Background & Key Assertion The issue centres on the long-standing practice of federal lawmakers nominating “constituency projects” or “zonal intervention projects” (ZIPs/CDPs), as part of the national budget — ostensibly to deliver infrastructure and social services to their federal constituencies. Rep. Obika has publicly argued that many lawmakers are no longer focused on their core legislative responsibilities, but rather appear more engrossed in controlling and utilising these constituency project funds. Consequently, he has called for the scrapping of constituency projects on the basis that they undermine the legislature’s proper role. Evidence & Supporting Data Rep. Obika deductions on relevant facts…
Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke
The Situation & Why It Mattered: In February 2023, Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list owing to “strategic deficiencies” in its anti-money-laundering (AML), and counter-terrorist-financing (CFT), frameworks. Being grey-listed means increased international scrutiny of transactions involving that country, higher costs of correspondent banking relationships, slower cross-border flows, and a dampened investor confidence. For example, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated that being on such monitoring lists can reduce foreign capital inflows by roughly ~7.6 % of GDP for affected countries.Thus, Nigeria faced both reputational and transactional costs. What Was Done: The Reform Effort Under President Tinubu’s leadership,…
Telecommunications major, Globacom (Glo), has launched a trio of initiatives aimed at delivering more value to its customers and empowering young girls, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The new offerings include the Talkmasta Tariff Plan, an enhanced Welcome Bonus, and the “Glo Innov8” National STEM Competition for Girls. Talkmasta Tariff Plan & Enhanced Welcome Bonus In its latest push to retain customers and attract new ones, Glo has introduced the Talkmasta tariff alongside a significantly improved Welcome Bonus. These moves are designed to offer more talk time, more data, and better onboarding rewards. Key features of the…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has formally proposed making drug integrity testing mandatory for all individuals seeking to obtain or renew driver’s licences in Nigeria. This proposal reflects a deepening push by the agency to integrate drug screening into other public safety and institutional processes, a trend with mixed responses in recent months. Follow me as I Critique the Key Highlights Official Disclosure & Context NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), revealed the plan during a message at the National Summit of FRSC Special Marshals in Abuja, stating that drug abuse plays “a very significant role in…
The recent political developments in Rivers State, particularly the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the center of executive authority — offer a compelling lens for me to evaluate the current state and future of democracy in Nigeria. This episode is more than a regional political drama; it is a stress test for the institutional strength, democratic maturity, and political will of Nigeria’s evolving federal system in my view. Democracy on Trial At the heart of the crisis in Rivers State was a fundamental question: who truly holds power in a democracy — the people through their vote, or political…
Online fraud, colloquially known in Nigeria as “Yahoo Yahoo”—has, over the years, grown from a fringe issue into a major national concern. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has now sounded the alarm about its cascading consequences, particularly in how the international community treats ordinary Nigerians applying for visas. According to EFCC, the actions of fraudsters are degrading Nigeria’s global image and making visa access more difficult even for law‑abiding citizens. What EFCC Is Saying EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking at an event in Port Harcourt organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, warned…
In today’s digital age, readers are often faced with a choice between traditional hardcopy books and modern e-books. Each format has its unique benefits and drawbacks, making the decision largely dependent on personal preferences and lifestyle. Hardcopy books offer a tactile and sensory experience that digital books cannot replicate. The physical feel of turning pages, the weight of a book in hand, and even the smell of paper contribute to a nostalgic and immersive reading experience. Many readers also report better focus and information retention when reading from paper, as it minimizes distractions. Additionally, hardcopy books require no power source…
As Rivers State prepares for a return to democratic governance following months under emergency rule, Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas (rtd), marked the transition with a thanksgiving service held today at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt. The event is part of a broader set of activities signaling the handover of power back to elected civilian leadership. Despite growing public speculation, there has been no official confirmation that either former Governor Nyesom Wike or current Governor-elect Siminalayi Fubara deliberately shunned the event. Invitations to the service were extended to a wide range of stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen,…
Following dramatic turn of events, the government of French Prime Minister François Bayrou has officially collapsed following a resounding defeat in a parliamentary confidence vote. What Caused the Collapse? On September 8, 2025, Bayrou’s administration formed in December 2024, lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly by a margin of 364 votes against and just 194 in support, well above the 280-vote threshold required to breath success. At the core of public and parliamentary dissent were Bayrou’s proposed austerity measures, which included cutting two public holidays, freezing welfare benefits, and capping spending as part of a €44 billion deficit-reduction plan.…
In a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash held on September 6, 2025 at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria edged past Rwanda with a 1-0 victory, reviving their fading hopes of reaching next summer’s tournament in the United States. A Precious Win in Uyo Tolu Arokodare delivered the decisive moment just five minutes after entering the fray, converting a loose ball inside the box to fire Nigeria to victory in the 51st minute. The win moves the Super Eagles into third place in Group C with 10 points from six matches, just one point behind Benin (11) and six…
The fashion world mourns the loss of Giorgio Armani, the visionary designer who transformed the way we dress. He passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by loved ones, his legacy now firmly woven into what I like to call the “fabric of modern style.” Giorgio Armani, Defined by Elegance and Innovation Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Armani initially pursued medicine before discovering his passion for fashion through window dressing and styling. In 1975, he and partner Sergio Galeotti founded the Giorgio Armani fashion house, planting the seed for an empire. Armani’s sleek, minimalist tailoring, particularly his…
In a sweeping measure aimed at curtailing housing exploitation, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered a complete ban on house and land agents operating within the state, effective January 1, 2026. The directive stems from growing concerns about the surging cost of housing, which is attributed largely to the exploitative fees imposed by intermediaries. In some instances, agents have reportedly charged up to ₦500,000 for properties they don’t even own. “I don’t want to see or hear anything about house or land agents in Ebonyi State from 2026… No agent should collect any money from anyone seeking…
