Author: Maimuna Bashir Isa

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sounded the alarm over the growing trend of illicit transactions involving banknotes, urging immediate intervention to curb the practice. CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made this known at the Bank’s Security Workshop held in Abuja on Thursday, where security and law enforcement agencies gathered to address the issue. Cardoso disclosed that recent mystery shopping exercises conducted in major commercial hubs, including Abuja, Asaba, Awka, Benin, Ilorin, Kano, and Ibadan, uncovered disturbing instances of Naira commoditization and abuse. “A critical concern that arises from these transactions is an illegal act and a premium charged on…

THE Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated MOFI to unlock and monetize the vast, untapped potential of the Federal Government’s tangible and intangible assets, driving economic transformation and growth in the cultural and creative sectors. At the ceremony which took place at the Bank of Industry House, the  Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang said that the Memorandum of Understanding between MOFI and the ministry will awaken the nation’s creativity and heritage and activate its dormant…

THE Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday restrained the Federak Govt through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking any administrative steps against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its DStv and GOtv price increases. Justice James Omotosho issued the order in an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore Onibanjo (SAN), against the FCCPC in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025. The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to provide explanations regarding the price review. The Commission had directed the company’s Chief Executive Officer to appear for an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025, raising concerns over frequent price…

NIGERIA and China are set to collaborate on a groundbreaking partnership to boost the tourism and creative sectors. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Yu Dunhai, met with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Tuesday, to discuss the exciting opportunities for collaboration. The Chinese ambassador highlighted numerous areas of untapped opportunities which will be of economic benefit to both countries including partnerships on training and capacity building, as well as offline and online training programs to enhance tourism promotion. “China would like to explore opportunities for cultural exchange, allowing Nigerian…

MINISTER of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reiterated the urgent need for economic and social investments in women’s empowerment. The minister, who stated this, at the weekend, during a symposium to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day organised by Nigerian Exchange Group Plc., in collaboration with Central Securities Clearing System Plc., under the theme, ‘Accelerate Action for all Women: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment in Lagos’, said that investing in women’s empowerment would ultimately drive national development. In her keynote address, she highlighted the economic and social benefits of gender inclusivity, stating that providing women with…

THE leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Sakaina, has been shot dead by gunmen. The incident, it was gathered, occurred around past 10:00 pm on Saturday when his attackers accosted and shot him dead in front of his residence in Oke Ose, Ilorin. “His attackers left him in the pool of his blood. They didn’t collect anything from him and their motive for such action is surprising”, a source said. In a chat with one of our correspondents, a witness, Aina’u Sarki, said: “I was with him 20 minutes before he…

THE Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) has called on both the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to submit themselves to an open and transparent probe into allegations of inappropriate behavior involving both parties. The chairperson of NBAWF, Barrister Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim made the call during a press briefing on Saturday, stressing that, ‘nobody should be a judge in his own matter’. She added, “It is in the interest of both Senator Akpabio and Senator Natasha that the matter be investigated and determined one way or the…

Lauds Okonjo-Iweala, Oteh, Tiwa, Others On Forbes Award THE Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa joins the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The Minister wishes to extend warmest greetings to all Nigerian women, celebrating their strength, resilience, and creativity, and acknowledging the vital role they play in shaping society. “As we join the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy extends warmest greetings to all Nigerian women”. The theme for this year’s celebration…

THE first Lady of Nigeria senator Oluremi Tinubu, has hosted Iftar, breaking of fast at the State House Abuja. The First Lady in her remarks noted that the nation is on the path of full recovery, assuring that in no distant future, Nigeria would be better. She said the lecture topic, Role of Compassion and Mercy in Human Relations is a reminder to everyone to just go ahead and do good though it is sometimes difficult but it must be done in worship to Almighty Allah without seeking acknowledgment or validation from the beneficiaries. Delivering the Iftar lecture, Head of…

MINISTER of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has called on entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the creative sector to invest in the development of the Abuja Creative City (ACC). Musawa made the call at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and Creative Park Limited on Thursday in Abuja. This newspaper reports that the collaborative MoU is aimed at developing the ACC as an entertainment, culture and creative hub and as well create jobs for teeming Nigerian youths. According to Musawa, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, the ACC is…

