Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Digital Divide Persists In Africa, Rural Areas Worst Hit. A recent report has highlighted the significant digital divide in Africa, with rural areas being in the worst shape. Despite progress in digital adoption, millions of people in the region lack access to the internet, with 14% of the access gap attributed to the absence of telecom infrastructure. Key Findings – 38% of Africa’s population used the internet in 2024, up from 25% in 2018, but still the lowest regional rate globally. – 70% of the population is covered by 4G or 5G, but 14% are without access, while 16%…

Nigerian House Of Representatives Launches Probe Into N200 Billion CBN Loan For National Mass Metering Programme. The House of Representatives has announced a thorough investigation into the disbursement and utilisation of a N200 billion loan provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP). The initiative, aimed at providing free electricity meters to Nigerian consumers, is under scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo (LP-Anambra), Chairman of the 19-member investigative committee, revealed the probe in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja. The committee, recently…

Nigeria Bolsters Defence Efforts Against Insurgency, Strengthens Regional Security. In a significant step towards enhancing national and regional security, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has outlined robust measures to combat insurgency and bolster stability in the Lake Chad and Sahel regions. Speaking at a Ministerial Briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s progress in weakening terrorist groups and adapting to evolving regional dynamics. The Lake Chad Basin, spanning Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, remains a hotspot for jihadist activities, with groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) exploiting local grievances and state…

Nigerian Education Loan Fund Disburses ₦54 Billion, Reaffirms Commitment To Transparency. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has reiterated its dedication to transparent and accountable disbursement of student loans, ensuring funds are used exclusively to support Nigerian students. This assurance was given by NELFund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, during an oversight meeting with the House Committee on NELFund on Wednesday in Abuja. Sawyerr emphasised that 90 per cent of all funds received by NELFund are allocated strictly for student loans, as mandated by law. “These funds must go towards paying students’ fees and cannot be diverted or used for any…

Nigeria Partners With Propcom+ To Boost Agriculture And Economic Growth. The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to collaborate with Propcom+, a UK Aid-funded programme, to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across the country. This commitment was announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during a meeting with a Propcom+ delegation in Abuja on Wednesday. Edun emphasised the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, a key driver of Nigeria’s economy. He outlined ongoing efforts, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the African Development…

Nigeria’s Health Ministry Urges Public To Embrace Safe Salt Consumption. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a clarion call to Nigerians to adopt healthier salt consumption habits, addressing widespread misinformation and rising health concerns. The appeal follows a viral video in which a prominent religious leader discouraged adherence to medical advice on salt intake, prompting the Ministry to set the record straight in a press release dated 7 May 2025. In a statement signed by Deputy Director of Information & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the Ministry reaffirmed that salt is not inherently harmful. “Salt contains…

PSG Triumph Over Arsenal To Reach UEFA Champions League Final. Paris Saint-Germain have booked their ticket to the UEFA Champions League final, overcoming Arsenal with a 2-1 victory in the second leg of their semi-final clash at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. The result sealed a commanding 3-1 aggregate triumph, sending the French champions through to their second-ever Champions League final, where they will face Inter Milan in Munich. The night began with PSG holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts wasted no…

Defence Minister Reassures Nigerians: Military Firepower Surpasses Terrorists. Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has firmly dismissed claims that terrorist groups possess superior firepower compared to the nation’s armed forces. Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru underscored the Nigerian military’s advanced weaponry and technological edge over any terrorist organisation. The Minister’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following a recent attack on a military base in Giwa, Borno. Lawmakers had expressed alarm over the perceived growing strength of terrorist groups, prompting Badaru to clarify…

Senate Committee Recommends Retaining 7.5% VAT In Tax Reform Bills. In a significant development for Nigeria’s fiscal policy, the Senate Committee on Finance has recommended retaining the current 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate as part of ongoing deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills. The decision, announced on Tuesday, is seen as a balanced approach to maintaining economic stability while addressing revenue distribution concerns. The committee also outlined a new VAT sharing formula to ensure equitable distribution across the federation. According to the proposed structure, 50% of VAT revenue will be distributed equally among all states, 20% will be…

Nigeria Ends Bilateral Scholarships To Boost Local Education. The Federal Government of Nigeria has terminated the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, which funded overseas studies for Nigerian students, to prioritise investment in domestic universities and polytechnics. Education Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa announced the decision, citing the need to realign the nation’s educational priorities. During a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa stated that a comprehensive policy review found that courses offered through the BEA are now available, often at higher quality, in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. “It is no longer justifiable to spend public funds on overseas studies…

Former NNPC Refinery Directors Demand ₦50bn In Damages Over Defamatory Report Three former managing directors of NNPC refineries have launched a ₦50 billion legal claim against a national newspaper, alleging defamation over a report linking them to an ₦80 billion fraud scandal. The trio—Ibrahim Onoja of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Efifia Chu of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Dr Mustafa Sugnugun of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company—have issued a five-day ultimatum through their lawyer, Reuben Atabo, SAN. They are demanding a full retraction, a public apology, and compensation for reputational damage caused by the article.…

ALGON Chairman Kolade Alabi Hospitalised After Collapsing At APC Meeting. Kolade Alabi, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Bariga Local Government Area, was rushed to hospital after collapsing during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos today. The incident occurred around 12 pm at the APC secretariat on Acme Road, where Alabi was addressing attendees, according to reports from The Guardian. The sudden collapse sparked panic among those present at the gathering. Sources confirmed that Alabi was promptly taken to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. His condition…