PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Naira depreciates to N1,520/$ in parallel market The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1,520 per dollar in the parallel market, from N1,470 per dollar last week Friday. Similarly, the Naira depreciated in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM, to N1,478.11 per dollar. Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,478.11 per dollar from N1,466.31 per dollar last weekend, indicating N11.8 depreciation for the naira. Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates widened to N41.89 per dollar from N3.69 per dollar last weekend.

 Controversies trail murder of skit maker in Abuja Controversies have trailed the death of skit maker,  Chidike Emmanuel, who was said to have been killed by suspected herdsmen in Abuja on Saturday. A netizen, Loveline Imaobong, had raised an alarm revealing that the victim was found lifeless in a mortuary. “The guy in the picture is lying lifeless in the mortuary, he was attacked by Fulani men. Any lead to his family members would be appreciated. They should please go to Mpape’s new police station, Berger Quarry. Please repost till it gets to them,” she wrote Imabong further claimed that Chidi was among six persons allegedly attacked by herdsmen. “Six of us were attacked and he died in the process. We’re currently looking for information about any of his family members,” she added. Giving more update, Imabong said, ” His closest relative in Abuja has reached out and visited the police station. The police are putting in efforts to make sure the perpetrators will be apprehended. Thank y

 AN’Assembly moves to bar CBN gov from partisan politics The National Assembly is seeking amendments to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 to bar top officials of the apex bank from partisan politics. Championed by the ex-lawmaker representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Darlington Nwokocha before he was sacked from office by an Appeal Court sitting in Lagos in 2023, the amendment seeks to prohibit the chairman, governor, and deputy governors of the CBN from engaging in political activities or becoming members of any political party for three years after service. A former governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele, it will be recalled, was drafted into the political arena in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election, as a group obtained the intention and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress for him. The development generated tension in the polity, following the introduction of the infamous naira redesign at the twilight of the former President Muhammadu Buhari a

 Court Jails Two Nine Years in Gombe    Justice Abdulhamid Yakubu of the Gombe State High Court, sitting in Gombe, on Monday, May 13, 2024 convicted and sentenced the duo of  Abdulwahab. A.Magaji and Salihu Musa to nine years imprisonment for employment fraud and intent to defraud.   Magaji faced a one-count charge of employment scam, while Musa was arraigned on two-count charges of intent to defraud and conspiracy by the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.   The charge against Magaji  reads: “That you Abdulwahab Adamu Magaji and Adamu Usman  between January and December 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court obtained the aggregate sum of  Seven Million and Eight Hundred Thousand Naira  ( N7,800,000) only from one Hajia Hauwa Ali which you claimed was payment for offer of an employment at Ministry of Health in Gombe, Gombe State and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law and Punishable under Secti

 Court Grants Final Forfeiture of Telecom Experts’ Fraudulent Property in Enugu Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, May 13, 2024, ordered the final forfeiture of a parcel of land measuring 2348.072 square metres in Enugu State recovered from the duo of Babatunde Said Adeola and Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu to the Federal Government. Adeola and Adonu, owners of S. Mobile Netzone Limited, Biss Networks Nigeria Limited and Pristine Networks Mobile Networks Nigeria Limited, had presented themselves as telecommunications experts with flourishing businesses and joint ventures with MTN Nigeria and other companies. The Commission, however, received a petition alleging a case of conspiracy and obtaining the sum of N510,000.000 (Five Hundred and Ten Million Nara) against S. Mobile Netzone Limited, Biss Networks Nigeria Limited and Pristine Networks Mobile Networks Nigeria Limited. The funds, investigation revealed, were invested by the petitioners in

  COMEDIAN JAMES GREGORY IS DEAD American comedian, James Gregory, known for calling himself "The Funniest Man in America" has passed on at the age of 78.  Gregory's family said he died on Thursday, May 9, from cardiac complications. James took up comedy in the early '80s when he was 36 after years of working as a salesman, and, he became the first comedian to take the stage at the legendary Punchline club in Atlanta. While he was known as a Southern comedian, he traveled all across the country performing shows for the next four decades. His biggest claim to fame came when he dubbed himself "The Funniest Man in America" in the '80s, and, later he took the URL domain “funniestman.com”, cementing himself in his fans' minds as the funniest man. He is survived by his three nieces and other extended family.

