INSTANT NEWS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially resumed his duties at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Following a brief reception held on the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, he proceeded to engage in a closed-door meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

The meeting, currently taking place at the State House, has Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance along with other participants. While the specific agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed, it coincides with the reemergence of fuel queues since the President's recent announcement regarding the suspension of fuel subsidy during his inauguration ceremony.

The resurfacing of fuel queues has raised concerns and speculation about the potential discussions taking place between President Tinubu, Governor Emefiele, and GMD Kyari. As fuel scarcity becomes a pressing issue, the meeting could potentially address strategies and policies to tackle the situation and ensure the smooth supply of fuel to meet the nation's demands.

As details regarding the closed-door meeting emerge, the public eagerly awaits updates on the outcomes and decisions that will shape the course of Nigeria's fuel industry under President Tinubu's leadership.

President Bola Tinubu has commenced his tenure by announcing a fresh round of appointments. Nosa Asemota has been appointed as Tinubu's official photographer, while Adelani Opeyemi will serve as the official photographer for Vice President Kashim Shettima. Tolani Alli, the official photographer of the immediate past vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, shared the news of their appointments.

Taking to Twitter, Tolani expressed congratulations to Nosa Asemota, now the Official Photographer to President Bola Tinubu (ABAT 001), and to Adelani Opeyemi, the Official Photographer to Vice President Kashim Shettima (002). He extended his best wishes to both photographers and invoked divine guidance, protection, and favor for their new roles. Tolani encouraged them to excel and concluded by invoking blessings upon them.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were inaugurated on Monday at the Eagles Square in Abuja, signifying the official commencement of their respective tenures. Subsequently, on Tuesday, both Tinubu and Shettima formally assumed their offices, ready to embark on their duties and responsibilities. The new appointments of official photographers reflect the beginning of their administrative journey.

Sergio Busquets, the seasoned Spanish midfielder, has been honored with the title of La Liga Player of the Year by his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero. With an illustrious career spanning 18 years and an impressive tally of 722 appearances for Barcelona across various competitions, Busquets has undeniably established himself as one of the world's finest defensive midfielders.

As the curtains draw to a close on his tenure with the Spanish side, Busquets will bid farewell as a free agent in the summer, following Barcelona's final game this weekend. This departure marks the end of an era for the legendary midfielder, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to the sport.

Aguero, who himself transitioned from Manchester City to Barcelona but faced setbacks due to heart complications, acknowledged Busquets' instrumental role in Barcelona's triumph in the La Liga this season. When asked to select his choice for La Liga Player of the Season by betting site Stake.com, the Argentine expressed admiration for Vinicius Jr's impressive year but ultimately singled out Busquets.

In Aguero's eyes, the 34-year-old veteran's last season at Barca was nothing short of exceptional. Busquets exemplified the essence of Barcelona's distinctive style and proved to be the linchpin that provided the team with the necessary balance to secure the coveted title.

Aguero's endorsement of Busquets' outstanding performances serves as a testament to the Spanish midfielder's immense impact and unwavering influence on the field. As Busquets embarks on a new chapter in his career, his contributions to Barcelona's success will forever be cherished, and his legacy as a true maestro of the game will endure in the annals of football history.

Emerson Royal, the midfielder for Tottenham, has divulged the club that Harry Kane will represent in the upcoming season. Contrary to widespread speculation in the English media, Royal stated that the England captain has no desire to depart from Tottenham.

Numerous reports have linked the 29-year-old with potential moves to Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and even Real Madrid. However, Royal revealed that Kane, who currently has one year remaining on his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, is likely to honor his deal.

Experts opine that this might be Kane's final chance to leave the north London club while he is at the pinnacle of his abilities. Alternatively, he could opt to remain at Tottenham and solidify his reputation as an esteemed figure within the team.

According to Royal, who expressed his own desire to continue playing alongside Kane for an extended period, the talented striker holds a top-ranking position and genuinely wishes to stay with Tottenham. This statement from Royal adds a significant perspective to the ongoing speculation surrounding Kane's future.

In a disappointing announcement for fans around the world, renowned Canadian musician Céline Dion has made the difficult decision to cancel all her scheduled world tours for 2023 and 2024. This decision comes as she continues to battle with a neurological disorder.

