The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has called for sweeping reforms in urban mass transport, warning that rapid urbanisation is outpacing infrastructure and policy delivery. The call was made on Sunday at the 6th U.G. Jibrin Distinguished Annual Public Lecture in Abuja, themed “Urban Mass Transportation: An Urgent Agenda.” Guest speaker, Mr. Nebolisa Emordi, said Nigeria’s urban population has exceeded 100 million, with nearly 70 per cent projected to live in cities by 2050. He said the surge demands urgent and deliberate action to modernise transport through strategic planning, regulation, and technology-driven solutions. Emordi noted that the system is…
Author: Newsdesk
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has confirmed the safe rescue of 15 abducted passengers in the state. Alia disclosed this on Sunday during a joint briefing with the Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, at the Government House in Makurdi. The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday, April 15, along the Taraku–Otukpo road but were later rescued unharmed. The governor explained that 17 persons were initially abducted, but two escaped separately, leaving 15 who were eventually rescued. Among the victims were eight candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Alia urged JAMB to make special arrangements for the affected…
Turkish Airlines and Air Peace have signed a Bilateral Special Prorate Agreement to enhance connectivity between Nigeria, Africa, and global destinations. This was contained in a statement issued by Air Peace spokesperson, Mr. Efe Osifo-Whiskey, on Sunday in Lagos. Osifo-Whiskey said the partnership enables passengers to enjoy single-ticket travel, coordinated schedules, and simplified baggage handling across both airlines. He added that the agreement applies to selected routes and eligible itineraries, ensuring smoother and more convenient journeys across multiple destinations. “Through this agreement, Turkish Airlines passengers arriving in Lagos can connect seamlessly to Air Peace’s domestic and regional network,” he said.…
The Lagos State Government has unveiled comprehensive cybersecurity guidelines to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state. The framework aims to strengthen protection against cyber threats and support Lagos’ ambition of becoming a secure, globally competitive digital hub. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated on Sunday that the initiative responds to rising cyber risks in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. Omotoso noted that Lagos, as Africa’s fastest-growing technology hub hosting thousands of enterprises, faces increasing exposure to cyber threats. Citing data from NITDA, he said Nigeria loses over 500 million dollars annually…
An entrepreneur, Dr. Obaje Austin, has called for the adoption of solar technology to drive economic growth, strengthen value chains, and create jobs in Nigeria. Austin, Managing Director of Powerverse Tech Ltd and Executive Director of Oyoyo Market Square Ltd, made the remarks in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Abuja. He spoke during the one-year anniversary of Oyoyo Iceblock, a solar-powered business initiative. Austin said solar energy has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy and improve livelihoods across sectors. His solar-powered ice block production business demonstrates how renewable energy can support small-scale industries and stimulate economic activity. “For…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 12 large parcels of cocaine destined for the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. A statement by NDLEA spokesman Mr. Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja said the drugs were concealed in the false bottoms of food flasks. The cocaine consignment, with a gross weight of 2.80 kilograms, was intercepted on Thursday, April 16, by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport export shed. Two cargo agents involved in the export bid were swiftly arrested. “Further investigation revealed a 52-year-old freight and forwarding…
The Barracks Health Committee of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, has intensified efforts to promote education, hygiene, and environmental sanitation within the military community. The Chaplain of the hospital, Capt. Emeka Ibekwe, said the initiative was inspired by the vision of the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, to make the barracks one of the best in the country. Ibekwe explained that the committee was established to ensure that children and residents maintain high standards in education, cleanliness, and general well-being. Parents have been encouraged to uphold a clean environment, while children are engaged in academic activities…
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) says it will embark on an indefinite strike as the April 30 deadline for concluding its renegotiation with the Federal Government approaches. Its National President, Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim, stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of a Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday in Abuja. SSANU had reportedly issued the Federal Government a 30-day ultimatum on March 30 to resolve welfare and agreement issues reached with university-based unions. Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, said the renegotiation process…
The Lagos State Butchers Association has raised concerns over the persistent rise in cow prices in the state, now at N2.5 million from N1.7 million in 2025. The association’s Patron, Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Lagos. Kazeem attributed the price hike to insecurity, rising transportation costs, and delayed local ranching initiatives. “Cows that sold for about N1.7 million last year are now priced between N2.3 million and N2.4 million. At one point, a cow was even sold for N2.5 million,” he said. He noted that the surge in prices has placed heavy pressure…
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State says the state has made significant improvements in security, infrastructure, and human development since he assumed office in 2023. He made the remarks at a workshop for senior government officials organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) during Nigeria Public Relations Week, Croc City 2026, in Kaduna. The workshop, themed “From Policy to Public Trust: Strategic Communication for Vision Alignment and Governance Delivery for Renewed Hope,” was attended by commissioners, special advisers, counsellors, permanent secretaries, and other top officials. Sani said he inherited a state with immense potential but burdened by insecurity,…