INSTANT NEWS

Residents of Minna, the capital of Niger State, voiced their frustration on Monday by staging a protest against the soaring cost of living in the country. The demonstrators, consisting of women and youths, took to the streets, blocking major roads in the metropolis while chanting protest songs. Despite the visible presence of security agents, including policemen, the protesters pressed on with their grievances.

Citing the escalating prices of essential food items and expressing dissatisfaction with the government's response to address the situation, the protesters sought to draw attention to their plight by obstructing key roadways. The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, engaged with the protesters, acknowledging the challenges faced by families and assuring them that the government is actively working to alleviate the cost of living and mitigate the effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

Simultaneously, a war of words unfolded on Sunday between the Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the state of the Nigerian economy and President Bola Tinubu's monetary policies. Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), used a post on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the prevailing hunger in the nation, with basic commodities, including bread, becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian. Responding swiftly, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, accused Atiku of adopting the role of a poor opposition-in-chief, asserting that the reforms initiated by the Tinubu government might bring immediate challenges but are designed to usher in prosperity in the medium and long terms.

Nigerian police have successfully rescued five sisters who were kidnapped in Abuja, the country's capital. The joint police-army operation took place in the Kajuru forest in Kaduna State on Saturday night, where the girls were being held hostage. The abduction occurred earlier this month, and one of the sisters was tragically killed during the incident. Although the kidnappers had demanded a ransom, the police statement did not specify whether any payment was made. The rescued girls, aged from the early teens to 23, have now been reunited with their family.

The abduction involved the six sisters and their father, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, in Bwari, a suburb of Abuja, on January 2. Witnesses reported that the girls' uncle sought help but was ambushed and killed, along with three police officers. Mansoor was released by the kidnappers on the condition he raised a substantial ransom. Unfortunately, his 21-year-old daughter, Nabeeha, was killed as a warning. Kidnapping has become prevalent in Nigeria, with criminal gangs seeing it as a lucrative venture. The incident sparked national outrage, leading to calls for intensified efforts by security agencies to address the kidnapping crisis.

First Lady Remi Tinubu urged security agencies to step up their efforts, demanding a swift return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters. Despite a ransom demand of 65 million naira, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar discouraged contributions, emphasizing that ransom payments worsen the situation. Nigerian law prohibits paying ransom, but victims often yield to secure their loved ones' release due to a lack of trust in authorities. Concerns about insecurity reaching the capital prompted Abuja's police force to establish a special squad to combat kidnapping gangs. Minister Abubakar asserted that operations against these gangs elsewhere forced them to move closer to the capital, and security agencies are working diligently to eliminate the threat.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government inaugurated four Reform Task Teams with the goal of expediting the realization of presidential objectives for the housing sector in Nigeria. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, stressed the importance of unlocking the sector's massive potential for fostering inclusive economic growth.

The four committees introduced are the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team, the Land Reform Task Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. Minister Dangiwa challenged these committees to diligently work and present their recommendations within an eight-week timeframe. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms addressing systemic issues hindering development and removing legal impediments in the housing sector.

Dangiwa highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to revitalizing the housing sector, citing the demerger from the Ministry of Works and the establishment of the task teams as significant steps toward realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector.

The Housing Institutions Reform Task Team aims to create a robust framework for optimizing housing agencies under the ministry's supervision, delivering decent and affordable homes to Nigerians. The Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team will ensure collaborative efforts among housing agencies for efficient housing delivery. The Land Reform Task Team focuses on developing a blueprint for sustainable land administration reforms, promoting easy and cost-effective land access. The Building Materials Manufacturing Hub Task Team will assess the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector, identifying challenges and opportunities.

Dangiwa assured the committees of the government's support and resources to fulfill their responsibilities within the specified timeline. He urged the Federal Housing Authority to intensify operations with government support and encouraged the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide mortgages, enabling more Nigerians to own homes.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the necessity of these task teams in addressing multifaceted challenges in effective housing delivery. The chairmen and members of the committees were selected for their proven integrity and competence. The appointed chairmen include Adedeji Adesemoye for the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime for the Land Reform Task Team, Nuhu Wya for the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, and Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis for the Multi-Agency Project Task Team.

The International President of Christian Central Chapel International, Bishop Emmah Isong, has cautioned against misinterpreting and misimplementing the "no gree for anybody" slogan. Speaking at an event commemorating National Religious Freedom Day, themed "Empowering Youths for Religious Coexistence: Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers," Bishop Isong emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and adopting practical best practices.

