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 Senate rejects ‘rubber-stamp’ label, says cooperation is not compromise …Says tax reform bill not anti-people The Nigerian Senate has pushed back against claims that it functions as a “rubber-stamp” institution, maintaining that it does not need to adopt an antagonistic approach to prove its independence from the executive arm of government. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, made the remarks during a media chat with journalists over the weekend in Ilawe Ekiti. According to Adaramodu, the Senate’s core responsibility is to serve as a constructive partner in governance—working hand in hand with other branches to shape effective and impactful legislation. He stressed that rejecting bills for the sake of opposing the executive is not a meaningful demonstration of autonomy. “The National Assembly is a serious institution devoted to legislative business. Our duty is to make laws and approve appropriations, while the executive implements and...

 Public debt rises 48% to N144.67trn in 2024 — DMO Nigeria’s public debt surged by 48.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) in 2024, up from N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in 2023. This was disclosed by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in its most recent public debt profile report. The total debt consists of external debt amounting to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion), which is serviced with $4.66 million, and domestic debt of N74.38 trillion ($48.44 billion). The report revealed that the country’s external debt rose by 83.89 per cent YoY from N38.22 trillion ($42.5 billion) in 2023. Meanwhile, domestic debt grew by 25.7 per cent YoY from N59.12 trillion ($65.73 billion) in 2023. Additionally, the report showed that the Federal Government’s domestic debt component rose by 32 per cent YoY, reaching N70.41 trillion from N53.26 trillion in 2023. In contrast, the domestic debt of states and the Federal Capital Territory fell by 32 per cent YoY to N3.97 tr...

 FG acknowledges 14% tariff imposed on Nigerian export by U.S. Govt The Federal Government has acknowledged the recent tariff measures announced by the U.S. Government, including imposing a 14 per cent tariff on Nigerian exports. This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, on Sunday in Abuja. The U.S. President, Donald Trump announced that exports from Nigeria to the U.S. will now be subjected to a 14 per cent tariff. The decision was made during a ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event in the Rose Garden on Wednesday. It is part of a broader strategy aimed at rebalancing global trade and addressing perceived unfair trade practices. The newly introduced 14 per cent tariff marks a significant shift in U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, with the U.S. government citing an ongoing trade imbalance. Oduwole, while responding to the announcement of the recent tariff, said that Nigeria remained actively engaged in consultations with U.S....

  A 23-year-old Nigerian woman identified as Osarugbe, has died in Libya. African beauty products   She passed away at about 11:33am on Friday, April 4, 2025 after battling illness.    Anti-human trafficking advocate, Yakubu Oyiza and her team had been raising money to bring her back to Nigeria for better medical treatment as hospitals in Libya rejected her.    According to Oyiza, documents for burial, autopsy, and land to bury her in Libya have been arranged, all costing approximately 350,000.   She alleged that the family abandoned her since she fell sick and had earlier refused to go to Kano and pick her up the day she was supposed to be brought back to Nigeria.    In a Facebook post on Saturday, April 5, Oyiza revealed that some family members of the deceased called them asking for Osas’ properties. African beauty products   “Since yesterday that I called Osa’s family and told them their sister passed, they haven’t called me back to ...

 Education Minister Proposes Extending NYSC Service to Two Years The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has put forward a proposal to extend the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from its current one-year duration to two years. The announcement came during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to the minister’s office in Abuja on Saturday. Minister Alausa highlighted that the extension could be paired with an enhanced NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training program, aimed at equipping corps members with skills to become job creators. “You have done so well as an organization. Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country,” Alausa remarked, as quoted in a statement by NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu. The minister also praised the NYSC for addressing a longstanding issue involving part-time ordinary national diploma graduates who later earned full-...

 Burial Date for Elder Statesman Edwin Clark Announced The final resting date for the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered elder statesman and former Information Commissioner, has been set for May 13, 2025. The burial will take place at his country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, as announced by his eldest son, Penaowei Clark, during a press briefing in Kiagbodo. According to the statement released by Penaowei Clark, a series of events will precede the burial, beginning on Wednesday, May 7, with a commemorative lecture in honor of Chief Clark at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja at 11 a.m. The following day, Thursday, May 8, a valedictory session will be held at the Senate Chamber at 11 a.m. to pay tribute to the late statesman. The burial program includes a packed schedule of events across multiple cities. On Friday, May 9, a Day of Tribute will take place at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja at 3 p.m. The following ...

 Abia State Governor Orders Manhunt for Killers of Chinese Miners and Police Officer In a swift response to a deadly ambush, Governor Alex Otti has directed security agents to track down and apprehend the unidentified gunmen responsible for the murder of two Chinese miners and a police officer at a mining site in Uturu, Abia State. The governor's directive comes in the wake of the brutal attack, which was confirmed by the Abia State Police Command on Saturday. In a statement released on Sunday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Otti expressed his outrage at the unprovoked assault on innocent individuals. He pledged the state government's unwavering support to security agencies in their efforts to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. Governor Otti emphasized that his administration has prioritized creating a conducive environment for businesses and economic activities while also safeguarding lives and property through enhanced ...

 Pope Francis Makes Surprise Appearance in Vatican Square Amid Recovery In an unexpected turn of events, Pope Francis delighted onlookers with a rare public appearance in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, just two weeks after being discharged from Gemelli Hospital following a serious bout of pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, still in recovery, greeted the crowd from his wheelchair after a mass dedicated to the sick. “A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” Pope Francis said, his voice noticeably frail yet stronger than it had been when he left the hospital on March 23. Attached to nasal breathing tubes and surrounded by a flurry of smartphones and cameras, the Argentine pope’s presence marked his first public outing since February 14.

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE   6th April 2025 The Editors, NATIONWIDE PROTEST: BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND URGES DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION WITH PROTEST ORGANIZERS The Bauchi State Police Command has expressed concern over the planned protests by the “Take It Back Movement” across various states of the Federation, including Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled for Monday, 7th April 2025. The federal government has designated this date as National Police Day, which is intended to recognise the resilience and dedication of officers within the Nigeria Police Force. While the Command acknowledges the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, it is crucial that such activities do not compromise the safety and security of our state. However, the rationale for holding a nationwide protest on this day raises questions. It is seen as potentially unpatriotic, which could damage the reputation of both the Police and the nation. Furthermore, the organise...

 MWID ISSUES OVER 100 CONTRAVENTION NOTICES AGAINST ILLEGAL LAND RECLAMATION IN LEKKI As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Lagos’ waterfront corridors and uphold physical planning regulations across the state, the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID) has issued over 100 contravention notices and 10 stop-work against illegal land reclamation in Ikota, Lekki. The Honourable Commissioner for  Honourable Ekundayo Alebiosu gave the directives for the issuance of the contravention notices and stop-work order when he led a routine monitoring exercise along Ikota Creek, Eleganza, Lekki. The operation was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the State Government’s waterfront setback compliance and building regulations across the waterfront. The contravention notices and stop-work orders were served on structures found to be encroaching on the natural creek corridor. The enforcement actions came on the heels of alarming discoveries, including unauthorised reclama...

 LASG LAUNCHES FARMERS' FORUM ACROSS DIVISIONS TO BOLSTER AGRICULTURAL SECTOR  The Lagos State Government is set to convene a series of crucial stakeholders' forums across the five administrative divisions of the state, directly engaging with farmers to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and collaboratively identify sustainable solutions to their most pressing challenges. This significant initiative was announced by the General Manager of the Lagos State Agricultural Input Supply Authority (LAISA), Mrs. Olufolake Oluyemi, during a recent appearance on a Yoruba-language programme, "Ile Ise Asoju Oba Eko," aired recently on Lagos Traffic Radio. Mrs. Oluyemi disclosed that her initial direct engagement with farmers since assuming the role of Accounting Officer at LAISA provided invaluable insights into the realities faced by the agricultural community.  She emphasised that these initial interactions offered farmers a vital platform to articulate their most urgent n...

 SOLDIERS KILL ERNEST, BABY MAMA ACCUSES COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND OMALE OMALE 6th April, 2025     *Tragic Death of Philanthropist and Political Aspirant Sparks Outrage Over Apa Local Government's Security Failures* The recent death of Ernest Owoicho, a  philanthropist, founder of the non-governmental organization 'All Hands on Deck,' and aspiring political figure, has ignited widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about the security situation in Apa Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.  Owoicho, an orphan committed to supporting community development and aiding the less privileged, had recently expressed his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections. His untimely demise reportedly followed a brutal encounter with soldiers allegedly acting under the directives of local authorities. Eyewitness accounts indicate that soldiers, purportedly hosted by the Apa LGA Chairma...

 Kaduna Police Arrest Impostor Threatening Reprisal Attack Over Uromi Killings  Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested an impostor who used social media and threatened reprisal attack in the north over the Uromi killing of travellers in Edo State. Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement explained that “the attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), which has been making rounds on various social media platforms with the caption “Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings”. “To set the record straight, Hadian Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of Kaduna State Police Command,” the statement said. “It is pertinent to note that his picture captured on Police Uniform as displayed on the Social Media, which is an improper dressing, is that of him when he was a member of t...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP DIRECTS FID OPERATIVES TO OBTAIN ALHAJI SANUSI’S STATEMENT IN KANO  As NPF Withdraws Invitation Letter The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.   However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police's commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi's statement. Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the...

