On Friday, 31 January, 2025, a truck driver in Oba, Anambra State ran over five operatives of the Special Anti-Touting Squad, SASA, killing them instantly. SASA is a creation of the Anambra State government, designed to check the operation of touts on Anambra roads. A violent encounter between tipper drivers and members of the squad erupted after the incident. An eyewitness described the incident as a deliberate and coordinated attack by the drivers on the SASA operatives. SASA’s spokesperson, Karen James, explained that the squad had entered the notorious garage in Oba for an enforcement operation. “The area is reportedly…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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By Temitope Ajayi Two days after DeepSeek took the world by surprise, a Financial Times report warned that the West should be worried by how China appears to be leading the Artificial Intelligence race. Financial Times says the emergence of DeepSeek from the shadows, catching the West unawares, is a strong indication that China has mastered the art of ‘Kaizen’. I recall that my first encounter with Kaizen, the philosophy that underpins the rise of Japan as the Asian economic powerhouse, is about 10 years now. Societies like China, Japan, and South Korea that anchor their development models on their…
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, 30 January, 2025 in Abuja, said the positive reports on Nigerians in the diaspora would inspire the younger generation on values that enhance the nation’s image. The President commended diasporan Nigerians while receiving Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, and the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius F. Sandy, at the State House. President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria. The Canadian High Commissioner…
The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious energy access programme that will see to the transformation of the nation’s energy sector. The programme which will ensure transformation of the sector is being spear-headed by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. It is also a fallout from the just concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salam, Tanzania. The two-day Summit which brought together African leaders, business executives, and development partners to advance the continent’s ambitious energy agenda was hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank…
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced that it will be completing its capital raise through a combination of a Rights issue and Special placement exercise set to go live on April 1, 2025, with the goal of raising N200 billion in fresh capital. This would mark the second and final tranche of the Bank’s capital raise exercise, supplementing the N40 billion raised in the first tranche, and ensuring the Bank surpasses the CBN minimum requirement for national banking authorization. In its usual manner as a proactive, innovative and forward-thinking…
The Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), has commended the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and infrastructure development in the region. Giving the commendation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the umbrella organisation of Niger Delta people at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, lauded the Commission’s leadership, describing it as visionary and result-driven. He declared: “We have never seen a leadership team like this, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support. Your interventions in infrastructure, particularly the Benin-Ore road…
The European Union (EU) has launched the Solar for Health Project in Plateau State in order to ensure that healthcare facilities have unhindered access to reliable electricity for medical equipment, providing better healthcare services for local communities in the North Central State. According to a statement by EU on Thursday, the project which is funded by the EU in partnership with the Plateau State government underscores the importance of clean energy in improving the quality of life, particularly in rural healthcare settings. The statement revealed that EU has committed 1.7 million euros for overall project implementation by NTU International and…
The ECOWAS Court of Justice is finalizing preparations for the official launch of its enhanced Electronic Case Management System (ECMS). According to a statement on Thursday, central to this effort are a comprehensive Quality Assurance Workshop and Group Training for Judges and Staff, aimed at ensuring system readiness and user proficiency. These activities will culminate in a high-profile Go-Live Ceremony, marking the Court’s transition to a fully digital case management platform. The statement revealed that a hands-on Quality Assurance Workshop scheduled for February 2-5, 2025 will bring together key stakeholders, including the Project Team, IT Unit, Super Users, and Management,…
In a significant development for the Adamawa Emirate, Mustapha Rufau, a distinguished businessman from a prestigious family, has been appointed as the Kangiwa of the Adamawa Emirate. The appointment underscores his exemplary contributions to business, leadership, and community development. Mustapha Rufau is renowned for his sharp business acumen and success in diverse ventures, which have cemented his reputation as an astute entrepreneur. His visionary leadership and commitment to societal growth have earned him admiration both in the corporate world and among community stakeholders. The title of Kangiwa is one of great honor and responsibility, symbolizing leadership, trust, and service to…
Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole on Friday, 31 January, 2025 stormed the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja to show solidarity with Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).Last September, Okpebholo was declared the winner of the governorship contest by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,655 votes. However, not satisfied with the results released by the electoral umpire, other parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed petitions at the tribunal.In Friday’s proceedings, aside Oshiomhole, who currently represents…