News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter has kicked against the molestation of a female journalist, Comrade Ladi Bala while carrying out her official duties.  News Rider report that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Kayode Opeifa attempted to shame Bala with unfounded comments about indecent dressing.  This was even as the MD subjected Bala to verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation, an unacceptable form of gender-based humiliation.  Bala, who was a National President of NAWOJ is widely known for her decency, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism. Irked by the tantrum, NAWOJ described it as a gross violation of her dignity and direct attack on press freedom. The statement reads: "We are shocked that a public officer occupying such a high office could resort to derogatory remarks such as 'You are stupid' against a respected profe...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq. has insisted that occupational health and safety must remain a national priority in order to guarantee sustainable development.  At a national stakeholders’ workshop on Workplace Safety and Health over the weekend in Abuja, Goronyo reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening workplace safety standards in Nigeria. The minister emphasised that workplace safety is not merely a regulatory duty but a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of the government, private sector, labour unions, professional bodies, and society at large. "When safety measures and protocols are enforced, accidents reduce drastically, productivity improves, and human development index records significant gains. Protecting human lives must be at the center of every workplace policy and practice," he added.  Goronyo acknowledged existing challenges such as weak enforcemen...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a 100 percent increment for the cost of international passport booklet.  With the latest development, the passport application fees in Nigeria, for 32-page with 5-year validity rose to N100,000, while a 64-page with 10-year validity was pegged at N200,000. The upward review, which takes effect on 1st September, 2025, was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the spokesman for NIS, A.S Akinlabi.  It reads: "The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000. "Meanwhile, Nigerian Passport Application fees made by Nigerians in diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for 32-page with 5-year validity and $230 for 64-page with 10-year validity." Akanbi said that the increment was meant to improve the quality and integrity of the Nigerian standard passport. ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and Minister of Works for State, Bello M. Goronyo Esq when the former visited the headquarters of Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja on Tuesday.  Committed to protecting inland water transport across the country, the Federal Government has mapped out strategies to reduce frequent boat mishaps by providing additional infrastructure, equipment and policies to prevent casualties.  This is coming on the heels of a recent boat mishap at Garin Faji, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State on August 22, 2025.  At least, six people died, three missing while 19 persons were rescued during the mishap.  According to reports, the victims were among dozens of people who boarded boats while trying to escape an attack by armed bandits, but unfortunately  one of the boats capsized, leading to casualties. During an interactive meeting with the manag...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As part of strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth and enhance workforce productivity, the government of Japan has named the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country. Under the new partnership as announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to live and work in Kisarazu.  Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria that are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan. This was even as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also named the cities of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture, the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture, the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, the hometown of Mozambique. Through the arrangement...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Environmental and Public Health Practitioners during a media strategic meeting in Abuja on Friday. Committed to addressing sanitation gaps, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has advanced partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop specialised training programmes for Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs). The essence of the partnership is to deviate from the traditional ‘jack-of-all-trades’ model and produce graduates with specific and marketable skills, while reducing reliance on government jobs and encouraging private sector employment.  This formed the crux of discuss during the maiden Environmental and Public Health Association of Nigeria (EPHAN) stakeholders' talks on Friday in Abuja, targetted at achieving sustainable solutions in environmental and public health space.  The Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba noted that the council had listed  sixteen distinct areas of environmen...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R- Registrar/ CEO of EHCON Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba and President of EPHAN, Dr. Samuel Akingbehin during a strategic engagement session on Friday in Abuja. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has sealed a deal with Public Health Association of Nigeria (EPHAN) on sustainable environmental solutions.  The partnership wlll also bolster  speedy implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on environmental and public health.  News Rider reports that SDG 3 places emphasis on good health and well-being through the reduction of noncommunicable diseases, combatting waterborne diseases.; as well as lowers death and illness from exposure to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution.  This is even as SDG 6 guarantees clean water and sanitation through universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation.  Addressing the media du...

President Bola Tinubu   At TICAD 9, I made Nigeria’s position clear. We will always honour our Armed Forces not only for the battles they fight, but for the peace they help us build. We will keep honouring them by addressing the root causes of insecurity. Peace is not just the absence of war. It is justice. It is opportunity. It is inclusion. That is where our reforms are focused. Our mission is to win both the battle and the future. We welcome Japan’s $5.5 billion commitment to Africa. But true partnership requires a shift from aid to investment, from charity to co-creation, from pledges to shared purpose, and from marginalisation to fair representation. Africa’s voice must be heard. Africa must have two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council with full rights and privileges. This is not a favour. It is a historic imperative. It is justice.

