PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has sympathised with the victims of the Plateau building collapse over the incident he labelled as a “huge loss to the nation”. About 132 persons were injured and 22 others were confirmed dead following Friday’s tragic collapse of the two-storey structure in a school in the Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area of the state. While consoling the victims and the people of Plateau State over the incident, Tinubu’s spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said his principal received the news of the tragedy “with profound grief”. “President Tinubu describes the unfortunate incident as a huge loss to the…
Author: Abdullahi Maitama Sani
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PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has sacked Mohammed Bello-Koko as the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and appointed Abubakar Dantsoho as his replacement. Bello-Koko was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021 as acting MD and his appointment was confirmed in February 2022. This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled “President Tinubu appoints new Managing Director and Board Chairman for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).” Tinubu appointed Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director of the NPA while Senator Adedayo Adeyeye was appointed the…
THE Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) as part of its efforts to tackle the prevailing hardship in the land. While inaugurating the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said it was part of the present administration’s ongoing plan to tackle hunger. The presidency has also engaged the states, development partners and other critical stakeholders in the efforts to address the soaring prices of commodities and general food insecurity in the country. Addressing members comprising governors, cabinet ministers and representatives of development partners, Shettima said, “The nation is…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has renamed the National Theatre in Lagos after Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Tinubu announced this in a birthday message to the Nobel laureate who turns 90 on July 13. “Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country. “I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honour to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu says Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation. Tinubu said this while speaking with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo, on Thursday in Abuja. According to a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing their concerns. “I pay attention to everything around…
COMRADE Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has said the status quo on N250,000 as minimum wage stands. While the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector agreed on N62,000, labour is insisting on N250,000. President Bola Tinubu had said he needed time to consult with other stakeholders before sending the bill for the new minimum wage to National Assembly. Speaking with State House Correspondents after he and other labour leaders met with President Tinubu, on Thursday, Ajaero said labour leaders went for discussion, not negotiation. He said the meeting would continue next week. After discussing for over…
THE Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd) as Chairman of the Police Service Commission alongside two others; Onyemuche Nnamani and Fredrick Taiwo Lakanu as Secretary and member respectively. The confirmation followed the consideration of a report submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on the confirmation of the Police Service Commission, Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed representing Jigawa East. The immediate past President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, however, pointed out that the Nigeria Police Force has suffered a manpower shortfall of 20,000 recruits in the last two years, owing to a…
THE Supreme Court has delivered judgment in the suit instituted by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors on local government autonomy. In the suit, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), sought full autonomy and direct fund allocation to the 774 local governments in the country. In the suit predicted on 27 grounds, the Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power. The Federal Government prayed the Supreme Court to make an order expressly stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation…
NO fewer than 10 states across the federation received a boost of 50 per cent or more in their monthly allocation from statutory federal funds, findings have shown. This was as 12 out of the 36 states received an increase of 40 per cent or more in their monthly allocation. According to data sourced from monthly reports of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, as released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total allocation to the 36 states also increased by 27 per cent to N4.5bn in 12 months from N3.58tn in the corresponding period. For this report, our correspondent…
THE House of Representatives has dismissed reports that it called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement. The clarification was made on Wednesday by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi. Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, said that contrary to media reports, lawmakers resolved to investigate controversial clauses in the agreement to ensure that they do not violate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The All Progressives Congress lawmaker noted that the House urged the government to engage in widespread consultations and stakeholder engagement concerning the agreement. He said, “During the…
A BILL seeking the creation of Tiga State from the current Kano State is ready for presentation at the Senate. It is titled, “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (Creation of Tiga State) Bill, 2024. The bill is sponsored by Senator Kawu Sumaiman AbdulRahman (Kano South). This newspaper reports that Kano State has 44 local government areas and is one of the states with the highest voting population in the country. Our correspondent reports that the bill was to be introduced on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday for first reading, but the Senate had adjourned plenary…
THE House of Representatives Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development, on Tuesday, grilled the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors after the release of funds for the purpose. The committee was investigating the alleged diversion of the N1.5bn meant for the payment of contractors after it received a petition from the contractors over non-payment for contracts they executed for the ministry. The committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment. The committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024…
THE House of Representatives has announced the passing of Honourable. (Prince) Olaide Akinremi, also known as Jagaban. A statement signed by House Spokesman Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., on Wednesday, said Akinremi who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died after a brief illness. Hon. Akinremi who served as Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was aged 51. The statement said, “Until his demise, the Oyo legislator was a dedicated public servant known for his unwavering…
THE Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja on Monday. Kyari disclosed that the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will enjoy a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window. He added that the move is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, which is aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in the country. The minister…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has condoled with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the death of the Alhaji Surajudeen Tokunbo Ayilara who he described as an outstanding public servant, a trusted and dependable partner. In a tribute he personally wrote in which he also condoled with the deceased’s family, he eulogized Ayilara for living “a life of unwavering dedication, loyalty, and service.” He noted that despite his frailty towards the end, he refused to give up, demonstrating his unyielding spirit and determination to carry on until his very last breath. “Ayilara lived a life of remarkable achievement, one marked by hard work, endurance,…
VICE President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, has reassured of the commencement of production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol by the Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals company this month. Edwin disclosed during an onsite visit to the Dangote Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, by S&P Global, headquartered in Manhattan, New York City, as part of its sovereign credit ratings assessment of Nigeria. He reiterated that as earlier promised, the company will start the production of petrol this month (July). According to him, the move will harness Africa’s abundant crude oil resources…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) tasked with strategising a way out of the current economic situation in the country. The Council has a mix of government officials, top private sector players, and consultants including President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote; Chairman of the United Bank of Africa, Mr Tony Elumelu; and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane. Briefing State House Correspondents after the Inauguration of the Council, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun said the Council is to meet…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of some qualified Nigerians to the Board of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, Wednesday. Those appointed are: (1) Otunba Aderemi Abdul – Board Chairman (Independent Non-Executive Director) (2) Engr. Uzoma Nwagba – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (3) Mrs. Aisha Abdullahi – Executive Director (Credit, Risk & Portfolio)/CRO (4) Ms. Olanike Kolawole – Executive Director (Operations)/COO (5) Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang – Non-Executive Director (MOFI Nominee) (6) Dr. Peter Iwegbu – Non-Executive Director (NIMC Nominee)…
THE Niger State Police Command has refuted reports of an explosion at the Zungeru Dam. Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun on Monday said the reports of such incident were misinformation. He urged the public to disregard the false claims propagated by some online media outlets (not News Point Nigeria). Abiodun emphasised that there has been no incident of explosion at the dam, labeling the reports as entirely baseless. He said the state is not in darkness as falsely alleged. He reassured the public that the situation at Zungeru Dam remained normal and that there was no cause for alarm. The statement…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Aisa. Hajiya Aisha died on Sunday in Abuja after a protracted illness, at the age of 93. She will be buried today, Monday, at the family residence of the late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital. A statement by his Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, said that President Tinubu also urged the Modu Sheriff family, to take comfort in the knowledge, that the deceased…