Day: February 20, 2025

President of the African School of Governance, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, on Thursday called on African nations to use Public-Private Partnerships as a key strategy to liberate themselves from the lingering grip of neo-colonialism. Moghalu, who spoke at the 2025 annual lecture of the Association of Foreign Relations Practitioners of Nigeria in Abuja, painted a picture
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President of the African School of Governance, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, on Thursday called on African nations to use Public-Private Partnerships as a key strategy to liberate themselves from the lingering grip of neo-colonialism. Moghalu, who spoke at the 2025 annual lecture of the Association of Foreign Relations Practitioners of Nigeria in Abuja, painted a picture

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The Federal Government has appealed to China to “remove trade tariff for Nigeria as it had to 33 other African nations, “In hopes of deepening economic cooperation and boosting trade in areas critical to Nigeria’s development goals. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by
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The Federal Government has appealed to China to “remove trade tariff for Nigeria as it had to 33 other African nations, “In hopes of deepening economic cooperation and boosting trade in areas critical to Nigeria’s development goals. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by

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Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen’s goal was not enough to advance Galatasary to the round 16 of the Europa League on Thursday. The defeat marked another disappointing chapter for Nigerian footballers in European competitions, following Lookman’s exit with Atalanta just 24 hours earlier. Osimhen, who missed the first leg due to suspension, was eager to make
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Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen’s goal was not enough to advance Galatasary to the round 16 of the Europa League on Thursday. The defeat marked another disappointing chapter for Nigerian footballers in European competitions, following Lookman’s exit with Atalanta just 24 hours earlier. Osimhen, who missed the first leg due to suspension, was eager to make

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Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen’s goal was not enough to advance Galatasary to the round 16 of the Europa League on Thursday. The defeat marked another disappointing chapter for Nigerian footballers in European competitions, following Lookman’s exit with Atalanta just 24 hours earlier. Osimhen, who missed the first leg due to suspension, was eager to make
Read More

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen’s goal was not enough to advance Galatasary to the round 16 of the Europa League on Thursday. The defeat marked another disappointing chapter for Nigerian footballers in European competitions, following Lookman’s exit with Atalanta just 24 hours earlier. Osimhen, who missed the first leg due to suspension, was eager to make

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The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has urged state governors, ministers, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders, including the private sector, to take urgent and decisive action against the scourge of malnutrition in the country. According to him, the consequences of malnutrition go beyond the health sector, forming the root of the challenges that hinder
Nigerian government unveils National Nutrition Policy

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has urged state governors, ministers, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders, including the private sector, to take urgent and decisive action against the scourge of malnutrition in the country.

According to him, the consequences of malnutrition go beyond the health sector, forming the root of the challenges that hinder productivity, learning, and national growth.

Senator Shettima made this statement on Thursday while officially launching the Nutrition 774 Initiative at the 148th meeting of the National Economic Council, NEC, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Beyond mere statistics, the Vice President noted that the alarming figures—indicating that about 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five suffer from stunting, 8 per cent from wasting, and 27 per cent from being underweight—represent real children whose futures are at risk even before they have a chance to begin their life’s journey.

This, he said, is why the Nutrition 774 Initiative marks a turning point, emphasising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers it a national priority in fulfilment of his promise to Nigerians.

The Vice President stated: “By focusing on grassroots impact, we will ensure that mothers and children across all communities have access to critical nutrition support where it matters most.

“This initiative is, therefore, an invitation—an invitation to all stakeholders: our governors, ministers, local government chairmen, development partners, and the private sector—to take action. It is also a pledge to the people of Nigeria that we will not stand by while our children suffer the preventable consequences of malnutrition.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, embraces this initiative not only as the fulfilment of his promise to the nation but also as a national priority—because a well-nourished population is a premium insurance for our future.”

Describing the Nutrition 774 Initiative as the first government-led intervention to combat malnutrition on a broad scale, Vice President Shettima explained that it is “designed to improve coordination, financing, and accountability while adopting a multi-sectoral, community-driven approach.”

He added: “Through this initiative, every mother and child—regardless of their location—will have access to life-saving nutrition interventions tailored to their unique needs.”

The Vice President appealed to all stakeholders to take the initiative seriously, as its success “rests on collaboration and the investments we all make to sustain it.”

He continued: “I have no doubt that every stakeholder present today is prepared for the task ahead. The compact we sign today is not merely ink on paper—it is a commitment to the lives of millions of Nigerian children who deserve a future unshackled by malnutrition.

“The foundation we lay today will determine the strength of our nation tomorrow. As we embark on this journey, let us be guided by the certainty that no investment yields greater returns than investing in the health and well-being of our people.”

Nigerian government unveils National Nutrition Policy

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, as courageous and patriotic for admitting that the late M.K.O. Abiola won the June 12, 1993 election. Tinubu spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the fundraising for the IBB
Admitting MKO Abiola won June 12 presidential election is courageous – Tinubu tells IBB

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, as courageous and patriotic for admitting that the late M.K.O. Abiola won the June 12, 1993 election.

Tinubu spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project.

Recall that, for the first time, General Babangida confirmed that Chief Abiola won the historic June 12 election based on collated results at the time.

While the annulment remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, resulting in political crisis, it also hastened Babangida’s exit from power.

According to Tinubu, Babangida’s admission regarding Abiola’s victory will help set the record straight.

“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage.

“Let me say thank you for everything—for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country,” the President stated.

Babangida served as Nigeria’s leader from August 1985 to August 1993.

President Tinubu said he would continue to do his best for the country by making tough decisions to reposition the economy.

