Programme: City Talks with Dr. Reuben Abati

Time: 12:00pm

Guest : Hilda Dokubo 

Social Activist and Actress

Topic: State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Date: March 22, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, has revealed how it intercepted a total of $578 000 falsely declared from an inbound passenger coming into Nigeria from South Africa.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, John Harrison announced this while addressing journalists at the command on Friday.

He explained that the suspect, Mr. Okorie Sunday, came into the country on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with the money undeclared and hidden in his body.

According to him, the passenger, on arriving at the airport, started acting strange, which warranted a search by the officers on duty.

“The passenger was said to have declared $279,000 and hid $299,000 on his body, bringing the total money to $578, 000. This contravenes the threshold of $10,000 approved by law,” Harrison said.

Harrison added that the suspect also concealed £100 and a counterfeit $250.

The cash that was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was jointly counted and confirmed by customs and the anti-graft agency.

The CAC highlighted that such unlawful behaviour undermines the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

Harrison mentioned that customs has provided forms at the counters of all airlines to allow passengers to make the lawful declaration.

While receiving the intercepted cash, the acting Zonal Director of EFCC Ahmed Ghali, urged members of the public to avoid such crimes advising that any cash over $10,000 should be declared as provided by law.

Ghali added that such an act exposes the country to money laundering and could make the country look like a hub for illicit financial inflows.

He added that the EFCC will investigate and verify if the money is genuine or fake while taking further investigative action.

[TNG]

If you’re scanning the crypto market for the best altcoins to buy now, you’re not alone.

With Ethereum’s Layer-2 scaling solutions gaining traction, investors are hunting for high-potential altcoins before the next bull run sends prices soaring. 

I’ve been in the game long enough to know that catching the next altcoin to explode isn’t about luck, it’s about spotting market trends, liquidity, and institutional adoption before the crowd. 

One project making waves is Dawgz AI, a meme coin with real utility, fast transactions, and a growing ecosystem.

5 Best Altcoins to Buy Now

From coins with solid market capitalization to those poised for explosive growth, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list with 5 best altcoins to buy now!

1. Dawgz AI: The Presale Opportunity You Can’t Miss

If you ready for a game-changing opportunity in the world of crypto assets, meet Dawgz AI, the meme coin with a twist! 

Currently in presale at a price of $0.00345, $DAGZ is already making waves, offering you a chance to invest early and be part of something huge before it takes off. 

This is your chance to invest in a coin that blends AI-powered technology, lightning-fast transactions, and a strong community vibe that’s bound to go big. 

Whether you’re a crypto veteran or new to the scene, $DAGZ is the next big thing.

How to Buy $DAGZ:

Buying $DAGZ is super easy, and here’s how you can get started:

• Select Your Network:
  Connect your wallet to either the Ethereum or Solana network. You can pay with ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB, or SOL.
• Purchase Tokens: Input the amount of $DAGZ tokens you want to buy and confirm the transaction with your selected cryptocurrency (ETH or USDT).
• Consider Staking for Extra Rewards: You can stake your $DAGZ tokens for additional rewards, with staked tokens becoming available to claim eight days after the presale ends.
• Claim Your Tokens: If you prefer not to stake your tokens, you can easily claim them using the same wallet and network you used for the purchase

Why Dawgz AI?

Dawgz AI it’s a project with real utility and advanced AI-powered trading algorithms designed to deliver consistent profits for holders. Here’s why $DAGZ is a must-have:

• Meme Coin ROI: With its AI-powered technology, you’re looking at strategic investments that deliver massive growth while still keeping the fun, community-driven energy alive.
• Advanced Technology: Dawgz AI’s high-frequency trading algorithms are designed to run 24/7, 365, maximizing your returns without requiring constant monitoring.
• Accessible Investment: $DAGZ is made for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, you can join the journey without needing deep technical knowledge.
• Community & Hype: Dawgz AI is backed by a strong community and growing hype. $DAGZ is poised to be a leader in the meme index while also delivering the profits.

2. Solana (SOL) 

Solana (SOL) is steadily holding its ground in the crypto space. 

Currently priced at $130.96, it has experienced a 5.96% increase in the last 24 hours, with a market cap of $66.79B. 

Known for its fast transactions and low fees, Solana is becoming a popular choice.

As we approach the next bull run, analysts predict that Solana could see significant gains, especially as more users and developers continue to adopt its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

As adoption grows and more projects build on Solana’s platform, it remains a key altcoin to consider for long-term growth.

3. Cardano (ADA)

Cardano, currently priced at around $0.7314 and has recently seen a 6.18% increase in the past 24 hours, has carved out a solid position in the crypto world, particularly with its focus on sustainability and scalability

With a focus on sustainable blockchain development, Cardano’s ecosystem has been gaining momentum, especially with its smart contract capabilities and growing partnerships.

As the DeFi space expands, Cardano’s low fees and scalability position it well for future growth.

