Category: News

  • 30 Dead In Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    30 Dead In Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    Two separate stampedes in Anambra and Abuja on Saturday left a combined total of 30 dead and several others injured.

    In Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, 20 people lost their lives during the annual Christmas rice distribution by the Obi jackson Foundation. 

    The event, known to attract large crowds, turned deadly as people surged forward when distribution began. 

    Victims, mostly women and youths, had gathered from early morning.

    Many were rushed to a local hospital, where chaotic scenes were captured in a viral video.  

    In Abuja, a food distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed 10 lives, including children.

    Over 3,000 residents, primarily from Mpape and nearby settlements, gathered to receive palliatives. 

    The stampede occurred early in the morning as the crowd pressed forward.

    Security forces were later deployed to restore order, and the church suspended further distributions.  

    Authorities have urged organizers of such events to prioritize safety and notify security agencies in advance to prevent future incidents.

    The latest incidents in Abuja and Anambra brings to 65, the number of persons that have been killed at stampedes arising from the rush to collect foodstuff in one week.

    Earlier, 35 children were reported killed in a stampede at Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria as funseekers rushed to collect foodsuff at a funfair, Wednesday, this week.

  • NSIPA CEO Felicitates with Nigerians at Christmas

    NSIPA CEO Felicitates with Nigerians at Christmas

    Professor Badamasi Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has assured Nigerians of the commitment of his agency to uplift vulnerable and impoverished households across the country.

    In a Christmas goodwill message, the NSIPA National Coordinator urged all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season by having each others’ back.

    “I warmly greet all Nigerians, especially our prospective beneficiaries of the impactful programs under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

    This season is a time for reflection and gratitude as we celebrate the values of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us together as a nation,” Prof Lawal said.

    Signed by NSIPA Head of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Atari Hope Monday, the National Coordinator “Let us view this festive period as an opportunity to strengthen our bonds of unity, foster camaraderie, and inspire compassion for one another.”

    Referencing the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to uplift vulnerable and impoverished households across the country,” Professor Lawal concluded his message with a call to action, encouraging everyone to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a better and more prosperous nation.

    “Together, we can create a brighter future for all,” he affirmed.

    Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, he emphasized the importance of community and support during this special time.

  • Imanue EasyKlean Ltd Awarded Vendor of the year

    Imanue EasyKlean Ltd Awarded Vendor of the year

    It is year end, when corporations and individuals are rewarded for outstanding performance, and Imanue Easyklean Ltd got a pat on the back for leading as the Best Vendor Of The Year, 2024.

    The proprietary security consultancy, Uniform and Equipment, Laundry service as well as IT Equipment supplier was awarded with a plaque of honour recently in Abuja by Garda World International, a Security Consulting company.

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imanue EasyKlean Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Adagboyi received the plaque on behalf of his company.

    He expressed appreciation for the award and said that it was a duty call, saying, “the reward for hard work is more work,” with the promise that the recognition encourages them to do better.

  • Buhari Not Linked to FCT Land Revocation  – Garba Shehu

    Buhari Not Linked to FCT Land Revocation  – Garba Shehu

    Spokesperson, Garba Shehu has denied recent reports linking some of the lands seized by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Management to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He clarified that the affected property does not belong to former President Muhammadu Buhari but assigned to the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” an organization established by supporters of the former leader.  

    Mr. Shehu said that during his presidency, Buhari declined a personal land allocation in the FCT, citing ownership of an existing plot.

    He explained that the land in question was allocated to the foundation but faced challenges when the authorities imposed unusually high fees for the certificate of occupancy, unlike fees issued to similar groups. 

    This situation eventually led to the land revocation.  

    Garba Shehu expressed the hope that his clarification addresses widespread speculation and urged the public to avoid misinformation linking the former president directly to the seized property.

  • Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Attacked Again

    Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Attacked Again

    The Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line has once again fallen victim to vandals, disrupting power supply and necessitating urgent repairs.

     On December 18, 2024, at approximately 11:43 pm, the line experienced a sudden outage.

     Efforts to restore power through a trial reclosure failed, as the line tripped again, indicating significant damage.  

    A team from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Abuja Regional Office was promptly dispatched to assess the situation.

     Upon inspection, they discovered that a section of the conductor between towers T216 and T218 had been stolen. 

