Author: Mujeebat Olayiwola

The Federal Government has announced a significant boost in Nigeria-China relations, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to China. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, revealed that China is set to encourage more of its companies to invest in Nigeria, aiming to revitalize the country’s economy. The visit resulted in the signing of several partnership agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, marking a new phase in China-Nigeria relations. The agreements focus on strengthening partnership in key sectors such as energy, mineral resources, digital economy, green development, agricultural modernization, and blue economy. Both countries have committed to promoting collaboration in…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Mr. Ebenezer Ige as the new Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society Engagement. This appointment is part of Governor Adeleke’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with civil society organizations and ensure effective engagement with all stakeholders across the state. However, the appointment comes as the former SSA on Civil Society, Mr. Adebisi Emmanuel, remains suspended pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct. Adebisi was accused of diverting 70 bags of rice meant for distribution to civil society groups during the last Sallah festival. In a statement, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Ige’s appointment…

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, has come out in defense of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, against allegations of muzzling the Muslim community on campus. In a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Opoola described Fasina as “a highly religiously tolerant leader and brother” who has supported the Muslim community in various ways. He cited several examples, including Fasina’s funding of the construction of a mosque on campus and his attendance at Convocation Jumaat services. Opoola also listed several Muslim appointments to key positions under Fasina’s tenure, including himself as DVC,…

The Federal Ministry of Education has refuted claims that students under 18 years old are barred from  taking the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday, stating that the ministry is working on a guideline to identify talented children who can take exams early. Sununu emphasized that the ministry is not blocking children’s chances but rather seeking to establish a rule with exceptions for gifted students. He noted that some universities have admitted students as young as 10, 11,…

UK universities are facing financial hardship due to restrictions on international student visas, leading to a significant decline in applications and revenue. The president of UK Universities, UUK, Sally Mapstone, warned that the sector is facing a “clear choice” between allowing its higher education system to decline or taking action to address the issue. The restrictions, introduced by the previous government, have resulted in 30,000 fewer applications from overseas students in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline has led to a significant deficit in the sector, with teaching and research facing…

In response to the recent surge in petrol pump prices and scarcity of the product across the country, President Bola Tinubu has directed his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima, to summon top officials to address the issue. The summoned officials include Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; National Security Advisor; and Executive Director of the Nigeria Mainstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Kalu Okuoha. After the meeting, Lokpobiri briefed State House correspondents, saying that the President is empathetic about the hardship caused by the scarcity and…

The Nigerian Army has apprehended Adeleye Ayomide, the prime suspect in the kidnapping and killing of Idowu Christiana, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUAA). Christiana was abducted on August 19, 2024, along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road in Lagos State. Her abductors initially demanded a N3 million ransom, which was later reduced to N350,000. Despite payment, Christiana was not released. Lt-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson for the 81 Division Nigerian Army, confirmed Ayomide’s arrest. The suspect will be handed over to the Lagos State Police Command. FUAA’s Student Union Government president, Ibrahim Adeyemi, confirmed Christiana’s death. The incident…

Hundreds of tricycle operators took to the streets yesterday, protesting the recent hike in petrol prices, which has skyrocketed to as high as N1,200 per litre at some filling stations. The demonstration, which congregated at Dangi Bridge, brought traffic to a standstill, leaving commuters and motorists stranded. The operators, who deserted the roads to join long queues, lamented the economic hardship inflicted by the persistent fuel scarcity and price hikes. “We can’t survive like this,” said Abdulazeez Ibrahim, a tricycle operator. “The prices keep going up, but our earnings remain the same.” Passengers also felt the pinch, with fares increasing…

In a shocking case of elder abuse, the Anambra State Government has arrested a wife and her children for brutally beating their 75-year-old father, Romanus Obidigwe. The victim, a retired civil servant, reported the incident to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, alleging that his family members had been mistreating him for some time. The abuse culminated in a violent attack, during which Obidigwe was tied up and assaulted with a rod. The arrested suspects include Obidigwe’s wife, Esther, and their children, Obuka and Ozioma. The family’s cruel behavior was reportedly triggered by a dispute over sold firewood. Commissioner for Women’s…

In a significant blow to cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 39 suspected internet fraudsters in Oyo State. The suspects, arrested in a sting operation, were found guilty of various offenses, including impersonation, cheating, and possession of fraudulent documents. Those convicted include: – Ayomide (one year community service or N200,000 fine) – Tunde (one month jail term or N250,000 fine) – Abeeb Ayomide, Adeleke, Babatunde, Biodun, Oyindamola, Oluwatobi, Olatunbosun, Uche, Akinyimika, Adisa, Olashile, and Adeniran (six months community service each and N50,000 fine) – Sijuola (one month community service or N100,000 fine) -…