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Articles by Samuel Akpan
Justice Crack: Are Criticisms of Welfare Demoralizing the Nigerian Military?
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Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Troops to Benin
This comes in the wake of a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. Tinubu's letter, was presented and read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. According to the letter, the move is in furtherance to a request received from the Government of Benin Republic who have reported the need for urgent external intervention.
ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency in West Africa
The declaration was made known on Tuesday during the 55th session of the mediation and security council, at the ministerial level in Abuja by Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission. According to him, the developments underlines the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”
NELFUND: Student Loan Scheme Records One Million Applications
In a statement on Sunday to announce the milestone, Director, Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the feat comes a little over a year since its official launch on May 24, 2025. Elaborating further on the achievement, Oseyemi revealed that over N116bn in student loans, covering both institutional fees and upkeep allowances had so far been disbursed to students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country in that period of time.
Alleged Genocide: Tinubu to Meet Trump Over Christian Killings - Presidency
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in the wake of comments by Donald Trump which accused the Nigerian government of ignoring attacks on the Christian sect. According to Bwala, the misconception about the nature of terrorist attacks in Nigeria which needs clarification, as well as issues of counterterrorism cooperation would form the focus of the meeting.
Tinubu Swears In Amupitan As INEC Chairman
Amupitan arrived the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for his formal swearing-in on Thursday morning after being confirmed as chairman of the electoral body following his appearance before the Senate for screening at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on October 16. Upon his arrival for the ceremony, the 58-year-old Professor of Law, University of Jos, exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries gathered which was scheduled to begin at 1pm.
Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyers Withdraw From Case
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and the other SANs on Thursday applied their withdrawal, informing the court that the defendant had decided to take back the case from them. Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, filed against him by the Federal Government.
Tinubu Nominates Bernard Doro as Humanitarian Minister
This was contained in a letter to the Senate for confirmation and announced by the State House. Doro's nomination is in the wake of former minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda's move to become the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following her elections in July.
NELFUND: Student Portal Opens for 2025/2026 Academic Session
This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday by the body's Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi. According to him, the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. The statement further detailed the processes involved, noting that new students are to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.
Joy Ogah Becomes Nigeria’s Vice President for a Day
A statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday said the handover event took place on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
Senate Confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman
Amupitana was confirmed on Thursday afternoon after appearing before the Red Chamber for screening at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The exercise, which began at 12:55pm following the arrival of the Professor of Law, University of Jos, who was in the company of his family members, as well as Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries, ended with a voice vote by the lawmakers.
Peter Mbah Defends Defection to APC From PDP
Mbah announced his decision in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday in Enugu, noting that the decision to defect from the PDP would give rise to an era of progress and development for the state. According to him, a desire for a visionary partnership also necessitated the move. Speaking in the company of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his immediate predecessor, he said: “Today, after a long period of reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC.
FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles Slip Further Globally and on the Continent
The three-time continental champions, ranked 44th globally in July, lost their spot to fellow African giants, Cote d'Ivoire, slipping to 45th. Eric Sekou Chelle's team also dropped in the continental rankings, slipping outside of the top five to rank sixth.
Lagos State Suspends All Land Reclamation Projects
In a press release on Thursday, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab revealed the suspension takes effect immediately. According to him, environmental risks necessitated the decision with the state's "low-lying topography and fragile ecosystem" susceptible to the grave consequences posed by reclamation activities.
DSS Sues Sowore, X, and Meta Over Anti-Tinubu Posts
A five-count charge was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the agency and the Nigerian government by Muhammed Abubakar, a Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, as well as other lawyers for the DSS. including M.E. Ernest, U.B. Bulla, Dr. C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor. The suit listed social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporated as defendants, for failing to accommodate the DSS' demand to delete Sowore’s accounts.
UK Warns International Students Not to Overstay Visas
The BBC reports that tens of thousands of foreign students are being contacted directly by text and email and told they will be removed from the UK if they overstay their visas. The move, launched by the Home Office, is aimed at combating the increasing number of international students who legally arrived the country on student visas, but go on to claim asylum upon the expiration of those visas.
President Tinubu Approves Reduction in Cost of Kidney Dialysis
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Information revealed this in a post on X on Monday. According to him, the reduction, which goes from the current N500000 per session price to N12000, is aimed at bringing "relief to the many thousands suffering from kidney-related diseases." He also noted that the implementation of the subsidized rate is already underway across federal hospitals in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Benin and Calabar.
Salah Hits Out at UEFA Over Tribute to Palestinian Footballer
The Egyptian international responded to the post by the European football governing body which paid tribute to the footballer but didn't touch on the circumstances surrounding his death. 41-year-old Obeid was killed on Wednesday in an Israeli attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza Strip, as announced on Thursday by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). On Friday, UEFA in a post on X wrote: "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pele'.
Super Falcons: Justin Madugu nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or Award
The announcements were made on Thursday by France Football, the French magazine that presents the Ballon d'Or. The nomination for the Super Falcons tactician comes in the wake of the team's victorious outing at the just concluded Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco, where they won the continent's biggest prize for a record tenth time.
