Category: News

  • VP Shettima Embarks On 2-day Visit To Sweden

    VP Shettima Embarks On 2-day Visit To Sweden

    The Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Sweden on a 2-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

    At the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, during the working visit, will engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.

    Senator Shettima will use the visit to explore opportunities for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden in areas such as ICT, innovation, education, digitalisation, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture.

    He will also meet with key stakeholders in both the Government and Private Sector.

    The Vice President will also meet with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor, which recently launched Norrsken22, a USD 205 million tech investment fund for Africa.

     Norrsken22 is a technology growth fund, backed by over 30 prominent unicorn founders, partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs building Africa’s next tech giants.

    The meeting with Norrsken will provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria.

    Notably, 40% of the investments from Norrsken22 are expected to be allocated to Nigerian technology entrepreneurs.

    Twelve (12) Nigerian private sector companies that are doing business with Sweden are going independently as a private sector bloc.

    While in Sweden, VP Shettima is also expected to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and the reforms being undertaken by the administration to create a business-friendly environment in Nigeria for investors. The myriad of opportunities that abound in Africa’s largest economy will also be showcased.

    The Vice President is expected back in the country on Saturday.

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  • Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Reports 

    Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Reports 

    President of the Senate , Senator Godswill Akpabio has dismissed a widespread news alleging that security agencies have taken control of the National Assembly to prevent a possible impeachment of the President of the Senate.

    Senator Akpabio was presiding over plenary when his attention was drawn to the speculations on social media.

    He described it as fake news fabricated by mischief makers.

    The President of the Senate urged members of the public to disregard such news and warned all those circulating deliberate falsehood to refrain from such acts.

    Senator Akpabio explained that there is peace in the Senate and there is no consideration for an impeachment by any section of the parliarment.

    However, the Matter has been referred to the Senates Committee on Public Services for Further investigation and legislative action

  • US Navy Plane Crash: Search and Rescue Underway

    US Navy Plane Crash: Search and Rescue Underway

    A serious incident unfolded in Washington state on Tuesday evening when a United States Navy aircraft crashed near Mount Rainier.

    The plane, an EA-18G Growler, was on a standard training flight with two crew members aboard.

    Following the crash, a comprehensive search and rescue operation was quickly initiated.

    The Navy has confirmed that efforts to locate the aircraft and its crew are being led by an MH-60S helicopter, which was dispatched from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

    This base, located north of Seattle, is known for its role in various Navy operations.

    As search efforts progress, the Navy has yet to clarify the reason behind the crash or provide updates regarding the condition of the crew.

    As of 7 p.m. on October 15, the situation remains fluid, with the Navy committing to keep the public informed as new developments arise.

    The focus remains on the well-being of the two crew members, and rescue teams are working diligently to locate them and ascertain their status in this troubling incident.

  • Over 90 persons killed in Jigawa Petrol Tanker Explosion

    Over 90 persons killed in Jigawa Petrol Tanker Explosion

    Over 90 persons have been declared dead in a petrol tanker explosion along Hadeija Road, Jigawa state.

    The dead are mainly villagers from nearby communities who swooped on the scene of the accident to scoope fuel from the marooned tanker.

    Further details later..

  • UK Envoy Clarifies Status of Sunday Igboho’s Petition

    UK Envoy Clarifies Status of Sunday Igboho’s Petition

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has clarified that the petition submitted by Sunday Igboho, also known as Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, to the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, regarding the creation of a Yoruba nation has not been officially recognized by the UK government or any parliamentary committee.

    Montgomery’s remarks followed media reports suggesting the UK government’s endorsement of the petition. 

    According to the British envoy, the receipt of such petitions at 10 Downing Street is a customary procedure, not an indication of governmental support.

    Olayomi Koiki, Igboho’s spokesman, had previously stated that the petition was submitted on behalf of Yoruba Nation leader Prof. Adebanji Akintoye.

     However, Montgomery emphasized that the UK government typically does not engage with petitions related to the domestic affairs of other nations.

    The High Commissioner addressed the issue after being summoned by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

    He stated that past petitions of a similar nature have been dismissed by the UK government. 

    Montgomery reiterated the commitment to maintaining positive bilateral relations between the UK and Nigeria, while clarifying the misunderstanding surrounding the petition’s significance.

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  • Bobrisky: House of Representatives To Investigate EFCC and Correctional Service on October 21

    Bobrisky: House of Representatives To Investigate EFCC and Correctional Service on October 21

    The House of Representatives Committee will investigate corruption allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) during a visit to their Lagos offices on October 21, 2024. 

    The probe stems from accusations made by the crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, who claims he paid N15 million to have money laundering charges against him dropped.

