Home Blog Page 257

Tragedy: Nigerian Nurse Found Dead in UK Apartment

0

The death of a nurse named Nnena Miriam, who worked in Leeds, has left the nursing communities in the UK and Nigeria in sadness.
According to a statement released by Fellow Nurses Africa, an organization devoted to promoting the nursing profession in Africa, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Miriam was discovered dead in her residence following the filing of a missing person report.
Miriam’s abrupt absence from work and numerous ignored calls prompted one of her close friends to submit a missing person report, according to the organization.

The Nurse’s lifeless body was reportedly later discovered by the police in her house.

Additionally, it was mentioned that Miriam had recently returned to the UK following her Nigerian introduction ceremony, which preceded her traditional marriage.
Miriam was characterized by her colleagues as a kind, devoted, and resilient professional.

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we report the sudden passing of one of our own, Nnena Miriam, a dedicated and professional nurse based in Leeds, United Kingdom,” the statement said.

Under tragic circumstances, Nurse Miriam was discovered dead in her room earlier this week. Her last shift was reportedly last Sunday.

When her close friend made numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact her starting that Sunday, alarms were raised. The friend became more and more concerned and reported her missing, but her body was later found dead in her apartment by the police.

Read Also: National Identity Management Commission Hikes Service Charges

“Her special day, Tuesday, April 29, was supposed to be a day of happiness, celebration, and fresh starts.

Instead, her unexpected passing has left loved ones and coworkers in a state of unfathomable grief and unresolved questions.

“The healthcare community she proudly served and the numerous patients whose lives she touched with kindness and care are deeply saddened by her sudden passing.

“We join the family, friends, and the global African nursing community in mourning this tragic loss as the investigation continues.”

National Identity Management Commission Hikes Service Charges

0

The costs of the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) goods and services have been examined. It stated that the review was carried out following ten years of sticking to the same price plan.

According to a statement issued by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission “conducted a comprehensive review to ensure alignment with current operational costs and industry standards.”

According to him, the updated pricing plan attempts to keep NIMC’s services affordable and accessible for Nigerians while preserving their quality and integrity. The new rates are going to be in effect right now.

Read Also: Sen. Jibrin Explains What Made 4th NASS Members Stand Out

“NIMC cautions all Front-End Partners (FEPs) to follow the new pricing structure to the letter.

A FEP’s license may be revoked if they are shown to be charging higher than the authorized rates.

The protection of Nigerians’ interests and the provision of our services at reasonable and open rates are priorities for NIMC. All Nigerians and pertinent stakeholders will be able to access the new price structure from the NIMC website, www.nimc.gov.ng.

Adegoke stated that NIMC is dedicated to giving Nigerians safe and dependable identity services.

“We encourage the public to report any FEP charging that exceeds the authorized rates to our inspectorate and enforcement unit by calling 08155015388 or sending an email to ieu@nimc.gov.ng,” he stated.

In the interim, NIMC DG/CEO Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote would like to express gratitude to Nigerians, sister agencies, and all of its partners for their unwavering support.

She does, however, convey her sincere gratitude to President Tinubu, the Honorable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Harmonization partners, and the management and employees of NIMC for their invaluable assistance in creating a robust and enduring National Identity System, Adegoke stated.

Sen. Jibrin Explains What Made 4th NASS Members Stand Out

0

The necessity of providing elected officials with governance training has been underlined by Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin.
When democratic administration was restored in 1999, Senator Jibrin reportedly claimed that the training of the members of the 4th National Assembly was what kept the parliamentarians engaged and active.
When the Director General of The Progressives Institute (TPI), Lanre Adebayo, and his management team visited his office on Wednesday, the Deputy Senate President made this statement.

He promised that the Senate would assist TPI, which was founded by the present All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, in its mission to teach democracy to young Nigerians.
It was America’s National Democratic Institute, he claimed, that invited the 4th republic’s lawmakers to participate in the training, which equipped them to run the country.

“I was among those who saw the Institute’s unveiling. Additionally, I appreciate and admire this institute and its principles. I am fully committed to this for a number of reasons.

Naturally, becoming a recipient of a comparable institution from a different country is one of the causes. I’ve been hoping that Nigeria has a comparable organization ever since I attended a training session there.

Therefore, I was thrilled to learn that this institute will be joining the All Progressives Congress through the national chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje.

This is because I can still clearly recall the day, almost 26 years ago, when I was elected to serve as my constituency’s representative in the Fourth Republic’s House of Representatives.

The United States National Democratic Institute extended an invitation to us. of which the Democratic Party of the United States has a comparable organization.