Bishop Isong, also the Executive Director of Remedy for Victims of Religious Prosecution and Discrimination Initiative, stressed the need for careful interpretation of the slogan. He warned against viewing it as a license for violence and selfishness, emphasizing the importance of fostering peace and love in relationships, whether between spouses, friends, or colleagues.

Highlighting three platforms for coexistence—Adam (humanity), Nation (patriotism), and Abraham (religion)—Bishop Isong suggested that religion and ethnicity, while not inherently harmful, can be manipulated by politicians, clergy, or business figures for nefarious purposes. He urged against the misuse of these factors to advance evil or terrorist agendas.

Imam Shefiu Abdulkarim, Chief Imam of the Islamic Platform Society of Nigeria, echoed Bishop Isong's sentiments, emphasizing that one cannot be an ambassador of peace without learning about it. He advocated for a balanced approach to religious education, cautioning against extreme teachings that hinder individuals from becoming peace ambassadors.

Ann Mesembe, the American Space Director, underscored the program's purpose of educating youth and breaking down religious barriers. She asserted that every individual has the right to choose their religion, promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse religious beliefs.

Nigerians expressed their approval on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu took a decisive step to reduce the size of his entourage for domestic and international travels by 60%. This move aims to curb excessive spending on travel.

The austerity measures extend to all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, and the wives of both. President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the details, emphasizing the president's commitment to cutting costs.

On international trips, President Tinubu directed that only 20 individuals accompany him, reduced to five for the First Lady. The Vice President's entourage on official international trips is also limited to five, with the same restriction for the Vice President's wife.

This decision follows criticism of the Tinubu administration for sponsoring over a thousand delegates to COP28 in Dubai, with reports suggesting significant spending. Many Nigerians commended the president for this move, urging governors to follow suit to reduce recurrent expenditure.

Despite some skepticism, there was widespread appreciation for the cost-cutting initiative, with citizens lauding President Tinubu's leadership by example. The spokesperson emphasized that the president is determined to bring prudence and sanity to the management of public resources.

Further details include limits on staff members accompanying officials on domestic and international trips. Ministers and agency heads now face restrictions on the number of individuals allowed to travel with them. The president's spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the directive and warned against defying it. This initiative reflects Tinubu's commitment to aligning government prudence with the expectations of Nigerian citizens.

The United Kingdom government recently unveiled a comprehensive list of licensed companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled workers seeking relocation. This information, updated on January 12, 2024, showcases 99,856 approved companies, signaling a substantial increase from the 68,630 recorded in January 2023.

Diverse sectors, including technology, commerce, education, media, advertising, and engineering, are represented among the approved companies. The skilled worker route caters to various categories such as charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility, senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons.

The UK government, through its official website, provides a detailed document listing worker and temporary worker sponsors. This document specifies the types of workers these sponsors are licensed to support and their respective sponsorship ratings. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the companies' websites for available job opportunities.

Some noteworthy companies on the approved list include RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station, IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited), AboutCare Hastings Ltd, £ ESS Ltd, Architect UK Ltd, Home Accommodation Services Ltd, Ur Eaz Ltd, Infiniti Limited, Brunswick Stores Limited, Plus Care Ltd, 003 Ltd, 0086 Ltd, 00Nation Limited, 01 Accounting Services Ltd, 012 Global Ltd, 023 Ltd, 0xA Technologies Ltd, 1 Ace Training Limited, 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited, 1 and 5 Tech Ltd, and 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others.

It is important to note that while the UK offers various visa programs for foreigners, the implementation of a visa ban on dependents commenced on January 1, 2024. Interested individuals are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and explore opportunities on the official websites of the approved sponsoring companies.

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Afrobeat singer, Mohbad, expresses dissatisfaction with the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's death. In an interview with Trust TV, Joseph reveals his concerns about the ongoing investigation, stating, "I am not satisfied with the police investigation. A lot of things have been said outside which are not really right."

One particular area of dissatisfaction for Joseph is the lack of follow-up by the police after he carried Mohbad's body to the station. He expected them to search his son's house or provide the police autopsy report, which hasn't been provided. Joseph emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation, urging the police to question people who were living with Mohbad and explore their phones for relevant information about the incident.

Expressing his concerns, Joseph emphasizes the quest for justice and the importance of expediting the investigation. He appeals to the government to put more effort into ensuring a transparent and satisfactory resolution to the case.

Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was buried the next day. The aftermath saw Naira Marley, the pioneer of Marlian Records, and Sam Larry facing police questioning. Both were arrested, arraigned, and released on bail, while a nurse who administered injections to Mohbad became a prime suspect.

Responding to public outcry, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a forensic investigation into the singer's death. The Lagos State Police Command formed a 10-man team, including a pathologist, to exhume Mohbad's corpse and conduct a comprehensive investigation. The Lagos Coroner Court confirmed that the external body autopsy was completed, but the toxicology test, vital for determining the cause of death, is being conducted in the United States.

Despite expectations, the autopsy report has not been made available to the police. As calls for transparency persist, the police spokesman in Lagos, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has not provided an update on the investigation. The grieving father, Joseph Aloba, continues to seek justice and a clearer resolution surrounding the circumstances of Mohbad's untimely death.

In the aftermath of the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the ministry's Permanent Secretary, has assumed the responsibilities of the ministry. This transition aligns with the directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended Betta Edu on Monday, citing alleged payments of public funds into private accounts.

The assumption of responsibilities by Enitan occurred following the reception of a letter to that effect from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday night. President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, instructed the suspended Minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The President further directed Edu to fully cooperate with investigating authorities during their inquiry. Additionally, a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance has been tasked by the President to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The aim is to reform relevant institutions and programs, addressing institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and regaining lost public confidence in the initiative.

In a recent public notice, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned that Globacom subscribers may face restrictions on making calls to MTN lines due to unresolved interconnect charges. The notice, signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of the Public Affairs Department, disclosed that the NCC granted partial approval for disconnecting Globacom from MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

Globacom was given an opportunity to respond to MTN's application and present its case, but after examining the circumstances, the NCC concluded that Globacom lacks sufficient justification for non-payment of interconnect charges. The notice specifies that, after a 10-day period from the notice date, Globacom subscribers will no longer be able to initiate calls to MTN, although they can still receive calls. The partial disconnection allows for inbound calls to the Globacom network to continue.

Leaders of thought and elder statesmen representing Southern and Middle Belt regions have penned a letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to address the ongoing killings and destruction in the Middle Belt, which they see as a threat to the nation's existence. The group, known as the Southern and Middle Leaders Forum (SMBLF), emphasized the President's responsibility to resolve the issue and criticized the portrayal of the conflict as mere herders/farmers clashes. They called for a comprehensive security inquiry, the closure of IDP camps, and specialized training for security agents.

The leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, highlighted the diversity within the North-West geopolitical zone and underscored the dangers of the Fulani territorial agenda. They urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, address the senseless killings, and ensure the safety of citizens, especially in the Middle Belt. The letter criticized the government's handling of the Fulanization agenda and called for the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.

In a separate development, governors from the North Central states visited Plateau State, expressing concern over the persistent attacks and killings. They called on the federal government to address the root causes of the issue and find lasting solutions. The governors emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among the North Central states to combat banditry effectively.

Additionally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on President Tinubu to deploy radical security and economic policies in response to the increasing insecurity in the country. The NBA condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and a drone strike in Kaduna State, urging the government to prioritize the security of lives and properties. The association called for a comprehensive and region-specific approach to address security challenges, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination and substantial investments in security.

Nollywood enthusiasts fondly recall the Netflix original epic, 'Jagun Jagun,' as one of the standout movies of 2023, garnering widespread acclaim. Building on that success, the movie's producer and actor, Femi Adebayo, has unveiled an exciting new project titled 'Seven Doors' slated for release in the upcoming year, 2024.

Adebayo shared this revelation during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on New Year’s Day, presenting it as a significant venture for movie enthusiasts to anticipate. He tantalizingly teased the movie's plot, indicating that filming has been successfully completed, and the project is currently in the post-production phase.

"In my upcoming movie, a Yoruba marries an Igbo woman, and the Igbo tribe supports the husband, who is a core Yoruba king. They uphold their traditions and everything. That is one of the things you should look out for this year; the title of the film is ‘Seven Doors,’ and it’s going to be big. Filming is done, and I am at the post-production stage," Adebayo disclosed.

Additionally, Adebayo shared plans to film the second season of the highly successful 'Jagun Jagun,' providing a platform for emerging actors to showcase their talents. He expressed enthusiasm for the intentional collaboration between indigenous language actors and their English-speaking counterparts, highlighting its positive impact on the industry.

"It has really helped the industry, and for me, it’s one of the joys that I’m seeing in the industry presently. I am so happy about the harmonization and synergy. We are even coming together to co-produce to engage the Yorubas, even the Hausas, so most of us now when we write scripts we must infuse other tribes," Adebayo remarked.

