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Police Nab Two Over Brutal Murder of Woman in Mile 12, Ex-Boyfriend on the Run

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May 26, 2025

The Command pledged a thorough and discreet investigation, promising that all those involved in the heinous act would face the full weight of the law

Police Nab Two Over Brutal Murder of Woman in Mile 12, Ex-Boyfriend on the Run

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects linked to the gruesome murder of a young woman from Nasarawa State, whose charred remains were discovered in a slum area known as “Gangare,” behind Mile 12 Market, Lagos.

The incident, which occurred on May 24, 2025, sent shockwaves across the state and sparked widespread speculation. However, the police have firmly denied claims that the murder was driven by ethnic or religious motives, attributing it instead to a domestic dispute involving the victim’s estranged boyfriend.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“This is clearly a premeditated act of conspiracy and cold-blooded murder. There was no element of blasphemy involved as some rumors have falsely claimed,” Hundeyin said.

The police revealed that the victim, whose profession remains unknown, had been living in the slum community with relatives from the northern region. Preliminary investigations indicate that her ex-boyfriend — now a fugitive — conspired with accomplices in an attempt to forcefully resume the relationship.

When she resisted, the suspects allegedly abducted, killed, and set her body ablaze.

Two suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they are assisting detectives in tracking down the remaining culprits, including the fleeing ex-boyfriend.

Authorities have moved quickly to restore calm in the area, assuring residents that there is no risk of ethnic tension or reprisal attacks.

“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will provide timely updates as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.

Residents have been urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified reports, and continue with their lawful activities without fear.

The Command also pledged a thorough and discreet investigation, promising that all those involved in the heinous act will face the full weight of the law. Read More

SERAP Drags CBN to Court Over Alleged Failure To Disclose LG Allocations

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May 26, 2025

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SERAP is urging the court to “direct and compel the CBN to disclose the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria

SERAP Drags CBN to Court Over Alleged Failure To Disclose LG Allocations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for allegedly failing to disclose details of direct payments made to the country’s 774 local government councils.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Sunday.

The legal action comes on the heels of a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered in July 2024, which ruled that allocations from the Federation Account must be paid directly to democratically elected local government councils. The judgment also emphasized that state governors have no authority to withhold or control such funds.

In the suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/MSC/521/2025), SERAP is urging the court to “direct and compel the CBN to disclose the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, including the amounts sent to each council since the Supreme Court judgment.”

The organization is also demanding clarification on whether direct payments have been made to the local government councils in Rivers State and, if so, the rationale behind such disbursements.

“The CBN should make it possible for citizens to have access to the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils to ensure transparency and accountability, and judge whether the CBN and other agencies are complying with the Supreme Court judgment,” the statement read.

The case marks another bold move by SERAP in its ongoing campaign for public transparency and fiscal accountability across all levels of government.

BREAKING: We’ve sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the failure to disclose the details of any direct payments from the Federation Account to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, including the amounts sent to each council.@cenbank — SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) May 25, 2025

“Granting the reliefs sought would go a long way in promoting the values and principles that underlie the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and are inherent characteristics of an open democratic society.

“State governors are starving local governments of funds and putting them in peril, despite the Supreme Court’s binding orders. State governors’ blatant disregard for the Supreme Court’s orders undermines the integrity of the court and poses a direct challenge to the rule of law.

“The CBN ought to act in the public interest to ensure that the 774 councils in the country directly get their own money from the Federation Account, as ordered by the Supreme Court.

“The CBN also has the constitutional and statutory duty to ensure that no part of the Federation is governed contrary to the Nigerian Constitution or by anybody that is not constitutionally empowered to do so.

“The CBN should be facilitating compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders. If state governors get away with ignoring the court, it will undermine the ability of the bank to credibly perform its statutory duties.

“States and the FCT have continued to undermine and endanger the existence of local governments and their ability to effectively function as the third tier of government as envisioned under the Nigerian Constitution.

“The CBN has a constitutional and statutory duty to protect the allocations in the Federation Account and the public funds disbursed from that Account directly to each of the constitutionally recognized three tiers of government.” Read More

“No Shooting, Just Stones” — Pasuma Breaks Silence on Osun Attack [VIDEO]

ENTERTAINMENT

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May 26, 2025

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The widely shared video of the incident showed visibly damaged vehicles in Pasuma’s convoy

“No Shooting, Just Stones” — Pasuma Breaks Silence on Osun Attack [VIDEO]

Fuji music legend, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, has finally addressed the recent attack on his convoy in Ikire, Osun State, clarifying that contrary to viral reports, there was no shooting during the incident.

The widely shared video of the incident showed visibly damaged vehicles in Pasuma’s convoy, with a background voice shouting, “We have been attacked in Ikire. They carry guns and shoot us, see Pasuma’s car. But God dey.”

The incident occurred last Sunday when the veteran artist visited Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun for a scheduled performance.

Speaking to fans during a recent live performance, Pasuma gave a full account of what transpired and urged the public to disregard exaggerated claims.

“About what happened in Ikire, I have so many committed fans in Ikire, but there’s no town without such elements (thugs),” he explained.

“The person who invited me to perform at a hall in Ikire, but the crowd was more than half of the whole town. They all came out to see me physically. Because of the large numbers of the crowd, a screen TV was provided outside the hall but they refused to watch on the screen.

“And when the security prevented them from entering, the bad boys among them started stoning. It was the stone that broke my car’s windscreen of my Hilux and Hummer bus. There was no shooting,” Pasuma clarified.

The singer’s explanation comes amid public concern and media speculation surrounding the level of violence during the incident.

🎥 Watch the video here

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‘APC in Panic Mode, Chasing Politics Over Governance…,’ Atiku Slams Tinubu’s 2027 Endorsement

Politics

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May 26, 2025

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He criticized the Tinubu government for focusing on political survival rather than tackling the worsening economic and security situation in the country

‘APC in Panic Mode, Chasing Politics Over Governance…,’ Atiku Slams Tinubu’s 2027 Endorsement

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it a desperate political move driven by panic within the ruling party.

The endorsement came during the APC National Summit held in Abuja on Friday, where the party’s Governors Forum and the leadership of the National Assembly declared Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio went as far as proclaiming, “Tinubu will be Nigeria’s sole presidential candidate in 2027.”

However, Atiku, speaking through his media aide Paul Ibe, said that the approval of Nigerians — not internal party declarations — will ultimately decide the nation’s leadership.

“When you’ve prepared diligently for an exam, you can sleep soundly the night before, waking up assured of success. That’s the position of our coalition,” Ibe told journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

“Nigerians are the ultimate judges. Their endorsements will determine the outcome, not the political manoeuvrings of the ruling party. The recent endorsements reveal the panicked state of this administration.”

He criticized the Tinubu government for focusing on political survival rather than tackling the worsening economic and security situation in the country.

“Insecurity is at an unprecedented level, with territories being reclaimed by insurgents in Borno State and other regions. The cost of living is unbearable. Families struggle to feed themselves, access healthcare, or send their children to school,” he said.

“As school fees are due, many are weighed down by these burdens. Yet, the government has done little to address these challenges, choosing instead to focus on political games,” Ibe added.

Atiku’s comments underscore growing opposition concern that the APC is prioritizing early campaigning over urgent national issues. Read More

Nigeria to Launch Over $800M Lithium Plants in 2025 — Alake

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May 26, 2025

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The new plants will generate jobs, spur technology transfer, and strengthen the local economy

Nigeria to Launch Over $800m Lithium Plants in 2025 — Alake

In a major boost to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has announced that four lithium processing plants worth over $800 million will be launched before the end of 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Alake detailed the projects, revealing that a $600 million lithium processing facility spanning Kaduna and Niger states is nearing commissioning, while a $200 million refinery close to Abuja is almost ready. He also disclosed that two additional plants are expected to come online in Nasarawa State before the third quarter of the year.

