Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike Nigerian businesses maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook in May 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth, according to the latest Business Confidence Monitor released by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in partnership with Stanbic IBTC. The Current Business Performance Index for the month stood at +9.78, indicating mildly positive activity across the economy. However, the figure reflects a slight decline from April’s performance, which recorded a stronger index of +12.29. The NESG survey, which draws from the views of business managers across sectors, evaluates short-term expectations on core economic indicators including investment levels, pricing trends,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has expressed profound condolences to families affected by the devastating flood in Niger State, which has left over 150 people dead and thousands displaced. The flood, which occurred on May 29, is suspected to have been triggered by the release of water from the Kainji Dam. Entire communities were submerged, leaving survivors without homes, food, medical care, or access to clean water. In a statement released by the institute, Dr. Ochogwu described the disaster as heartbreaking and called for urgent humanitarian assistance.…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has officially launched a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative aimed at equipping over five million Nigerian youths with industry-relevant and globally competitive skills over the next few years. Announcing the programme at a launch event in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative is part of efforts to address the high youth unemployment rate, which currently stands at 53 percent. “With a population of over 220 million and a youth demographic accounting for 70 percent, Nigeria must invest in practical, globally competitive skills to drive productivity…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Catholic Priests Association (NCPA), Makurdi Diocese, has issued a powerful call to action, urging youths in Benue State to rise in defence of their faith, ancestral farmlands, and communities in the face of rising violence and deadly attacks. Speaking during a pastoral gathering on Sunday, the chairman of the association, Rev. Fr Joseph Beba, condemned the recent wave of killings and persistent insecurity that has left several communities in fear and mourning. “Our people can no longer sleep in peace. Our churches, farms, and homes are under siege. This is no longer acceptable,” Fr. Beba…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement in a statement released on Monday. Speaking on behalf of the government, he congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion. The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The minister urged Muslims to reflect on the core values of Eid-ul-Adha—sacrifice, faith, and obedience—as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). He…

By Atoyebi Nike Britain will build 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines under the AUKUS security alliance. The move is part of a major defence overhaul aimed at tackling modern threats, especially from Russia. The Strategic Defence Review will be unveiled on Monday. It is led by former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson and ex-White House Russia adviser Fiona Hill. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to rebuild the UK’s military strength. He has pledged to increase defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. His long-term goal is to reach 3%. “We cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses,” Starmer…

By Atoyebi Nike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he engaged in anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections, insisting his support for President Bola Tinubu was consistent with principles of equity and justice. Speaking during a live media parley on Monday, Wike explained that his decision to withdraw support from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, stemmed from the party leadership’s refusal to uphold a prior understanding that the presidency should rotate to the South. “In 2023, did I not say I wouldn’t support their presidential candidate? Based…

By Atoyebi Nike The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the delay of the English Language paper in the ongoing SSCE exams. The paper, originally set for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, was pushed to 7:00 p.m. following a reported exam leak. NANS said the late-hour decision put thousands of students in danger, especially those in rural areas who must travel home after dark. In a statement on Thursday, NANS spokesman Adeyemi Ajasa called the delay unacceptable. He said it disrupted students’ focus and exposed them to serious safety risks. “This…

By Atoyebi Nike The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has officially launched the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, a national initiative aimed at discovering and elevating grassroots inventors across Nigeria. The programme, unveiled in Abuja, seeks to position Nigeria as a global hub for technology and innovation by harnessing local talent in every community. With the theme “From Grassroots to Global Recognition: Igniting Nigeria’s Innovation Renaissance”, the initiative targets inventors, innovators, and creatives—especially those with little or no access to mainstream platforms—providing them with visibility, technical support, and investor opportunities. Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, speaking…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the apprehension of a fugitive suspected of multiple heinous crimes, including kidnapping and ritual killings. The suspect, identified as Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka, was intercepted while attempting to escape the country. Obieze, a native doctor from Umuojor village in Isiagu, Enugu State, had been on the police wanted list in connection with the recent abduction of a 13-year-old girl. According to law enforcement sources, the girl was seized earlier this week while accompanying her father to their farmland. She was later rescued from a shrine…