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Folarin Kehinde

Tinubu
Headlines

Tinubu working from abroad, to return after Easter – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency on Thursday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe.

It said Tinubu’s absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.

Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said the President will return after the Easter holiday.

A statement he signed reads: “The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”

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Gunmen
Headlines

Gunmen attack Senator Natasha’s family residence in Kogi

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Unknown hoodlums wielding cutlasses and firearms have reportedly attacked the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, in Obeiba-Ihima area, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Thursday.

Makama said intelligence sources told him that the Chief Security Officer to the Senator, Yakubu Ovanja, reported the incident to security authorities.

According to the security expert, Ovanja revealed that the attack occurred around 1:00 a.m. and involved at least three armed individuals who vandalized the building, including shattering window panes.

“Following a distress alert, a team of security operatives from Okehi Division swiftly mobilized to the scene. While no casualties were reported and no arrests have been made, the premises were documented and preliminary investigations have commenced.

“Police sources said the motive behind the attack remains unknown as investigations continue,” Makama said.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent political figure in Kogi Central Senatorial District, has not issued a public statement as of press time.

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Entertainment

Glitz and Glamour as TASUED hosts colour Festival 3.0 to celebrate Youth Expression & Culture

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

It is another drum roll as The Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) is set to electrify students and indigenes of Ogun State and its environs with the third edition of TASUED Colour Festival scheduled to hold from Tuesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 8, 2025. Aptly themed “COLOUR EXPLOSION,”

Brought to life by TASUEDFinest Media NG, this year’s edition promises to be a sensory overload of vibrance, unity, and cultural expression, solidifying its reputation as the biggest and most dynamic campus festival in Ogun State.

Speaking to the press about the significance of this year’s festival, Creative Director of TASUEDFinest and lead organizer of the event, Toyosola Amuludun described the festival as A Platform for Expression and Identity adding that the Festival is more than just an event but is platform for young people to explore their identities, celebrate their roots, and showcase their talents.

“The ‘Colour Explosion’ theme reflects the vibrant energy and limitless creativity of TASUED students. We’re creating not just an experience, but a legacy.”

According to Amuludun, this year’s edition will also feature surprise guest appearances, pop-up exhibitions, branded installations, media interviews, and the TASUEDFinest Awards — a recognition platform celebrating campus influencers, student leaders, and creative trailblazers.

He noted that the festival has grown stronger each year thanks to the incredible support of brands that understand the power of youth culture. Past sponsors such as Infinix Nigeria, Munch It, Monster Energy, Quick Choice, Escalade Haven, and other lifestyle and tech-focused companies have helped build the experience into what it is today — colourful, charged, and unforgettable.

Since its inception, the TASUED Colour Festival has rapidly grown into one of the most anticipated annual events in Ogun State’s student community. It embodies the spirit of TASUED: forward-thinking, proudly African, and unapologetically youthful.

The organizers have called on brands, student entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to take advantage of sponsorship and partnership opportunities, emphasizing the festival’s ability to drive youth engagement, brand visibility, and cultural impact.

“We’re inviting everyone – students, creatives, alumni, and corporate brands – to join this celebration of unity through diversity. This is not just TASUED’s story; it’s Nigeria’s youth story, told in colour,” Amuludun added.

The 3-day festival’s itinerary has been carefully curated to deliver a crescendo of experiences:

Day One: Colour Festival (Tuesday, May 6) – An exhilarating kick-off featuring colour splashes, powder parties, DJ sets, dance circles, and live hype sessions. This day celebrates unity through uninhibited self-expression.

Day Two: Cultural Festival (Wednesday, May 7) – A display of Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, with students donning traditional attires, performing indigenous dances, and showcasing various ethnic identities across tribes and regions.

Day Three: Costume Festival (Thursday, May 8) – A celebration of innovation and imagination, where students hit the campus runway in a spectacular display of costumes, ranging from mythological characters to modern-day pop icons.

For sponsorships, media partnerships, or general enquiries, contact:
tasuedfinestng@gmail.com

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Headlines

Court Frees Boy Who Stood Before Obi’s Convoy Months After Detention

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Magistrate Court in Apapa has freed the 17-year-old minor, Alabi Quadri, who went viral ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi freed him following the legal advise of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

More to follow…

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Business

JUST IN: EFCC assures CBEX investors will get their money back but….

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has assured individuals who invested in the CBEX digital trading platform that they would recover their funds.

The commission revealed that it had been monitoring the platform even before the recent wave of public complaints.

CBEX, which had promised investors a 100 percent return on investment, faced a crisis over the weekend as many users reported being unable to withdraw their funds, sparking outrage on social media.

On Monday, angry investors reportedly stormed and looted the office of Smart Treasure, an affiliate of CBEX, located in the Oke Ado area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking during Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the anti-graft agency had been fielding numerous calls from Nigerians seeking information and solutions regarding the CBEX platform.

Oyewale stressed that the EFCC had profiled the platform long before the recent outcry and had previously warned Nigerians about potential Ponzi schemes.

“We were not waiting for Nigerians to call us before we started our work, of course, we have been working,” he said.

“We were not beaten by what actually happened. Our dragnet is wide, our intelligence is very effective, and we were tracking that digital trading platform.”

He added, “We were tracking it, and we profiled several things concerning the platform. You will recall that March 11 this year, the executive chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, had called to instruct us to alert Nigerians.”

Oyewale also recalled that the EFCC had earlier listed 58 suspected Ponzi scheme companies in March to caution the public.

“That shows that we are proactive and we have our hands on what is happening. So concerning this investigation, we were on it; it’s not that we didn’t know.

“We’ve been alerting Nigerians about ways and means of how to separate themselves from this kind of shenanigans.

“Before the calls came, we were working, while the calls are coming, we are working; And even after the calls, we are still working.”

He added that the commission would continue educating the public on how to identify fraudulent investment schemes.

“The essential thing is that, of course, we are going to recall some of the things that Nigerians should be looking out for, you know, concerning this kind of investment schemes and all of that.”

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Headlines

BREAKING: Many feared dead as gunmen attack another community in Otukpo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Several persons are feared dead following another deadly attack on Emichi village in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

LEADING REPORTERS gathered that the attackers stormed the community around 2:00 pm on Wednesday, shooting indiscriminately at residents.

It was learnt that terrified residents fled for safety as no security personnel were on ground to intervene at the time of the attack.

The incident is coming barely 24 hours after 11 persons were gruesomely killed in Otobi-Akpa by suspected herdsmen.

More details to follow…

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Headlines

“It’s now compulsory” Jigawa Govt mandates Hijab wear for female security operatives

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Jigawa State Government has made a significant decision regarding the attire of female security operatives in the state.

According to a recent announcement, the government has directed three private security firms operating in the state to allow their female workers to wear hijabs while on duty.

This was announced by the State Executive Council through the Commissioner of Information, Sagir Musa, while briefing newsmen on the resolutions of the Council’s meeting held on Tuesday evening at the Press Gallery, Government House, Dutse, the state capital.

He stated that the directive is part of the government’s efforts to provide an inclusive and enabling environment for all citizens, particularly women.

By allowing female security operatives to wear hijabs, the government is empowering them to practice their religious and cultural beliefs without restriction. This decision is expected to boost the morale and confidence of female security operatives in the state,” he noted.

The commissioner explained that the decision follows a report presented by the Council Committee on Schools, Hospital, and Court Security.

He stated, “These companies are to allow female security operatives among the 9,969 young people recruited to wear Hijabs while on duty, as a matter of religious and cultural accommodation.”

“This move reaffirms the administration’s support for respectful workplace policies that uphold modesty, inclusion, and dignity,” said the commissioner.

Additionally, Mr. Musa revealed that the directive is expected to impact female security operatives positively, allowing them to practice their religious and cultural beliefs while performing their duties.

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Entertainment

I can’t spell “Tomorrow” despite attending Oxford University – DJ Cuppy admits

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian disc jockey Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has opened up about her struggles with spelling.

The music star recently admitted publicly that she has difficulty with spelling despite attending the prestigious Oxford University in the UK.

She shared that autocorrect often fights to correct her spelling when typing.

On her X handle, Cuppy wrote, “[I] went to Oxford Uni and [I] still can’t spell tomorrow o – tommorrow? tomorow? tomorro?”

“My autocorrect stay fighting. Lol.”

