Author: Akintayo Adams

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, faced an awkward moment during the presentation of the state’s 2025 budget proposal. While presenting the N605 billion appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly, Okpebholo struggled to articulate the figures, repeatedly stuttering and causing laughter and murmurs among lawmakers. As seen in a video on social media, the governor stuttered, “The Edo State 2025 Appropriation Bill of 6 billion… 650… 605 billion… 76 thou… 76 million… “Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me.” Okpebholo concluded, “605 billion and details of the budget proposed… proposal…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, delivered an emotional valedictory speech on the Senate floor, reflecting on his time representing Edo Central Senatorial District. Okpebholo, who joined the 10th Senate in June 2023, expressed gratitude for the support and camaraderie he experienced during his tenure. In his speech, he highlighted the significance of his colleagues’ support, particularly thanking Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. Okpebholo emphasized the importance of their advice and encouragement throughout his campaign and legislative career. He also acknowledged the warm relationships and collaborative efforts within the Senate, which…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier are currently holding a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Steinmeier’s state visit marks another milestone in the six-decade-long diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany. Steinmeier arrived in Abuja on Tuesday evening and was formally received by Tinubu at the Forecourt of the Villa at approximately 11:06 am. Following the reception, a brief ceremony took place with the renditions of the national anthems of both countries, an inspection of the Guard of Honour mounted by the Presidential Brigade of Guards, and a 21-gun salute. The two leaders then proceeded…

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the delayed November 2024 salaries for civil servants. The delay was due to the ongoing migration from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), which disrupted operations in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The delay caused significant distress among civil servants, many of whom were eagerly awaiting their pay amid rising inflation and increasing hardship. A senior director in the Federal Ministry of Defence confirmed the payment, noting that some workers were contemplating staying home due to the extended delay. A…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order halting the production and distribution of Dele Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.” This decision follows a lawsuit filed by renowned legal luminary Afe Babalola, who claims the book defames him by alleging judicial manipulation to secure favorable rulings for his clients. The court’s order, filed under suit number CV/5372/24, includes an interlocutory injunction that restrains Farotimi and all affiliated parties from further distributing the book in any form—physical, digital, or soft copies. The injunction also directs the seizure of all physical copies of the book and the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has fined both Moniepoint and OPay N1 billion each during the second quarter of 2024 as part of its intensified oversight of fintech companies. This move follows a routine audit of the fintech sector, which revealed compliance issues with regulatory standards. The fines were part of a broader crackdown on regulatory violations within the rapidly growing fintech industry. The CBN has increasingly relied on financial penalties to enforce regulatory adherence, with several other fintech companies also being penalized. OPay has refuted the claims, stating, “We categorically refute the claims that OPay Digital Services was…

The national grid in Nigeria has collapsed again. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the collapse and mentioned that restoration efforts are already underway. This marks the 12th collapse of 2024. Listed below are the dates of each setback faced by the grid in 2024: Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been temporarily shutdown following an incident involving an Allied Air flight The aircraft reportedly experienced a tire burst upon landing, causing it to skid off the runway. As a result, the airport has been temporarily shut down while efforts are underway to tow the aircraft and clear the runway. Emergency officials are on site, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers. The situation has caused significant disruptions, with several departures delayed as authorities work to resolve the issue. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently recalled several drug capsules due to safety concerns. Among the recalled products is a batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules, manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd and marketed by DevineKings Pharmaceutical Ltd. This recall was initiated following reports of serious adverse drug reactions from patients who used the batch with lot number 4C639001. Additionally, NAFDAC has recalled Acetazolamide Tablets USP 125mg, manufactured by Rubicon Research Private Ltd, due to contamination issues. The affected batch number is 30575HF1. Acetazolamide is used to treat conditions such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and…

Nigeria’s petroleum products import from Malta surged to N766.81 billion in the third quarter of 2024, despite the operational status of the Dangote Refinery. This notable increase was highlighted in the latest trade data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The analysis revealed that imports from Malta were among the top five for Q3, including motor spirit ordinary, gas oil, durum wheat, cane sugar meant for sugar refineries, and used vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines of large cylinder capacity. The report stated: “Analysis by trading partners reveals that imports from China were valued at N3,574.79 billion, representing…