 The Lagos State Taskforce, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, has clampdown on the indiscriminate and illegal display and sale of livestock by the roadside, inner streets and other unapproved locations, which is against the environmental laws of the state. The enforcement exercise which was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye kicked off at Agege Ram Market where dozens of livestock were evacuated and taken to the Lagos State Abattoir market for proper livestock health verification.  Jejeloye described the activities of the animal traders as unhygienic and dangerous not only to the sellers and buyers but also to commuters and vehicle operators along that axis. “From this location, it is clear that these animals have not been properly barricaded from the road therefore it is very easy for one ram to lose control and jump onto the road which could lead to accidents”, Jejeloye stated. He, however, advised other operators scattered across the S

Transport Ministry Launches Special Trade License Training to Enhance Road Safety By Chidimma Ajemba/ Ngozika Omenakiti The Anambra State Ministry of Transport has initiated a comprehensive training program on Special Trade Licenses, targeting various Motor Related Trade and Service Operators across the state in Awka during the weekend.  Addressing representatives from these sectors, the Commissioner for Transport, Lady Patricia Igwebuike, emphasized the initiative's aim to elevate vehicle inspection standards, ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles traversing Anambra roads. "This training will ultimately benefit all relevant stakeholders transport sector. I urge your support in disseminating information to relevant parties, as this is a continuous effort to enhance proficiency and professionalism," remarked Lady Igwebuike, highlighting the ongoing commitment to statewide awareness. In alignment with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo's vision for a prosperous and smart Anambra, t

 CP NNAGHE OBONO ITAM TAKES OVER AS THE 34TH ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER, SEEKS PUBLIC SUPPORT By Uche Kalu  The Anambra State Police Command has announced the assumption of duty  of CP Obono Nnaghe Itam as the 34th Commissioner of Police of the Command.   The posting of CP Obono Itam by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is following the statutory retirement of CP Aderemi Adeoye on May 1, 2024 after 35 years of  service to the nation.  The Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement to newsmen said that before his posting as the Commissioner of Police Anambra, he was Commissioner of Police in charge of General Investigation Force Criminal Investigation Annex, Kaduna.  "He was born on 16th June 1967 in Yakkur LGA of Cross River State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 18th May 1992 as a cadet Assistant Superintendent at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex Kaduna.  Acco

  Sports Minister Unveils Finidi George As Super Eagles’ Head Coach The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has officially unveiled Finidi George as the new head coach of the Nigerian men national team, the Super Eagles. The Minister unveiled the former Super Eagles forward at an event in Abuja attended by the leaders of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Monday morning. “Any country I find an indigenous coach sitting on the bench, I always feel very proud and I am glad that we have an opportunity that have a Nigerian coach, Finidi George, as football men national team coach,” Enoh said during the unveiling. The former Real Betis winger was appointed permanently after the departure of the Portuguese gaffer Jose Peseiro. He an assistant to Peseiro at the last African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast where the team finished second place. George’s appointment was announced a few weeks ago after he took charge o

 Court Jails Fake BDC Operator in Maiduguri Justice A.K Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri on Thursday, May 9, 2024, convicted and sentenced one Bana Alhaji Lawan to one year imprisonment. Lawan was arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one count charge for carrying out bureau de change businesses without an appropriate licence. The lone- count read: “That you, Bana Alhaji Lawan between 2007 and 2024, in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did carry on other financial business, to wit bureau de change business without a license issued by Central Bank of Nigeria contrary to Sections 57(5) and 59 of the Bank and other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.” The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Counsels to the prosecution,  Faruku Muhammad and A. D Aliyu prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged while counsel to the defendant,  H. Wa

 Abiodun congratulates Tobi Amusan on Jamaica invitational triumph  Ogun State Governor, Prince  Dapo Abiodun,  has congratulated the World record holder, Tobi Amusan, for emerging as the fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles this year after running a blistering 12.40s to win the first Jamaica Athletics Invitational in Kingston. Amusan won the race ahead of Jamaican and world champion, Danielle Williams. Abiodun, in a congratulatory message described Amusan as a woman of strong will and character, adding that the athlete has made Ogun State and Nigeria proud for her exceptional talent and skill. On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, I heartily congratulate our illustrious daughter, Tobi Amusan,  as she emerged as the fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles for the year 2024, after running a blistering 12.40s to win the  first Jamaica Athletics Invitational in Kingston. Winning the race  ahead of Jamaican and world champion, Danielle Williams, clearly x-ra

