President Bola Tinubu has expanded his cabinet, swearing in seven new ministers at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
These appointments are part of a broader response to Nigeria’s economic challenges, aiming to address pressing national issues.
The new ministers include Nentawe Yilwatda for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi for Labour & Employment, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Others are Jumoke Oduwole for Industry, Trade, and Investment; Idi Mukhtar Maiha for Livestock Development; Yusuf Abdullahi Ata for Housing and Urban Development; and Suwaiba Said Ahmad for State Education.
This development follows the discgarge of five former ministers in October, as well as portfolio changes for ten other officials.
The reshuffle also involved structural adjustments, with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development transformed into the Ministry of Regional Development, overseeing multiple development commissions.
Similarly, sports administration was redirected to the National Sports Commission, emphasizing a streamlined approach.
These changes reflect Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to adapt governance strategies and improve national administration amidst evolving economic and social needs.
Kemi Badenoch, British Nigerian, on Saturday won the election to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party.
The BBC reported that Badenoch, 44, beat Robert Jenrick after a four-month contest, sparked by Sunak’s resignation in the wake of a humiliating election defeat.
She is the first person of African heritage to lead the Tories.
The vote saw a turnout of 72% according to Conservative MP, Bob Blackman.
Most people said they had not formed an opinion of Ms Badenoch yet, according to a YouGov poll.
But 40 per cent of those questioned said they disliked her.
Former justice secretary Robert Buckland said that as a leader Ms Badenoch “will be an excellent person to work with”, having seen her strong character and abilities first-hand when they worked in government together.
“She knows that the party’s values need to be reset and that we’ve got to win trust as without trust, we don’t get anywhere in terms of electoral success,” he added.
“I think she better understands that more than most and that’s why she deserved to win.”
The role as opposition leader was an “unenviable task” and Ms Badenoch “will not be under any doubt about the scale of work ahead to win back power”, he added.
“She is the person who had more MP support than any other in the leadership race so people need to knuckle down and get on with the job of opposing the government, not opposing each other.”
He added that he hoped a “new phase in politics” would see Ms Badenoch unite the party and “the Tories regrouping”.
He also suggested that she listens to think tanks and policy units who have the expertise to provide her with new and innovative policies.
“It’s going to be very hard and unglamorous, but I believe Kemi has the strength of spirit to do it,” he said
Controversial social media personality and crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, who was re-arrested on Thursday night, will face interrogation on alleged bribery and corruption in Abuja.
The Bobrisky saga has become a major distraction for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as it plays the ostrich while major financial crimes against the Nigerian state slips through its unstable grips.
Examples include the Binance heist and the allegation of the theft of N80billion of Kogi State money by the former governor which prosecutions the EFCC seem to continually mismanage thereby necessitating diplomatic intervention in the case of the former.
Bobrisky, according to an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, would be flown to Abuja today (Friday).
The embattled crossdresser was stopped and removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and detained by immigration officers late Thursday night while attempting to leave the country for London, the United Kingdom.
The popular cross-dresser posted on his Instagram page to alert followers about the arrest, stating that he had sustained injuries during an altercation with the immigration officers.
Bobrisky alleged that the EFCC was responsible for his detention.
He wrote, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”
However, according to sources, his arrest was due to his failure to honour several invitations by the commission following his allegations against the EFCC.
Bobrisky had, in a voice note shared by a controversial social critic, Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him.
Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, had hinted that Bobrisky could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC were false.
Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission.
However, a top source in the commission said on Friday that Bobrisky was picked up to prove his allegations against the EFCC.
The source said, “We have arrested him in Lagos today and will be flown to Abuja today. He accused us of bribery and corruption; we invited him severally, but he did not show up. He who alleges must be ready to prove. Those allegations are too weighty to allow slide.
“Also, remember that he has also refused to show up at the National Assembly on the matter. We are left with no other choice than to pick him up so that he can substantiate his claims. And that is what we have done. “
When contacted on Friday morning, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Bobrisky’s arrest.
