Home Blog Page 266

Oluremi Tinubu Partners with Leadership Newspaper to Empower Two Million Nigerians

coic
-
0
Oluremi Tinubu Partners with Leadership Newspaper to Empower Two Million Nigerians

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering two million Nigerians through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Hosting the management team of Leadership Newspaper at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, the First Lady expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the media organization on the empowerment program. She welcomed their proposal to collaborate towards achieving the ambitious goal, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in supporting Nigerians.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that addressing the needs of citizens cannot be left to the government alone, stressing that partnerships with private organizations and individuals are crucial for sustainable development.

Earlier, Leadership Newspaper’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Mike Okpere, briefed the First Lady on the newspaper’s ongoing charity initiatives. He proposed a strategic collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, explaining that the plan aims to empower 1,000 individuals, each tasked with mentoring and uplifting four others — ultimately reaching two million Nigerians.

Okpere outlined that the program would offer practical skills training in sectors like tie and dye, fishing, tailoring, and more, with the goal of fostering financial independence and productivity among beneficiaries.

Also speaking, Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, praised Mrs. Tinubu for her relentless efforts in advocating for the less privileged. She described the First Lady as the “Mother of the Nation,” applauding her humanitarian work across the country.

NNPP Chieftain Urges Leaders to Model Pope Francis’ Example of Service

coic
-
0
NNPP Chieftain Urges Leaders to Model Pope Francis’ Example of Service

After joining Christians around the world, especially the Catholic faithful, in mourning the Vatican leader’s death, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has called on world leaders, particularly Nigerian political leaders, to follow in Pope Francis’s selfless service.

According to him, political leaders should honor him not just with words but also by acting on their principles of justice, equity, fairness, and government love for the governed.

According to him, the Pope’s death—as a lowly servant of God—occurs during the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, marking a holy return to his Creator.

According to Ajadi, everyone should learn that death can strike at any time when Pope Francis passed away just hours after giving a speech at a Vatican Easter Sunday service.

In order to show compassion for the neglected, the refugees, the migrants, and the marginalized, he called on world leaders to follow the late Pope’s example.

He said, “I was devastated to hear Monday morning that His Holiness Pope Francis passed away.

“The Catholic Church and the Christians received my deepest sympathies and condolences.

“He was the Pope for the forgotten, the poor, and the oppressed, in fact. He embodied the core teachings of Christ—love for God and love for people—and was a tool of peace.

He was a staunch supporter of the developing world, advocating for peace and security in unstable areas and speaking out against economic inequality.

Ajadi personally signed a statement on Monday to express his sorrow over Pope Francis’s death, saying, “I urged World leaders and especially Nigeria political leaders to honor him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”

Long Jump Champion Ese Brume Recovers and Returns After Car Crash

coic
-
0
Long Jump Champion Ese Brume Recovers and Returns After Car Crash

Ese Brume, a Nigerian long jump athlete, is set to begin her season this weekend in the 115th Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa.
This event is expected to draw top-tier amateur and professional competitors from around the world, making it a major event on the track and field calendar.
Ese Brume’s participation in this weekend’s meet marks her return to competition after finishing fifth in the Paris Olympics in August 2024.

Following a terrible vehicle accident in the United States last December, she has shown remarkable resilience in her recuperation. In March, she resumed limited training after suffering a sprained ankle and strained neck.

Read Also: Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack Rivers Sole Administrator Amid Criticism

In this highly demanding event, Brume will face a formidable competition, including Tara Davis-Woodhall, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist and three-time U.S. champion, and 2021 Olympian Naij Quanesha Brooks.
As Brume enters a World Championship year, she is determined to recapture her podium spot, having set high expectations for her performance.

In an interview with Making of Champions, Brume reflected on her experience in Paris and expressed newfound motivation.

“To be honest, it was an amazing experience for me” , stated the actress. “Looking back, I didn’t compete very much this year due to injuries. I pledge myself and the world that this will be the last time I lose out on a medal in a big competition.”

Brume, 29, is already one of Nigeria’s most recognized athletes, with an amazing track career that includes two Commonwealth gold medals, four African championships, and the African record in the women’s long jump, which she set in 2021 at 7.17m.

Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack Rivers Sole Administrator Amid Criticism

coic
-
0
Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack Rivers Sole Administrator Amid Criticism

A coalition of 100 civil society organizations, under the Civic Room for Rule of Law, has thrown its weight behind human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) in calling for the removal of Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers state. In a statement issued by the group’s president, Barrister Maxwell Egboh, the coalition condemned Ibas for violating presidential directives and acting outside the constitutional framework, which it claims threatens the stability and democratic integrity of the state.

The coalition referred to a presidential directive from March 18, 2025, which outlined regulations governing the sole administrator’s role. Despite this, the group alleged that Ibas had unilaterally made appointments and dismissed officials previously appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actions they argue were not authorized by any legal framework.

The coalition accused Ibas of disregarding the president’s orders, describing his conduct as illegal and destabilizing, and called for his immediate removal. They emphasized that Ibas’ actions had created an atmosphere of uncertainty in Rivers state, and the people deserved lawful governance led by officials chosen through democratic means.

The coalition also expressed support for the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on Rivers state, which recently summoned Ibas for questioning. They called on the committee to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice.

In related news, the Save Democracy Vanguard, another Nigerian civil society group, has petitioned the United Nations over what it described as an illegal suspension of democratic governance in Rivers state. The group urged the UN to intervene, warning that the situation posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The Civic Room for Rule of Law has vowed to continue monitoring developments in Rivers state and advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.

NSCDC Apprehends Suspect, Recovers Stolen Railway Tracks in Bauchi

coic
-
0
NSCDC Apprehends Suspect, Recovers Stolen Railway Tracks in Bauchi

A 45-year-old man was detained for railway vandalism by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) Bauchi State Command, which also retrieved millions of naira’s worth of stolen railway supplies.

This was revealed by Commandant Oloyede Nelson Oyerinde during a press briefing in Bauchi.

He said that the recovery and arrest were a part of the Corps’ continuous efforts to protect vital national infrastructure.

“After receiving reliable information from the DSS Alkaleri Division, our operatives promptly responded to a report of railway track vandalism at New Gwaram, along Gombe Road, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m.,” Oyerinde said.

The crew found a white Peugeot J5 loaded with vandalized railway components, including 20 bags of charcoal, 14 fish plates, and 53 sleepers with bolts and nuts, even though the suspects had already left before the authorities arrived.

One Usman Jungudo was arrested as a result of additional operations in the Tubule Ward in Kirfi LGA’s Cross Tasha, Faruqu, and Taliyaje areas.

The suspect’s illegal disassembly and sale of railroad components led to his arrest.

“Several items were recovered and secured at the state headquarters, and he was reported to have confessed to the crime during interrogation,” he said.

Read Also: Babachir Lawal: Buhari’s Endorsement Unnecessary to Defeat Tinubu in 2027

Noting that such commitment was essential to the operation’s success, Commandant Oyerinde praised his officers for their prompt and efficient response.

“This is a strong warning: Vandalism of public property in Bauchi State will not be accepted.” The full force of the law will be applied to offenders,” he said.

Investigations were still underway, he continued, and the suspect would face appropriate charges.

“Timely and accurate information is vital in combating crime and protecting our communities,” Oyerinde added, encouraging locals to assist the NSCDC by reporting suspicious activity.

Angry Nigerians Criticize Presidency Over N10bn Solar Power Project

coic
-
0
Angry Nigerians Criticize Presidency Over N10bn Solar Power Project

The presidency’s decision to allocate N10 billion for a solar power installation at the State House, Abuja, has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media. The funding, part of the 2025 Appropriation Act, is set to be used for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa to address rising energy bills and unreliable electricity supply from the national grid.

This new capital project, referred to as the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” led to an increase in the State House Headquarters’ budget, raising it from N47.11 billion in the original 2025 budget to N57.11 billion in the approved version.

The project is aimed at reducing the Villa’s dependency on the national grid, ultimately lowering energy costs for the government. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) had previously listed the Presidential Villa among top government debtors, with an outstanding N923.87 million bill in February 2024.

Despite these intentions, many Nigerians on social media, particularly on X, have harshly criticized the move. They argue that the federal government’s focus on installing solar power at the presidential residence while the general public continues to face high energy costs and an unreliable national grid is a clear example of misplaced priorities.

Ife Salako, the spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, expressed dismay, stating, “FG don go buy solar. Na mumu dey wait for national grid.”

