Category Archives: News

Okpebholo suspends oil, gas adviser over alleged unauthorised fundraising

Posted on by
Reply

Gov. Monday Okpebholo has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, for alleged unauthorized fundraising over an upcoming Oil and Gas summit in Edo

The suspension was announced in a statement issued the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday in Benin.

Read Also: Okpebholo suspends Edo civil service recruitment

The SSG said the governor also announced the immediate halt of the planned summit, scheduled to begin on Aug. 7.

“Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event.

“Prospective donors are hereby advised to stop all dealings with the suspended adviser,” Ikhilor said.

(NAN)

US warns against using visa to give Birth for Citizenship

Posted on by
Reply

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to visa applicants, cautioning that any individual found to be travelling primarily to give birth in the U.S. for the purpose of securing American citizenship for their child will be denied entry.

The advisory was posted on Monday via the mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @USinNigeria, as part of a broader awareness campaign aimed at curbing visa misuse.

“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the statement read.

Read Also: Visa-free countries Nigerians can visit in the Americas

An image accompanying the post reinforced the message, stating plainly:

“We will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not permitted.”

The campaign, which carries the hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa, aims to educate prospective travelers on the proper use of U.S. visas and discourage attempts to exploit the immigration system.

The U.S. government has consistently reiterated that while giving birth in the U.S. is not illegal, doing so with the sole purpose of obtaining birthright citizenship without transparency violates visa rules.

Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

Posted on by
Reply

The Police Command in Kogi says it has recovered the body of Mr Ayo Aiyepeku, a photo-journalist, allegedly murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday day in Lokoja.

Ovye-Aya explained that Ayobami’s corpse was found on Sunday evening at a location around WAEC office, Crusher Zone 8 axis in Lokoja.

The command’s spokesperson said Aiyepeku was gruesomely murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo on Tuesday night, July 22 in an office near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.

“Yes, the corpse of the photo-journalist has been found. It was discovered on Sunday evening somewhere around WAEC office, Zone 8 axis of Lokoja.

“The corpse has been deposited at Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.

“The discreet investigation will help us uncover what truly happened,” Ovye-Aya said.

He appealed to the victim’s family, colleagues and the public to provide credible information to aid the investigation.

Read Also: Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has made a passionate appeal to police authorities and the Kogi government for justice.

Mr Timothy Aiyepeku, the deceased’s elder brother, and his uncle, Dr Ibikunle Jide, who spoke to NAN, appealed for justice.

They pleaded with Gov. Ahmed Ododo and security agencies to help unravel the mystery behind Ayobami’s gruesome murder, and punish the perpetrators.

“Now that the body has been found, we once again appeal to the Federal and Kogi governments and police authorities to uncover the mystery behind the killing.

“We commend the Police for their effort so far, and the media for ensuring the incident receives wide coverage and public attention,” they added.

Aiyepeku’s assailant had after killing him, loaded his corpse into a deep freezer and disposed it off.

It was gathered Ayobami’s body was found by residents of the area who raised an alarm.

Residents were said to have been attracted to a nearby bush in the area by foul odour from the decomposing body of the late photographer.

On sighting his corpse, residents alerted the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, who immediately arrived at the spot in company of some security agents to recover the body.

(NAN)

Why Obi will never be president of Nigeria, by Omojuwa

Posted on by
Reply

Nigerian political analyst and social media strategist, Japheth Joshua Omojuwa, has stated emphatically that Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, will never become the President of Nigeria.

Speaking during a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast, Omojuwa backed up his stance with reasons rooted in Obi’s political history and what he described as “compromises” and contradictions in Obi’s current political approach.

When asked whether his statement was too absolute—especially in a democratic environment known for surprises, Omojuwa dismissed the suggestion, noting that even former President Muhammadu Buhari emerged after several failed attempts.

He argued, however, that Obi remains a product of the same political system he now claims to oppose.

“Peter Obi was of the system, a beneficiary of the old order,” Omojuwa said. “He was governor of Anambra State under APGA. After leaving office, he tried to become aviation minister. That didn’t work, and he eventually became chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.”

Omojuwa pointed out that Obi was later removed from his SEC position by the Buhari administration, and that he continued his political journey as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate under the PDP in 2019—before repositioning himself under the Labour Party in 2023.

Read Also: Tinubu overfeeding Nigerians with false statistics – Peter Obi

“He became born again politically. Under Labour Party, he emerged as a ‘new Nigerian’—a fresh face claiming to be detached from the old political class,” he said.

“He’s returned to the same structure he once condemned”

Omojuwa criticized Obi for associating again with the very political elite he previously denounced during his 2023 campaign.

“He said the old political structure was criminal. But today, he’s shaking hands with them, sitting with them, aligning with them,” Omojuwa noted. “He hasn’t just compromised; he’s gone back to where he has always belonged.”