“Bobrisky is on his way to Abuja as we speak,“ he added.
There was a mild drama on Friday when one of the suspects brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the recent #EndBadGovernance protests fainted in court.
seventy-five suspects, aged between twelve and fifteen years of age, were brought by the Police before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a 10-count charge in relation to their participation in the protest.
The suspects, who were allegedly arrested on August 3rd and have since been in detention, are accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu by participating in the nationwide protest.
However, when they were arraigned in court on Friday, one of the suspects fainted, which made Justice Egwuatu rise abruptly.
The development caused panic in the courtroom, with some background voices questioning why such young children should be arraigned in court. The other children were also seen shivering in fear with tears in their eyes.
President Bola Tinubu, Thursday in Abuja, said the cordial relations enjoyed between Nigeria, Republic of France, People’s Republic of China, and Kingdom of Denmark over many years should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens.
He listed education, health and infrastructure as key sectors that require special focus for mutual benefit.
The President made the remarks while hosting the diplomats at the Aso Rock State House while presenting their Letters of Credence.
The ambassadors who presented their letters at a brief ceremony at the State House were Marc Fonbaustier of the French Republic; Ambassador of Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai.
President Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French Ambassador that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron, and the diplomatic ties between both countries, should be felt by citizens.
He urged for French support for the ongoing reforms in the country, which seeks to strengthen institutions and improve livelihood of citizens.
“Macron has been a good friend over many years, and I am looking forward to the State Visit in Paris to solidify our relationship, and ensure that our citizens also share in the gains of diplomacy between both countries, President Tinubu enthused.
Adding, he said, “I am happy you are not a stranger in Africa from your background. Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, and the headquarters of ECOWAS is based here. We have an open door policy, and we want your investors to take advantage of it.
“Our collaboration is essential for Africa, ECOWAS and Nigeria. You can always get in touch through Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Chief of Staff to the President,’’ the President emphasized.
In a press statement, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy reported the French Ambassador as replying , “Mr. President, I must praise and express my admiration for your achievements. You have taken a bold step in developing the country, and I encourage you to stand, and do the right thing for Nigeria.’’
Mr. Onanuga stated that, “In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador, President Tinubu appreciated the President of the Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for hosting him during his State visit to Beijing, and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality.”
To the Danish Ambassador, Mr. Onanuga reported the President as saying, “Your country is known for promotion of democratic values and human rights and we are ready to collaborate with you. We have seen your engagements in the energy sector in your country, and around the world, and we will like to benefit from that.
“We are interested in education, Medicare and areas that directly impact the livelihood of our people. We have seen the progress of the APM terminal in Lagos, a company from the kingdom of Denmark. Nigeria is good for business, and we want to continue to promote that aspect.’’
In reply, the “Danish ambassador said his country has evolved a new strategy to improve relations with Africa, and Nigeria will play a central role in the implementation, considering its size and influence on the continent.
“We recognize your influence globally and regionally, and we will continue to cooperate and expand relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of trade and economy,’’ the ambassador added.
A bill seeking to raise the retirement age for health workers in the nation from 60 to 65 years and extending the years of service from 35 to 40 passed a second reading on Thursday before members of the House of Representatives.
During the plenary debate on the bill, its proponent, Dr. Wale Hammed (APC, Lagos), articulated that this legislation aims to retain seasoned medical professionals, thereby fostering the growth of the health sector while simultaneously mentoring younger practitioners.
He emphasized that this initiative has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape, noting that the ongoing Japa syndrome negatively impacts the sector, as it is predominantly the younger workforce that is emigrating.
Dr. Hammed acknowledged that while it may not be feasible to prevent migration due to individual rights, adjusting the retirement age could facilitate the retention of those who wish to continue serving locally for a longer duration.
