Posts

Showing posts from June, 2025

NBA Rejects Proposed Supreme Court Expansion, Calls for Judicial Reforms Instead

Image
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has firmly opposed recent suggestions to increase the number of Supreme Court justices, labeling the proposal as a misguided solution to the nation's judicial challenges.  NBA President Yakubu Maikyau made the association's position clear during an emergency meeting of senior advocates in Abuja, arguing that Nigeria's judicial problems require systemic reforms rather than simply adding more justices to the apex court.   The debate over Supreme Court expansion emerged after the Chief Justice of Nigeria hinted at possible changes to address the court's overwhelming caseload. Currently, with only 21 justices instead of the constitutionally allowed maximum of 21, the court handles over 1,500 cases annually - a situation many believe compromises judicial efficiency and the quality of rulings.   Maikyau emphasized that merely increasing judicial numbers without addressing fundamental issues would prove ineffective. "Our problems stem...

Ogun State Enhances Air Safety with New Aerodrome Lighting System

Image
The Ogun State Government has taken a significant step towards improving aviation infrastructure with the installation of state-of-the-art aerodrome lighting at a strategic airfield in the state.  This development marks a crucial upgrade aimed at facilitating safer night operations and adverse weather landings for aircraft.   Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration oversaw the installation of the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights, runway edge lights, and other navigational aids at the aerodrome located along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor. The new lighting system transforms the facility into a 24-hour operational hub, capable of supporting increased air traffic and emergency operations.   Aviation experts highlight that this infrastructure improvement will significantly reduce weather-related flight diversions that previously cost businesses substantial losses. The lighting system meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, position...

UK Backs US Military Strikes on Iran, Claims Joint Action Prevented Nuclear Escalation

Image
The British government has formally endorsed the United States' recent airstrikes against Iranian military targets, asserting that the coordinated Western military intervention successfully neutralized an imminent nuclear threat.   Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK's support during an emergency session of Parliament, marking his first major foreign policy decision since taking office.   According to classified intelligence briefings shared with NATO allies, Western agencies had detected alarming advancements in Iran's nuclear program, including preparations to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels at underground facilities. "We faced a clear and present danger that required immediate action," stated UK Defense Secretary John Healey, revealing that British reconnaissance planes had assisted in identifying targets during the precision strikes.   The military operation, which targeted Revolutionary Guard bases and nuclear research sites across three Iran...

Nigerian Man Stuns South African Wife With Lamborghini Push Gift for 24th Birthday

Image
A Nigerian businessman has set social media ablaze after gifting his South African wife a brand-new Lamborghini Urus to celebrate her 24th birthday and recent delivery of their first child.  The extravagant surprise, captured in a viral video, shows the young mother breaking down in tears as she discovers the N150 million (about $100,000) luxury SUV parked in their Johannesburg home with a giant bow.   The identity of the couple remains undisclosed, but sources reveal the Lagos-based entrepreneur runs multiple oil and gas ventures across Africa. The birthday celebration doubled as a "push gift" - a present given to mothers after childbirth - following the arrival of their baby girl two weeks prior.   In the emotional footage, the elated wife is seen repeatedly asking "Is this really mine?" before embracing her husband amid cheers from family members. The video has garnered over 2 million views across Instagram and TikTok, sparking both admiration and debate abou...

Delta Governor's Aide Criticizes Diaspora Nigerians Over "Paltry" Financial Contributions

Image
The Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Esther Oge, has sparked controversy with her scathing remarks about Nigerians abroad who send what she described as "embarrassingly small amounts" to friends and family back home.  The official's comments came during a diaspora engagement forum in Asaba, where she expressed disappointment at the financial practices of some overseas Nigerians.   Oge specifically called out those who contribute "mere 20,000 or 50,000 naira" (approximately $12-$30) for major life events like weddings or funerals, questioning their commitment to community development. "How can someone working abroad send such laughable amounts when their people are struggling back home?" she asked the audience, which included local government officials and community leaders.   The governor's aide contrasted these small personal transfers with the billions in diaspora remittances Nigeria receives annually, su...

