News Rider

      Alhaji Aminu Dantata  One of Nigeria's famous philantropists, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata is dead.  He passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 94 years.  The prominent Kano businessman will be  buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, beside his late wife, in accordance with his final wish.  However, funeral prayer was held in absentia (Salatul Ga’ib) on Saturday in Kano for the late business mogul. The prayer, held at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque in the Kano metropolis, was led by the Chairman of Kano State Council of Ulamas, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, according to News Agency of Nigeria.  Funeral prayers for late Dantata in Kano on Saturday  Thousands of sympathisers, including prominent personalities such as the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, attended the prayer to honour the memory of the deceased. Speaking after the prayers, Khalil said that Salatul...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Hon Ali Dalori  The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman (North) Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori has taken over as the Acting National Chairman, pending the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in December, 2025.  This followed the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje from his exalted position as the party’s National Chairman on Friday.  The former two-term Kano State governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve APC at the highest level. Ganduje assumed the leadership of the APC in August 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. But in a letter on Friday night, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka said that Ganduje's resignation was to enable him attend to urgent and important personal matters. The resignation takes effect immediately.  The statement reads: "The All Progressives Congress (APC) wishes ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has kickstarted series of training meant to empower engineers to deliver safer and quality roads across the country.  It commenced with a three-day zonal capacity building for engineers, technologists, and technicians in the North Central zone, at the Pavement Evaluation Unit, Sheda in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.  The participants gathered for intensive knowledge-sharing and technical skill enhancement tailored to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure delivery. Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi emphasised that the programme was approved by the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi.  The training was targetted at addressing the widening generational and capacity gaps caused by the recent retirement of a significant number of senior engineers and the anticipated exit of more within the year.  Adebiyi noted that organising the training on a zonal basis ensured efficient resource man...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo has advocated for balanced concession agreements to avoid mortgaging the future of Nigeria.  He stated this in Abuja at the just concluded 2025 Nigeria Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Summit, organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in Abuja, with the theme: "Role of Public Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda". The theme of the summit: "Unlocking Nigeria's Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda," attracted key players from the government and private sectors to chart a sustainable path for infrastructure development. Goronyo reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to driving infrastructure development through well-structured PPPs.  During the panel discussion, he highlighted the ministry of works' strategic efforts to leverage PPP models in the road sector,...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has apologised to President Bola Tinubu over the flooded section of Lafia-Makurdi road.  This was even as he ordered the ministry’s personnel and the maintenance team of China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, concessionaire for Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road to urgently fix the troubled spot.  News Rider reports that on June 18, debris that covered an existing culvert on Lafia-Makurdi road resulted in heavy flooding that disrupted traffic flow on the corridor.  Umahi condemned the unfortunate negligence by the concessionaire whose duty under the Highways Development  Management Initiative (HDMI) of the Federal Government, is to operate and maintain the road.  'We received information on the unfortunate flooding of a section of Keffi-Makurdi road which is under HDMI, that is, a PPP with China Harbour.  "We know that the project has been completed and it is tolled, bu...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In order to close the infrastructure gaps, Nigeria needs to fully embrace Public Private Partnership (PPP) to fund 2600 projects inherited from previous administrations.  The projects worth N19 trillion, are huge to be funded through annual budgets, hence the demand for PPP as the only feasible option.  Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo stated this at a two-day summit organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in Abuja, with the theme: "Role of Public Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda". Tagged Nigeria Public-Private Partnership  (PPP) Summit 2025, the event attracted policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, who brainstormed on evolving infrastructure landscape in Nigeria and its global implications. Goronyo made presentation on Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) and various concessions under PPP arrangements like the 227.2km Akwanga-Lafiya -ke...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Engr David Umahi  Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has ousted Levant Construction Limited from the reconstruction of  Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin - Imasabor) over non-performance.  With the latest development, the company risks face-off with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the Federal Government fails to recover the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) in line with the contractual agreement.  The 23 kilometers project worth N35 billion, is executed under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.  Umahi directed the termination of the contract during a meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd, as well as management staff of the ministry on Tuesday in Abuja.  He frowned at the delay in the execution of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, adding that Messrs Levant neglected their contractual duties on the section of...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In its continued onslaught against environmental infringement, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement  Agency (NESREA) has sealed 25 facilities in four states of the Federation to enforce compliance with existing regulations. The facilities, which cut across different sectors were shut down in Anambra, Enugu, Bayelsa, and Rivers States for various environmental crimes, including refusal to conduct  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencement of project. Other offences include absence of environmental audit, and lack of functional effluent treatment plant, among others. The facilities are Rugal  Pharmaceutical, Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu; China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), Owo yard, Enugu; Planet Project Holy Ghost Central park, Enugu; Planet Project Garriki Central Project, Enugu; Reinforce Global Construction Company Ltd, Enugu-Abakaliki Fly-Over; Enugu Electricity Distribution Co...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     President Bola Tinubu  The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi has described President Bola Tinubu as champion of democracy and vision bearer of the Renewed Hope Agenda.  He stated this on Thursday in Abuja, to commemorate the 26th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria. Umahi said: "Your Excellency, we are enthused to celebrate this remarkable event courtesy of your rewarding leadership stewardship. "Your struggle for the redemocratization of Nigeria and your emergence as the 5th democratically elected President of the 4th Republic are a clear indication of God’s unction in your enduring vision to achieve the purpose of our democratic journey which is economic prosperity and social justice.  "History will be kind to you for raising dispassionate standards and taking bold decisions that will return our country to the path of greatness in the continent of Africa." The minister disclosed that Tinubu made gratifying progre...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has outlined series of solution to trim down Nigeria's rising debt burden.  This was even as the institute hinted that the debts spiked due to non-completion or outright abandoned projects by development partners and those funded by donor agencies. Founder/Chairman, Governing Council of CIFCFIN, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki disclosed this at the 12th direct membership and fellowship award ceremony in Abuja recently.  News Rider reports that Nigeria's total public debt is projected to hit N187.79 trillion by the end of 2025, as revealed by the Budgit Foundation. It includes both external and domestic debt, with domestic debt, accounting for 53 percent of the total amount.   Gashinbaki enjoined the Federal Government to immediately initiate a comprehensive forensic performance audit of all donor-funded and development-partner-su...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo  The Federal Government has declared  Thursday, June 12, 2025 as public holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.  In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule. He stated that June 12 represented Nigeria's historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reigned, peace is sustained and the future assured.  "The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope renewed than ever.” He informed that democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement.  Tunji-Ojo reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-exp...

