Actors Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omoborty, Opeyemi Aiyeola and Jigan Babaoja have expressed their disappointment following the shutdown of TikTok in the United States. The popular social media app was taken offline on Saturday night after a Supreme Court upheld a bipartisan law requiring TikTok to be sold to a US-based or allied buyer. Outgoing President Joe Biden had signed the ban into law in April, citing national security concerns linked to TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Over 170 million American users have since been left without access to the app. Jigan Babaoja, who is currently in the United States, expressed…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has raised concerns over the emergence of a new sect known as “ACHAD Life Mission International,” which is reportedly active in the North-West zone of Nigeria. According to the NIS, ACHAD is believed to have ties to human trafficking and child separation, and has its headquarters in Kaduna State. Its leader, identified as Mr. Yokana, is said to reside in Jos, Plateau State. The alert was communicated in a circular dated January 14, 2025, issued by the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General of NIS, A.A. Aridegbe. The document was sent to state commands,…
Troops of the Nigerian Army, under Operation Fansan Yanma, have launched a successful assault on the hideout of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operation, involving combined ground and air forces, resulted in the destruction of Turji’s food storage facility, the killing of one of his sons, and significant losses to his group. Counter-insurgency and security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. According to Makama, the military targeted key locations associated with Turji’s operations, including Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, and Zangon…
The death toll from the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, has climbed to 86, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). In a statement issued by NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, it was disclosed that the remains of the victims were recovered and buried in a coordinated effort involving NSEMA, Gurara LGA authorities, and volunteers. Of the deceased, 80 were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises. The burial, described as both somber and challenging, took place between 5 p.m. and midnight, with volunteers working…
The Nigerian government’s transformative strides in healthcare have been attributed to its unprecedented N1.17 trillion 2024 health budget, the largest in the country’s history. Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), highlighted these achievements on Sunday in Abuja, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for revitalizing the sector. Dr. Umar-Sadiq emphasized the pivotal role of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) in reshaping Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. He noted that the initiative has fostered collaboration across federal, state, and local governments to create a unified, resilient, and accessible health system. “At the core…
The Niger State Government plans to utilize the Gurara Waterfalls to generate electricity, a move aimed at boosting energy supply and promoting local development. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago revealed this initiative during a stakeholders’ meeting in Gawu Babangida, the headquarters of Gurara Local Government Area, as part of his statewide projects monitoring tour. The governor explained that the project would position Gurara as one of the electricity-generating regions in the state, ensuring the local community benefits from the initiative. Governor Bago emphasized Gurara’s priority status, citing its untapped potential. He assured residents that his administration is committed to fully leveraging…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially accepted an invitation to join the BRICS as a partner country, a move expected to bolster the nation’s international partnerships and economic prospects. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the move on Saturday in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, in Abuja. The statement highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and aligning its national aspirations with the principles of inclusive growth, regional integration, and strategic autonomy. “The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country,” the statement read, emphasizing…
The Kaduna State government, on Thursday, inaugurated the newly upgraded Audiology and Speech Therapy Centre at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH), Kaduna. The facility’s transformation, made possible through the philanthropic support of MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd, underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery in the state. Commissioning the centre, the Commissioner of Health, Umma K. Ahmed, commended MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd for their generous contribution, describing the initiative as a shining example of corporate social responsibility. “This upgrade is a clear demonstration of how businesses can play a pivotal role in complementing government efforts to improve the…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared N1.424 trillion among the Federal Government, states, and the Local Government Councils (LGCs). This is according to a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). Mokwa said that the revenue was shared at the January Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Friday in Abuja. Meanwhile, a communiqué from the FAAC meeting said that the N1.424 trillion total revenue comprised statutory revenue of N386.124 billion, and Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N604.872 billion. It also comprised Electronic Money Transfer Levy…
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is set for a significant price adjustment as Communications Minister Bosun Tijani announced a 30-60% increase in service rate, rejecting the 100% hike initially requested by telecom operators. Speaking during an interview, Tijani explained that the more moderate increase aims to balance sustaining the industry and protecting consumer welfare. Under the proposed maximum 60% adjustment, call rates would rise from N11 to N18.33 per minute, SMS charges from N4 to N6.67, and 1GB data bundles from N287.50 to N479.17. “This sector is a key driver of growth in our country,” Tijani said, emphasizing that a 100% rate…