“We’ve got a $600 million lithium processing plant near Kaduna and Niger about to be commissioned. Another $200 million refinery near Abuja is nearly ready. Two more plants are coming online in Nasarawa before the third quarter of this year,” Alake stated.

According to the Minister, these developments are the result of deliberate reforms aimed at transforming the underperforming solid minerals sector. He pointed to a dramatic leap in revenue — from ₦6 billion in 2023 to ₦38 billion by the end of 2024 — as evidence of progress.

“When we came into office, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector was underperforming. In 2023, it generated just ₦6 billion in revenue. By the end of 2024, that number had grown to ₦38 billion. That kind of turnaround tells you something is working. One of the first things we did was tighten the licensing process,” he said.

Alake stressed that companies are now required to present clear local processing plans before licenses are granted, ending the era of unchecked raw mineral exports.

“We made it clear that no one gets a mining license without showing a real plan for local processing. Exporting raw minerals without adding value here at home wasn’t helping our economy, and we had to stop that. Since then, we’ve seen real results of over $800 million in processing investments last year alone,” he added.

The Minister emphasized that the new plants will generate jobs, spur technology transfer, and strengthen the local economy. He also highlighted the government’s renewed focus on exploration and data generation.

“Exploration has also been a priority. When we took office, Nigeria had only spent $2 million on mineral exploration. By comparison, Côte d’Ivoire had spent $148 million, and South Africa more than $300 million. No serious investor takes you seriously without credible geological data,” he said.

To tackle this, Alake said the Ministry has secured ₦1 trillion for mineral exploration to enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

“That’s why this year, we’ve secured ₦1 trillion specifically for mineral exploration to build the foundation for a globally competitive sector. We’re also confronting illegal mining head-on. Over 300 arrests were made last year, with 150 prosecutions ongoing and several convictions already secured, including foreign nationals,” he noted.

In support of small-scale miners, the Ministry has helped establish over 250 cooperatives to formalize operations and improve access to financing.

“We’re also supporting local miners by formalising their operations. So far, over 250 cooperatives have been established to help small-scale miners get access to finance and share in the revenue.”

He also announced Nigeria’s new leadership role in continental mineral policy.

“Nigeria now chairs the African Mineral Strategy Group, a new bloc focused on local value addition and fairer mineral trade,” he said.

Alake tied the sector’s gains to President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic vision, citing increased investor confidence as a sign of the reforms’ success.

“Just this quarter, the Mining Cadastral Office received over 10,000 applications. That kind of momentum didn’t exist before. It’s a sign that our reforms are working. We’ve still got work to do, but the direction is clear.

“We’re turning Nigeria’s mineral wealth into real economic value for our people, our industries, and our future,” he concluded. Read More

Anytime Instant Airtime & Data: UBA Introduces Advance Top-Up With 919#

Banking

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May 26, 2025

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Just dial *919#, follow the prompt, and you’re immediately connected. It’s simple, fast, and reliable

Anytime Instant Airtime & Data: UBA Introduces Advance Top-Up With 919#

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has launched a new feature called Advance Top-Up on its USSD banking platform *919#, which is designed to provide instant access to airtime and data for its customers especially when they are out of call credit or disconnected from the internet.

The new feature which was unveiled at the UBA head office in Marina on Thursday, allows customers to borrow airtime or data directly from their mobile devices, offering a fast, dependable solution.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke during the official launch, described the feature as a timely addition to the bank’s digital offerings and a testament to the its customer-first approach.

“At UBA, we are constantly looking for ways to make banking and everyday services more accessible for our customers. With the launch of Advance Top-Up on our USSD platform, *919#, we are giving our customers the power to stay connected without interruption, regardless of time, location, or airtime balance,” Shamsideen said.

UBA’s Advance Top-Up which is now live on *919#, joins a wide range of services on the platform, which include airtime and data purchases, money transfers to UBA and other banks, account balance checks, card blocking and freezing, online transaction controls, bill payments, and more.

Fashola emphasised the simplicity and convenience of the solution, adding that “You don’t need to download an app or visit a data centre. Just dial *919#, follow the prompt, and you’re immediately connected. It’s simple, fast, and reliable.”

The Bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, added that the feature was developed based on real feedback from customers and their evolving needs.

“Our users asked for a way to stay connected when they have no airtime, and as always, we have come up with a quick solution, right there on their phones, instantly, with no fuss, and no need for internet connectivity. Whether for emergency communications or business continuity, *919# puts instant connectivity in every customer’s hands,” she explained.

She explained that only recently, the bank unveiled its newly improved Point of Sale (POS) Terminal as well as the UBA MONI App to redefine the digital payment landscape and empower small and Medium Scale Enterprises across Africa.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. Read More

Billion-Naira Drug Bust: NDLEA Seizes N6.5bn Worth of Opioids, Nabs British Smugglers in Multi-State Crackdown

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May 25, 2025

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NDLEA operatives arrested two British nationals and two Nigerians at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, attempting to smuggle 92 bags of “Loud”

Billion-Naira Drug Bust: NDLEA Seizes N6.5bn Worth of Opioids, Nabs British Smugglers in Multi-State Crackdown

In a sweeping offensive against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over ₦6.5 billion worth of illicit opioids and codeine syrup across major Nigerian ports, while also arresting two British nationals in a coordinated sting at Lagos airport.

Disclosing the bust in a statement on Sunday, May 25, 2025, NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations and thorough cargo inspections at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex and Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

The agency recovered six million pills of high-strength opioids including Tamol 225mg, Tapentadol 225mg, and Carisoprodol 225mg, along with 332,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a joint inspection at Onne Port on May 19 and 20, involving Customs and other security forces. At Apapa Port, another 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup were intercepted on May 22.

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested two British nationals and two Nigerians at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, attempting to smuggle 92 bags of “Loud,” a potent cannabis strain weighing 51.10kg.

The suspects—Mhizha Jordan Alexander Tatendra, Ayedipe Andrew Adejuwon, Shonowo Oluwaseun Imole, and Ofuoma Omokaro Ayobami—were busted at the airport car park after agents tracked the handover of the contraband flown in from Doha via Qatar Airways. A follow-up search at the syndicate leader’s residence in Lekki uncovered ₦3.8 million, 17,200 South African Rand, high-end gadgets, and nitrous oxide canisters.

Beyond the ports and airports, the NDLEA is intensifying efforts nationwide. Over 77,000kg of skunk was destroyed on cannabis farms in Cross River and Edo States. Significant drug hauls were also recorded in Nasarawa (4,000kg), Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, and Niger States. In Nasarawa’s Keffi area, traffickers were caught concealing skunk beneath raw wood in a lorry; another suspect was caught with 154.5kg in Karu.

In Lagos, raids in Lekki and Ibeju-Lekki led to arrests and seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, codeine, cannabis, molly, and laughing gas, disrupting several local distribution rings.

Meanwhile, under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the agency conducted sensitization campaigns in schools across Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Adamawa, and Kano States. The Lagos Command also visited the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Muhammadu Bambado, to deepen community advocacy.

Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the agency’s operatives for their resilience. “Their unwavering commitment to both supply and demand reduction is driving our progress in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria,” he said. Read More

Dangote Beats MTN, DSTV to Claim Most Admired Brand in Africa

Lukman Omikunle

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May 25, 2025

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Aliko Dangote inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame, bags Lifetime Achievement Award

Dangote Beats MTN, DSTV to Claim Most Admired Brand in Africa

Aliko Dangote inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame, bags Lifetime Achievement Award

Pan-African industrialist Aliko Dangote and his conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited, emerged as the big winners at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dangote Industries was crowned Most Admired African Brand, outshining giants like MTN, DSTV, and AZAM, in a consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries. The group also made history as the first African firm to be inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame—an honour reserved for those who have profoundly shaped Africa’s branding landscape.

Aliko Dangote, the company’s President and CEO, was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering role in driving industrialisation and building a globally respected African brand from the ground up.

Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and the Republic of South Africa, all celebrated for their long-standing excellence and consistent ranking as admired African brands.

Speaking on the triple honours, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer of Dangote Industries, described them as a validation of the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote, for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative,” Chiejina said.
“This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage.”

Chiejina added that the recognitions would energise the company to “push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond,” while reaffirming its commitment to “excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.”

In his keynote address, Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, praised Dangote and the inductees for their contribution to Africa’s development. He noted the synergy between the Brand Africa initiative and the ECA’s mission to promote regional integration, youth innovation, and private sector-led growth.

“I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the ‘Most Admired African Brands’ and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact,” Gatete stated.

However, the 2025 Brand Africa rankings also carried a sobering message. While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent—an increase from 64% in 2024—only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, a historic low and a sharp drop from 14% last year.

Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, said the figures highlight a troubling disconnect between African optimism and actual consumer support for local brands.

“It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent—they must buy made-in-Africa,” he said.
“African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”

The awards serve as both a celebration and a call to action: to elevate African enterprise, earn consumer trust, and turn belief into brand loyalty. Read More

“Fueled by Grudges, Not Vision” — Senator Slams Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi Coalition as Doomed Political Plot

Politics

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May 25, 2025

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“But let’s be honest. What binds these individuals? Not vision. Not unity. Not even shared principles”

“Fueled by Grudges, Not Vision” — Senator Slams Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi Coalition as Doomed Political Plot

Senator Mudasiru Husain has slammed the emerging coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing them of being united by resentment rather than a shared vision for Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement, Husain, a former senator who represented Osun West in 2011 and a leading APC aspirant for the 2026 Osun governorship election, dismissed the alliance as a “coalition of calumny” with no real chance of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“But let’s be honest. What binds these individuals? Not vision. Not unity. Not even shared principles,” Husain said. “What they have in common is ambition, often personal, and in many cases, driven by old grudges. These are not the foundations of a credible alternative.”

He described President Tinubu as a leader whose political savvy and strategic depth remain unmatched by any opposition forces.

“President Tinubu has far surpassed the influence of any force they can muster. His political instincts, strategic depth, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s future place him far ahead of any challenge this coalition might present,” he asserted.

Drawing from his own political journey, Husain credited Tinubu’s mentorship and long-standing progressive vision for shaping a new generation of political leadership in Nigeria.

“I know this not just as a politician, but as someone whose journey was shaped under the progressive banner that Tinubu has championed for decades. His mentorship, his selfless sacrifices, and his foresight laid the foundation for many of us who now have a voice in public service.”

Husain also took aim at signs of division within the opposition ranks, citing Peter Obi’s insistence on running solely under the Labour Party as proof that true unity remains out of reach.

“I understand the desperation within the opposition ranks. Peter Obi’s insistence on running solely under the Labour Party already shows that unity is elusive. Meanwhile, defections continue from their camp into the APC, which speaks volumes about where true leadership lies.”

Pointing to the president’s track record, Husain noted that Tinubu has made major strides in stabilizing the economy and fostering national unity in under two years.

“Let’s not forget President Tinubu’s achievements. In less than two years, he’s rebalanced Nigeria’s economic framework and is building bridges across ethnic and political divides. People are taking note; even those who once stood against him are beginning to realign, embracing a new era of progressive politics.”

Looking ahead, Husain declared his confidence in Tinubu’s continued leadership.

“As I look ahead to 2027, I see a stronger, more unified Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership. The noise will rise, but it won’t shake the foundation we’ve built. Our focus remains steady, our values clear.” Read More

Edo Gov Okpebholo Urges Wealthy Nigerians to Join Dangote in Alleviating Hunger

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May 25, 2025

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Dangote is reaching out to the economically challenged Nigerians and has through his foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) initiated a National Food Intervention Programme to provide relief from hunger

Edo Gov Okpebholo Urges Wealthy Nigerians to Join Dangote in Alleviating Hunger

…as Aliko Dangote Foundation distributes rice to Okpella Host Communities

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo at the weekend flagged-off the distribution of 13,000 bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for the economically challenged in the state with an appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the patriotic gestures of the foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote in collaborating with government at all levels to fight against poverty and hunger by creating job opportunities through investments.

