Nigeria Latest News

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday published the comprehensive information of collected and uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) on polling unit basis in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states. This follows a meeting of the Commission on Monday  to review the ongoing preparations for the off-cycle governorship elections in the three states scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023. “As was done in recent elections, including the 2023 General Election, the Commission is publishing the comprehensive information of collected and uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in the three States on polling unit basis. “The information also gives the distribution of the polling units by Local Government Areas, Registration Areas/Wards, the names of the polling units, their code numbers, number of registered voters and the number of collected as well as uncollected PVCs. “Equally significantly, the list provides the names and locations of the two polling units...

  Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, making it a record-extending award for the 2022 World Cup winner.  The Inter Miami star was named the winner of the prestigious prize on Monday night in the French city of Paris in what many see as a fitting reward for leading the Abiscelete to a World Cup triumph late last year. Messi, 36, succeeds Karim Benzema as the winner of the prize awarded for his performances last season when he inspired Argentina to glory at the World Cup

  Oluyole Chairmanship Candidate for the forthcoming Local Government Elections, Engr Akeem Olatunji, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Victor Olojede and Abiodun Oluwaseun Laurel on their well-deserved reappointment as Senior Special Assistants to Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde. Adding their remarkable dedication and exceptional performance during the first term administration, known as Omititun 1.0, have earned them the trust and recognition of the governor once again. Having served as Special Assistants to the Governor, Olojede and Oluwaseun have consistently demonstrated brilliance and expertise in their respective roles. Victor Olojede's unwavering commitment to student affairs has positively impacted the lives of countless young individuals under the Governor Makinde's administration. Mr. Abiodun Oluwaseun's relentless efforts in project delivery have contributed significantly to the successful execution of developmental projects, further cementing Governo...

  The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, says that all is set for the smooth take-off of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in 10 pilot states. He made this known in his address at opening ceremony of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers at the Landmark Event Centre in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Monday. According to the IGP, the establishment of the Squad, a standby team of specially trained officers to rapidly intervene in major incidents, is a priority in his administration’s effort to confront the menace of violent crimes in the country. Egbetokun noted that after the 10 pilot states identified based on the recent violent crime assessment carried out in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the other 27 states will immediately follow. The IGP said, “The Police Force under my watch is poised to confront head on the menace of violent crimes in our country, restore calm to troubled areas and engender an ...

  The World Bank has warned that the war between Israel and Hamas could trigger price shocks for raw materials such as oil and agricultural products if the conflict escalates across the Middle East. The World Bank gave this warning on Monday, in a report. Israeli officials said the oil has already risen six percent since the latest round of fighting, sparked when Hamas militants from Gaza stormed southern Israel and killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and seized nearly 240 hostages. Israel has responded with an unrelenting bombardment of Gaza, which the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 8,000 people, nearly half of them children. The conflict between Israel and Hamas comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine has already put pressure on markets, with that war being “the biggest shock to commodity markets since the 1970s,” warned World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill. “That had disruptive effects on the global economy that persist to this day,” Gill said in a...

  Importers have returned to the parallel market to source for their forex needs as liquidity challenges persist in the official market, analysts have said. This is despite the lifting of forex ban on importers of 43 items by the Central Bank of Nigeria recently. Naira had recorded gains at the parallel market after recent fall. According to figures obtained from Aboki Forex on Saturday, the naira was bought and sold for 1,140/$ and 1,150/$; It had earlier traded at 1,310/$ on Tuesday at the parallel market. Analysts at Cordros Securities said, “Given the CBN’s unbanning of importers of all the 43 items previously restricted from the NAFEM in 2015, the market realised that FX supply is still minimal at the official market faster than we anticipated. “Accordingly, importers have returned to the parallel market to fulfil their FX obligations.”

  Oyo PDP Mourns Sudden Death of Nat’l Women Leader Condolences on the Demise of Professor Stella Effah-Attoe, PDP National Women Leader It is with heavy  hearts  and profound sorrow that we learnt about the passing of Professor Stella Effah-Attoe, the esteemed National Women Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She departed from us after a brief illness, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Professor Stella Effah-Attoe was not only a distinguished academician but also a political luminary, a prolific author, and a woman of remarkable substance. Her contributions to both the academic and political spheres have left an indelible mark on our society. We, the State Executives of the PDP in Oyo State, along with Alhaja Chief Mrs Wulemot Ibitoye, the Oyo State Women Leader of the PDP, extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire PDP family, especially the women wing. This loss is not only a bereavement for our party, ...

