Author: Staff Reporter

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, has pledged that the private sector will invest heavily in job-creating initiatives, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s economy can be turned around within a few months. Speaking at the inauguration of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Dangote said, “The private sector and the public sector will work together to better the lives of our people…we will advise the government on policies that will create jobs.” President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the 31-member council, comprising representatives from the public and private sectors, including Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and Abdulsamad Rabiu. Tinubu…

American rapper Cardi B has been dragged to court by two singers from Texas and Oklahoma, Miguel Aguilar (Kemika 1956) and Joshua Fraustro (Sten Joddi), for allegedly using their song without permission. According to lawsuit documents obtained by TMZ, the plaintiffs claim that Cardi B and her producers lifted elements from their 2021 song “Greasy Frybread” for her hit track “Enough (Miami)”. The song was released on March 15, 2024, three years after “Greasy Frybread”. The plaintiffs allege that their song was featured as a promotional piece for the FX series “Reservation Dogs” and that Cardi B’s use of their…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its first-ever guideline on tobacco cessation, aimed at assisting over 750 million tobacco users worldwide who wish to quit. The comprehensive guideline recommends a combination of behavioural support, digital interventions, and pharmacological treatments to help individuals overcome tobacco addiction. According to WHO, over 60% of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users desire to quit, but 70% lack access to effective cessation services due to resource limitations and health system challenges. The guideline seeks to bridge this gap by empowering countries to provide essential tools and support for individuals seeking to quit tobacco. WHO…

Petroleum marketers are apprehensive about the impending arrival of petrol from Dangote Petrochemical Refinery, expected to hit the local market in two to three weeks. Concerns surround the potential high price of the product, attributed to the refinery’s reliance on imported crude oil from the United States and other countries. Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), highlighted the challenges posed by the refusal of international oil companies (IOCs) to supply crude oil to Dangote Refinery. This has led to the refinery seeking alternative sources abroad, increasing production costs. Fashola urged the Federal…

Fox Corporation’s Tubi streaming platform has entered the UK market, offering over 20,000 films and TV series, including content from Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. The free, ad-supported service will compete with Netflix, Disney+, ITVX, Channel 4’s streaming platform, and BBC iPlayer. Tubi CEO Anjali Sud said, “Tubi has spent the last decade honing our approach to vast, free and fun streaming in North America, and we feel that now is the perfect time to bring that recipe to UK audiences.” The platform has gained popularity in the US, with almost 80 million monthly active users. The UK…

The Labour Party (LP) has criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for allegedly wasting ₦4.3 trillion on palliatives and loans to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, with no direct impact on Nigerians’ lives. Last year, the President announced palliatives worth ₦100 billion to acquire buses, ₦200 billion for agriculture, ₦75 billion for manufacturers, and ₦125 billion for small enterprises and the informal sector. However, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, argued that these palliatives have not reached the grassroots and have not impacted Nigerians. Ifoh questioned whether any Nigerian has benefited from the ₦4.3 trillion palliatives, citing rising…

A clarion call has been made to the government to intervene in the crisis-ridden special education sector. Kehinde Oshilaja, convener of the Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, sounded the alarm at a stakeholders’ event, warning of an impending disaster if reforms are not implemented. Oshilaja decried the deplorable conditions in special schools, citing the exodus of caregivers due to poor working conditions, meager salaries, and neglect. He emphasized that the brain drain would have devastating consequences on vulnerable pupils who rely on these professionals. “Owners of these special schools have failed to prioritize the well-being of workers, leading to an exodus of…

In a bid to increase Nigeria’s participation in the global air cargo value chain, projected to reach $310 billion in the next few years, the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are collaborating with state governments to develop air transport infrastructure. According to FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the authority is willing to support Plateau State’s ambition to establish a cargo terminal at Jos Airport, leveraging the state’s agricultural resources. “We can start marketing some of your perishable items and creating market days when we invite people from across the country to fly in and…