The Federal Government has approved ₦2bn each as take-off grants for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe in Epe, Lagos State, as part of efforts to support their early operations. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of key officials appointed to lead the two institutions. Among those inaugurated were Prof. Nosiru Onibon, who will serve as the pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja; Prof. Adeola Oshikoya, appointed Vice-Chancellor…
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Plateau: “We’re not Miyetti-Allah” — Fulani Christians
…Denounce terrorist links The Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria (FCAN) has firmly rejected any connection with two prominent Fulani socio-cultural groups recently mentioned in discussions about security concerns in Nigeria. Speaking during a gathering in Miango community of Bassa local government area, Plateau State, the association said it should not be linked to the activities or positions of the Miyetti-Allah Kautal-Hore or the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The clarification followed reports that the United States Congress recently classified the two organisations as terrorist groups. Chairman of FCAN,…
Read More‘FG initiates collateral-free loan for farmers’ – NOA
The Federal Government has introduced a new collateral-free loan scheme aimed at supporting smallholder farmers across the country. The initiative was announced via the official website of the National Orientation Agency (NOA). According to official sources, the initiative is designed to provide easier access to funding for farmers who often struggle to obtain credit from traditional financial institutions, thereby improving agricultural productivity, strengthening national food security, and increasing the income of rural farmers. Through the scheme, eligible farmers will be able to access funds without providing physical collateral, a major…
Read More‘Petrol subsidy removal pushes 63% of Nigerians below poverty line’ — Report
About 63 percent of Nigerians fell below the poverty line following the removal of petrol subsidy, according to a new study presented at a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Agora Policy in Abuja. The research, presented by a University of Abuja economist, found that the national poverty rate rose from about 49.8% to roughly 63% after the subsidy removal announced by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023. With the introduction of social protection measures such as cash transfers, the rate later moderated to about 56.2%. The study attributed the surge…
Read MoreNaira hits ₦1,401/$ amid global tensions
…Analysts warn of FX volatility The Naira traded at ₦1,401.4 per dollar at the official foreign exchange (FX) market on Tuesday, marking a 4.09% depreciation over the past three weeks from ₦1,346.32/$ on February 20. Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) showed that the local currency crossed the ₦1,400/$ threshold on Monday, trading at ₦1,405.62/$. This is the first time the naira has hit this level since January 27, when it traded at ₦1,401.2/$. At the parallel market, the naira weakened slightly by 0.70%, moving from ₦1,430/$ on…
Read MoreRising Attacks: Defence Minister orders S’Chiefs to rejig operations in N’East, N’West
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), yesterday summoned Nigeria’s Service Chiefs to an emergency security meeting in Abuja and directed them to immediately review and strengthen military operations in the North-East and North-West following recent attacks on military formations. The high-level meeting, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, brought together top military leadership including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, Air-Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Idi Abass. Representatives…
Read MoreKatsina: Bandits kill 3, injure 11 in dual attacks – Police
At least 14 persons were killed and dozens injured when armed bandits carried out two separate attacks on communities in Katsina state on Tuesday. The attacks occurred in Ɗandume and Musawa local government areas, according to residents and local sources. In the first incident, the bandits reportedly stormed Ɗansoda community in Ɗandume LGAs at about 8 p.m., killing 11 people. According to a resident, the attack occurred shortly after residents had broken their Ramadan fast and were relaxing outside their homes. “People had finished breaking their fast and many were…
Read More3 more Senators dump PDP for APC
Three Senators yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was announced during plenary by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. According to reports, the lawmakers, in separate letters, cited the internal crisis and leadership issues affecting the PDP for their decisions to defect to the APC. The defectors are: Sen. Ikra Bilbis, Senator representing Zamfara-Central; Sen. Aminu Iya Abbas, Senator representing the Adamawa-Central, and Sen. Amos Yohanna, Senator representing Adamawa-North. In other news, the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by…
Read MoreFG halts petrol import licences, as Ɗangote Refinery supplies 92% of Nigeria’s fuel
The Federal Government has halted the issuance of petrol import licences for a second consecutive month, a move that has effectively prioritised domestic refinery production, and allowed the Ɗangote Refinery to dominate fuel supply in Nigeria. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that no petrol import licences were issued in February, while the Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria (CORAN) confirmed that none have been granted so far in March. Under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), import licences can only be…
Read MoreS’Court set to deliver judgment on Kano Emirate dispute
The Supreme Court is set to deliver a landmark judgment in the long-running dispute over the leadership and structure of the Kano Emirate, a case that has drawn intense political, legal and traditional interest across the country. The apex court’s ruling is expected to address a series of appeals arising from the controversial restructuring of the historic emirate and the subsequent reinstatement and recognition of traditional rulers in the state. The dispute dates back to the administration of former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who in 2019 approved a…
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