Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly raid on Wagga Mongoro, a rural community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, late Tuesday night, killing four residents and forcing many others to flee. The attackers stormed the village around 11:40 p.m., shooting sporadically and setting buildings ablaze. Victims were identified as David Mbicho, his son Daniel, Jude Jacob, and Omega Duda. “They burnt churches, motorcycles, houses, and a car,” said a local resident, adding that the vigilante group that tried to resist was overpowered by the heavily armed fighters. “There was no official security presence, so our…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to begin formal engagements with Ogoni communities, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and other stakeholders to finalise the resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland. Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday while receiving the report of the Ogoni Consultations Committee, Tinubu said dialogue and reconciliation remained essential to achieving lasting peace, justice, and development in the region. “I am directing the NSA to immediately begin engagement with the Ogoni people and NNPCL, its joint venture partners, and all relevant stakeholders with a view…

By Atoyebi Nike The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 (about ₦14 million) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian national, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who has been on the run since December 2001. Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois just days before his federal trial on charges of bank fraud, identification document fraud, and credit card fraud was set to begin. The FBI says he allegedly attempted to withdraw funds with a fraudulent check in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001, and also used stolen identities of U.S. citizens…

By Atoyebi NikeThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a new automated overtime e-clearance system to fast-track cargo processing and reduce congestion at the country’s ports. The digital platform, announced on the Service’s official X handle on Wednesday, will enable consignees to submit and track clearance applications remotely, limiting delays and cutting down manual interference. Speaking at a sensitization programme in Lagos, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the initiative is designed to shorten clearance timelines and reduce costs for cargo owners.“We would rather get all overtime cargoes out of the ports than manage them indefinitely. This system is about…

By Atoyebi NikeThe Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to lower the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points from 27.5% to 27% has been met with divided opinions from economists and business operators. While policy analysts described the move as a cautious but strategic step toward stabilizing the economy, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) say the high-interest environment continues to choke business growth. Dr. Adam Abudu of the Society for Peacebuilding and Economic Advancement argued that the marginal cut offers little relief to entrepreneurs.“Businesses need access to affordable credit to create jobs and expand investments. At 27%,…

By Atoyebi NikeThe Federal Government has announced that from October 6, 2025, all academic qualifications presented by staff and recruits across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and higher institutions must undergo verification through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS). The policy, outlined in a circular by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, requires every appointment to be cleared under the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) programme. The NCVS will assign each credential a National Credential Number (NCN) and embed digital security features, including QR codes, for instant validation. Education Minister Tunji Alausa, who introduced NERD in…

By Atoyebi NikeThe Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has urged Nigeria to give the private sector a central role in driving economic growth. Speaking at a UNGA side event in New York on Wednesday, Sanusi said government spending alone cannot transform the economy, stressing the need for stronger public-private partnerships. The summit, themed “Mobilising Investments for Economic Growth and Cultural Exchange”, was organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation, Newday International, and APC USA/CDC. Other speakers, including NBTI’s Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji and Newday International’s Professor Tai Balofin, highlighted innovation and real estate as key investment drivers. Osun…

By Atoyebi NikeThe European Union has approved €500,000 (about ₦886 million) to deliver urgent relief to internally displaced persons in Benue State, where renewed violence has deepened a long-running humanitarian crisis. EU Public Affairs Officer Ugo Sokari-George said on Thursday that the funds will be managed with the International Organisation for Migration over the next six months, targeting emergency needs such as shelter, protection, sanitation, water access, and direct cash support. More than 1.5 million people have been forced from their homes in Benue since 2018, with escalating attacks in 2024 and 2025 alone killing around 6,900 people and displacing…

By Atoyebi NikeStocks moved narrowly on Thursday as traders pulled back from the buying spree that had driven markets to record highs in recent months, with upcoming US inflation and jobs data expected to provide the next catalysts for direction. The rally, which followed steep declines triggered by former US President Donald Trump’s April global tariff announcement, had been buoyed by trade deals and expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Last week, the Fed cut rates citing weak labour market conditions and subdued inflation, projecting two more reductions this year. However, Chairman Jerome Powell urged caution,…

By Atoyebi Nike Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) has distinguished itself as the only private operator fully meeting the Federal Government’s conditions for the revitalisation of silo complexes across the country, underscoring its growing role in advancing food security. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this in Abuja while providing updates on the silo concession initiative under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). “Out of the 17 silo complexes conceded to five private companies, only Flour Mills of Nigeria, which operates three silo complexes under three separate Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), has met all…