President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized that there is no “magical solution” to Nigeria’s ongoing electricity challenges, attributing the issues to decades-old infrastructure.
During a visit from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, he noted that while Siemens Energy is making efforts, improvements will take time due to aging transmission lines.
Tinubu also highlighted reforms aimed at decentralizing power generation and distribution, encouraging foreign investment in alternative energy sources.
He assured that the government is committed to utilizing Nigeria’s resources for rural electrification and enhancing the power sector.
The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has reiterated her controversial stance on Nigeria, stating that she will not shy away from speaking candidly about her homeland. This declaration follows criticism from Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima over her characterization of the country as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.”
In a statement issued through her spokesperson, Badenoch emphasized her commitment to addressing issues with honesty and realism rather than polishing Nigeria’s global image.
“Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK,” the spokesperson said. “She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says.”
Born Olukemi Adegoke in Nigeria, Badenoch has often highlighted her Nigerian heritage but has also been openly critical of the country’s governance and systemic challenges. Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions both in Nigeria and abroad, with some lauding her forthrightness and others accusing her of perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Badenoch’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s political and social landscape. Vice-President Shettima’s rebuke underscored the sensitivity of such remarks from someone of Nigerian descent now holding a prominent position in British politics.
Kemi Badenoch, who adopted her surname after marrying her Scottish husband, Hamish Badenoch, has built a reputation as a straightforward and often polarizing figure. As the first person of Nigerian origin to lead a major UK political party, her comments carry significant weight, amplifying debates on issues of governance, corruption, and national identity.
While the controversy continues to unfold, Badenoch’s refusal to soften her stance demonstrates her commitment to her principles, even at the risk of alienating a segment of her Nigerian audience. Whether this approach will bolster her political career in the UK or strain relations with her country of origin remains to be seen.
The Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, situated along the llisan-Iperu route in Ogun State, has received approval for commercial operations from Nigerian aviation regulatory bodie
In a statement released on Wednesday, the agencies praised the airport’s advanced infrastructure, calling it “world-class” and a “point of pride for Ogun State.”
They pointed out essential facilities such as the control towins, athe amonitori are compliant wity, treativince standards.
The airport is also touted to be among the finest in West Africa.
“There has been notable enhancement in the facilities since my previous visit.
The infrastructure here is comparable to any standard airport around the world,” said Aerodrome and Airspace Stendates ate cAo Mohammed lauded the quality of work carried out under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, stressing the importance of acknowledging the successful completion of the project.
Operatives of Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters.
The internet fraudsters were arrested at Akobo area of Ibadan in Oyo State following credible intelligence linking them with suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars, laptops, phones and a play station game, among others.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have demanded the immediate release of detained human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi and the dropping of all charges against him, including criminal defamation. In a joint statement, the groups criticized President Tinubu’s administration for “targeting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders,” calling for an end to the use of repressive laws like the Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent.
They urged the government to ensure the protection of media and civil society, respect court rulings, and repeal laws that restrict freedom of expression, emphasizing that such actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.
The groups also called on the international community to pressure Nigerian authorities to halt repression, protect media freedom, and investigate human rights violations.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi on Monday said he had filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This development came 24 days after the governorship poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the election, having polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi, who had 117,845 votes.
Speaking with journalists at the PDP Secretariat, Akure, the state capital, Ajayi disclosed that his legal team had filed the petition at the election tribunal, with the hope of getting justice from the court.
Three employees of ATC Nigeria Base Station, Ogijo—50-year-old Sikiru Oyedokun, 46-year-old Oladimeji Monsuru, and 33-year-old Abraham Ebenezer…
Three employees of ATC Nigeria Base Station, Ogijo—50-year-old Sikiru Oyedokun, 46-year-old Oladimeji Monsuru, and 33-year-old Abraham Ebenezer—were arraigned before the Ogun State Magistrate Court in Sagamu on Tuesday. They are accused of the fraudulent appropriation of 165,033.18 kilowatts of electricity, valued at ₦22,887,474.28, belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The alleged offence occurred between September 17, 2019, and May 5, 2022, as well as from August 3, 2023, to December 5, 2024, at the ATC Nigeria Base Station site in Ogijo, located in the Sagamu Magisterial District.
