OONI’S EX-QUEEN, NAOMI, ON HUNGER STRIKE IN AGODI PRISON, SAYS MOTHER Mrs Funmilayo Ogunseyi, mother of the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, shares with BIODUN BUSARI the excruciating experience of her daughter, Naomi Silekunola, after the stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in Ibadan What did the police tell you about the ex-queen’s detention? The police …

UNCERTAINTY OVER RENEWED EFFORTS TO REVIVE AJAOKUTA COMPANY The Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), once heralded as a beacon of industrialisation for Nigeria, now stands as a symbol of dashed hopes. Despite federal government’s spending of over $10bn in the 45 years since its inception, the project remains uncompleted, casting a long shadow over the host community. Our correspondents observe …

FG SIGNS MOU WITH JAPAN TO ENHANCE RICE PRODUCTION The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, has formalised a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance rice seed production systems across Nigeria. The collaboration, cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), underscores a commitment to strengthening the nation’s agricultural development goals. As part of the …

FG DENIES ANY PLAN FOR FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA The Nigerian government has refuted allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state in Niger Republic, claiming that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish a military base in its northern region to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries.Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the National …

STATES FALL SHORT OF 2024 BUDGET TARGETS AMID 2025 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS BY GOVERNORS A recent review of select Nigerian states’ budget performance revealed that none of them achieved a 60% budget performance rate between January and September 2024 (Q1 – Q3). This underwhelming performance comes at a time when states are preparing to implement substantial budgets for the 2025 fiscal …

HERDSMEN WILL PAY DEARLY FOR CHRISTMAS DAY ATTACK IN BENUE – GOV. HYACINTH ALIA Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has expressed deep sadness over the unprovoked attacks on Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area Benue State, where about 11 innocent residents were gruesomely murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The incident happened on December 25 when the people were celebrating Christmas …

HOW KIDNAPPERS IN POLICE UNIFORMS MAIM, KILL MOTORISTS, PASSENGERS ALONG ENUGU HIGHWAY Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka has become a nightmare for motorists, passengers as kidnappers in police uniforms maim, kill road usersPassengers, drivers recount their ordeals, say the road has become more dangerous as the day goes byEnugu state government awards contract for dual carriage way of the roadFor the people …

ANAMBRA STATE: GUNMEN KILL CATHOLIC PRIEST, ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP, LAWMAKER MISSING A priest with the Nnewi Catholic Diocese in Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Tobias has been killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The incident, according to the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2024, between 7pm and 8pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ihiala, Ihiala …

EDO LOCAL GOVT CHAIRMEN RESUME DUTIES FOLLOWING COURT ORDER Local government administration in Edo State moved closer to normalcy today as several suspended chairmen resumed office in compliance with a State High Court ruling. Among those returning were the chairmen of Esan South East, Esan North East, and Etsako West local government areas, who received votes of confidence from their …

APC LEADERS COMPLAIN AS TINUBU IGNORES PARTY’S LEADERSHIP DURING POLICY FORMULATIONS A growing rift is developing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as party leaders express frustration over President Bola Tinubu’s apparent disregard for the party’s leadership during key policy decisions. Despite controlling a majority in the National Assembly, the government has faced difficulties pushing through critical bills, with …

OYO WORKERS TO ENJOY 86% SALARY INCREASE FROM JANUARY, MAKINDE A statement by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said with the payment of N80,000 minimum wage from January 1, 2025, the state government will pay workers the sum of N11.9 billion monthly, instead of the current N6.4 billion. According to the statement, Oyelade stated this when …

TINUBU GOVT IS DESTABILIZING OUR COUNTRY – NIGER REPUBLIC LEADER CRIES Nigerien military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has raised fresh allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria. But the Nigerian government has countered the claims, saying they were nothing but tissues of lies. The recent development has further strained the delicate relationship between Nigeria and its closest neighbour, Niger, and …

TRUCK CRUSHES 15-YEAR-OLD BOY TO DEATH IN ENUGU, INJURES OTHERS A tragic accident occurred in Enugu State capital on Friday morning, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old boy. The incident happened around 8:30 am beside Nwanne Di N’mba Housing Estate, when an articulated truck belonging to a construction firm ran over the pedestrian. According to eyewitnesses, the victim had …

JESUS CHRIST IN ISLAMIC RELIGION, BY AFIS A. OLADOSU Two days ago, i.e on Wednesday, the 25th of December, 2024, our compatriots who follow the teachings of Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ upon him be peace) celebrated his birthday. Even though much controversy exists over his birth and death, there is consensus among Christians on his mission while on earth. In …

AGF ASKS FALANA TO FILE FRAUD CHARGES AGAINST ZINOX GROUP The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has reportedly authorised renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), to file fraud charges against the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma, and eight other individuals and three companies, on behalf of the Federal …