Back in December 2022, Céline revealed that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), an incurable condition that causes involuntary muscle stiffness. This debilitating disease has had a significant impact on her ability to perform and tour as planned.

Taking to her Twitter handle, Céline shared a public statement on Friday, addressing her fans directly. She expressed her sincere apologies for the disappointment caused by the tour cancellations and assured her supporters that ticket refunds would be issued.

In her statement, Céline further explained, "I'm so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. And even though it breaks my heart, it's best that we cancel everything until I'm really ready to be back on stage. I'm not giving up, and I can't wait to see you again."

It is evident that this decision was not made lightly, as Céline acknowledges the impact it will have on her devoted fans. However, prioritizing her health and well-being is of paramount importance in her journey to manage and overcome Stiff Person Syndrome. Despite the challenges she faces, Céline remains determined and hopeful, looking forward to the day she can return to the stage and connect with her audience once more.

For now, fans across the globe join in supporting Céline Dion during this difficult time and eagerly await her triumphant return when she is fully prepared to share her remarkable talent once again. 

In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Awka has ruled that the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, is unlawfully occupying the office. The court, presided over by Justice Fatun Riman, declared that Baba's continued stay in the position is in direct violation of the Police Act of 2020 and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.

The court's judgment, delivered in a case filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, a taxpayer, emphasized that only an officer of the prescribed rank with at least four years of service can be appointed as the IGP. It was further stated that Baba, who has less than four years of service, does not meet the requirements for the position.

While the judgment was officially rendered on May 19, 2023, a certified copy was made available on May 27, 2023. The plaintiffs in the case had brought legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari, the IGP, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Council, seeking an order to prevent Baba from occupying the office since his tenure had expired.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Riman underscored the fact that the IGP is a public servant and a member of the Nigeria Police Force, established under Section 214(1) of the Constitution. According to the Federal Public Rules 299 (PSR), all public service officers are required to retire at the age of 60 or after 35 years of service, as mandated by the Constitution. The judge further emphasized that the President's prerogative power is limited by the provisions of the Constitution and that the retirement of the Inspector-General of Police is a matter governed by statutory and constitutional provisions, which cannot be altered by any other law.

Usman Alkali Baba reached the age of 60 on March 1, 2023, which marked the compulsory retirement age. However, his tenure was extended by President Buhari in January of the same year. This court ruling challenges the validity of that extension and asserts that Baba's occupation of the office is unlawful based on the clear provisions of the law.

This judgment has significant implications for the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and raises questions about the adherence to legal and constitutional procedures in appointments to key positions. It remains to be seen how this ruling will be implemented and what steps will be taken to address the situation in accordance with the court's decision.

Frank Lampard, the interim manager of Chelsea, has expressed his intention to return to the club as a dedicated supporter in the future on numerous occasions. As his short-term deal comes to an end after the Premier League match against Newcastle on Sunday, Lampard aims to secure his first home victory during his second tenure as manager. However, it must be noted that he has encountered significant challenges, losing eight out of the ten games he has overseen.

Lampard, renowned for his illustrious career as a player at Chelsea, which included winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League, did not visit Stamford Bridge after his dismissal as manager in January 2021. It wasn't until April of this year that he made a return to witness Chelsea's goalless draw against Liverpool.

The 44-year-old manager has now shed light on the reason behind his absence, while simultaneously assuring fans that he will be a familiar face among them. He acknowledged the deep connection he feels with the club and the supporters, stating, "This is the corny part, I will never feel like I am saying goodbye to the fans. My career as a player and as a coach first time around and this period, and it is there." Lampard, who resides close to the stadium, intends to maintain a strong presence at Chelsea, emphasizing that embarking on a managerial career does not guarantee an eternal stay at a club where he spent 13 years as a player.

As Lampard's interim role concludes and he prepares to step down from his managerial position, his commitment to remaining connected with the Chelsea faithful shines through. While his time as manager may have been challenging, his dedication to the club and his willingness to support from the stands exemplify the enduring bond between Lampard, Chelsea, and its passionate supporters.

The Court of Appeal in Kano has taken a significant step in the ongoing case involving the Labour Party (LP) candidates in Abia State. In a recent development, the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court, which had invalidated the primaries that led to the selection of Alex Otti and other LP candidates in Abia State.

This decision was made by Justice Mbaba on Saturday, who not only suspended the judgment but also granted Alex Otti's application to appeal as an interested party. In doing so, the Court of Appeal has put the judgment of the Federal High Court on hold temporarily. The appeal will now be heard and determined before any further actions are taken based on the initial judgment.

The Court of Appeal's order was issued in response to a motion for leave filed by the Abia Governor-Elect. The motion sought permission to appeal as an interested party against the judgment delivered by the Kano Division of the Federal High Court on May 18, 2023, in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/107/2023. The Court of Appeal has granted this request, allowing the Abia Governor-Elect to participate in the appeal process.

Moreover, the Appellate Court has gone a step further by granting an order for stay and suspension of the judgment issued by Justice Yunusa J. of the lower court. This means that the effects of the judgment will be put on hold until the appeal, for which leave has been granted, is heard and resolved.

The suspension of the judgment by the Court of Appeal signifies a significant development in the case. It offers a ray of hope to Alex Otti and the other LP candidates whose positions were challenged by the previous ruling. As the appeal process progresses, all parties involved will eagerly await a final decision that will determine the validity of the LP primaries in Abia State.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 20 for the adoption of processes in the lawsuit brought by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Department of State Services (DSS). This decision was made by the court registrar due to the absence of Justice Binta Nyako, who was on an official assignment at the time.

The judge had previously cautioned the lawyers representing the DSS and Kanu on May 3, urging them not to disrupt the proceedings on the next adjourned date. However, the day's proceedings had been hindered by an oral application from DSS counsel Idowu Awo, who requested additional time to respond to a further affidavit served by Kanu's lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, in open court.

NAN reported that Kanu, through his legal team, had filed a lawsuit against the DSS and its Director General as the first and second respondents. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2341/2022, sought the court's permission to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the DSS to grant Kanu unrestricted access to his medical doctor, among other requests.

Previously, on February 1, the court had granted Kanu permission to apply for an order of mandamus following an ex-parte motion presented by Ozekhome. In response, the DSS filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The DSS argued that there was a valid judgment from another court, delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo on June 3, 2022, in a separate suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021) between Kanu and the DG of DSS and two others. In that judgment, the court extensively addressed the issue of granting the IPOB leader access to his personal physician. The DSS claimed that the current suit was similar to the previous one and noted that Kanu had already filed an appeal against the judgment.

In a recent interview with content creator Timi Agbaje at the 9th African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), former Big Brother Naija reality star Diana Isoken Edobor expressed her desire to be nominated in all the categories of the 10th AMVCA next year.

Diana shared her aspirations during a side interview conducted at the prestigious event, which took place in Lagos over the weekend. With confidence and ambition, she revealed her hopes of receiving nominations across all categories at the upcoming AMVCA.

The reality star also disclosed that her stunning outfit for the event was valued at N1.5 million. Embracing a Parisian vibe, Diana's dress reflected her love for the Parisian style, representing her connection to the city.

Looking ahead, Diana expressed her strong desire to achieve recognition and success in the film industry. She aims to be nominated not only as an actress but also as a producer, aspiring to excel in every aspect of the AMVCA awards.

Diana's bold declaration demonstrates her determination and drive to leave a mark in the entertainment industry, setting her sights high for the 10th AMVCA next year.

Kylian Mbappe, the talented forward from Paris Saint-Germain, has expressed his support for Vinicius Junior, the winger from Real Madrid, who recently faced racism from La Liga supporters. The incident took place during Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat against Valencia in La Liga on Sunday.

Vinicius became the target of racism and abuse from fans at the Mestalla Stadium during the match. In the second half, he identified the group of fans responsible, causing a temporary pause in play as referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea informed stadium officials about the racist chants, urging them to stop.

According to Scroll, the referee stated in his post-match report that a fan had directed racial slurs like 'monkey, monkey' at Vinicius.

The situation escalated towards the end of the second half when Vinicius was shown a red card after pushing Valencia attacker Hugo Duro in the face, following a VAR check. This happened after Valencia players confronted Vinicius and Duro put him in a headlock, with no repercussions for the latter's actions.

Vinicius took to Instagram after the game and posted a lengthy message, highlighting that racism is unfortunately normalized in La Liga.

In a show of solidarity, Mbappe took to Instagram as well and shared a story in support of the 22-year-old attacker. The story read, "You're not alone. We are with you & we support you."

