Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, says it is embarking on a $1.1 billion ports rehabilitation plan in the first quarter of 2024, to fortify Nigeria’s trade competitiveness. The Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said this in a panel session at the 43rd Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA, conference held on Tuesday in Lagos. According to Mr Bello-Koko, almost every port in Nigeria requires rehabilitation while NPA is initiating a substantial overhaul for all ports, starting with the TinCan and Apapa ports in Lagos. “The objective of the authority is to enhance the physical infrastructure of these ports…

The Canadian High Commission in Abuja, on Tuesday suspended operations after a fire incident at the commission on Monday. No staff except security personnel were seen at the high commission situated at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, in the Central Business District of Abuja. The high commission had on its social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) announced the temporary suspension of its operations. The high commission, via the post, announced a temporary suspension of its operations after a section of the commission in Abuja was gutted by fire. The announcement entails that no operations towards the High Commission’s provision…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three new Executive Commissioners for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. The President, according to a release issued on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, also approved the redeployment of one current Executive Commissioner. The new appointees are Mr. Bashir Indabawa (North West), Executive Commissioner, Exploration & Acreage Management; Mr. Enorense Amadasu (South South), Executive Commissioner, Development & Production; Mr. Babajide Fasina (South West), Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulation & Strategic Planning; and Dr. Kelechi Ofoegbu (South East),  Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Administration…

The House of Representatives Committee on Army has pledged its commitment to ensure the Nigerian Army is placed on a pedestal to tackle the challenges of insecurity facing the country. Its Chairman, Hon Abdullahi Mamudu, said this at the inauguration of the Committee on Tuesday. He said the Committee was a responsibility to Nigerians, as he enjoined members to give maximum cooperation for the objective to be achieved. He said the Committee has developed a four-year work plan that will be judiciously followed within specific periods in order to achieve its mandate. “Let us take this responsibility with all seriousness…

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti on Tuesday swore in newly appointed permanent secretaries in the state civil service, charging them to discharge their duties creditably. The governor, while speaking at the event at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, reminded the permanent secretaries that his administration does not tolerate corruption. He warned that that anyone caught involving in corrupt practices would face the music. The Abia governor, who also cautioned the permanent secretaries against fighting commissioners in charge of their ministries, said they should not see themselves as rivals to the commissioners but should rather work in harmony…

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described the members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC as a source of immense potential to Nigeria and the country’s most valuable resource. He said it was the responsibility of the Nigerian State to provide the scheme with the tools necessary for it to succeed in the form of the NYSC orientation course. Governor Adeleke gave this affirmation during the swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the 2023 Batch C Stream 1 orientation course for corps members deployed to the state at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Tuesday. Governor Adeleke…

Unknown gunmen have attacked Gandu, a settlement near the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), killing one person and abducting an unspecified number of villagers to an unknown destination. It was gathered that the incident happened late Monday night. Gandu houses both staff and students of FULafia because of its proximity to the permanent site of the university. As a result, there is a substantial presence of students and university staff in the area. The victims of the attack are yet to be identified as of the time of filing this report. In response to the attack, security forces have been…

The National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, said on Tuesday that the proliferation of drones constitutes a threat to aviation security. According to the Centre, the use of drones has transformed from survey equipment to weapons. The centre also said drones have changed the way wars, especially low-intensity conflicts, are being waged. The National Coordinator of the Centre, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (retd) disclosed this at the Nigeria-United Kingdom joint threats and counter-drones workshop in Abuja. He called for proactive strategies to address the challenges posed by the rapid increase in drone usage. Musa said, “Today, unmanned…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it his “duty” to defend the club after he criticised the officiating in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. He said the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s winner at St James’ Park was “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”. Arsenal backed Arteta’s comments in a club statement, which was called “dangerous” by pundit Gary Neville. “It is my duty to stand in front of you and give a clear and honest assessment,” Arteta said on Tuesday. “My duty is to defend my players and my club in best possible way. It is what I intend to do time after time. “I always…

Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) has said that the destruction of vessels apprehended for carrying illegal goods and stolen crude oil by the military is to conceal or destroy evidence. Nwoko stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja. He argued that destroying what should serve as evidence for a crime committed makes no sense except the military was compromised. “What is the point? It does not make any sense. “You know, if somebody is found in possession of stolen goods, do you say, oh, the way to deal with this is to destroy…

Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has appointed mayors for the 17 council areas. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, disclosed that the list of the nominees has been sent to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as required by law. The nominees include; Isiala Ngwa South LGA– Chairman- Dr. Elelenta Nwabuisi Elele; Deputy- Mr. Eberechukwu Ahuruonye ; Ukwa West LGA: Chairman- Mr. Newman Azu , Deputy- Mr. Anele Michael Arochukwu LGA: Chairman- Chief Joe Ezearu, Deputy- Mr. Okezie Azuma Umuahia South LGA: Chairman- Mr. Obike Ejike Nnochiri Deputy- Mr. Olendingwa Nwabueze. Isiala Ngwa…

An Irish restaurant owner, Alan Fisher, has dethroned Nigerian chef Hilda Baci as the record holder of the longest cooking marathon record. Fisher broke the longest cooking marathon for an individual after clocking in a time of 119 hours 57 minutes. His feat was more than 24 hours longer than the previous record set by Hilda Baci. Fisher, a chef who operates his restaurant in Japan also claimed the longest baking marathon for an individual, with a time of 47 hours 21 minutes. The previous record holder was Wendy Sandner (USA) with a time of 31 hours 16 minutes. Guinness…