Author: TheScrutinyNG

Data released by the World Bank reveals that over 129 million Nigerians are currently living in poverty. The World Bank made this statement in its recently published Nigeria Development Update report. According to the global institution, rising headline inflation has driven millions of Nigerians into hunger. As a result, the official percentage of Nigerians living in poverty has increased from 40.1% in 2018 to 56% in 2024. It said, “With growth proving too slow to outpace inflation, poverty has risen sharply. Since 2018, the share of Nigerians living below the national poverty line is estimated to have risen sharply from…

The Ministry of Defence will soon establish a  Joint Military Command Centre in the North West code-named  ‘Operation Fansan Yamma’,  as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to address the security challenges confronting the region. The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, disclosed this on Thursday when he visited the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House as part of his working tour of the North-West Zone. The visit was aimed at finalising preparations for the official launch of ‘Operation Fansan Yamma ‘, a joint military theatre Command established by the Defence Headquarters to tackle insecurity in the…

Actress Halima Abubakar has been suspended by Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, over what it described as professional misconduct. The AGN said Abubakar’s “involvement in slandering Nollywood” was uncovered after two years of secret investigation. Announcing her suspension in a statement on Friday, the Guild stated that other female members on the watch-list, especially over the recent release of names of persons purported to have had dealings with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, are being investigated by the secret panel. The Guild said it found the actress “guilty of spreading false information about fellow colleagues, associates, and patrons, including allegations…

The Labour Party presidential flagbearer during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has faulted the foreign trips embarked upon by both President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima. He said the trips, coming when the country is grappling with domestic challenges, were concerning. The PUNCH reports that Tinubu departed for the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave. He later left the UK for France on Friday, October 11, for “another important engagement,” his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, tweeted. Meanwhile, Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden…

Libya Football Federation secretary,Nasser Al-Suwaie, is doubting the integirty of CAF leadership as investigation into the botched Libya-Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations match starts. The FA secretary has raised queries on the integrity of the personnel of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).  In a report published in the online version of Libyaalahrar.tv, Al-Suwaie remarked that there may be collusion from some parties within CAF, but the position of the Libyan Federation is strong. He added that the Libyan Federation did not change the course of the plane’s landing to Al-Abraq Airport, and the reason for changing the plane’s landing…

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, has disclosed that the 2025 Anambra State governorship election would hold on November 8, 2025. Yakubu disclosed this at a regular consultative meeting of the commission with political parties in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Yakubu said that the announcement was in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which required the commission to issue the notice for election not later than 360 days before the date of such an election. “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on November 6, 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship…

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has acceded to the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present two witnesses virtually in the trial of former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Maryanne Anenih granted EFCC’s application in which it sought the court’s permission to be allowed to field the witnesses, who are currently abroad, through video link. The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on a six-count charge of unlawfully printing of new naira notes, among others. The court adjourned till October 17 for the continuation of trial, as…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has authorised institutions to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025. The issue of the minimum age for admission to the nation’s tertiary institutions was discussed at the 2024 Policy Meeting, where it was decided that the minimum age for the 2024/25 academic session would be 16. Muhammed Babaji, the Director of Admissions, stated in a press release yesterday that candidates who meet the institution’s admission standards should not be denied admission by August 2025 solely based on age. “The Board acknowledges that some institutions expect the 2024/2025…

Femi Falana (SAN), a human rights lawyer and activist, has replied Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) on the latter’s position regarding the legal status of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Through a letter he wrote to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to oppose the view expressed by the ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Agbakoba regarding the legal status of the EFCC, Falana disagreed with Agbakoba. PUNCH reports that the letter dated 17 October 2024, Falana disagreed with Agbakoba’s assertion that the EFCC is an “unlawful…

Ederson, the Manchester City goalkeeper, has insisted that the club have already picked manager, Pep Guardiola’s potential replacement at the Etihad. Guardiola’s future at Man City remains uncertain. The Spanaird’s current contract will expire at the end of the season. However, Ederson believes the Premier League champions have plans in place if Guardiola decided to leave the club next year. “City is a very well-structured club, well-managed, great directors, great CEO,” Ederson told TNT Sports Brazil. “I believe the club already has the next manager in mind… the day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same…