By Fatima Musa Bukar, Maiduguri: Pregnant women and children under five in Borno State are facing alarming rates of maternal mortality and child deaths, according to the National Bureau of Statistics and World Health Organization. The staggering maternal mortality rate of 1,549 per 100,000 live births far exceeds the national average of 545 per 100,000 live births in Nigeria, claiming thousands of lives annually. Borno State, has grappled with this crisis since the Boko Haram insurgency began. The state’s healthcare system remains severely impacted, with destroyed health facilities, food insecurity and a shortage of medical personnel. The doctor-to-patient ratio stands…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has linked former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to the massive Abuja property with 753 duplexes and other apartments located in the capital city’s Cadastral Zone area. This is contained in papers filed at the court. The anti-graft agency on Monday announced the recovery of the property from an unnamed ex-government top brass, describing the property as the biggest single recovery it had made in the course of fighting corruption since its establishment in 2003. The recovery followed a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in…
The recent announcement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the seizure of a massive estate in Abuja’s Lokogoma District has sent shockwaves through Nigeria. This 150,500 square-meter property, containing 753 duplexes and apartments, represents the single largest asset recovery in the EFCC’s history, a stark reminder of the deep-seated corruption that plagues the nation. The sheer scale of this illicit acquisition raises profound questions about the state of governance and accountability in Nigeria. By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman The body of evidence leading to the seizure suggests a significant breach of public trust. The scale of the estate points…
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to examine and address key gaps in the tax administration bill to ensure its implementation fosters inclusivity, economic equity, and sustainable governance. prioritise transparency CISLAC has been a leading advocate for fiscal policy reforms that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges while promoting transparency and inclusiveness. In a statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Co Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, he noted that the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, “a landmark legislative initiative, holds the potential to transform the country’s fiscal framework by consolidating legal provisions, enhancing tax administration,…
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday ruled for the final forfeiture of a massive estate in Abuja measuring 150,500 square meters, comprising 753 duplexes and other apartments. This marks the single largest asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since its establishment in 2003. The estate is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. The forfeiture, involving a former high-ranking government official, underscores EFCC’s mandate to ensure that proceeds of corruption and fraudulent activities are returned to the federal government. The case relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences…
President Joe Biden has issued a “full and unconditional pardon” to his son, Hunter Biden. The announcement, made just weeks before President Biden leaves office, brings an emotional conclusion to a chapter marked by years of legal battles and public scrutiny for the Biden family. Hunter Biden, who has struggled with substance abuse and faced allegations of tax violations and firearm charges, has long been a lightning rod for political attacks. Over the years, he became a central target in Republican efforts to question the integrity of the Biden family. Despite the controversies, his father stood steadfastly by his side,…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched its newly redesigned website, www.cbn.gov.ng, scheduled to go live on December 2 (today). Acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, made this known in a statement posted on Sunday on the apex bank’s X handle @cenbank. “We are pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website (www.cbn.gov.ng), which will be operational on Monday, December 2, 2024. “The redesigned website introduces a variety of new content, which encompasses a broader spectrum of information regarding the bank’s mandate. “Additionally, the website is responsive to mobile devices, facilitating navigation across various web browsers…
The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) on Friday, November 29, 2024, conferred first degrees on 6,405 graduates from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions during its 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies. Special prizes were also awarded to students with outstanding academic performances. Among the graduates, 519 earned First Class honours across various departments, 3,408 achieved Second Class (Upper Division), 2,139 graduated with Second Class (Lower Division), and 339 earned Third Class degrees. The top performers included Ifeoluwa Faith Faromika from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Johnbull Aanuoluwapo Vitowanu from the Industrial and Production Engineering Department, who…
The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, AVM Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap, has engaged with Fulani communities and inspected thousands of cows in Kebbi state as part of preparations for an artificial insemination and embryo transfer program. The Ambassador, accompanied by a technical team, visited several key locations, including Sabon Garin Goru, Bango Mashekarin Dr. Amina, Unguwar Gagga, and the Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre (LIBC) in Bulasa. During these visits, the team assessed facilities and interacted directly with Fulani communities, who warmly welcomed the delegation. Guided tours were conducted by Fulani leaders and officials from the Kebbi State Ministry of Animal…
Soldiers from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Friday released an investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo arrested at an oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The arrest of Fisayo Soyombo had sparked an outrage with individuals and groups including Amnesty International and political activists like Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju calling for his release. In a statement on Friday, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), an organisation founded by Soyombo, confirmed his release. The statement reads: “We can confirm that our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo has now been released by the Nigerian Army, following the intense media campaign…