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Fabian Adibe One of Nigeria's famed Nollywood actors, Fabian Adibe is dead.  The actor, who celebrated his 82nd birthday in February 2025, died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Renowned for his role in the classic television series, Things Fall Apart, Adibe passed away peacefully around 2:30 am.  His death was confirmed by a Journalist, who is also a movie producer, Seun Oloketuyi on Wednesday in a social media post.  “Things Fall Apart actor, Fabian Adibie, is dead. Died 2:30 am this morning,” Oloketuyi wrote. Late Adibe led Nigeria to its first Commonwealth Art Festival in 1965 before launching his acting career in 1987 with the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, a television series.  He played the character of Ogbuefi Uzowulu, even as he acted alongside Veteran Pete Edochie.  Adibe was widely admired for his calm persona and powerful performances among viewers while the series lasted.

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Government of Japan in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) have pledged to support African countries with $5.5 billion by utilising Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) private sector investment finance as a catalyst.  Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced the collaborative economic framework on Wednesday during the plenary session on Peace and Stability, at the 9th meeting of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Japan.  Ishiba emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa's development.  While outlining Japan's focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration, he emphasised that locally rooted solutions are essential for Africa's development. "Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more a...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria's military on successes recorded in the war against insurgency and criminality.  This is even as he emphasised his administration's commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity through strengthening the government security apparatus and ongoing economic reforms. He disclosed this on Wednesday in Yokohama, Japan during the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the 9th meeting of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9). Tinubu reaffirmed that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Nigeria's greatest strengths, describing the current momentum in the Nigerian Armed Forces as a springboard for national development and stability. The President emphasised the ongoing investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to improve the living standards of all Nigerians. He said: "...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has captured most-wanted high-profile terrorists' leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), marking a significant breakthrough in the war against terrorism.  They are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. At a press briefing on Saturday evening, August 16, 2025, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu said that the two terrorists on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN, were captured in an operation which was conducted between May and July 2025. He noted that the men were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led and counter-terrorism operation which led to their arrest.  Ribadu informed that the two men have been responsible for masterminding many terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years. According to him: "The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (a...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to create alternative route ahead of the Abuja–Lokoja flooding. By implementing the directive, FERMA is expected to immediately commence the rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State, as an alternative route for commuters in case of the envisaged flood.  Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo issued the order on Friday during stakeholders’ engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Abuja.  He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved several critical infrastructure initiatives, including the urgent rehabilitation of other strategic bridges such as the Carter Bridge, third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State, meant to strengthen Nigeria’s economic corridors and improve nationwide access for motoris...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has sealed a deal with Plan International to empower women, girl-child and promote gender equality in Nigeria.  Part of the deal will be attained through advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and quality journalism, aimed at promoting children's rights.  At the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Plan International in Abuja, the National President of NAWOJ, Aisha Ibrahim informed that the partnership will uphold children's rights, and support vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.   "Today, we gather at a pivotal moment in our journey towards empowering women and children, a moment that underscores our commitment to advocate for gender equality and the rights of every child. "As an organisation, NAWOJ actively engages in advocacy on societal and humanitarian issues, particularly focusing on Persons of Concern (POCs), including Orphans and Vulnerabl...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Prof Innocent Barikor has informed that investments in the circular economy value chain have the potential to increase Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings. He disclosed this during a parley with the management of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), a plastic packaging company, Sonnex in Lagos. He assured the team that the Federal Government prioritises circular economy, noting that the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations developed by NESREA is one of the efforts meant to strengthen the legal framework for circular economy implementation in Nigeria. "Circular Economy falls under the Presidential priorities for the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Minister is very keen on the success. Apart from tackling the problem of waste, green jobs have been created. “The pellets and flakes you produce and export al...

