Author: Akintayo Adams

The Federal Government of Nigeria spent N8.73bn on airport power infrastructure in 2024, primarily to ensure a consistent electricity supply at the new international terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. This expenditure was highlighted in a report by BudgIT’s transparency platform, GovSpend. Significant payments were made to J. Marine Logistics Ltd for outsourced power supply, including N5.67bn for power supply between March and September 2023, N2.19bn on 9 May 2024 for services covering October to November 2023 and part of December 2023, and an additional N874.42m on the same day as a part-payment for power during that period.…

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected the request to disbar human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over allegations of criminal defamation against legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola. The LPDC stated that it had no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the petition filed by Mr. Ola Faro, a lawyer in Afe Babalola’s law firm. Faro’s request followed Afe Babalola’s legal battle against Farotimi over allegations of criminal defamation. Babalola had complained to the police that Farotimi defamed him through a book he published, titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” Based on Babalola’s complaints, the police…

Hamas and Israel, on Wednesday, traded blame over their failure to conclude a ceasefire agreement, despite reported progress from both sides in recent days. Hamas claimed that Israel had introduced new conditions related to withdrawal, ceasefire, prisoners, and the return of displaced people, which delayed reaching an agreement. Hamas emphasized its flexibility and the seriousness of the talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on previously reached understandings and creating difficulties in the negotiations. Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue its relentless efforts to return hostages. Israeli negotiators returned to…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has introduced the Production Monitoring Command Centre (PMCC) as a transformative step in hydrocarbon operations to boost oil production. According to Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, the PMCC aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s policy to increase efficiency and enhance production in the industry. The initiative, driven by NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), builds on the success of the Command and Control Centre to improve monitoring, operational efficiency, and production. The PMCC serves as a unified platform for monitoring hydrocarbon molecules from production to export terminals, covering Joint Ventures…

Access Holdings Plc, the holding company of Nigeria’s largest bank by assets, Access Bank Plc, has surpassed CBN’s regulatory threshold. It announced that it has secured the full regulatory approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its recently closed Right Issue of 17.7 billion Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each at ₦19.75 Kobo per share, raising the target amount of N351 billion. This milestone has positioned Access Bank Plc as the first bank in Nigeria to meet and exceed the CBN’s ₦500 billion minimum capital requirements for Banks with International Authorisation,…

A Russian cargo ship called Ursa Major has sunk in the Mediterranean Sea after an explosion ripped through its engine room. The incident occurred overnight, and the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that two of its crew members are still missing. The vessel, built in 2009, was controlled by Oboronlogistika, a company that is part of the Russian Defence Ministry’s military construction operations. It was en route to the Russian far eastern port of Vladivostok with two giant port cranes lashed to its deck. The Foreign Ministry’s crisis centre said in a statement that 14 of the ship’s 16 crew members…

Popular Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing, has finally announced her engagement to her younger lover, Xxssive. This comes amid ongoing rumors of their breakup. The engagement was captured in a trending video on social media, with a backdrop displaying, “Will you marry me?” Recently, Nkechi had warned the public to stay out of her relationship. The couple, who started dating in 2021 after Blessing’s messy split from her ex Opeyemi Falegan, are known for their public displays of affection. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Award-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has spoken out about the release of Speed Darlington from police detention. Burna Boy rearrested Darlington on November 27, barely two months after his first arrest. Darlington had previously taunted Burna Boy over his association with embattled American rapper, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. In an Instagram story on Tuesday, Burna Boy seemingly responded to Darlington’s release, stating that his critics are fortunate he has a lot to lose, otherwise many of them “would not be here anymore.” “When they talk, nobody cares, but it’s…

Famous American rapper, Wiz Khalifa, has explained why he believes people should date for at least 10 years before getting married. According to the father of two, dating for at least a decade would help couples to know themselves and their families better before popping the big question. Speaking on a recent episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast, Wiz said, “People should date for 10 years before getting married because that’s long enough to know the person, their family, and who you’re going to deal with when you move in together.” When asked whether couples should cohabit before marriage…

No fewer than 14 Nigerians have been declared wanted by the International Police (INTERPOL) for offences ranging from human trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, cheating, and forgery, among others. The Red Notices published on the INTERPOL website indicate that these individuals are wanted by different countries where they allegedly committed the crimes. The wanted persons are identified as Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, and Alachi Stanley. Others include Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus, and Mary Eze. According to the notices, Omoregie is wanted by the Belgian authority…