Suberu was in attendance and had the privilege of meeting with key stakeholders including the prime Ministers of Eswatini, Minister of Transportation from Cameroon and Eswatini, and United Nations Special Envoy on Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt.  The achievement underscored Nigeria's commitment to reducing road crashes and promoting safety, aligning with the foundation's mission to empower communities, advocate safer road, provide support for crash victim and foster positive change.  As an organisation dedicated to supporting national and regional initiatives, Suberu foundation is proud to be p...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18th and Monday, 21st April , 2025 as public holidays to mark the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani made the declaration on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Abuja.  Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion. He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man. The minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for peace, unity, and stability of the nation.  He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development. Tunji-Ojo encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of ki...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has commenced the reconstruction of Section I of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway (Abuja - Kaduna), which is vital to the socio-economic life of Nigeria at the cost of N777 billion. The road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 States across the North Central, North West and North East geopolitical zones. At the event in Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area on Sunday, President Tinubu, who was represented by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani lamented that the road was neglected for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunting economic growth. He described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, adding that people watched helplessly as the condition worsened over the years.  "The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost sec...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  George Akume The Federal Government has denied claims of loopsidedness in appointments and emphasised its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity and national unity.  This is coming on the heels of remarks circulating on the social media regarding the composition of Federal appointments. To this end, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) maintained that all appointments are made in strict adherence to federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered). Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the SGF, Mr George Akume on Friday in Abuja. He revealed that President Bola  Tinubu believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments.  Akume stated that this administration...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja A civil society organisation, Global Rights Nigeria has demanded for justice over the brutal killing of Ernest Ochowechi Owoicho by soldiers in Benue. Owoicho, a father of two was tortured to death by yet-to-be-named officers of the Nigerian Military on April 5, 2025, at Ugbokpo in Apa Local Government Area of the State.  The military officers, who tortured and killed Ernest were identified as officers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, a military campaign ostensibly aimed at protecting citizens in the North Central by combating cultism and kidnapping.  Instead of sticking to their assignment, the soldiers  deliberately and unlawfully executed a non-combatant civilian in direct violation of both Nigerian law and international human rights standards. While condemning the extrajudicial killing, the organisation further requested a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into Mr. Owoicho’s killing, with full participation of th...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Pascal Dozie Nigerians have been thrown into mourning following the death of defunct Founder of Diamond Bank Plc, Pascal Dozie. The entreprenuer and philantropist  died on Tuesday April 8, 2025, barely 24 hours to his 86th birthday.  Until his death, Dozie was also a former Chairman of MTN Nigeria, whose notable works led to massive transformation in the telecommunication sector.  A statement issued by Uzoma Dozie, son of the deceased, revealed that the Dozie died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 85. It reads: "With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, on 8th April 2025. "He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith. His life was marked by service to God, his family, and his country. "He is survived by his loving wife, Chinyere, his children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to kno...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Bayo Bashir Ojulari In a bid to reposition Nigeria's key revenue generating agencies, President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari. This is even as the President dissolved the board of NNPC led by the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure on Tuesday in Abuja.  News Rider reports that Kyari, Akinyelure and other board members were appointed by the President in November 2023. Ahmadu Musa Kida With the new arrangement, Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari replaced Kyari as the Group CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida replaced Akinyelure as the non-executive chairman in the 11-man board.  Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the Chief Financial Officer in November 2024, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu. Six board members, who are non-executive directors, represent the country's six geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu (No...