Nelson Ugwuagbo

Governor Okpebholo during his inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, has promised not to fail the people of Edo state who had given him the mandate.

“Today, you have officially given me the mandate to preside over our dear state as governor for the next four years,” Okpebholo stated during his swearing-in ceremony. “We will not betray this confidence you have placed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa.”

The governor expressed gratitude to the people for their support in the September 21 governorship election, in which he defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other candidates.

“Let me start by thanking God Almighty for His grace and incredible blessings. Democracy has triumphed again in our state,” said the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. He further thanked the citizens for their peaceful conduct during the election.

Okpebholo pledged to prioritize citizens’ welfare and focus on supporting small businesses, underscoring his commitment to improving lives across the state.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Osun State House of Assembly on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

This was disclosed in a statement by Olamide Tiamiyu, Chief Press Secretary to House Speaker Adewale Egbedun, on Tuesday in Osogbo. The statement described the upcoming budget presentation as a significant step for Osun State’s fiscal planning.

According to the statement, the governor’s intent to present the budget was formally communicated to the Speaker in an official letter.

“This presentation aligns with constitutional requirements, ensuring that the draft budget is submitted for legislative scrutiny and approval,” the statement read.

The 2025 budget proposal is informed by a series of Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum Meetings held across the state, where residents provided valuable insights and suggestions to guide the budgetary process.

The United States has announced a reward of $25,000 (N43 million) for information leading to the capture of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian residing in Rhode Island, who is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his infant son.

In a statement, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman confirmed that Olawusi, 48, is facing charges of first-degree murder and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

He has now been placed on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted fugitives list.

“A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives list, with up to $25,000 offered for information leading to his arrest,” Freeman’s statement read.

The case dates back to April 3, 2017, when police and firefighters found Olawusi’s three-month-old son severely injured. Hospital examinations revealed trauma to 18 parts of the child’s body, leading to Olawusi’s arrest.

Although arraigned on April 20, 2017, he was released pending trial and has remained at large since.

Troops of the Nigerian Army engaged in a fierce gun battle with bandits led by notorious gang leader Bello Turji early Tuesday near Bakin Gulbi, close to Tungar Yakuba in Sokoto State.

According to counter-terrorism publication Zagazola Makama, the fighting began around 6:00 a.m., with residents of Gatawa joining forces with the soldiers to repel Turji’s forces. The publication reported that both sides continued to exchange heavy gunfire.

Sources indicate that, prior to the confrontation, Turji held a clandestine meeting in Dan Tasakko, a village near Gatawa, shortly after sunset on Monday. Local sources suggest the gathering included key figures in Turji’s network, raising concerns of potential security threats in the region.

Further updates on the situation are anticipated as the battle unfolds.

Bitcoin, the largest and most adopted cryptocurrency has surged to a record high of $89,385.84 early Tuesday, boosted by news of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory and expectations for his pro-crypto administration.

Trump’s win in Arizona, completing a sweep of the seven key battleground states, has fueled optimism among cryptocurrency investors. The market responded positively to Trump’s crypto-friendly stance, with Bitcoin rising 6.1% on Sunday and continuing to climb, reaching $83,300 before hitting a new peak just after midnight on Tuesday.

The rally extended to other cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, which has gained popularity through support from Elon Musk, an outspoken Trump supporter.

“With the dust from Trump’s victory still settling, it was only a matter of time before a rally occurred, given Trump’s perceived crypto-friendliness,” said Le Shi, managing director at Hong Kong-based market-making firm Auros.

Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize the U.S. digital asset sector—including potential Bitcoin stockpiling and regulatory reforms—have further fueled investor optimism. Cryptocurrency advocates reportedly contributed over $100 million to support candidates with pro-crypto platforms, seeking progress on regulatory issues.

Broader financial markets also reacted positively to Trump’s agenda, which includes tax cuts, reduced regulations, and growth-driven economic reforms. The S&P 500 recently marked its 50th record high of the year, reflecting continued optimism as Trump’s transition team begins its work.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that his administration would continue the demolition of illegal shanties in Abuja, stating that no amount of protest will halt the exercise.

Wike made the statement during a visit to the Ruga community along the Wuye axis of the nation’s capital. He emphasized that, moving forward, his administration will engage in dialogue with occupants of unauthorized settlements to develop long-term solutions that discourage illegal encroachments.

