Category: News

  • Former President Buhari’s Daughter Bags Ambassadorial Appointment

    Former President Buhari’s Daughter Bags Ambassadorial Appointment

    Fatima Buhari has been appointed as the first ambassador for the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).

    Miss Buhari is the daughter of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari,

    Fatima’s appointment comes shortly after she was inaugurated as the Coordinator for the Katsina State chapter of the Professional Women Accountants in Nigeria (PROWAN).

    The announcement was made during a dinner organized to honour the new leaders of the organisation, where its National President, James Neminebor, officially confirmed Fatima Buhari’s ambassadorial role.

    Neminebor urged the new executives to dedicate themselves to serving ANAN and encouraged them to uphold high standards of professionalism and commitment within their states.

    He emphasized that their leadership would strengthen the influence of ANAN across the country.

    Speaking, Neminebor acknowledged the Katsina State Government for its ongoing support of ANAN’s mission.

    He noted that adopting professional accounting services is essential for good financial management and transparency in both the public and private sectors.

    He called on other state governments to support ANAN’s efforts to improve financial accountability throughout Nigeria.

    Commenting on the appointment, Fatima Buhari expressed pride in her role as the first ANAN ambassador, describing it as a groundbreaking achievement for women accountants in Northern Nigeria.

    “This milestone is not just a celebration of achievements, but a testament to the resilience, dedication, and professionalism of women accountants across this region and the nation at large,” she said.

  • FG Launches Free C-Section Initiative to Reduce Maternal Mortality

    FG Launches Free C-Section Initiative to Reduce Maternal Mortality

    The Federal Government has introduced a nationwide policy offering free cesarean sections to women as part of its strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

    Announced by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, during the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) in Abuja, the move aims to tackle Nigeria’s high maternal death rates.

    This initiative, launched at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), focuses on improving maternal healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas.

    It seeks to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent women from accessing life-saving procedures, such as C-sections, whether for emergency or planned deliveries.

    The government also aims to strengthen primary healthcare services and boost community engagement in maternal health.

    Pate emphasized the need for accessible and quality care for mothers and newborns, underlining the administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare delivery.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged its support, aligning with the government’s efforts to ensure effective implementation of the initiative.

  • Lagbaja: Police Officers to Wear Black Bands for Seven Days

    Lagbaja: Police Officers to Wear Black Bands for Seven Days

    In tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police officers across the country to wear black bands for the next seven days. 

    This is part of the national mourning period following his passing at the age of 56 after battling an undisclosed illness.

    The presidency confirmed the death of Lagbaja on Wednesday, and the Federal Government has also ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast in his honor. 

    Lagbaja, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, was recognized for his leadership and dedication to combating insurgency and violent crime.

    In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the directive from the IGP, acknowledging the late general’s contributions to national security. 

    The black bands will serve as a mark of respect for his service and leadership.

  • Trump Reclaims White House with 2024 Election Victory

    Trump Reclaims White House with 2024 Election Victory

    Donald Trump has secured a return to the U.S. presidency in the 2024 election, overtaking Democratic candidate Kamala Harris after accumulating the necessary 270 electoral votes.

    Trump’s strong performance in states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia provided him with a decisive edge, even as Harris held her ground in Democratic strongholds, including New York and California.

    Trump’s campaign message, centered on a renewed “America First” agenda, appealed to voters seeking tightened immigration controls and economic reforms aimed at bolstering American jobs.

    His stance included reducing taxes, cutting regulatory barriers, and reviving domestic manufacturing—a strategy resonating with many in the heartland and key battleground states.

    This victory not only returns Trump to the Oval Office but also marks a shift in national priorities, as he vows to strengthen the U.S. military and assert America’s role in global security.

  • President Tinubu Congratulates President-elect Trump

    President Tinubu Congratulates President-elect Trump

    President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

    President Tinubu looks forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

    President Tinubu says, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

    According to President Tinubu, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He congratulates them on their commitment to democracy.

    President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.

    Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.

  • Taoreed Lagbaja, COAS, is dead

    Taoreed Lagbaja, COAS, is dead

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja is dead.

    General, 56, has been down with an undisclosed ailment, even though some alleged that he was treating cancer in a Londin hospital.

    Details to follow…

  • Buhari Visits Maiduguri Following Flood Disaster

    Buhari Visits Maiduguri Following Flood Disaster

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari visits Maiduguri to offer his support to the local government and residents affected by the severe flooding which swept through the Borno state capital in September. 

    This visit took place on Tuesday, shortly after the catastrophic events unfolded while he was away on vacation.

    Upon his arrival, Buhari was welcomed by notable figures, including Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Ali Ndume, along with other government officials.

     His trip aims to show solidarity with the victims and to engage with local leadership as they assess the damage caused by the floods.

    The recent disaster has had a profound impact on the region, displacing approximately 414,000 people and resulting in the loss of at least 30 lives.

     Reports indicate that nearly one million individuals have been affected by the flooding, prompting a significant response from various sources, including over N17 billion in donations to support relief efforts from the Borno State government and federal authorities.