 PRESS RELEASE FG, SAUDI ARABIA COLLABORATE TO ENHANCE BILATERAL RELATIONS IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR AMONG OTHERS.  In an effort to expedite development in the agriculture sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strategized to boost food production, export agricultural produce and achieve food and nutrition security. Speaking during the Business Roundtable Meeting, which took place at Transcrop Hilton Hotel, Abuja, recently, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that Nigeria is endowed with agricultural potential and investment opportunities that if properly harnessed, would boost food production that can feed the entire nation and be exported as well as enhance the economy of the country. Sen. Kyari revealed that “It was part of a deliberate move to achieve food production and explore investment opportunities in the country, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently met with the Crown Prince o

 PRESS RELEASE IMAAN STRESSES THE NEED FOR UNIFIED APPROACH TO NATIONAL SECURITY The Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim has stressed the need for a unified approach to national security and emphasized the importance of broad societal involvement in formulating security strategies. She made this known during a visit of the Technical Committee on Strengthening Security in Nigeria led by Major General A. T. Jibrin (Rtd) to the Headquarters of the Ministry of Police Affairs. The Minister commended the committee's clarity of purpose and pledged unwavering support for policy implementation and reform efforts. She urged the committee to engage with local communities to enable grassroots participation in security strategies.  Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim tasked the committee to identify essential technologies and craft an integrated security solution for Nigeria security that would enhance the capacity of agencies charged with the responsibility of prot

 CUSTOMS OFFICER SHOOTS SELF DEAD IN ABUJA APARTMENT An officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdulwahab Magaji, serving in the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly shot himself dead in his residence on Binta Street, Farm Estate area, Abuja.  According to  Punch, a senior law enforcement officer said the incident happened on Monday, May 6. The source said the family of the deceased had raised the alarm that Magaji had shot himself with a rifle, prompting police officers to visit the scene of the incident. The source added that when the police arrived at the scene, the victim was reportedly rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. “A family of the deceased had raised the alarm that CSC Abdulahi Abdulwahab Magaji, a customs officer serving in Abuja, shot himself in his house at Farm Centre with a pump-action rifle,” the source said. "Police officers dashed to the scene of the incident and took the victim to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he wa

 BENUE GOVT BANS FARMING ON IDLE PLOTS WITHIN MAKURDI  13th May, 2024      Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued an order banning farming on idle plots within Màkurdi metropolis. He directed that all those using empty plots of land and the frontage of their houses to cultivate crops within Makurdi metropolis, should stop immediately. This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula on Saturday in Makurdi. Kula said the directive became neccessary because such areas are used as hideouts by criminals, who prefer dark areas to perpetrate their evil acts. “The Government of Benue State under the leadership of Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is set to beautify the state capital. “Therefore, those who are using any portion of Land within Makurdi town, including spaces within and around offices, road and street set-backs to farm are directed to stop immediately. “Those who have properly fenced their plots may be excused to farm only

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, SAYS NO CHILD SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM LEARNING President Bola Tinubu on Monday launched a campaign to promote inclusive education, skill development, and gender equity. The campaign tagged, #WeAreEqual, is an initiative of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). The campaign has been launched in 15 African countries in different iterations, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence.   The Nigerian component of the programme is tagged, 'Education as a Powerful Tool for Change', championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.  Speaking at the launch of the campaign at the State House, President Tinubu saluted the commitment of African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap across the continent. "This campaign holds significant importance for us in Africa. I, therefore, congratula

 A’Ibom varsity signs deal for 400-bed space hostel The Akwa Ibom State University, located at Ikot-Akpaden, Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area, has signed an agreement for the construction of a 400-bed space hostel to ease accommodation problems in the university. The project will be financed by the Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the University through its partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. The university disclosed the development in a press statement on Sunday. According to the statement, the Managing Director of Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited, Mr Niran Ajakaiye, said his firm would provide 75 per cent of the fund while AKSU will provide the remaining 25 per cent from TETfund. Ajakaiye, who was represented by Mr Dipo Lawore, explained that the firm would manage the facility for 21 years to recover its investment. Ajakaiye said the project would be completed within 12 months. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse Essien, described the timing o

