***Commends His Devout Christian Legacy The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Most Rev. Solomon A. Amatu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Lawrence Nkwoh, father of Sr. Mary Eudes Nkwoh of St. Mary’s Parish, Amuzi Obowo, describing his passing as a great loss to the Church and the community. In a condolence message addressed to Sr. Mary Eudes, Bishop Amatu praised the late Nkwoh—popularly known as Bro. Law—as a man whose entire life was marked by unwavering faith, humility, and service to God. According to the bishop, the deceased was widely regarded for his peaceful…
Author: National Update
By Dahiru Ali When the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) released its 2024 Annual Report, public attention gravitated to the big, gleaming figures: a headline profit of N5.4 trillion and total revenue of N4.5 trillion. For many, that was enough, a surface-level indicator of a turnaround story. But for Mr. Victor Eromosele, a former Chief Financial Officer and now Chairman of M.E Consulting Limited, the real story was buried deeper in the numbers. Long before offering an opinion, he reached for his calculator. “Before forming any judgment, I wanted to see the figures in a more stable currency,” he…
The Northern Senators Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua, expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, one of Nigeria’s most respected Islamic scholars and spiritual leaders. For over six decades, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to faith, education, and service to humanity. Renowned for his humility, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to peace, justice, and harmony, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi inspired generations through his teachings and leadership in the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood. His influence transcended borders, touching the hearts of both Muslims and non-Muslims, and fostering unity, tolerance, and understanding. Senator Yaradua, on behalf…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned what he described as a pointless national argument over whether Christians or Muslims are being killed more in Nigeria, insisting that the government must focus on ending all killings — and should seek international support if necessary. Speaking at the second edition of the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, Obasanjo said Nigeria had long possessed the technology to track criminals before he left office in 2007, noting that current advancements make it even easier to identify perpetrators of violence. He warned that reducing victims to religious or ethnic labels is both…
Troops of the 12 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel, ACM Anas Muhammed Fakai, for allegedly transporting firearms to Abuja. Fakai, with service number 23/42603, was intercepted at Kabba Junction in Lokoja at about 10:22 p.m. on Tuesday, while conveying two pump-action rifles and one Browning pistol. The suspect, who serves with the 107 Air Maritime Group on Airport Road, Benin, Edo State, reportedly confessed during interrogation that he was delivering the weapons to Constable Mohammed Auwal Haliru, serving at the Police Headquarters, Abuja. According…
***Bans Social, Religious Activities Beyond 4pm** By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has confirmed that major bandit commanders have relocated into parts of the state, prompting the government to impose a ban on all social, religious, and community activities beyond 4pm with immediate effect. Ododo made the disclosure on Thursday during an expanded State Security Council meeting in Lokoja, convened amid rising public anxiety over reports of bandit presence in some communities. The meeting drew participants from the security agencies, traditional institutions, and key community stakeholders. The governor said the decision was necessary to safeguard…
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a blistering indictment of the country’s security failures, warning that repeated delays in responding to attacks on Christian communities are deepening fears of collusion and strengthening claims of a looming “Christian genocide.” In a statement on Thursday, the bishops said they have received disturbing reports of security teams arriving late—or not at all—during violent assaults on predominantly Christian settlements, particularly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions. They described the pattern of attacks as “prolonged, brutal, and devastating,” noting that several communities have been completely destroyed or occupied, while displaced persons…
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has called for urgent collective action to strengthen water security and build Nigeria’s resilience to climate change. Edun made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of the Lokoja Dialogues, an initiative designed to promote community-driven solutions for water management, climate adaptation and sustainable development. He described water as a “strategic economic asset” essential for boosting agricultural productivity, supporting livelihoods and ensuring inclusive growth. According to the minister, addressing Nigeria’s water challenges requires coordinated investment, innovation and broad stakeholder collaboration. Edun reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment…
By Ben Adaji Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is on track to take over Taraba State — and ultimately Nigeria — in the 2027 general elections. Atiku made the declaration while reacting to the massive turnout at the ADC rally in Jalingo and the unveiling of the party’s new Taraba State Secretariat. He said the excitement across the state shows a growing hunger for political change and a government that puts people first. According to him, the ADC’s rising momentum, reinforced by deepening grassroots mobilisation, has positioned the party as a formidable force ahead…
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns that the proposed hike in excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) could hurt local production, cost jobs, and derail investment in the sector. Speaking before the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, MAN’s Abuja Liaison Director, Adeyemi Folorunsho, said the move—from the current flat ₦10-per-litre levy to a higher rate—comes at a time when many manufacturers are already operating on razor-thin margins. He warned that a sudden increase could disrupt production, weaken the viability of plants, and drive up sugar imports, undermining the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. “Such a tax could destabilize…