Author

Nelson Ugwuagbo

Jamb
Headlines

Igbo Group Charges Jamb To Display Results Immediately After Examinations

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

An Igbo socio-cultural group, Nzuko Umunna, has voiced strong concern over the recently acknowledged technical malfunction that affected the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the South-East and Lagos State.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had confirmed a system glitch disrupted the examination process in the affected regions. As a result, impacted candidates began retaking the UTME on Friday.

In a statement issued by Nzuko Umunna and signed by its President, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, and Executive Secretary, Dr. Uju Agomoh, the group warned that such irregularities must not be allowed to recur.

Describing the development as deeply troubling, the group emphasized that stakeholders from academia and other sectors have been actively engaging to ensure the integrity of national examinations is preserved.

“The situation with JAMB in the South-East is alarming and cannot be overlooked,” the statement read. “Many of us within academic and professional circles are working behind the scenes to ensure that this so-called ‘glitch’—which eerily resembles familiar excuses used to compromise public processes—is not used as a tool to jeopardize the future of our young people.”

Nzuko Umunna further cautioned that failing to address this issue could set a dangerous precedent.

“If left unchecked, similar anomalies could surface in other critical national assessments such as WAEC and NECO,” the group added.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Police
Headlines

Nine Arrested Over Murder of Adamawa Politician Thomas Godwin

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of Adamawa politician, Thomas Godwin, popularly known as Zamfara.

Godwin, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was attacked and murdered last month near his residence in Ka’ala, Hong Local Government Area, under unclear circumstances. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with the state government and police pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Providing an update on the case, the Adamawa State Police Command announced that nine individuals have been taken into custody over the incident.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the suspects were identified as Sunday Terrang, Umar Ibrahim, Sadiq Ishaku, Solomon Gideon, Ahmed Aminu, Danlami Ali, Godwin Chakukuyada, Akacha Daniel Samari, and Ibrahim Bakari.

Nguroje disclosed that following a preliminary investigation, the case file and suspects had been transferred to the Force Intelligence Rapid Response Team (IRRT) in Abuja for further investigation.

He also addressed reports alleging police misconduct, including torture and coercion of suspects.

“At no time did the police violate the rights of any suspect,” he stated. “Their statements were recorded in the presence of the State Legal Aid Council. All procedures—including arrests and interviews—were video recorded and conducted in line with international best practices and standard investigation protocols.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
El-Rufai
Headlines

El-Rufai Struggle to Rally Opposition After Defection to SDP

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is facing political headwinds following the lack of traction surrounding his recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), particularly across Nigeria’s North-West region.

El-Rufai had on March 10, 2025, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his exit to a growing “misalignment between his values and the direction of the party.”

Following his move to the SDP, the former FCT Minister pledged to unite opposition leaders and political parties into a strong coalition aimed at unseating the APC in the forthcoming general and bye-elections.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027, by the Grace of God,” he said in a statement issued shortly after his defection.

However, two months later, El-Rufai’s efforts appear to have yielded little success. Despite a series of meetings and outreach efforts, the SDP has reportedly failed to gain political presence or influence in any of the seven North-Western states—Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that El-Rufai had made repeated attempts to woo political heavyweights in the region, including state governors and federal lawmakers, but was rebuffed at every turn.

“He reached out to key players, especially governors and sitting senators and reps, but none gave him a positive response. Not even a state assembly member,” a source familiar with some of the discussions revealed.

The source further disclosed that El-Rufai had approached Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki in Kebbi State, but all three declined his offer and instead opted to join the APC.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
House of Reps
Headlines

House of Representatives Advances Bill to Make Voting Mandatory in Nigeria

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerian citizens.

The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, was debated during Thursday’s plenary session and received overwhelming support to proceed to the next legislative stage.

Nigeria has long grappled with low voter turnout. Despite having over 93 million registered voters for the 2023 general elections, only about 27% participated, raising concerns over democratic legitimacy and representation.

The proposed legislation aims to address voter apathy by mandating electoral participation. Proponents argue that the measure would promote civic responsibility and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaker Abbas, while presenting the bill, noted that it would encourage broader participation in governance. He said the legislation would include provisions for voter education, improved access to polling units, and clear enforcement guidelines.

Globally, countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have adopted compulsory voting laws, often resulting in turnout rates exceeding 90%.

However, concerns were raised during the debate over the practicality of enforcing mandatory voting, especially in rural and insecure areas. Some lawmakers also expressed reservations about penalizing non-compliant citizens, citing potential infringements on personal freedoms.

Despite the objections, the bill was unanimously adopted through a voice vote and has been referred to the relevant committee for further consideration.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Iran and USA
Africa & World

Oil Prices Drop as Hopes Rise for USA-Iran Nuclear Deal

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Oil prices fell sharply on Thursday amid growing optimism over a potential breakthrough in nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.

The decline followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said a deal with Tehran was “getting close.” U.S. media also reported that Iran may be willing to accept significant limitations on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump made the remarks in Qatar during a tour of the Gulf region, expressing optimism about avoiding a military confrontation with Iran.

“We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran,” he said. “I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this.”

The two countries recently concluded their fourth round of negotiations—the highest-level talks since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

Both major crude benchmarks fell by more than three percent following the developments. Prices had already been under pressure earlier in the day amid signs that Tehran could be open to U.S. demands.

Citing U.S. broadcaster NBC News, reports said an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated that Tehran might accept broad restrictions on its nuclear activities if it leads to the lifting of economic sanctions.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
South East PDP
Headlines

South-East PDP Threatens to Exit Party Over National Secretary Appointment

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The South-East Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned it may review its relationship with the party if its recommendation of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary is not honoured.

The threat was issued in a communique released on Wednesday at the end of the committee’s meeting held at the Government House in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

Reading the communique, ZEC Chairman, Ali Odefa, emphasized the South-East’s unwavering loyalty to the PDP since its formation, noting that the zone has remained steadfast even as members in other regions continue to defect from the party.

The zonal leadership called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to respect its earlier decision, urging that the Deputy National Secretary immediately assume the role of Acting National Secretary pending the formal ratification of a substantive secretary by the National Executive Committee (NEC), in line with recommendations from the PDP Governors’ Forum as adopted by the NWC.

“The South East ZEC exhaustively deliberated on the directive of the NWC and came to the conclusion that it offered a sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress of our party,” the statement read. “Consequently, the ZEC unanimously recommended Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the candidate to complete the term of office of the National Secretary.”

The South-East PDP warned that further delay in honouring its position could force it to reconsider its place within the party.

“The South East has consistently served as a stronghold of the PDP from inception. In PDP’s near three-decade existence, we have given our loyalty and all to the party,” the caucus stated.

It noted that, while the PDP continues to lose members following the 2023 general elections, the South-East has remained proactive in strengthening the party, citing recent high-profile defections into the PDP from the Labour Party in Enugu.

The zonal leadership appealed to the national leadership to act swiftly on the matter, saying that prompt resolution would put an end to the “needless lingering dispute.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Microsoft
Africa & World

Tech Community in Shock As Microsoft Layoff 7000 Employees, Adjusts for AI

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Microsoft has laid off more than 7,000 employees, representing about 3% of its global workforce, in a move aimed at reinforcing its long-term strategy centered on artificial intelligence.

The company described the decision as a calculated effort to streamline operations and reallocate resources to its expanding AI initiatives, rather than a consequence of job displacement by AI technologies.

“This adjustment is a calculated step to optimize resources and ensure continued robust investment in Microsoft’s burgeoning AI platform,” the company said.

While job cuts in the tech sector often raise concerns about automation, Reuters reported that the layoffs were driven by financial restructuring to support new AI ventures—not by AI replacing human roles.

Microsoft has previously stated: “We have made huge investments in AI because we are optimistic about what it can do to help people, industry and society, and because we’re committed to bringing technology and people together to realize the promises of AI responsibly.”

