With just days remaining before the expiration of a critical ultimatum, Nigeria’s medical community is steeling itself for a potential nationwide strike. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that unless its recent demands are honored, hospitals and clinics across the nation will be paralyzed. Professor Bala Audu, head of the NMA, noted that “the association’s demands are essential to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.” The group’s main issue is a government directive adjusting allowances in a way they claim breaches established agreements. The union’s July 2 notice demanded the immediate reversal of…
Author: Podium Reporters
By Stephen Ortese In a bold move to reclaim Benue State’s legacy as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Governor Hyacinth Alia recently undertook a strategic visit to Iowa, USA one of the world’s most advanced agricultural economies. His Mission: To study Iowa’s cutting-edge agricultural systems, build global partnerships, and adapt proven models that can help transform Benue’s farming and agro-industrial landscape. The visit included a stop at the Westfair County Fair, a major agricultural showcase in Iowa, where Governor Alia engaged with local farmers, researchers, equipment manufacturers, and policy experts. Iowa, known for its high-yield crop and livestock production,…
Following Atiku Abubakar’s departure, the People’s Democratic Party is on the brink of redefining its future, with speculation flourishing about fresh presidential contenders. Party elders and insiders acknowledge that with Atiku out, the likes of Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed are poised for the forefront, though conversations about other eligible candidates are ongoing. “The exit of Atiku Abubakar is going to bring calm,” one leader explained, indicating the party’s openness to new faces and ideas. Upcoming NEC talks signal a defining chapter. With zoning and consensus candidacy front and center, the meeting on July 24 will shape the party’s trajectory,…
Dr. Deji Adeleke, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and academic leader, has confirmed the completion of his 1250 megawatt power generating facility in Ajebamidele, Ondo State. This landmark project, currently awaiting integration with the national gas pipeline, is expected to soon begin operations, offering employment opportunities to more than 2,000 engineers and workers linked with the sector. The announcement came during Adeleke University’s convocation ceremony in Osun State, where Dr. Adeleke’s younger brother, Governor Ademola Adeleke, was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree, symbolizing a moment of achievement for the family and the institution. Dr. Adeleke used the platform to criticize…
In a move stirring political tensions, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken issue with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent directive barring Peter Obi, the presidential hopeful for the Labour Party in 2023, from entering Edo State without prior notification to state authorities. Governor Okpebholo’s Friday announcement indicated that the ban was necessary due to concerns surrounding Obi’s security in the state. However, the ADC quickly labeled this justification as insufficient and a violation of the basic democratic right to freedom of movement. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, stated in a press briefing that the party views the governor’s…
President Bola Tinubu’s recent arrival at Gateway International Airport in Ogun State marked a pivotal moment as he journeys to honor the memory of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at the eighth-day prayer ceremony. Governor Dapo Abiodun, alongside Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and fellow South-West leaders, formed the frontline reception committee, symbolizing both political and cultural solidarity. Confirmed by the President’s social media aide, the visit included the presence of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, emphasizing the personal respect accorded to the monarch whose reign spanned more than six decades. The event will unfold at the Dipo Dina International Stadium,…
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly backed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s assertion that Peter Obi should not enter Edo State without prior security clearance. Party chairman Jarrett Tenebe spoke on this issue following the party’s formal nomination of Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion as candidates for the senatorial and federal constituencies. Tenebe grounded the governor’s warning on the fact that Obi’s previous visit ended tragically, with three individuals losing their lives, highlighting underlying tensions associated with Obi’s presence in Edo. Further, Tenebe indicated the party’s readiness to launch a vigorous campaign effort reinforcing their claimed…
As Dangote Refinery edges closer to launching a massive deployment of 4,000 trucks for direct fuel delivery, tanker drivers across Nigeria are voicing increasing concern over their future employment prospects. The refinery has engaged 25 marketers for direct distribution of PMS and other petroleum products by mid-August, a sharp rise from only three partners earlier this year. Sources confirm many tanker operators fear redundancy as Dangote-owned trucks could replace the traditional practice of independent truck deliveries. Although some drivers might be absorbed by Dangote, the majority face potential displacement. Analysts suggest some marketers may opt to abandon their own trucks…
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, intends to return to the Nigerian Senate on July 22, 2025, following a court ruling that invalidated her suspension from the upper chamber earlier this year. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has appealed the court’s decision, but the senator remains undeterred. During an engagement with constituents over the weekend, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she has formally notified the Senate of her resumption plans. “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday,…
Ali Ndume, ex-Senate leader and current lawmaker for Borno South, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent federal agency appointments as responsive to northern interests and timely in addressing regional concerns. In an Abuja statement dated Saturday, Ndume outlined the appointees, including Lydia Musa (Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority), Jamilu Aliyu (National Educational Research and Development Council), and Yahuza Inuwa (Standards Organisation of Nigeria). Other appointments of note were Sanusi Musa (SAN) to the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and Muhammad Babangida, son of ex-head of state Ibrahim Babangida, appointed as Chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture. The…