It is heartening to see Mbappe standing up against racism and offering his support to Vinicius Junior during this challenging time. Such acts of unity and solidarity are crucial in the fight against racial discrimination in football.

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we inform you about the passing of Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, the Patriarch and Founder of FCMB (First City Monument Bank). Otunba Balogun, also known as The Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu and Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, peacefully departed from this world on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the age of 89. He passed away in London, United Kingdom, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.

While we grieve the loss of this remarkable individual, we are immensely grateful for the rich and purposeful life he led. Otunba Balogun leaves behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, excellence, resilience, courage, faith, style, discipline, and unwavering commitment to God, church, family, community, philanthropy, and Nigeria. His life serves as an inspiration for us all to follow.

During this difficult time, we have found solace in the overwhelming outpouring of love, sympathy, and kind words we have received. We appreciate your heartfelt expressions of warmth and condolences. To provide an opportunity for those who wish to pay their respects, condolence registers will be available from Monday, May 22, 2023, starting at 11 am. You can find these registers at his residences in Lagos and Ijebu Ode, as well as the following offices:

FCMB:

FCMB Group Headquarters, 44 Marina, Lagos.

Primrose Tower, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos.

Founders Place, 2 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

First City Plaza, 252 Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.

Chapel Hill Denham:

10 Bankole Oki Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Additionally, an online condolence register is available at www.olasubomibalogun.com.

We will share further details regarding the Celebration of his Life in due course. In the meantime, we humbly ask for your prayers and support. May God grant Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun eternal rest.

Bolaji & Jide Balogun

On behalf of the family. 

According to Ibifiri Bobmanuel, the President of the Rivers Entrepreneur and Investors' Forum (REIF), the actions of the Rivers State Government and certain local governments in the state were responsible for the relocation of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from Rivers State to Lagos State.

Bobmanuel revealed that the forum had engaged with the management of the Dangote Group and had also written to the federal government, urging them not to move the refineries to Lagos.

However, it was discovered that the Rivers State Government and the local governments where the refineries were intended to be located, namely Okrika and Eleme, had placed significant demands on the Dangote Group. These demands ultimately led the group to relocate the refineries to Lagos. Bobmanuel expressed disappointment with this turn of events, stating, "The Dangote refinery was to be situated in Rivers State and later they made a U-turn and went to Lagos, and we were very miffed by the whole approach."

Efforts were made by the REIF to communicate with the Dangote Group through letters, as well as with the Federal Government, and a meeting was even held. However, the pushback and demands from the state government at that time left the Dangote Group with no choice but to seek a location where they felt more welcome.

Bobmanuel emphasized the need for the Rivers State Government, local governments, and communities to understand how to effectively negotiate with business owners to attract investments. He highlighted the importance of speaking the language of businesses and creating an environment conducive to their growth. He also pointed out the significant impact the refinery would have had on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Rivers State had it been situated there.

Bobmanuel concluded by urging the incoming government to recognize the importance of private sector participation in governance in the state and to take necessary steps to foster a favorable business climate.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed plans to convert several skills acquisition centers in the state into Eko Creation Innovators Hubs as part of efforts to address the "japa" syndrome. During the commissioning of Sail Innovation Lab, an initiative by Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East, Sanwo-Olu also announced the intention to transform Yaba into a Tech Campus to encourage digital skills among the youth.

The Sail Innovation Lab, established in 2021 in Ikorodu, falls within the jurisdiction represented by Senator Abiru. It operates in collaboration with Co-creation Hub, providing free training for young individuals, teenagers, and teachers in the Ikorodu area. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Abiru's initiative, stating that it aligns with the state government's vision of leveraging technology for youth development.

Expressing his excitement, Sanwo-Olu praised Abiru's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the people of Lagos East. He emphasized the government's responsibility to offer hope and opportunities to those in need, expressing his satisfaction with the impact of governance on people's lives. The governor stressed the importance of selfless service and commended Senator Abiru's efforts, emphasizing the role of technology in advancing the youth and positioning Ikorodu as a global competitor.

Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude for the collaboration with partners such as Microsoft and the Bank of Industries, highlighting the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for international businesses. He reiterated Lagos' position as the tech hub in Africa and mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a metropolitan fiber mesh, ensuring easier and faster internet access for the city.

Recognizing the significance of the innovation lab, Sanwo-Olu encouraged the youth not to "japa" (leave the country) but instead to compete and develop their skills in Ikorodu. He revealed plans to transform skills acquisition centers into Eko Creation Innovation Hubs, highlighting the government's determination to leave a lasting positive impact. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Abiru's character and expressed his willingness to collaborate with him.

In his remarks, Senator Abiru emphasized the global importance of technology and its impact on social interactions and daily life. He acknowledged the milestones achieved by the innovation lab since its inception, with over 490 participants benefiting from in-person programs and over 2,000 individuals participating in online programs. Abiru highlighted the lab's role in bridging the digital skills gap and announced upcoming training programs in areas such as digital product design, data science, and metaverse.

The joint efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru, and their partners demonstrate their commitment to fostering innovation, equipping the youth with valuable digital skills, and positioning Lagos as a tech hub. With a focus on technology and collaboration, they aim to drive the growth and development of the state while empowering individuals to thrive in the digital age.

The recent judgment by a State High Court in Kano, overturning the victory of the Labour Party in Abia, has been dismissed as "inconsequential" by the party. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party emphasized that the judgment held no weight due to the lack of jurisdiction of the court in question.

According to the statement, the court's ruling was deemed laughable and ineffective because it attempted to intervene in an election matter long after the elections had concluded and winners had been declared. The Labour Party argued that the Kano Court did not possess the constitutional authority to handle pre-election matters, making its verdict legally unsound.

The party clarified that the case involved only the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with no specific individuals mentioned. As a result, the court could not grant any relief that was not sought for. The Labour Party expressed confidence that the judgment would be overturned and announced their intention to seek recourse through the Appeal Court.

Highlighting a broader concern, the party raised alarm over alleged attempts by opposition parties to create internal conflicts within the Labour Party. They provided evidence of letters initiated by a certain Akingbade, sent to various tribunals requesting the withdrawal of cases. The Labour Party disassociated themselves from Akingbade, Lamidi Apapa, Abayomi Arabambi, and others associated with them, stating that they no longer represented the party in any capacity.

Furthermore, the party expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the swiftness of the judgment, which was delivered within 48 hours without proper notification to the parties involved. This raised concerns about due process and fairness in the legal proceedings.

The Labour Party reiterated its disregard for the judgment, labeling it as insignificant and assured its supporters that they would pursue legal avenues to challenge and overturn the verdict. They also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the party from internal disruptions and ensuring the integrity of their cases in tribunals.

In a recent development, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has made serious allegations against Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Matawalle, Bawa personally approached him, requesting a hefty sum of $2 million. These claims have stirred controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the EFCC.

On Wednesday, Governor Matawalle addressed the situation, urging Bawa to ensure that the EFCC's investigations were not solely focused on outgoing governors but also extended to officials within the presidency. This statement indicates Matawalle's concern that the probe may be politically motivated, targeting certain individuals while sparing others.

In response, the EFCC maintained its stance that the governor was under investigation for allegedly diverting N70 billion, which was originally allocated for contracts in Zamfara state. However, during a recent interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Matawalle vehemently denied these allegations. Instead, he claimed that the investigation was launched against him because he refused to fulfill Bawa's monetary request.

Governor Matawalle clarified that he was not resisting the probe and reiterated his immunity as the serving governor. He emphasized that no official invitation had been extended to him by the EFCC. Matawalle further alleged that the accusations against him were fabricated, and the real motive behind the investigation was Bawa's disappointment over not receiving the requested two million dollars.

Highlighting his side of the story, Matawalle disclosed that he had met with Bawa at a specific location, a house known to both of them. It was during this encounter that Bawa explicitly expressed his desire to meet with the governor and requested the substantial sum of money.

These allegations and counter-allegations have sparked a heated debate and cast a shadow over the credibility of the EFCC. The accusations leveled by Governor Matawalle against Chairperson Bawa have raised concerns about potential corruption within the anti-corruption agency. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the ongoing investigations and the reputation of the EFCC.

Hilda Baci, also known as the Nigerian Jollof Queen, is currently attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time. Her four-day cooking marathon started on Thursday, May 11, 2023, and is being held at Amore Gardens, Lekki.

The event, which features celebrity visitations, networking, games, and brand activations, has received support from the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. On Sunday, he showed his support for Hilda Baci and urged the crowd of supporters present at the event to continue cheering her on and wished her success.

