The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed deep disappointment over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima into office in 2023, stating that it has failed to deliver the anticipated benefits for the Muslim community, particularly in Yorubaland, despite their significant population in the country.

Speaking at the Pre-Ramadan Lecture held in Kaduna on Tuesday, Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, President of the SCSN, lamented that millions of Muslims remain politically marginalized across Nigeria, especially in the South-West, where they overwhelmingly supported the ticket. He emphasized that the Council has not witnessed the expected advantages of having a Muslim-Muslim presidency, contrary to the widespread belief that it would benefit the Muslim community.

“We have seen Nigerians vote for leaders of the same Islamic faith into the presidency without turning the country into a perpetual battlefield. However, we have not seen justice and equity extended to all communities, regardless of their faith,” Hadiyyatullah stated.

He further criticized the ongoing marginalization of Muslims in various regions, despite their substantial population and constitutional rights. The SCSN President warned against attempts to suppress the rights of South-West Muslims to establish mechanisms that foster peaceful coexistence with Christians in their communities.

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the South-West and advise those who seek to divide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to find other pursuits. The Ummah looks to us for guidance and assurance that their faith will not be sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism and greed. Many Muslims feel betrayed for voting this administration into power,” he added.

Socio-Economic Hardship and Insecurity

Sheikh Hadiyyatullah also expressed grave concern over the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, which he described as increasingly unbearable. He highlighted the adverse effects of government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, which have led to skyrocketing costs of living, making food, transportation, and essential goods unaffordable for many Nigerians.

“The depreciation of the Naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages have further eroded the purchasing power of citizens. The Council has consistently advised the administration to adopt policies that alleviate these hardships. However, it is alarming that, within a short period, the government has introduced multiple new taxes and tariffs, including a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a 4% FOB charge on imports, a 15% NPA tariff, a 100% hike in ATM charges, and proposed electricity tariff increases,” he said.

The SCSN President reiterated the Council’s commitment to advocating for the easing of these draconian policies to protect the interests of the poor and vulnerable.

On the issue of insecurity, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah expressed deep concern over recent revelations of government-owned weapons falling into the hands of criminals and the disappearance of 3,907 rifles from the police armoury, as reported by the Auditor-General to the Senate. He noted that these developments have not been met with any significant consequences or accountability.

“For over two decades, the Council has played a pivotal role in addressing insecurity and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria. In the past year, we have engaged with major security stakeholders, including the intelligence community and other strategic actors. These developments demand urgent and decisive action from the government,” he emphasized.

Call for Unity and Progress

The SCSN President underscored the importance of unity among Muslims, stating that the Council would continue to work toward the unity and progress of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of Muslims across the country.

“The Supreme Council for Shari’ah has been a longstanding partner in Nigeria’s progress and development. For over two decades, we have actively contributed to the nation’s political and socio-economic development, with the unity of the Ummah as the cornerstone of our efforts. As a religious body, one of our core objectives is the realization of a prosperous Ummah and a country that is economically, socially, educationally, and politically viable. Despite the formidable challenges facing our nation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to contributing to its success,” Sheikh Hadiyyatullah concluded.

The SCSN’s remarks come at a critical time as Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and growing concerns over religious and ethnic divisions. The Council’s call for justice, equity, and unity highlights the need for inclusive governance and policies that address the grievances of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Nigerians have reeled out the benefits of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles as an alternative to premium motor spirit, petrol.

Some Abuja residents, who spoke with DAILY POST on Monday said they saved at least N36,000 weekly after conversion to CNG from petrol.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023 established the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles.

In November 2024, PCNGI Project Director/CEO, Michael Oluwagbemi said they converted over 100,000 vehicles to CNG or bi-fuel configurations and made a $200 million infrastructural investment in the initiative.

According to him, CNG conversion costs between N300,000 and 600,000 with government intervention, but costs over N1,000,000 without government intervention.

A few days ago, Nipco Gas Limited announced the conversion of 15,000 vehicles.

Meanwhile, efforts on Monday to contact Oluwagbemi on the exact number of beneficiaries of the PCNGi were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Nigerians recount benefits of CNG

However, Chinoso Akatobi-Michael, a public servant and Abuja resident, said CNG had saved her N36,000 weekly.

According to her, before conversion to CNG, she spent N40,000 weekly on fuel, but that dropped to N4,000.

However, she lamented the delays experienced in the gas filling of CNG in Abuja, noting that there were few CNG dispensing stations in Abuja.

“I can say for a fact that CNG is more beneficial and cost-effective to me than petrol. Since I converted my vehicle to CNG, I have saved N36,000 weekly spent on fuel.

“I used to buy N40,000 fuel weekly, but now I fill up my cylinder with N4,000, and it lasts me for a week.

“However, there is the challenge of gas filling. There are few CNG fuel stations in Abuja at the moment. Most of the time, I spent a lot of time queuing to fill my car’s cylinder, and I have to do that twice a week,” she stated.

Kunle Adebayo, a corporate driver in Abuja, said that CNG is more beneficial to him than petrol.

He explained that since he converted his vehicle to CNG, he spent N5000 to refill his CNG cylinder weekly instead of N50,000 spent on petrol.

“Since I converted to CNG, expenditure on fuel has drastically dropped. I used to fill my tank with N50,000 for a week, but now I fill the CNG cylinder with N5,000 maximum for a week.

“This means I have saved N45,000. I wish the government would do more to ensure that more Nigerians convert their vehicles to CNG.

“He, however, observed that CNG conversion had somehow weakened his car’s engine.
“My car performs better on petrol than CNG from my observation,” he told DAILY POST.

PETROAN insists CNG superior, calls for more government intervention

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association national president, Billy Gillis-Harry emphasised that CNG is a superior alternative to petrol in terms of cost.

He, however, stated that the cost of establishing a CNG plant has been a major problem for the initiative.

According to him, the challenge of CNG is one of the reasons PETROAN has advocated for a N100 billion intervention for its members.

“No doubt CNG is a superior alternative to petrol; that is why we are pushing for it.

“However, the major challenge is the cost of setting up a CNG station; that is why we are asking the government for a N100 billion intervention

“The government must take the CNG initiative more seriously because it benefits Nigerians more in terms of cost when compared with petrol,” he stated.

Challenges of CNG in Nigeria

It is not yet uhuru on CNG adoption in Nigeria. The majority of Nigerians still use petrol-powered vehicles, which cost between N1000 and N945 per litre.

Billy Gillis-Harry believed that the cost of establishing a CNG station is a major impediment to its spread and acceptance in Nigeria.

For Akatobi-Michael and Kunle, the major problem of CNG is the delay in getting CNG.

According to them, there are still scanty CNG stations in Abuja, resulting in delays in filling CNG-powered vehicles.

President Donald Trump suggested the introduction of a "gold card" visa on Tuesday afternoon — a potential opportunity for foreign investors to buy their way to American citizenship.

The U.S. currently offers a similar opportunity through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which was established in 1990 and is administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). According to USCIS's website, the visa is open to investors who "make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States," as well as "plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers."

But Trump's recent suggestion would replace the EB-5 program, and instead, the Republican president plans to propose a "gold card" visa to the tune of $5 million.

"We are going to be selling a gold card," Trump explained to reporters. "We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million."

"It's going to give you green card privileges, plus it's going to be a route to (American) citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card," the president continued.

When a reporter asked if it was possible for a Russian oligarch to obtain the card, Trump answered in the affirmative.

"Yeah, possibly," the U.S. leader replied. "Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people."

At least one other member of the Trump administration has signaled support for the measure. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused the EB-5 program of being "full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud."

"It was a way to get a green card that was low price," Lutnick said. "So the president said, rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we're going to end the EB-5 program. We're going to replace it with the Trump gold card."


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=San3_MZqdZI?si=UO_Lrzu_XpP_A13l

A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki Ebonyi State capital, has affirmed the expulsion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman South-East Chief Ali Odefa from the party.

This followed the granting of the reliefs sought by applicants in Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/197, between Hon. Herbert Onyedikachi, Hon Anoke, Egbe, Njoku Nwagu, Moses Idika, Ogbonnaya Idika, Obinna Chukwu, Chief John Igboke, Mrs. Ijeoma Nome, Okorie C. Okorie and nine others as applicants versus Chief Ali Odefa (defendant), PDP and Independent National Electiral Commission (INEC).

