Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Governor Siminalayi Fubara has marked the second anniversary of his administration in Rivers State with a reflective message, despite his suspension under a federally imposed state of emergency. In a statement titled “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful!”, Fubara thanked Rivers people for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and good governance. Fubara, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, said his administration had recorded modest but meaningful progress in infrastructure, health, education, youth empowerment, and women’s inclusion—before its disruption in March 2025. On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of…
By Atoyebi Nike The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its unity and resolve to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, despite facing internal rifts and a recent wave of defections. At its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, party leaders, governors, and delegates pledged not to be distracted by current setbacks, warning that attempts by the Tinubu-led government to turn Nigeria into a one-party state would be resisted. Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, read the party’s communiqué, which condemned worsening insecurity and economic decline, and urged President Tinubu to prioritise national interest…
By Atoyebi Nike The Kano State Government has issued a stern warning to youths involved in communal clashes, threatening sanctions against those disrupting public peace. Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (retd), delivered the warning during a security assessment visit to Kurna Tudun Fulani in Dala LGA — a hotspot for recent unrest. The commissioner confirmed that violent youth activity in the area had resulted in casualties, including the death of one Abba Sa’idu. He reiterated Governor Abba Yusuf’s commitment to improving security and equipping unemployed youths with vocational skills to reduce criminality. “Security…
By Atoyebi Nike Elon Musk has criticised Donald Trump’s massive new spending bill, saying it increases the deficit and undermines cost-cutting efforts. In a recent interview , Musk said he was “disappointed” by the legislation, which includes tax breaks and higher defence spending. The bill, narrowly passed by the House, could add $600 billion to the federal deficit. It now heads to the Senate. Musk, who led Trump’s cost-cutting team known as Doge, said the plan “undoes” much of their work. “It increases the deficit, not lowers it,” he said, adding, “A bill can be big or beautiful — not…
By Atoyebi Nike The Senate has passed for second reading a bill authorizing the issuance of ₦1.48 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the 2025 fiscal year in Rivers State. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Authorise the Issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State,” the proposal was presented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during Tuesday’s plenary. A breakdown of the spending includes: ₦120.8 billion for debt servicing ₦287.3 billion for recurrent expenditure ₦1.07 trillion for capital projects Bamidele said the budget is tailored to sustain governance under the current emergency rule in the state,…
By Atoyebi Nike The U.S. government has suspended student visa processing, targeting international students amid a deepening rift between the White House and top universities, including Harvard. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the order on Tuesday, directing embassies to halt all student and exchange visa appointments until further notice. A cable obtained by AFP also confirmed plans to increase social media vetting for international applicants. The move comes as the Trump administration escalates efforts to cut financial ties with Harvard University, accusing it of harboring anti-American values and links to pro-Palestinian protests. President Donald Trump’s administration had earlier revoked…
By ENGR Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen The Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. will reopen on Thursday, May 29, after being temporarily closed due to a major corruption scandal involving a fraudulent IT scheme. The embassy was shut down on May 26 for a full systems overhaul after officials discovered that a staff member had used the embassy’s website to redirect applicants and collect illegal payments for personal gain. In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 27, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a new team of experienced diplomats has been assigned to manage the embassy and lead reforms. “A team of…
By Atoyebi Nike Authorities in Saudi Arabia have confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Haramain, a Saudi-based Islamic news platform, via X (formerly Twitter). It said Wednesday would be the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1446. Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month in Islam. It is when millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, more than one million pilgrims are expected. Among them are over 60,000 Nigerians. Haramain also…
By Atoyebi Nike The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Yobe State Government, has launched a five-day teacher training workshop. The programme targets 600 teachers and school administrators from across the state. The workshop began on Monday. It focuses on improving teaching and learning using the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture (STEMA) method. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Abba Idriss Adam, said the training aims to tackle key gaps in the education system. He noted that the sessions will promote modern, inclusive, and student-focused teaching. He described the NEDC as a strong partner in…
By Atoyebi Nike A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has claimed the lives of several children. Local authorities have closed schools and launched an emergency response. The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the incident in a statement on May 26. The exact number of deaths has not been confirmed. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It mainly affects the nose, throat, and skin. To stop the spread, all schools in Mbutu are now shut. Parents have been told to keep…