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West African leaders will hold a summit later this month as the region struggles to reverse a series of coups and contain jihadist conflicts in the Sahel. The Economic Community of the West African States will meet in Nigeria’s capital Abuja on December 10, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara’s office said in a statement after talks with ECOWAS chiefs. The leaders last met in August for talks on Niger after a July 26 coup there which overthrew elected president Mohamed Bazoum. He has since been sequestered in his residence in Niamey. ECOWAS heads of state threatened military intervention as a last resort to restore Bazoum and imposed heavy economic sanctions on Niger, now ruled by a military regime led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Advertisement But the regime has dug in and demanded it may need up to three years for a transition to civilian rule. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is current chair of ECOWAS, says back-channel talks are still ongoing with the Niger regime.

  For the second time running in the month of November, 2023, the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has won the “Most Outstanding Governor of the Year” Award. Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde had at an event recently held in Lagos bagged the Governor of the year award.  Again, the "Most Outstanding Governor of the Year" award was conferred on Governor Seyi Makinde today by the National Executive of the PDP mobilizers Nigeria in partnership with other support groups of the PDP. The glorious event was held today , Thursday 30th November, 2023 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall of Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. Advertisement The award, according to the National Coordinator of the group, Iteh Ubon, is in recognition and appreciation of Governor Makinde’s consistency in human capacity building, growth, development and humanitarian concern of people’s welfare. While receiving the award on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointments of Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and Board Chairmen across various portfolios, Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The appointments were announced in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, dated 29 November, 2023. This is just as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, is to combine the role of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media with his current portfolio. The names and portfolios of the fresh appointments are as follows: Advertisement Oloye Suraj Abiodun- Special Adviser (Education Intervention) Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran- Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr Gbola Adetunji- Chairman, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) Alhaji Murtala Ahmad- Special Assistant (Community Relations) I, Arewa Community Nwosu Innocent- Senior Special Assistant (Community Relations) 2, Igbo Comm

  A recent comment by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who traced the origin of Lagos to the Binis, has elicited stiff opposition from a prominent Awori monarch, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege; some academics and a Lagos chief, GBENGA OLONINIRAN and SODIQ OJURONGBE write The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has sparked controversy among Nigerians especially on social media when the king said the Binis founded Lagos. During a visit to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, the monarch who was aware of the potential mixed reactions that would trail his comments, went ahead to grab the bull by the horn. Oba Ewuare said, “It is in the history books that the Binis founded Lagos. When some people will hear it now, they will go haywire; what is the Oba saying there again? But it is true. Go and check the records. Maybe not all over Lagos as we know it now but certain areas in Lagos, maybe the nucleus of Lagos, were founded by my ancestors. The Oba of Lagos will say so.

  The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that the old N200, N500, N1000 notes should continue to co-exist with the new notes till further notice. The apex court ruled that both old and new notes should continue to remain legal tender until the Federal Government put a process in place for its replacement or redesign after due consultation with relevant stakeholders. Mid-November, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had said the old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes would remain legal tender indefinitely. Advertisement The Federal Government subsequently urged the Supreme Court to grant an extension of time for old naira notes to remain in circulation as a legal tender. In an application by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, the Federal Government asked the apex court to lift its March 3 order that the old naira notes should remain alongside the new notes till December 31, 2023. The Federal Government explained that should the Supreme Court decline its request to extend th

  President Bola Tinubu will present the 2024 budget estimates of N27.5trn to a joint session of the National Assembly (NASS) today (Wednesday). It’s the President’s first budget presentation before the lawmakers since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. The upper chamber had on Tuesday granted the President’s request to present the budget to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Also, NASS’ Secretary of Research and Information, Ali Umoru, in a letter dated November 27, 2023, had announced that the President will address the parliament today. About three weeks ago, the President forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper where the sum of N26.1trn was proposed as the total expenditure profile for the 2024 fiscal year. Advertisement On Monday, the budget on Monday was revised upwards by N1.5 trillion to N27.5trn after the oil price benchmark was increased and the naira exchange ra