The outspoken commentator concluded that Obi’s political maneuvers have cost him the authenticity and uniqueness that once made him attractive to the Nigerian youth and disenchanted voters.

“Even his allies have come on this same podcast and, in different ways, admitted the same thing. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result,” he added.

Peter Obi, who emerged as a surprise third-force contender in the 2023 elections, gained widespread support from young Nigerians and civil society groups. However, his loss to President Bola Tinubu and subsequent political movements have drawn mixed reactions.

As of now, Peter Obi has not responded to Omojuwa’s comments.

Lagos urges Doctors to shelve 3-Day strike 

Posted on by
Reply

The Lagos State Government has appealed to doctors under its employment to suspend the three-day warning strike scheduled to commence today, Monday, July 28, 2025, assuring that all grievances are being addressed through ongoing negotiations.

In a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government confirmed that talks with the Medical Guild—the body representing all state-employed doctors—are still ongoing and aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution.

“A conciliation committee comprising representatives of both parties was earlier established, and submitted documents are currently under review in line with fiscal policies,” the statement read.

The state government reiterated its commitment to the welfare of healthcare professionals, stating that it deeply values the role doctors play in delivering quality care to over 20 million residents of the state.

“We urge the Medical Guild to remain on the path of dialogue while we work to resolve these issues without causing disruptions to essential healthcare services,” the statement added.

Read Also: Doctors begin 3-day warning strike in Lagos

The Medical Guild had declared the three-day strike on July 26, following what it described as repeated salary deductions without prior notification.

Speaking at a press conference, the Guild’s Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the face-off began in April 2025, when the state government made unilateral deductions from doctors’ salaries. Though those cuts were reversed after “spirited intervention,” the deductions resumed again in July, this time without explanation.

“The most senior doctor in Lagos does not earn up to $1,100. Yet, at a time of economic hardship, the state government feels salary cuts are the best way to motivate its medical workforce,” Olugbogi said.

The doctors are demanding the immediate reversal of the July salary deductions and the full payment of 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Despite the government’s appeal, the Medical Guild confirmed that doctors would withdraw services from 8am on Monday, July 28, until 8am Thursday, July 31, 2025, unless their demands are met.

The Lagos State Government has assured residents that contingency plans are being implemented to cushion the impact of the strike on healthcare delivery during the period.

Doctors begin 3-day warning strike in Lagos

Posted on by
Reply

Medical and dental doctors under the Lagos State Government have commenced a three-day warning strike to protest what they describe as an illegal deduction of their salaries by the state.

The strike was declared by the Medical Guild, the umbrella body representing all government-employed doctors in Lagos, following what it called a “breach of trust” by the state.

In a statement jointly signed by the Guild’s Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, and Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, the association expressed dismay over the unilateral reduction in doctors’ pay without prior notice or justification.

“The Lagos State Government has, without warning, deducted salaries of all medical and dental practitioners. This act is illegal, insensitive, and contrary to labour laws,” the statement read.

The Guild said that although previous dialogue with the state government led to a temporary reversal of the pay cuts and the establishment of a joint conciliation committee, the situation worsened when the state treasury office reinstated the deductions in July 2025.

Read Also: Tinubu promises to address diaspora issues

The statement also pointed to the broader challenges facing the medical profession in Nigeria, including economic hardship, inflation, and the mass exodus of healthcare workers, popularly known as the Japa syndrome.

“At a time when other states are doing everything possible to retain and motivate their health workforce, it is appalling that Lagos, Nigeria’s most prosperous state, is cutting the meagre salaries of its doctors,” the Guild said.

The Guild further revealed that no senior doctor in Lagos State earns up to $1,100 monthly, yet the government opted to reduce even that amount.

Following an emergency general assembly held on July 26, 2025, attended by over 385 doctors, the Guild resolved to withdraw services as follows:

Strike Duration: From 8am, Monday, July 28 to 8am, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Conditions for Suspension: Full reversal of the salary deductions and payment of 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH.

Next Steps: If demands are unmet, a 21-day ultimatum will follow. Failure to comply within that period will lead to an indefinite strike.

The Guild called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to personally intervene and prevent a collapse of health services across Lagos State.

“We are calling on our compassionate Governor to ensure a prompt reversal of the illegal deductions to maintain industrial harmony in the health sector,” the statement concluded.

The Lagos State Government is yet to issue an official response at the time of this report.

US tops list of worst drivers in the World 2025

Posted on by
Reply

A recent global ranking has named the United States as the country with the worst drivers in the world in 2025, according to a report shared by data platform StatiSense, citing The Travel.

The list, which highlights 20 countries, evaluates driver behavior, road safety, traffic law adherence, and accident rates.

The ranking points to a mix of developed and developing countries, showing that traffic issues and unsafe driving are a global challenge, not restricted by economic status. Analysts say factors like aggressive driving, over-speeding, distracted driving, poor road infrastructure, and lack of enforcement contribute to the poor ratings.

