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Communal Clash
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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.

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Headlines

BREAKING: No fraud uncovered in NELFUND — Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, declared that there was no fraud uncovered in the student loan scheme.

Alausa made this known at the end of a meeting held with Vice Chancellors, officials of the National Universities Commission, Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Alausa also described the statement put up by the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission and other related offences as incorrect.

“Let me start by saying that there is no fraud in NELFUND. ICPC reported that the information was not correct. There is no fraud in NELFUND; what we have are issues that have to do with the timeline.”

Recently, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission said it commenced a comprehensive investigation into alleged discrepancies surrounding the disbursement of student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

The commission said its preliminary findings revealed that while the Federal Government released N100 billion for the scheme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving N71.2b unaccounted for.

Worried by the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students vowed to protest the alleged discrepancy.

The National Orientation Agency had alleged that certain schools, conniving with some banks, delayed payments to students who qualified for loans so they could make money off the situation.

This followed a media report that alleged that some institutions made unauthorised deductions ranging from N3,500 to N30,000 from students’ fees received from the loan fund.

In a statement last Thursday by the ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the commission stated that its Special Task Force immediately commenced investigations upon receiving the allegations.

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Headlines

“Don’t hide behind the TV, let’s meet in the street and fight” Oshiomhole challenges Abati

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has invited former presidential spokesperson and co-host of Arise Television’s breakfast show, Reuben Abati, to settle their differences with a physical confrontation.

Oshiomhole’s reaction comes in response to what he described as “mischievous” comments by Abati during a recent broadcast.

During an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Tuesday, the former Edo Governor criticized Abati for his line of questioning directed at Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State.

He said: “I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta state, Okowa, mischievously, I must say, with all due respect, ‘did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’”

He questioned why Abati would suggest he had any influence over Okowa’s political decisions, stressing that his role as a legislator does not give him prosecutorial powers.

“How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” he asked.

Oshiomhole went on to reference Abati’s past encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), noting his arrest after his tenure as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman, shamelessly. Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” he added.

He also expressed displeasure at what he perceived as a deliberate attempt by Abati to downplay his role in labour activism, especially during the recent Labour Day discussions.

“Even on Labour Day, he was saying some labour leaders who had been involved in picketing and fought for workers; he could not even credit me with the fact that I led the protest. This is a guy who wrote ‘Oshiomhole the people’s president’ when I was president of the NLC,” Oshiomhole said.

He concluded with a direct message to Abati, suggesting they resolve their issues face-to-face.

“Rather than crediting me with that, he said when they leave NLC, they now go and become governors,” Oshiomhole said.

“If you are angry because you wanted to be a Deputy Governor and you lost an election in Ogun state, is that the reason you are paranoid, using every opportunity to abuse me? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.

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Central Bank of Nigeria
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CBN Launches BVN for Nigerians in Diaspora

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) platform, allowing Nigerians in the diaspora to obtain a BVN remotely without being physically present in the country.

The digital platform, introduced on Tuesday in Abuja, is designed to support the CBN’s goal of achieving $1 billion in monthly diaspora remittances—amounting to about $12 billion annually.

Speaking at the launch event, which drew stakeholders from the financial sector including chief executives of commercial banks, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the initiative as a significant step in Nigeria’s financial inclusion efforts and a vital link connecting the country to its global citizens.

Cardoso said the NRBVN would help reduce the high cost of remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa, which currently averages over seven percent. He added that lowering these costs would encourage the use of formal channels, improve security, and boost the impact of remittances on households and the broader Nigerian economy.

“For too long, many Nigerians abroad have faced difficulties accessing financial services at home due to physical verification requirements,” he said. “The NRBVN changes that. Through secure digital verification and robust Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, Nigerians worldwide should now be able to access financial services more easily and affordably.”

The CBN said it will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure the platform’s optimization and long-term success.

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Boko Haram
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Senate Task Military Redeployment to Borno, Yobe Over Renewed Boko Haram Attacks

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called on the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states in response to a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.

The resolution followed fresh insurgent assaults in the region, including the killing of more than a dozen soldiers in Marte, Monguno Local Government Area, on Monday, May 12, and another attack on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area, early Tuesday.

Raising a motion on the matter, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno noted that although two-thirds of Borno’s local government areas were previously under Boko Haram control, a joint effort by the military and the civilian joint task force had reclaimed the territories.

He explained that the relative peace restored in the area had led to a shift in tactical military focus to the North-West, where security forces are currently battling banditry and kidnapping.

Munguno expressed concern over the evolving strategies of the insurgents, citing their use of modern technologies such as drones and an increase in improvised explosive devices, which have resulted in heavy civilian and military casualties, as well as the disruption of transportation routes.

The Senate, in its resolution, urged the military high command to promptly redeploy sufficient troops to the affected areas and ensure they are equipped with modern technology to counter the renewed threat. It also mandated its Committees on Army and Air Force to monitor the implementation of the directive.

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Headlines

FG increases driver’s license, number plate fee

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerians are expected to pay more for their vehicle and drivers license renewals and new ones even as the Joint Tax Board (JTB) has approved an increment in price.

The new price adjustment will be effective Sunday, 8th June 2025.