    The investigation follows Bobrisky’s conviction for naira abuse on April 5, 2024, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. 

    He was released on August 5, amid claims of receiving preferential treatment while incarcerated. 

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an investigation into the matter, leading to the suspension of two Deputy Controllers of Corrections from their posts at the Kirikiri custodial facilities.

    Recent testimony by social media influencer Martins Otse revealed recorded conversations in which Bobrisky purportedly claimed he did not serve time in a prison but rather stayed in a private apartment. 

    Bobrisky allegedly stated that he was granted this arrangement due to influence from a “godfather” who intervened on his behalf.

    Otse also shared additional audio in which Bobrisky mentioned paying N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to seek a Federal Government pardon for the money laundering charges, although the SAN initially requested N10 million. 

    The discussions raised questions about the integrity of the legal and correctional systems.

    Following the committee’s visit to Lagos, they plan to summon Bobrisky for questioning.

     The committee’s chair, Ginger Onwusibe, indicated that a date for this hearing would be set after the visit.

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  • Senate President’s Office Debunks Viral Video 

    Senate President’s Office Debunks Viral Video 

    The office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to a viral video that misrepresents his comments about food and economic challenges.

     According to Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, the video in question is a manipulated version of a lighthearted conversation among Senate members shortly after Akpabio’s inauguration in June 2023. 

    Udom clarified that the clip was part of a private discussion where Akpabio jokingly suggested his colleagues take advantage of a dinner organized for them, given the current economic climate. 

    He criticized the dissemination of this doctored footage as a harmful attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation and cause embarrassment to him and his constituents.

    Udom called for a balanced portrayal, urging media outlets to publish corrections alongside the misleading video to address the negative implications it has had on public perception.

     He stressed the importance of context in such communications, asserting that the original remarks were never intended for public scrutiny.

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  • Super Eagles Return Home After Libya Airport Ordeal

    Super Eagles Return Home After Libya Airport Ordeal

    The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, have returned to Nigeria following a distressing situation in Libya.

     The team, scheduled for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, decided to cancel the match due to mistreatment by Libyan authorities.

    The team endured over 12 hours of delay at the wrong airport, facing inadequate conditions, including a lack of food and aviation fuel. Upon their arrival in Kano, they were processed through immigration.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, quickly acted on the issue, summoning Libya’s chargé d’affaires for a resolution. 

    The incident has drawn widespread concern globally.

  • Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

    Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

    The Presidency on Monday admonished heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to honour invitations by the legislature in line with existing harmonious working relationships between the two arms of government.

    The admonition is coming 24 hours after the Senate committee on Ethics , Code of Conduct and Public Petitions threatened issuance of a warrant of arrest against those ignoring its invitations .

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters , Senator Basheer Lado, said collaboration between the two arms of government is very critical for actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    He said : ” The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on the premise of quick and efficient governance, one that brings tangible democracy dividends to the people without delay.

    “A critical part of realizing this vision involves a proactive, respectful, and transparent relationship between government bodies and the Senate in its oversight role.

    “The Office has noted some concerns that some agencies may not have consistently adhered to Senate invitations or requests for appearances before committees.

    “While we acknowledge that competing official engagements may sometimes make it challenging for agencies to respond promptly to Senate invitations, it remains essential that these opportunities for engagement are prioritized to demonstrate our continued collective commitment to accountability and good governance.

    “Engaging with Senate committees is an important opportunity for agencies to showcase their dedication to public service and accountability, while further reinforcing the people’s confidence in government”.

    He added that his office will continue working for the very important constructive collaboration between Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies, and the National Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a cornerstone of good governance and accountability

  • Two-storey building collapses in Lagos

    Two-storey building collapses in Lagos

    A two-storey building has collapsed on Amusu Street, in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Monday.

    As seen in a video trending online, the building caved in as residents nearby scampered for safety.

    The Head, Public Affairs Unit, LASEMA, Mr Nosa Okunbor, who confirmed that there was no casualty in the building collapse, reports News Agency of Nigeria.

    In a statement, the LASEMA boss said that the building collapsed on its own at about 8.45am.

    “LASEMA Response Teams in Search and Rescue Operation is at a self-collapsed building on Amusu Street, Baale Bus Stop, Orile Iganmu.

    “No casualties and updates to follow,” he said

    Earlier, an official of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency who confirmed the incident anonymously to PUNCH Online said no casualty was recorded.

    The official added that the building had been evacuated before the collapse.

    “I can confirm to you that the incident happened this morning but there were no casualties. An evacuation already took place before the collapse.”

    The LASEMA source further stated that emergency responders were already at the scene of the incident.