President Bola Tinubu has approved a N3.3 trillion payment plan to settle longstanding debts in Nigeria’s power sector under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. The approval was disclosed in a statement signed by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday. The move follows a final review of legacy debts that have plagued the sector for over a decade and is expected to stabilise electricity generation and improve service delivery. The debts, which accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, were verified before arriving at the agreed settlement figure. The statement stated that implementation has already commenced, with several stakeholders in the power value chain beginning to…
Author: Newsdesk
The Nigerian Air Force has released the list of successful candidates for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 34/2025 and fixed April 18, 2026, as the training commencement date. The announcement was disclosed in a statement issued by the Air Commodore and Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame. The development follows the completion of the Selection Board Interview conducted at the NAF Base in Kaduna between January 12 and February 8, 2026, setting the stage for the next phase of the recruitment process. The Air Force said the names of successful candidates have been published on its official recruitment portal for…
Residents of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos on Sunday lauded the second 50 per cent food discount programme, calling it timely relief that eases household pressures. The first edition, held on February 15, saw widespread participation and significant benefits for many residents. Introduced by council chairman Abdulganiyu Obasa, the initiative allows families to purchase essential food items at half price within the area. In partnership with T.Topps Foods, the council offered discounted staples, providing relief ahead of Ramadan and Lenten observances. Residents said the programme improved access to quality food at subsidised rates amid ongoing economic challenges and rising…
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported two separate fire incidents caused by electrical surges in parts of Lagos on Sunday. The agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, confirmed the incidents in a statement to reporters. The first incident occurred at FESTAC Town Phase 2, where a single-storey building was engulfed in flames after a conduit wire sparked on the ground floor. Olawale said the prompt response of the LASEMA Response Team and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service prevented the fire from spreading to the top floor and adjoining buildings. “Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, though…
The wife of Kebbi Governor, Nafisa Idris, has urged residents to use insecticide-treated mosquito nets properly to curb malaria. Idris made the call on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi during her investiture as the state’s Net Ambassador, alongside wives of local government chairmen, who were inaugurated as Net Advocates. She expressed concern over the persistent threat of malaria and called for collective action to eliminate the disease in the state. She noted that the mosquito nets, provided free by the government and development partners, would only be effective if used correctly. Idris advised beneficiaries to visit designated distribution centers to collect…
The Nasrul-Lahi-il-Fatih Society (NASFAT) on Sunday inaugurated a new set of Zonal Executive members to oversee activities across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara for the next two years. NASFAT National President, Ayodeji Abdulrauf, inaugurated the executives and commended the zone for its consistent dedication to the growth of the society and commitment to Islamic teachings. Represented by Vice-President II, Maroof Ajiroba, Abdulrauf emphasized that NASFAT, as a prominent Nigerian-based international Islamic organization, remains focused on Islamic propagation, education, and community empowerment. “Your sustained commitment to the development of the society is commendable. As leaders, you must uphold trust, justice, and fairness…
Some agriculture experts have attributed persistent fluctuations in food prices in Nigeria to structural challenges in the sector, despite ongoing government interventions aimed at boosting production. The experts shared their views in separate interviews with reporters on Sunday in Lagos. They said that while initiatives such as subsidised inputs, credit schemes, and mechanisation support were commendable, their impact has yet to stabilise market prices. Mr. Adewale Ogunbiyi, an agricultural economist, said inconsistent policy implementation and high logistics costs continue to undermine intervention programmes. “Implementation remains the major issue of most government interventions. Farmers still struggle with transportation, storage, and post-harvest…
The Director-General of the Kano Social Protection Agency (KASPA), Dr. Fatima Abubakar, has unveiled an eight-point strategic plan to strengthen and expand social protection (SP) programmes in Kano State. Presenting the plan at a two-day first-quarter joint SP Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting in Kaduna—organised by UNICEF Kano Field Office for participants from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa—Abubakar said the initiative aims to improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens. The plan forms part of a joint action framework agreed upon by stakeholders to drive priority social protection reforms over the next six to 12 months. It clearly defines the roles and…
Abiodun Kosoko has blamed rising fuel prices for surging food costs, warning that transport expenses are squeezing traders and worsening hardship for consumers across Lagos. Kosoko, Baba Loja General of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, spoke during a visit by reporters to Ile Epo Market, describing a sharp disconnect between foot traffic and actual sales. He said that although markets still attract daily crowds, purchasing power has weakened significantly, leaving traders with unsold goods and diminishing returns. Kosoko explained that many traders source food items from northern and neighbouring states, where production is higher but transportation to Lagos has become increasingly expensive.…
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Straight Out of Navy Town (SONT), organised an awareness programme on Saturday for students and parents about the dangers of drug abuse. Mr. Ayodeji Ogunyemi, General Coordinator of SONT, said the initiative was necessary due to the rising incidence of drug use in society. He spoke at the SONT Well-being and Substance Abuse Programme, held at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos State. Ogunyemi explained that the programme was scheduled during the Easter holiday so that both students and parents would be available to attend. “We focused on the problem of substance abuse and…