Thursday, April 18

New Commissioners Sworn-in by Gov. Ododo
18Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

New Commissioners Sworn-in by Gov. Ododo

Two new Commissioners have been sworn in by Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, as part of his cabinet. These Commissioners took their oaths during the inaugural State Executive Council meeting at the government house in Lokoja. Dr. Helen Aderibigbe will oversee the Innovation, Science, and Technology portfolio, while Atuluku Victor Levi has been appointed as the Commissioner for Transport. In his address to the State Executive Council members, the Governor emphasized the importance of dedication to their roles, urging them to work diligently for the advancement of a united and progressive Kogi state. He stressed the need for the Commissioners to fulfill the trust placed in them by the public and to be proactive in their responsibilities, given the untapped natural resources...
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18Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

University of Ibadan’s School Fees Increase Met with Criticism from Rights Group, ERC

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) branch at the University of Ibadan has strongly opposed the recent increment in school fees for new students at the institution. For the 2023/2024 academic session, the new fees for incoming students range from N230,000 to N412,000, depending on the courses they are enrolled in. This marks a significant hike of 453% to 750% compared to the fees charged in the previous academic session, which ranged from N64,600 to N69,600. In response to this fee increase, the ERC has condemned the decision, labeling it as callous, unjustifiable, and detrimental to the less privileged. According to a statement signed by ERC Coordinator Akin Paul, the group expressed concerns that the higher fees would exacerbate the financial burden on the parents and guardians of th...
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18Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Former Real Madrid Star Denies Being a Millionaire After Selling Shirt to Fan

Dani Lorenzo, a former player in the Real Madrid youth system, made it clear that he is not a millionaire. Recently, he gained attention online following a viral video capturing his interaction with a fan. The incident took place after Malaga CF's 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid B on Sunday. Lorenzo found himself in the spotlight due to an exchange that highlighted the passion of football fans and the humility of players. A dedicated supporter took the opportunity to ask Lorenzo for his match-worn shirt. However, Lorenzo politely explained that he couldn't give it away due to the club's policy on shirt distribution. Despite the initial refusal, the fan persisted and surprised everyone by offering a 50-euro note to buy Lorenzo’s shirt. Surprised but touched by the fan's sincerity, Lor...
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Driver in Lagos Apprehended by Police for Possession of Dangerous Weapons
18Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Driver in Lagos Apprehended by Police for Possession of Dangerous Weapons

During the early hours of Thursday, a driver named Azeez Babatunde was apprehended by operatives from the Maroko Division of the Lagos State Police Command. The police recovered a cache of weapons from his minibus during the operation. According to a statement released on Thursday by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer of the command, the arrest was made after anti-crime patrol officers noticed the minibus making a sudden U-turn upon spotting them on Hakeem Dickson Street at around 5 am. Following a brief chase, six individuals exited the vehicle and attempted to flee in different directions. However, the officers managed to apprehend the driver, Azeez Babatunde, who was the only remaining person in the minibus. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, law enforcement of...
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<body> <header> The Loan-to-Deposit Ratio Adjusted by CBN
18Apr By Afolake IbidunNo Comments
Business

The Loan-to-Deposit Ratio Adjusted by CBN

In a move to enhance lending capacity, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decreased the Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) of deposit money banks from 65% to 50%. Dr. Adetona Adedeji, the Acting Director of the Banking Supervision Department at CBN, communicated this change to all banks in a recent letter. Aligning with banks' Cash Reserve Ratio of 45%, the reduction in LDR is part of CBN's efforts to strengthen monetary policy and foster increased lending in the real sector. Highlighting the need to adjust the LDR policy in line with the current tightening of monetary policy, CBN has decided on a 15-percentage point reduction to bring the LDR to 50%, mirroring the recent hike in banks' CRR. All deposit money bank...
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Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Delayed Due to Absence, N84bn Fraud Case
18Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Delayed Due to Absence, N84bn Fraud Case

The arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, was halted at the Federal High Court Abuja yesterday. He was scheduled to face charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving an alleged money laundering scheme amounting to N84 billion. During the court session, the EFCC counsel, Kemi Phinro, informed the judge that Bello was not present for the arraignment, citing his protection by an individual with immunity. In response to this, Justice Emeka Nwite decided to adjourn the case until April 23rd. Further details on this developing situation will be provided soon…
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Court Denies Ex-Gov Obiano’s Request to Drop Fraud Charges, Will Face Trial
18Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Court Denies Ex-Gov Obiano’s Request to Drop Fraud Charges, Will Face Trial

A challenge made by former Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, against the prosecution powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been rejected by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Obiano, who is facing trial on nine counts of alleged N4bn theft, was arraigned on January 24. His lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, filed a preliminary objection questioning EFCC's authority to prosecute him and requested the court to dismiss the charges, citing them as an abuse of the judicial process. The former governor argued that there was no substantial evidence against him. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled on the matter on Thursday, finding the application lacking in merit and ordering its dismissal. Further details to be provided later…
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Paul Offor’s Farewell Letter to Sporting Lagos Post Termination
18Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Paul Offor’s Farewell Letter to Sporting Lagos Post Termination

A touching message was shared by the former head coach of Sporting Lagos, Paul Offor, following his recent dismissal from the club. Offor's tenure with Sporting Lagos came to an end on Wednesday night amidst a turbulent debut season in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL. He successfully guided the club to promotion to the top-flight league from the Nigeria National League, NNL, within a year of its establishment. Initially struggling near the relegation zone, Sporting Lagos saw an upturn in performance during the latter part of the season. The team's final game under Offor's leadership was a 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars on Tuesday. In his heartfelt message, Offor expressed gratitude to the players, management, and all those who contributed to his 15-month tenure at the club. ...
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Warning from Tinubu: Agitators for Yoruba Nation will face consequences
18Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Warning from Tinubu: Agitators for Yoruba Nation will face consequences

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to ethnic agitators who pose a threat to Nigeria's sovereignty and unity, stating that they will be held accountable for their actions. This warning comes in the wake of Yoruba Nation agitators invading the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex in Agodi, Ibadan. A video clip circulating online shows the agitators dressed in camouflage and armed with weapons, proclaiming the independence of the ‘Democratic Republic of the Yoruba’. During a meeting with leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural body, Afenifere, headed by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Tinubu addressed the incident. Tinubu emphasized: “Those who believe they can challenge Nigeria's sovereignty will face the consequences. “They will have to bear the consequences of their actions, and we wil...
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Suspect Nabbed for Slashing Okada Rider’s Throat and Stealing Motorcycle
18Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Suspect Nabbed for Slashing Okada Rider’s Throat and Stealing Motorcycle

Police in Nasarawa State have apprehended a man believed to be involved in a motorcycle theft incident in Masaka. The arrest was conducted by officers from Masaka Division, as indicated in a statement released by DSP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer for Nasarawa State, on Thursday and shared with the press. Reports from Nansel suggest that Ibrahim Isiaka, who resides in Riverside, Masaka, allegedly cooperated with another person to rob a commercial motorcyclist. As per Nansel, the event unfolded when Isiaka boarded a commercial motorcycle with intentions to journey to Bigmali along Jankanwa road in Masaka. But midway through the trip, Isiaka purportedly launched an assault on the rider with a blade, slicing his throat and making off with the motorcycle. The communica...
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