Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

Hosts Germany kick off Euro 2024 on Friday in Munich against Scotland, the start of a journey the three-time continental champions hope will conclude with victory in the final in Berlin on July 14. After three dismal tournaments in a row — including going out in the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups — Julian Nagelsmann’s side take on the challenge of putting Germany back among Europe’s heavyweights. Three wins in 11 matches last year reduced already low expectations, but under Nagelsmann the outlook has gradually improved, and there is increased optimism from supporters as well. It…

The Court of Appeal, Abuja has quashed a previous ruling made by a Kogi State High Court against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, concerning a contempt case and restraining order filed by former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Joseph O.K. Oyewole, the appellate court on Thursday, June 13, 2024 held that “ a court of law cannot preclude the EFCC or any Law Enforcement Agency from investigating and prosecuting crime. This is a fundamental jurisdictional point that cannot be shoved aside as it borders on…

The 10th Senate has so far passed 25 bills and 115 resolutions in the last year. The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, to mark the first anniversary of the 10th Senate. He said the Senate also screened and confirmed 215 nominees for appointment into different positions by President Bola Tinubu. He added that during the period, the Red Chamber strategically collaborated with key public institutions, especially the Executive Arm, to defend its core interest as a federation. The statement reads: “The 10th National Assembly precisely turns one today. Its first anniversary is almost coincident…

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has said it would publish the full list of institutions that have submitted their complete student data as requested by the agency for upload onto the NELFUND Student Verification System. NELFUND on Thursday, said the list would be published on June 24, 2024. This list of both Federal and State owned institutions will be published to ensure transparency and to encourage due access and participation in the scheme, of both undergraduate applicants and tertiary institutions in this critical exercise, the Fund said in a statement by its Head of Media, Nasir Ayitogo. ‘It is commendable…

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State said he does not have the control over security in the state. Lawal stated this at a town hall meeting on Channels Television marking Nigeria’s 25th Democracy Day in Abuja on Wednesday. He decried the bandits activities in the North-Western state, blaming the situation on what he described as political interference. According to Governor Lawal, precious human lives are being toyed with. He said, “By name, I am the chief security officer of my state but when it comes to command and control, I don’t have control over any of the security outfits whether…

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to reviewing and agreeing to a realistic and sustainable minimum wage for Nigerian workers. He also urged organised labour to propose or agree to a realistic minimum wage that won’t lead to massive job losses across the country. Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister said accepting unrealistic wages would undermine the economy. He said, “As I have repeatedly said, the Federal Government is not opposed to the increase of…

Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has promised to do everything within his power to ensure that the state achieves better living standards for the people. Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that there is undeniable evidence that the state is currently undergoing a new trajectory in socioeconomic transformation. This includes extensive statewide infrastructural reengineering and strategic human capital development through systematic filling of existing vacancies in the public service. Aiyedatiwa said there were positive changes in all sectors of the state economy through judicious appropriation of state resources in the most resourceful and efficient manner thereby engendering unprecedented facelift, wealth creation, psychological well-being…

The governor of Anambra state, Chukwuma Soludo has said that no one will receive up to N2,500 if all Anambra revenues were distributed to the state’s citizens individually. Soludo said this while speaking at The Platform, a programme by Lagos-based church, Covenant Nation, to mark the 2024 Democracy Day on Wednesday, June 12. He emphasised that he shares the pains of Nigerians in these difficult times. He said: “As a person, for example, I deeply feel the pains of Nigerians at these challenging times especially the over 100 million Nigerians who are multidimensionally poor. Times are hard.” “Sometimes, I just…

The Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Wednesday described democracy as the best form of government. Uzodimma stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, for this year’s June 12 democracy day. The governor said: “It is a thing of joy that Nigeria and Nigerians are today celebrating 25 years of unbroken Democracy. That means we have come of age and that Democracy as a system of government has come to stay. While I congratulate all Nigerians for this remarkable feat, I use this opportunity to salute our heroes and nationalists whose sweat and blood watered this…

The Federal Government will unveil the world’s largest painting portrait on a canvas at the 25th Anniversary of Democracy Day today at Eagles Square, Abuja. Mr. Opeyemi Alaba the innovator of the painting described it as a message of hope for Nigerians and Africa. He said that the painting was created by 37 different painters representing the 36 states and FCT. Alaba also mentioned that the inspiration for the portrait was gotten from portraits of former U.S. President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth.