NCDC Board: Tinubu Seeks Approval for New Leadership
The Senate has received a letter from President Bola Tinubu requesting confirmation of the appointments of 19 individuals as the Chairman, Managing Director/CEO, and Board Members of the North-Central
To approve the appointments of 19 individuals as Chairman, Managing Director/CEO, and Board Members of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tinubu’s letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s session.
In line with the terms of Part I, Section 2(2)(a) of the North-Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024, the letter states:
“In consultation with the House of Representatives, I am writing to submit to the Senate for confirmation the nominations of the nineteen (19) individuals listed below as Chairman, Managing Director/CEO, and Board Members of the North-Central Development Commission.”
“They are chairman Cosmas Akyhir, managing director Tsenyil Yiltsen of Benue, member Dauda Kigbu of Plateau, member Zakari Jikantoro of Nasarawa, and member Niger.”
Benue, Plateau, Atotse Abraham, Kwara Dr. Umar Mantu, Kogi, Rev. Bunmi Olusona, and Sulaiman Ali are among the others.
Member Solomon Adodo; member Abdulkadir Usman of FCT; member Habu Mamman of North-West; member Dr. Atinuke Owolabi of North-East; member South-West.
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“South East, James Uloko, Executive Director, Benue, Atika Ajanah, Executive Director, Projects; Kogi; Raheal Nse, member; South-South, Boniface Izziogu, member.”
Executive Directors Muhammad Bashar of Niger, Hajiya Bilgis Sanni of Kwara, and Aishatu Ibrahim of Nasarawa.
“While hoping the Senate will give the request the customary prompt consideration.” The promises of my utmost attention are yours to accept, Distinguished Senate President.
President Tinubu Congratulates Pope Leo XIV on His Election as 267th Bishop of Rome
President Tinubu Congratulates Pope Leo XIV on His Election as the 267th Bishop of Rome
In a heartfelt message, President Bola Tinubu has offered his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The President also expressed his joy over the Conclave’s decision to elect American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the new Pontiff.
In his statement, President Tinubu conveyed his sincere felicitation to the Catholic Church in Nigeria, commending the Church’s role in spreading the message of faith and hope. He acknowledged that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership would resonate globally, particularly his focus on peace and humanity, rooted in the scriptures that promise a more peaceful world.
The President further reaffirmed the long-standing relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, highlighting the many years of rewarding partnership. These collaborations, according to President Tinubu, have been instrumental in the advancement of various sectors, including peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and most recently, the promotion of technology to enhance human capacity.
“The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s history. His values of love, charity, and support for the underprivileged align with the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” President Tinubu said. He further expressed hope that the new Pontiff’s leadership will continue to inspire kindness and compassion worldwide.
In conclusion, President Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God would grant Pope Leo XIV good health, wisdom, and divine guidance to fulfill his mission of spreading peace, love, and humanity across the globe.
Over 10 Illegal Buildings on Abuja Green Area Marked for Demolition – FCTA
The Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been given 48 hours by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council to destroy
The Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been given 48 hours by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council to demolish over ten duplexes situated on a green space.
The directive was issued in Abuja on Thursday by Coordinator Mr. Felix Obuah during a joint inspection of unlawful constructions being built throughout the metropolis.
The duplexes were constructed without permission on a green space in Wumba District, near Apo in Abuja, according to Obuah.
According to him, the developer had previously been asked to halt operations, including marking the structures, by development control officials.
The developer, he claimed, disregarded the order, even covering the building’s stop order, and proceeded with the work.
The coordinator said that the developer had forced the council to tear down every building that was not permitted.
When we asked the developer to furnish legal documentation for the operations he is conducting, we all found that there is no paper, no approval, and no allocation.
I requested that he cease his job, but as you can see, it is still ongoing.
“Therefore, every single property you see here is going down,” he continued.
According to him, the FCT Administration would not put up with any developments that went against the Abuja Master Plan’s provisions.
Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of Development Control, added that no authority has given the developer their approval.
We didn’t approve the developer, and if you look around, you’ll notice that we marked these buildings at various points in their development.
As I informed my colleagues, Nigerians only speak the language of the bulldozers that will demolish the buildings, which is regrettably why people dislike respecting established authorities.
More than ten buildings are under consideration; some have roofs, while others do not.
“So, in less than 48 hours, everything here will go down,” he warned, adding that development control would arrive with its bulldozers.