 Family, friends celebrate jailed former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu’s birthday A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, on Sunday joined family members to mark the 62nd birthday of incarcerated former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Despite Ekweremadu’s absence, Metuh celebrated the occasion alongside Ekweremadu’s daughters and other family members. He disclosed this in a post on X.com on Sunday. Metuh wrote, “Today, I joined the Ekweremadu daughters and some family members to celebrate the 62nd birthday of my friend and brother for life. Indeed, I am so proud of the girls, especially Sonia, who has shown remarkable strength and resilience in these trying and most difficult times. “We cut a birthday cake in his honour and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch in celebration. May the Almighty God give him peace and good health as we pray for a grand re-union in Jesus name.” Recall in March 2023 that Ekweremadu, and his wife, Bea

 Nigerian government to restructure, reform NYSC – Minister reveals The Federal Government is to embark on a comprehensive review, restructuring and reform of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to meet the demands of the future. Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim stated this at the opening ceremony of the maiden meeting of NYSC management with heads of corps-producing institutions in Nigeria, held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, on Monday. According to the Minister, over 5000 corps members will have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with up to N10 million. He explained, “Permit me to inform us very briefly on what is to come regarding NYSC reforms. I’m pleased to announce that I will be inaugurating a team to undertake the review, restructuring and reforms of the NYSC. The first of these reforms will be centred on reviewing participants with an entrepreneurship mindset and making skills development a core of the programme.” He further explained that

 Wike: ‘Intimidation has expiry date’ – Fubara amid Rivers crisis Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has declared that intimidation has a time frame and it expires at the right time. Fubara’s declaration comes amid his continued face-off with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. Since October 30, 2023, Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis. The crisis became public knowledge following an explosion that shook the hallowed chamber of the State Assembly complex on the night of October 29, 2023. Following the fire incident, the state lawmakers initiated an impeachment process against Fubara and suspended four lawmakers. This incident has left the state Assembly deeply divided, with 27 lawmakers aligning with Wike while three remained loyal to Governor Fubara (after the resignation of one, Edison Ehie, who now serves as the Chief-of-Staff to him. In an attempt to quell the crisis, President Bola Tinubu had in December 2023, intervened in the cris

 Atiku, Obi Meet Behind Closed Door Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election Peter Obi have held a closed-door meeting.  The meeting was held at Atiku’s instance on Monday. Atiku posted photos of him and Obi during the meeting on his X handle. “It was my honour and privilege to host  @PeterObi today,” Atiku wrote. In a statement following the meeting, the LP presidential campaign spokesman Tanko Yunusa said Obi also visited other top persons. “Worried about the state of the nation and the increasing uncertainty in the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged, Obi in Abuja on Monday visited some top Nigerians, among whom are former vice president, and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, the former Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki and the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido,” the statement read. “At the centre of discussion during each of these visits was the s

Rivers Politics: Pro-Fubara Lawmakers Confirm Commissioner Nominee The Rivers State House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, has screened and confirmed a commissioner nominee sent to it by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.  During the screening on Monday, the nominee, Dagogo Iboroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, pledged to uphold the rule of law and serve the state diligently, irrespective of the ministry he will be deployed to. The event was the first legislative session since the election of new principal officers, and the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo backed by lawmakers supporting Governor Fubara of Rivers State. Also present during the screening were principal officers and former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Speaking earlier, the Speaker commended Governor Fubara for providing an auditorium in the government house as a temporary chamber after the main complex of the state assembly was recently burnt down. A motion was then moved by the leader, Sokari Goodboy, to adopt t

 ‘Nigerian men intimidated by successful women’ – Actress Ms DSF Nollywood actress and media personality Dorcas Shola Fapson, aka Ms DSF, says a lot of Nigerian men are insecure in their masculinity. Appearing on the Bahd and Boujee Podcast, co-hosted by reality star Tolanibaj and actress Moet Abebe, Ms DSF disclosed that she has encountered men who felt intimidated by her success. She noted that it takes a “very secure” man to support and love successful women. She said, “When you are successful, beautiful and have everything going for you, I feel like it can be intimidating to a lot of men. I’ve had a lot of my male friends tell me that I come across as intimidating. “It takes a very secure man to support, encourage and love someone who is successful, beautiful and has everything going for them. Because you [the man] have to bring a lot to the table. I don’t have to prove what I am bringing to your table, you have to show me what you’re bringing to my table. You’ve to level up and be

