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NAFDAC Chief: Death Threats Won’t Deter Me

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When it comes to death threats, Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says she is not scared.

During the weekend, Adeyeye briefed media in Abuja, according to The Nation.

She claimed that the death threats came after the agency dismantled significant networks of phony drug distributors in Onitsha, Yaba, Idumota, and Kano.

She returned to Nigeria to serve her people after more than 30 years in the United States, the director-general stated.

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She stated that the agency would remain steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding public health despite the risks.

For 37 years, I lived in the United States. I returned home for the service. I would have been at home there. And I tell folks that I’m a missionary here,” she added.

“There is no need for me to return home if missionaries could leave their comfort zones and join us in Nigeria.

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Returning home is a sacrifice and is not simple. Even though I don’t see them, I have grandchildren. My daily dictionary does not include the word “fear.”

Despite the fact that I’m returning to serve, I still use common sense. Although I apply a lot of common sense, it applies to my employees as well as to myself.

The NAFDAC employees were conducting an inspection six months ago, hence I wasn’t the one who was assaulted and bleeding in Onitsha.

“One of our employees is here.” One day, I simply asked, “What happened?” while glancing at her arm. She claimed that she nearly died when they conducted an inspection.

Katsina: Armed Bandits Abduct Four University Students

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According to reports, Dutsinma is one of the Katsina State local government districts that continues to face substantial security concerns, such as banditry and cattle rustling, despite continued attempts by the government and security services to address these issues.

At the time of publication, the state police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, and other government authorities had made no official statements about the incident.

Nonetheless, a Daily Trust story indicates that security authorities have launched a search operation to securely rescue the stolen pupils.

In recent years, Nigeria has seen an alarming spike in student abductions, highlighting the country’s worsening security crisis.

In April 2021, gunmen attacked Greenfield University in Kaduna State, abducting at least 20 students and two staff members. Tragically, three of the kidnapped students were discovered dead after a few days.

Read Also: FAAN Suspends Operations on Lagos Airport Runway for Urgent Repairs

After a month in captivity, the remaining 14 students were finally released.

In May 2024, Confluence University in Kogi State experienced a similar occurrence, with at least nine students taken from their classrooms.

Additionally, in February 2025, four female students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi, Benue State, were kidnapped.

FAAN Suspends Operations on Lagos Airport Runway for Urgent Repairs

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The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos will temporarily close runway 18R/36L for maintenance, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The runway is being rehabilitated as part of continuous efforts to keep it in top condition, according to a statement released on Sunday by Obiageli Orah, director of public affairs and consumer protection.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria would like to notify the public that, as of 03:00 on March 3, 2025, and ending at 23:59 on March 4, 2025, Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos will be temporarily closed,” the announcement states.

“Ongoing asphalt phase rehabilitation work at the runway’s A2 Taxiway-link is the reason for the closure.”

Because all planes will be diverted to the alternate runway 18L/36R during that time, Orah promised that flight operations will not be affected.

Read Also: Labour Party Fires Back After Akpabio Asks Otti to Defect to APC

The authority’s dedication to its basic principles of security, safety, and passenger comfort was reaffirmed by the director.

According to Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of FAAN, N580 billion is required to repair airport runways nationwide on January 15.

Regarding the condition of airport infrastructure, Kuku stated that numerous runways have outlived their useful lives and require immediate repair.

Labour Party Fires Back After Akpabio Asks Otti to Defect to APC

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Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, has come under fire from the Labour Party’s leadership for asking Abia State Governor Alex Otti to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio was said to have commended Otti for his work in Abia State’s development.

On Saturday, he expressed my appreciation at Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s 70th birthday party and commended Otti for paying tribute to the former deputy president in spite of their divergent political views.

Nonetheless, he implied in a subtle way that Otti would gain more notoriety if he joined the APC.

“My governor, congratulations.” I have already begun to view your work, but since you are a member of the Labour Party, I am unable to stand here and give you praise. Thus, you are still in labor. By the time you visit APC, you will have heard what I have to say. You’ll hear my compliments about you. As Akpabio said, “I will celebrate you.”

LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, told Punch in an interview on Sunday that the Abia governor is loyal to the party and has no intention of switching allegiances.