As the crypto industry continues to mature, Cardano’s robust ecosystem and commitment to improving scalability make it a promising option for strategic investments.

4. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin (DOGE), currently priced at $0.1714, has seen a 4.48% increase over the last 24 hours.

Although its price tends to be more volatile compared to other major cryptos, Dogecoin continues to hold its place in the market due to its low transaction fees and its widespread recognition. 

With a total supply of 148.49B DOGE and the same amount in circulating supply, Dogecoin’s price movement often reflects sentiment in the broader crypto market.

It’s not always taken seriously by traditional investors, but DOGE still enjoys a solid following, and its lighthearted nature continues to make it an interesting option in the crypto ecosystem.

5. XRP (Ripple)

XRP, currently priced at $2.51, has experienced a solid 12.21% increase in the past 24 hours, with a market cap of $146.32B.

 As one of the top players in the crypto market, XRP stands out with its focus on facilitating fast, low-cost cross-border transactions.

With a circulating supply of 58.1B XRP and a total supply of 99.98B XRP, it has a large presence in the market. 

Despite the ongoing legal challenges it faces, XRP continues to show strong growth and remains a key asset for those looking for crypto solutions in international payments.

Comparing Top Altcoins: Dawgz AI, Solana, Cardano, Dogecoin and XRP

When it comes to selecting the best altcoins to buy now, there are several options with unique qualities. 

While Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and XRP are all well-known, Dawgz AI ($DAGZ) is quickly becoming a strong contender with its AI-powered technology and early investment opportunity in its presale. 

Dawgz AI offers an exciting chance to be part of a growing community while securing passive income from staking and benefiting from advanced AI trading algorithms.

Which crypto coin will boom?

While it’s hard to predict with certainty, Dawgz AI ($DAGZ) is a strong contender due to its AI-powered technology and early presale momentum. 

Along with Solana (SOL), which has proven scalability and XRP, known for its use in cross-border payments, Dawgz AI stands out with its unique combination of AI-driven trading and meme coin appeal.

Conclusion

As the crypto world keeps evolving, Dawgz AI is shaping up to be the best altcoin to buy now.

With its combination of real utility, AI-powered trading, and a strong, growing community, $DAGZ offers a unique opportunity for those looking to get in early. 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says it is investigating TikTok and Truecaller over alleged data privacy violations as part of efforts to enforce compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner and chief executive officer (CEO) of NDPC, said the agency is assessing the platforms’ compliance with data protection laws and would determine necessary regulatory actions based on its findings.

“As we speak, we have even gone to the extent of investigating multinationals. We are currently investigating TikTok and Truecaller in the area of data privacy,” Olatunji said.

“Depending on our findings, if they are able to go through remediation and do what is right, we are happy to work with them.”

The NDPC CEO noted said when the commission began monitoring data protection compliance, only 4 percent of organisations adhered to regulations.

He, however, said through increased enforcement and stakeholder engagement, compliance levels have now surpassed 55 percent.

Olatunji said the NDPC prioritises remediation over immediate sanctions, evaluating data breaches based on their severity, the number of individuals affected, and the potential economic impact.

Instead of publicly declaring non-compliance, he said the commission provides companies with clear corrective measures to address identified issues.

The commissioner added that organisations found in violation must keep comprehensive records of their data processing activities and rectify any lapses.

“Additionally, they are subject to monitoring for six months to a year to ensure full compliance,” he said.

Olatunji said while the commission prefers a corrective approach, it will not hesitate to enforce stricter actions if necessary.

At the press conference, the NDPC also introduced the NDPA general application and implementation directive (NDP Act GAID), a regulatory framework designed to help data controllers and processors comply with the NDPA.

Olatunji said many organisations lack understanding of data protection regulations, often leading to inadvertent breaches.

The commissioner said the NDP Act GAID addresses technical and organisational measures in the areas of data protection principles, lawful basis of data processing, NDP Act compliance audit, and data subject rights, among others.

He said the directive, which will be available on the NDPC’s portal, intends to provide clarity and reinforce the role of data protection officers in ensuring compliance.

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, has reportedly moved with his family to Bayelsa State.

Naija News reports that the development comes after President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action on March 18, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months in a bid to restore governance and order to the state.

The state of emergency follows months of escalating political unrest in Rivers State, sparked by a bitter feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The ongoing crisis has led to violent clashes, legislative gridlock, and legal disputes that have effectively paralyzed the state’s administration. The political instability prompted President Tinubu to intervene with the suspension of key state officials.

According to sources cited by TheStreetJournal, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri offered refuge to Fubara and his family amidst the turmoil.

On Wednesday, March 19, Fubara and his family relocated to the Bayelsa State Government House, leaving the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

The move took place under reduced security presence, with some Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and security personnel still stationed at the premises. However, the Government House was described as relatively quiet following their departure.