Hilda Baci, who has showcased her culinary skills on various television cook shows and represented Nigeria at the Jollof Faceoff Competition in 2021, aims to break the Guinness World record of 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds set by Chef Lata Tondon in Rewa, India, in 2019. She plans to achieve this by cooking for at least 93 hours, taking an hour break in-between every 12 hours of cooking.

The Nigerian foodpreneur has spent at least 70 hours showcasing her culinary skills using various local and intercontinental recipes to put Nigeria on the global culinary map. Her attempt to break the Guinness World Record not only highlights her culinary skills but also represents Nigerian culture and cuisine on a global scale.

I showed up to support Chef Hilda Baci, in her quest to break the Guinness World Record @GWR for the longest time spent cooking by an individual.

Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but… pic.twitter.com/R5qBP4U7wN

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 14, 2023

Hilda Baci's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time is a commendable feat. Her dedication, determination, and culinary skills are worthy of recognition and support. We wish her success in her endeavor to put Nigeria on the global culinary map.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), some officials of commercial banks in Nigeria are involved in money-related fraud. In a meeting with senior compliance staff from Kwara and Kogi states on Friday in Ilorin, the EFCC Zonal commander, Michael Nzekwe, warned commercial banks to stop protecting customers suspected of financial malpractices.

Nzekwe emphasized that these officials hold sensitive positions and play a critical role in the fight against economic and financial crimes. He added that the meeting aimed to educate banks on new trends in cybercrime and find ways to collaborate as stakeholders in the battle against financial fraud.

The Zonal Commander urged financial institutions to adhere strictly to bank rules and regulations and diligently discharge their duties. He claimed that major fraud, especially money laundering, is rarely committed without the connivance of bank officials.

In 2022, according to a report by the Commission, there were a total of 3785 convictions. The EFCC is working to curb financial fraud in Nigeria and has taken several measures to ensure that bank officials and customers suspected of fraud are prosecuted.

Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi, an economist at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, has issued a warning to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, advising him against resorting to bank loans to cover the salaries of the state's civil servants.

In an interview on a radio program in Osogbo, Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized that Governor Adeleke should prioritize paying salaries based on the available funds in the state's coffers. He discouraged the practice of borrowing money from banks specifically for the purpose of settling salaries.

Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the importance of utilizing the Osun Inland Revenue Service (OIRS), the state's agency responsible for generating internal revenue, to increase funds rather than relying on borrowed money for salary payments.

He asserted, "There must be a moratorium now on borrowing; Osun must never borrow to pay salaries. You pay salary only based on what you have, not by going to the bank and borrowing with the intention of paying salaries. It should never happen."

Furthermore, Dr. Ogunyemi urged Governor Adeleke to seek guidance from his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, regarding his successful management of Osun State without resorting to borrowing for four years.

"The era of politicking is over. The Governor should approach Oyetola and learn from him how he was able to govern Osun State during that critical period without depleting the state's resources," Dr. Ogunyemi advised.

He commended the remarkable performance of Governor Oyetola and encouraged Governor Adeleke to acquire insights from his predecessor's effective strategies for governance and financial management. By doing so, Governor Adeleke can gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate the challenges of sustaining Osun State without depending on loans.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the apprehension of two individuals involved in a criminal syndicate that targeted unsuspecting passengers by luring them into their vehicles and robbing them. SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the arrest through his official Twitter account on Thursday.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Folashade Sholagbe, a 36-year-old female, and Seun Oke, a 29-year-old male. According to Hundeyin, the apprehension took place in the Ikeja area of Lagos State after the victim managed to raise an alarm for assistance. The vigilant officers from the Iju Division swiftly acted upon the distress call, leading to the successful arrest.

Further details provided by the police representative reveal that the suspects had developed a method of targeting victims and stealing their belongings. They specifically focused on luring passengers into their Corolla car at the 7up by Tollgate area. This allowed them to deceive their victims and carry out their illicit activities.

The swift action taken by the police highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lagos residents. The arrest of these individuals will undoubtedly contribute to curbing the activities of such criminal syndicates operating within the state. The police command encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.

By apprehending these culprits, the Lagos State Police Command sends a strong message to criminals that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. The diligent efforts of the officers involved in this operation demonstrate the effectiveness of the police force in combating crime and upholding the rule of law. The command remains dedicated to its mission of protecting the public and ensuring a safe environment for all residents of Lagos State.