Author: Maimuna Bashir Isa

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…

THE Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has charged the Motherland 2025 Initiative Committee to work assiduously to ensure the success of the project aimed at bringing back Nigerians in the diaspora and drastically curbing the migration of its citizens to other countries. According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Friday, the Minister gave the charge on Thursday when she  inaugurated the committee to drive the project in Abuja. She stated that Motherland 2025 Initiative is aimed at positioning Nigeria as a premier global…

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is to formally launch the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments in Nigeria (CPP-LG), aimed at tackling systemic corruption and promoting transparency at the grassroots level in the country. This development follows recent legal affirmations of local government autonomy, which are expected to strengthen their financial independence and operational efficiency. The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who revealed the plan on Wednesday during a summit organised by the Gombe State government on “Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility, and Sustainable Development,” explained that the initiative will…

THE Department for Combating Illegal Migration in Libya has deported A total of 48 Nigerian women and two children with the assistance of Nigeria’s consular services and support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The repatriation operation was carried out via Mitiga International Airport, ensuring the safe return of the migrants to their home country. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerian nationals facing hardship abroad, particularly in conflict-prone regions such as Libya. Migrant Rescue Watch made this known in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. The statement said, “DCIM repatriated from Tripoli…

THE Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has urged young writers to compete in the ongoing ‘Voices of Our Heritage’ writing competition. The contest which is open to Nigerian pupils and students between 10-18 years old is an online national project, in collaboration with Bribooks, aimed at fostering creativity, imagination, and cultural diversity appreciation among young minds. According to Minister Musawa, “The ‘Voices of Our Heritage’ writing competition is a vital initiative that will help discover and nurture budding literary talents in Nigeria. “We are committed to empowering young participants to create, publish,…

A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja on Monday, granted an application by former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to amend her suit challenging the order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for final forfeiture of her seized assets. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the request after the motion was moved by Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Inyinbor, and the EFCC’s counsel, Divine Oguru, did not oppose it. When the matter was called, Inyinbor, who appeared for Diezani, informed the court that they had already filed a motion for amendment of their originating process and the defendant had been duly served.…

THE freeze in billions of dollars in global funding for the United States’ health and education projects in countries of the world including Nigeria continues to dominate global discussions. There have been palpable fears on the continental scene that the decision of the Donald Trump presidency to halt the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will reverse the compounded gains achieved in the global fight and campaign against diseases and infections such as malaria, tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and its advanced stage, the Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). On Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, Prof Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating…

THE Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has acknowledged media reports concerning the visa denials of senior Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. This was contained in a statement issued by the Commission in Nigeria on Friday. This newspaper reports that the officials had been invited to an event in Canada honouring war veterans. While some members of the delegation received visas, others were denied entry, causing disappointment and frustration. Musa shared his experience at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, expressing his…

MARYAM Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has made history as the first university in Nigeria to be granted corporate membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The feat was marked by the induction of 50 Mass Communication students of the University into the student membership cadre of the NIPR. The induction ceremony, held on Thursday at the School of Social and Management Sciences in MAAUN, was presided over by a Council Member of NIPR and Chairman, Board of Directors of Image Merchant Promotion Limited (IMPR), Dr Sule Yau Sule. He lauded MAAUN for prioritising professional development,…

THE Taraba State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Agbu Kefas diverted over ₦100 billion to a retired general. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Usman, described the claim as “an outright falsehood with no factual basis.” “The governor has not handed over such an amount of money to any individual for any reason whatsoever. Instead, the government is repaying loans inherited from past administrations while making significant strides in infrastructure and service delivery,” she added. The statement also refuted allegations that local government intervention funds had been misappropriated. “Just last week,…

THE Exam Ethics Marshals International has stated that 67 per cent of Nigerian private and public secondary schools operate as examination magic centres, popularly known as “miracle centres.” It, however, encouraged parents to enforce the government’s ban on levies in public schools, by refusing to pay any illegal fees and reporting such to the authorities. Founding Chairman of the group, Ike Onyechere, who made the revelation yesterday at a press conference in Abuja, noted that most of the ‘miracle centres’ operate as syndicates with a membership that covers the chain of critical actors in the school and examination administration process.…

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has set up another committee to tackle the influx of Almajiri’s in the metropolis. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, made this disclosure while briefing journalists after a closed-door security meeting chaired by the FCT Minister. He explained that this move by the minister is to ensure security agencies are abreast with details of Almajiri’s especially their activities which include welfare and schooling. Though he dismissed questions bordering on security threats in the nation’s capital, Disu appealed to residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious activity to security…

NIGERIA’s largest telecom operator, MTN, has commenced the gradual implementation of a 50 per cent tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission in January. The adjustment, which is evident in the updated prices of data plans, leaves call and SMS rates unaffected for the time being. A senior executive from MTN, who doesn’t want to be mentioned, confirmed the development in a conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday. “Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists. “However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet”, the source said. The price adjustments primarily affect several data…

THE Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in partnership with Discover Motherland Africa, has unveiled Motherland 2025, a groundbreaking initiative that positions Nigeria as a hub for African culture, investment, and tourism. At the launch held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, the Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa described the Motherland 2025 project as more than a festival. She stated that the transformative initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy, leveraging Nigeria’s rich heritage, economy, and tourism potential to drive global engagement. “Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. A…

THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Commissioner of Police (CP), Abayomi Shogunle, to head the Special Intervention Squad (SIS); Elections Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Safe School Protection Squad. The appointment, IGP said is a strategic move aimed at bolstering internal security and swifter responses to violent crimes, the IGP has also appointed CSP Chima Ogarashi as the new Force Marine Officer (FMO). Egbetokun said is part of initiatives to improve security and combat crime along the inland waterways. According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The new…

FORMER Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has questioned Governor Uba Sani’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  He was reacting to Sani’s remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday.  Sani expressed surprise at the growing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by some founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Reacting via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, El-Rufai alleged that Sani’s steadfast support for Tinubu was linked to over N150 billion of federal reimbursements granted to Kaduna State in the past 18 months. “Every day I see this governor embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling, I used to…