The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has been re-elected Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG)—a continental ministerial forum of African Ministers responsible for minerals and mining, committed to coordinated action aimed at maximising value addition and beneficiation from Africa’s vast mineral resources. Dr. Alake was first unanimously elected as the pioneer Chairman of the AMSG in 2024 on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF). He was re elected at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group, held on the sidelines of the same conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As part of…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced a two-week Ophthalmology Equipment Set-Up and Training Programme at the Maiduguri Eye Hospital in Borno State, following the deployment of advanced eye-care equipment valued at over N3 billion. The programme, which began on Monday, marks a major step in the Commission’s efforts to improve specialist healthcare delivery and address preventable blindness across the North-East region. Activities on the first day included the installation, calibration, and coupling of cutting-edge ophthalmic equipment, alongside the start of hands-on technical and clinical training sessions. The exercise is aimed at ensuring the newly supplied equipment is fully…
The Coalition in Defence of Nigeria (CDN) has publicly supported the Federal Government’s decision to engage a United States-based lobbying firm over allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening the nation’s security and international relations. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the coalition insisted that the engagement of the lobby firm is not merely a public relations exercise but a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s long-term stability and global credibility. The National Publicity Secretary of CDN, Mallam Isa Shehu, said Nigeria is currently grappling with serious security challenges such as terrorism,…
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has poured glowing tributes on the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their heroic outing and bronze medal triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing their performance as a victory of spirit, courage, and national pride. Governor Abiodun saluted the Eagles for playing what many adjudged as the most exhilarating and dominant football at the tournament, noting that the team went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final, which was decided by the lottery of penalties.…
The South-West Arewa Community Renewed Hope Agenda for Asiwaju 2027 has recorded a major milestone with its successful international launch in Paris, France, signaling the growing global footprint of the movement and its expanding support base among Nigerians in the diaspora. The historic event took place against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, where Arewa sons and daughters residing across France and Europe gathered in unity, cultural pride, and renewed political commitment toward Nigeria’s democratic future. The launch was led by the Director-General, Alhaji Shehu Usman Jibrin ‘Sampam’, who officially unveiled the movement alongside friends and associates in the…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Nigerian Air Force has neutralised more than 40 terrorists during coordinated airstrikes carried out in Azir and Musarram communities of Borno State, following intelligence reports of imminent attacks and ongoing engagements with ground troops. The operations, conducted on Thursday, 15 and Friday16, January, 2026, were executed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI as part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist plans and reinforce ongoing ground offensives. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the missions combined close air support and air interdiction following actionable intelligence. In a statement issued on Sunday, 18 January, 2026,…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged failure to account for billions of naira spent as security votes since Monday,29 May,2023, amid worsening insecurity across the country. The lawsuit was instituted to compel transparency and accountability in the use of public funds allocated annually to security, especially in the face of recurring violence and mass killings in several states. SERAP disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday,18 January, 2026 and…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has clarified that local governments across Nigeria are yet to begin receiving their statutory allocations directly from the Federal Government, despite claims circulating on social media suggesting otherwise. The union said funds meant for local government councils are still being routed through state government accounts, indicating that the implementation of direct allocation has not commenced. Thegazellenews.com gathered that the NULGE National Chairman, Aliyu Kankara, explained that, contrary to recent online reports, there has been no change in the disbursement process from the Federation Account Allocation Committee. He stated…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Wole Elusakin, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the challenge of multiple taxation and levies, warning that the practice is stifling private sector growth and increasing the cost of goods for consumers across the country. Elusakin made the call on Friday, 16 January, 2026 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while speaking at the conclusion of the company’s management budget session and retreat, held to review performance and set targets for the coming year. He said businesses, particularly in the logistics sector, were grappling with multiple billings…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will suspend operations on Monday, 19 January, 2026, as the United States observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, resulting in a one-day pause in routine diplomatic services across Nigeria. The closure, announced to honour the late American civil rights leader, will affect both diplomatic facilities in the country. The US Mission in Nigeria disclosed the development on Sunday,18 January,2026 through its official X handle. In the announcement, the mission stated that both the embassy in Abuja and the consulate in Lagos would remain closed…