Surprisingly, Nigeria ranks 13th on the list, a position that reinforces growing concerns over poor driving habits, disregard for traffic laws, and increasing road accidents across the country.

Read Also: Seven new requirements for U.S. visa applicants in Nigeria

In Nigeria, road safety advocates have long called for stricter penalties for traffic violations, better driver education, and investment in modern road infrastructure to reduce accidents and fatalities.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recently reported a rise in fatal road crashes, mostly attributed to human error, mechanical failure, and poor compliance with traffic regulations.

As global travel and transportation continue to evolve, experts are urging countries to prioritize road safety policies to reduce the human and economic cost of dangerous driving.

Here top 20 Countries with the worst drivers in 2025

1. United States

2. Turkey

3. Brazil

4. Philippines

5. Romania

6. Iran

7.Mozambique

8. Ghana

9. Indonesia

10. Libya

11. Liberia

12. Mexico

13. Nigeria

14. Malawi

15. Thailand

16. Russia

17. India

18. China

19. Saudi Arabia

20. Egypt

Court orders NYSC to permit skirts for female corps members on religious grounds

Posted on by
Reply

In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) policy mandating trousers as the only uniform option for female corps members is unconstitutional and violates the right to freedom of religion.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the judgment on June 13, 2025, in a consolidated suit filed by two former corps members, Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, who challenged the NYSC’s refusal to allow them wear skirts during their service year, citing their Christian beliefs.

The applicants argued that wearing trousers conflicted with their religious convictions, referencing Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpret as a biblical prohibition against women wearing clothing traditionally associated with men.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020, the NYSC and its Director-General were listed as respondents.

Read Also: Top 10 States with the best NYSC Orientation Camps in Nigeria 2025

Justice Yilwa ruled that: “The refusal of the NYSC to allow female corps members wear skirts on religious grounds constitutes a violation of their constitutionally protected rights to freedom of religion, human dignity, and protection from degrading treatment.”

The court granted all the reliefs sought by the applicants, including: Recognition and allowance of skirts as a uniform option for female corps members with religious objections; An order compelling NYSC to recall the affected ex-corps members and issue their NYSC discharge certificates; A declaration that the harassment, humiliation, and embarrassment they endured at the hands of NYSC officials was unlawful.

Although the applicants sought ₦10 million each in damages, the court awarded ₦500,000 each, describing it as adequate under the circumstances.

The case was pursued under the 2009 Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and relevant articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

This ruling is expected to reshape NYSC’s dress code policy, particularly for female corps members who hold strong religious views about modest dressing.

As of press time, the NYSC is yet to issue an official response.

WAFCON: Tinubu to host Super Falcons in Abuja on Monday

Posted on by
Reply

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to host Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, following their triumphant performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

According to sources, the team is expected to arrive in Nigeria late Sunday night, after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in Saturday’s thrilling final.

The win marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, further cementing the Super Falcons’ status as the most successful women’s national team in Africa.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

President Tinubu, who had earlier approved the payment of the team’s outstanding bonuses and allowances ahead of the final, is expected to reward the players and officials handsomely during the reception.

The comeback victory, which saw the Falcons recover from a 2-0 deficit, has drawn widespread praise from fans and stakeholders, celebrating the team’s resilience, fighting spirit, and dominance on the continent.

The reception at the State House will serve as a formal recognition of their historic achievement and a morale booster ahead of future international competitions.

Niger Boat Mishap: 13 bodies recovered, many still missing

Posted on by
Reply

The death toll from Saturday’s boat tragedy in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 13, with many passengers still unaccounted for, according to emergency officials.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Minna on Sunday.

“So far, we have been able to recover 13 corpses while the search for other passengers is still ongoing,” Arah stated.

The ill-fated boat, which was overloaded with traders and goods, capsized around 11:45 a.m. along Kwata village, as passengers were en route to the Zumba weekly market.

Although the boat operator and a few passengers were rescued immediately after the incident, several others remain missing. One survivor who was admitted to the General Hospital in Kuta has since been treated and discharged.

Read Also: Boat mishap claims 25 lives, including 10 members of one family in Niger

Local divers, volunteers, and community members continue frantic search and recovery operations, hoping to find more victims, dead or alive.

While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities suspect that overloading and poor safety compliance, especially on market days, may have contributed to the tragedy.

“We are yet to determine the remote cause of the mishap, but we will get the details later,” Arah added.

This latest incident underscores long-standing concerns about the neglect of safety guidelines in rural water transportation. Despite repeated efforts by the state government, N-HYPPADEC, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to distribute life jackets, enforcement has been weak, and compliance remains low among boat operators.

Residents and advocacy groups have renewed calls for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent further avoidable deaths in the region.