Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that his administration has cleared a backlog of over 200,000 unprinted passports and settled N28 billion in debts inherited from past administrations. Speaking at the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series in Lagos, the minister described the ministry’s previous operations as bogged down by inefficiency and bureaucracy. “We found a system plagued by silos. Our solution was innovation, not intervention,” he said. Under his leadership, the ministry introduced key innovations including: E-Visa Solutions reducing visitor processing time to under 48 hours. Contactless Passport Renewals for Nigerians abroad via smartphone. E-Gate…
By Atoyebi Nike The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a formal apology for the delay in administering the English Language Paper 2 of the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The exam, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was conducted later in the evening. WAEC attributed the delay to measures aimed at preventing examination leakage. In a statement released by Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, the council explained that its primary goal was to maintain the integrity and security of the exam. “While we achieved our objective, the delay impacted the smooth and timely conduct…
By Atoyebi Nike The Alternative Bank has handed over a large farm to Plateau State University (PLASU) to support alfalfa production and livestock feed innovation. The initiative aims to reduce feed shortages, empower youth and women, and address pastoral conflict. Unveiled during a visit to the Bokkos-based university, the project is part of the Alfalfa Project, backed by the bank’s non-interest finance model. It prioritizes impact-driven investment and partnerships that promote sustainable food systems. Gbenga Awe, Group Head at the bank, said the model allows direct investment in projects with social and economic value. “This isn’t just about growing alfalfa.…
By Atoyebi Nike Chelsea lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after overpowering Real Betis 4–1 in the final, sealing their first major title in four years. Despite early pressure from the Spanish side, the Blues dominated the second half with goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moises Caicedo. Cole Palmer, named man of the match, was instrumental with two assists. “Winning this trophy is massive,” said former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. “This is what it’s about—building a winning culture.” The victory is Chelsea’s first piece of silverware since winning the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022…
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…