Addressing the recent protest in which demonstrators accused the FCTA of land grabbing, Wike dismissed the protest as a “misplaced priority.”

Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has named Fred Itua as the Chief Press Secretary for his incoming administration.

The announcement was made by the governor-elect’s media team on Monday in Abuja and marks Okpebholo’s first official appointment ahead of his inauguration and the transition of power from Governor Godwin Obaseki, set for Tuesday.

Itua, a seasoned journalist with prior experience at Leadership and The Sun newspapers, will head the governor’s media team. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, a Master’s degree in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and is finalizing his PhD in Development Communication at Veritas University, Abuja.

With extensive expertise in reporting on the National Assembly, migration, health, anti-corruption efforts, and environmental issues, Itua is well-versed in both national and international affairs. His background and dedication to cross-cultural engagement and lifelong learning equip him to lead the media team effectively in the new administration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers in states yet to adopt the new ₦70,000 minimum wage to commence strike action on December 1, 2024. The decision was reached at the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where union leaders voiced frustration over certain state governments’ delays or refusals to enforce the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

In a statement, the NLC accused some governors of breaching trust by withholding fair wages amid rising economic challenges. “This betrayal by certain governors and government officials flies in the face of both legality and morality,” the NLC said, condemning what it described as “blatant disregard for the law and the welfare of Nigerian workers.”

As part of its response, the NLC announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will oversee enforcement of the new wage, conduct compliance assessments, and lead mobilization campaigns to inform workers and citizens of their rights.

The NLC instructed that “all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 are to strike from December 1, 2024,” emphasizing the union’s commitment to securing fair pay nationwide.

TThe family of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, has announced her burial arrangements, with the funeral set for November 29, 2024. A service will be held at her country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium LGA.

Governor Umo Eno, her husband, along with family members and the Akwa Ibom State Government, finalized the arrangements to honor her impactful life and legacy. The official announcement was made Friday by the Secretary to the State Government and Central Planning Committee Chairman, Enobong Uwah.

Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from across Nigeria, Uwah stated, “We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming prayers, tributes, and comforting words during this profoundly difficult period.” He invited friends and well-wishers to participate in the scheduled events honoring Pastor Patience Eno’s life.

Pastor Patience Eno passed away on September 26, 2024, leaving a legacy of compassion and faith that resonated deeply in Akwa Ibom State and beyond. Known for her dedication to her faith and community, her passing has left a void felt by many.

Governor Eno, in a heartfelt tribute, said, “My wife was not only my partner but a pillar of strength for our family and the people of Akwa Ibom. Her compassion and devotion were unmatched, and she will be dearly missed.”

The family has planned a week of commemorative events beginning November 20 with the opening of the Mourning House, followed by condolence visits until November 26. A Night of Worship and Tributes will be held on November 22 at the International Christian Worship Centre in Uyo, featuring worship songs and reflections on her life’s impact.

Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Senior Special Assistant on ICT, noted, “Her Excellency was a beacon of hope to many, and this night of worship is a small testament to the light she brought to countless lives.”

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the rise in extortion allegations against some police officers nationwide, specifically addressing a recent case involving officers from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

In this incident, four officers—ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine—were accused of extorting N10 million from local youths. According to a statement on Friday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the funds were recovered with the intervention of the newly appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 16. The implicated officers are currently detained and facing an orderly room trial.

Adejobi emphasized that under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force upholds a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and misconduct. “The Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power very seriously,” he stated, reaffirming the IGP’s commitment to thoroughly investigate all cases of police misconduct.

The IGP has directed that severe punitive measures be taken against any officer found guilty of such offenses, Adejobi noted, adding, “The Inspector General of Police has mandated serious consequences for any officer found culpable, regardless of rank, as a deterrent to others who may compromise the integrity of the Force.”

Adejobi also urged the public to use designated police helplines to report misconduct.

Separately, Adejobi announced a police training workshop on child care and protection scheduled for Monday. The training will focus on enhancing technical skills and ethical standards for handling sensitive cases, aiming to build a child-friendly policing system in Nigeria.

The Force aims to reinforce professionalism, compassion, and accountability within its ranks, thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in the police.