 Governor Seyi Makinde’s comparative advantage is his brainpower. His ability to think through complex issues and come up with unconventional albeit unimpeachable results is mindboggling. He dissects issues with the contemplation of a philosopher, the equanimity of a neurosurgeon, the dexterity of a scientist, the precision of an engineer, the prescience of an entrepreneur and the altruism of a leader. The application of this in his business transformed it into a multinational organisation within a decade. Introducing same to governance made him a trendsetter in less than a year as a state governor. The well-told story of how Governor Makinde’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis in Oyo State became the national standard still remains music to the ears and balm to the soul. Following in this tradition, Governor Makinde on October 24, 2023, signed two Executive Orders; one was on the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism following the excising of same from the Ministry of Info...

  The Chairmanship Candidate for Oluyole Local Government, Idi-ayunre, Oyo State, Engr Akeem Olatunji extends warm congratulations to Chief Benedict Akika and his wife, Chief Mrs. Abidemi, Honourable Owolabi Olusola Adewale, and Akeem Amoo (a.k.a Omo Poly) on their recent conferments of prestigious Chieftaincy Titles. In a statement made available to Heritage Echo News, Engr. Akeem Olatunji describes Chief Benedict Akika and Chief Mrs. Abidemi Akika as exceptional humanitarians. He commends their unwavering dedication to creating a better society through their philanthropic endeavors and genuine concern for others. Engr. Olatunji recognizes the transformative impact they have made on various communities in Oyo State through their selfless acts of kindness. The conferment of these prestigious titles upon Chief Benedict Akika and Chief Mrs. Abidemi Akika is a testament to their remarkable commitment to humanitarian causes and community development. Their tireless efforts and philanth...

As preparation ahead of next year’s local government election in Oyo state draws near, a group of elite community traditional chiefs otherwise known as the G18 Baales have paid the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Local Government Chairmanship candidate in Oluyole, Akeem Olatunji a visit to further plan ahead. Similarly, former Oyo state Commissioners for Environment and Industries respectively, Honourables Jide Adewale and Ayuba Balogun as well as ex state assembly lawmaker, Hon Lukman Salau, former Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Engr Shola Shofowora and other notable political leaders in Oluyole have also visited Olatunji at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan to assure him of their unwavering support ahead of 2024 council poll in the state. Oloye Kabiru Olajide, Baale of Aiyegun Oleyo, who led the G18 Baales to Olatunji’s private residence on Wednesday, October 25 said the former PDP Spokesman in Oyo state remains a pride of the local government and would not struggle to...

 A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Paul Ananaba has advocated for all election petitions to be concluded within 60 days and before swearing-in. The Supreme Court had on Thursday affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s election, 171 days after the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) lodged their appeal seeking to invalidate his February 15, 2023 win. But Ananaba is not happy with the length of the legal tussle and believes election petitions should be concluded before swearing-in. “There is no reason why every election petition in Nigeria cannot be completed within 60 days before anybody is sworn in at all,” he said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.  “Why do we need 180 days for a petition? Another 60 days for Court of Appeal, another 60 days Supreme Court.” “We would say ‘Yes, the court has given judgment’. But it’s better if nobody has been sworn in and elections are taken clearly. Within two months of every election, ...

  In a remarkable feat, Bashorun Adeniji Saintabey has triumphed over 140,000 participants to become the champion of the Library Innovation Competition 2023. This prestigious competition aims to recognize and encourage individuals who bring forth groundbreaking ideas to revolutionize library systems and services. Saintabey’s innovative concept, which stood out amongst the numerous submissions, showcases a comprehensive digital platform that transforms the traditional library experience into a seamless and accessible virtual realm. This platform integrates cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), to create an immersive and inclusive environment for users. The revolutionary design employs latest method of gathering library information to enhance personalized recommendations for users, ensuring a tailored browsing experience for each individual. Additionally, the implementation of VR and AR technologies enables ...

 President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) leadership team, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate. POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the appointments were announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale. The new team is expected to commence work on November 30, 2023, following the expiration of the tenure of the current FCSC Chairman and membership. The new FCSC leadership team is as follows: (1) Prof. Tunji Olaopa — Chairman (2) Dr. Daudu Ibrahim Jalo — Member (Representing Adamawa | Gombe | Taraba) (3) Ms. Gekpe Grace Isu — Member (Representing Akwa Ibom | Cross River) (4) Dr. Chamberlain Nwele — Member (Representing Anambra | Ebonyi | Enugu) (5) Mr. Rufus N. Godwins — Member (Representing Rivers | Delta | Bayelsa) (6) Dr. Adamu Hussein — Member (Representing Niger | FCT) (7) Mr. Aminu Nabegu — Member (Representing Jigawa | Kano) (8) Ms. Hindatu Abdullahi — Member (Representing Kaduna | Katsina...