It is acceptable for politicians to court other people. Governor Alex Otti has been courted by numerous parties, not just the APC. He is still with the Labour Party, though, and he has promised us that he is not leaving,” Ifoh said.

Read Also: Pastor Ighodalo Clears Air on Marriage Rumors with Actress Kate Henshaw

In addition, he contrasted the perceived shortcomings of states headed by the APC with the accomplishments of the LP.

He is a representative of the LP ideology, which is deserving of imitation if people are still courting him. The majority of APC states have been a complete failure, while our LP state is demonstrating a strong commitment to infrastructure, empowerment, and human development. Obiorah continued, “For this reason, we think the Labour Party is the best option for Nigerians.

Pastor Ighodalo Clears Air on Marriage Rumors with Actress Kate Henshaw

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Ituah Ighodalo, a well-known clergyman and senior pastor of Trinity House, has addressed reports that he plans to wed Kate Henshaw, a well-known Nollywood actress.
It is understood that there has been a lot of conjecture on social media regarding his possible second marriage, with some people even speculating that planning for an Aso Ebi has begun in anticipation of the purported nuptials.
In a recent interview with media personality Osayuwamen Saleh on UpgradeTV, which received a lot of attention on Sunday, Pastor Ighodalo denied these allegations, saying he was not aware of any such plans.

The cleric responded to the rumor with a humorous remark, saying that the people disseminating the information are probably making money off of it.

“I loved my wife so much,” he said. I live day by day. The future is unknown to me. I don’t know anything about an Aso Ebi coming out. The issue with social media is that users believe they can do anything they want.

“Whoever is spreading this rumor is profiting from it. They ought to come and pay the tithe once they have finished spreading it.

The clergyman said he is open to the possibility of getting married again, but he made it clear that his love for his late wife is still strong and that her spirit is still very much present in his life.

The late Ibidunni Ighodalo, a renowned former beauty queen and skilled event planner, was Ighodalo’s wife. She tragically died in June 2020. The pair had adopted a daughter and a son before she passed away.

Pastor Ighodalo has focused on his ministry and raising his children since her death.

According to what was understood, Pastor Ighodalo stated in a 2023 interview that although he is open to the idea of getting married again in the future, he is not in a rush because his children are still his top priority. He added that he has received strong advice from his daughter not to pursue a second marriage.

Read Also: Kebbi Governor’s Adviser Suspended by APC for Snake Prank at Government House

It is impossible to say that I would never get married again, but I would be fine if I could have my way. My life is simple, and I am content. I am doing well, and I am taking care of my kids. When my kids become older, I might give it some thought. Additionally, my daughter has cautioned me against getting married again,” the clergyman had stated.

Kebbi Governor’s Adviser Suspended by APC for Snake Prank at Government House

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The special adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Power and Politics, Kabir Sani-Giant, has been suspended by the All Progressives Congress, or APC, effective immediately.

The suspension in Birnin Kebbi was announced on Sunday in a statement signed by Sa’idu Muhammad-Kimba, the party’s secretary in Kebbi State.

He disclosed that on February 8, Mr. Sani-Giant played a practical joke on dignitaries, statesmen, and officials by bringing a snake to Government House.

The behavior could embarrass and discredit the party, according to Mr. Muhammad-Kimba.

“Mr. Sani-Giant’s actions violated the APC’s constitution,” he continued.

He claimed that the party found his actions embarrassing and offensive.

According to Mr. Muhammad-Kimba, “his suspension is still in effect pending additional investigation and potential disciplinary action, which could result in expulsion if repeated.”

Dangote Assures Refunds for Petrol Purchases Exceeding N825 Per Litre

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Customers who purchase Premium Motor Spirit, also known as gasoline, at prices greater than those offered by any of its major partners—AP (Ardova Plc), Heyden, or MRS—among Nigeria would receive a refund, according to a statement released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.

This action comes after the refineries recently dropped the price of its product from N890 a litre to N825 per liter. The refinery said that this is in keeping with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to boost the economy, and is part of its continuous efforts to guarantee that Nigerians are the main recipients of the price decrease.

The refinery announced in a statement over the weekend that it will reimburse N65 per litre for the more than 200,000 metric tonnes of PMS that marketers had bought at the previous gantry price of N890 per litre, before the new rate of N825 per litre was implemented. In order for Nigerians to benefit from cheaper fuel, the Dangote refinery also absorbed a N16 billion loss by returning N65 per litre to merchants.

The action, which takes effect on February 27, 2025, ensures that the pricing change won’t result in a loss for any of our esteemed business partners. More importantly, it guarantees that the new, reduced rate is implemented immediately across the country for the benefit of Nigerians, according to the statement.

This approach is not limited to Heyden, Ardova Plc (AP), or MRS Holdings, the refinery emphasized. It encouraged a shared commitment to reasonably priced, high-quality items by urging other marketers that source stock from it to share the advantages of the new pricing with customers at the retail level.

Any abuse of the new pricing structure was also denounced by Dangote. Any party that buys at N825 per litre and then sells to customers for N945 or more per litre is being unpatriotic and harmful to the welfare of Nigerians. Nigerians are further burdened for their own benefit by this undue profiteering,” the statement continued.

“Dangote Refinery is collaborating with its partners to make this price accessible in an attempt to guarantee high-quality and reasonably priced fuel for Nigerians.” Customers are invited to bring their receipts to Dangote Refinery in order to receive a complete refund of any excess fuel they have purchased at any of its major partners, Heyden, MRS, or AP (Ardova Plc), anywhere in Nigeria, above the quoted rate.

Read Also: Strengthening Trust: CBN Enhances Regulatory Standards in Banking

The following are the authorized rates per litre: N860 in Lagos, N870 in the South-West, N880 in the North, and N890 in the South-South and South-East; Heyden and AP: N865 in Lagos, N875 in the South-West, N885 in the North, and N895 in the South-South and South-East.

Dangote Refinery anticipates that no Nigerian, regardless of location or gas station, will pay more over N900 per litre for PMS as the new gantry price is fixed at N825 per litre. The refinery also reaffirmed its dedication to offering premium, environmentally sustainable fuel that enhances vehicle performance and promotes public health.

Our dedication supports self-sufficiency in vital areas like energy, which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda goals. We’re still committed to helping Nigeria’s economy flourish and making sure all Nigerians have access to reasonably priced, superior energy options,” the company stated.

“This initiative is just one of many ways Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals continues to contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future for our country,” the refinery concluded. We stand with the Nigerian people in this quest for energy security, constantly working to offer long-term fixes and a brighter future for everybody.

Strengthening Trust: CBN Enhances Regulatory Standards in Banking

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has strengthened risk management and regulatory compliance throughout Nigerian financial institutions, reaffirming its dedication to upholding a transparent and robust financial system.

Speaking at a high-level Mandatory Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training workshop in Lagos organized in partnership with Citi, Ms. Shola Phillips, Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Compliance, emphasized the importance of rigorous adherence to international banking standards in order to maintain trust in Nigeria’s financial industry.

Financial institutions are expected by regulators to keep up dynamic, risk-based AML/CFT programs that adapt to the changing financial landscape. To effectively meet these expectations, institutions must integrate innovative compliance solutions and engage in proactive regulatory developments, according to Phillips.

Attendees included correspondent banking teams, compliance officers, and trade operations specialists from a range of financial institutions. The training offered valuable insights into emerging financial risks, global regulatory trends, and strategies for maintaining correspondent banking relationships.

Strong governance frameworks are essential for risk mitigation, according to Siobhan Ni Ealaithe, Managing Director of Citi’s Correspondent Banking Group. In order to stop illegal financial activity, she emphasized the importance of Know Your Customer (KYC), Know Your Business (KYB), and Know Your Transaction (KYT) procedures.

In her bleak assessment of the risks associated with financial crime, Stephanie Bailey, Head of EMEA AML Risk Management for Foreign Correspondent Banking, pointed out that more than $3 trillion in illicit funds pass through the global financial system every year. Financial institutions should use technology-driven risk assessments, improve due diligence procedures, and maintain transparency in all transactions, she urged.

The goal of CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso is to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system and maintain regulatory excellence, and the workshop supports this goal. A robust financial system is based on trust, which is gained via honesty and obedience, as Governor Cardoso has repeatedly emphasized. The CBN will keep enforcing strict regulations to safeguard Nigeria’s financial system and guarantee that it complies with international best practices.

In order to protect Nigeria’s financial sector and guarantee its resilience and credibility both domestically and internationally, the CBN works to strengthen risk management frameworks and cultivate a strong culture of compliance.

Akpabio vs. Natasha: ACF Warns Against Bias, Calls for Justice

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Kaduna. The ongoing controversy in the 10th Senate between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cause the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to express grave concern.

ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, released a statement acknowledging the gravity of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment and intimidation claims, which have dominated public discourse and media coverage.

“A wide range of people and organizations have expressed strong opinions on this issue. Even Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s spouse has been forced to make a public appearance. The National Assembly is tasked with drafting national laws, and these interventions run the risk of damaging its standing,” the statement said.

As long as the dispute continues, the ACF pointed out, Kogi Central constituents’ interests are not being sufficiently represented in the Senate.

Concerning a potential bias against Northern senators, the group also noted that only Northern senators have been subject to severe sanctions, such as suspensions, in the current Senate.

ACF hopes that this is not a part of the thinly veiled anti-Arewa agenda that permeates Nigerian politics, even though it may seem unrealistic. It is unclear from the events that are developing whether this is a pattern or just a string of coincidences.

An impartial, transparent, and open investigation into the claims is demanded by ACF in order to guarantee justice and avoid excessive intervention.

It is imperative that the Senate resume its primary responsibility of enacting laws, particularly during a period when Nigerians are facing financial difficulties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan should receive a fair hearing and be treated with dignity, so the Northern Caucus in the 10th Senate should support her.

Leadership and members of the National Assembly are required to conduct themselves with integrity, discipline, decorum, and moral rectitude.

Members of the 10th Senate must behave appropriately for their positions because the Senate’s reputation is on the line.

The ACF called on all stakeholders to put the interests of the country first and make sure the Senate continues to be regarded with respect both domestically and abroad.

NLC Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike

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The Federal Government was forewarned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday to prepare for widespread demonstrations should the proposed increase in electricity rates proceed.

The union referred to the proposed increase as “economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace” in a statement released following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State.

The NLC pledged to organize citizens and laborers for resistance across the country.

The NLC was not the only source of this threat. The government is forcing Nigerians to “pay for darkness” without actually improving the country’s power supply, according to the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which also denounced the action.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reclassified electricity users in a “sham reclassification,” which infuriated the NLC.

The union claims that this reclassification is a flimsy attempt to force more Nigerians into higher tariff bands in the name of better services, which would only make their financial situation worse.

According to the statement, “the ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant economic strangulation, increased taxation, and tariff hikes.”

The union’s decision was unambiguous and unyielding: there would be widespread opposition to any attempt to raise electricity rates. It warned the government not to try to test the patience of the Nigerian people and ordered the National Administrative Council to start mobilizing for protests right away.

However, there are other issues causing this unrest besides electricity rates.

 

Concern was also raised by the NLC regarding the recent 35% increase in telecom rates.

The union acknowledged that it had reached an agreement with the government to lower the initial proposed hike from 50% to 35%, but it was still doubtful that the government would follow through on the agreement.

It issued a warning that the NLC would take firm action if the new telecom tariffs, which are scheduled to go into effect on March 1, 2025, are applied in a way that deviates from the terms of the agreement.

The NLC underlined that “corporate and governmental inefficiencies should not be borne primarily by Nigerian workers.”

Support for the NLC’s stance is strong among electricity workers. The NUEE has also rejected the consumer reclassification, calling it an exploitative agenda designed to squeeze more money from Nigerians without improving service delivery.

In a statement by its acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the NUEE criticized the government’s approach, saying the real issue isn’t tariffs — it’s the failure of the power sector to deliver reliable electricity.

We posed some important queries, such as: Who are the Band A customers? Who bears the brunt of the electricity hike? The most impacted will be the general public. They are the customers and end-users, and the additional costs will ultimately be passed down to them, worsening their already dire economic situation,” the union stated.

Rather than focusing on tariff reviews, the NUEE argued, the government should prioritize improving power supply and addressing the sector’s longstanding inefficiencies.