DJ Cuppy holds three degrees: a bachelor’s in Business and Economics from King’s College London (2014), a master’s in Music Business from New York University (2015), and a master’s in African Studies from the University of Oxford (2023).

She has also expressed her intention to pursue a fourth degree.

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Headlines

BREAKING: Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas summons Fubara to Govt House

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has summoned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a special announcement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika.

Worika disclosed that the summons forms part of an official inquiry into appointments made during the Fubara administration over the past two years.

According to the statement, Fubara has been directed to present comprehensive documentation and records related to appointments made while in office.

This includes, among other things, the rationale and procedures that guided those decisions.

The full statement reads:
“RIVERS GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
“The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, has formally summoned the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him for an inquiry into the appointments made under their administration over the past two years.

“Sir Fubara is directed to present all relevant documents and records pertaining to appointments, including justifications and procedures followed during his tenure. The session will also serve as an opportunity for the suspended Governor to provide a clear and detailed explanation as to why he believes he should be reinstated to office.

“Both parties are expected to appear in person as follows:

Date: Friday, 18th April, 2025
Time: 10:00am Prompt
Venue: Conference Room, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt

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Headlines

IWMI launches 6-year strategic plan to enhance Water Security, Sustainable Agriculture

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

…….As FG declares National Emergency on Food Security

As part of efforts aimed at achieving food security in Africa, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has launched a 6-year strategic plan 2024-2030 which seeks to enhance Water Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa.

The Director General, International Water Management Institute, Dr. Mark Smith while speaking in Abuja at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage stated that the strategy will address water and agriculture challenges while offering solutions aligned with the food security goals set by the Nigerian government.

Smith noted that the institute’s new strategy will focus on four primary areas such as watershed restoration, improved irrigation systems, water reuse, and farmer-led irrigation adding that the initiatives are integral to ensuring food security and resilience against climate shocks particularly as African nations grapple with rapidly changing climate conditions.

“The IWMI Strategy outlines an ambitious agenda for research and innovation in water security. We are committed to practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions to enhance agricultural sustainability”.

He however emphasized the need for a broader conversation about the need to restore watersheds and improve the management of water resources to optimize agricultural productivity.

Earlier in his address, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu noted that addressing Africa’s agriculture challenges required urgent action, hence the need to expand irrigation infrastructure and adopt innovative water management strategies.

Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume noted Africa is challenged in unlocking its irrigation potentials hence the conference offers a vital platform to collectively chart a path forward.

Tinubu however emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across African nations to overcome the hurdles of inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and climate change.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev on his part stated that the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project has birthed key infrastructure developments like the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes which has made notable progress in improving irrigation systems across Nigeria.

Prof. Utsev while emphasizing the need for continued investment in sustainable water management solutions also announced that the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project which will be implemented in partnership with the World Bank will further advance these efforts.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin the SPIN project, which will build on our past successes and further expand Nigeria’s irrigation potential”.

In her remarks, IWMI’s Africa Director for Research Impact, Dr. Funke Cofie said that IWMI strategy which complements Nigeria’s domestic initiatives also promotes water reuse and farmer-led irrigation practices.

Dr. Cofie explained that these interventions have enabled farmers to expand irrigable land and improve crop yields which is critical to ensuring food security in drought-prone regions.

“We are focused on empowering farmers and restoring ecosystems to make agriculture more resilient to climate change. This initiative aligns directly with the Nigerian government’s goal to create a more sustainable agricultural sector.”. She added.

Addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State warned that unpredictable rainfall patterns and shrinking farming seasons were becoming major threats to food production.

He called for more investment in irrigation and innovation stressing that these measures should not be viewed as luxuries but essential tools for ensuring food security.

“Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury. Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few—we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture”.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr. Marco Arcieri also weighed in on the need for strategic innovation in water management and agriculture.

Arcieri emphasized the importance of youth involvement in finding sustainable solutions to Africa’s water challenges noting that young professionals will play a critical role in future-proofing agriculture against climate change.

As the conference progresses until April 17, 2025, participants will engage in technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to various irrigation sites across Nigeria, fostering a deeper understanding of best practices and innovations that can transform Africa’s agricultural sector.

The partnership between the Nigerian government and the IWMI exemplifies the continent’s collective commitment to improving agricultural resilience and water management.

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