Additionally, Mr. Chidemelu Echee, Director of Parks and Recreation for FCTA, stated that Abuja was planned in neighborhoods to guarantee harmony between the natural environment and building architecture.
According to Echee, it is regrettable that anyone would enter a location like this and begin destroying the natural habitat at random without permission.
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“When we discuss global warming of the entire system, this is a contributing factor, making it a disaster waiting to happen.”
According to Mr. Osilama Braimah, Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, if the illegal structures are permitted to remain, the people will have to deal with the consequences of living without flora and trees.
When discussing the effects on the environment, Braimah clarified that the growing number of concrete structures retains and radiates heat, increasing the temperature of the surrounding area.
He thinks that having specific green areas is crucial to preserving a comfortable temperature.
“Everything covered in concrete inhibits percolation, which increases flooding downstream.
“To counteract this, we need to protect green spaces to support groundwater recharge, percolation, and the upkeep of healthy wells and boreholes.”
Sort Out LP Crisis Before Targeting Presidency – Akpabio Warns Obi
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential contender, has come under fire from Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his recent remark that “the labor of our heroes past is all in vain.”
If Obi is unable to address internal party issues, Akpabio claims he lacks the moral capacity to lead Nigeria.
Speaking Wednesday in Abuja during a Senate chamber valedictory session honoring the late elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information Chief Edwin Clark, Akpabio made the statements.
In a subtle jab at Obi, Akpabio remarked: “How can you handle the Boko Haram situation or other significant national issues if you can’t handle the turmoil within your Labour Party? I urge Nigerian leaders to deal with their party’s internal problems.
The Senate President’s remark was made the day after Obi in Abuja gave a memorial lecture honoring the late Clark.
While praising Clark’s history of bravery and selflessness, Obi bemoaned the current situation in Nigeria in his remarks. The circumstances of today, he contended, have rendered the efforts of prior leaders such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and General Yakubu Gowon pointless.
Obi also criticized the Nigerian government for a lack of civic involvement and accountability, pointing out that instead of large-scale protests during Jonathan’s presidency, there were no public protests over the recent increases in petrol prices.
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According to him, Nigerian democracy was in decline, and he was frequently accused of “demonizing the country” for raising his voice.
Akpabio, however, brushed Obi’s comments aside as being out of context and proposed that handling internal party matters is the first step towards leadership.
Speaking about his record, Akpabio emphasized his accomplishments while serving as the previous governor of Akwa Ibom State. “The dualized thoroughfares in my city, the international hospitals, and the digitalized governor’s offices are things I can proudly talk about,” he remarked.
“I started free and mandatory education in the state and encouraged religious inclusion by sponsoring more than 5,800 Muslims and 12,000 to 15,000 Christians on pilgrimages to Mecca, Rome, and Jerusalem,” he continued.
Additionally, the Senate President issued a warning against the divisive use of social media, characterizing it as mainly unregulated and frequently used to deceive the people.
Akpabio sent a clear warning to opposition leaders as he wrapped up his speech: “Resolve your party issues first before aspiring to lead Nigeria.”
FG Updates Nigerians on Simon Ekpa’s Extradition Process, Cites Ongoing Cooperation with Finland
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has given an official update on the ongoing efforts to extradite Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian citizen and former city councillor in Finland, over alleged criminal and terrorist activities.
Speaking during a public briefing on Thursday, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed that Ekpa is currently under investigation in Finland for suspected terrorism. The briefing was part of a special event to highlight the progress made by the Federal Ministry of Justice in criminal justice administration since October 2024.
“He committed an offence against the Finnish government as well as in Nigeria. His extradition will come at the right time,” Fagbemi said.
Simon Ekpa was arrested in Finland in November 2024 alongside four others—who were later released. His case is now being reviewed by Finland’s Deputy Prosecutor General, who will decide whether to press formal charges.
Nigeria Strengthens International Legal Cooperation
In addition to the Ekpa case, the Justice Minister revealed that Nigeria has successfully extradited two suspects to the United States:
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Hassan Bun Hussein Abolore Lawal – extradited in January 2025
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Okechukwu Josiah Odunna – extradited in March 2025
Fagbemi also disclosed that Nigeria is working with the government of Qatar to extradite Benjamin Nnanyereugo, popularly known as Killaboi, who is accused of killing his girlfriend, Augusta. Killaboi is expected to be returned to Nigeria in April 2025 to face murder charges.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Justice
The Justice Ministry reiterated its commitment to international collaboration in pursuing fugitives and ensuring they face justice, regardless of where they are located.
JAMB Announces Release of 2025 UTME Results
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
It has been stated that candidates who took this year’s UTME can begin verifying their results.
This was disclosed in an official notice issued on Friday.
Candidates in Nigeria can now check their 2025 UTME results using the official SMS channels and online platform given by JAMB.
The Board has maintained its mobile-based result-checking service to ensure that over 1.95 million registered candidates around the country can access it.
How to verify the 2025 UTME results by SMS.
Candidates must use their registered mobile number to access their UTME scores. JAMB has released two official SMS numbers for the result-checking service: 55019 and 66019.
Launch the messaging app on the mobile phone used for JAMB registration.
Create a new message by typing “RESULT” in capital characters, followed by a space and your JAMB registration number.
Send your message to either 55019 or 66019.
Wait for a response from JAMB that includes the candidate’s UTME results for each topic.
This technique costs N50 in SMS, which will be debited from the user’s cell airtime.
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How to Check Through the JAMB Website
Candidates can check their results using JAMB’s official portal. This method offers a more detailed view of individual scores and may be viewed by smartphone or computer.
Here is how you may check your UTME results online:
Visit the JAMB e-facilities portal: Visit https://www.jamb.gov.ng/efacility.
Log in. Enter your JAMB registration number or email address, along with your password.
Click “Print Examination Slip”: This option will reveal your exam information.
Wike Has a Mission to Kill Coalition, But It Won’t Succeed – Atiku’s Spokesman
Paul Ibe, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Adviser on Media, has stated that no amount of assault would prevent the coalition from overthrowing the current government.
Ibe was quoted as saying that the coalition’s political players had been in negotiations and would shortly announce the merger.
There have been attempts to thwart the merger, but it will not occur, Atiku’s spokesperson revealed in a Wednesday interview with News Central.
The political figures that are coming together are conversing with each other. The contents of the ship are known to them. It will not be fair, in my opinion, to reveal the secret. Let’s wait a bit longer. As of right now, the coalition baby will be born sooner rather than later.
“There have been attempts to murder the woman who will give birth, but I can assure you that she is safe, the baby will be born healthy, and the fireworks will begin,” he stated.
Ibe discussed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governors Forum’s opposition to the collaboration and said that the PDP would gain the most from the merger.
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He continued by saying that Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, was responsible for the governors’ opposition.
“Wike has a mandate and a job to impersonate the PDP and ensure that the coalition does not happen,” he said.
Since the PDP is the largest opposition party, it will gain the most from the alliance. Their leaders need to be interested in this continuing alliance.
However, the former Rivers State governor and FCT minister is also causing a crisis in the PDP because he has been mandated to be the undertaker, and those who seem to be disparaging the alliance are doing so. His job is to make sure that PDP impersonation is done. He has individuals around him who are making sure they keep diverting attention from the coalition’s goals, he said.
Ignore El-Rufai, He Has No Authority to Speak for the North – AYCF
According to the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), northern voices against President Bola Tinubu’s reelection are self-serving people who are angry at the current administration’s lack of acknowledgement and support.
In particular, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was denounced by AYCF President Yerima Shettima, who insisted that his actions were caused by his inability to obtain a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking to Vanguard, Yerima reminded Nigerians to disregard individuals such as El-Rufai, who served as governor for eight years but accomplished nothing.
The north cannot be represented by someone like El-Rufai, hence he should be disregarded. He should have the courage to demonstrate his accomplishments for the people, as he served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years,” Yerima said.
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He maintained that El-Rufai’s recent public displays of emotion were motivated more by personal disillusionment than by sincere care for the north.
The man is obviously upset that Tinubu did not name him a minister. He ought to let it go and move on. He shouldn’t convey the false idea that he can decide the north’s course in 2027 or that he represents it,” Yerima continued.
The leader of the AYCF stressed that it is too soon to assess Tinubu’s performance after less than two years in power, and he urged detractors to wait until he has served out his first term before making any judgments.
“We were aware from the start that Tinubu’s term would be difficult. He inherited difficulties that would not be resolved in a year. Just because certain people haven’t been awarded their desired roles doesn’t mean we should get political overly heated,” he remarked.