As the United Nations marks the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) today, the Nigerian government has been alerted to the rising cases in Nigeria. The WSPD’s the triennial theme for 2024–2026 is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide.’ Psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health professionals, in separate interviews identified reasons suicide is on the rise in the country. A data analysis of …

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly continued his smoking habit, despite repeated efforts by those around him to persuade him to quit, SaharaReporters has learned. Sources close to the President said that Tinubu remains committed to smoking and has resisted attempts by aides and associates to help him give up the habit. The sources noted that, while concern has been raised …

In the early 60s, Michael Iheonukara Okpara, former premier of the defunct Eastern Region, had an industrialization policy, which he vigorously pursued. From agriculture, manufacturing to mining, the commitment to grow the economy of the region was obvious. However, Okpara also recognized the importance of hospitality as a key enabler of investments, hence the attention to the sector with the …

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has said membership of trade unions by its employees remains voluntary and not compulsory, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation conventions. The company stated this in a release on Wednesday while responding to what it described as “distortions of facts” by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers concerning its trade …

FUEL SCARCITY LOOMS AS DANGOTE, NUPENG DEAL COLLAPSES Barely 48 hours after the Department of State Services (DSS) brokered peace between Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), fresh dispute has erupted between the duo, Daily Trust can report. Specifically, the leadership of the union halted loading of fuel at the loading bay of …

The parish priest at the center of a recent altercation with members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in Enugu State has issued a public apology, describing his actions as “regrettable and uncharacteristic.” Rev. Fr. Dr. Godfrey Oleri, the Parish Priest of St. Paul Parish, Ibuzo Amokwe, made the apology in a video address The priest was responding to the …

The Anambra High Court sitting in Awka has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), from arresting Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of Awka Diocese (Anglican Communion), over alleged unauthorised sale of church-owned land. Justice F.I. Aniukwu granted the order following a motion ex parte dated Sept. 4, filed by the applicant, Ibezim, through his legal counsel, Mr B.E.I. …

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has given a detailed account of how he was abducted and robbed in Bucharest, Romania, when he visited that country recently to attend the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, FITS, one of the world’s largest theatre festivals. Soyinka made this known in an exclusive interview with TheNEWS/ on Tuesday, September 9 in Lagos. At that fiesta, …

The Federal Government has revoked the 5% excise tax previously imposed on telecommunications services in Nigeria, a move expected to ease cost pressures for millions of mobile users. The tax, which was intended to apply to both voice calls and data, had drawn widespread criticism from industry players and consumer advocates since its introduction under the Muhammadu Buhari administration. Aminu …

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application seeking to stop former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from taking charge of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on an ex parte motion brought by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, declined to grant interim orders aimed …

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Thursday, held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. The meeting between the two leaders was held behind closed doors, according to details shared by Peter Obi on his X account. He added that their discussions focused on the state of Nigeria and were fruitful. “Today in Abuja, …

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has threatened to resume its suspended nationwide strike, accusing the Dangote Refinery and its affiliate, MRS Energy Limited, of violating resolutions reached with the Federal Government earlier this week. The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by NUPENG’s National President, Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, and …

The Federal Government has disclosed that stakeholders appear to have reached a consensus that the Carter Bridge in Lagos State can no longer be salvaged. Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, stated this on Wednesday during an extensive inspection of the bridge’s underdeck. Umahi said the visit was aimed at assessing whether parts of the bridge, particularly its ramps, could …

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Mahmud Usman, a top commander of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of illegal mining used to finance terrorism and kidnapping activities. Justice Emeka Nwite, who delivered the judgment, ordered that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State …

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has travelled to the United Kingdom for medical attention, SaharaReporters has learnt. Sources privy to the minister’s health status told SaharaReporters that Wike has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is currently under medical management. Doctors reportedly recommended a bypass surgery, but Wike declined the procedure over concerns about …