The plaintiff had sought for a reliefs seeking an order restraining Ali Odefa from parading himself as a member of the PDP and enjoying the rights and privileges accorded to members of the part iny.

They equally sought for an order restraining Ali Odefa from holding the office of National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) South -East Zone.

Delivering judgement on the suit, the presiding Judge Justice Hilary I. O. Oshomah, granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs and affirmed the expulsion of Ali Odefa from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Reacting to the judgement , counsel to the plaintiffs Chief Mudi Erhenede, commended the court for the judgement.

Erhenede asked for cost of N5 million against the 1st defendant Chief Ali Odefa.

However counsel for the defendants Ifeanyi Chukwu, told the court that they were not opposed to the judgment.

Odefa was expelled from the PDP on December 12, 2024, by the Executives of the party in Oguduokwor ward Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, after a disciplinary committee of the party recommended his expulsion having found him guilty of anti-party activities.

It would be noted that the Federal High Court in its earlier ruling, presided by Justice Hilary Oshomnah, had awarded N100 million damages against the expelled PDP National Vice Chairman South-East Chief Ali Odefa.

The court issued the order restraining Ali Odefa and the police from harassing, arresting or in any form intimidating the applicants on the issue of his earlier suspension from the PDP, Oguduokwor ward.

Leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have converged at the National Secretariat of the party for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

All roads leading to the venue of the meeting on Blantyre Street were cordoned off by a combined team of armed security men including soldiers from the Guards Brigade.

Vehicular and human movements on Blantyre Street were also restricted just as journalists were kept outside despite the release of an accredited list of reporters on Wednesday morning by the party spokesman, Felix Morka.

Some early arrivals at the venue include all National Working Committee (NWC) members; Forum of State Chairmen; former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Governors of Edo, Benue, Ondo, Ekiti, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Yobe, Niger, Lagos, Kogi, Ogun, Imo, deputy governor of Ebonyi and former governors of Kogi, Kebbi, Niger, Zamfara, and Plateau were in attendance.

Conspicuously absent from the NEC meeting were former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; and former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

The leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shetimma, Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas arrived at the venue at noon. The meeting was presided over by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

The NEC meeting, the first since Tinubu’s assumption of office in May 2023, comes a day after the national caucus meeting of the party at the Presidential Villa also in Abuja.

Some APC chieftains including El-Rufai and an ex-National Vice Chairman of the party Salihu Lukman had complained about the lack of internal democracy in the ruling.

The Senate Ad-hoc Committee Investigating Ways and Means has slammed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for frustrating its investigation into the N30 trillion facility provided to the last administration from 2015 to 2023.

The chairman of the ad-hoc committee,
Senator Jibrin Isah Echoch, made the accusation after receiving an interim report from consultants commissioned to investigate the matter.

He said the committee was mandated to investigate how the Ways and Means facility was utilized by the past administration, particularly as it affects the government’s cover for budget deficits.

DAILY POST recalled that on 20th February, 2024, the Nigerian Senate passed a resolution to investigate the use of the facility by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Senator Isah attributed the food scarcity and security challenges bedeviling the country to unnecessary overdraft from the nation’s coffers by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

He said the committee’s mandate was to unravel the utilization of funds, highlighting that “the details of the spending was deliberately shielded away from the National Assembly”.

The lawmaker lamented the uncooperative stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria in providing the necessary documents for the consultants to carry out their job.

Jibrin said, “None of the documents was submitted to us. We will not allow you to attend the next meeting because you have been coming here for the same reason.

“The least likely person that will attend the next meeting should be a deputy governor of CBN. What you are telling us is not the truth. We have not received the documents. I don’t want to deceive the public here.”

Jibrin further stated that the goal of his committee was to produce a report as quickly as possible, but expressed frustration that their efforts were being hindered by the actions of the CBN.

He said, “The information we have here is not different from what we have had all along.

“What we did was to hand over the documents to the consultants, and when the consultants made available to us this interim report, our intention was to hold onto the interim report on the final report.

“We have now been compelled to make available this interim report to the general public so that we let them know where the problem is.