 A professional bull rider sadly lost his life after being trampled by a bull. 24-year-old Dylan Grant was a competitor in the Xtreme Bulls rodeo at the Wharton County Fair in Wharton, Texas on Thursday, April 3rd. Dylan was bucked off of the bull he was attempting to ride and the bull trampled the young man as he laid on the ground. Medics on scene immediately rushed to Dylan and attempted to stabilize his condition while he was airlifted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. Sadly, Dylan passed away a short time after arriving. Dylan had been competing in rodeos since 2018 and had won around $15,000 during his career.  Our thoughts are with the family of Dylan Grant and everyone involved.

 A California teen was found dead nearly 60 miles from his home after vanishing while meeting with his soccer coach. 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez was a stand out soccer player, so when he was contacted by his coach with a promising offer he jumped at the chance. The unnamed soccer coach contacted Oscar and spoke of sponsorship for his soccer abilities.  He told Oscar he needed to speak with him directly and sensing a huge opportunity, Oscar and his family agreed. Oscar's father dropped him off at the Los Angeles Metro Station at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28th. He would never see Oscar alive again. The family said at first everything seemed to be fine. Upon arrival he spoke to his family and told them his coach was going to drop him off at home the next morning. It was the next messages that caused the family concern.  They said at 6 p.m. on Saturday they received a message from Oscar's phone saying he was going to a party. His father immediately forbade him going and stated ...

  PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA WELCOMES HER ROYAL HIGHNESS VICTORIA, CROWN PRINCESS OF SWEDEN, ON OFFICIAL VISIT  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the upcoming official visit of Her Royal Highness Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, to Nigeria scheduled for Monday, 7th to Wednesday 9th April 2025.  The visiting royalty will be received by high-ranking Nigerian officials and also engage in a series of high-level discussions aimed at further strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both nations. Crown Princess Victoria will be received in audience by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar on Monday 7th April 2025.  She is also to meet with His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON; the Governor of Lagos State and commission the Swedish Trade office in Lagos. This visit underscores the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Sweden, as well as our shared commitment to fosteri...

 My plans to rebuild Oyo, by new Alaafin Owoade ....Tinubu to monarch: Use stool to foster peace, promote cultural identity, support governance ....Makinde: We’ll continue to follow due process in governing Oyo The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade, began his reign yesterday with a vow to rebuild the kingdom and ensure its development. In his acceptance speech shortly after receiving his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde during his coronation as the 46th Alaafin, Oba Owoade harped on the need for all indigenes and natives of the ancient Oyo town to live in peace and harmony. His views were supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinub, who charged him to use his stool to foster peace, promote cultural identity and support governance. At the ceremony which held at the Olivet Heights Baptist School, Oyo, the monarch promised to take advantage of the town’s indigenes in the Diaspora to develop it while also deploying technology where necessary. Flanked by his wife,...

 NSA VISITS OPERATION SAFE HAVEN, SAYS FG ADDRESSING SECURITY BREACH IN PLATEAU COMMUNITIES The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the Federal Government is currently addressing the recent security breach in some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.  The National Security Adviser made this known today 6 April 2025, at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN during an operational visit to the State. The NSA disclosed that he was in Plateau following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore normalcy to communities recently attacked by miltias in the State. He commended security agencies for their timely response in curtailing the situation.  The NSA, charged Plateau residents to prioritise peace, and learn to live together as one. He appealed to the media to ensure due diligence and transparency while reporting sensitive incidents, especially as it concerns security.  Mallam Ribadu, assured the people that the Fede...

 PRESS RELEASE NATIONWIDE PROTEST: NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST ILL-TIMED PROTEST ACROSS THE COUNTRY The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called  “Take it Back Movement” is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, includi...

 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORTS: LSSC, GLOBAL AMBASSADORS ANNOUNCE COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS As part of the activities marking the 2025 International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, the Lagos State Sports Commission (ISSC) in collaboration with Global Ambassadors Initiative has announced series of events commemorating the celebration. At a media briefing held on Friday at the Conference Room of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Director-General of LSSC, Lekan Fatodu discussed extensively on the significance of sports in propagating youth empowerment, social cohesion and bridging the gaps in segregating some members of the society. The LSSC boss stated that the IDSDP is in harmony with the Commission mandate of encouraging mass participation in sports, providing enabling environment for youth to exhibit their hidden talent irrespective of their social status and background. Themed: “Leveling the Playing Field: Sports For Social Inclusion”, Fatodu highlights the role of sports in bringing...