However, he urged Nigerians to refocus their time, energy, and resources on building the country, which remains their home, and to be more mindful of changes in global migration laws that could hinder their dreams of a better life.

“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe—the contradictions you have seen now. What is it telling us? It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria.

“I have seen the need to make some decisions on behalf of this country. I want to thank all of you for your mandate, patience, and perseverance. Whatever might have happened, we have heard the truth from our dear leader, father, and uncle, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,” he added.

Admitting MKO Abiola won June 12 presidential election is courageous – Tinubu tells IBB

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced on Thursday that over 3,500 illegal firearms have been recovered in the state within the last 100 days. DAILY POST reports that Governor Okpebholo disclosed this during an event marking his first 100 days in office as the elected governor of the state. He stated that the illegal firearms
Edo recovers 3,500 illegal firearms in 100 days

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced on Thursday that over 3,500 illegal firearms have been recovered in the state within the last 100 days.

DAILY POST reports that Governor Okpebholo disclosed this during an event marking his first 100 days in office as the elected governor of the state.

He stated that the illegal firearms were recovered from personnel of the defunct Edo State Security Network, ESSN, under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

While emphasising that the security of lives and property in the state is non-negotiable, he noted that the reconstitution of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC was a bold step in his administration’s commitment to fighting crime.

He explained that these decisive actions necessitated amendments to the anti-cultism and kidnapping laws, introducing stiffer penalties.

According to him, these stricter measures have led to a significant reduction in cult-related violence.

The governor also revealed that his administration has procured 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 350 motorcycles to enhance mobility and rapid response for security agencies.

He said: “For my administration, security is not negotiable. We took bold steps by amending the anti-cultism and kidnapping laws with stiffer penalties, which have led to a significant reduction in cult-related violence.

“We reorganised the Edo State Security Corps, recovered over 3,500 illegal firearms, and procured 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 350 motorbikes to match the criminals, in line with our promise to smoke them out.”

DAILY POST reports that Governor Okpebholo was sworn into office on 12 November 2024, after being declared the winner of the 21 September 2024 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, defeated his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as well as 15 other governorship candidates in the election.

Edo recovers 3,500 illegal firearms in 100 days

The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2025 effectively restored the tenure of sacked local government chairmen and councillors in Osun State. However, he stated that the tenure of the chairmen and councillors elected during the administration
Osun LG crisis: Chairmen to remain in office till Oct 2025 – AGF

The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2025 effectively restored the tenure of sacked local government chairmen and councillors in Osun State.

However, he stated that the tenure of the chairmen and councillors elected during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, would expire in October this year.

In a statement issued on behalf of the federal government on Thursday evening, Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, advised the Osun State government to shelve any plans to conduct local government elections for now, in the interest of peace and in line with the rule of law.

In the statement, which he personally signed, Fagbemi urged Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to abide by the ruling of the Court of Appeal.

Part of the statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to the public outcry of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, concerning the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, delivered on 10 February 2025 in Appeal No. CA/AK/272/2022, which nullified and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, delivered on 25 November 2022.

“It has become necessary to issue this public notice to dispel doubts, fears, and uncertainties created by misrepresentations and disinformation concerning the legal effect of the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

“To put matters in proper context, during the tenure of former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, elections were conducted in all local governments of Osun State, and the winners were sworn in.

“However, a few days before the swearing-in of Governor Adeleke, the Federal High Court in Osogbo delivered a judgment nullifying the election of the local government officials and removing them from office.

“As soon as Governor Adeleke assumed office, a few days after the judgment, he issued an executive order for the physical removal of the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees.

“Meanwhile, the APC, a party in the Federal High Court case, appealed against the judgment. The Court of Appeal, on 10 February 2025, delivered its judgment in favour of the APC.

“The Court of Appeal not only allowed the appeal but also held that the suit that resulted in the judgment of the Federal High Court was incompetent and consequently struck it out.

“Accordingly, the judgment of the Court of Appeal had, by implication, effectively restored the elected local government officials removed by the Federal High Court to their offices.

“According to the facts made available to my office, the attempt by the said elected officials to resume their positions was resisted by some disgruntled elements, which led to the crisis.

“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, is no doubt aware of this scenario and, as a leader, ought to have called the disgruntled elements to order in accordance with his oath of office to maintain law and order in Osun State.

“Notwithstanding the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which in effect means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained validity and will naturally run until October 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new local government election shall be held on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

“Any such election would not only be invalid, since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgment of the Court of Appeal is still running until October 2025, but would also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.

“Furthermore, the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which has validated and entrenched local government autonomy, reinforces the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure a smooth, non-violent transition from one set of elected officials to another, in accordance with the statutorily prescribed three-year tenure.

“For the avoidance of doubt, when proceedings and decisions of a court are declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever.

“It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2025, which is superior to any High Court decision, defines the legal position in this case and represents the only legally enforceable judgment. It has the legal effect of reinstating the initially sacked democratically elected local government officials of Osun State.

“The constitutional order that existed before their dissolution must be restored immediately, as the judgment upon which the governor acted to dissolve the democratically elected government has been declared a nullity due to the lack of jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to have heard the case and made those orders.

“I appeal to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke, to uphold the rule of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State.

“Nobody benefits from violence. It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to halt any plans to proceed with a local government election at this time.

“My office remains available for any dialogue His Excellency may require on this matter in the interest of the peace of Osun State and Nigeria in general.”

Osun LG crisis: Chairmen to remain in office till Oct 2025 – AGF