“The problem is that the Central Bank of Nigeria has consistently denied us the documents that we need to complete this assignment. That is the truth. I was at the CBN sometimes, I met Bala the deputy governor and they promised but nothing came out of it.

“The clerk has been there several times. Nothing has come out of it.

“The consultants themselves even took it upon themselves to go with CBN directly, because we introduced them to CBN and nothing has come out of it.

“So let the Nigerian public know that this assignment has been hindered by the Central Bank of Nigeria. They will deny those documents. After this, you must avail us, or avail the consultants, all the documents that they require to complete this assignment.

“The reason for this meeting is to let everybody know why we have not been able to finish this assignment and it looks as if we have compromised. The answer is that we have not.”

He clarified that despite the challenges, the committee is committed to uncovering how the money was spent.

Reacting, the Director of Banking Services, Hamisu Abdullahi, who represented the Governor of the Central Bank, Olayemi Cardoso, said the apex bank did provide all necessary documents to the consultants.

The chairman of the committee insisted that preliminary reports show that there are major infractions, especially on the part of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!!

We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it.

Ive seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho.
Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for xx years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it.

Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions and let’s win the league to get close to our 5 ⭐️

How can my “Dad” be a racist 🤷🏾‍♂️
Come on guys

The narrative surrounding Nigeria’s recent drug market raid has been dangerously skewed. What many perceive as heavy-handed overreach is, in reality, a complex struggle against a deeply entrenched public health crisis.

At the heart of the controversy is NAFDAC’s recent crackdown on open drug markets, which have long fueled the circulation of fake and substandard medications across the country. The raids in Onitsha, Aba, and Idumota led to the closure of thousands of shops, disrupting not only the illicit drug trade but also neighboring businesses that indirectly shield some of these medicine dealers.

Buried beneath layers of misinformation and emotional reactions is the alarming reality: the rampant sale of unregulated and counterfeit medications, a practice that directly threatens the lives of Nigerians.

Responding to allegations that NAFDAC’s actions disrupt trade, the agency’s director-general, Mojisola Adeyeye, defended the crackdown.

“People have been telling us we are disturbing trade. We are not disturbing trade. We are protecting lives. We are protecting our young people from becoming useless. But they are telling us that we are going to where drug shops are not,” she said.

Adeyeye also highlighted a critical issue: smuggled and unregistered drugs are often stored in inappropriate locations, including plumbing sections, posing a significant security risk. With controlled substances easily accessible through illicit channels, the need for stricter enforcement has never been more urgent.

“Three weeks ago, we went to the plumbing session at the Onitsha head bridge, they almost killed our staff and the police. They overwhelmed us, but we got intelligence reports that many of these drugs are being kept in sections that are not for drugs. We continued intelligence and we know that we couldn’t go there ourselves. That is why we called the National Security Adviser. We have 1,000 forces working with us: 400 in Onitsha; 350 in Aba and 250 in Idumota.”

The director-general emphasized that the unregulated drugs were causing harm, stating that they destroy the liver and kidneys when used at dangerous levels.

She cited Tafradol, a combination drug that has just been banned in India but is still prevalent in Nigeria, as a prime example, highlighting the urgent need to sanitise the drug distribution system, which seems impossible without decisive action.

Describing the deplorable storage conditions of these drugs, she explained that they were stored in unsanitary and unregulated environments, lacking windows and proper ventilation, leading to degradation.

She detailed violations, including unregistered premises and practitioners, and the absence of good distribution practices. She described finding drugs in locations like toilets, unventilated warehouses, and concealed in deceptive packaging.

“The products that are supposed to be in the refrigerator, even some in the freezer, are out there and they will sell. And the person will not get well. The person will die,” Adeyeye said.

She further warned of the devastating societal effects of potent drug misuse, suggesting that “these are all very strong drugs that can mess people, that can turn a child to a rapist, to a bandit, because drugs can control the way people think.”

Adeyeye emphasised that the ongoing operation was a crucial step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of the Nigerian population.

Flawed distribution system

According to a concerned Nigerian who simply identified as Nwako, the current drug distribution system, rooted in the colonial-era Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor Licence (PPMVL), is dangerously flawed and significantly deviates from global best practices.

The PPMVL allows non-pharmacists to handle over-the-counter drugs, undermining professional pharmacy standards and treating drugs as mere commodities rather than potent substances, he stated in an opinion piece seen by BusinessDay.

