Author: Binta Agboola

The national electricity grid collapse on Monday evening has sparked outrage, with former presidential candidate Peter Obi describing it as a “national shame”. This recurring disaster has once again exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, leaving many in darkness. According to reports, power generation dropped from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 pm to 3.56GW at 6 pm and 0.00GW at 7 pm and 8 pm. The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the grid collapse in a statement on Monday evening. Obi emphasized that the repeated failures of the power system are a significant obstacle to the nation’s growth and economic…

In a significant political shift, approximately 1,000 All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Kano State have defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The defection occurred in Tofa and Ghari Local Government Areas, with the former APC members aligning themselves with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya Movement. According to reports, the state NNPP chairman, Dr. Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, warmly welcomed the new members during ceremonies held in both locations. The events also marked the launch of NNPP’s chairmanship campaign for the upcoming local government elections. NNPP candidates Yakubu Ibrahim Adis (Tofa) and Hashimu Mai Sabulu (Ghari) expressed optimism about…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Senator Ali Ndume, former Chief Whip of the Senate, to channel his advice to President Bola Tinubu through private means rather than publicly criticizing the government’s policies. This call was made by APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday. Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, had recently expressed concerns about the government’s handling of the economy, stating that certain individuals close to President Tinubu were pushing harmful reforms aimed at destabilizing the government. “Those who are bent on making the President look bad will stop at…

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has taken swift action by suspending his Special Adviser on Salary and Pensions, Alhaji Bashir Ado, due to an alleged premature statement regarding the approval of a N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state. This decision was made public through a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, in Dutse on Saturday. The Jigawa State Government expressed serious concern over the circulating statement, which claimed that Governor Namadi had approved the new minimum wage. However, according to Ibrahim, “This sounds embarrassing and premature as the committee headed by the Head…

The Nigerian currency ended the week on a sour note, depreciating against the US dollar at the foreign exchange market. Data from FMDQ revealed a significant drop, with the naira weakening to N1641.27 per dollar on Friday, down from N1622.57 on Thursday, resulting in an N18.7 loss. This decline marks a reversal of the naira’s previous gain, which had seen it appreciate by 0.16% to N1,622.57/$1 on Thursday. Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s interventions, the FX market has experienced persistent fluctuations. The naira has seesawed between losses and gains against the dollar throughout the week. Meanwhile, the black market…

A 24-year-old man, Usman Mohammed Iyal, has been apprehended by the Katsina State Police Command for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl and attempting to murder her by throwing her into a well at Ambassadors Quarters, Katsina State. Iyal confessed to the crime, stating, “Because I didn’t want her to expose me.” His arrest was made possible by a swift investigation and rescue operation launched by the police after the victim’s father, Abdullahi Sabitu, reported her disappearance. According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred on September 27, 2024, when the victim was sent on…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the country from Thursday to Saturday. The agency’s weather outlook, released on Wednesday, warned of morning thunderstorms in the northern region on Thursday, affecting areas including Taraba, Adamawa, and Kaduna states. *Regional Weather Forecast* – _Northern Region:_ Thunderstorms are expected in parts of Taraba State on Friday morning, with afternoon thunderstorms anticipated in Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, and Adamawa States. – _North Central Region:_ Morning thunderstorms are forecasted in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, and Nasarawa States on Friday, with widespread thunderstorms expected…

Nollywood star Annie Idibia has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa by Glocal Unity Women International. The prestigious award, announced on October 7, 2024, solidifies Annie’s status as a leading figure in the entertainment industry. The talented actress took to Instagram to express her gratitude and surprise, describing the recognition as a ‘loud one.’ “Ok, guys!! This one Loud. I am still rubbing my eyes. Pitching myself. So grateful!! Child of Grace. Na me be this?? ‘100 Most Influential in the entire African continent and the world. What?” she wrote. This accolade is a…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has announced its primary election schedule for the upcoming November 2 local government elections. According to APC State Chairman Aliyu Bello, the primaries for councillorship positions will commence on October 14, 2024, while chairmanship candidates will be selected on October 16. *Primary Election Schedule:*- _Expression of Interest Forms_: Sales will take place from October 7 to October 10 – _Screening of Candidates_: Scheduled from October 10 to 12 – _Councillorship Primaries_: October 14 – _Chairmanship Primaries_: October 16 Bello revealed the election timetable during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lafia, emphasizing that the…

The devastating news of Chilpancingo Mayor Alejandro Arcos’ murder has sent shockwaves across Mexico, a country plagued by violence and cartel activity. Arcos, who took office just last Monday, was found dead less than a week into his tenure. This heinous crime has sparked widespread condemnation, with Guerrero State Governor Evelyn Salgado expressing her outrage on social media, calling it “indignation”. Unfortunately, Arcos’ murder is not an isolated incident. Another city official, Francisco Tapia, was killed just days prior. PRI President Alejandro Moreno lamented the loss of these young, honest officials who sought progress for their community. “They had been…