  The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command, has handed over a $54,330 bribe offered to the command by importers of tramadol tablets to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Michael Wekas. The command announced this in a statement on Tuesday. The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Dera Nnadi, while handing over the money, reiterated the zero tolerance for corruption stance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. Advertisement He explained that the imported tramadol tablets were falsely declared as electrical appliances valued at over N856m while the bribe was offered to compromise officers. Nnadi who commended the officers for rejecting the bribe and working ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security, said the act was in clear violation of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. He called for continuous compliance on the part of port users, reiterating that the service in colla

  The Commissioner of Police for the Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Orji Divisional Police Officer, CSP Udom Godwin, to the command's headquarters in Owerri over the alleged conspiracy that led to the escape of a suspected serial rapist, Ihee Andrew. This was disclosed in a statement by the command's Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry, and posted on his official X handle on Tuesday. The statement read, "The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the immediate redeployment of Orji Divisional Police Officer, CSP Udom Godwin, to the Command headquarters, Owerri on standby over an allegation of Conspiracy, Aiding and Abetting in the escape of one Ihee Andrew, ‘m’, of Ahiazu Mbaise, a suspected 30-yrs-old serial rapist detained at the division.  Advertisement "Meanwhile, CSP Seedy Eke Chima who is a seasoned police officer has been deployed to take charge as the DPO Orji. "In ad

  In the intricate tapestry of Oyo State's political landscape, one name stands out as a silent force propelling positive change—Otunba Seye Famojuro. His contributions, often behind the scenes, transcend the realm of conventional politics, leaving an indelible mark on the state's transformation. As an ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, Otunba Seye has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between the government and the people. During the recent Local Government Chairmanship elections, his efforts to support those loyal to the governor and the party showcased his commitment to ensuring success in every endeavor. Advertisement What sets Otunba Seye apart is not just his influence but his ability to navigate the complex political landscape without occupying any official position. He has proven that leadership goes beyond titles and can be rooted in actions that positively impact the lives of the people. Otunba Seye Famojuro's benevolence is evident in his interactions with people

  The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives, on Monday, began a full-scale probe into the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds from 2020 to 2023 as mandated by the House at the plenary session. Addressing the opening session, the Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam (PDP-OSUN), warned that the committee would not entertain delay tactics from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies by way of asking for an extension of time. “The committee is probing over 60 MDAs over several billions of naira in intervention funds allocated to them during the COVID-19 pandemic and we have given them enough time to prepare for this exercise,” he said. “The committee will not entertain any extension of time from any of the MDAs. The committee is not after any individual or groups, we are going to be diligent in carrying out our assignment.” Advertisement Salam urged the Accountant General of the Federation, whose office he argued is crucial to the assignment

  As part of his readiness to compliment the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde, the deputy governor of Oyo state, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal on Monday inspected ministries assigned to his office including Housing Corporation. Lawal, who began the inspection early in the morning, was first on a visit to the state’s Cultural centre at Mokola, where moribund facilities were inspected as well as the ministries of Establishments and Training; Special Duties including Simeon Adebo that lasted for more than 3 hours.  Addressing newsmen after the inspection, the deputy governor hinted that the inspection is to know the state of affairs regarding each ministry along with the Housing Corporation and how the government can step in as the Makinde administration has a lot to do with the level of neglect by previous administration.  Barr. Lawal emphasised that the Cultural Centre is in a deplorable state because it has been abandoned since 2007 and that no changes have been made to the stru

  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has summoned heads of aviation agencies in the country over recurring safety issues in the industry. Keyamo will meet the aviation agencies’ bosses on Monday in Abuja, according to a statement by the ministry. ADVERTISEMENT The agencies include the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airport Authority Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The minister will meet with them “to discuss the recent accidents in the sector and will thereafter brief the press on the outcome of the deliberation to avert such occurrences”. On Sunday, there was drama on Flight NUA 0504 from the Lagos airport on Sunday when some Abuja-bound passengers were flown to Asaba airport. Advertisement The cabin crew, upon landing in Asaba, told the passengers that they had arrived at Abuja airport, creating confusion among the passengers. The airline later blamed “

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Oluyole may have solidified a vantage position as Oyo state prepares ahead of the coming 2024 local government with the gale of endorsements and open declaration of support from residents of the Council. This was as different stakeholders in Oluyole Local Government including Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), Nigerian Coaches Association, Oluyole chapter, all declared support for Olatunji chairmanship candidature. Advertisement The declaration of support and public endorsement of Olatunji by the various stakeholders followed the soaring acceptance and political reputation in Oluyole Local Government, westernmirror.com.ng has gathered. NAPPMED, Idi-ayunre chapter is the umbrella body of all registered parent medicine dealers comprising five Wards: Wards 2, 5, 8, 9 and 10. This online newspaper reports. Chief (Mrs) Fatimah Odunpade, who led the leadership of NAPPMED at the endorsement ceremony yesterday describ

  United States President Joe Biden said on Sunday he hoped to see the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas extended. “That’s my goal, that’s our goal, to keep this pause going beyond tomorrow so that we can continue to see more hostages come out and surge more humanitarian relief into those in need in Gaza,” AFP quoted the US president as saying in a media address. Advertisement The three-day-old truce “is delivering live-saving results,” Biden added, stressing, “Critically needed aid is going in, and hostages are coming out.” Biden’s comments came as Hamas militants released a third group of hostages including a four-year-old American girl on Sunday with more Palestinian prisoners set to be freed in exchange.               This is also as a source close to Hamas said the group was willing to prolong a truce. The exchanges under a four-day ceasefire that started Friday have been the first relief for captives’ families since the militant group attacked Israel on October 7, prompting deva

The President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said that the $20bn Dangote refinery in Lekki, Lagos would start with the refining of 350,000 barrels per day of crude oil. Dangote, who disclosed this during an interview with the Financial Times, also stated that the refinery would receive about six million barrels of crude in December 2023. “We’re starting with 350,000 barrels a day, “Dangote told the Financial Times, adding that a deal had already been clinched for the “first cargo of about 6mn barrels” for delivery next month. Dangote said he believed the refinery could reach its capacity of 650,000 barrels a day by the end of 2024, although the IMF has said it doubts it will reach more than a third of that by 2025. At full tilt, the refinery, the world’s largest “single train” facility with just one distillation unit, could save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange currently spent on imported fuel. It was “shameful”, Dangote said, that Nigeria, a major oil p

  Recap Of Governor Seyi Makinde's Activities In The Last Three Weeks, Showcasing Unprecedented Commitment to Oyo State's Progress and Well-being Compiled By Asiwaju YSO Oládùnńi, A Member of the GSM ADVOCATES Source of Information: The Chief Press Secretary To The Governor, Pst Olanrewaju Sulaiman In three weeks filled with dynamic engagements and impactful decisions, Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare, diplomacy, and development of Oyo State. From addressing labor challenges to participating in high-level diplomatic events and overseeing crucial developmental projects, the governor's activities have underscored his dedication to the progress and prosperity of the state. 1. Prioritizing Welfare: On November 6, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed the challenges faced by workers and pensioners in Oyo State. In response to the hardships caused by subsidy removal, he announced a wage award of N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners o

  The armed wing of Hamas said Saturday it had handed over 13 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross under the terms of an agreement with Israel, along with an additional seven foreign citizens. Advertisement The transfer – which had been delayed after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, claims denied by Israeli officials – took place “in the context of the humanitarian pause”, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. Advertisement

  As the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seems to have ended, the Presidency has declared that Akeredolu remains the governor of the state. Advertisement This was according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday. The clarification came amidst reports that President Bola Tinubu may have ordered the state lawmakers to invoke the doctrine of necessity and declare Ayedatiwa the acting governor. Saturday PUNCH earlier reported that the deputy governor, lawmakers, and others involved embraced peace and vowed to maintain the status quo, after hours of deliberations between the President and state officials, including members of the All Progressives Congress, who converged on the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, until late on Friday night. Advertisement The statement read, “In his bid to restore political stability in On

  Advertisement Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has dismissed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s motion seeking an order setting aside its judgement restraining the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country. Delivering Judgement, Justice Omotosho dismissed all the grounds put forward by the NBC, describing same as an afterthought. Justice Omotosho held that despite being served with the originating process and hearing notices in the case leading to the judgment, the commission failed to file its defence. The judge said contrary to the NBC’s argument that it was not served with court processes that led to the judgement, the court file showed that services were effected on NBC but failed to file and refused to entered appearance. Advertisement He said there was affidavit of facts deposed to by the court bailif that confirmed that court processes were served on the commission on different occasions. “The respondent applicant canno