Abducted NDLEA Director in Anambra Regains Freedom After Days in Captivity

Image
The Anambra State Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. John Uche, has been released from captivity days after being abducted by unknown gunmen.  The senior narcotics officer was freed unharmed following what authorities described as "intense pressure operations" by security forces.   Uche was seized last Wednesday while traveling along the Onitsha-Owerri expressway, a route that has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent kidnappings. His captors had demanded a hefty ransom, though authorities insist no payment was made to secure his release.   Anambra State Police Commissioner Aderemi Adeoye confirmed the development, stating that coordinated operations between police, military, and local vigilante groups forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim. "We applied both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches that left the abductors with no choice but to release their captive," Adeoye explained, without providing specific operational...

President Tinubu Steps Down as ECOWAS Chairman, Sierra Leone's Julius Maada Bio Takes Over

Image
 Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has concluded his tenure as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), handing over leadership to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio during the regional bloc's 65th Ordinary Session in Abuja.  The transition marks a significant shift in West African leadership amid ongoing regional challenges.   President Bio's ascension to the one-year rotational position comes at a critical juncture for the 15-member regional body, which has been grappling with political instability in several member states. The newly elected chairman inherits a complex portfolio that includes managing the aftermath of recent coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as well as navigating delicate transitions in Senegal and Guinea.   During his acceptance speech, President Bio emphasized his commitment to "strengthening democratic governance and regional security" while acknowledging the "tremendous work" of his predecessor. Th...

Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili Defects to Turkey After Olympic Exclusion Controversy

Image
Nigerian athletics has suffered a major blow as star sprinter Favour Ofili has officially switched her international allegiance to Turkey following her controversial omission from Nigeria's Olympic team.  The 21-year-old speed demon, who holds Nigeria's indoor 200m record, completed her transfer through World Athletics' nationality change process this week after months of frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).   The shocking move comes after Ofili was left off Nigeria's Paris 2024 roster despite achieving qualifying standards in multiple events. Sources close to the athlete revealed she had grown increasingly disillusioned with the AFN due to unpaid competition allowances dating back two years, inconsistent team selections, and what she perceived as preferential treatment given to other athletes.   Turkish athletics officials capitalized on the situation by offering Ofili a comprehensive support package including guaranteed Olympic and World...

Lagos Big Shots Bag Honors at Glitzy Eko Mi Awards Night

Image
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other distinguished personalities were honored at the prestigious Eko Mi Awards held on Saturday night, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the development and progress of Lagos State.   The event, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, recognized individuals who have demonstrated excellence in governance, public service, and community development. Governor Sanwo-Olu received the *"Most Outstanding Governor in Infrastructure Development"* award for his administration’s massive investments in road construction, transportation, and urban renewal projects across the state.   Also honored was Hon. James Faleke, a federal lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, who bagged the "Grassroots Empowerment Champion" award for his impactful constituency projects and youth empowerment initiatives.   Other notable awardees included:   - Dr. AbdulHakeem Wahab, Lagos State Co...

Manchester City Fined £1 Million for Repeated Premier League Rule Violations

Image
English football champions Manchester City have been hit with a £1 million ($1.27 million) fine after admitting to nine separate breaches of Premier League financial rules over the past five seasons. The sanction comes as the club continues to fight 115 more serious charges in an ongoing case that could reshape English football's power structure.   The Premier League's disciplinary commission found City guilty of:   - Late submission of annual financial reports (2020-2023)   - Failure to disclose manager compensation details (2018-2021)   - Inaccurate youth player registration documents (2019 & 2022)   While the current penalty relates to administrative failures, it casts a shadow over the club's protracted legal battle against far more serious allegations of systemic financial cheating between 2009-2018. Those charges - which City vehemently denies - include accusations of hidden owner funding and manipulated sponsorship deals....

Gunmen Storm Oko Polytechnic Area, Leaving Multiple Dead and Several Abducted

Image
  A wave of violence struck the vicinity of Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State on Tuesday as armed assailants launched a brazen attack, killing an unconfirmed number of persons and kidnapping several others.  The incident, which occurred near the school's north gate, has sent panic through the academic community and surrounding neighborhoods.   Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as the gunmen, arriving in two unmarked vehicles around 7:30 PM, opened fire indiscriminately before seizing victims. "They were shooting in every direction," said a tricycle operator who narrowly escaped. "People ran into nearby bushes while the gunmen dragged others into their cars."   Anambra State Police Command spokesperson DSP Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed the attack but could not provide exact casualty figures, citing the ongoing nature of rescue operations. School authorities have temporarily suspended evening classes and imposed a 6 PM campus curfew as security forces c...

