In response to Nigeria’s prevailing economic challenges, the Sokoto State Government has inaugurated a State Monitoring Committee and Local Government Coordinators to oversee the sale of essential food items at subsidized rates. The committee will ensure the smooth and transparent distribution and sales of food items across the state’s 23 local government areas. The committee members were selected based on their integrity and are expected to carry out their duties with fairness and transparency. The initiative aims to alleviate the hardships citizens face due to the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms. Governor Ahmed Aliyu, speaking during the…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos have arrested a Thailand returnee, Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter, for importing 13.30 kilograms of heroin worth over N3.192 billion. This is just as operatives of the NDLEA at three seaports intercepted large consignments of opioids with a combined monetary value of N22.7 billion. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, and made available to Channels Television on Sunday. He said that Oguejiofor was arrested on Monday 7th October 2024 while attempting to smuggle the illicit drug concealed…
In Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, encompassing communities such as Kuta, Gwada, Zumba, and Erena, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are grappling with the fallout of displacement. While the provision of food, clothing, medical aid, and other essentials by political officeholders, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and well-meaning individuals has been crucial for immediate relief, these interventions are only temporary. The long-term solution lies in empowering the displaced, helping them achieve self-reliance, and reintegrating them as productive members of society. By Abubakar Abdullahi Immediate Needs: Food, Clothing, Medical Aid, and Education While essential for survival, the relief…
Top United Nations (UN) officials and leaders of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have renewed their urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of personnel detained by Houthi authorities in Yemen. The plea follows alarming reports that a significant number of arbitrarily arrested individuals, including three UN staff members, may face criminal prosecution. Among those detained are two employees of UNESCO and one from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), who were arrested in 2021 and 2023. Despite hopes for release, the potential laying of charges against these individuals has raised serious concerns about their safety and the implications for…
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged the troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe to eliminate crude oil theft and related activities, noting that crude oil production has improved from about 1.5 million to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day. During his maiden visit to the Headquarters in Bayelsa State, the Minister commended the troops for demobilizing 1,129 illegal refineries since February 2024 and praised their sustained fight against oil theft and other criminal activities. “Crude oil production has risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day, and I’m confident it will reach…
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has partnered with critical stakeholders in the Africa’s creative economy, to align with the African Union’s vision for cultural and creative development, as outlined during the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) in Moroni, Union of Comoros. It was a gathering of key stakeholders, including Pan-African cultural institutions, artists, cultural workers, and policymakers in the East African country, at an epoch-making event held between September 25 and 27, 2024. At this event, a framework for action aligning national and continental policies was developed, emphasizing the development of arts and heritage as crucial to…
“Moving forward, petroleum product marketers are now able to purchase PMS directly from local refineries without the intermediary role of NNPC. Marketers are encouraged to initiate direct purchases from refineries on mutually negotiated commercial terms, which will promote competition and improve market efficiency,” the statement said.
The first Prosecuting witness, PW1 for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abubakar Kweido in the trial of a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja before Justice James Omotosho that the former minister allegedly used funds meant for the Mambilla project to purchase Abuja properties. The EFCC is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Kweido, an operative of the EFCC while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Olumide Fusika, SAN said investigation activities showed…
The Caribbean countries say they would seek a partnership with the Dangote Group in cement and fertiliser production. The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, has praised the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a key investment for the industrialization and development of Africa and other developing regions. During his tour of the Dangote complex in Lagos, Mitchell, who also serves as the chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), emphasized the need for investments that would reverse the trend of exporting raw materials and importing finished products. ALSO READ Beyond the Facade: Unveiling the Violence in Nigeria’s ‘Peaceful’ Presidential Elections…
Tanzania has proudly announced the completion of the Magufuli Bridge, the longest bridge in East Africa. This monumental infrastructure project, constructed for $300 million, is a testament to the nation’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region. The 3.2-kilometer bridge, formerly known as the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, has been renamed in honour of the late President John Pombe Magufuli, whose leadership was marked by a focus on infrastructural development. This strategic infrastructure significantly reduces travel time across Lake Victoria, cutting the journey from approximately two hours to a mere four minutes. Such efficiency is expected to stimulate…