A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of another $1.4 million linked to a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. Justice Olayinka Faji in his ruling on Thursday agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that the sum was proceeds of unlawful activities and must be forfeited to the Federal Government. Through its counsel, Bilkisu Bahari-Bala, the EFCC had told the court that the sum of $1,426,175.14 was found in the account of Donatone Limited at Titan Trust Bank (Account No. 2000000500) and that investigations confirmed the money was…

THE Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., was honoured with the prestigious Thomas Sankara African Leadership Prize on Thursday, February 27, 2025. This award recognises him as an Icon of Selfless and Innovative Leadership in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to governance, leadership, and national development. The Thomas Sankara Pan-African Leadership Prize is bestowed upon individuals who embody selfless service, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to societal advancement. Goronyo’s leadership has been marked by innovation, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to public service. His significant contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructural development—particularly in public works—have not only improved the…

THE Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan, has accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. Akpabio has since denied the allegation through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, Akpoti-Uduaghan made the allegation during an interview with Arise Television on Friday. She alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances. The Kogi lawmaker added that by rejecting Apkabio’s sexual advances, she was subjected to persistent harassment and malignment in his home in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, and his office. She said, “My issue with Akpabio started…

NIGERIA is set to begin implementing the $200 million African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim) fund to boost tourism and the creative economy on June 1, it has emerged. The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who disclosed this on Wednesday, also revealed that efforts are underway to mobilize $2 billion in global and local investments to create jobs and expand the creative economy to $100 billion by 2030. In a statement on Wednesday by her special assistant on compliance and coordination, Jummai Ali, the Minister emphasized that advanced negotiations with international finance partners are underway to…

THE Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Wednesday raised the alarm over threats to her life and that of the agency’s staff, calling on the authorities to protect the operatives who daily navigate a great deal of hazards while carrying out their assigned responsibilities. This comes as the NAFDAC boss prescribed the death penalty for counterfeit and illicit drug peddlers in the country. Prof. Adeyeye addressed newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where she had gone to speak on the agency’s recent large-scale enforcement operation across three major…

FORMER President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has attributed the shortcomings of political actors to the behavior of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary. Jonathan made this observation on Tuesday in Abuja at a Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, organised by Yiaga Africa. He insisted that for the review of the electoral law to be meaningful in Nigeria, it must be comprehensive enough to address all the grey areas that plagued the conduct of elections at both the national and subnational levels. According to him, for elections to be properly conducted, the judiciary must play an…

THE United States of America has released the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme. Among other African countries, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana are not listed in the new visa waiver programme for 2025 as the country introduces policy updates on permit privilege eligibility and others. The US Department of State recently announced the 2025 visa waiver programme (VWP) update, featuring a revised list of eligible countries and new travel policies. This update simplifies visa-free entry into the United States for millions worldwide, making business, tourism, and transit travel more accessible. However, as the new VWP…

Case Adjourned To March 6, 7 For Continuation Of Trial THE Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, adjourned the money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025, for continuation of trial. The court adjourned after the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called his two witnesses, one on subpoena. When Pinheiro, SAN, called the first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected, saying that the witness’ name was not included in the initial list of witnesses provided by…

THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has justified its recent crackdown on fake drugs across the country and dismissed claims that the organisation was against businesses. NAFDAC’s recent crackdown on fake drugs saw it raiding markets and shops where these substances were discovered. That has triggered condemnation from some persons who accuse the agency of unfairness and targeting non-drug sections of some markets. But NAFDAC’s Director General Mojisola Adeyeye has dismissed the allegations and hinged the organisation’s actions on “safeguarding” the health of the nation. “We are not disturbing trade, we are protecting lives. We…

THE Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has proposed a National Tourism Summit to discuss strategies for advancing Nigeria’s tourism industry. According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze ,the group proposed when they paid a courtesy call on the  Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr.  Hannatu Musa Musawa at the weekend in Abuja. FTAN President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung who led the delegation stated the need to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector, highlighting FTAN’s role in unifying private sector associations to support government initiatives. Onung said…