Lagos Court Hands Down 76-Year Sentence for Fraud, Money Laundering, and Child Exploitation

Image
  A Lagos State High Court has delivered one of Nigeria's harshest white-collar crime sentences in recent memory, convicting 34-year-old businessman Adebayo Owolabi on multiple counts of fraud, money laundering, and child pornography. Justice Adewale Oshodi imposed the staggering 76-year prison term after a two-year trial that exposed an elaborate criminal network.   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented overwhelming evidence showing Owolabi operated a sophisticated syndicate that:   - Defrauded foreign investors through fake cryptocurrency schemes ($2.3 million stolen)   - Laundered proceeds through shell companies and luxury car purchases   - Distributed exploitative content featuring minors on dark web platforms   "This case represents the worst intersection of financial crimes and human exploitation," stated EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs, SAN. Forensic analysis traced payments from international child exp...

Rapper Fat Joe Faces Explosive Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Misconduct With Underage Girls

Image
Veteran hip-hop artist Fat Joe has been hit with a damning lawsuit accusing him of engaging in sexual relationships with multiple underage girls, according to court documents filed in New York. The explosive allegations have sent shockwaves through the music industry and prompted calls for investigations into the claims.   The civil complaint, obtained by multiple media outlets, alleges the 53-year-old rapper (real name Joseph Cartagena) "groomed and exploited" at least three teenage girls between 2001 and 2003, when they were reportedly 15-17 years old. The plaintiffs - now women in their late 30s - claim the Bronx native used his celebrity status to lure them into sexual encounters at hotels and recording studios.   One accuser detailed an alleged pattern of abuse, stating Cartagena "would provide alcohol and drugs before making sexual demands." Another plaintiff claims she became pregnant at 16 and was coerced into an abortion. The suit seeks unspecified damages ...

Kano Court Sentences TikToker to One Year in Prison for Cross-Dressing Video

Image
A Kano State Sharia Court has sentenced 24-year-old social media influencer Muritala Yakubu to one year in a correctional facility after convicting him of cross-dressing in a viral TikTok video. The ruling has sparked intense debate about freedom of expression and the enforcement of religious laws in northern Nigeria. Presiding Judge Abdullahi Halliru delivered the verdict on Wednesday, stating Yakubu's actions violated Islamic principles and Kano's moral codes. The defendant, known online as "Dancing Queen," was arrested last month after a video showed him dressed in women's clothing while performing a dance routine. Prosecutors argued the content "corrupted public morals" and violated the state's 2003 Sharia Penal Code. Yakubu pleaded for leniency, telling the court he created the video purely for entertainment. "I meant no disrespect to Islam or Kano traditions," he testified. However, the judge upheld the maximum penalty under Section 1...

Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu Over Cancelled Trip to Benue, Citing Poor Road Conditions

Image
 A political storm has erupted following President Bola Tinubu's aborted visit to violence-ravaged Yelwata in Benue State, with former presidential candidate Peter Obi leading criticism over the cancellation.  The incident has exposed simmering tensions between the government's security priorities and Nigeria's crumbling infrastructure. The planned presidential visit came after deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen left over 50 villagers dead last week. However, Tinubu's convoy reportedly turned back midway when confronted with impassable roads leading to the community. While presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga insisted security advisories prompted the cancellation, eyewitnesses claim the deteriorating road conditions forced the change of plans. Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential flagbearer, launched a scathing rebuke of the administration. "It is unconscionable that our president cannot access a community in distress because of neglected roads," he ...

Tragedy in Lagos: Bricklayer Crushed to Death as Church Fence Collapses

Image
A construction worker lost his life in a tragic accident on Tuesday when a perimeter fence collapsed at a church construction site in the Mushin area of Lagos. The victim, identified as 32-year-old bricklayer Tunde Okeowo, was working on the project when the structure gave way without warning.   Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash around 11:30 AM as the 10-foot concrete fence toppled onto the work area. Fellow laborers rushed to dig through the rubble, but Okeowo succumbed to his injuries before emergency responders could arrive.   "This was completely avoidable," said site foreman Emmanuel Chukwu, visibly shaken. "We'd warned about weak foundations days ago, but work continued." Preliminary investigations suggest heavy rainfall may have compromised the soil stability beneath the fence.   The incident has reignited concerns about construction safety standards in Nigeria's commercial capital. Lagos State Building Control Agency officials have cordoned...

