Author: Samiat Yusuf Moshood

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the pioneering first woman and African to helm the World Trade Organization (WTO), has officially announced her bid for a second four-year term as Director-General. The 70-year-old economist and international finance expert has received resounding endorsements from member states, with the African Group formally requesting her re-election. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership has been hailed for revitalizing the WTO, and her re-election bid has garnered widespread support, with 58 member states backing the African Group’s proposal. “The overwhelming and broad-based support expressed by members has been truly humbling,” Okonjo-Iweala’s spokesman, Ismaila Dieng, said. “Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is committed to continuing her…

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised a red flag over the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics, warning of catastrophic consequences for small businesses and the economy at large. In a statement, MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, expressed concerns about the economic implications of the ban, citing significant operational overhauls and financial burdens for manufacturers. He noted that the ban would alter the business landscape, affecting production processes, supply chains, and consumer behavior. “The proposed ban will have far-reaching consequences for small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “They will struggle to adapt due…

Nigerians have been hit with a fresh fuel price hike as NNPC Limited released a new pricing template, increasing pump prices by approximately N95 per liter nationwide. The surprise move comes after an earlier price increase of over 45% two weeks ago, in anticipation of the Dangote Refinery’s output. However, negotiations between the Federal Government and Dangote Refinery resulted in NNPC Limited becoming the sole off-taker of petrol from the refinery. According to NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, Dangote petrol will not sell cheaper. A document revealed that petrol from the refinery will cost N898 per liter, with…

Emmanuel Amuneke’s search for his first point in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) continues after Heartland FC suffered a 1-3 defeat to Finidi George’s Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Rivers United took an early lead through Taofeek Otaniyi’s goal in the third minute, catching Heartland FC off guard. However, Heartland FC found a lifeline in first-half stoppage time with Christian Molokwu’s equalizer, giving them hope of a comeback. But Kabir Abdullahi netted twice in the second half, securing a comfortable 3-1 victory for Rivers United. The win leaves Rivers United unbeaten after two games,…

In a political landscape where promises often outweigh delivery, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central at the 10th National Assembly, stands as a shining example of a leader whose actions speak louder than words. With his slogan, “Doing it Differently”, the Senator is quietly but effectively transforming his constituency through thoughtful legislative work, a deep commitment to cultural values as the Turaki of Ilorin, and impactful philanthropic initiatives that elevate the lives of his people. What sets Senator Mustapha apart is not just the scope of his projects, but the humility with which he carries out his duties—letting his work…

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has announced that the next phase of recruitment into the Federal Fire Service will commence on September 15, 2024. This announcement was made by the Board’s Secretary, Ja’afaru Ahmed, in Abuja on Saturday. According to the statement, the portals for the recruitment exercise will open immediately, and shortlisted candidates will receive invitation letters detailing the physical screening, certificate verification, and aptitude test processes. The letters will be sent to the phone numbers and email addresses provided by the candidates during registration. The Board emphasized that the entire recruitment process does not…

The Kwara State Polytechnic has launched two new Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Mass Communication and Computer Science, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session. This move is in line with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) directive aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of technical education. According to the Rector, Dr. Abdul Mohammed, the introduction of the new programs is a strategic response to the changing needs of the industry and the economy. “We are committed to producing graduates who are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen fields,” he said. The…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has made a passionate appeal to the people of Edo State to vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the upcoming governorship election. Shettima emphasized that Edo State needs a strategic thinker and a man of the people who can rally the citizens and provide opportunities for all. Speaking at the grand finale of the APC gubernatorial campaign in Benin City, the Vice President highlighted the recent improvement in revenue allocation to all tiers of government, noting that the APC-led government is working hard to bring relief to victims of flood…

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reopened its verification portal after almost nine months of closure, eliciting mixed reactions from nurses and midwives. While the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has been commended for its efforts in ensuring the portal’s reopening, concerns have been raised regarding the accessibility of the portal to new nurses and the continued enforcement of the two-year post-qualification experience requirement. In February 2024, the NMCN issued a circular revising the guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives. The circular stipulated that eligible applicants must have a minimum of…

In a significant development, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has commenced the deployment of trucks to the Dangote Refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki, ahead of the scheduled petrol loading on September 15, 2024. As of Saturday afternoon, over 100 trucks have been mobilized to the refinery, with hundreds more expected to arrive throughout the weekend. By the end of the day, at least 300 trucks will be stationed at the refinery, ready to commence loading operations tomorrow. This move is seen as a strategic effort by the NNPC to ensure a seamless distribution of petrol across the…