This system has led to unqualified individuals, including school dropouts and illiterates, handling drugs, posing a severe public health risk.

Internationally, pharmacists are the sole authorized drug handlers, with stringent educational requirements, including a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and specialised postgraduate training.

Even seemingly harmless over-the-counter drugs, like paracetamol, can have serious consequences if misused, Nwako pointed out highlighting the necessity of professional oversight.

Opposition of NAFDAC

Nwako strongly condemns calls to oppose NAFDAC and PCN’s regulatory interventions, emphasising that human lives are more valuable than financial gain.

He urges the permanent closure of these markets and their replacement with the Coordinated Drug Distribution Network, as recommended by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and adopted by the government.

Additionally, he criticised the National Assembly’s recent bill supporting a separate regulatory body for Pharmacy Technicians and Technologists. He argued that globally, only Pharmacy Technicians exist under a single pharmacy council, and there is no recognized cadre of “pharmacy technologists.” pharmacy technology is a postgraduate program strictly for pharmacists. Nwako finds it troubling that lawmakers would support a parallel council to PCN.

Furthermore, he advocates for stricter qualifications for those handling over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, proposing that only certified Pharmacy Technicians from accredited schools should be allowed to dispense such medicines. He suggests replacing PPMVL with “Pharmacy Technician Medicine Vendor Licence” (PTMVL) to ensure only trained professionals manage OTC drugs in the absence of pharmacists.

He called on NAFDAC and PCN to intensify their campaigns against individuals prioritising profit over public health. He stressed that the PSN-approved coordinated drug distribution system must replace open drug markets, which they describe as “death traps.”

A team of police officers on routine patrol was attacked on Tuesday in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of two inspectors.

The officers, who were part of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, were ambushed by gunmen suspected to be robbers or kidnappers along Little Rayfield Road in Jos, the state capital, at approximately 7:30 pm.

The slain officers have been identified as Inspector Fatoye Femi and Inspector Dafur Dashit. During the gunfight, one of the attackers, Auwal Ali from Angwang Doki Bukuru, was apprehended.

According to a situation report (SITREP) obtained by SaharaReporters, the Superintendent of Police for ‘B’ Division and his team have been deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any further escalation.

The memo reads, “SITREP: Grateful be informed that today Tuesday 25/02/025 at about 1930Hrs X team of police personnel attached to IRT Department while on routing patrol along Little Rayfield Road Jos South LGA X were attacked by unknown gun men suspected to be arm rubbers/kidnappers as a result of gun shots.

“Inspr Fatoye Femi and Inspr Dafur Dashit lost their life X while one suspect X Auwal Ali 'M' of Angwang Doki Bukuru was arrested X The SUPOL 'B" Division Bukuru and his team have already dominated the area X below are the photograph of police personnel X the suspect and his car for your information sir X for Sidso 'B' Division Bukuru Bleep.”

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling surge in violent attacks targeting police officers, reflecting escalating security challenges across the nation.

In February 2024, at least four police officers lost their lives during a gun battle with suspected Islamist insurgents in Borno State.

In April 2022, more than 70 individuals were killed in attacks on several villages in Plateau State, prompting the deployment of additional police units to the affected areas.

Also, in August 2022, unidentified gunmen attacked a security checkpoint in Riyom, Plateau, resulting in the deaths of two police officers.

A true privilege to host some of our biggest music icons @wizkidayo @burnaboy at my Lagos home. Always inspiring to share ideas and celebrate the global movement that is Afrobeats 🎼 …F.Ote💲

Four traders at Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have dragged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the NAFDAC Zonal Director, South-East, Dr Martins Iluyomade and the Anambra State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to a Federal High Court sitting in Awka, over unlawful interference in their fundamental human rights.

The four traders (applicants) are Peter Okala, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, Prof. Samuel Anidike and C.C. Emereonwu, who are also members of the United Nigeria Group.

They have, through their counsel, Chibuike Nwabueze (Esq), prayed to the court for some reliefs against the defendants, insisting that not all the traders in the market are dealing in counterfeit drugs as claimed by the agency.