Read Also: Rising Cost Of Petrol Poses Challenges For Marketers, As Landing Cost Hits ₦870 Per Litre

“That organization chose to come here and provide us with thorough instruction on how to enter this nation’s legislature. due to the gap that existed at the time.

“This country did not have a legislature for a very long time. due to our polity’s military participation at the time. Thus, practically everything pertaining to the legislative was forgotten.

“The NDI arrived and gave us classroom instruction on how to participate in this nation’s legislature and how to behave. And we learned a lot from the lessons we received.

“Among this nation’s legislators, the training we received helped us stand out. In the act of legislative, the Fourth National Assembly’s members were quite numerous,” he stated.

The legislator from the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged Adebayo to let members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament participate in the institute’s training.

Being the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament is a blessing. I therefore wish to implore you to spread your tentacles beyond the boundaries of this nation.

“Aim to get in contact with us. I am aware of our divergent ideas. In the ECOWAS Parliament, there are two conservative lawmakers. You’ll come in quite handy. “Please reach out to the ECOWAS Parliament with your tentacles,” he said.

Adebayo stated that the institute’s purpose was to enhance the political community by developing its capacity in leadership and governance.

Rising Cost Of Petrol Poses Challenges For Marketers, As Landing Cost Hits ₦870 Per Litre

0

The cost of importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, has increased significantly, with the landing cost now averaging ₦870 per litre, according to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
It is said that the hike comes at a time when the price supplied by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is causing market friction, affecting both gasoline importers and marketers’ profits.
MEMAN reported a landing cost of ₦872 per liter on April 28 and ₦868 on April 29 for petrol. On April 23, the cost of a litre was ₦859, indicating the escalating expenses of importing petrol.

This spike has caused alarm among importers, who are now unable to sell their products at a profit due to pricing pressure.
Petrol prices vary greatly across the country. Dangote sold petrol for ₦840 on Thursday, matching the prices quoted by Matrix (Lagos) and Rainoil.

Other merchants, including Pinnacle, Mao, Sahara, AA Rano, and NIPCO, offered the fuel at higher prices ranging from ₦889 to ₦842, depending on location.

Retailers in Lagos enjoy lower prices, whilst those in the South-South pay more due to logistics costs. First Fortune charged ₦868 for petrol, while Sigmund and Liquid Bulk set prices at ₦870. In Ogun State, MRS sells petrol at ₦890 a litre, followed by Heyden at ₦885.

Speaking with Punch, Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), stated that business has been slow due to the continual fluctuation of petrol prices.

“The fluctuation led to arbitrary price changes that are not well-managed,” stated the politician.

Regardless of the obstacles, Gillis-Harry emphasized that PETROAN members are committed to providing Nigerians with access to electricity.

The PETROAN president also noted that the government is working to stabilize the situation, and he is optimistic that the sector’s difficulties would be handled in the long term, benefiting both consumers and companies.

One key contributor to the current scenario is Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s pricing approach. Since the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude agreement with the refinery began, the refinery has routinely reduced petrol prices.

However, Dangote’s price drop has had a detrimental impact on fuel importers, requiring them to sell petrol at rates below their costs in order to avoid incurring too many losses.

Importers increased their rates from ₦860 to ₦950 after the naira-for-crude arrangement was suspended in March. Dangote reduced petrol prices to under ₦900 per liter in response to the Federal Government’s instruction to prolong the offer.

However, according to S&P Global, the pricing of refined petroleum products at Dangote’s refinery has unintentionally encouraged fuel imports into Nigeria.

Read Also: Support Younger Candidate and Confront APC in 2027 – Tinubu’s Ex-Aide Tells Atiku

S&P Global stated that, despite the global decline in crude oil prices, Dangote did not considerably lower its gantry pricing, resulting in additional imports into West Africa.

According to the research, between April 1 and April 9, the Eurobob M1 swap declined from $734.25 per metric tonne to $603/MT, a 17.9% drop, before recovering marginally. Dangote’s truck pricing at the gantry reduced by only 1.7% from ₦880/litre to ₦865/litre (later ₦835) throughout the same time period.

“This has promoted a flow of items into West Africa, where high domestic pricing have driven marketers to import in bigger amounts from overseas traders.

Support Younger Candidate and Confront APC in 2027 – Tinubu’s Ex-Aide Tells Atiku

0

The Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP, and former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar have been advised by former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters Hakeem Baba-Ahmed not to run for president in 2027.

Baba-Ahmed advised Atiku to act as a father figure to a younger presidential contender in 2027.

During a Thursday night appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he gave the advise.

The All Progressives Congress, or APC, would be taken to the “cleaners” by a younger Atiku presidential candidate, according to Baba-Ahmed.

He stated: “If I get the chance to sit with Atiku, I would tell him: Sir, you have done your share, you have supported democracy, you have done a good job representing it, your name is in gold, it’s time to give up the seat to someone younger; don’t run in 2027, and act like a father.”

“Look for a decent young person. If he were to field a younger, more skilled someone with less skeletons in their closet—someone with fewer vulnerabilities in terms of age, health, and everything else—they would completely destroy APC.

Read Also: Hakeem Baba-Ahmed: I Held Adviser Title Under Tinubu Without Duties

The ruling party is expanding with the wrong people, he insisted.

Baba-Ahmed claimed that the majority of people switching to the APC are either seeking jobs or escaping the EFCC, or Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The wrong people are joining the APC, and all of these defections are directed towards the same goal: they are seeking jobs or escaping the EFCC.”

“The people who are rushing into the APC from all directions are a liability; it’s just a refugee camp that will blow up,” he continued.

 

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed: I Held Adviser Title Under Tinubu Without Duties

0

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, had a lot to give in terms of political counsel, which was the reason he was appointed, but he was unable to make a significant contribution in that role.
Baba-Ahmed, who was appointed in 2023 to work as a Special Adviser on political matters under Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office, resigned in April 2025, it was remembered.
Baba-Ahmed claimed he resigned because the Tinubu administration lacks the passion to improve Nigeria in an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

In particular, Baba-Ahmed stated that poverty and insecurity in the North have gotten worse under Tinubu, and he could not continue to cooperate with a government that no longer has the people’s mandate to effect change.

Read Also: Ministry of Education Calls Emergency Session Over NELFUND Loan Scandal

He claims that when Tinubu asked for a private meeting, he turned it down because he would have given him advice that he might not want to hear, such as not to seek reelection in 2027.

He said that instead of running for reelection himself, Tinubu should think about endorsing a younger, more dynamic member of his party to run for president in 2027.

However, Baba-Ahmed insisted that he did not regret working with the President, but he would decline the option to rejoin if it were presented to him again.

“The direction of the Tinubu administration—no,” he retorted. I didn’t work at all. In the position of the vice president, I was meant to counsel the president on political issues, but I never did.

Ministry of Education Calls Emergency Session Over NELFUND Loan Scandal

0

Alleged deductions and diversion of monies from student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) will be looked into by the Federal Ministry of Education.
An urgent meeting with the Managing Director of NELFund and the vice chancellors of the impacted universities has been set for May 6, 2025, according to a statement released Thursday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations.
It further stated that Dr. Marut Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, called the accusations “extremely concerning and very disturbing.”

The Ministry promised that those found guilty would be punished accordingly.

According to the statement: “A report published by The Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, alleging that certain Nigerian universities have made unauthorized deductions from funds disbursed under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) scheme has deeply concerned the Federal Ministry of Education.”

The claims were characterized as “very disturbing and extremely concerning” by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Marut Olatunji Alausa, who emphasized that any unauthorized deductions from student loans not only violate financial ethics but also jeopardize the foundation upon which the NELFund was founded.

If confirmed, he said, such acts would be a flagrant betrayal of the government’s commitment to ensuring that all people had equal access to education and a serious breach of public confidence.

“Governance continues to be the main priority of our National Education Sector Reform Initiative (NESRI).”

Read Also: Oshiomhole Fires Back: Atiku Has Defected Multiple Times, Okowa Only Once

“We are dedicated to enhancing openness, encouraging prudent money management, and making sure that each kobo allotted for student welfare is used properly. I want to reassure Nigerians that this issue will not be ignored. Any guilty parties shall be subject to the proper penalties.

According to reports, the statement also restated President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to protect the fund’s integrity and guarantee that every Nigerian has access to high-quality education.

“NELFund was created to expand students’ access to high quality education and to support universities financially in a legal and sustainable way,” Dr. Alausa added, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who established NELFund as a flagship initiative, made adequate budgetary provisions to support both students and institutions in a fair and transparent manner. The President’s goal of inclusive human capital development is incompatible with any attempt to misuse this cash.

The administration’s dedication to safeguarding public funds and guaranteeing that students benefit fully from all government education support programs was reiterated by the Honorable Minister.

Oshiomhole Fires Back: Atiku Has Defected Multiple Times, Okowa Only Once

0

According to Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has no moral right to condemn former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s decision to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Oshiomhole, Atiku, a serial defector, cannot question Okowa, who has only defected once.

The former Edo State Governor made the statement on Wednesday at the Independent Television and Radio’s 28th Founders’ Day Lecture, titled “Nigeria, where are we going?”.
Oshiomhole noted that Atiku, as a sitting Vice President, switched from the party that gave him a platform, joined another party, received its presidential ticket, contested and lost an election.

He went on to say that the Supreme Court ruled that there was nothing wrong with his actions, thus the PDP chairman has no moral footing to chastise them because switching parties is his specialty.

“I was listening to those who sought to assess the significance of the Edo-Delta reunification with Dr. Okowa and Governor Oborevwori joining the APC.

Read Also: Property Dispute: Court Fixes May 26 For Ruling

“And those who are talking, including people like Atiku, who helped us realize by his action that a sitting vice president can decamp and take the position of a vice president to an opposition party and still retain the position and Supreme Court has pronouncement on that”

“At the time, I was the NLC’s unofficial opposition president. He subsequently proceeded to Bourdillon, Lagos, to join another party named Action Congress, where he ran for president and failed.

“This same guy who is louder in his criticism of Okowa deserted back to the PDP, contested and lost, then decamped to the APC and contested against former President Muhammadu Buhari, losing. He returned to the PDP, contested against President Bola Tinubu, and lost,” he stated.

He expressed surprise that Atiku was attacking a man who had only switched political parties once.

Property Dispute: Court Fixes May 26 For Ruling

0

Justice Akingbola George of the Lagos State High Court has adjourned ruling for May 26, 2025 in an application seeking leave to amend the statement of defence and counterclaim in Suit No: LD/4471LM/2023.

The court fixed the date following an oral arguments from counsel representing the parties Mr. A.N. Salau for the defendant, Anthony Ugbebor, a United States based Engineer and Mr. D.A. Ajiboye for the claimant, Oak Homes Multinational Services Ltd.

During the court proceedings, Salau informed the court that the defence filed a motion dated March 31, 2025, seeking to amend its initial statement of defence and counterclaim, along with other related court processes.

The application, he noted, contained five prayers supported by a written address and an affidavit.

Among the reliefs sought is an order granting leave to amend the defence and deeming the separately filed amended processes as properly before the court.

Salau argued that the amendment became necessary to include critical facts omitted in the earlier filing, particularly those countering the claimant’s assertion that the properties in dispute had been sold.

According to the affidavit in support, the claimant is allegedly attempting to sell the first defendant’s properties without authorisation, despite the ongoing litigation.

The proposed amended defence contends that the contractual relationship between the parties began with an offer letter dated November 6, 2017, which the defendant accepted.

It further alleges that the claimant breached the agreed project delivery date of February 28, 2019—well before the COVID-19 pandemicand that the delay has adversely affected the defendant.

Salau also indicated that the defence intends to call additional witnesses, and argued that the right to amend pleadings before the commencement of trial remains preserved.

“The claimant had the opportunity to amend and respond to our counterclaim.

“Their cited authority even supports our right to amend. We urge the court to disregard their counter affidavit and grant our application,” he submitted.

In response, the claimant’s counsel, Ajiboye, said he filed their counter affidavit on April 17, 2025, and relied on a seven-paragraph counter affidavit opposing the application. He argued that the motion was brought in bad faith and intended to overreach.

“The facts the applicant seeks to introduce only arose between January and December 2024. They are coming late, and it is in the interest of justice that this court strike out the application,” he said.

After hearing both sides, Justice George adjourned the matter to May 26, 2025, for ruling on the application and commencement of trial.

Rivers State Crisis: Labour Calls for Tinubu’s Intervention on May Day

0

President Bola Tinubu has been urged by Nigerian organized labor to lift the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State.
Comrades Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, respectively, voiced the proposal at the May Day event in Eagle Square, Abuja.
The leaders of the Labour Party called on the federal and state governments to stop activities that weaken the civic space and to strengthen it for the benefit of the country.

On the foundation of open government, electoral reforms, and an end to repression of dissent, they called for democratic accountability.

The Congress urged the administration to put an end to what it describes as the nationwide bloodletting and genocidal slaughter, stating that protecting residents’ lives and property is the government’s first priority.
Organized labor has demanded that they step aside from the tax measures that are currently before the National Assembly so that Nigerian workers can participate in the planning process.

Read Also: Fear as Stylist Ejiro Vanishes After Joining Prayer Group

The tax legislation, which were drafted without the NLC and TUC’s input, are said by organized labor to burden workers while absolving businesses and the wealthy.

The labor unions called for an immediate drop in the telecommunications tariff from fifty percent to thirty-five percent.

Additionally, organized labor has called for a pay raise that is immediately in line with the nation’s current economic situation.

The Labour Party has also called for the prompt payment of all unpaid allowances, pensions, and gratuities nationwide; the reinstatement of gratuity payments; an increase in the retirement age; and the automated adjustment of pensions to account for inflationary trends.