Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has criticized political aspirants who promise to serve only a single term in office, describing the idea as deceptive and a ploy to manipulate voters. Speaking in a video shared on social media by Arise TV, Soludo dismissed such pledges as impractical and misleading, stressing that no meaningful government agenda can be fully executed within one term. “They are playing on people’s intelligence,” Soludo declared. “Those making such promises won’t even be able to scratch the surface of their manifesto if elected.” The former Central Bank Governor argued that governance is a…
Author: Podium Reporters
In a decisive move to bolster national broadcasting, President Bola Tinubu has approved significant appointments within the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), ushering in new leadership focused on unity, professionalism, and innovation. A statement from the State House confirmed the following key appointments, effective immediately: Rotimi Richard Pedro (Lagos, South-West) takes the helm as Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority. Karimah Bello (Katsina, North-West) has been named Executive Director, Marketing. Stella Din (Plateau, North-Central) becomes the new Executive Director, News. Sophia Issa Mohammed (Adamawa, North-East) assumes the role of Managing Director, NTA Enterprises Limited. According to the Presidency, these appointments underscore…
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reaffirmed its focus on youth empowerment in agriculture, unveiling the 2025–2030 National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture on Tuesday in Abuja. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was developed in partnership with the Leonard and Nkiruka Okorkwo Foundation (LANOF), the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), and other partners. The launch also introduced the 2025 Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action, a strategy document for food system reforms. At the event, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the manifesto as a transformational plan owned by young Nigerians. “This manifesto is proof…
In a heartfelt and joyful expression of love, the partner of Peter Obi’s son has publicly celebrated him on his birthday anniversary, sharing a touching message on social media. The partner wrote, “I’ve come so far, worked so hard, so this entire week I’m celebrating my birthday. I’m proud of you, angel.” This public declaration shines a light on their relationship, which has garnered attention for its openness and affection in a society where LGBTQ+ relationships are often met with stigma. The message reflects both personal growth and the deep bond they share, with an emphasis on perseverance and pride.…
The controversial 5% telecom excise duty has been halted twice in recent years, leading to a debate on whether former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu should be acknowledged for the policy’s cancellation. Buhari’s Era: Pantami Leads Opposition The first attempt to introduce the levy came in 2022. Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, who was serving as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, opposed the proposal and secured Buhari’s approval to strike it out. This was a relief to telecom subscribers and operators alike. Lawmakers Attempt Revival in 2024 Despite earlier resistance, the same excise duty found its way back…
Japan welcomed heads of state from Africa on Wednesday to Yokohama for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), positioning itself as an alternative development partner amid Africa’s growing debt challenges and reduced foreign aid inflows. The conference featured high-level participation, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenyan President William Ruto, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Ramaphosa’s office highlighted the difficulties confronting Africa’s economies, noting: “The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens.”…
In a major policy shift, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the 5 percent excise duty on telecom services, a levy that had stirred nationwide criticism since its introduction in 2022. The announcement was made by Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, during a media session in Abuja. He revealed that Tinubu’s decision was consistent with his pledge to avoid additional burdens on Nigerians. “I was in a room when it was raised, and he said, No, no, no, we cannot put this on Nigerians. I was very pleased when the bills came out and we saw…
Prince Paul Ikonne, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure from Abia State, has publicly challenged Governor Alex Otti to substantiate claims regarding the reported ₦54 billion spent on educational infrastructure within the state. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ujo Justice, Ikonne emphasized the need for clear evidence of schools renovated under the purported expenditure to quell growing public concerns about financial accountability in Abia. The dispute arises in the wake of Governor Otti’s recent media briefing during which he denied allegations that the ₦54 billion was unaccounted for or missing from the state’s treasury. Otti dismissed these assertions…
The ongoing discourse about who is best suited to govern Nigeria took a sharper turn on Monday as a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Biodun Ajiboye, openly challenged the leadership capabilities of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. Ajiboye expressed skepticism over Obi’s potential to surpass current President Bola Tinubu’s achievements. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Ajiboye dismissed the notion of Obi’s alleged accomplishments in Anambra as exaggerated. He questioned Obi’s credentials and governance record, insinuating that Obi had neither the experience nor the qualifications to adequately address Nigeria’s complex challenges. “Even if you produce…
The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has made significant financial commitments towards strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed on Monday that almost N50 billion has been disbursed directly to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). In a detailed announcement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) platform, Professor Pate emphasized the government’s sustained efforts to modernize and improve health infrastructure in every local government area. According to him, “Designed to be financed from at least one…