Author: Soffiyyah Olamide

Barrister Dino Melaye has once again traded substance for spectacle. In his latest television appearance, he cast himself as Nigeria’s chief political entertainer, tossing around cheap jabs about “borrowing from OPay and Moniepoint.” But here are the facts: Nigeria’s total public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025, according to the Debt Management Office. The jump from last year is not the result of reckless borrowing, but largely the arithmetic of naira depreciation. When the currency adjusts, the naira value of existing external debt rises—whether or not new loans are taken. Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains a moderate…

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By Chuks Collins , Awka Sept 9,2025 Tension is high in Onitsha and other major cities of Anambra as angry youths burn property, vehicles and molest peace loving citizens especially in the commercial city of Onitsha on Tuesday, 9 September, 2025, following the reported killing of four traders inside the Onitsha Main Market by operatives of Gov Soludo security network under the aegis of OCHA brigade. Consequently, citizens of the state have once again called for the immediate clampdown and disbandment of all such State Government armed operatives. Those murdered, eyewitnesses narrated, include a heavily pregnant woman and three others…

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The African Professionals of Australia (APA) has conferred the title of African Champion of the Year on Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the mining sector and commitment to diaspora engagement. The award was presented at the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum on Friday, 5 September, 2025, held alongside the Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining Conference in Perth. The forum brought together prominent leaders, investors, and professionals from across Africa and the diaspora for an evening of dialogue and networking at the Pan Pacific Hotel. APA WA President, Dr. Toyosi Craig,…

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The Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups of Warri Federal Constituency have declared their boycott of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, demanding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must first implement the final report of the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in the constituency. The protesters who stormed the INEC headquarters in large numbers came from Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas making up the Federal constituency. The groups made their position known on Tuesday during a peaceful protest to the INEC headquarters in Abuja where they expressed deep…

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The Aramide Atinuke Bakare Foundation (AABF) has announced the launch of its ‘Back-to-school with Love’ initiative, a project aimed at donating branded school bags and exercise books to secondary school students as they begin the new academic session. The programme, set to take place at selected schools in Agege on Monday, 15 September, 2025 is being held in loving memory of Aramide Atinuke Bakare, a young life lost in 2021, whose legacy continues to inspire kindness, education, and hope. Speaking about the initiative, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr. Adeyinka Bakare, explained: “This project is more than just distributing school…

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has told the international community that Ogun State is actively breaking trade barriers through bold initiatives designed to attract investment and deepen trade. Governor Abiodun stated this while participating in a high-level panel session titled “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns” at the ongoing IATF25 in Algiers, Algeria. Reaffirming Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s leading investment destination, Governor Abiodun highlighted the pivotal role of subnationals in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He noted that despite Africa’s enormous potential, intra-continental trade still accounts for only…

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The Enugu State Government has accused the CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of defrauding the state of nearly N6 billion, noting that Ogundele vanished into thin air after he was paid the said sum for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools in different parts of the state. The government also accused Ogundele of premeditated fraud, explaining that while he presented a bond issued by Jaiz Bank to secure the contract, he used the company’s Zenith Bank account registered with the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to receive the said payment, making it impossible for the…

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By Sir Folu Olamiti FNGE The passing of Dr. Solomon Ehig iator Arase, CFR has left me profoundly shaken. He departed far too soon, leaving behind not only a towering legacy but also cherished memories that continue to stir my heart. Only days before his transition, he had read a profile piece about himself on Newspot Online Newspaper published on 16 August 2025. Almost immediately, he rang me, curious to know the author. When I told him it was my nephew, Olugbenga Adebamiwa, he requested Gbenga’s number. Upon speaking with him, Solomon expressed heartfelt appreciation for the article. His words still echo…

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The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON has said that the Initiative is committed to ensuring the successful completion of the education of its 47 Scholars. She stated this during the mid-term assessment and interactive session with the Scholars of its RHI National Scholarship Programme (NASP) Tertiary Education. The First Lady assured the Scholars that no matter the duration of their course of study, the RHI would ensure it provides the scholarship for their successful completion. “This is a scheme that we have to continue, this is not about…

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This year’s International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025 with the theme, “Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action,” calls us to move beyond words and take stronger action to safeguard education. In Nigeria, our security agencies are doing their best, but protecting schools must remain a shared national priority. Education is the foundation of hope, and safeguarding it means securing our future. I appreciate organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the Education Above All Foundation for their efforts in advancing child education globally. Happy International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025. Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON First Lady of…

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