Dr. Olawale Ogunlana, a medical professional, added, “The leaders who promised us constant electricity and to restore our national grid are currently installing solar panels. Nigeria is such a wonderful place.”

Critics also labeled the N10 billion solar mini-grid project a waste of public funds. @DuruchibuzorE questioned the logic behind spending such a large sum on a single building, asking, “How do you justify spending ₦10 billion on powering one building when the national grid is in cardiac arrest?”

David Onyemaizu expressed frustration, writing, “This current administration knows exactly what they are doing. They took themselves off the failed National Grid and are set to install solar power that would gulp 10 billion naira. Comfort for the government, misery for the masses.”

Further adding to the criticism, @CuteNaija wrote, “I never thought I would see a Nigerian president giving up on power totally, cut away from the national grid, and install solar panels worth billions in his government house. You always think you have seen the worst example of bad governance, but they always up the ante!”

APC Slams PDP Over Criticism of President Tinubu’s Planned Visit to Nasarawa

coic
-
0
APC Slams PDP Over Criticism of President Tinubu’s Planned Visit to Nasarawa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has fiercely responded to the allegations made by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned visit to commission various projects in the state. According to the APC, the PDP’s claims of the projects being incomplete or previously commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari are nothing more than “blatant falsehood” and “propaganda.”

The PDP had accused Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration of trying to mislead the president with uncompleted projects like the Shendam Road, the Lafia underpass bridge, and mass transit buses that had already been inaugurated by Buhari. However, in a sharp rebuttal, APC State Publicity Secretary, High Chief Douglas Otaru, described the PDP’s statements as “utterly ridiculous,” reaffirming that the ongoing projects are legitimate and indicative of the APC-led government’s commitment to improving Nasarawa’s infrastructure.

The APC’s response also highlighted that the PDP’s accusations were rooted in a series of false claims, including the suggestion that some vehicles coming from China were merely repainted in a warehouse in Abuja. Otaru dismissed these allegations, labeling the PDP as a “party on life support” and focusing on the positive impact the current government is having on the lives of Nasarawa residents.

This exchange between the APC and PDP reflects the ongoing political battles in Nasarawa ahead of President Tinubu’s visit. The president is expected to commission a number of key projects, including a newly completed secretariat complex, marking his second anniversary in office.

The APC’s stance is clear: despite the opposition’s baseless attacks, the party remains focused on delivering results and continuing the legacy of governance in Nasarawa State.

Babachir Lawal: Buhari’s Endorsement Unnecessary to Defeat Tinubu in 2027

coic
-
0
Babachir Lawal: Buhari’s Endorsement Unnecessary to Defeat Tinubu in 2027

In a powerful statement about the 2027 general elections, Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has strongly criticized the efforts of some political figures who believe that securing former President Muhammadu Buhari’s endorsement is crucial to defeating President Bola Tinubu. Lawal, in an exclusive interview, lambasted those who are attempting to garner Buhari’s support, claiming they are “chasing shadows” as the 2027 election looms closer.

Babachir Lawal’s Strong Stand on Buhari’s Influence

Lawal, who has been vocal about his opposition to the current administration, made it clear that Buhari’s endorsement is not needed to defeat Tinubu. He argued that the opposition in 2027, particularly members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), will have no need for Buhari’s blessing. According to Lawal, the focus should be on challenging the Tinubu administration, which he described as “anti-poor” and harmful to the vulnerable members of society.

In the interview, Lawal emphasized that genuine CPC members who understand Buhari’s legacy of working for the betterment of the underprivileged will not hesitate to rise against a government that is seen to be neglecting the welfare of the poor. He noted that every true CPC member who has the interest of the people at heart will not support a regime that marginalizes the poor.

The Call for Political Reforms in the 2027 Election

Lawal’s remarks come at a time when speculations have been circulating regarding the possibility of Buhari’s involvement in the coalition talks aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027. While some reports have suggested that Buhari might endorse a coalition led by opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and others, Lawal rejected these claims. He firmly stated that even if Buhari did consider joining the opposition effort, it would not influence the overall strategy. Lawal insisted that the opposition must take responsibility for their actions, and should not rely on Buhari’s approval to make a change.

