Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two years in office have been marked by bold reforms and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s future, particularly in states like Jigawa, a top official has said. Speaking on recent political and economic developments, the official described Tinubu’s administration as “rewarding and promising,” citing difficult but necessary policy decisions such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. “Only a courageous leader can make bold decisions for long-term gain,” he said, arguing that these steps have helped Nigeria avoid another economic crisis. While the fuel subsidy removal sparked protests and hardship, it also boosted…
By Atoyebi Nike Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has been named the 2024 African Business Icon of the Year by Champion Newspapers. The announcement came during the Champion Newspapers Annual Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. Tunde Oladipo, Group Branding Lead at Dangote Industries, received the award on Dangote’s behalf. He described the honor as a reflection of Dangote’s legacy and dedication to Africa’s economic growth. Dangote leads Dangote Group, West Africa’s largest conglomerate. The billionaire was also named “Man of the Year” and “Global Business Icon” for his decades-long work in industry and philanthropy. His foundation, Aliko…
By Atoyebi Nike The House of Representatives has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend its proposed introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) for the 2026 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, citing widespread infrastructural limitations across Nigerian secondary schools. During a committee session on Monday in Abuja, lawmakers questioned the viability of transitioning to digital exams in a country where most public schools still lack basic computing infrastructure. Committee member Abia Nte, speaking during the questioning of WAEC Nigeria’s Head, Mr. Amos Dangut, expressed strong reservations. “Claiming capacity to deliver CBT in 2026 is premature,” Nte said. “You don’t…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigerian Afrobeats star Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, has been named the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a significant milestone in her fast-rising global career. The 22-year-old outperformed a competitive field of African nominees, including South Africa’s breakout artist Tyla, Nigerian superstar Rema, and Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, to secure the coveted honour. The award show, which took place on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, is renowned for celebrating outstanding Black talent in music, film, sports, and culture. This year’s edition was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart,…
By Atoyebi Nike Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s efforts in stabilizing Nigeria’s economy, urging citizens to exercise patience as reforms take time to yield results. Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday night after a private visit to President Tinubu, Fayose—who remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—said his visit was personal and intended to encourage the president. “My visit is personal, to further encourage him to continue doing what he’s doing for Nigerians,” Fayose stated. “No one is saying it is easy, but there is…
By Atoyebi Nike Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the Federal Government’s National Asset Restoration Programme. The initiative, driven by NASENI, aims to revive over 26,000 broken heavy-duty machines and repurpose nearly 500,000 scrap components nationwide. Speaking in Maiduguri, Borno State, Shettima said the goal is to cut waste, reduce spending, and boost development through local innovation and efficient asset use. After the launch at the Borno Agricultural Mechanisation Farm Centre, Shettima inaugurated power infrastructure at Borno State University. The power projects were executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company and include an injection substation, several distribution lines, and…
By Atoyebi Nike Businessman and philanthropist Prince Olatunji Olusoji has urged Nigerians to remain patient with the current administration’s economic reforms, expressing confidence in their long-term benefits. Speaking to journalists in Kabba, Kogi State, Prince Olatunji praised President Bola Tinubu’s policy moves — including the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira — as bold steps needed to curb corruption and spur growth. “These decisions are tough but necessary. Our children and grandchildren will enjoy the rewards,” he said. Prince Olatunji also lauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, commending his humility and peaceful ties with his predecessor. He…
By Atoyebi Nike A United Nations inquiry panel has concluded that Israeli military actions in Gaza — including assaults on schools and sacred sites — amount to war crimes and may constitute the crime of extermination. The findings, released on Tuesday by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, state that Israel has demolished much of Gaza’s educational infrastructure and destroyed more than half of the region’s religious and cultural landmarks. The commission said Israeli forces deliberately struck civilian shelters housed in schools and places of worship. These attacks, it argued, go beyond battlefield misconduct…
By Atoyebi Nike A major U.S. travel restriction announced by President Donald Trump took effect at midnight Monday, halting entry for citizens from a dozen countries, according to a BBC report. The policy revives a heavily criticized measure from Trump’s earlier presidency, aiming to tighten border security and reduce immigration from regions flagged as high-risk. The full ban applies to nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Haiti, Libya, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen—countries cited for either conflict or diplomatic tensions with Washington. Meanwhile, individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face limited restrictions.…
By Atoyebi Nike Prominent members of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among them are the PDP’s 2015 deputy governorship candidate, Safurat Abdulkareem; former Deputy State Chairman, Ola Apena; and the State Publicity Secretary, Hakeem Ambode. They announced their defection at a press conference held on Monday at the Lagos4Lagos Movement secretariat in Ikeja. Several other PDP members also joined the APC, including House of Assembly candidates from the 2023 general elections. Their move is seen as a major boost for the APC ahead of future elections…