Former President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara that the political challenges he is currently facing will ultimately strengthen him as a leader. Jonathan made this remark on Sunday at the Etche Festival of Food, Art, and Culture in Nihi Community, Etche Local Government Area, during the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Eze Nwala, the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem. Jonathan, who was also honored with the chieftaincy title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche, urged Rivers residents to stand by Fubara, emphasizing that adversity is part of leadership. “Nobody becomes a general without fighting…
Author: National Update
***as Philanthropist Decries Nigeria’s Decline In a remarkable display of philanthropy, over 2,000 patients in Kontagora, Niger State, received free medical care courtesy of the Sani Bello Foundation, as former Kano State Military Administrator, Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd), marked his 82nd birthday. Rather than hosting a lavish celebration, Bello dedicated the milestone to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved Nigerians. The five-day outreach, organized in collaboration with Graceland Healthcare Foundation, provided surgeries for ailments such as fibroids, hernias, goitres, and eye diseases. More than 600 surgeries were performed, alongside the free distribution of 1,255 medications and 1,000 eyeglasses. Speaking at…
President Bola Tinubu has described the era of fuel subsidies in Nigeria as a “fake good life” that masked the country’s looming economic crisis. Speaking at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State, Tinubu emphasized that removing the subsidy was a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s future. Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, the President explained that both the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of exchange rates were strategic moves to avert economic disaster. “As you know, we…
In a decisive move to showcase Nigeria’s economic potential, the Federal Government has reaffirmed the nation’s position as Africa’s leading investment hub during the France-Nigeria Business Forum held in Paris. This strategic declaration is to position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s investment landscape, leveraging its vast opportunities and dynamic market. Addressing an esteemed gathering of French and Nigerian business leaders, policymakers, and investors, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized Nigeria’s unique advantages. Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted Edun to have highlighted the nation’s…
***Calls for Immediate Safety Reforms The Senator representing Kogi East in the National Assembly, Jibrin Isah Echocho has sent a message of condolence to the families affected by the recent boat mishap on the River Niger. The boat incident had claimed the lives of many market women traveling from the state to neighboring Niger State. In a statement personally signed by the senator, Echocho conveyed profound sympathy, urging the bereaved to find solace in the face of the devastating tragedy. He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for the grieving families. The accident, confirmed by…
The Igala Youth Council (IYC) has strongly condemned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for listing the Igala nation as part of the proposed “United States of Biafra.” The IYC’s stance was made clear during an emergency meeting held on December 1, 2024, in response to a viral video in which IPOB outlined its vision for a 40-state Biafran nation. In a statement, the IYC’s National Publicity Secretary, Michael Achor Joshua, criticized IPOB for failing to consult the Igala people, emphasizing that the Igala nation firmly rejects any inclusion in IPOB’s secessionist agenda. “We were not invited to any discussions,…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed surprise and deep appreciation to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), for secretly pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during the 1995 coup trial. Speaking at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Gowon revealed how he sent a personal letter to Abacha through his wife, urging the dictator to show mercy to Obasanjo, who had been sentenced to death for allegedly plotting a coup. “I felt so bad about it,” Gowon said. “I wrote to Abacha, reminding him that God made him…
Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has opened up about how he personally intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Gowon recounted the events of 1995 when Obasanjo was arrested and sentenced to death on charges of plotting a coup. He described the emotional turmoil he felt and how he could not stand to see the former military leader face such a fate. “I was deeply saddened. It shouldn’t have happened. Such a thing must never…
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated a sweeping investigation into Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), MTN Nigeria, and Air Peace over widespread consumer complaints. The inquiry, set to begin on December 3, 4, and 5, aims to address concerns about poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential violations of consumer rights. FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, announced the investigation in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring market accountability. GTBank will be probed over numerous reports of network failures that have left customers unable to access their funds…
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has made a bold declaration that his victory in the September 21 governorship election was achieved solely through faith in God, without seeking help from native doctors or prophets. Speaking on Sunday at Winner’s Chapel in Akho, Irrua, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to God for his success. His Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua in a statement issued on Sunday quoted the Governor to have said, “No one but God could have accomplished this. This is the first time in Nigeria that someone contested and won without consulting any prophet or native doctor. My faith…