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the installation of 48 chieftaincy title holders, including three Royal Highnesses, one coronet-wearing Oba and 44 Baales in various local governments of the state. The approval was granted by the governor sequel to a memo raised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. According to a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, the approval became imperative following the vacancies created in the various stools as they affect each local government as a result of the demise of the previous holders of the respective titles. It added that the administrative processes of filling the 48 chieftaincy titles had been concluded in accordance with the provision of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, Cap.28 Section 15 (a&b) and that there was no court case or restraining order on any of the approved chieftaincy titles.

 Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has appointed Alhaji Bashiru Ajibade as a member of the Oyo State Advisory Council. The governor equally appointed Oluwaseun Akintola Philip-Idiok as Special Adviser on Youth Affairs. This was as the governor appointed Victor Dideoluwa Olojede and Oluwaseun Laurel as Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs and Project Delivery respectively. The appointments were contained in separate letters dated 27 October, 2023 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi. Governor Makinde congratulated the new appointees on their appointments, charging them to discharge their duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and diligence. All the appointments are with immediate effect.

  Former President Goodluck Jonathan says following the Supreme Court’s validation of President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory, Nigeria must move forward. The ex-president stated this while briefing journalists at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa after meeting with Tinubu. “There are certain things we discussed that the country must move forward. Elections are over, we must move forward,” Jonathan said. “Yes, we have challenges economically now, we still have all it takes to lead. These are some of the issues I will continue to have a conversation with Mr President, including briefing him on all my foreign programmes because they are not personal issues.” He said the visit which came hours after the Supreme Court verdict, afforded him the opportunity to congratulate the President over Thursday’s judgment. According to him, there is a need to end the tension and move forward together as Africa’s most populous nation. Jonathan called on all political leaders, including former Preside...

 Yesterday ,on behalf of      'Fogbon to Oro Abo ' , Governor Seyi Makinde,   The Deputy Governor ,His Excellency Barr Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal officially handed over 30 operational vehicles to security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen the state's security architecture.     His Excellency ,Engnr Seyi Makinde FNSE has been concentrating on all security measures that would make operations of security operatives to be more convenient in the state since he took oath of office since May 29th,2019 .  Several security vehicles ,gadgets , incentives & reconstruction of Oojo Police Station to modern one that was burnt during END SARS Protest etc have been provided since 2019.        Yesterday's exercise carried out by Fesologba on behalf of GSM was a fulfilment of a pledge made and kept by Fogbontolu of our time in the run-up to the 2023 general election. GSM's administration will continue to assist effort...

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has asked his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to defend himself against allegation of malfeasance levelled against him by the state House of Assembly. This governor said this in response to the apology issued to him by the deputy governor. Akeredolu’s response was signed by Doyin Adebowale, his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy. The governor said he does not meddle in the affairs of the state House of Assembly. The embattled deputy governor earlier apologised to Akeredolu over the recent political crisis in the state. At a media briefing in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa expressed regrets that negative reports that had trailed the crisis must have caused embarrassment to the governor in the last few months. Pledging his loyalty to the governor and commitment to the development of Ondo State, the deputy governor detached himself from any protest and calls for the governor to resign over his health crisis. However, in hi...

Oyo State Government on Thursday has commenced monitoring of the private nursery, primary and secondary schools, Continuing Education Centers operating in the state. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr.Olusanjo Adeniyi ordered the immediate closure of Gokbeth International Nursery and Primary School Ijaye during the special monitoring exercise. The Commissioner also directed the Local Inspector Officer of the Akinyele Local Government to report immediately to his Office, said the school was shut down for non-compliance with registration procedures. The commissioner, while sealing off the private School, admonished proprietors of Private schools to always do what is necessary, in their quests to establish schools. He urged owners of private school not to wait until the government wield the `big stick’’ before registering and paying all necessary dues and levies. The commissioner, therefore, affirmed the ...

 In a heartwarming gesture of community support and commitment to maintaining law and order, Agbaakin olorundaaba, Chief Benedict Akika, the founder of the Omituntun Benedict Forum, expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State. The governor fulfilled his promise by donating a police operation vehicle to the Olorunda Aba Police Divisional Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 26, 2023. Chief Benedict Akika, known for his philanthropic efforts, had previously built and donated a police station to the Olorunda Aba community. Governor Makinde commissioned this police station on March 30, 2023, marking his commitment to improving law enforcement infrastructure in the region. During the commissioning ceremony earlier this year, Governor Makinde had pledged to donate an operational vehicle to the division. Keeping his word, the governor handed over the operational vehicle today, with Chief Benedict Akika present to witness th...