Following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in July, Ayodele Fayose, ex-Governor of Ekiti, recounted a personal episode in which his wife persuaded him to withhold public criticisms. Speaking during a national television appearance, Fayose said, “The people in Nigeria only praise the dead. When President Buhari died, I wanted to come out and abuse him (but) my wife called me not to say so.” The former president, who governed Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, died on July 13 in a London hospital and was buried in Katsina State shortly afterward. Known for his outspoken critiques of Buhari’s time…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Recent changes in UK immigration policy have rendered over 100 jobs previously eligible for Certificates of Sponsorship off-limits, severely impacting thousands of Nigerian professionals working in the country. The UK government increased salary thresholds and raised skill level requirements effective July 22, 2025. Jobs removed include those in agriculture, hospitality management, selective healthcare roles, protective services like policing, and a variety of arts and community positions. The general salary threshold now mandates £41,700 annually, up from previous figures around £24,000 to £26,000, while health and care roles retain a threshold of £25,600 but with stricter net pay conditions. Phika Travels’…
In an effort to resolve the persistent liquidity crisis in Nigeria’s power sector, President Bola Tinubu met with leaders of generation companies and unveiled a debt resolution roadmap, including a ₦4 trillion bond programme. The meeting, held at the State House, came amid increasing pressure from GENCOs for the payment of long-overdue debts. President Tinubu acknowledged the gravity of the situation and requested more time for debt claim validation. According to Energy Adviser Mrs. Olu Verheijen, the bond programme received the president’s anticipatory approval and is central to the liquidity recovery plan. The government, she added, has verified ₦1.8 trillion…
The city of Lagos has been honored with a spot among the top 20 nightlife destinations across the world, taking 14th place in a newly released global ranking and coming second in Africa behind Cape Town. Time Out Magazine spearheaded the research, enlisting city-based respondents and nightlife authorities to assess nightlife vibrancy and satisfaction. Lagos received favorable ratings from 79% of its residents. This latest achievement puts Lagos above other prominent African urban centers like Cairo and Marrakech. Analysts credited the city’s mix of stylish lounges and its increasingly visible underground rave scene as key factors in this climb. Venues…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Sarkin Katsinan and Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State. The respected monarch reportedly passed away in the early hours of Friday in Abuja at the age of 71. In a heartfelt condolence message, President Tinubu described the Emir’s passing as a significant loss that transcends his immediate emirate. The President noted that Dr. Bello’s lifetime of dedicated service at various levels of leadership stood as a model of devotion and integrity. “The late Emir will be remembered for his unwavering sense of duty, his…
In a move widely seen as a positive step for Nigerian women’s sports, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the full settlement of allowances and bonuses due to the Super Falcons ahead of their crucial final against Morocco in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. This measure reinforces a promise to enhance athlete welfare and operational efficiency within the sporting sector. Shehu Dikko, National Sports Commission Chairman, speaking in Abuja on Thursday, confirmed that all outstanding payments encompassing the entire tournament duration, including the upcoming final, have been remitted for immediate payment to players, coaches, and officials affiliated with the…
The National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress has confirmed Yilwatda Nentawe as the party’s substantive National Chairman, a development announced by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma during the ongoing committee session in Abuja. As the head of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Uzodimma formally proposed Nentawe’s appointment to the committee at the State House Conference Centre, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas seconding the motion. Nentawe’s immediate swearing-in underscores the party’s swift move to solidify its leadership framework as Nigeria moves closer to key political events. The minister, who has been overseeing humanitarian and social development programs, now takes on…
In a move to solidify security measures, Ogun State has admitted 550 new members into the Amotekun Corps, its community-based security outfit. This initiative underscores the state’s proactive stance in crime prevention and public safety. During the new operatives’ passing out parade, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun reiterated that the recruitment is “a sustained investment in the State’s security architecture,” aimed at reinforcing protection for lives and properties. He emphasized that Amotekun’s mission is to work alongside federal law enforcement by leveraging local intelligence and communal trust. The Governor praised the peaceful state environment as a product of deliberate strategic efforts…
In Anambra State, a significant administrative breakthrough was made recently when Governor Chukwuma Soludo appointed Mr. Joachim Achor—an indigene of Abia State—as the Accountant General. This signals a departure from the entrenched tradition of assigning senior civil service positions exclusively to natives of Anambra. Mr. Achor’s connection to Anambra dates back to his student days and National Youth Service, during which he distinguished himself as the leading corps member in the state. This excellence earned him automatic entry into the civil service during a time when such opportunities were scarce. Ascending through various senior roles, including Director and Permanent Secretary,…
The Vice-President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has publicly praised President Bola Tinubu for his boldness in implementing difficult but necessary reforms, spotlighting the crucial removal of the fuel subsidy as a landmark action for national progress. Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a visit by NACCIMA leaders, Shettima detailed how these policies underline the government’s commitment to economic revitalisation. Shettima remarked that despite fierce resistance from vested interests, “The oil cabal fought back, but he refused to budge.” He emphasized that such difficult decisions underline the administration’s intent to prioritize Nigerians’ welfare. Additionally, he outlined other key initiatives…