    This act of sabotage has further strained efforts to maintain stable electricity supply in the affected areas.  

    In response, TCN mobilized its maintenance crew to the site to replace the stolen conductor. 

    The repair process is ongoing, with the company working around the clock to restore the line and minimize disruptions to bulk power supply.  

    This recurring problem raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. 

    TCN has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities near power facilities. 

    Such cooperation is crucial in safeguarding vital assets from further vandalism and ensuring reliable electricity supply across the nation.  

    Efforts to enhance surveillance and tighten security measures around power installations are becoming increasingly important as these incidents persist.

  • Dangote Refinery Lowers Petrol Price to ₦899.50 per Litre

    Dangote Refinery Lowers Petrol Price to ₦899.50 per Litre

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of petrol to ₦899.50 per litre, offering relief to Nigerians ahead of the festive season. 

    This move follows a previous price cut in November, which saw the price drop to ₦970 per litre. 

    To ease transportation costs during the holidays, the refinery is also offering a special deal. 

    Customers who buy petrol with cash can receive an additional litre on credit, supported by guarantees from major banks like Access Bank, First Bank, and Zenith Bank. 

    The refinery’s efforts aim to provide affordable, high-quality fuel and help reduce the financial strain on Nigerians during the season. 

    This price change also signals the refinery’s role in raising fuel standards in Nigeria, reducing reliance on low-quality imported products that have previously posed risks to health and the environment.

  • Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Released on N500 Million Bail

    Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Released on N500 Million Bail

    Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been granted bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. 

    The court set the bail amount at N500 million and required three sureties, each responsible for the same sum. 

    The sureties must be reputable Nigerians with property in areas such as Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro. 

    Additionally, Bello is to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval.

    Bello, who served as Kogi State’s governor from 2016 to 2024, faces charges related to an alleged N110 billion fraud. 

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him and two former state officials, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. 

    The alleged illicit acquisitions include several properties in Abuja and Dubai, as well as substantial sums transferred to foreign bank accounts.

    This bail follows a previous N500 million bail granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 13, 2024, concerning a separate 19-count charge involving an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

     Both cases are set for trial in early 2025.

  • President Tinubu Arrives Lagos for Christmas, New Year Holidays

    President Tinubu Arrives Lagos for Christmas, New Year Holidays

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Lagos on Wednesday, December 18, at exactly 3:23 pm, marking his arrival for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    He landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport after fulfilling his duties in Abuja, where he presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly for consideration.

    Upon his arrival in Lagos, the president was warmly welcomed by a host of dignitaries, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Femi Hamzat, as well as members of the state cabinet.

     In addition, leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos were present to greet the president. 

    The festive season has brought President Tinubu to his home state for a well-deserved break following his recent busy schedule in the nation’s capital.

  • Late Submission of Budget 2025: Fiscal 2024  Extended

    Late Submission of Budget 2025: Fiscal 2024 Extended

    The National Assembly has opted to extend the 2024 budget into the new year, signaling a delay in implementing the 2025 fiscal plan.

    This decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s late presentation of the ₦47.96 trillion 2025 budget, which made finalizing the plan impossible before January.  

    This development disrupts the January-December fiscal cycle reinstated in 2020, returning the country to a less predictable budget timeline. 

    The National Assembly assured the public of a smooth continuation of the budget process despite the adjustments.

  • PDP Demands Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Be Declared Vacant Over Defection 

    PDP Demands Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Be Declared Vacant Over Defection 

    Irked by this frenzy the PDP in Delta State, has taken legal action to unseat Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the representative of Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. 

    The party’s move follows her defection from the PDP, which sponsored her election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

    The PDP filed the case at the Federal High Court in Warri, invoking Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. 

    They argued that her defection violates constitutional provisions, warranting her immediate removal from office. 

    The suit also listed the Speaker of the House, the House of Representatives, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.  

    The PDP is seeking multiple court orders, including:  

    1. Declaring the Ethiope East/West Federal Constituency seat vacant.  

    2. Restraining Ibori-Suenu from further legislative duties.  

    3. Mandating INEC to organize a by-election to fill the vacant seat.  

    4. Compelling Ibori-Suenu to refund all earnings received since her defection.