Scientists Reconstruct the Face of a 10,500-Year-Old Woman in Stunning Detail

Image
In an extraordinary feat of science and technology, researchers have brought to life the face of a woman who walked the Earth over ten millennia ago. Using advanced DNA analysis and cutting-edge facial reconstruction techniques, an international team of scientists has revealed what this ancient individual may have looked like, offering a rare glimpse into humanity's distant past.   The remarkable project began with the discovery of a skull in Sweden's Lövängen cave, where the woman's remains had lain undisturbed since the end of the last Ice Age. Through painstaking work, geneticists extracted and sequenced degraded DNA fragments from the inner ear bone - one of the best-preserved sources of ancient genetic material. What emerged was a portrait that challenges many assumptions about our ancestors.   Contrary to popular depictions of early Europeans, this woman had dark skin and striking blue eyes - characteristics that were likely common among the hunter-gatherer pop...

Drake Admits to Losing Over $100 Million Gambling, Says "I Need to Slow Down"

Image
Global music icon Drake has stunned fans by revealing he has lost more than $100 million from high-stakes gambling over the past few years.  The Canadian rapper made the candid confession during a recent Instagram Live session, telling viewers, "I might have to take a break—I’m down over a hundred million. Time to step back."   Insiders close to the artist say his massive losses come from:   - Sports betting, particularly on NBA games and boxing matches   - Exclusive high-roller casino games like baccarat and poker   - Risky cryptocurrency gambling during volatile market swings   While Drake has famously celebrated big wins in the past—including a $1.2 million payout from a UFC bet in 2022—he now admits his losses have far outweighed his winnings. "When you play at this level, the losses hit harder," he said before signing off.   Financial experts point out that Drake’s gambling losses surpass those of other wealthy celebr...

Nurse Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Five Babies, Attempting to Murder Eight Others

Image
A British neonatal nurse has been handed a life sentence with no possibility of parole after being convicted of murdering five infants and attempting to kill eight others in one of the most shocking medical crime cases in UK history.   Lucy Letby, 33, was found guilty of systematically harming vulnerable newborns in her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. The court heard how she injected babies with air, poisoned them with insulin, and overfed them to cause fatal collapses.   Justice James Goss, delivering the sentence at Manchester Crown Court, described Letby's actions as "a cruel, calculated, and cynical campaign of child murder." The judge emphasized the "premeditation, betrayal of trust, and persistent malevolence" displayed by the nurse, who showed no remorse throughout the trial.   Parents of the victims wept in court as the sentence was read. One mother addressed Letby directly: "You took everything from us. Our perfect b...

Chelsea Winger Mykhailo Mudryk Charged by FA After Testing Positive for Banned Substance Meldonium

Image
Chelsea FC’s Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk faces a potential lengthy ban after being charged by the English Football Association (FA) for an anti-doping violation.  The 24-year-old tested positive for *meldonium*, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016, following a routine drug test after a Premier League match in May.   The FA confirmed the charge in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that Mudryk’s sample showed traces of the performance-enhancing drug, which is known to improve endurance. The player has been provisionally suspended pending a disciplinary hearing and could face a ban of up to four years if found guilty.   Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for £88 million, denies intentionally taking the substance. His representatives claim the positive test resulted from a "contaminated supplement" and have vowed to appeal.   Chelsea FC released a brief statement acknowledging the charge but dec...

Gunmen Attack Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Family Home, One Arrested

Image
Armed assailants targeted the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking a security scare in the state. Security operatives apprehended one suspect during the incident, while others fled the scene.   Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, numbering about six, stormed the property in Ajaokuta Local Government Area around 2:30 AM, shooting sporadically before security forces engaged them. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the arrest of one suspect and recovered weapons, including a locally made firearm and ammunition.   Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was not present during the attack, condemned the incident, calling it a "desperate attempt to intimidate me and my family." She has been a vocal critic of political violence in Kogi State and recently raised concerns about rising insecurity in the region.   Police Commissioner Onuoha Bertrand assured the public that an investigation is un...

