Author: Safiu Kehinde
Safiu Kehinde is a Graduate of Mass Communications. He is passionate about accurate reporting and interested in investigating socio-political issues.
The US House of Representatives has voted against a Donald Trump-backed funding measure, bringing a government shutdown this weekend a step closer. A revised spending plan failed to reach the two-thirds majority needed in the lower chamber of Congress, with 38 Republicans voting against the bill on Thursday night, defying the president-elect. Trump had thwarted a previous cross-party funding deal that the Republican House leadership had struck with Democrats, after heavy criticism of the measure by tech billionaire Elon Musk. After the bill failed by 174 votes to 235, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would come up with…
Safiu Kehinde Human Rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi , has arrived at the Ekiti state Magistrate court, Ado-Ekiti, for the resumption of his defamation suit hearing. The court’s premises where heavily guarded by security operatives as the jury awaits his arrival. As seen in a post on Facebook, the embattled lawyer who as sued by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) over defamation claim, eventually arrived at the court premises with heavy security details. He was geared up by supporters and fellow activists as he approached the court room. NPO reported that the legal tussle between Farotimi and the founder of…
Agency Report The Federal Government, on Thursday, inaugurated the N59.4 billion abandoned Greater Dutse Water Supply Project, in Sultilmawa area of Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa. The Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utseve flagged-off the N59.4 billion worth of project, expected to provide about 10 million liters of water to Jigawa residents. Utseve said that the project was part of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as promised during his Presidential campaign in Jigawa state. According to him, the project will provide potable and clean water to the residents of Dutse and its neighbouring communities,…
Agency Report The price of de-stoned local rice has dropped marginally by between six and 10 per cent in Enugu markets, causing many residents to shift patronage to the brand. The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that dealers in the commodity attributed the positive development to the harvest season for local rice. A trader at the popular Ogbete Main Market, Mrs Rose Nwakwo, said that a 50-kg bag now goes for N78,000 as against N84,000 in November. Another dealer at Garki Market, Enugu, Mr Chidi Orji, said that a five liter paint container goes for N6,500 as against N7,500.…
Safiu Kehinde The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded immediate intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government over the issue of cash scarcity across the country. Joe Ajaero, NLC President made the demand in a communique he jointly signed with Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of NLC on Thursday in Abuja. The communique was issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri. Ajaero said that the NEC in-session had expressed concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling…
Safiu Kehinde The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has slammed Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, over the suspension of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas in the state. Speaking at a public session organised by the Ministry of Justice on Thursday in Abuja, Fagbemi labelled Okpebholo’s action as illegal and unconstitutional. According to him, the removal from office or suspension of any elected LG official in the country is the prerogative of the legislative arm in the LGA. He based his position on the July 11 judgement of the Supreme Court that granted…
Safiu Kehinde The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has solicited the collaboration of stakeholders in the tourism sector to bolster the sector for economic growth through sub-regional tourism. ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, made this known at a four-day workshop on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at strengthening subregional cooperation and networking opportunities in tourism. The event also aims to improve the capacity and operations of tourism within the subregion. Toure-Litse, who was represented by ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, Dr Tony Elumelu, stressed that the workshop also aimed to harmonise regulatory framework in the…
Safiu Kehinde Dominic Solanke’s brace and Heung-min Son’s stunner helped Tottenham Hotspur edged past Manchester United in a 4-3 win at the League Cup quarter-final The win put Tottenham at a vantage point in their hunt of a first trophy since 2008 as they advanced to the semi-final. Spurs were in cruise control when Solanke rifled home his second in the 54th minute to add to his first-half opener and Dejan Kulusevski’s effort 46 seconds into the second half. Tottenham’s back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster pressed the self-destruct button, though, as his two errors set up a nervy finale. First Manchester…
Safiu Kehinde Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has written to Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) in appreciation of his contribution to the construction of the now approved Agro-Allied Cargo Airport in the state. Oyebanji, in the letter of appreciation which he personally delivered to the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on Thursday, expressed his gratitude for Babalola’s contribution to the project. He however, disclosed in the letter titled: “Letter of Appreciation”, and dated December 18, that the airport is only approved for six months non-scheduled flight operations as there are conditions given by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)…
Agency Report The National Boundary Commission (NBC), says it will deploy drones, advanced geospatial technologies, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country in 2025. The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja on Thursday. Adaji, who was represented by Dr Bulus Emmanuel, Director Internal Boundaries, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management. He said that to ensure success of the project, the NBC had invested significantly in training and capacity-building programmes for…