Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the boat accident that claimed at least 26 lives on the River Niger on Tuesday evening. The victims, mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area, were travelling to the Illushi Market in Edo State when the mishap occurred. In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy. He said Governor Usman Ododo has directed state emergency officials to work with local authorities to provide immediate support for affected families. Governor Ododo assured that the state will strengthen collaboration with…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s external sector gained momentum in the second quarter of 2025, as the country’s current account surplus rose to $5.28 billion, up from $2.85 billion in Q1, according to new data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The apex bank disclosed that gross external reserves also increased to $43.05 billion as of September 11, providing 8.28 months of import cover the highest level since 2019. The CBN said the growth reflects sustained exchange rate stability, tighter monetary policies, and moderated petroleum product prices, all of which strengthened the balance of payments outlook. The latest figures…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria’s economy is firmly on the path of recovery, with reforms introduced over the last two years beginning to yield measurable results. In a nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, Tinubu revealed that the country’s external reserves rose to $42.03 billion in September 2025, the highest level since 2019. He also announced a second-quarter GDP growth of 4.23% Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years exceeding the IMF’s projection of 3.4%. The President noted that inflation dropped to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years, while trade surpluses…
By Atoyebi Nike Ghana’s annual inflation rate dropped to 9.4% in September 2025, falling below 10% for the first time since August 2021 and marking a major milestone in the country’s economic recovery. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service showed inflation eased from 11.5% in August, driven by a sharp slowdown in food prices, which fell to 11% from 14.8% the previous month. Non-food inflation also edged down to 8.2% from 8.7%. The sustained decline, now running for nine straight months, has already beaten the government’s full-year inflation target and offers relief to households and businesses grappling with years of…
By Atoyebi Nike The Naira recorded its most stable trading period in months during September 2025, consistently staying below the ₦1,500 per dollar mark for more than two weeks. According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the currency closed at ₦1,478/$1 on September 30, strengthening from ₦1,527.9/$1 at the start of the month. The rally was marked by steady appreciation in the latter half of September, with closing rates of ₦1,495/$1 on September 15, ₦1,486.8/$1 on September 24, and ₦1,480/$1 on September 26 before firming up further at month’s end. The September performance stands out against previous…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s toughest period is behind them, saying recent economic hardships are giving way to relief. In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu commended citizens’ resilience and pledged to serve faithfully while steering the nation toward growth and stability. He said his administration chose reforms over “business as usual,” ending fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that had drained public resources. According to him, these measures have freed funds for education, healthcare, agriculture, national security, and infrastructure. “The worst is over,” Tinubu…
By Atoyebi Nike Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has granted state pardon to six inmates serving various sentences in correctional centres across the state in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. In a statement on Wednesday, Fintiri said the decision followed recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and was based on the inmates’ demonstrated good conduct over the years. “Therefore, in the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have granted pardon to six persons who have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Lucky Irabor, will on October 3, 2025, launch a new book that examines the Boko Haram insurgency and its toll on the nation. The 330-page book, titled “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” will be unveiled at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. President Bola Tinubu is billed to attend as Special Guest of Honour, with former president Olusegun Obasanjo chairing the event and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah reviewing the work. Irabor, who led counter-insurgency operations during his service years, draws on first-hand experience to…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the end of its amnesty window for foreigners with expired visas or residence permits, effective September 30, 2025. From October 1, the agency said it will begin nationwide enforcement against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated entry conditions. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS listed categories affected as holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired short visit or business visas, and expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC). Akinlabi warned that violators will face sanctions, including overstay fines, removal, and…
By Atoyebi Nike Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has urged Nigerians to demand accountable leadership, stressing that the country cannot achieve real transformation without integrity at the helm. In her Independence Day message released in Abuja on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Nigeria as “a nation at a crossroads” struggling with insecurity, economic hardship, and inequality, yet showing resilience through innovation and creativity. “The Nigeria our heroes envisioned is not one divided by ethnicity, religion, or politics, but one united by justice, equity, and prosperity,” she said. “Building such a Nigeria requires accountable government, committed citizens, and leadership rooted in service.” She…