Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal In this hour of profound sorrow, beneath the sombre canopy of grief, we gather — hearts heavy with lamentation, tongues faltering before a loss too vast for mortal speech — to extol the luminous soul of the late Alhaj Aminu Dantata, whose sojourn upon this transient earth has reached its appointed end. Yet though his body returns to dust, the fragrance of his righteousness shall ever perfume the corridors of time. Sprung from the venerable Dantata lineage, he did not merely rest upon the laurels of inherited grandeur, but adorned that noble heritage with the embellishments…
By Atoyebi Nike The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are gearing up for decisive National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings in July, with both gatherings expected to shape their strategic directions ahead of the 2027 elections. Amid earlier anxieties over internal discord, the PDP held its 100th NEC preparatory meeting on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, seen by analysts as a product of the Saraki-led reconciliation committee, concluded with the announcement of a full NEC session scheduled for July 23, 2025. In a major development, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was reinstated…
By Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen Climate leaders and renewable energy experts are calling for sustainable, long-lasting solutions to move countries away from fossil fuels and toward equitable renewable energy models. To meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2030, as set out in the Paris Agreement, speakers at a recent event emphasized that COP30 must serve as a critical turning point. They urged world leaders to phase out fossil fuels decisively and adopt just energy strategies that uplift vulnerable communities. The call was made during the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond, an online…
By Atoyebi Nike The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed deep grief over the passing of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, describing his death as a monumental loss to Northern Nigeria and the nation at large. In a statement signed by NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, hailing him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s anti-colonial movement and a lifelong advocate for unity, economic empowerment, and democratic ideals. “Alhaji Dantata was not just a respected businessman and philanthropist, he was a pillar of Nigeria’s fight for independence and a steadfast promoter…
By Atoyebi Nike Four policemen were feared killed on Sunday in Udei community, Benue State, after suspected herdsmen ambushed a mobile police unit responding to a distress call. Local residents said the officers dismissed warnings that armed men were hiding nearby and asked community youths to retreat. Moments later, the police fired warning shots, prompting a deadly response from the attackers. “They didn’t believe us. When they fired into the air, the herdsmen opened fire and killed four officers on the spot,” a source said. The incident sparked chaos, forcing residents of Udei and neighboring communities like Ortese and Daudu…
By Atoyebi Nike Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model for African climate action and economic growth, following a tour of agricultural and industrial hubs across the country. Shettima, who was on a state visit, toured sites including Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery, and Biyyo Poultry Farm, describing the experience as proof that Africa’s renaissance is underway. He revealed Nigeria’s ambitious plan to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season, drawing direct inspiration from Ethiopia’s programme. “It’s not just about planting trees,” Shettima said. “It’s about restoring the environment and creating…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has honoured three outstanding civil servants with SUVs and a two-bedroom flat at the 2025 Civil Service Awards held in Abuja on Saturday. Mrs. Hadiza Bahijjatu of the Ministry of Environment received an SUV, while Mr. Chukwudi Ekwenugo of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy got an SUV and ₦500,000. Mr. Oluwabamidele Kogbe of the Ministry of Housing was awarded a two-bedroom apartment. Fifteen others received laptops, plaques, and cash prizes for exemplary service. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Sen. George Akume, praised civil servants as the backbone of governance. He reaffirmed his…
By Atoyebi Nike The scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into uncertainty following mixed signals from party organs, even as the National Working Committee (NWC) insists the meeting remains postponed for statutory reasons. Following its 601st meeting on Sunday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the NWC led by Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum and attended by 9 of 16 members reaffirmed that the NEC meeting was postponed, not cancelled, and not in defiance of the 99th NEC’s decisions. In a press release, Damagum emphasized that an expanded National…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a series of thunderstorms and rain showers across the country from Monday to Wednesday, urging the public to take precautionary measures. In its latest weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted early morning thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kaduna, with widespread rain likely in the afternoons and evenings across several northern states including Kano, Borno, Gombe, and Jigawa. Central states like Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory are also expected to experience thunderstorms and light to moderate rain, especially later in the day. The…
By Atoyebi Nike A coalition of Nigerian bank CEOs has donated essential relief materials to victims of the recent floods in Mokwa, Niger State, pledging sustained support to aid recovery efforts. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago received the items comprising rice, oil, beverages, and mattresses worth millions of naira at a handover event in Abuja. The donation was led by Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs and GMD of United Bank for Africa (UBA), alongside executives from Zenith Bank, Keystone Bank, Taj Bank, and others. Alawuba emphasized the banking sector’s commitment to humanitarian response and long-term recovery,…