Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike Sokoto residents may soon face serious transportation challenges as members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) began shutting down filling stations across the state capital on Monday. Union officials were seen closing multiple petrol outlets and halting petroleum tanker movements along major routes, including Gusau Road and highways linking Sokoto to neighbouring states. Eyewitnesses said barricades and leaves were placed at key points, effectively disrupting fuel supply within the metropolis. Although NUPENG representatives refused to comment publicly, an enforcement member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the action followed “midnight…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday began a seven-day warning strike over what it described as long-standing systemic failures in the territory’s healthcare system. In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr George Ebong, and other executive members, the association said the decision followed rising concerns over poor working conditions and inadequate reforms in the FCT health sector. Dr Ebong noted that resident doctors in the FCT are under mounting pressure, often forced to manage multiple departments simultaneously due to staff shortages. He warned that the situation,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has scrapped its long-standing rule that disqualified student nurses after three failed attempts at the Council’s professional examinations. In a circular dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the Registrar/CEO, Ndagi Alhassan, the Council announced that candidates who fail any section of the professional exams will now be allowed to re-sit only that portion until they achieve a pass. The reform takes effect from September 2025. The circular, titled “Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts”, was addressed to state commissioners of health, teaching hospital…

By Atoyebi Nike A group of prominent Nigerians will on October 1 launch a new electoral reform platform known as the Alliance for Defence of Democracy (ADD) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement is spearheaded by economist Pat Utomi, former INEC chairman Attahiru Jega, ex-Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero. Others include lawyers Olisa Agbakoba and Femi Falana, political economist Kingsley Moghalu, former presidential aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and politician Buba Galadima. According to a statement by Hamisu San Turaki, spokesperson of the National Consultative Front, the ADD will be unveiled during a National…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigerians have continued to react to the Federal Government’s introduction of a new curriculum for basic, secondary and technical education, with many describing it as long overdue. Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bilkis Lafiaji-Okunneye, said the former curriculum had outlived its relevance. She praised the new framework for emphasizing digital literacy, coding, and creative arts, noting that it would better engage students and prepare them for self-reliance. “The new curriculum recognizes the importance of technology. If well implemented, it will also promote discipline and morality,” she said.…

By Atoyebi Nike Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election, has dismissed any possibility of aligning with President Bola Tinubu to secure victory in 2027. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Rhodes-Vivour said such a move would be “a complete waste of time,” stressing that his political mission is focused on improving the lives of Lagos residents and restoring the state’s lost glory. “I will rather go and focus on my business, my work, and my family than align with Tinubu,” he said, adding that any party unwilling to allow him to harness Lagos’…

By Atoyebi Nike The Adara Development Association (ADA) has condemned the attack on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which left several people dead and others injured. According to reports, heavily armed gunmen invaded the community in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, blocking entry routes to prevent help from nearby villages. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, ADA described the killings as “barbaric and inhumane,” expressing deep shock and sadness. The group urged the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly in protecting…

By Atoyebi Nike At least ten people were killed and nearly 90 others injured in Kathmandu on Monday after police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse protests against Nepal’s ban on social media platforms and growing corruption. Authorities had blocked 26 unregistered platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, leaving millions of users cut off since Friday. The decision sparked outrage, with students and young demonstrators waving national flags, singing the anthem, and chanting against what they described as authoritarian restrictions. The protests escalated when crowds pushed past barricades near parliament. Police baton-charged demonstrators, some of whom…

By Atoyebi Nike The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been advised to delay any relaxation of its benchmark lending rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), despite recent signs of easing inflation. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Dr. Paul Alaje, CEO of SPM Professionals, commended the apex bank’s reforms but described the latest inflation figures as “outliers” that do not provide a strong enough basis for policy changes. Relaxing MPR shouldn’t be now. We need a full year cycle of data before we can consider easing the rate,” Alaje said. He also cautioned that the run-up to the 2027…

By Atoyebi Nike The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) has approved an accelerated release of crude oil into the market, raising output by 137,000 barrels per day from next month, in a shift that threatens Nigeria’s fiscal stability. The hike is part of a 1.65 million barrels per day tranche originally reserved for late 2026 but now set for gradual release through September 2026. Officials said supply levels could be adjusted or reversed depending on market conditions. Analysts warn the decision comes as global demand weakens, particularly in China, while production surges in the Americas. The International…