Author: Opeyemi Ogabi

The Federal Government has issued a warning to Nigerians about the controlled water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, starting from Tuesday, September 17, 2024. According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the water discharge will gradually increase to 1000m³/s over the next seven days, depending on the inflow from the Garoua River. _No Cause for Alarm_ The agency reassures that there is no need for panic, as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is unlikely since the Benue River’s flow levels are within cautionary limits. However, states bordering the Benue River system – Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo,…

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its decision to increase boarding fees in its model colleges, citing the need to provide better welfare for students. According to Mr. Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the current N35,000 boarding fee, which has remained unchanged since 2021, is no longer realistic in 2024. *New Fee Structure* The government approved a new boarding fee of N100,000 for the 2024/2025 session, which commenced on September 15, 2024. This decision was made to ensure the students receive quality care and services. *Government’s Rationale* Lawal emphasized that…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has released estimated pump prices for petrol lifted from the Dangote Refinery, with prices varying across regions. According to NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the prices range from N950 to N1,019 per litre. The highest price of N1,019 per litre will apply in states such as Borno, while Abuja, Sokoto, and Kano will pay N999.22 per litre. Oyo, Rivers, and other southern states will pay N960 per litre, while Lagos and its environs will enjoy the lowest price of N950 per litre. “The NNPC Ltd has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit, also…

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has cautioned that another global pandemic is likely to occur within the next 25 years, citing the world’s lack of preparedness. Gates’ Warning: “If we avoid a big war… then, yes, there will be another pandemic.” Reasons: Global unrest, animal-to-human pathogen transmission. COVID-19 Lessons: Gates highlights US’s shortcomings in pandemic response. Quote: “The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations.” Prevention Efforts: Gates advocates for: Enhanced quarantine techniques Investment in vaccine research Global Health Risks: Experts stress need for improved preparedness. Next Steps: International cooperation,…

The Nigerian currency, Naira, ended the week on a high note, appreciating significantly against the US dollar. FMDQ Data: Naira gained N103.38 to close at N1,546.41/$ on Friday. Previous Day’s Rate: N1649.79/$ on Thursday. Black Market: Naira depreciated by N10 to N1,665/$. CBN Interventions: Despite efforts, Naira continues to experience fluctuations. Market Volatility: Naira recorded gains and losses throughout the week. Key Statistics: Official Market: N1,546.41/$ (Friday) Black Market: N1,665/$ (Friday) Previous Day’s Official Rate: N1649.79/$ Economic Implications: Naira’s appreciation may boost investor confidence. Next Steps: Market watchers await CBN’s next move to stabilize currency.

Tyrese Haspil, 25, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the gruesome murder of his former boss, Fahim Saleh, founder and CEO of Nigerian transportation company Gokada. Conviction: Haspil was found guilty of first-degree murder, grand larceny, and other charges. Motivation: Prosecutors say Haspil killed Saleh to hide his embezzlement of $400,000. Brutal Crime: Haspil tasered, stabbed, and decapitated Saleh in his Manhattan apartment. Dismemberment: Haspil returned to the apartment to dismember Saleh’s body. Arrest: Haspil was arrested four days later. Embezzlement: Haspil set up fake accounts to funnel Saleh’s money. Gokada Legacy: Saleh’s company described…

Armed bandits launched a dawn attack on Thursday, blocking the Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducting an unspecified number of travelers. Eyewitness Accounts: Commuters described the scene as bandits, riding about 50 motorcycles with three persons each, mounted a roadblock around the Tazame axis. “We have been stuck here since morning, waiting for the military to clear the road.” – Yusuf Tsafe, stranded commuter Multiple Roadblocks: Bandits also blocked the Magazu-Kucheri Road, linking Gusau to Funtua. Military Response: The military arrived around 9 am, engaging the bandits in gunfire. Police Confirmation: Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar,…

Former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in their first presidential debate on Tuesday, exchanging blows on key issues and showcasing starkly contrasting leadership styles. Moderated by ABC News, the debate saw Harris adopt a strategic approach, baiting Trump with provocative remarks designed to throw him off balance. Trump, however, frequently engaged with Harris’ provocations, reiterating conspiracy theories and false claims. Abortion, Immigration, and Crime Take Center Stage The debate highlighted sharp divisions on abortion, with Harris attacking Trump’s role in overturning Roe v. Wade and Trump defending his actions. On immigration, Harris criticized Trump’s…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was summoned by the party’s disciplinary committee. Senator Olaka Nwogu, a member of the PDP Disciplinary Committee, described the reports as misinformation spread by individuals with personal agendas. “I am a member of the disciplinary committee of the party. I was disturbed when the report came that Nyesom Wike had been summoned at a time when the Disciplinary Committee has not even met to consider any of these things,” Nwogu stated. Nwogu’s clarification contradicts earlier claims by the PDP’s Deputy National…

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for handing over the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano State to an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart. In a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment at the development, describing it as a “gross insult to our constitutional democracy and driving partisanship too far”. Kwankwaso noted that unlike other states, the Federal Government sidelined the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, in the distribution of palliatives. He stated, “The distribution of the palliatives to…