The Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) has successfully concluded its 2024 executive elections, ushering in a new leadership team dedicated to advancing the association’s mission of promoting excellence in digital journalism. In a closely contested election, Mr. Adeniyi Ifetayo emerged as the President-elect, while Mr. Gbenga Shaba was elected Vice President. Their victory signifies a commitment to bringing innovative leadership to the organization. Mr. Adeniyi Ifetayo Moses is a multi-award-winning celebrity journalist, luxury and lifestyle reporter with Ben TV London, and the publisher of Megastar Magazine. With over 15 years of experience, he has carved a niche…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
In a series of intelligence-led operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted significant consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, and other narcotics bound for the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar through Lagos and Abuja airports. Several arrests of drug traffickers were made, alongside the confiscation of illicit substances across multiple states in Nigeria. Major seizures at airports Cocaine to the UK: On November 5, NDLEA operatives at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted 4.40kg of cocaine concealed in 13 parcels destined for the UK via Frankfurt. The consignment’s mastermind, Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, was arrested on November 8. Opioids…
The national grid collapsed three times last month and twice this month. This year, it has collapsed at least 11 times. This underscores our long-standing struggle to have a consistent power supply, even if not for the whole nation, at least for those fortunate enough to have access to the few megawatts produced by the so-called “Giant of Africa.” While last week, Niger Republic was able to add no fewer than 18 megawatts to its national grid in just four months, Nigeria, with an installed capacity of 16,348MW, achieved only 5,313 megawatts as of September this year. Our travails with…
The Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised alarm over potential food security challenges in the state, calling on the government to take immediate action to mitigate the looming crisis. At an emergency congress held at the Press Center on Saturday, November 16, the Union appealed to the state government to prioritize measures aimed at preventing food buyoffs from the state, especially to neighbouring countries, and to stockpile reserves in silos and warehouses. These steps, the NUJ noted, are critical to cushioning the anticipated shortages that could arise in the coming months. In the same…
In rural Zambia, where many young girls face early pregnancies and limited educational opportunities, a new study has revealed the challenges of short-term interventions. Despite providing financial aid and education programs to 5,000 girls, the study found only a modest reduction in pregnancies during the support period, with little lasting impact after the aid ended. The research, to be published in eClinicalMedicine on November 14, spanned 4.5 years and involved 157 schools. Conducted by the University of Zambia, University of Bergen, Chr. Michelsen Institute, and the Norwegian School of Economics, the study divided schools into three groups: financial support, financial…
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), condemning the actions of its officers and calling for immediate accountability. The Chief Magistrate Court in Potiskum, Yobe State, was the scene of an alarming incident on October 29, 2024, when armed police officers stormed the courtroom, disrupting proceedings and forcibly removing two convicted individuals in open defiance of a lawful court order. This act, described by many as a blatant assault on Nigeria’s justice system, has sparked widespread outrage. CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, recounted the chaotic scene that left court officials, lawyers, and…
The Met Office has issued urgent yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, spanning 42 hours across a three-day period. The alerts affect parts of Scotland and northern England, with potential travel disruptions and safety hazards expected. Timeline of Alerts Sunday: The first warning begins at 4pm, covering northern Scotland, and continues until 11am on Monday. Monday to Tuesday: A new alert starts at 10am Monday for northern England and southern Scotland, lasting 24 hours until 10am Tuesday. A second warning for Scotland reactivates at 4pm Monday, ending at 10am Tuesday. Met Office predictions ALSO READ [EXPLAINER] What is climate…
The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has updated its land compensation framework, significantly increasing rates for matured cocoa, mango, and cashew trees in Nigeria’s North Central Zone. Under the revised policy, matured cocoa trees are valued at ₦160,000 each, translating to ₦160 million per hectare. The new framework also sets the value of matured mango trees at ₦105,000 each or ₦13 million per hectare, while matured cashew trees are now valued at ₦45,000 each or ₦5.5 million per hectare. Bridging an 18-year gap in compensation policy The announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban…
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $2.2 billion financing programme to bolster Nigeria’s external borrowing strategy, aimed at meeting the government’s financial needs and driving economic recovery efforts. The announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, after the FEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday. Funding breakdown: Eurobonds and Sukuk Bonds The financing plan includes raising funds from the international capital market through a combination of Eurobonds and Sukuk bonds. According to Edun, the proposal outlines issuing approximately $1.7 billion in Eurobonds and $500 million in Sukuk financing. “The…
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, presented the N936 billion 2025 Appropriation Bill, to the State House of Assembly. Titled “Fiscal Consolidation,” the bill focuses on transforming core sectors like road infrastructure, healthcare, education, water resources, and agriculture. If the budget, 62.75% (N587.4 billion) is allocated to capital expenditure and 37.25% (N348.7 billion) to recurrent expenses, aimed at promoting inclusivity, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. “This budget invests in our people, infrastructure, and well-being,” Governor Oborevwori stated, urging Deltans to unite in realizing this vision for a prosperous and inclusive Delta State.