The reliefs sought in suit No PHC/AWK/CS/40/2025, include an order of the court restraining the respondents, their agents, officers, operatives, and workers from further breaking into the applicants’ shops at Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head market in their absence without a valid court order and search warrant and confiscating their goods and carting them to an unknown destination.

They also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, their officers, agents, operatives, and servants from further breaking into the applicants’ shops at the said market without a valid court order and confiscating wares of the applicants to an unknown destination without a valid court order and warrant of search.

They also prayed to the court for N50 million against the respondents as exemplary damages and another N50 million as general damages against the respondents as a result of the actions of the respondents.

Before heading to the court, the group had called a press conference over “the sudden invasion and sealing of the market without prior notice” by NAFDAC, describing the action as barbaric and a denial of fundamental rights of the citizenry.

They averred that the traders have incurred over N200 million loss as a result of the sealing of the market for over 10 days now, thereby forcing the traders to go hungry, having been rendered jobless by NAFDAC.

They claimed that N500 billion worth of goods were carted away by NAFDAC who, according to them, stormed the market with the fierce looking military, police and other security agencies operatives and sealed the market.

Beauty and Brain: Shipping Mogul, Dr. Chinwe Odiegwu Emerges Anambra Business Woman of the Year

Shipping Mogul and Maritime expert, Dr Chinwe Odiegwu is set to be honored as Anambra Business Woman of the Year.

According to the organisers,the exceptional businesss woman is being recognized for her outstanding achievements in a traditionally male-dominated sector, freight forwarding business.

Dr. Odiegwu, the Chief Executive Officer of Kays Golden Logistics Services Ltd is a go-getter who has turned her company into a brand and leader in the industry.


Apart from freight forwarding, Dr. Odiegwu has expanded her business portfolio to include Kays Golden Fleet Services Limited; a company that caters for both local and international airticketing and other logistics arrangements, thereby creating a niche in tourism industry as well as solidifying her status as a formidable player in the sector.

Dr Odiegwu studied for and gained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Psychology from the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. She further bagged a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Logistics and Transport from the Nautical Institute of Logistics and Transport, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She went on to qualify for, and obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in Shipping Management from the Rivers State University (RSU) Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and most recently, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Maritime Transport from the same university.

Dr Odiegwu sits on the board of many companies including the Kays Golden International School, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She's is a full fledged member of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA), as well as a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and a member of Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT). She is also a member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThWrPwDIQFg?source_ve_path=MTY0OTksMjg2NjQsMTY0NTAz

A tragic stampede at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has claimed the lives of two students (a male and a female) while they struggled to secure a venue for their examination, News360 Nigeria reports.

The unfortunate incident occurred as students rushed to enter the examination hall, leading to a chaotic scene that resulted in the fatal stampede.

SUG Reacts:

STUDENTS’ UNION GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR
UCC/SUG/017/025

CONCERN AND SUPPORTREGARDING THE SAD EXAM INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON CAMPUS

Dear Students,

We are writing to express our deepest concern and sympathy to those affected by the unfortunate incident that occured today, 25th February, 2025 at the Academic publishing center incident during the Chemistry exam CH101.

The entire Student Union Government is deeply disheartened by the events that unfolded and wishes to assure all students that we stand with you during this difficult time. Your safety and well-being remain our utmost priority, and we are committed to ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.

We are actively collaborating closely with the university administration to ensure that those affected receive the necessary support and care.
Additional, We are advocating for the implementation of measures to safeguard against similar occurrences moving forward.

To the Dean of Faculty and Head of Department affected, we respectfully urge you consider alternative assessment arrangements for students who were unable to complete their exams due to the incident. We kindly suggest exploring options for rescheduling or administering supplementary exams, rather than cancelling the exams outright for those who struggled and we’re able to write theirs.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging period. Please be rest assured that we are truly committed to supporting all students and working towards resolution that prioritizes fairness and we’ll being.

Donald Trump is facing a backlash on his Truth Social platform after sharing an AI-created video of him sipping cocktails with a topless Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza, in a future imagining of the Palestinian territory devastated by Israel’s war.

The video presented a computer-generated vision of Trump’s property development plan for Gaza, under which he said he wants to “clean out” the population of about 2 million people. Named the “Riviera of the Middle East” plan, the proposal has been criticised as a blueprint for ethnic cleansing.

