Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Ogun State Government has issued a strong warning to young people to avoid the dangerous drug trend known as “bluetoothing,” a practice where individuals inject themselves with the blood of someone who has recently taken drugs in an attempt to “share the high.” Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, described the trend as deadly and severely harmful to public health. In a statement released in Abeokuta on Thursday, he said the practice exposes users to HIV, Hepatitis B and C, severe infections, and life-threatening reactions. He urged…

By Atoyebi Nike A member of the United States Congress, Rep. Barry Moore, has said President Donald Trump and lawmakers from both parties are firmly aligned in their commitment to ending the persistent violence against Christians in Nigeria. Moore issued the statement after a closed-door meeting in Washington, D.C., with a Nigerian government delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The discussion focused on Nigeria’s worsening security situation, allegations of ongoing persecution of Christians, and the need for stronger cooperation between both countries. According to the congressman, the U.S. is ready to work closely with Nigeria to dismantle terrorist…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has rejected the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment’s claim that the government has met nearly all of its demands. In a statement on Thursday, NARD described the claim as misleading, saying none of its 19 core demands has been fully addressed. This follows a report that the government had implemented key items such as the CONMESS salary review and 2024 accoutrement allowances. NARD said no payments had been received by its members and criticized the government for offering “promises, committees, and unfulfilled plans” instead of concrete action. The association added…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver its judgment in the terrorism case involving Nnamdi Kanu, and the session will be aired live. The court registrar confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday morning, as television crews from NTA, Channels TV, AIT, TVC and others set up their equipment inside the courtroom for the broadcast. Justice James Omotosho had scheduled the judgment date on November 7, after the defence was closed due to Kanu’s refusal to present his case under what he argued was a repealed law. In his ruling at…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has extended his warmest wishes to former President Goodluck Jonathan as he marks his 68th birthday. In a statement on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Jonathan as a statesman whose efforts continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic progress. He commended Jonathan’s humility and leadership style, especially his conduct during the 2015 presidential election, which strengthened Nigeria’s democracy and earned the nation respect. Tinubu also reflected on their past political interactions, noting that Jonathan’s support and advice played a role in his own rise, particularly around 2010 and…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral social media message calling for a sit-at-home in the South-East as false and the work of criminals. Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, from the 82 Division, explained that the message is meant to spread fear and cause chaos. He assured residents that security forces are in place to protect them and that no one has the authority to restrict movement. Ayeni urged the people to go about their daily activities safely, warning that anyone trying to enforce the fake order will face the law. The Army also asked the public to…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has put his planned departure for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa on hold as he awaits detailed security updates on the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the bandit attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Wednesday that the President also authorized additional security deployment to Eruku and surrounding communities at the request of the Kwara State government. Presidential aides confirmed that Tinubu intends to receive direct briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was in Kebbi on a sympathy…

By Atoyebi Nike Operatives of the Nigeria Police on Wednesday sealed the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following violent clashes between rival party factions. The confrontation erupted on Tuesday when the Saminu Turaki-led faction clashed with supporters loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. During the chaos, Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were reportedly teargassed. The Wike-aligned National Executive Committee subsequently ratified the expulsion of Governors Makinde, Mohammed, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, alongside former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman,…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s public debt is nearing unsustainable levels, capital market experts warned at the CMAN Q4 2025 Virtual Symposium on November 15. Despite official debt-to-GDP figures appearing stable, panellists including Dr. Tope Fasua, Prof. Bright Eregha, and Dr. Musa Baba cautioned that rising debt servicing costs, weak revenues, and structural inefficiencies are straining the nation’s finances. The experts said Nigeria’s true liabilities may be understated, with extra-budgetary commitments and unreported obligations posing long-term risks. Prof. Wilfred Iyiegbunwe likened the situation to the pre-2005 period before Paris Club debt relief, urging evidence-based planning and strict implementation of the Medium-Term…

By Atoyebi Nike The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has indefinitely suspended his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. In a statement on Tuesday, Kefas said proceeding with a political event while families mourned would be “insensitive” and “morally wrong.” He emphasized that the safety of Nigerian children must come before partisan interests and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. The governor’s stance contrasts sharply with political activities in Kogi State, where Vice President Kashim Shettima attended a rally welcoming defectors to…