Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, has strongly opposed the proposed global tax to fund the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), arguing that it is impractical and would further entrench global inequality. Speaking at the United Nations Global Parliament’s Interparliamentary Opening Session in New York, Ibrahim cautioned that such a tax would exacerbate poverty rather than help achieve the SDGs by 2030. “The international system remains anarchic, lacking a unified authority to enforce such a tax. Instead of imposing additional financial burdens, the global community should hold environmental polluters accountable by compelling them to compensate Africa for climate-related damages,”…
Author: National Update
Following the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo at the age of 96, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to see his death not as the end of his struggle but as a renewed call to action for justice, fairness, and democracy. Obi urged Nigerians to transform their grief into determination, ensuring that the values Pa Adebanjo championed—equity, good governance, and inclusion—remain alive. “May his death serve as a renewed call to action for all who believe in justice and fairness,” Obi declared in his heartfelt tribute. Describing Pa Adebanjo as more than just a…
By Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb, LL.D INTRODUCTION Is Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun legally recognised as such under our extant laws, or is he but a pretender to the throne (office of the IGP)? I shall attempt in this writeup to answer this question. This is because there has been a raging controversy over the continued stay in office of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, despite the fact that he had in September, 2024, attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years as stipulated by the Nigerian Civil Service Rules. This unusual occurrence in…
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse 828 underprivileged students in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, have received free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration pins from the council chairman, Professor Salim Abdurraman, ahead of the 2025 UTME examination. In a statement issued by Special Assistant to the Chairman on Media, Abubakar Bello Baba, he noted that the initiative is part of efforts to support students who cannot afford the registration fee, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. “This gesture aligns with the chairman’s commitment to complement Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, particularly in promoting…
The family of Nigerian music icon, Innocent “Tuface” Idibia, has declared him missing and formally petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch an urgent investigation into his disappearance. According to a petition dated February 7, 2025, filed by their legal representatives, Anuge, Anuge & Co, Tuface was last seen on February 10, 2025, when he left his residence for a routine morning walk. He has since been unreachable, sparking growing fears about his safety. Tuface’s sudden disappearance has raised alarm, particularly because he left unaccompanied by security personnel or staff—a rare occurrence for the internationally acclaimed artist. Efforts…
57,114 candidates (67.35%) obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics in the results of the 2024 External Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), exactly 62 days after the last paper was written by the National Examinations Council (NECO) Announcing the results at NECO’s headquarters in Minna on Friday, the Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, revealed that a total of 86,067 candidates registered for the examination, with 84,799 candidates (44,277 males and 40,522 females) actually sitting for the papers. He indicated that 70,711 candidates (83.39%) secured five credits and above in any subject combination while83,220 candidates (75.62%) earned a…
***Says Northerners Opposing Tinubu Don’t Believe in Nigeria’s Unity Former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jonathan Vatsa, has strongly criticized former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over their opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential re-election in 2027. Speaking in Minna on Friday, Vatsa dismissed the duo as “self-serving politicians” who no longer have the credibility or influence to speak for the North. He argued that any attempt to push for power to return to the North…
A fresh controversy has emerged over Nigeria’s handling of diplomatic affairs, as former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, takes aim at National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for his public condemnation of Canada’s visa denials to Nigerian military personnel. Lamido, a seasoned politician and former foreign minister, expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of missteps in Nigeria’s foreign policy under the current administration. He argued that the NSA’s public outburst against Canada was both unnecessary and damaging to the country’s international reputation. “This is yet another example of our rookie approach to foreign relations,” Lamido stated. “Rather…
Veteran nationalist and Afenifere chieftain, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96. He passed away peacefully on Friday morning, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki residence in Lagos, his family announced. A respected elder statesman, lawyer, and political leader, Adebanjo was a key figure in Nigeria’s fight for true federalism and a former Organising Secretary of the Action Group. His lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and national development earned him a revered place in the country’s political history. He is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.…
***Lawmakers push for fair infrastructure allocation, urge urgent road repairs nationwide The Nigerian Senate has taken a bold step in addressing regional infrastructure disparity, calling on President Bola Tinubu to include the Northeast in the Renewed Hope Super Highway Project. Lawmakers argued that despite the ₦4.2 trillion road infrastructure plan, the region remains largely overlooked, with only two projects allocated to it. Leading the charge, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) highlighted the glaring disparity in the allocation of road projects across geopolitical zones. He stated that though it is commendable that President Tinubu’s administration approved ₦4.2 trillion for nationwide…