Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Bagudu Mohammed In Nigeria, titles are not just decorations they are passports to respect, validation, and sometimes even unearned authority. The recent buzz surrounding the Kano singer, Dauda Kahutu (Rarara), and his supposed conferment of an honorary doctorate from a so-called European-American university, whether genuine or dubious, has once again set tongues wagging about our near sacred obsession with titles. This conversation, though sparked by one individual, has laid bare the feverish passion if not outright obsession that Nigerians attach to certificates, particularly the glamorous “Doctor” before a name. Politicians and leaders have, for decades, indulged this appetite by…
By Atoyebi Nike The Chief Executive Officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman, has cautioned that Nigeria’s efforts to tackle poverty and malaria will require sustained commitment over many years, despite recent progress in public health. Speaking in New York on Tuesday ahead of the Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers event, Suzman said Nigeria’s scale makes its performance critical for both Africa and global development targets. “Nigeria’s size means it always, by numbers, makes a material difference to both global and certainly Africa-wide statistics,” he noted. Suzman pointed out that Nigeria has the highest number of people living in…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA) has unveiled plans for the 2025 edition of its annual Nigeria Independence Day celebration in the United Kingdom, with this year’s theme, “Nigeria & the UK: Building Bridges, Creating Futures.” According to a statement released on Tuesday, the event will not only spotlight Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but also deepen socio-economic and cultural connections between the two countries through exhibitions, networking opportunities, and collaborative exchanges. President of the association, Sola Oyetayo, said the 2025 gathering would be especially memorable as it marks the first appearance of the association’s newly installed patron, former Commonwealth…
By Atoyebi Nike As Nigeria turns 65, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has paid tribute to the nation with a specially composed poem she describes as a “Word-Rhyming-Flower.” The piece, titled “Remember, Remember the 1st of October”, recalls Nigeria’s path since independence in 1960, weaving together themes of resilience, unity, and faith. In the work, Musawa reflects on the country’s founding, the civil war, corruption, and social divisions that have tested its cohesion. Yet, she stresses that despite challenges, Nigeria’s spirit endures. “For what is this nation, where will we be thrown, if Nigeria…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigerians earning income through remote jobs, social media influencing, or import-related businesses will be subject to tax beginning January 1, 2026, under new reforms designed to simplify compliance and boost revenue. Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, explained the changes during a tax education programme at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos. Oyedele clarified that remote employees working for foreign firms are legally required to declare their earnings in Nigeria. “If you work remotely for a company abroad, that income…
By Atoyebi Nike Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have stopped coordinated attempts by armed groups to raid communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, carried out between September 26 and 28, followed intelligence reports that bandits were moving towards Agurugu and Igyudu villages. Soldiers deployed to Abaji and Gbise intercepted the attackers, forcing them to retreat after an exchange of gunfire. Recovered from the fleeing assailants were an automatic pistol, dozens of rounds of ammunition, multiple magazines, a grenade, tear gas canister, locally-made firearms, medical supplies, and nearly 30 mobile phones. The latest operation comes…
By Atoyebi Nike Gold prices soared to a fresh record on Tuesday, the dollar weakened, and global stock markets traded mixed as investors braced for a possible US government shutdown that could disrupt the release of key economic data. Talks between President Donald Trump and congressional leaders failed to bridge differences ahead of a midnight deadline, with Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer warning of “large differences” and Vice President JD Vance accusing Democrats of holding the public “hostage” with funding demands. Gold climbed above $3,871 an ounce nearly 50 percent higher since the start of the year with analysts speculating it…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of Arise News Television anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died after a violent robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, Tinubu described the 29-year-old journalist, fondly called “Sommie,” as a promising professional whose life was “cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.” He extended condolences to her family, colleagues, and the Nigerian media community, while directing security agencies to identify and prosecute her killers without delay. ARISE News had announced her death on Monday, reporting…
By Atoyebi Nike The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has cancelled its Africa Hometown initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the programme. JICA announced the decision in a statement on Thursday, weeks after reports suggested Japan planned to create a special visa category for Nigerians and other Africans to relocate to Kisarazu, one of the four Japanese municipalities involved. In August, Nigeria’s State House had relayed that a “special visa category” would be introduced for young, skilled Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu. However, the Japanese government swiftly denied the claim, clarifying that the initiative was not linked to…
By Atoyebi Nike The Senate Committee on Host Communities has directed the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to sanction International Oil Companies (IOCs) that fail to establish Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) as required by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Chairman of the committee, Senator Benson Agadaga, issued the warning on Wednesday at the commissioning of seven projects funded by Total Energies through the Obagi Oilfield HCDT in Rivers State. Agadaga said the relative peace in the Niger Delta shows the PIA’s impact, stressing that strict compliance is vital for stability and higher oil output. “Those who have not…