  • High Cost of Governance Stunts Nigeria’s Development, Experts Warn

    High Cost of Governance Stunts Nigeria’s Development, Experts Warn

    Experts at the 6th Annual Lecture of the social club, Just Friends held today at Bolingo Hotels in Abuja asserts that the escalating cost of governance is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development.

     The event convened professionals and stakeholders across various sectors to discuss the implications of the high cost of governance on economic growth and social welfare.

    The guest speaker, Dr. Sam Amadi, a notable advocate for ethical leadership, emphasized that the financial burden of governance detracts from the effective allocation of the country’s resources. 

    Referencing Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, which ranked Nigeria 14th out of 180 countries, the speaker pointed out that despite Nigeria’s wealth in natural resources, it continues to grapple with poverty and underdevelopment.

    “The inefficiencies and corruption in our governance systems result in significant resource wastage, hindering economic progress and diminishing the quality of public services,” the speaker stated. “What we require is transformative leadership that prioritizes accountability and professionalism over personal interests.”

    The discussion also highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms to improve public sector efficiency. Participants agreed that strengthening institutions is vital for creating a favorable environment for sustainable growth. 

    The speaker drew comparisons between Nigeria and countries like Norway and Finland, where effective governance has led to significant advancements in development and quality of life for citizens.

    (From left): Chairman of the Occasion, Olorogun Peter Igho; President of Just Friends Club of Nigeria(JFCN), Mr Fred Ohwahwa; Guest Lecturer, Dr Sam Amadi; Mrs. Eugenia Abu; Mr.Abdulhakeem Mustapha SAN and Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Ali M Ali, during the 6th Annual JFCN Lecture in Abuja on Tuesday (5/11/24).

    Earlier, the President of the club, Mr. Fred Ohwahwa told the gathering that the choice of the keynote topic was informed by the Club’s concern for the deplorable condition of the Nigerian state.

    “From whatever angle you look at it, Nigeria is an apology to its vibrant citizens, the African continent, and the Black race. We are far behind in virtually all metrics of development. And this is in spite of abundant human and material resources the country is blessed with,” he lamented.

    Mr. Owahwa, a veteran journalist who was the Editor of the Guardian Newspaper, said apart from the public lectures, the club also indulges in charity works.

    “For us in Just Friends Club in Nigeria, apart from the Public Lecture Series, we place a lot of emphasis on reaching out to the needy in the society. We have made it a duty that every year, sometimes multiple times in a year, to reach out to them.

    We have visited Old Peoples Home in Kado, Orphanages in Gwarinpa, Karu, Kuje; children with disabilities in Kubwa and Anawim Home in Gwagwalada run by Catholic nuns.”

    A panel discussion featuring notable professionals and moderated by legendary broadcaster, Mrs. Eugenia Abu exhaustively deliberated on the subject of cost as well as governance models suitable for Nigeria and concluded that the greatest challenge to development of the Nigerian state was the failure of leadership.

    As the event concluded, attendees were called to action, urging them to advocate for a governance framework that emphasizes ethics and accountability, aligning with the aspirations of the Nigerian populace.

     The Just Friends Club’s initiative to foster such critical discussions reflects an increasing recognition of the essential role of governance in driving national development.

  • UK Sacks Over 600 Police Officers 

    UK Sacks Over 600 Police Officers 

    The UK has dismissed nearly 600 police officers across England and Wales in the year leading to March 2024, according to newly released data.

     This increase, a sharp rise from the previous year’s 394 dismissals, reflects a renewed focus on accountability within police forces following a series of high-profile scandals.

     Among those removed from duty were 74 officers involved in sexual misconduct and 18 found with indecent images of minors.

    The College of Policing reported that dishonesty topped the reasons for dismissal, with 125 cases, followed by instances of discriminatory behaviour.

     This wave of sackings comes amid efforts to restore public trust after severe breaches in conduct, including the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer and other cases of sexual violence by police personnel.

  • Tinubu Advocates for Stronger UK-Africa Ties During Foreign Secretary’s Visit

    Tinubu Advocates for Stronger UK-Africa Ties During Foreign Secretary’s Visit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the State House, emphasizing Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing partnerships with the United Kingdom.

    The discussions centered around vital areas such as trade, culture, and security, which directly affect the livelihoods of citizens.

    During the meeting, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support and underscored Nigeria’s role as a key partner in Africa.

    He urged the UK to extend its focus beyond conflicts like those in Ukraine to include pressing humanitarian issues in African nations, particularly Sudan.

    The President pointed out that security challenges in West Africa are exacerbated by the influx of displaced persons from neighboring countries, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, and called for greater collaboration to foster stability.

    Lammy, visiting Nigeria to explore avenues for strengthening ties, highlighted the UK government’s interest in economic growth across the continent and the necessity for innovative partnerships to address emerging challenges.

    He acknowledged the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the UK, noting that shared historical values within the Commonwealth continue to bind the nations together.

    The discussions also covered Nigeria’s progressive economic reforms aimed at long-term growth, with Lammy acknowledging the importance of Nigeria’s economic stability to bolster investor confidence.

    Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that agreements signed during the visit focus on job creation, enhanced security, and migration management, all aimed at modernizing the partnership between the two nations.