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NIGERIA’s badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, has secured his seventh African title after a 2-0 (21-7, 23-21) victory over Egypt’s Adham Elgamal. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Opeyori achieved the victory at the just concluded men’s singles final of the All-Africa Senior Badminton Championship in Douala, Cameroon. Opeyori came into the tournament as the defending champion and re-affirmed his dominance with a flawless run to the title. He began his campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria’s M. Ouchefoun in the Round of 32, followed by another straight-set win against Reunion’s T. Cougouille in the Round of 16. In the quarter-finals, he overcame a tough challenge from Mauritius’ J. Bongout, securing a 2-1 victory. The semi-final clash saw him dispatch Morocco’s Bourroum Nolem in straight sets before clinching the title with his final win against Elgamal. His final match saw the Nigerian star showcase his experience, composure, and technical brilliance. He storm...

A U.S. military plane carrying 112 illegal Indian immigrants on Monday landed at an airport in the northern Indian city of Amritsar, officials said. The third batch of Indians deported from the U.S. is part of President Donald Trump’s campaign against illegal immigrants in his country. According to the officials, the C-17 U.S. military aircraft landed at the airport in Amritsar on Sunday night. The officials said that the deportees would be allowed to head to their homes after completion of all formalities, including immigration, verification and background checks. On Saturday night, a U.S. military plane brought 116 Indian immigrants to Amritsar. Earlier on Feb. 5, 104 Indians had been sent back from the United States. Immediately after Trump took over as U.S. president for the second time, he started a massive crackdown on illegal immigrants. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in the U.S. last week, said India would take back any of its citizens living illegally in the U.S....

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) has partnered Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation (BOF) to enhance healthcare infrastructure and access to quality care in the country. Mr Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC, said this during the handover of medical equipment to the foundation on Monday in Lagos. Omotowa said the donated medical equipment would improve the quality of care provided by the foundation and touch the lives of countless individuals and their families. “This joint initiative demonstrates our commitment to giving back to our community and including the lives of individuals. “Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of societal development, and Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation has been at the forefront, providing essential medical services to those in need, especially women. “By equipping the foundation with state-of-the-art medical equipment, we aim to support their mission and help bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare services,” he sa...

THE Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says Nigeria needs to diversify its economy into non-oil resources to accelerate economic development. Edun said this on Monday in Abuja, at the National Treasury Workshop with the theme, “Nigeria’s Revenue Challenges and the Way Forward: Exploring Non-Oil Alternatives” According to Edun, who was represented by Mrs Lydia Shehu, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, the theme of the workshop is both timely and imperative. “It underscores the urgent need to rethink our revenue generation strategies. “This is especially in light of the volatile nature of oil revenues which has long been the backbone of our economy but recently facing a downturn. “We must, therefore, embrace a diversified economic approach that taps into the immense potential of non-oil sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, tourism, digital economy and creative industries,” he said. He said that the recent global ...

By Anthony Isibor AYO Adeniyi, Executive Director, The Welding Federation, TWF, says that Africa, and indeed Nigeria must commercialize research, especially in the oil and gas sector if it must own its solutions. Adeniyi told Realnews in Lagos that energy experts in Nigeria and Africa cannot completely decide what happens in the sector until they are able to develop indigenously owned solutions through research and development. The Executive Director of TWF wondered how leaders in the industry can insist on continuing the production of fossils when they do not own the technologies used in the exploration of crude oil? He explained that the developed nations will continue to control the narrative, especially with the energy transition agenda until Nigeria and Africa begin to “Own the Solutions” by investing in research. “You change the narrative by investing in research you don’t wake up overnight and say we are chasing the white man and bringing a black. If you now do your own research...

Afolabi Olajuwon Guest Columnist Enhancing Communication Skills for Government Officials Through Public Relations Training Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon on In the contemporary structure of governance, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of democratic engagement and public trust. As governments around the world face increasing scrutiny and rising expectations from citizens, the need for skilled communicators within public administration has never been more critical. I will be discussing how structured public relations training for government officials can substantially enhance communication capabilities, fostering more positive perceptions of governance and nurturing a thriving relationship between the government and its constituents. Government officials frequently serve as the first point of contact between the state and its citizens. In an era characterized by rapid information dissemination through digital platforms and the 24-hour news cycle, the messages conveyed by these offic...