Trump Warns Iran Was "Weeks Away" From Nuclear Weapon, Hints at Military Response

Image
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made explosive claims that Iran was mere "weeks away" from developing a nuclear weapon before he left office in 2021, while suggesting potential military action may still be necessary to curb Tehran's atomic ambitions.   In a fiery campaign speech in Florida, the Republican presidential candidate stated: "They were on the 1-yard line when I took over in 2016, and through my maximum pressure campaign, we stopped them cold." Trump asserted that his administration's sanctions and the targeted killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 had critically delayed Iran's nuclear program.   The controversial remarks come amid heightened Middle East tensions, with Trump signaling he would take an even harder line if re-elected: "If you want peace, prepare for war. The mullahs understand only strength."   Current intelligence assessments contradict Trump's timeline, with U.S. officials estimating Iran would...

Police Debunk Claims: Viral 'Cannabis-Smoking Schoolgirl' Video Not From Nigeria

Image
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that a widely circulated video showing a schoolgirl smoking cannabis is not from Nigeria but originated in Zimbabwe.  The video, which sparked outrage on social media, was initially misreported as being filmed in a Nigerian secondary school.   In a statement released on Monday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged the public to disregard the false attribution, emphasizing that the incident occurred outside Nigeria. "After thorough investigation, we confirm this video is unrelated to any Nigerian school. We advise against spreading unverified content that could cause unnecessary panic," Adejobi stated.   The clip, which went viral last week, shows a uniformed female student allegedly smoking marijuana in a classroom while peers cheer. Nigerian authorities launched a probe after educators and parents expressed concerns about drug use in schools.   Zimbabwean police have since identified t...

Former VP Namadi Sambo Defects from PDP to APC in Major Political Shift

Image
In a significant political realignment, former Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, confirmed on Sunday, marks one of the most high-profile cross-carpeting events in recent political history.   Sambo, who served as Vice President under Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, announced his decision at a rally in his home state of Kaduna. Flanked by APC leaders, he cited the need for "national unity and progressive governance" as key reasons for his switch.   "The challenges facing Nigeria require all hands on deck," Sambo stated. "After careful consideration, I believe the APC's vision aligns with my principles of service and development."   Political analysts view the defection as a major blow to the PDP's rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sambo, a key northern power broker, brings considerable influence that c...

Israel-Iran Conflict Could Trigger FDI Decline in Nigeria, Ghana – Report

Image
A new report by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) warns that escalating tensions between Israel and Iran may lead to a significant decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows to Nigeria, Ghana, and other African economies.   The study reveals that global investors are becoming increasingly risk-averse due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, with emerging markets like Nigeria expected to bear the brunt of reduced capital inflows. According to the report, FDI to Sub-Saharan Africa could drop by 15-20% if the conflict intensifies, dealing a blow to Nigeria's already struggling economy.   Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a lead analyst on the report, noted that Nigeria's oil-dependent economy is particularly vulnerable. "Investors are redirecting funds to safer havens," she said. "The conflict has caused volatility in global oil prices, which directly impacts Nigeria's revenue and investment appeal."   Ghana, another major West African...

"Cocaine, Forged Certificate, No Parents, Yet God Made Tinubu President" – Tunde Bakare

Image
Controversial cleric and former presidential aspirant Pastor Tunde Bakare has made explosive remarks about President Bola Tinubu's ascension to power, declaring it a divine act despite numerous controversies surrounding his background.   Speaking at a church service in Lagos, the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church stunned congregants by directly addressing allegations that have dogged Tinubu's political career - from alleged cocaine trafficking in the 1990s to questions about his academic credentials and family background.   "Look at the life of our president," Bakare said. "They said he was involved in cocaine, they said he forged his certificate, they said he has no father, no mother, yet God made him president of Nigeria. Who can question God?"   The fiery sermon comes amid renewed scrutiny of Tinubu's past, with opposition figures recently resurrecting decades-old allegations about his Chicago State University records and 1993 forfei...