Speaking at a recent event in Silicon Valley, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that AI is already playing a significant role in the company’s development processes. “Maybe 20 to 30% of the code that is inside of our repos today, and some of our projects, are probably all written by software,” Nadella said.

He also described Microsoft as a “distillation factory,” focused on refining large, general-purpose AI models into smaller, task-specific tools.

The layoffs reflect Microsoft’s broader strategy to consolidate resources and accelerate its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Bola Tinubu
Headlines

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for N1.7 Trillion 2025 FCT Budget

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has submitted the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Senate for consideration and approval.

The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Wednesday.

Citing Section 299 of the Constitution, which vests legislative authority over the FCT in the National Assembly, Tinubu presented the N1.7 trillion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.

According to the letter, the proposed budget focuses on key sectors including healthcare services, job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare, educational infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.

The President stated that the budget is designed to alleviate poverty and improve living standards in the FCT. He noted that 85 percent of the capital expenditure is allocated to the completion of ongoing projects, while the remaining 15 percent is set aside for new initiatives.

“This is to sustain the ongoing efforts at providing basic infrastructure and social amenities in the FCT,” Tinubu said.

He expressed confidence that the Senate would give the proposal prompt consideration and ensure its timely passage.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Communal Clash
Headlines

Tension in Benue as Communal Violence Displaces Residents

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Several houses have been destroyed and residents displaced following a renewed communal clash between communities in Gwer East and Konshisha Local Government Areas of Benue State.

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, is the latest in a series of recurring conflicts between the two communities over longstanding disputes that have persisted for the past three months.

According to sources, the violence erupted when members of the Mbaiase community in Masev, Gwer East LGA, launched a surprise attack on the Gbinde community in Mbagusa, Mbatser, Shangev-Tiev of Konshisha LGA. The attack was described as a reprisal.

The media aide to the Executive Chairman of Konshisha LGA, Terhide Fave, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack took place on Saturday evening and led to the destruction of several houses and properties. However, he noted that there were no reported casualties.

“Residents have fled the area. Many houses were burnt but I can’t ascertain the numbers now,” Fave said, adding that many families have been forced to seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the full extent of the damage or measures being taken to prevent further escalation.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Stock Exchange
Business

Nigerians Investors Gain N315bn as NGX Stocks Rebounds

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Investors at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) recorded a N315 billion gain on Tuesday as the market rebounded, reversing losses from the previous two trading sessions.

The NGX market capitalization rose to N68.357 trillion from N68.042 trillion on Monday, reflecting a 0.46 percent increase. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) gained 501.14 points to close at 108,762.61, up from 108,261.47 in the previous session.

The positive performance was driven by bargain-hunting in select equities, pushing the market breadth into positive territory with 41 gainers against 24 losers.

Leading the gainers’ chart, Chellaram and Oando Plc both appreciated by 10 percent, closing at N11.44 and N49.50 per share, respectively. Transcorp followed with a 9.99 percent gain to close at N46.25, while Beta Glass rose by 9.96 percent to end at N194.30. Caverton Offshore Support Group also climbed 9.85 percent to finish at N3.68 per share.

On the losers’ table, Haldane McCall Plc declined by 9.85 percent to close at N4.21 per share, while Academy Press fell 7.33 percent to N4.30. UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust shed 6.25 percent to close at N3.00, ABC Transport dropped 6.13 percent to N2.91, and NPF Microfinance Bank lost 5.14 percent to settle at N2.03 per share.

Trading volume rose as 498.48 million shares worth N10.78 billion were exchanged in 14,916 deals, compared to 414.57 million shares valued at N10.72 billion traded in 16,664 deals in the previous session.

Tantalizer led the activity chart with 57.80 million shares valued at N131.32 million. Access Corporation followed with 36.79 million shares worth N784.43 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company traded 31.84 million shares valued at N2.19 billion. Fidelity Bank exchanged 23.39 million shares valued at N470.49 million, and Nigerian Breweries recorded 26.03 million shares worth N1.08 billion.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts