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Authorities Arrest 33 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger

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Authorities Arrest 33 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger

33 people have been arrested by Niger State authorities on suspicion of participating in illicit mining operations that endanger the environment and public safety.
During a concerted enforcement effort, the arrests were made in the Paikoro Local Government’s Gbokuchi-Kotongba neighborhood.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Forest Hunters Association worked together to carry out the operation, which was led by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources.

The raid was headed by Yunusa Nahauni, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, who emphasized the government’s will to combat illegal mining.

According to reports, the arrested individuals had been illegally mining minerals from another company’s land for more than a decade.

People in the community were angry about the ongoing unlawful actions and how they affected local resources.

Even though the village chief and elders were aware of the ongoing mining operations, Nahauni chastised them for their passivity.

Read Also: Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

He reaffirmed Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s order to stop all unapproved mining because of security concerns and issued a warning that those who disobey the order would be prosecuted.

He also emphasized that the government is committed to sanitizing the mining industry and asked locals to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to report it to the appropriate authorities.

“We can’t afford to take it easy. “We will continue to take proactive steps to expose those hiding under the guise of mining while engaging in illegal activities. The state government has a clear vision to sanitize the mining sector,” Nahauni said.

He also expressed concern about the area’s undocumented foreign miners and questioned how they were able to enter the state without being identified.

He urged the Nigerian Immigration Service to strengthen security and look into potential access points.

Nahauni urged communities to work together in order to protect the state’s natural resources, reiterating the government’s commitment to combating unlawful mining.

Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

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Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has commended the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The group, consisting of loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, praised Komolafe’s tireless efforts in driving reforms in the petroleum industry, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to RHAN’s assessment report, the NUPRC has made significant strides in implementing the PIA, which has led to improved operational effectiveness, reduced misconduct, and increased revenue generation for the government.

The report highlighted the commission’s efforts in streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at a press conference, the national secretary of the group, Dr. Opialu Fabian specifically praised Engr. Komolafe’s leadership style, which he says,has brought about a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and transparency.

He noted that Komolafe’s initiatives, such as technology-driven regulation, review of crude oil handling agreements, and commitment to local content development, have helped to curb oil theft, promote gas utilization, and attract investment in deepwater exploration.

RHAN also commended Komolafe’s commitment to local content development, which has strengthened engagement with host communities.

According to Fabian, this has ensured that the benefits of oil production reach local populations, promoting socio-economic development and reducing conflicts.

Furthermore, the report acknowledged the challenges still facing the NUPRC, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

However, RHAN expressed confidence that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Fabian added: “Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed. It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency.

“In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

“However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

“Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

“We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development.”

Tension in Osun as APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Storm Secretariats

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Tension in Osun as APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Storm Secretariats

The chairman and council members chosen in Osun State’s October 15, 2022, local government elections have taken up residence in around 14 LGA secretariats throughout the state.
The political leaders assaulted their various local government secretariats on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at around 10 a.m., according to reports gathered.

These officials, as well as many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), returned to work in the secretariats in Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, Obokun, and Ila, according to The PUNCH.

The local government secretariats in Ayedire, Boripe, Iwo, and Ejigbo have also welcomed them back.

The chairmen and council members of the 14 local government secretariats started their work at 10 a.m., according to a statement provided to journalists by Jamiu Olawumi, the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Education.

He said that there haven’t been any reports of violence as of yet.

Olawumi stated: “As of 10 am, we have 14. Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, Obokun, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, and Ila are among them.

Boripe, Iwo, Ayedire, and Ejigbo. There was excellent security. The DSS, an armed civil defense squad, and members of the police tactical unit have all gathered around the secretariat. Although we applaud Governor Adeleke, it is insufficient.

“The thugs they brought here ought to be removed. They are in town. Moving around will allow you to view faces you haven’t seen here. They have to refrain from inciting those cults and militants to murder Osun citizens.

Read Also: Court Order: Enemona Anyebe Must Halt PDP Chairmanship Claims

The fact that the verdict is enforceable dawns on them. It is recommended that the governor try to meet with the President, the Chief of Staff to the President, or the IGP. In order to realize the goal of growing Osun during his current term, he ought to accomplish that much for us.

“Even though they are from different levels of government, our chairmen and council members are willing to collaborate with him.”

Court Order: Enemona Anyebe Must Halt PDP Chairmanship Claims

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Court Order: Enemona Anyebe Must Halt PDP Chairmanship Claims

Enemona Anyebe has been barred by a Kogi State High Court from claiming the role of chairman of the state’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
John Ojodale filed lawsuit number HC/Okp/8/2024 against the PDP and another party, and it was stated that Justice Yahaya Adamu of the State High Court in Lokoja rendered a decision in that case on Tuesday.
After concluding that Enemona Anyebe was unqualified to run, the judge ordered a new election to be held within 45 days to fill the chairmanship vacancy.
In his ruling, Justice Adamu stated that Anyebe’s alleged suspension from the PDP prevented him from attending the August 31, 2024, PDP Congress.

Read Also: Microsoft Pledges $1M for AI Training of One Million Nigerians

Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo, the first runner-up at the Kogi State PDP Congress on August 31, 2024, responded to the court’s ruling by claiming to be the party’s genuine chairman.

Gambo argued that since the decision upheld Enemona Anyebe’s ineligibility to run for office rather than nullifying the election, he should be the main benefactor.

He did, however, object to the court’s order for a new election to be held within 45 days, claiming that this was contempt because it was not included in the initial summons.

The Federal High Court is considering our case. The part of the decision where the judge mandated a new election within 45 days will be appealed,” he stated.

“We were not even a party to the suit filed at the State High Court, and this was not included in the plaintiff’s original summons.”

He wasn’t a party to the litigation, which is one of the reasons he wasn’t named chairman, Gambo continued. He said that he had filed a petition to have his election victory recognized as authentic with the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

With a pledge that the Federal High Court would take the required steps and recognize him as the duly elected state PDP chairman, he asked his supporters and the state’s PDP members to be calm.

Microsoft Pledges $1M for AI Training of One Million Nigerians

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Microsoft Pledges $1M for AI Training of One Million Nigerians

Over the next three years, Microsoft, a global leader in technology, plans to contribute $1 million (about ₦1.6 billion) to improve Nigerians’ artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

Ola Williams, Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana’s country manager, and Lillian Barnard, Microsoft Africa president, reportedly made the news during the ongoing Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, Nigeria.

Williams stressed that Microsoft’s goal of empowering people and organizations around the world is in line with this strategy.

One of the ways we are implementing this purpose is through this announcement. I am ecstatic. With great pleasure, I declare that Microsoft Nigeria would invest $1 million over the next two years to empower one million Nigerians,” she said.

Williams went on to emphasize the importance of this investment, pointing out that it will give Nigerians the know-how to use AI not just for consumer use but also for solution development and long-term company establishment.

“This represents a substantial investment in our endeavors to guarantee that everyone has access to the necessary skills to not only utilize AI, but also to develop AI-based solutions and businesses that continue to provide Nigerians with a stable source of income,” she continued.

Additionally, Williams conveyed gratitude for Microsoft’s dedication to Nigeria by saying: “Thank you, Microsoft, for this great investment.” The fact is that Microsoft has more than just a business stake in Nigeria. Our goal is to favorably affect both the economy and people’s lives.

According to Techeconomy, the AI Skill Development Program will serve government officials, companies, and startups.

Speaking about Microsoft’s longstanding involvement in Africa, Lillian Barnard emphasized how the company’s cohesive strategy has created new opportunities for partners on the continent.

Coming to a place like Nigeria to communicate this message is such a huge responsibility. Microsoft’s commitment on the Continent includes this.

Skills change along with technology. These days, AI positions make up the majority of jobs, but there aren’t enough people to fill them. According to Barnard, “we think this initiative is such a platform to upskill the people.”

Breaking: Court Rules Against Anyanwu’s Attempt to Block PDP Ouster

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Breaking: Court Rules Against Anyanwu’s Attempt to Block PDP Ouster

PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu asked the Federal High Court in Abuja’s Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from removing him as the party’s secretary, but the court refused his appeal.
Rather than that, the judge told Anyanwu to call INEC and the other defendants in his new case so that their opinions could be heard.
Anyanwu reportedly filed an ex-parte suit with the Federal High Court, requesting a ruling that would forbid INEC or its agents from receiving or acting upon any written submissions or correspondence from the PDP until he signed them.
Anyanwu also asked Justice Ekwo to restrict Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagun from delivering any written submissions, papers, or letters to INEC unless they were signed by him, according to the motion submitted by his attorney, K.C.O. Njemanze (SAN).

Read Also: 15years After, CSO Seeks Probe Report, Prosecution of Asabe Waziri Over Death Of Pregnant Woman

In a brief order, Justice Ekwo accepted that Anyanwu’s claims had created a case of urgency after taking into account the plaintiff’s grounds.

But the judge rejected the plaintiff’s ex-parte application, choosing instead to hear arguments from the defendants before making any decisions.

He therefore instructed Anyanwu to inform Damagun and INEC about the new litigation so that they might make an appearance in court and make their case.

On February 24, Justice Ekwo set a hearing date and gave the plaintiff instructions to serve the two defendants with the required court documents.

15years After, CSO Seeks Probe Report, Prosecution of Asabe Waziri Over Death Of Pregnant Woman

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15years After, CSO Seeks Probe Report, Prosecution of Asabe Waziri Over Death Of Pregnant Woman

A civil society organisation, Justice and Equality For All Movement has staged a peaceful protest to the Federal High Court, Abuja, to demand the release of a probe report and prosecution of Ms Asabe Waziri, over the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs Shitua Aso.

The movement, led by Barrister Moses, Aham Akano, said the incident which took place in 2010 cannot be statue barred.

He said it’s a criminal matter amd the long arm of the law is always ready to catch up with anyone that runs foul of the law.

We are here to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to release an investigative report of the murder allegedly committed by one Asabe Waziri in 2011.

“According to the letter of demand for the report written to the IGP, we are asking the him to release its investigative report on the matter.

“We have as long asked the court to order the IGP to release police report on the matter.

“Apart from being in court, we also want to bring the attention of the public to this because for 15years, family of the late Shitua Aso, who was pregnant at the time of the! Incident needs justice.

“We are in court to ensure the law takes its course and to get justice for the late pregnant woman, Shitua Aso. We are in court to follow the legal way to mandate the police to release its investigative report which was carried out 15years ago. We are saying justice must be done because an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

“Asabe Waziri should not frustrate the process of the court with her application to join in the matter. What we need is justice for late Shitua Aso, who was pregnant at the time of her death.

“Nigerias are crying, the world is crying amd all we want is justice. The case is not statue bar, we are crying for justice for the late pregnant woman”.

In May 2024, Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN, also wrote the IGP, asking for the report saying the investigation in the matter must not be swept under the carpet.

The petition, signed by the Publicity Secretary of GICN, Leticia Omeiza, stated that failure of the police to make public the report, GICN shall institute an action in court to compel the IGP to release the report.

According to GICN, the case should be re-open for the family of the victim to get justice.

Parts of the petition reads, “Research took us to the National Library of Nigeria where we uncovered a story tagged “Woman hit with car by opponent” on Page 57 of the Sunday Trust newspaper dated 30th May. 2010. Certified True Copy (CTC) of the newspaper is attached as APPENDIX 1.

According to the story, a woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso had accompanied her sister Mrs. Nonto Ogunyinka to the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja in a controversy involving Mrs. Ogunyinka and one Miss Asabe Waziri. It was reported that Police had settled the dispute between Mrs. Ogunyinka and Miss Asabe Waziri, whereupon both women left with the intention of going to their respective houses but exchanged unpleasant remarks along the stairway.

Nigerian Queue at MRS Stations After Dangote vs NNPC Fuel Comparison Goes Viral

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Nigerian Queue at MRS Stations After Dangote vs NNPC Fuel Comparison Goes Viral

Long lines of Nigerians have been observed at MRS gas stations in Lagos State following the viral video that contrasted the cost and lifespan of Dangote fuel with that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The recording implied that the lines were not caused by a shortage but rather were triggered by the viral comparative video. The video, which started making the rounds on social media on Tuesday, showed an increasing number of customers swarming the MRS stations.
Olatunde Shobajo, a tech content creator who goes by Valor Reviews, performed an experiment in the video by contrasting petrol bought from NNPC and MRS filling stations, which are associated with Dangote Refinery.
When Shobajo tested two new generators, the one powered by NNPC gasoline only operated for 17 minutes and 51 seconds, but the one powered by MRS gasoline ran for 30 minutes and 51 seconds—13 minutes longer—showing that Dangote’s fuel performed better.

Some Nigerians claim that Dangote’s entry into the petroleum market threatens NNPC’s long-standing monopoly, which is why the video has sparked controversy.

As both fuels came from the Dangote refinery, NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye clarified in response to the film that the comparison was inaccurate.

The Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in supporting local production and energy security, provides a large portion of the Premium Motor Spirit sold at NNPC retail outlets in Lagos, where this misleading film was produced, he added.

“Dangote Refinery guarantees the quality of petroleum products supplied to our consumers by adhering to strict industry standards,” the statement went on to say.

The assertions in the viral video were also categorically denied by the NNPC, which called them “baseless” and the product of “unverified and amateur research.”

Read Also: ‘This Is All Distraction,’ Says Doherty as He Condemns DSS Invasion of Lagos House

The business made it clear that disseminating misleading information would not be tolerated and that individuals who do so would face legal repercussions.

The film was “designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians,” according to NNPC Ltd., which also pledged to take the appropriate legal action to safeguard its reputation.

‘This Is All Distraction,’ Says Doherty as He Condemns DSS Invasion of Lagos House

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‘This Is All Distraction,’ Says Doherty as He Condemns DSS Invasion of Lagos House

The invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by Department of State Services (DSS) officials has been denounced by Funso Doherty, a former African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for governor of Lagos State.
Some have characterized the DSS personnel’s Monday invasion of the Lagos House as an attempt to frighten Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
Doherty claimed the invasion was pointless and a diversion from the state’s governance in an interview with News Central on Tuesday.

The former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was persuaded by the chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to let the legal system do its thing.
As far as we can tell, the lawmakers have assembled and replaced Speaker Mudashiru Obasa with Mojisola Miranda. According to the speaker (Obasa), the procedure was incorrect, and he has filed a lawsuit. That’s okay. At the end of the day, everything will be resolved because the House and the legal system will both continue to do their jobs.

The introduction of the security forces is a really concerning development because it distances us from the democratic process in a significant sense. In order for us to condemn, we need to make sure it doesn’t happen. Return to a governance mechanism that operates as usual. allow the House sit, and allow Mojisola, the current Speaker, take the lead. “It’s okay if the courts determine that things should be different,” he remarked.

Read Also: Akinyemi on Independence: Why Britain Overlooked Azikiwe, Awolowo, and Others

Lagos’ political elite was urged by the former governorship candidate to concentrate on enhancing the quality of life for the state’s citizens.

There are numerous issues that lawmakers ought to be concentrating on. I just arrived here this morning. We had to take a detour via Agege Motor Road since a container dropped on the road I should have used. The condition of that road is really amazing, and it serves as a major route to the state capital. There are simply too many things for these folks to be concerned about.

All of this is a diversion. Ultimately, when people reflect on their lives and ask themselves, “Is my life better because of all this government activity, all this government expenditure, all of this hullabaloo in the public space, year after year, democratic process through democratic process, election cycle through election cycle?” it is not surprising that people become disillusioned and disengaged from the political process. And that is evident from the voter turnout figures,” he said.

Akinyemi on Independence: Why Britain Overlooked Azikiwe, Awolowo, and Others

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Akinyemi on Independence: Why Britain Overlooked Azikiwe, Awolowo, and Others

Bolaji Akinyemi, Nigeria’s former foreign minister, revealed that the British gave authority to a group of persons they could manage in 1960.
Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, and others like Michael Okpara were reportedly shunned by the British because they wished to maintain control of the nation after independence, according to Professor Akinyemi.
“There has always been a grand plan to destabilize Nigeria,” the former minister said in an interview with Arise News on Monday.

Speaking about the claim that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding to the terrorist group Boko Haram, he made this revelation.
Before we ever gained our independence, Nigeria was a target, so the British even planned to transfer authority to the least developed region of the country and chose an elite they believed they could control. That was even before to our independence.

Not the Azikiwes, Awolowos, Mbadiwes, or Okparas were singled out because the British knew they couldn’t control them, and they had already determined in 1945 who they would cede power to.

In that sense, when Jawaharlal Nehru’s India was able to break free from their rule, they learned their lesson. They learnt their lesson, and going forward, if any of their colonies get independence, they must make sure that the person they are entrusting authority to is someone they can manage so they can maintain control over those nations. Nigeria was one such country, he added.

Additionally, the former minister revealed that he learned during a conference in Washington that the developed world did not want a superpower to emerge from black nations.

In my opinion, they are attempting to destabilize Nigeria by utilizing any agency they can establish or bring about. The idea that no nation in the global north wants a black nation to become a powerhouse because it will impact their own racial dilemma was brought up at a conference I once attended in Washington. It was Kwame Nkrumah’s experience. Remember Mandela? Until Nigeria succeeds, no nation with a Black population would succeed in our world, he declared.

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