CPC’s Role in the 2027 Elections

For Lawal, the heart of the 2027 election will be the role played by the CPC and its ability to rally against the “anti-poor” policies of the Tinubu administration. He urged members of the party to take a stand and participate in efforts to replace the current government with one that is more responsive to the needs of the masses. Lawal’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing division within the political landscape and highlight the growing discontent among certain factions within the ruling APC.

The 2027 Election and Buhari’s Influence

As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, Babachir Lawal’s comments have sparked renewed conversations about the influence of Buhari and the future of the CPC in Nigerian politics. Lawal’s rejection of the idea that Buhari’s endorsement is necessary reflects the changing dynamics within the opposition and presents a clear challenge to those who believe that Buhari still holds significant sway over the country’s political direction.

Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi Refutes Claims of His Death

coic
-
0
Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi Refutes Claims of His Death

Legendary singer, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has angrily refuted the claims of his death, reminding his followers that he is alive, healthy, and in excellent spirits.
Obey-Fabiyi responded to the untrue allegations in a video released Tuesday morning with a dynamic performance that made it clear that he was doing well.
Known for his fluency in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, the artist boldly denied the allegations while singing in his distinctive way, “Hello, my name is Professor Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi.” Satan, you don’t lose o. You don’t lose o, Satan. You chat, you don’t wear pafuka, and you lie.

“It is fake news that started a few hours ago claiming that I, Evangelist Obey, have passed on to glory,” Obey-Fabiyi continued to refute the rumor. It is a falsehood. That is not what Jesus wrote, yet I am living.
It was understood that the music legend’s fans expressed their sorrow after the rumor of his passing spread on Monday. Many people expressed their sadness on social media as soon as the news went viral.

However, Obey-Fabiyi’s assistant, Tope Olukole, soon stepped in to put the record straight.

Read Also: Prince John Oriri Celebrates Tribunal Victory and Easter with Okanga Sisters in Ekile Ward

In an interview with TVC on Monday evening, Olukole affirmed that the musician was in good health and had not passed away.

“Let’s set the record straight: Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is alive and thriving! Olukole expressed relief at seeing his boss active and in a good mood, saying, “He recently celebrated a joyous occasion — the 50th birthday of his second child’s spouse.”

“Rumours of his passing are baseless and entirely unfounded. We’re happy to see him healthy and active,” Olukole continued.

Only a month after Obey-Fabiyi’s 83rd birthday, which was warmly and joyously celebrated by his family and supporters, the death fake arose.

Prince John Oriri Celebrates Tribunal Victory and Easter with Okanga Sisters in Ekile Ward

coic
-
0
Prince John Oriri Celebrates Tribunal Victory and Easter with Okanga Sisters in Ekile Ward

By Comr. Vincent Otse

Ado, Benue State – In a display of leadership and community spirit, the Vice Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Prince John Oriri, recently joined the Okanga Sisters in Ekile Ward to celebrate both the tribunal victory and Easter. The event was further highlighted by a generous cash gift from Prince Oriri to the Okanga Sisters, enabling them to enhance their Easter celebrations.

This thoughtful gesture highlights several important aspects of Prince Oriri’s leadership:

  1. Community Support: Prince Oriri’s active participation in the Okanga Sisters’ celebration is a reflection of his ongoing commitment to supporting and uplifting the local community. By celebrating with the people of Ekile Ward, he strengthens his relationship with them and shows that he values their contribution to the community.

  2. Generosity: The cash gift presented by Prince Oriri further emphasizes his generosity and willingness to invest in the happiness and well-being of his constituents. This act of kindness serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting others, particularly during significant events.

  3. Leadership Engagement: Prince Oriri’s presence at the celebration underscores his dedication to engaging with the community and ensuring their well-being. It highlights his role as a leader who not only makes decisions from an office but also actively participates in the lives of the people he serves.

The combination of celebrating the tribunal victory and Easter with the Okanga Sisters demonstrates Prince Oriri’s commitment to building strong relationships within the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of leaders being involved in the daily lives of their constituents, fostering a sense of unity and collective progress.

As a committed member of the Okanga movement worldwide, I, Comr. Vincent Otse, am proud to witness Prince Oriri’s efforts to empower the people of Ado Local Government. His leadership and generosity set an example for all, inspiring us to continue working towards a better future for our communities.

1...265266267...2,799Page 266 of 2,799
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv