Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has called for transparency in judicial appointments as a key strategy to combat corruption in Africa. Speaking to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18 (EIMC 18) at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja, Dr. Aliyu stressed that credible, God-fearing judges appointed through a transparent process are critical in tackling corruption. “The National Judicial Council must make the names of proposed judges public to allow citizens to contribute to the vetting process. Transparency in these appointments…
By Atoyebi Nike United Capital Asset Management Ltd (UCAML), a subsidiary of United Capital Plc, has officially launched the Children Investment Fund (CIF), a naira-denominated mutual fund targeted at helping Nigerian families secure the financial future of their children. The launch event, held at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos, marks the addition of a new investment product aimed at supporting key life milestones such as education, healthcare, and long-term capital needs. Dr. Odiri Oginni, Managing Director/CEO of UCAML, said the fund offers a structured, professionally managed way for parents to begin building wealth early for their children. “Whether it’s for…
By Atoyebi Nike One year after suspending the $300 helicopter landing levy due to stakeholder backlash, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has reintroduced the fee, once again placing its collection in the hands of private firm NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd. The levy’s reinstatement was confirmed in a circular dated May 15, 2025, issued by the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The directive, signed by NAMA’s General Manager of Air Traffic Control Operations, Akut D.S., empowers NAEBI to collect landing fees from helicopter operations involving oil platforms, terminals, rigs, helipads, and aerodromes. Initially suspended on May 30, 2024,…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s flagship Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme is receiving major backing from the European Union and the World Bank as the government ramps up efforts to equip young Nigerians with digital skills and connect them to global job markets. The programme, led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aims to train three million people by 2027. Minister Bosun Tijjani described it as central to President Tinubu’s plan to create one million tech jobs and boost human capital. Since its pilot launch in 2023, 3MTT has scaled up significantly. The EU has committed…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to ensuring the safety, rights, and development of every Nigerian child as the country commemorates the 2025 International Children’s Day. In a nationwide address on Tuesday, President Tinubu hailed children as the “heartbeat of the nation’s future” and called for unified efforts to foster environments where they can thrive free from fear, violence, and neglect. He described the country’s children as “the pride and future of our great nation,” emphasizing the collective moral and constitutional duty to protect them. Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building…
By Atoyebi Nike The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a massive cyber fraud involving six major Nigerian banks, where hackers stole billions of naira through insider-assisted breaches. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed the ongoing probe during a televised interview on Sunday, noting that while the names of the affected banks are being withheld to protect their public image, the institutions are among Nigeria’s largest financial players. “As I’m talking to you, we have about six banks—I will not mention names because of their image—that have been hacked into by young people,” Olukoyede stated on…
By Atoyebi Nike The naira surged to N1,579 per US dollar over the weekend, marking its strongest performance in a month amid continued reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This rise came as global markets reacted to renewed US-EU trade tensions, leading to a sell-off of the US dollar and a sharp gain for the British pound. Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) shows the naira appreciated from N1,583.92 on Thursday to N1,579 on Friday, May 23, 2025. It had earlier hit a low of N1,612 on May 7 but has since maintained a strong rally.…
By Atoyebi Nike Several people were killed over the weekend in violent clashes between farmers and herders in Taraba State. The attacks took place in Munga and Bandawa communities. Locals said the violence followed disputes over missing cattle. Suspicions quickly turned into deadly confrontations. Gunmen on motorcycles stormed the villages. They fired shots and set houses on fire. Witnesses said the assailants targeted homes at random. In Bandawa, two people died after a farmer confronted herders for grazing cattle on his land. Residents of Munga described the attack as shocking. “We never expected this,” said Alpharis Philemon. “We have always…
By Atoyebi Nike Jake Wood, head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has stepped down from the controversial Israel- and US-supported initiative to distribute aid in Gaza, saying it fails to meet international humanitarian standards. Wood, a former US Marine and experienced relief coordinator, announced his resignation Sunday, citing the inability to implement the plan while respecting principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The GHF plan, widely criticised by the UN and aid agencies, involves private contractors delivering aid through Israeli-designated points in southern Gaza. It requires displaced Palestinians—many elderly, injured, or malnourished—to collect heavy aid packages themselves, raising concerns…
By Atoyebi Nike Security operatives in Anambra State have destroyed a bomb-making facility and neutralized several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a raid in Isseke, Ihiala LGA. The operation, carried out on May 24 by a joint team of police, military, and vigilante operatives, targeted a secessionist hideout reportedly used to coordinate attacks for over two years. According to police spokesperson DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, one buried IED exploded during the raid, damaging a nearby road, but no casualties were reported. Authorities say the area remains under security control as efforts continue to reclaim the region from criminal elements.