The suspects face two charges: fraudulent appropriation of electricity, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006, and unlawful diversion of electrical power, contrary to Section 400 of the same code.
The charge sheet reads:
“That you, Sikiru Oyedokun ‘M’, Oladimeji Monsuru ‘M’, Abraham Ebenezer ‘M’ and others at large between September 17, 2019, to May 5, 2022, and August 3, 2023, to December 5, 2024, at Site ID: No. OG0061, ATC Nigeria Base Station in Ogijo, Ogun State, did unlawfully conspire to commit an offence of fraudulent appropriation of electricity (power), thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
“That you… did wilfully and unlawfully divert electricity power to Site ID: No. OG0061, ATC Nigeria Base Station… to the quantum of 165,033.18 kilowatt-hours valued at ₦22,887,474.28, property of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 400 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the accused urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the suspects were merely employees of the company and not the owners of the base station where the alleged theft occurred.
Magistrate Olayinka Idowu granted each defendant bail set at ₦7 million, with one surety each. The sureties must reside within the state, own landed properties in the magisterial district, and provide proof of tax payment to the Ogun State government.
The case has been adjourned for trial on January 9 and 10, 2025.
The Lagos State University (LASU) has been plunged into an indefinite strike as academic and non-academic staff, under the aegis of a joint action committee, protest salary disparities and unfulfilled commitments by the Lagos State government.
The strike, involving the LASU chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), is fueled by grievances over salary differences between LASU and other state-owned universities.
Obafemi Sanni, Chairman of NASU-LASU, stated that the strike was inevitable following the government’s failure to honor a 20% salary increase promised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during his election campaign. While civil servants at the state secretariat received the promised increment, LASU staff claim they were left out.
“They used us during the election, and despite our active contributions, they have neglected us,” Sanni lamented. He also highlighted longstanding salary disparities, noting that staff at LASU earn less than their counterparts at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (now Lagos State University of Education) and Lagos State Polytechnic (now Lagos State University of Science and Technology), even before their transition to universities.
The unions also demand the implementation of federal agreements on a 20% and 35% salary increase for university workers. Despite several meetings with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Ministry of Establishment and Training, as well as intervention efforts by LASU’s Vice-Chancellor, the unions argue that no tangible progress has been made.
Ibrahim Bakare, Chairman of ASUU-LASU, emphasized that the strike is a peaceful agitation for staff welfare, urging the government to address the demands urgently.
“All unions in LASU have united to ensure fairness and equity. We remain calm and await the government’s
The court’s decision was disclosed by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, via his X handle on Monday.
“The first hurdle was crossed. #DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025,” the tweet read.
The Osun State’s debt profile has pitched Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, said the debt portfolio had been reduced over the last two years following repayments by the current administration.
He dismissed a recent report suggesting that Adeleke’s government had increased the state’s debt burden and accused the APC of orchestrating the publication.
He said: “The truth remains that Osun State’s debt profile has reduced under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the last two years. Data doesn’t lie and cannot be hidden.
“The domestic debt of Osun was N148.37bn as of December 2022, but it has now reduced to N86.06bn as of June 2024. Similarly, foreign debt as of December 2022 was $91.78m, but it has now reduced to $78.17m as of June 2024.
“What this also means in terms of figures is that Governor Adeleke has paid back N62.31bn in domestic debt and $13.61m in foreign debt. This is the burden the APC-led past administration imposed on the people of the state. If this administration didn’t inherit those debts, these amounts would have been better used for the good people of Osun State.”
The APC, however, countered the claim in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Kola Olabisi.
He said: “Whatever he is pushing to the public now regarding the state debt portfolio is an afterthought which cannot be relied upon.
“We didn’t cook what was published as it affects the debt portfolio of the state government under Adeleke. It is in the public domain already. Where did Olawale get his figures?”
Olabisi further accused the Adeleke administration of using the APC as a scapegoat for its alleged shortcomings.
“They can’t continue to blame us for their ineptitude.”
