Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the start of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Plateau State as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mohammed Sadiq, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Thursday. He stated that online pre-registration will begin on August 18, 2025, while physical registration will commence on August 25 at INEC offices in all 17 local government areas of the state. “The register of voters is at the heart of democratic elections and forms the foundation of a credible…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has sounded the alarm over the declining performance of the oil and gas sector, cautioning that the trend could derail the successful execution of the 2025 national budget. In its latest 2025 Q1 GDP Alert, the policy think tank revealed that Nigeria’s average crude oil production fell short of the budget benchmark of 2.06 million barrels per day, resulting in substantial revenue losses. “This persistent slowdown in oil output threatens key government spending plans,” the report stated, citing challenges such as ageing infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and the kidnapping of…

By Atoyebi Nike Leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore have urged Nigerian governors to adopt grazing reserves as a long-term solution to the persistent clashes between farmers and herders, stressing the need for peace and structured livestock management. Speaking at the event, which also saw the inauguration of the group’s new Southwest zonal executives, National President Dr. Bello Bodejo underscored the economic importance of the Fulani community, urging political leaders to provide structured grazing spaces to prevent future conflicts in rural areas. “The Fulani are peaceful people who are often blamed unfairly for incidents they are not involved in,”…

By Atoyebi Nike The European Union has committed €500,000 (₦886 million) in emergency aid to support thousands of internally displaced people in Benue State, following a spike in violent attacks that have deepened an already critical humanitarian crisis. The aid package announced Thursday by Ugo Sokari-George, Public Affairs Officer of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, will be delivered over six months in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It will provide shelter, protection services, water, sanitation, hygiene, and multi-purpose cash assistance to affected communities. The EU said escalating violence in June 2025 forced nearly 23,000 people to flee…

By Atoyebi Nike Twenty-four undergraduate students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) have been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Zonal Directorate over alleged involvement in cybercrime. The suspects were apprehended on Monday, July 21, 2025, opposite BUK’s New Site during a sting operation conducted following actionable intelligence. The EFCC said the arrests followed weeks of surveillance linking the students to various online scams, including identity theft and financial fraud. Recovered items from the operation include several mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and a Honda Accord car, all believed to have been used in the…

By Atoyebi Nike Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, dismissed a No-Case Submission filed by former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his then Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, over allegations of diverting N3.1 billion in public funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the duo on an amended 11-count charge, accusing them of misappropriating funds from the state’s investment portfolio, specifically proceeds from shares held by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, channeled through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited. At the last hearing,…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigerian military forces have repelled coordinated infiltration attempts by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Monguno and Bitta communities near the Lake Chad region, killing a senior field commander and at least 17 others during late-night operations. The raid, which took place around 2:30 a.m., saw troops engage the insurgents in a fierce gunfight in Bitta, leading to the death of the senior ‘Quiad’ commander, identified as Ibn Khalid, alongside the group’s cameraman. Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed that 17 more terrorists were eliminated in follow-up operations across the Sambisa forest,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering local governments and boosting grassroots development. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the second policy dialogue on Local Governance Reforms: A Year After the Supreme Court’s Ruling, Edun stressed the need for stronger democratic structures and better service delivery, especially for youth. “The project prioritises the construction and rehabilitation of digital technology hubs in every local government,” Edun said, noting this would improve access to education, healthcare, and markets, and drive inclusive economic growth. He also…

By Atoyebi Nike French media powerhouse Canal+ has finalized the acquisition of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion deal, securing full ownership of pay-TV giants DStv and GOtv. The deal, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, marks the culmination of months of regulatory review and negotiations. Canal+, which already held a 45.2% stake, is acquiring the remaining shares—bringing the total value of the transaction to 55 billion rand. The merger is set to close by October 8, pending final clearance from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada, in…

By Atoyebi Nike As discussions intensify around a potential alliance between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar under a broader opposition coalition, Northern Nigeria appears divided on its impact ahead of the 2027 elections. Political analyst Abdulkadir Ibrahim, also known as Abba Gwale, said northern voters view the alliance as the best chance to defeat President Bola Tinubu. He noted that although Obi has not formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he is widely seen as part of the coalition. “The core drivers of the coalition are northerners. Peter Obi hasn’t officially joined ADC, but people believe he will,” Gwale…