Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has declared that every Nigerian is now legally entitled to compulsory health insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022. Falana explained that the law, which repealed the 2004 NHIS Act, introduces a Basic Minimum Package of Care for all citizens and creates a Vulnerable Group Fund to cover the poor, elderly, children under five, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. He noted that the Act requires state governments to run their own insurance schemes or work with third-party administrators. Section 25 of the Act mandates full government funding for vulnerable groups,…

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has declared that it will provide free legal services to Nigerians harassed by the police over the controversial enforcement of tinted glass permits. The association described the policy as illegal, unconstitutional, and revenue-driven, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force lacks the authority to impose such requirements on motorists. NBA Condemns Police Enforcement of Tinted Glass Policy Through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), the NBA criticized the police for imposing fees and annual renewals on tinted glass permits, saying the practice has no constitutional backing. Olukunle Edun (SAN), Chairman of the NBA’s…

An explosion rocked Chevron’s El Segundo refinery in Southern California on Thursday night. As a result, flames and thick smoke rose high into the sky. The blast was reported around 4:30 a.m. GMT. In fact, videos shared online showed a fireball and loud rumbling near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Moreover, the refinery is the largest on the U.S. West Coast, processing about 276,000 barrels of crude oil daily. No Injuries Reported Fortunately, El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel confirmed no injuries. In addition, local media reported that firefighters quickly contained the blaze to one section. “There is no cause for…

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has cast doubt on the quality of modern defenders, insisting that today’s centre-backs are “nowhere near” the level of the iconic players he faced during his illustrious career. Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the 39-year-old reflected on the challenges of playing against elite defenders during his 19-year senior career — especially in the Champions League era when Manchester United regularly battled Europe’s biggest clubs. Rooney on the Decline of Defending Quality Rooney, who remains United’s all-time leading goalscorer, did not hold back when comparing the current…

Nigeria faces looming fuel scarcity and electricity blackouts as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) begins a nationwide strike. Refinery Shutdown, Supply Halt The strike, which started at midnight on Monday, September 29, 2025, has forced a shutdown of the Dangote Refinery and fertiliser plant after PENGASSAN ordered members to halt crude and gas supplies. The union accused the refinery of sacking over 800 Nigerian workers in violation of labour laws and replacing them with foreigners. Fuel and Power Disruptions Ahead The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned the move could trigger fuel…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and released on Monday. Government Calls for Patriotism and Unity In his message, Dr. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960. He further encouraged Nigerians to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President…

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday arrived at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for a one-day working visit. The presidential aircraft landed at 12:52 p.m. He was received by Governor Hope Uzodimma and other officials. Projects Commissioned in Imo State During the visit, Tinubu commissioned several projects completed by Governor Uzodimma. These include the reconstructed 60km dual carriage Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Federal Road. He also opened the Assumpta Flyover and the 6,000-capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre. In addition, the President inaugurated the renovated Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel. He also launched the state-of-the-art Imo Digital Learning Centre. Together, these…

The CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman, has said that eradicating poverty and malaria in Nigeria will require years of sustained effort. Despite recent gains in healthcare, he stressed that the country’s size and economic realities mean progress will be gradual. Suzman made the remarks in New York on Tuesday during an interview with TheCable ahead of the Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers event. He acknowledged Nigeria’s many challenges but commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for taking bold steps in healthcare reform. Nigeria’s Role in Global Health and Poverty Statistics According to Suzman, Nigeria’s population makes…

The Edo State Executive Council has approved a revised supplementary budget of ₦799.82 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, marking an ₦125 billion increase (about 18%) from the initial ₦675.22 billion earlier passed by the House of Assembly. The decision was reached during an emergency executive council meeting chaired by Governor Monday Okpebholo on Monday. Focus on Infrastructure Development Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, explained that the revised budget reflects the state government’s priority on infrastructure projects. “The previous ₦675 billion budget allocated 33% to recurrent expenditure and 67% to capital projects. With the…

ARISE News Channel has announced the tragic death of its young journalist, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja. According to a statement released on Monday, September 29, 2025, through the station’s official X handle, the 29-year-old broadcaster—affectionately called Sommie—died in the early hours of the day. Maduagwu, a news anchor, reporter, and producer, had become a trusted face on ARISE News and was admired for her ability to connect with viewers across Nigeria. The statement described her as “a vibrant voice that engaged and inspired audiences.” “It…