Ondo State: Court Affirms Aiyedatiwa’s Election
The All Progressives' Congress candidate was declared winner of the Novermber 16, 2024 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after having a total of 366,781 votes at the polls. In their judgement on Thursday, Justices Nimpar Yargata, K.I. Amadi, and I.M. Sani, unanimously dismissed the appeals, ruling that the claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act were unsubstantiated.
President Tinubu Extends Tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs
This was announced by the Presidency on Thursday through a statement released by Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the extension is for a period of one year and comes as recognition by the president for his "steadfast leadership and commitment to service." The current tenure was due to come to an end on August 31, 2025.
Nurses Say Demands Must Be Met Before Strike is Suspended
She revealed this while speaking on Thursday after a meeting by the union with the Labour Minister on Tuesday following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued the government by the union. According to her, the nurses' return to work is dependent on the government who have asked for a change in decision. She said: “That is what the government will definitely ask for — that we should suspend the strike so they can look at our demands. “We are not comfortable with that.
Super Falcons: Onanuga Defends President Tinubu's Cash Reward to Team
The Justin Madugu-led side won the continent's biggest prize on Sunday after defeating their Moroccan counterparts 3-2 in a hard-fought game in Rabat. Receiving the team and the trophy on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu announced a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew.
A Threat Against Obi is a Threat Against All of Us- Atiku
He stated this on Tuesday in a short post on his X handle. He said: "Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!" Atiku’s comments comes in the wake of comments by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo who cautioned Obi against visiting the state without obtaining security clearance. Obi was in Edo State on July 7, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for ongoing infrastructure projects.
Natasha Denied Entry Upon Return to the National Assembly
The Senator representing Kogi Central district reportedly arrived at about noon in a black car but was stopped at the first gate of the National Assembly by security operatives. Upon alighting from her car and walking into the National Assembly premises in the company of her supporters, she was again denied entry at the second gate and told to turn back. She was accompanied by activist, Aisha Yesufu. After several attempts to gain access, Natasha left expressing irritation at the move.
'I Will Be There' - Natasha Akpoti Vows to Resume At Senate on Tuesday
This she revealed in her hometown of Kogi on Saturday. The Senator representing Kogi Central district says her decision is in line with the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja that asked for her recall from suspension by the Senate. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio is appealing that decision, taking it to the Court of Appeal in Abuja. According to her, the intention to resume on Tuesday, 22nd of July 2025, has been communicated in a letter to the Senate.
Tinubu Mourns Buhari, Orders Flags to Fly At Half-Staff
Buhari died on Sunday in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.
JAMB: Senate Proposes Establishment of CBT Centres in All 774 LGs
This suggestion was made during Thursday's plenary session at the chambers by the lawmakers who noted this would help prevent future occurrences. Mohammed Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND noted the absence of CBT centres in some parts of the country is a serious concern. According to him, there would be budgetary provision for this purpose in the 2026 fiscal year.
Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Drops To 24.48%
This was revealed on Tuesday in Abuja by Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran. According to the NBS, there was a drop from 34.80% in December 2024. Adeniran who noted that while urban inflation stood at 26.09%, said rural inflation was slightly lower at 22.15%. He added that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities showed the drop to 24.48% in January.
Rahmon Adedoyin Killing: Court Upholds Death Sentence
Industrialist and owner of Hilton Hotels and Resort, Rahmon Adedoyin was convicted and sentenced to death by the lower court in Osun state back in October 2024 for his involvement in the murder of the MBA student. In its ruling, the appeals court maintained the accused was appropriately condemned. Recall that the deceased Timothy Adegoke had on November 5, 2021 travelled to Ile-Ife to write his Master of Business Administration exams at the OAU Distance Learning Centre.
Libya vs Nigeria: CAF Awards Game to Nigeria By Forfeit
The continent's football governing body, through its disciplinary board, has found the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) in breach of Articles 82 and 151 of its Disciplinary Code and in violation of Article 31 of its AFCON Regulations. In a statement on its website and signed by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of CAF's Disciplinary Board, CAF declared the game lost by forfeit by Libya by a score of 3-0.
UAE Visa: Nigerians to Pay Over N600,000 for DVN
These are two of the (updated) five conditions set by the Middle Eastern country for visa application for Nigerians after lifting restrictions earlier placed. In addition to the requirements mentioned above, round-trip flight tickets, proof of hotel booking confirmed and paid and a visa fee payment proof (paid with a credit card at the UAE Visa entre in Abuja) are necessary.
Samoa Agreement: Reps Ask FG to Suspend Implementation
This was after a motion sponsored by 88 of its members on the grounds of controversial clauses in the agreement. Calling the attention of the government on Tuesday to the clause that underlines gender equality, Representative Aliyu Madaki noted it could be a stratagem that degrades the morals of the country.
President Tinubu Creates Ministry of Livestock Development
President Bola Tinubu revealed this at the Council Chamber in the State House, Abuja while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms on Tuesday. The committee is tasked with providing recommendations that would help bring about better economic well-being and security for Nigerians and harmony between farmers and herders.
Super Eagles: Minister Summons NFF Over Poor Performances
Finidi George and his team have come under heavy flak after a 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo on Friday, and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on Monday in Cote d'Ivoire. The results left the AFCON 2024 runner-up not only winless in their group, but also leaves them lying fifth in the six-man group with three points after four rounds of matches.
Organized Labour Suspends Strike
The union, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), began their industrial action on Monday over disagreement on the new minimum wage and electricity tariff hike. The president of the TUC, Festus Osifo, revealed this on Tuesday after a joint executive council meeting in Abuja. More details to come.
Senate Okays National Anthem Bill 2024
The anthem, composed in the wake of the country's independence on October 1, 1960, and dropped for the current anthem- Arise, O compatriots- during Olusegun Obasanjo's military regime in 1978, had also been passed by the House of Representatives.
Minimum Wage: Labour Rejects FG's New N60,000 Offer
This is because the federal government's newest proposal of N60,000 has been turned down by the union who are insisting on N494,000 The latest rejection on Tuesday is the fourth proposal in about two weeks from the government since both parties began talks, although Organized Labour has budged from its initial ₦497,000 stance. The government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) had initially proposed ₦48,000 and ₦54,000 last week, sums which were rejected by the organised labour.
Court Upholds CBN's Policy of Collecting Social Media Handles from Customers
This is according to a Federal High Court ruling in Lagos which held that this part of the CBN's Know-Your-Customer procedure was anything but unconstitutional and undemocratic.
EFCC Questions Bobrisky Over Naira Abuse
A post on its official X account on Thursday confirmed the commencement of investigation into Bobrisky's alleged spraying of naira notes. According to the commission, a video report shows the "spraying and flaunting wads of new naira notes" at the premiere of Hollywood actor and producer, Eniola Ajao's new film, Ajakaju. The event took place on 24 March 2024 at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki.
Senate Confirms Hafsat Bakari as NFIU Director
The Senate made this confirmation on Tuesday after President Bola Tinubu approved her nomination to serve as the Director/CEO of the financial body. Before approval by the Senate, Senator Udende Memga’s report on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes was extensively considered.
Osimhen Scoops Italian FA Footballer of the Year Award
The Super Eagles striker on Monday scooped the Italian Footballers’ Association Footballer of the Year following his remarkable performances for the Neapolitans during the 2022–23 season. Osimhen's 26 goals helped I Partenopei (The Parthenopeans) bag the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years last season under their now former manager, Luciano Spalletti, and also reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Disclose the Deficit Inherited - Obi to FG
This is the view of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi. The former Anambra state governor gave this call on his official X handle in a series of posts on Thursday and in reaction to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu's claim on Monday that the current administration was left a bankrupt country by the previous administration. According to Obi, the previous APC administration equally made the same claim of inheriting debts.
No Merger Plans with PDP - LP
This is in reaction to a call from former vice-president and flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar who suggested opposition parties in the country come together in a bid to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
APC Criticizes Atiku's One-Party Merger Call
The former vice-president and flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election made this suggestion when he hosted the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC), led by its National President, Mr Yabagi Sani. Atiku's Media Aide, Mr Paul Ibe made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Publicity and Player Welfare Crucial to Women's Football Development in Nigeria - Kanu
That renaissance couldn't kick-off without the proffering of solutions to the issues gnawing away at the progress of the game in the country. Well, the clearest indication yet to those solutions themselves may have been provided if the words of one Super Falcon are to be believed. 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup participant and goalscorer, Uchenna Kanu believes revamping the publicity around women's football and improving on player welfare are essential steps to help progress the game.
Hilda Baci Dethroned, Congratulates New World Record Holder
Irishman, Alan Fisher was named by the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Tuesday as the new record holder after completing over 118 hours of cooking. The Irish Chef according to the GWR "cooked for an incredible 119 hours and 57 minutes at his restaurant in Japan", eclipsing Hilda Baci's by more than 24 hours. Hilda broke the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes back in June.
CBN Denies Plans to Restructure the Naira
This is according to the Central Bank of Nigeria which says any such narrative is completely "misleading." The apex bank Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, pouring cold water on reports which suggested the financial body was planning to redenominate the naira effective January 2024.
Rivers: Wike, Fubara Meet In Abuja, PDP Calls for Peace
This is because the Rivers State Governor reportedly met with former governor of the state, Nyesome Wike at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. Fubara, a little over 24 hours ago had impeachment proceedings launched against him by the state House of Assembly for acts of gross misconduct regarding his office.
NDDC Board: Reps Screen Designates
Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr, Chairperson, House Committee on NDDC and House Committee on Media and Public Affairs respectively made this known in a statement jointly signed on Thursday. At the screening, NDDC Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director/CEO designates, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, elaborated on their vision for the commission via a presentation.
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