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By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Fresh from the Yuletide break, President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged his colleagues to rededicate themselves to the task of fixing Nigeria. He made the appeal on Tuesday, January 14, in a welcome address entitled: 'Rising To The Greatness of Our Calling' which he read at the resumed plenary, after the break. The Senate President said: "As we embark on this new legislative year, I urge us all to accommodate in our New Year resolutions a renewed commitment to the service of our great nation, Nigeria. "Let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has congratulated Ohanaeze Ndigbo on its successful election which ushered in a new Executive Council (Exco) to run the latter's affairs. A statement by Afenifere's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, on Tuesday, January 14, quoted its Leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as expressing the organisation’s goodwill to Ohanaeze and its new President General (PG), Senator John Azuta-Mbata. The Afenifere leader prayed for a successful tenure for the new exco and assured the body of Afenifere’s readiness to work with ethnic nationalities, including Ohanaeze "for the betterment of our dear…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Oyo State governor, 'Seyi Makinde, has sworn in 48 newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state Civil/Public Service, urging them to discharge their duties effectively and do their best for the state. He urged the Permanent Secretaries to work hand in hand with his government to achieve its vision of sustainable development of the state. The governor stated these at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital, shortly after the oath of office and allegiance were administered on them. Gov. Makinde described the event as historic, adding that the process…

By our reporter Official hammer came for markets patronized by used item scavengers, popularly known as 'panteka', and their patrons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday, January 13, banned such commercial outlets for two weeks. Scavenging was also banned anywhere within FCT. He said the ban will become effective from Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Henceforth, any scavenger caught in the business faces being charged with attempted murder or economic sabotage, the Minister warned. The Minister's Special Assistant on Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed these in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Wike…

By Abdulrahim Abdulkadir The tussle for the revered ancient stool of Kano took another turn on Sunday as the ousted Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,the 15th Emir, rejected the Appeal Court verdict which nullified a Federal High Court order that had removed Muhammadu Sanusi II as 16th Emir. Bayero declared that he will approach the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment of the appellate court even as he insisted that he is still Emir of Kano. Addressing journalists at Bayero's Nasarawa Palace, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba DanAgundi, who filed the suit that was struck out by the Appeal Court, said:…

From Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu The Senator representing Anambra Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, has taken a clear position on the controversy surrounding the agitation of the incarcerated leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, against Igbo marginalization in Nigeria. Sen. Umeh said he backs the agitation because the marginalization is still overtly manifest and alive in Federal Government's governance discrimination against the Igbo. Both Umeh and Kanu are Igbos,one of three major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. He spoke to newsmen in Enugu during the general assembly/convention of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze…

By Felix Durumbah, and Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Two conventions of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, held on Friday, January 10. They produced two Presidents-General (PGs),both lawyers, as well as top personalities to fill other executive positions as Igbos displayed their legendary republican nature. The eye-catching development laid the tar of truth to the Igbo adage that there is no one road to get to the market. At stake was the battle to control the soul of the Igbo nationality and proffer solutions to the numerous challenges confronting one of the three massive ethnic groups in Nigeria. Much more…

By Achadu Gabriel Nigeria's Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has presented the ministry's 2024 budget performance report and defended its 2025 budget before lawmakers at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. In a statement, he said the presentation was a crucial step in ensuring that the ministry's environmental initiatives and projects were adequately funded. Malam Lawal said his leadership, within the performance period under review, focused on addressing key environmental challenges including climate change, pollution, and conservation. The ministry's budget defence presentation highlighted its achievements in 2024, including efforts to promote sustainable development, protect natural resources, and address environmental…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu,Enugu As elections into apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze, are scheduled for Friday, January 20, President General (PG) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, has reaffirmed his commitment to hand over the reins of power to an indigene of Rivers State. He stated that though his tenure as a PG is very brief, but “what matters is the impact and legacy with which we will be remembered. The millions of Igbo people all over the world are watching us with more than a passing interest on the quality of Ohanaeze leadership that will be enthroned on…