While acknowledging the progress, Adebayo emphasized the need for a more conducive environment for movie producers, citing concerns such as the lack of security in movie locations among other challenges.

The year 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of the partial privatization of the power sector, where the Federal Government relinquished its 60% stakes in 11 electricity distribution companies and either sold or concessioned seven power generation plants. Despite this move toward privatization, electricity supply has remained inconsistent, leaving consumers frustrated. Surprisingly, the government, attempting to divest from the sector, ended up spending over N7 trillion to support the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The power sector underwent significant changes in 2023 with the signing into law of the Electoral Act, shifting the power sector from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. This allowed state governments not only to issue licenses but also to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their states. Adebayo Adelabu's appointment as the Minister of Power marked a unique development, as he became the first individual to administer the sector single-handedly since the advent of the present democracy in 1999.

Despite a 13,000MW installed capacity from the country's 27 power generating plants, power generation remained exceptionally low due to poor utilization. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported a worrying plant availability factor (PAF) of 33.31% in 2023/Q3, highlighting the significant issue of mechanical outages, particularly stemming from the age of many plants.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), managing the national grid, faced challenges with repeated collapses and attacks on transmission towers. The government aimed to unbundle TCN into two entities, Independent System Operator and Transmission Service Provider. Despite efforts to upgrade substations and procure new transformers, incidents like fire outbreaks and attacks on power towers persisted.

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) continued to perform poorly, neglecting infrastructure investments and lacking in proper metering. As of September 2023, only 44.51% of registered electricity customers in NESI were metered. The Federal Government took steps to address this metering gap, opening bids for 1.25 million electricity smart meters funded by a $155 million World Bank loan.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) played a role in rural electrification through the Nigeria Electrification Projects (NEP), providing electricity to 6.8 million people under a $350 million World Bank loan and a $200 million African Development Bank loan. The World Bank expressed interest in supporting a successor project with another $750 million grant.

Despite these efforts, the power sector faced financial struggles. Closing the metering gap was identified as a crucial step, with calls for the government to ensure that all customers are provided with electricity meters. Addressing losses, expanding and modernizing networks, and encouraging necessary investments in the sector were highlighted as essential measures to support tariff adjustments and improve overall efficiency in the power sector.

Traders in the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex within Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, faced significant losses after the complex was demolished on Sunday. The demolition, supervised by armed security personnel, commenced around 12 am, catching shop owners by surprise. Tayo Shittu, Chairman of the Computer Dealer Association in Computer Village, expressed dismay at the lack of prior notice and emphasized the impact on over 300 shops and more than 1,000 occupants. Shop owners reported the loss of valuable goods, and the demolition raised concerns about job losses and the livelihoods of those affected.

The traders had previously sought intervention from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun amid rumors of impending demolition. Despite the traders’ efforts, the complex was demolished, and the Lagos State Government clarified via its official social media handle that it had no involvement in the action. The statement from the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, attributed ownership of the structure to the Police Officers' Wives Association, emphasizing that they ordered the demolition.

The incident triggered criticism from traders and questions about due process, especially given the lack of prior engagement and the impact on businesses. The Lagos State Task Force spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyanka, did not have detailed information on the incident. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, while emphasizing the planned demolition in a prior statement, did not provide updates on the situation. The demolition raises broader concerns about property rights, due process, and the welfare of those affected.

Dear Compatriots,

It gives me immense joy to welcome each and everyone of you – young and old- to this brand new year 2024. We must lift up our hands to Almighty God, in gratitude, for His grace and benevolence to our country and our lives in the year 2023 that has just gone by.

Though the past year was a very challenging one, it was eventful in so many ways. For our country, it was a transition year that saw a peaceful, orderly and successful transfer of power from one administration to another, marking yet another remarkable step in our 24 years of unbroken democracy.It was a year, you the gracious people of this blessed nation, entrusted your faith in me with a clear mandate to make our country better, to revamp our economy, restore security within our borders, revitalise our floundering industrial sector, boost agricultural production, increase national productivity and set our country on an irreversible path towards national greatness that we and future generations will forever be proud of.

The task of building a better nation and making sure we have a Nigeria society that cares for all her citizens is the reason I ran to become your President. It was the core of my Renewed Hope campaign message on the basis of which you voted me as President.

Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country.