BY CHIKA OKEKE All shade of colours were on display during the much-touted celebrity white wedding of Chef Chioma Rowland and Singer David Adeleke in Miami, United States of America.  The wedding mass was held on Sunday, August 10, followed by a stylish reception. According to reports, the wedding cost the Grammy-nominated singer Davido approximately $3.7 million. As with other society weddings, celebrities, billionaires, governors, legislators and entrepreneurs graced the beautiful ceremony.  The dignitaries that spiced up the event were Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Davido's uncle, who is the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.  Other prominent personalities included Davido's father, Billionaire Adedeji Adeleke; Governor Alex Otti; former Senator Bukola Saraki; Obi Cubana and his wife; and Nigerian Mixed Martial artist, Kamaru Usman.  Also,...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Iliyasu Gashinbaki  The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have endorsed the agenda of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), aimed at eliminating fraud from systems of government.  This was one of the major highlights during the Institute’s 13th Direct Training/Licensed Practitioners Training/graduation and award of Fellowship at NILDS headquarters, Abuja.  Speaking after his investiture as an Honourary Fellow of the Institute, Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello noted that CIFICFIN embodies excellence, integrity and a steadfast commitment to combating fraud and upholding justice. He pointed out that to be recognised and honoured as a fellow of the institute is a privilege that he will cherish and carry with great responsibility.  “As the Chief Executive of CCB, I am reminded of the critical role we play in fosterin...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Nigerian basketball icon, Blessing Ejiofor has praised the exemplary leadership of Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, just as she hailed his commitment to national service. During a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Ejiofor presented the minister with a customized basketball jersey.  She was presented to the leadership of the ministry by the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko. Ejiofor noted that her gesture symbolised the shared values of teamwork, discipline and dedication that drive both sports and governance. Umahi congratulated the athlete on her outstanding achievements, applauding her dedication to sports and impressive representation of Nigeria on the international stage.  He expressed pride in her role as an Ambassador of Ebonyi State and Nigeria, commending her for elevating the nation’s image through sportsmanship. The Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo admired Ejiofor's d...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Prof Innocent Barikor has praised the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal for his commitment towards the cleanup of Ogoni land. He disclosed this on Thursday during the commissioning of newly completed water facilities by the minister in Ogoni communities of Bodo, Uegwure-Boue, Taabaa, and Eteo covering Gokana, Khana, Tai, and Eleme Local Government Area's of Rivers State. Barikor said: "On behalf of my people, I want to thank you. I am a beneficiary of these projects.  I assure you that Ogoni people appreciate good things. We appreciate those who have contributed to who we are. We will continue to have your name in the annals of the history of our dear community." The DG described the Project Coordinator for Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Prof. Nennibarini Abbey  as a game changer. He added: "In the ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Doyin Abiola  Mrs Doyin Abiola is a renowned journalist and wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of June 12, 1993 annulled presidential election.  She was born on February 1, 1943 and died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.  In 1969, Abiola graduated with a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan.  She commenced her journalism career with the defunct Daily Sketch newspaper in 1969. There, she handled a column titled: 'Tiro', targetted at resolving social and gender-related issues. However, she exited Daily Sketch newspaper in 1970 for a master’s degree in Journalism in the United States. When she returned to Nigeria, she was offered the position of Woman Editor at Daily Times, which she declined but settled as Features Writer. Abiola was thereafter promoted as the Group Features Editor. Still desirous for more academic pursuit, Abiola enrolled at a New York University in 1979 and obtained a ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja       Mrs Doyin Abiola  The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Managing Director of the defunct National Concord Newspaper, Mrs Doyin Abiola.  Doyin a renowned journalist died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born on February 1, 1943. She was the wife of MKO Abiola, winner of June 12, 1993 annulled presidential election.  The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim described the late Dr Abiola as a trailblazer, who broke barriers for women in journalism and left indelible mark on Nigeria's media landscape. Ibrahim highlighted the achievements of Doyin as: "First Nigerian woman to become editor and managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper, and Founding editor of National Concord newspaper, established by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola." Also, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of National Concord from 1...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Federal Government has provided detailed update on emergency repairs of failed bridges and highways across the six geopolitical zones as directed by President Bola Tinubu.  Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi informed that the essence of the intervention was to expand and modernise road infrastructure for sustainable economic growth.  He stated that the repairs would salvage some inherited ongoing highways and bridge projects across the zones that are on the verge of collapse.  The minister noted that President Tinubu's directive promoted the Federal Ministry of Works to articulate the conditions of such bridges and roads that are in dire need of repairs, some of which are currently procured while work is in progress in others. He listed Third Mainland bridge, Carter bridge, Iddo bridge, Lagos-Ibadan bridges, Lagos – Badagry road, Ibadan – Ilesa, Ilesa – Akure-Benin, Ibadan – Oyo...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Engr David Umahi Committed to zero-tolerance on financial misconduct, the Federal Government has ordered that all projects exceeding ₦10 billion be reported separately to enhance transparency. Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi stated this during a high-level engagement with contractors handling the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) Tax Credit Scheme in Abuja. Reacting to the discontinuation of funding for road infrastructure projects under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme, he reaffirmined the administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.  He assured stakeholders of continuous funding and guaranteed that no project would be abandoned, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.  Addressing the issue of unpaid certificates under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme, the minister moved to dispel fears within the contractor community.  He clarified that the majority of projects under NNPCL’s funding will rem...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Engr David Umahi Ahead of the 2027 general election, Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has canvassed 90 percent votes from the Southeast for President Bola Tinubu’s second term in office.  This followed massive road projects approved and ongoing by the Federal Executive Council that cut across Southeast States of Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo and Abia.  He bared his mind while reacting to a misleading information on social media by one Mr Linus Anagboso (D-Big Pen) captioned: "The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South-East missing from the map?”. Umahi informed that President Tinubu approved four Legacy Projects that cover the six geopolitical zones, with the South East zone well captured within the Third Legacy project spanning Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-FCT, totalling 465km x 2, with South East covering 231.64km x 2. "And another 231.64km x 1 for ₦445.8 billion, already awarded and work going on. Mr President has already paid ₦1...