He said, “Increasing the retirement age will retain experienced healthcare workers, allowing them to continue contributing their expertise to the sector, as it is particularly important at this time that the healthcare delivery system faces significant challenges, especially a shortage of skilled professionals.
“Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently experiencing a significant depletion in both the number and quality of professionals due to two main factors.
“Firstly, a substantial number of health workers are migrating abroad in search of the proverbial golden fleece—a trend difficult to stop given the fundamental human rights of the individuals concerned. Secondly, the compulsory retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service, as stipulated in the public service rules, is contributing to the exodus of experienced professionals.
“While we cannot control the former, the latter can be addressed through the upward review of the retirement age which this Bill will achieve.
“We have precedence for such measures, as the federal government has previously reviewed upward, the retirement age for certain categories of public servants, including judges, lecturers, and teachers.”
Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) participated in the discussion by urging fellow members to provide the bill with a clear direction. He noted that several states within the federation have already raised the retirement age for health workers.
He pointed out that during the recruitment process in hospitals, specific qualifications are typically outlined, and there is a persistent shortage of consultants and other health professionals due to a lack of experience.
Jaha emphasized that health professionals over the age of 50 who are willing to remain in the workforce and contribute to the healthcare delivery system should be permitted to continue their service rather than being retired solely based on age or years of service.
Bello Ambarura also contributed to the discourse, highlighting that numerous consultant positions in various Federal Medical Centres remain unfilled while retiring professionals are being recruited by foreign agencies due to their expertise.
He contended that raising the retirement age for health workers would significantly benefit the healthcare sector in the country.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved a new minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants in the state, with effect from November.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday.
Musa said that the approval of the new minimum wage was part of the Sani-led administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
He also said that the move was aimed at improving the living conditions of the low-income, the vulnerable and the underserved communities.
Musa highlighted the governor’s longstanding commitment to advancing workers’ rights, enhancing their welfare and supporting disadvantaged groups in the state.
In addition to the new wage policy, he said that the governor would also launch a Free Transport Scheme for civil servants, introducing 100 CNG-powered buses to provide daily transportation to and from work.
According to him, the scheme, designed to ease financial burdens and improve productivity, will be managed by a Joint Management Committee, comprising NLC and TUC representatives and the state government.
Musa restated the present administration’s commitment to implementing policies that would uplift the less-privileged and make the state a model for social welfare programmes, with the support of the citizens.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Another Yoruba from the president’s ethnic extraction Gen Oluyede replaces Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, also a Yoruba.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday said Oluyede will act as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,, who is said to be indisposed and receiving treatment abroad.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” the statement reads.
The current appointment further contradicts Nigeria’s Federal Character principle which encourages inclusivity in line with the country’s multiethnic composition.
Currently, people of the president’s ethnic extraction dominate the management of the security aparatus and commanding heights of Nigeria’s public finance.
The Senate on Wednesday evening confirmed the nomination of seven ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu for appointment as Ministers and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The Senate’s resolution followed hours of screening of the ministerial nominees by the Senators at the Committee of the Whole.
The Ministers-designate include Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, and Amb. Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Idi Muktar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development;Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State, Housing, and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State, Education.
Recall that President Tinubu had in a letter to the Senate last week sought for expeditious consideration of his request by the Senate.
Niger’s military government has announced a collaboration with Elon Musk’s Starlink to enhance internet coverage across the country, which currently has a low internet penetration rate of 32 percent.
The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, stated that this partnership aims to extend broadband access to as much as 100 percent of Niger’s territory.
Starlink’s innovative satellite technology is set to deliver internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas, where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
This agreement follows similar developments in the region, with Liberia recently granting Starlink a provisional license and Mali lifting its ban on the import of Starlink kits after previously prohibiting them due to security concerns.
Niger’s decision to partner with Starlink comes in the wake of a challenging communications landscape, where internet access is often disrupted by militant activities from various groups in the Sahel region.
The military junta is optimistic that this initiative will not only improve connectivity but also provide affordable high-speed internet options for its citizens.