 Woman laments demolition notice two months after property purchase in Lagos Following the ongoing demolition of properties by theLagos government, a yet-to-be-identified woman has been seen crying in a viral video over the demolition notice served on her property in Lagos State. She disclosed that the property was purchased two months after moving in with her husband. Recounting her ordeal in a video with a demolition notice dated May 7, 2024, attached to it, the lady said: “We bought that property in February, and we’ve only been there for two months. “All the hard work, all the sleepless nights, everything… If you’re in Lagos, you’ll know how much property in Eti Osa costs. “Each time my son sees me crying, he will always ask me why I am crying. How do I explain this to our son? What do I tell my children? I’m trying so hard to be strong, but this is very painful. “I don’t wish for anybody to work so hard and face something like this. I don’t.” Last week, the residents of Mende Esta

 The Nigeria Labour Congress-NLC and the Trade Union Congress-TUC will today protest against the hike in electricity tariff at offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission-NERC and Distribution Companies-DisCos nationwide. This was made known in a joint statement by NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot and his TUC counterpart, Anka Hassan. According to the statement, the labour unions said they were protesting to the NERC and Disco’s office after a Sunday reversal deadline failed. The protest action followed a hike in the tariff for electricity consumers who enjoy at least 20 hours of daily power supply.

 A proud son of Osun State” – Governor Ademola Adeleke congratulates Layi Wasabi on his AMVCA win Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State couldn’t be prouder, as he wrote a hearty congratulatory message to comedian Layi Wasabi in honor of his AMVCA win as the Best Digital Content Creator. In his post for Layi Wasabi, Governor Ademola Adeleke wrote; “A very big congratulations to one of our own, a proud son of Osun State, Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola, popularly known as @layiwasabi on his exploit as the winner of the Best Digital Content Creator at the 2024 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA). Lay’s growth exemplifies the model of the new Osun we are building. The one that excel beyond limitations. From a law graduate to becoming an excellent content creator, Layi has shown how passion, commitment and consistency can lead to excellence. He promotes the identity of the state through the production of his unique and educational contents.

 Stay focused” – Funke Akindele addresses AMVCA 10 snub Three times box office record breaking actress Funke Akindele has finally addressed her snub at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards AMVCA 10 last night. It is no doubt that there were high expectations about Funke Akindele clinching awards from the different categories which she was nominated for. It was also expected of the organizers to acknowledge the exceptional records set by Funke Akindele with an award. The internet was awash last night when the actress was not recognized nor received anything. Sharing a video of her dazzling outfit for the award night, Funke Akindele wished her fans a happy Sunday and fruitful week. Using the hashtag, she urged them to stay focused and positive.

 Landlady and her husband flee after throwing tenant’s côrpse into canal The police in Ogun state are currently on the trail of a Landlady, Bola Abiodun, and her husband simply identified as Sunday, who fled their Temidire community home in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State after allegedly disposing of their tenant’s body in a canal. Punch reports that the deceased simply identified as Iya Ibukun, was knocked down by a hit and run driver on May 5, 2024. After suffering various degrees of injury from the accident, the deceased had turned to self-medication out of concern that she would not be able to pay for her medical bills. After turning to self-medication, her health deteriorated and she passed away in her rented apartment.   The corpse was allegedly taken from the room and disposed of in a nearby canal by the landlady and her husband. The chairman of the Community Development Association, Mosuru Akindele, was reportedly called by the residents who had suspicions about the

 CANADA COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING BILATERAL AND ECONOMIC TIES WITH NIGERIA - TUGGAR The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on May 10, 2024, paid a working visit to Canada where he engaged with various critical stakeholders in furtherance of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada. During his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Tuggar noted that Nigeria is Canada's largest trade partner in Africa and called on both countries to strengthen trade ties, given the ongoing implementation of the AfCFTA. Similarly, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, stated that Canada is committed to supporting socioeconomic development in Nigeria and the wider region for mutual benefit. Both countries resolved to take steps to finalise the outstanding MOUs, including the bilateral Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) ahead of the Canadian Trade Mission to Nigeria in June

  EFCC to join forces with UK prosecutors in Diezani’s case • Anti-graft agency seeks access to ex-minister’s assets, others There were indications at the weekend that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will apply to a United Kingdom court as an interested party in the trial of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. A team of the anti-graft commission is billed for London to begin the process of filing papers as a party to the case. The EFCC may also avail the UK court of its findings and the forfeiture order of a high court in Abuja on the former minister’s $2.5 million homes and cars. Diezani has been on trial in the Southwark Crown Court in the UK for an alleged £100,000 bribe. The National Crime Agency (NCA) alleged that Diezani might have “benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties”. On October 2, 2023, a Magistr