19-Year-Old Nigerian Innovator Clinches Top Prize at Global Tech Summit

Image
In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, 19-year-old prodigy Amina Okafor has won the prestigious We Innovate Global Challenge, defeating over 3,000 contestants from 89 countries.  Her groundbreaking AI-powered diagnostic tool, MediScan AI, which detects early-stage diseases from basic blood samples, earned her the $100,000 grand prize at the competition held in Berlin, Germany.   Okafor’s innovation—a low-cost, portable device that provides accurate diagnoses within minutes—addresses critical gaps in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas with limited medical infrastructure. The self-taught coder developed the prototype in her Lagos bedroom using repurposed smartphone components, drawing inspiration from her late grandmother’s misdiagnosis.   “This proves African youths can lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Okafor during her acceptance speech, dedicating the win to aspiring innovators across the continent. Judges praised MediSc...

EFCC Boss: Yahoo Boys Now Aid Kidnappers, Launder Money for Politicians

Image
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised the alarm over the growing involvement of internet fraudsters, popularly known as "Yahoo Boys," in kidnapping and money laundering for politicians.   Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Olukoyede revealed that cybercriminals have expanded their operations beyond online scams to actively supporting kidnappers and laundering illicit funds for political figures.   "These criminals are no longer just defrauding people online. We now have evidence that they are working with kidnappers to negotiate ransom payments and using their expertise to clean dirty money for politicians," the EFCC boss stated.   Olukoyede noted that the commission has uncovered sophisticated networks where fraudsters help kidnappers receive and disguise ransom payments through cryptocurrency and other digital payment platforms. Additionally, they allegedly provide money launde...

Global Business Leader, Dr. Orlando, Insists on Free Education in Africa

Image
 In an era defined by digital transformation and socio-economic disparities, one voice stands firm in championing a radical but crucial idea: education should be free in Africa . That voice belongs to Dr. Orlando Olumide Odejide, a renowned business leader, visionary educator, and Founder of Transformation College of Business & Technology (TCBT). Dr. Orlando is not only reshaping the landscape of professional and technical education across Africa but also challenging the global community to rethink its priorities. His passionate advocacy is rooted in a powerful belief: “I believe education should be free in the developing countries of Africa.”  This statement, boldly echoed in his campaigns, captures the heart of a movement that recognizes education as a fundamental right—not a privilege. As a respected thought leader in governance, strategy, and enterprise transformation, Dr. Orlando understands that unlocking Africa’s potential hinges on democratizing access to knowledge...

Court Grants Emefiele N2bn Bail Over 753 Duplexes Case

Image
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele bail in the sum of N2 billion over allegations of illegal possession of 753 duplexes.  Justice Hamza Muazu approved the bail application on Tuesday, requiring Emefiele to provide two sureties in like sum who must own landed property within the Maitama District of Abuja.   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Emefiele on charges of corruption and abuse of office, accusing him of unlawfully acquiring hundreds of high-end properties during his tenure as CBN chief. The prosecution alleged that the properties, spread across prime locations in Nigeria, were bought with misappropriated public funds.   Emefiele, who has been in EFCC custody since his suspension by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Matthew Burkaa, argued that the allegations were ...

Sultan of Sokoto Alarmed by Fresh Violence in Benue

Image
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed deep concern over the renewed attacks in Benue State, calling for urgent action to end the bloodshed.  The revered traditional ruler and spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims lamented the persistent insecurity in the region, which has left dozens dead and many displaced.   Speaking at a gathering of religious and community leaders, the Sultan emphasized the need for dialogue and stronger security measures to prevent further violence. He condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and counterproductive to national unity.   “We cannot continue like this. Innocent lives are being lost daily, and communities are living in fear. The government and security agencies must take decisive steps to protect the people,” the Sultan stated.   Benue State has witnessed a surge in attacks, particularly in rural areas, with clashes between armed herdsmen and farmers escalating in recent wee...

APC Chieftain Links Benue Killings to Misuse of Security Votes

Image
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Garus Gololo, has blamed the persistent killings in Benue State on the failure of state governors to utilize security votes effectively.  Gololo, a former governorship aspirant in the state, claimed that if security votes were properly deployed, the violence plaguing communities could have been averted.  In an interview, Gololo expressed frustration over the unchecked attacks by armed herdsmen and other criminal elements, which have led to mass displacements and loss of lives. He argued that security votes, meant for addressing unforeseen security challenges, are often mismanaged or diverted for political purposes instead of being used to equip security agencies and local vigilantes.   “The governors receive security votes every month, but what do they do with it? If these funds were properly used to support security operations, intelligence gathering, and community policing, we wouldn’t be experiencing these re...