In a significant reshuffle within the Nigerian Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been replaced as chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations by Senator Aniekan Bassey. The announcement came during Thursday’s plenary session when Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the appointment of Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had been reassigned to this committee earlier this year after losing her previous chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Local Content. The Senate has not officially stated the reasons behind the recent change, but it is widely believed to be connected to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing suspension.…
Author: Podium Reporters
In a sharp rebuke, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has faulted Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo for attributing the surge in kidnappings within the South-East to Igbo youths. The separatist group described the governor’s statements as provocative and unfounded, cautioning that such rhetoric could endanger innocent lives. Governor Soludo’s remarks came during an event in Maryland, United States, where he reportedly stated that “99% of arrested kidnappers in the state were Igbos and not Fulani herdsmen.” This claim has drawn ire from IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who condemned the governor for providing a pretext for security forces and Fulani…
The recent demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, has drawn expressions of sympathy from James Oramadike, the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Yorubaland. He conveyed his condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of Ibadan, and the late monarch’s family. Oba Olakulehin passed away last Monday at the age of 90, shortly before his first coronation anniversary. Oramadike described him as a “symbol of unity and strength,” whose leadership qualities will be missed. He praised the rotational succession system between the Otun and Balogun Lines, which has now installed Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan.…
In a bid to alleviate the healthcare burden on indigent residents, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Ogun State Governor’s wife, has launched a free surgical outreach program at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu. The program, held on Wednesday, is a collaborative effort between her office and a team of US-based surgeons and medical doctors. Mrs. Abiodun explained that the initiative focuses on treating conditions such as hernia, fibroids, goitre, and cataracts—ailments that often go untreated due to financial barriers. She stressed the moral imperative of wealth sharing, stating, “Many wealthy people have more than they need, while many others lack…
As the local government elections approach in Lagos State, the police have announced a strict security operation aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral process. Effective from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 12, all vehicular movement will be banned statewide, including on waterways, to prevent disruptions and violence. The Lagos State Police Command, in coordination with the Interagency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES), issued the directive to cover all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas. The police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stressed that this measure is designed to “safeguard the election, the…
The future of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen remains uncertain amid transfer speculation, but former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has made his stance clear: Osimhen must join the Premier League soon or face regret. Oliseh took to social media to stress the importance of this career move, stating, “Victor Osimhen is at a very delicate crossroad. He needs to find his way to the Premier League in a hurry or he risks so much regret! Man. United and Arsenal need this player if only…..” Despite Napoli’s willingness to lower Osimhen’s transfer fee to €75 million, Premier League clubs have yet…
President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making significant strides toward achieving food sovereignty by focusing on agricultural development through public-private partnerships and institutional reforms. The establishment of the ministries of marine and blue economy and livestock development signals a strategic approach to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, during his inspection of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited’s Tilapia Fish Farm and the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Niger State, reiterated the president’s commitment to food security as a national priority. Idris highlighted the ministry of marine and blue economy’s role in managing over 800…
The landscape for Nigerian international travelers is shifting rapidly as the US, UAE, and UK implement new visa policies. The US now limits most non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to three months and a single entry, citing reciprocity and security concerns. The Nigerian government has expressed deep concern and is consulting stakeholders to formulate a response. The UAE’s new rules ban transit visas for Nigerians and require those over 45 to provide substantial financial proof for tourist visas. Those aged 18-45 are barred from solo tourist travel unless accompanied, a move expected to sharply curtail travel to Dubai. The UK has…
In a significant move within Nigeria’s aviation sector, Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC National Chairman and ex-Governor of Kano State, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) board. The appointment was officially unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a formal inauguration in Abuja. The ceremony also saw the induction of other board members, including FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku and secretary Bridget Gold, among others. This appointment follows Ganduje’s recent resignation from his political party leadership role. Minister Keyamo highlighted the critical expectations placed on the board,…
In a much-anticipated development, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the release of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results. The examination, which saw 179,201 candidates register across 12 subjects, was conducted between May 12 and May 23, 2025. The results were unveiled following the conclusion of the BECE Award Committee Meeting at NECO’s Minna headquarters. Dr. (Mrs) Folake David, who chairs the committee and serves as the Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, praised the thoroughness of the processes leading to the release. The committee meeting also included secondary school principals from various…