Over the past seven months of our administration, I have taken some difficult and yet necessary decisions to save our country from fiscal catastrophe. One of those decisions was the removal of fuel subsidy which had become an unsustainable financial burden on our country for more than four decades. Another was the removal of the chokehold of few people on our foreign exchange system that benefited only the rich and the most powerful among us. Without doubt, these two decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families and businesses.

I am well aware that for some time now the conversations and debates have centred on the rising cost of living, high inflation which is now above 28% and the unacceptable high under-employment rate.

From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main-streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.

I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know for a fact that some of our compatriots are even asking if this is how our administration wants to renew their hope.

Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens.

Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads.

Having laid the groundwork of our economic recovery plans within the last seven months of 2023, we are now poised to accelerate the pace of our service delivery across sectors.

Just this past December during COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and I agreed and committed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project that will ultimately deliver reliable supply of electricity to our homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative which began in 2018.

Other power installation projects to strengthen the reliability of our transmission lines and optimise the integrity of our National grid are ongoing across the country.My administration recognises that no meaningful economic transformation can happen without steady electricity supply. In 2024, we are moving a step further in our quest to restart local refining of petroleum products with Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Dangote Refinery which shall fully come on stream.

To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our National Wheat Development Programme.

In this new year, we will race against time to ensure all the fiscal and tax policies reforms we need to put in place are codified and simplified to ensure the business environment does not destroy value. On every foreign trip I have embarked on, my message to investors and other business people has been the same. Nigeria is ready and open for business.

I will fight every obstacle that impedes business competitiveness in Nigeria and I will not hesitate to remove any clog hindering our path to making Nigeria a destination of choice for local and foreign investments.

In my 2024 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, I listed my administration’s 8 priority areas to include national defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction and social security. Because we take our development agenda very seriously, our 2024 budget reflects the premium we placed on achieving our governance objectives.

We will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of their government. The economic aspirations and the material well-being of the poor, the most vulnerable and the working people shall not be neglected. It is in this spirit that we are going to implement a new national living wage for our industrious workers this new year. It is not only good economics to do this, it is also a morally and politically correct thing to do.

I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough.

It is the reason I put in place a Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring and Delivery Unit in the Presidency to make sure that governance output improves the living condition of our people.

We have set the parameters for evaluation. Within the first quarter of this new year, Ministers and Heads of Agencies with a future in this administration that I lead will continue to show themselves.

Fellow Nigerians, my major ambition in government as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic, as Governor of Lagos State for eight years and now as the President of this blessed country is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality. While I believe the rich should enjoy their legitimately-earned wealth, our minimum bargain must be that, any Nigerian that works hard and diligent enough will have a chance to get ahead in life. I must add that because God didn’t create us with equal talents and strengths, I can not guarantee that we will have equal outcomes when we work hard. But my government, in this new year 2024 and beyond, will work to give every Nigerian equal opportunity to strive and to thrive.For the new year to yield all its good benefits to us as individuals and collectively as a people we must be prepared to play our part. The job of building a prosperous nation is not the job of the President, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and government officials alone. Our destinies are connected as members of this household of Nigeria. Our language, creed, ethnicity and religious beliefs even when they are not same should never make us work at cross purposes.

In this new year, let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress and stability of our country. I extend this call to my political opponents in the last election. Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country.

We must let the light each of us carries – men and women, young and old – shine bright and brighter to illuminate our path to a glorious dawn.

I wish all of us a happy and prosperous year 2024.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced modifications to the registration fees for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the year 2024. As per the official statement from JAMB, the revised fees for UTME registration now stand at N7,700, inclusive of a mock examination, and N6,200 for UTME registration without the mock examination. This marks an increase from the previous cost of N5,700 for the JAMB form without a mock exam and N6,700 for the application form inclusive of a mock exam. Additionally, foreign candidates applying for the JAMB form will incur a fee of $30.

JAMB is set to provide a detailed breakdown of these fees when the registration details are released on or before January 15, 2024. Alongside the adjustments in UTME registration fees, JAMB has disclosed the registration period for the sale of Direct Entry (DE) application documents in 2024. The sale of Direct Entry application documents is scheduled to kick off on February 28, 2024, and will conclude on March 28, 2024.

As the process of generating profile codes for registration is currently underway, JAMB advises prospective candidates to stay informed about official announcements and guidelines to ensure a seamless registration process. Detailed guidelines on profile code generation will be provided closer to the registration commencement date on January 15, 2024.

In an official statement on its X page, JAMB stated, “This is to inform all prospective 2024 UTME/DE candidates that the creation of Profiles for registration has officially started, while the sale of application documents will commence on Monday 15th January 2024. You are to please take note of the following important dates for the coming UTME/DE exercise.”

Victor Ike, the brother of veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, has strongly contested the allegations made by the actor's ex-wife, Suzanne Emma, and their son, Michael Ike.

Recalling the distressing details shared by Suzanne Emma and Michael about their marriage on various platforms, including the Chude show and Linda Ikeji's blog, where they accused Emeka Ike of physical abuse, Victor Ike refuted the claims, denouncing them as blatant lies.

Michael, the son, expressed his disapproval of his father through recounting alleged harsh words spoken by Emeka Ike. Responding to this incident, Emeka's brother, Victor Ike, took to his X account on Sunday to address the accusations, urging Michael to apologize for the abusive words and insults directed at his father.

Victor contested the narrative, pointing out instances where Suzanne Emma was a signatory to Emeka Ike's bank account and alleging financial impropriety on her part. He highlighted how Emeka sponsored her education, including a university and master's degree, and entrusted her with managing a movie studio and a secondary school, both of which, according to Victor, she subsequently ruined. Victor questioned the credibility of Suzanne Emma's claims, particularly regarding financial deprivation and work opportunities.

The post on Victor's X account delved into the complexity of family dynamics, alleging that Suzanne Emma had physically assaulted their mother on several occasions. Victor expressed frustration at the situation, suggesting that Emeka Ike had been blinded by love.

In addressing the manipulation of Emeka Ike's children against him, Victor called for Michael to apologize to his father for the abusive language and insults. He also appealed to bloggers, including Linda Ikeji and Chude, to respect the privacy of the children and refrain from involving them in the publicized disputes, emphasizing the potential negative impact on their mental health.

In the aftermath of a devastating military error bombing that claimed over 100 lives in Tudun Biri, Kaduna, grieving survivors, relatives, and local residents sought solace on Christmas day within the confines of a church.

Bringing together both Muslims and Christians from Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the community observed Christmas on Monday with a joint thanksgiving church service.

The tragic incident occurred on December 5 when villagers were celebrating a Muslim festival, and a combat drone operated by the Nigerian Army mistakenly dropped a bomb. In response, the Defence Headquarters initiated an investigation into the accidental bombing.

Despite the heart-wrenching loss, on Christmas day, both Christian and Muslim residents of Tudun Biri came together in a church service to express gratitude for being alive to witness the holiday. The unity demonstrated in their joint participation highlighted the resilience of the community in the face of tragedy.

Representing Governor Uba Sani at the service, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, conveyed the government's sympathy and support to the people of Tudun Biri during this challenging time. The Christmas service served as a poignant moment for reflection and communal strength in the midst of adversity.

A photograph capturing Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, seated on the throne of the Olugbon of Orile Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao Akinbola, has ignited a flurry of responses among social media users.

Initially shared by the RCCG Public Relations on X, the image has since generated diverse reactions from the online community. Some individuals criticize the cleric for occupying the monarch's throne, while others point fingers at the king for allowing such an action.

Reposting the photo on X, a user with the handle animolenikun expressed disapproval, stating, "PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE stop disgracing our heritage, do your things and respect our culture, pls. Don’t tarnish the name you have built because if Yoruba stands up against all this act, you’ll surely regret it, sir."

Another user, HilawJamal1891, shifted blame to the Olugbon, asserting, "I feel the blame should be placed under the feet of Olugbon… on what basis would he stand up off his throne for Baba Adeboye? He should be dethroned with immediate effect."

Niass204 echoed a similar sentiment, stating, "I don’t have him to blame. I blame our so-called Obas who decide to subject themselves to ridicule. Why would an Oba vacate his seat for him to sit on? That means HE the Olugbon doesn’t have respect for that seat."

In contrast, amidst criticism directed at the pastor and the monarch, some social media users hold a different view. Adeshorpeh0912 tweeted on X, "If God said, kings will bow before you, the thought of man and its opinion doesn’t concern God. It is going to happen. This is a living testimony. No dey whine God."

On Facebook, Kaayleb Ihasabemon also defended Pastor Adeboye, writing, "The Bible says we are Kings 👑 with Christ who’s the King of kings, so we can sit on any throne. Baba is in order, don’t work yourselves out with trivialities."

It's worth noting that Pastor Adeboye brought his church’s evangelism program, 'Let’s go fishing,' to Orile-Igbon in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State as part of his activities on Friday.