Author: Khadijah Olowode

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria remains committed to a balanced approach to energy transition and still requires substantial investments in the oil and gas sector to meet the energy demands and economic needs of its population. Speaking at a meeting on Monday, 24 June, 2024, in Abuja with the Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank, Mr. Bill Winters, the President called for a just energy transition that supports vulnerable communities across the nation. Highlighting the importance of balancing the mutually beneficial shift to green industrial growth and energy with the immediate energy needs of Nigerians, the President…

Read More

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo presided by Justice Christopher Oba has struck out the certificate forgery case against the Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Benson Konbowei. Konbowei was arraigned before the court on March 26 on three counts. In the charge marked: CR/028/2023, the Inspector General of Police accused Konbowei of fraudulently forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ with number 000256454 and dated July 4, 2008, among others. The senator pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the resumed proceedings on Monday, 24 June, 2024, the prosecuting counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, applied to withdraw the case.…

Read More

A former member of the National Working Committee (NWC), of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), George Moghalu, has denied social media rumours that he has defected to the opposition Labour Party (LP). Recall that the social media was awash last week that he had left the APC for the LP. But speaking with newsmen in Abuja, the Anambra-born politician debunked the rumours, stressing that he does not switch parties frequently. Moghalu explained that his focus remains on his law degree from a private university in Abuja and his pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of…

Read More

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Monday, 24 June, 2024 arraigned Director of Finance and Account of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Abubakar Sambo, for alleged fraud of N1.84 billion. Sambo was arraigned before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court, Abuja on three-count charge for allegedly diverting the funds to personal accounts. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, after which ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, prayed the court for a trial date. But Sambo’s lawyer, Isiaka Dikko, SAN, informed the court of the defendant’s bail application which had already been filed. Since…

Read More

At least 19 people lost their lives after gunmen attacked a synagogue, an Orthodox church and police checkpoints in Russia’s Dagestan Republic. A priest, three other civilians, and 15 police officers were killed in the attacks which took place in two places: Dagestan’s largest city and capital, Makhachkala, and in the coastal city of Derbent. Investigators said Monday, 24 June, 2024 disclosed that the yet-to-be-ascertained gunmen carried out the coordinated attacks on the night of Sunday, 23 June, 2024. “According to preliminary data, 15 law enforcement officers were killed, as well as four civilians, including an Orthodox priest,” Russia’s National…

Read More

With a mix of pride and nostalgia, I, Pius Ughakpoteni, announce my retirement as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), effective June 26, 2024. I am deeply grateful to the Managing Director/CEO of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his astute leadership and for considering wise counsel in approving the recommendation for my posting as the Director of Corporate Affairs. Leading this department has been an immense privilege and a profoundly fulfilling journey. Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals and collaborate with a wide range…

Read More

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has backed the Society for Notaries Public’s (SNP) effort to professionalise and transform the practice in Nigeria. Hadiza Bamaiyi, Head of Notary of the Supreme Court, stated this at the launch of the Society and the induction of new members into it. Bamaiyi stood in for the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayoode Ariwoola, who was the guest of honour of the event. “The Supreme Court relies on your expertise and professionalism to facilitate smooth transactions, resolve disputes, and promote economic growth,” Bamayi said. Urging the inductees to uphold notarial practice standards, President and Master-in-council…

Read More

No fewer than two people lost their lives on Monday, 24 June, 2024 amid rainfall, which caused heavy flooding at the Trademore Estate in Lugbe along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Road, Abuja, the nation’s capital. The estate, which is home to several civil servants and other categories of people has been perennially affected by flooding. A resident of the area who made a video of the flood could be heard calling on the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for help, adding that two people had been swept away by the flood. Recall that the…

Read More

Given the noticeable gaps in both policy and its implementation in terms of service delivery, Independent Hajj Reporters, (IHR) a civil society organization that monitors and reports hajj in Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to amend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act to ensure a cohesive and effective hajj operating system in the country. IHR in a statement on Monday, signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad in Makkah, Saudi Arabia said the call also becomes necessary because of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj’s adjustment of hajj policy and calendar of events – which is…

Read More

Ogun State Government has acknowledged the outbreak of cholera in the State, as it declared its readiness to contain the spread of the disease effectively and efficiently. It said 25 cases have been reported in seven local government areas with one death. Addressing journalists at a press conference on Monday at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker; alongside his Environment counterpart, Mr. Ola Oresanya; named the local governments as Ado-Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu-North, Ewekoro and Obafemi-Owode. According to Dr. Coker, her Ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders from the…

Read More