One Truth Social user wrote: “I could not be a bigger supporter of President Trump but this particular video is in very poor taste. Very poor taste, indeed!” Another wrote: “I hate this. I love our president, but this is horrible.”

The video might have gone down particularly badly with Trump’s Christian supporters, with several comments referencing the idolatry of the golden statue, and others lamenting a scene showing Trump in a nightclub alone with a woman dressed as a bellydancer as a crowd looks on.

One account, with the name Kainoa P, wrote: “You’re doing great Mr President. But don’t let it get to your head. God put you in that position for His glory, not yours.”

Israel is fighting allegations of genocide in Gaza, where it has killed nearly 50,000 people, mostly civilians, in the war that began with an attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023. The international criminal court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas’s military leader, Mohammed Deif, on allegations of war crimes.

Palestinian leaders were not consulted on Trump’s latest plan, while influential Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, have rejected it outright.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves surpassed the $40 billion mark for the first time in three years, marking a significant milestone in economic recovery efforts.

Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso attributed the rise to key reforms.

He spoke during a meeting with the Assistant Governor for Monetary Affairs at the Saudi Arabian Central Bank (SAMA), Talal Al-Humond, on the sidelines of the inaugural Conference on Emerging Market Economies in Riyadh.

A statement by CBN said the reserves were at their highest in nearly three years.

The reforms include the adoption of an electronic matching system to enhance transparency in the foreign exchange market and the introduction of a foreign exchange code of ethics.

The code, which all Nigerian banks have signed onto, ensures strict adherence to market rules, fostering confidence among investors and market participants.

At the conference organised by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Office, Cardoso advocated for stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the Middle East.

He noted that Nigeria could learn valuable lessons from Saudi Arabia’s approach to infrastructural development, economic diversification, and tourism investment.

As part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s economic position, the CBN governor reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Nigerian diaspora community in the Middle East.

He stressed that increased remittance flows from Nigerians abroad would play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s financial sector.
Cardoso said:

“The CBN will continue implementing policies that enhance macroeconomic stability, promote private sector growth, and create high-quality jobs.”

During a panel discussion moderated by Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, Cardoso addressed critical reforms in Nigeria’s financial markets.

He highlighted that Nigeria had previously experienced a significant gap—sometimes as wide as 60 per cent—between the official and parallel market exchange rates.

However, he noted that due to consistent policy direction, improved market confidence, and greater transparency in forex trading, the exchange rate gap has now narrowed to approximately 4-5 per cent.

Cardoso acknowledged that Nigeria faced severe economic challenges, including capital flight, multiple exchange rate regimes, currency depreciation, high inflation, and a backlog of foreign exchange transactions.

These issues eroded investor confidence and created instability in the financial markets.
Upon assuming office, Cardoso prioritised clearing the backlog of outstanding transactions and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability.

To curb inflation and ensure macroeconomic discipline, the CBN adopted a tight monetary policy stance, raising interest rates by 850 basis points over the past year.

The bank also moved away from quasi-fiscal interventions, which had previously distorted the economy, and instead embraced a more orthodox monetary policy framework.

He said petrol subsidy, along with inefficiencies in the forex market, had cost the country approximately six per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.

To strengthen Nigeria’s financial system, the CBN mandated that banks increase their capital base to build resilience against future economic shocks.

Cardoso said the recapitalisation effort has yielded positive results, ensuring that the banking sector remains robust and capable of supporting the country’s economic growth.

Addressing Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate, which currently stands at 74 per cent, Cardoso stressed the need for aggressive expansion to ensure that economic growth benefits all Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.

The CBN governor pointed to digitalisation as a crucial tool for financial inclusion, noting that expanding mobile money services and leveraging technology—especially for gender-focused initiatives—could significantly close the financial access gap.

According to him, Nigeria’s monetary policy decisions have been tailored to its unique economic conditions rather than global trends.
He pointed out that while some international financial experts were initially sceptical of Nigeria’s tightening stance, the country’s approach has since been validated, with many analysts now acknowledging its effectiveness.

Al-Humond assured Cardoso that the Saudi Arabian Central Bank was open to collaboration with the CBN to achieve mutually beneficial economic objectives