Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike A nationwide protest is being planned for June 12 by the Take It Back Movement, aimed at drawing attention to rising insecurity, public hardship, and growing attacks on civil freedoms across Nigeria. The group’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the country is experiencing unchecked violence, especially in the Middle Belt. He pointed to widespread killings and displacement in Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna. According to him, whole communities have been destroyed, and the government has failed to respond adequately. Sanyaolu claimed that rather than protect its citizens, the state appears indifferent or in denial. “This is no…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed commercial banks to begin deducting USSD transaction charges directly from customers’ mobile airtime, ending the practice of debiting bank accounts for the service. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued this directive to all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), ending years of conflict between banks and telecom operators. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) notified customers of the change via email on Tuesday. According to UBA, the new billing model will deduct ₦6.98 per 120 seconds for each USSD session. The charges will be applied by the user’s mobile network operator. Customers will…

By Atoyebi Nike Pension assets in Nigeria rose to N23.3 trillion in March 2025. This marks a 0.3% increase month-on-month and 18% growth year-on-year. The data was released by the National Pension Commission (PenCom). The rise was driven by Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds. Their value increased by N128 billion in March. FGN bonds now make up 59.1% of total pension assets, up from 58.7% the month before. Corporate debt also added around N20 billion. It now stands at N2.3 trillion and makes up 10.1% of total assets. The large share of FGN bonds reflects regulatory rules. These rules…

By Atoyebi Nike Ganye, a serene town in Adamawa State, came alive on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as thousands celebrated 25 years of leadership by His Royal Highness, Dr. Umaru Adamu Sanda, the Gangwari Ganye. The silver jubilee drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including delegations from Cameroon and Rivers State. The celebration took place at the palace grounds, highlighting Ganye’s growing cultural influence. A key moment was the bestowal of the honorary title “Gangpaan”—Shield of the Chamba Race—on retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. The respected statesman used the occasion to call for unity, loyalty, and patriotism among Nigerians.…

By Atoyebi Nike The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has dismissed claims that water released from Kainji and Jebba Dams triggered the recent flooding that claimed lives in Mokwa, Niger State. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Utsev said the incident was due to intense rainfall and poor urban planning, not dam operations. “Our investigations confirm there were no discharges from either dam,” he said, adding that both Kainji and Jebba remain structurally safe. Utsev sympathized with affected communities, noting that the disaster was worsened by construction activities that blocked a seasonal tributary of…

By Atoyebi Nike The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has warned residents against building on floodplains and drainage paths. Speaking on Tuesday, Wahab said climate change poses a serious threat and urged citizens to cooperate with government efforts. “Floodplains and wetlands are not places we can afford to live. Climate change is real,” he said. Wahab said the state is preparing for heavy rainfall but citizens must support enforcement by removing illegal structures. “People politicized our early actions. I was called names, but today the results show we prevented disaster,” he added. The commissioner recalled…

By Atoyebi Nike The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of 15 foreign nationals, including 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian, over charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convictions were secured before Justices Yellim Bogoro and A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following the defendants’ arraignment on Friday, May 30, 2025. The convicted individuals include Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong, Guo Bin, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon…

By Atoyebi Nike Inflation in the eurozone dropped to 1.9% in May from 2.2% in April, falling below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) target for the first time in eight months. The decline, largely driven by lower energy prices, clears a path for possible interest rate cuts. The ECB is now expected to shift from curbing inflation to supporting growth, especially as the region faces new trade threats from the United States. President Donald Trump has announced steep tariff increases on steel, aluminum, and autos. A proposed 20% tariff on all European Union goods remains on hold until July 14,…

By Atoyebi Nike Senator Jibrin Wowo, Chairman of the Unity and Reconciliation Committee of the APC in the FCT, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership over the past two years. He said the President had made bold moves that brought visible changes to the economy, education, and infrastructure. Wowo said Tinubu’s leadership had helped deepen democracy and renew public trust in governance. He highlighted the completion of the Mabushi Bridge, which he said had eased traffic for residents from Zuba, Kubwa, and Bwari. He added that road upgrades around the Nicon Junction area had improved access to Gwarinpa. According to…

By Atoyebi Nike More than 200 inmates escaped from a prison in Karachi after a series of earthquake tremors caused panic late Monday night. Officials say the jailbreak is one of the largest in Pakistan’s history. Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Sindh’s provincial law minister, said prisoners were allowed into the courtyard after tremors were felt inside the facility. “There was panic here because of the earthquake tremors,” Lanjar told reporters. “It became difficult to control a crowd of up to 1,000 people.” The escape began just before midnight and continued into the early hours of Tuesday. Police say some inmates overpowered guards…