The excited governor who made the call in Benin, Edo State capital expressed his government’s appreciation to ADF saying the gesture is in tandem with his administration’s policy of better life for all through sound economic policies and aggressive provision of infrastructure in the state.

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa said the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, noting that through partnerships, the government will build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for all.

Said he: “I express my heartfelt gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this notable act of generosity and compassion. This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of the society.

“I understand the initiative is to distribute one million bags of rice to the 774 Local Government Areas across the country. This move is a laudable demonstration. Edo State Government has aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security for the nation.

“We have launched the Back to Farm project, which is aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the three Senatorial districts of Edo State. This effort underscores our administration’s commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity across the State.

This donation from ADF is therefore timely as it will complement our efforts at reducing hunger in the land and it is on this note that I am using this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote’s generosity as the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure and prosperous future for all.

“As we commence the distribution of rice to the vulnerable across the State, I assure you that the process will be transparent, equitable, and will be carried out with utmost integrity. We will ensure that these items reach the vulnerable and communities that they are intended for,” he added.

An Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, who conveyed the goodwill message of Alhaji Dangote to the Governor, Opeoluwa Olajide explained that the business mogul had sought to reach out to the economically challenged Nigerians and through his foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) initiated a National Food Intervention Programme to provide relief from hunger through food security.

“This year, the Africa’s leading philanthropist through the ADF set aside N16billion to provide 1,000,000 bags of rice (10kg) sourced locally to one million Nigerians across the 774 local governments in the federation. The food relief initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, one that has been adopted and strongly upheld by the Foundation, evidencing his commitment to fighting food insecurity in Nigeria.

“The initiative has been flagged off in Lagos, Kano and a few other states and its now the turn of Edo and 13,000 bags of rice have been delivered for distribution to the vulnerable across the local government areas in the state.

“This programme is so dear to the heart of Alhaji Dangote as he has resolved to do all within his powers to assist the Governments at all levels in alleviating poverty in Nigeria. He sees the rice distribution as Foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity. Therefore, initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation”, he stated.

The leader of the market women in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked ADF for helping the vulnerable in Edo and commended Governor Okpebholo for his administration’s openness and genuine efforts at helping the people especially the market men and women in the State.

She noted that since the governor came on board, he has empowered youths, women, and the vulnerable across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.

Three of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Margerrette Ogun, Mrs Patience Agharia and Princess Judith Oshodin in their separate response, commended the Alhaji Dangote for remembering the people through laudable programmes like the rice distribution.

Meanwhile, the Foundation in a separate arrangement distributed thousands of the10kg rice to the people of Okpella host community to Dangote Cement Plc in Etsako East Local Government, as parts of measure to alleviate food sufferings aong Nigerians through the nationwide food palliative programme.

Speaking during the distribution at the weekend, at the palace of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Engr. Michael Sado, the Director, Stakeholder Management, Dangote Cement plc, Engr Patrick Omokagbo said the distribution is part of the CSR palliative measures to the people of the host community in appreciation of their cooperation with the management of the company for peaceful cohabitation.

“This is one of the social responsibilities of Dangote to host communities to his numerous businesses across the nation. Given the unsavoury economic situation in the country with its attendant poverty and hunger, Alhaji Aliko Dangote finds it necessary by providing free rice to the people so they can heave a sigh of relief.

Speaking also, the Okuopellagbe Palace Secretary, Barrister Akuri Afegbua expressed the heartfelt appreciation of royal fathers in the communities to Alhaji Dangote and the ADF for singling out the host communities for rice donation.

While commending the Foundation for the gesture, Afegbua said that the rice would help cushion the effect of hunger among the people of the communities.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Mercy Sado and Mr. Inusa Ahmed thanked ADF for the food intervention and described the initiative as timely in view of the high inflation that make many staple foods to be out of the reach of poor Nigerians. Read More