Author: Faith Babatunde

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other defendants to file their defense in a lawsuit filed by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the directive after confirming that all defendants had been properly served with legal documents. The lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) challenges the Senate’s Ethics Committee’s investigation into Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan following events during a February 20 plenary session. Despite an earlier court order halting actions against her, the Senate, led by Akpabio, suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after reviewing the committee’s report. During a hearing, legal representatives for the Senate…

The Concerned Northern Youth Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to appoint a Minister of State for Youth Development from Northern Nigeria to ensure balanced leadership and effective youth-focused policies. In a statement released in Abuja, the group’s Coordinator, Usman Doshiro, emphasized the need for regional balance in leadership. He stated that appointing a Minister of State from the North would support youth empowerment and national unity. “Nigeria’s youth are diverse, and equitable leadership across regions will foster national unity and inclusiveness in youth policies,” Doshiro said. With the increasing responsibilities of the Ministry of Youth Development, stakeholders believe an…

In a bold move to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system, President Bola Tinubu approved the employment of 774 National Health Fellows. The Federal Ministry of Health spearheaded this initiative to drive sustainable improvements in the sector. President Tinubu announced the initiative on Thursday during the official inauguration at the State House. He praised the rigorous selection process and the fellows’ dedication. “Your selection is more than just recruitment. It reflects our commitment to building a nation where every Nigerian has equal opportunities, regardless of social status, gender, or creed. You are this country’s greatest asset, and we are dedicated to fostering…

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has urged Nigerians to take pride in and safeguard the revitalized National Arts Theatre. He described the landmark as a vital repository of Nigeria’s rich history and cultural heritage. During an inspection of the Lagos-based monument with members of the Bankers’ Committee, Cardoso praised their vision and investment in the project. He highlighted the theatre’s historical significance, stating that it represents the essence of the Nigerian people and plays a key role in the nation’s creative industry. Cardoso emphasized the creative sector’s vast potential, estimating its contribution could reach…

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring food security at the launch of the 2025 dry season farming and Ramadan palliative distribution in Kebbi. He highlighted ongoing efforts to empower farmers and boost agricultural productivity. Kyari praised Tinubu’s initiatives to support farmers, enhance yields, and reduce food prices. He commended Governor Nasir Idris for prioritizing agriculture and emphasized the importance of dry-season farming in achieving food security. The minister also highlighted the distribution of essential farming equipment, including water pumps, sprayers, and fertilizers, to boost productivity. Governor Idris acknowledged the…

The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) recently hosted a summit themed Pioneering Innovation and Driving Inclusive Change, highlighting women’s transformative role in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Obiora Obegolu emphasized the power of inclusion, innovation, and equity in ADR, noting that women have consistently set new standards in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. “This is a time when we believe women will make a difference, taking on leadership roles to sustain and accelerate progress,” he stated, urging stakeholders to champion gender inclusion through equal representation, mentorship, and global collaboration. Obegolu…

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reported significant achievements in its ongoing operations against terrorism and oil theft. Over the past week, security forces neutralized 92 terrorists, apprehended 111 suspects, and rescued 75 kidnapped hostages. According to Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops recovered 117 assorted weapons and 2,939 rounds of ammunition. The seized weapons include: 58 AK-47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated guns, 26 Dane guns, Seven pump-action guns, Four PKT guns, and Additional heavy weaponry, including RPG bombs and mortar rounds Security forces also intensified operations against oil theft in the South-South region. Troops arrested 18 suspects…

The Federal Government has launched new guidelines to regulate organ and tissue transplantation in Nigeria, ensuring ethical practices and improved medical standards. The framework, introduced by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, underscores the government’s commitment to safe and transparent transplant procedures. The guidelines address key areas such as donor protection, informed consent, and compliance with international best practices. Developed in collaboration with medical professionals, legal experts, and policymakers, the initiative aims to curb unethical practices and restore public trust in organ transplantation. A national database will be created to track transplants, while healthcare…

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, has announced plans to relaunch the National Electronic Dashboard to provide critical data in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Speaking at a media briefing for the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration-themed “Accelerate Action,” she highlighted the government’s increased commitment to women’s empowerment. The ministry’s budget saw a significant boost for the first time in 30 years, allowing for key initiatives. “The dashboard, originally launched in 2020 with the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, will support GBV intervention efforts and inter-ministerial collaboration,” she said. The minister outlined plans to enhance women’s economic empowerment, digital…

Alma Asinobi, a Nigerian travel content creator, has called on the government to simplify the visa application process. She described delays as a major hurdle for travelers. Asinobi, a 26-year-old adventurer and Covenant University graduate plans to travel across seven continents in 70 hours. She criticized the visa process as costly and frustrating. “Passports are held for about a month, and applicants receive no explanation for rejections,” she said. She urged authorities to address these challenges to ease travel for Nigerians. Her expedition, set for March 15-23, took five years of planning. She will use commercial transport, rely on GPS,…