By this announcement, the JTB, being the apex body for revenue authorities in Nigeria, urges affected members of the public to take note of the new prices, and implores relevant government agencies and Motor Vehicle Licencing Authorities to comply with the price adjustment.

In an advertorial sighted in one of the national dailies, the new approved price for Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle number plates and driver’s licence as approved are as follows: Motor vehicle driver’s license for three years is N15,000 while for five years is N21,000. For tricycle/motorcycle drivers license, three years is N7,000 while five years is N11,000.

For number plates, the prices ranges in different categories and are as follow: Standard private vehicle number plate is N30,000; Standard commercial number plate, N30,000; Articulated vehicle number plate is N90,000; Dealer vehicle number plate is N100,000; Out of series number plate is N150,000; Fancy vehicle number plate is N400,000; Government standard vehicle number plate is N80,000; Government fancy vehicle number plate is N120,000.

The price adjustment, according to JTB, is due to the introduction of enhanced security features in the number plate and driver’s licence and incidental increase in production cost.

JTB stated that information on the price adjustment is on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) website,www.frsc.gov.ng and the Motor Licencing Authority (MLA) at States’ Internal Revenue Service offices, or Motor Vehicle Administration Authorities across the country.

They noted that the price adjustment applies nationwide. Apply for your driver’s licence and number plate on the National Vehicle Identification System portal at nvis.frsc.gov.ng or the Vehicle Licensing Authority nearest to you.

JTB also cautioned Nigerians to beware of touts and not pay more than the approved price.

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Headlines

Female broadcast journalist slumps, dies at work

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A female broadcast journalist with Ogun State Television (OGTV), Abeokuta, Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu, on Monday slumped and died while preparing for her afternoon shift at the state-owned television station.

Her death was confirmed by the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Mr. Bunmi Adigun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, Vanguard reports on Tuesday night.

The statement read: “Agbakaizu, a dedicated staff member of Ogun State Television, tragically collapsed while preparing for afternoon shift, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Federal Medical Centre.”

Adigun described her as a versatile and passionate journalist.

A versatile journalist and a passionate comrade, Bukola served as a former Vice Chairman of OGTV Chapel and was an invaluable member of the Wale Olanrewaju-led Executive,” he said.

“Her vibrant spirit and commitment to journalism will be sorely missed, leaving an irreplaceable void in our community.”

Agbakaizu, aged 52, was an ex-officio of the NUJ Council until her death.

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Construction
Headlines

Federal Government to Close Ijora-Marine Bridge for 21-Day Repair

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Ijora-Marine Bridge in Lagos State for urgent repair works, scheduled to begin on Sunday, May 18.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, the repairs will last for 21 days, starting from 7:00 a.m. on the commencement day.

Kesha stated that while some sections of the bridge will be fully closed to traffic, others will experience partial closures throughout the repair period.

The scope of work includes lifting the bridge deck to replace worn-out bearings and executing other critical maintenance tasks aimed at improving the safety and comfort of the bridge for motorists and pedestrians.

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but this is a necessary step to keep the bridge in good condition and ensure the safety of all road users,” Kesha said.

She added that traffic diversion measures have been put in place, and traffic officials will be deployed to manage the flow of vehicles and provide necessary guidance to motorists.

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House of Reps
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House of Reps Rejects Bill to Rotate Presidency Among Six Geopolitical Zones

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The House of Representatives on Tuesday rejected a constitutional amendment bill seeking to mandate the rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The proposed legislation was one of seven constitutional alteration bills listed on the order paper for consideration. All seven were rejected.

However, the House resolved to revisit the bills individually on Wednesday and consider each on its own merit.

At the start of the session, the House had suspended its rules to allow concurrent debate on all seven bills, permitting members to choose any for discussion.

The bill on rotational presidency received the most attention, with a majority of lawmakers speaking against it. Many warned that mandating such rotation in the constitution could set a dangerous precedent.

Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki led the opposition, arguing that the Federal Character Commission already addresses issues of representation. He said the idea of rotation should not be constitutionalised but left to political parties, which have mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of offices during elections.

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World Bank
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World Bank Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s 2025 Budget Assumptions

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The World Bank has described Nigeria’s key assumptions for the 2025 national budget as overly optimistic, citing a significant gap between the projected figures and current economic realities.

In its May 2025 Nigeria Development Update, released on Monday in Abuja, the global financial institution raised concerns over the Federal Government’s projection of crude oil production at 2.1 million barrels per day (mbpd) and an oil price benchmark of $73 per barrel. The Bank noted that these projections are ambitious, given the current production level of 1.6mbpd and an average international price of $60 per barrel.

However, the Federal Government defended its position, stating that the assumptions reflect the country’s economic potential and are grounded in a forward-looking outlook.

The report presentation was attended by key government officials including the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso; Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; and several private sector leaders.

Presenting the report, Dr. Alex Sienaert, Lead Economist at the World Bank Nigeria Country Office, acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market.

He noted that while Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators are largely positive, high inflation remains a pressing concern. He emphasized that for the country to reach its target of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030, its growth rate must accelerate to at least five times the current 3.8 percent.

The World Bank’s report also urged the government to remain committed to its reform agenda and warned that the 2025 budget could result in a wider-than-expected fiscal deficit if not properly managed.

Despite the challenges, the World Bank expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, provided that reforms are sustained and public investment in infrastructure and youth development is strengthened.

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