LEADER of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo  Adebanjo , is dead. The late chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) passed away peacefully on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, at the age of 96. The news of his passing was contained in a statement jointly signed on behalf of the family by Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo. The family noted that consultations were ongoing with the deceased’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral for him. “He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement read. Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group (AG), is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-gran...

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate reversal of the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike. Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, made this demand in a communiqué jointly signed with Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the NLC, on Wednesday in Abuja. The communiqué was issued at the conclusion of the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the NLC, held in Lokoja, Kogi State. It is important to recall that the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) had declared a one-day mass rally at all Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) offices across the country in response to the proposed 50 per cent tariff hike. The Federal Government and the NLC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which set up a 10-man committee to deliberate on the matter within two weeks and report back on the key concerns raised by the Congress. However, the telecom companies went ahead and implemented the new tariff hike. Ajaero condemned the action by the telecom...

By Ali Illuminati Sadiq NO single individual in the last two and a half century dares take on the illuminati as Trump is currently doing and unknown to many, he is doing a great service to humanity. Though many could not see it, simply because they don’t know what the illuminati represents and what they are trying to achieve. If you really think Trump is a fool, you are absolutely being fooled. Let me give an overview.  The original Illuminati was founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, a German philosopher and atheist, with the sole aim of working towards a common goal of achieving world domination or control. It is the idea of creating a group of powerful individuals and organizations working together to create one-world government that would control all aspect of life. The secret society plans on using the promotion of reason, science and progress to create their new world order, the “Norvus Ordo Seclorum” an order that writes God out of the picture and deifies Lucifer. The author of...

REP. Ahmed Jaha (APC–Borno) has raised concerns about certain provisions in the Tax Reform Bill that need to be addressed before it becomes law. Jaha voiced his concerns on Wednesday during an interview after the House of Representatives passed the bill for a second reading in Abuja. He criticised a clause granting the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) the powers of the Board Chairman, calling it questionable. According to Jaha, this clause gives the CEO absolute authority, making the officer both judge and jury in their own case. “The provision allowing the NRS CEO to also serve as Board Chairman is unfair and improper. As the saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely. “You cannot be both CEO and Board Chairman. Essentially, you cannot act as judge in your own case whenever the need arises,” he added. He stated that lawmakers agreed to allow the second reading to extract a commitment from the House Leader that VAT would not increase in the next two or...

…. calls for inclusive multilateralism DEPITY Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has emphasized the need to redefine multilateralism to accommodate the pressing needs of developing countries. Representing Nigeria at the Heads of Parliaments meeting on Tuesday at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America, USA, preparatory for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland in July under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Kalu stressed that the current multilateral approach is driven by the Global North, leaving the Global South to face significant developmental challenges.  He urged the United Nations to give Africa, especially Nigeria a permanent seat at the Security Council.  According to reports, multilateralism refers to the practice of multiple countries working together to address common challenges, promote shared interests, and establish common standards.  This ...

THE equities market on Monday started the week on a mixed note as the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. All-Share Index (NGX ASI) depreciated by 0.04 per cent. The NGX ASI dipped by 41.70 basis points or 0.04 per cent to close at 105,891.33 basis points. However, market capitalisation surged by 0.73 per cent or N477 billion to close at N66.069 trillion. Meanwhile, the overall downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks. They include Julius Berger Nigeria, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Fidelity Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO). The market breadth was positive as 44 stocks advanced, while 25 declined. Beta Glass, Smart Products Nigeria and Stanbic IBTC Holdings recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N95.15, 22k and N68.20 per share, respectively. Honeywell Flour Mills followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent to close at N10.47, while Eterna and Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM) rose by 9.96 per cent each to close...

AFRICA’S digital trade and trade in services landscape has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Indeed, digital trade is transforming the continent’s economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction. This important shift has occurred as the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, Agreement and its Protocols have begun to play a crucial role in increasing intra-African trade, driving economic growth and development across the continent. In particular, the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, the first of its kind in the world, and the Protocol on Trade in Services are critical game-changers at this pivotal moment, an inflection point in the continent’s journey. 2. Digital Trade and Trade in Services: Opportunities for Africa   The AfCFTA is expected to increase intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030, AfDB, 2022.1 Digital trade is a key part of this, with the i...

… directs security operatives to arrest trouble makers THE Osun State Government has been drawn to the judgement of Court of Appeal, delivered today, Monday, 10th of February, 2025 wherein the originating summons filed by the PDP to challenge the validity of the election held on 15th of October 2022 was dismissed on the ground that the notice of the election had not been published by OSSIEC before the suit was filed. The government stated that “The simple implication of today’s judgement is that the PDP never filed any case to challenge the validity of that election.” According to the government, “However, there’s another suit filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) against INEC, OSSIEC, APM Babarinde Nurudeen Idowu, APGA, APC and Prince Gboyega Famodun which challenged the validity of the local government election held on the 15th of October, 2022. “In its judgement in the Suit No FHC/OS/CS/103/22, the Federal High Court nullified the local govt election conducted by OSSIE...

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.  These changes are effective immediately. At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as vice-chancellor.  Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently pro-chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed pro-chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education. To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as acting vice chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive vice chancellor position when it becomes available. In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emek...

SPECIAL Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah has said the state government is committed to building capacity of the government’s media team for effective public policy communication. Hon. Isah stated this at a specialized training for members of the government house media team on innovation in public policy communication held at the Government House Media Centre in Lokoja.  He noted that the training is part of efforts to enhance public policy communication and foster transparency and accountability in governance in commemoration of the first anniversary of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in office as the Governor of Kogi state.  He said the session which brought together members of the Government House Media Team and the media team from the Office of the First Lady, would help to improve strategic communication skills among members of the team.  He expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for prioritizing capacity building by the media team an...

WHEN the hands that once clasped in solidarity between political associates transform into fists of fury, the consequences are catastrophic. The very foundations of trust crumble, leaving behind a landscape of shattered alliances, broken vows, and irreparable damage.  The Nigerian political landscape, once thought to be a bastion of unity and cooperation, is forever fractured, a testament to the destructive power of betrayal and the fleeting nature of loyalty in the corridors of power. The political landscape is often a stage where friendships blossom and wither, alliances shift like desert sands, and yesterday’s comrades become today’s rivals.   A stark illustration of Nigeria’s conflicting political landscape is the deteriorating relationship between Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara. What was once a formidable alliance has devolved into a bitter ...

In compliance with the Presidential directives on massive orientation of the general public on the dangers of fuel scooping, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have reached a compromise to commence a nationwide orientation campaign against fuel scooping and other road vices. This directive is an immediate response to the recent spate of devastating petrol tankers explosions in Niger, Jigawa, as well as Enugu States and the fatalities that occurred as a result of the scooping that followed suite leading to loss of over 200 lives and left hundreds more injured.  The agreement which was reached during a meeting that held at the National Headquarters of the Corps on Thursday 06 February, 2025. Corps x-rayed the dangers of fuel scooping and the need for urgent action to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Director General, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu who spoke extensively stated that FRSC and NOA will work togeth...

THE Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has closed its case at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and it’s candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo dragged INEC, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and Gov. Monday Okpebholo to the tribunal challenging the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election. When the matter was called on Thursday, lead counsel to INEC Mr Kanu Agabi told the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three member tribunal that after careful consideration, the commission has decided not to call any witness but to close its case.(NAN)

AFRICA must take bold steps to own its resources, create jobs and build industries that sustain prosperity for generations, African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, has told African leaders, policymakers, mining industry leaders and global partners at the African Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday. In a keynote address at the ministerial symposium of the Indaba, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President of the Afreximbank Group, argued that the continent was standing at a crossroads and could either continue exporting its wealth and remain a marginal player in the global economy or take the bold steps to own its resources. He noted that “While the global mining industry generated approximately US$1.7 trillion in revenue in 2023, Africa’s share of this wealth remains disproportionately low. Our continent extracts the raw materials that power the world’s industries, yet it is estimated that we retain as little as between four per cent and 20 per cent of the total...