Mike Ejeagha  Fresh facts have emerged on why one of Nigeria's famous highlife legend, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was buried 24 hours after his death.  He died on Friday night, June 6, 2025, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness. His eldest son, Mr Emmanuel Ejeagha confirmed the death.  The 'Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma' crooner was laid to rest in his country home at Umuagba, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, June 7, 2025.  Mr Emma Ejeagha told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that his father was buried after his death to fulfil his wish. He noted that his late father had instructed him as the first son, that nobody should embalm him after his death.  "I contacted members of my family and informed them that my father made a wish that he should be laid to rest 24 hours after his death. "I also summoned a meeting of my kindred, and we discussed extensively, and even Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo  The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government.  He congratulated all Muslims in Nigeria and the diaspora on the occasion, advising the Ummah to embody the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him). Tunji-Ojo enjoined Nigerians to use the Eid period to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the country. The minister assured Nigerians that the people-oriented reforms and initiatives carried out, in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration will restore Nigeria on the path of progress.  While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul-Adha celebration, the minister urged all Nigerians to join forces ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Mohammed Ndarani A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani has encouraged the Federal Government to adopt out-of-court settlement on cases involving Nnamdi Kanu and other agitators'.  This is even as he noted that such matters should be resolved through a formidable national committee of Arbitration, adding that the move will lead to peace and unity in diversity. Ndarani, who is the Grand Patron of One Nation for Asiwaju Support Group disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja.  "In my opinion, court may not be the solution to the above matter, if peace must reign in the nation.  "President Bola Tinubu should consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like arbitration, conciliation and mediation in some of the cases concerning the agitators," he added.  News Rider reports that ADR is any method of conflict resolution that takes place outside of the courtroom.  It involves processes a...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  In line with the implementation of Circular Economy in Nigeria, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has concluded plans to launch a digital marketplace for waste transactions. The platform which targets at least 10,000 verified users within the first four months, is expected to create jobs for the informal sector. Waste Marketplace Nigeria is a collaboration between NESREA and Recyclestack for the digitisation of Circular Economy in Nigeria.  Circular Economy is operationalised in Nigeria under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme that extends the responsibility of a producer throughout the lifecycle of the product. EPR is operational in sectors such as food and beverages, batteries, used tyres, and electrical electronics, with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), recyclers, and collectors playing key roles along the value chain. The Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innoce...

CHIKA OKEKE writes that the atmosphere was lit as Nigerians residing at the Southern and Eastern route trooped out enmass to witness the unveiling of two years of transformative leadership of the APC-led Federal Government.  President Bola Tinubu (2nd Left); Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi ( 3rd Left) and other dignitaries at the commissioning of completed 30-kilometres of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section II (Ahmadu Bello Way-Eleko Village) in Lagos on Saturday.  Recently, President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi celebrated their milestone achievements with landmark projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.  This time, it was the commissioning of the historic Section I of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other projects, intended to improve livelihood opportunities in Nigeria.  The 30-kilometre of the 40.7- kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section I is one of the four Renewed Hope Legacy p...