In response to the growing crisis, President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

Ibas has been tasked with overseeing the affairs of the state during the six-month emergency rule. His appointment is aimed at resolving the deepening political conflict and restoring stability to Rivers State, which has been struggling with internal divisions and disputes between the governor and state lawmakers.

[NaijaNews]

…Commends Apex Court for Reaffirming Party Supremacy 

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received the Judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed that the issue of Party leadership positions, including that of the National Secretary is entirely an internal affair of the Party requiring only the Party internal mechanism to which the courts have no jurisdiction.

Today’s judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirms the standing position of the Party and emphatically settles the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye as the substantiative National Secretary of the PDP having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory Organs and bodies in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

For clarity, the NWC at its 576th meeting held on the 11th of October, 2023, directed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu upon Senator Anyanwu’s nomination as the governorship candidate of the PDP to contest the November 2023 Governorship election in Imo State.

Consequent upon the directive of the NWC, the South East Zonal Executive Committee at its meeting held on the 20th of October 2023 passed a resolution approving the emergence and forwarding of the name of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye to the NWC as the National Secretary of the Party.

Accordingly, the NWC at its 577th meeting held on 7th of November 2023 pursuant to its powers under the PDP Constitution, duly received, deliberated upon, accepted and approved the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye as the National Secretary of the Party, which appointment has also since been endorsed by relevant Organs and bodies of the PDP including the Board of Trustees (BoT), South East Zonal Caucus, the PDP Governors’ Forum and officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public.

The PDP commends the Supreme Court for upholding the principle of the supremacy of the Party in the management of its internal affairs, describing it as victory for democracy.

The NWC urges all patriotic members of the PDP to remain united as we work together to move our great Party forward.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

The Federal High Court, Lokoja, has granted an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from receiving petitions for the purpose of initiating a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

DAILY POST reports that the push to recall the suspended senator intensified on Thursday, with more groups in Kogi Central throwing their weight behind the process.

However, a group of Ebira indigenes refuted the claim that the recall process was being sponsored and influenced with money by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political opponents.

Nevertheless, the court, which gave the order on Thursday, also restricted INEC staff, agents, privies, or assigns from accepting or acting on any petition containing fictitious signatures of purported members of the Kogi Central Senatorial District and from conducting any referendum pending the determination of the motion on notice to the same effect.

The court, according to the order paper made available to newsmen on Friday morning, granted the application following an ex-parte application for an interim injunction supported by an affidavit of extreme urgency.

The court processes were sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima for himself and four others who are registered voters and constituents of the Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State.

However, the application was moved by Smart Nwachimere, Esq., of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co., but the case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further mention.

Reacting to the development, a pressure group, Action Collective, commended the judiciary for granting the order.

The group’s coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, said in his reaction that the order would further expose the impunity of some sponsored individuals behind the failed plot to recall Senator Natasha.

[DailyPost]

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecast sunshine and haziness across the country from Friday to Sunday.

NiMet also called on airline operators to get its airport-specific weather reports for effective planning.

In a weather outlook it released on Thursday in Abuja, NiMet envisaged sunny skies in hazy conditions on Friday over the northern region.

It predicted prospects of thunderstorm over parts of Taraba during the afternoon or evening hours.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the North Central region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms envisaged over parts of Kogi and Benue states.

“Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later during the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Lagos states.

“Moderate dust haze is anticipated over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Adamawa and Bauchi States on Saturday,” the statement read.

The agency anticipated the rest of the northern region to experience sunny skies in hazy conditions throughout the forecast period.

According to NIMET, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the North Central region throughout the forecast period.

Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of afternoon/evening thunderstorms expected over parts of Ogun, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Lagos states

The agency predicted moderate dust haze over the northern region on Sunday.

“Temperatures are high over most parts of the country, putting people at risk of heat stress; people should stay in well-ventilated and cool spaces,” the statement read.

The agency advised members of the public to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid undue exposure to direct sunlight.

It also urged people with respiratory issues, especially in the northern parts of the country to be cautious of the weather condition and take necessary precautions.

[Punch]

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has alerted the public on falsified Oxycontin 80mg (oxycodone hydrochloride) which it says was detected in an unregulated market in Switzerland.

The public alert with No. 07/2025 was uploaded on the agency’s website on Thursday.
The agency said the issue about falsified medicine was reported to the World Health Organisation  by the genuine manufacturer, MUNDIPHARMA, in February.

It said the falsified product imitated the genuine OXYCONTIN 80mg authorised for sale in Poland, adding that the genuine OXYCONTIN (oxycodone hydrochloride) is a semi-synthetic opioid indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.

It said laboratory tests of samples for the falsified product were conducted by the Drug Information Centre in Zurich, Switzerland, and that WHO, DIZ’s drug-checking service determined that the tablets did not contain oxycodone but a synthetic opioid likely to be a nitazene compound. 

According to NAFDAC, Nitazene derivatives (e.g., metonitazene, isotonitazene, fluonitazene) are potent synthetic opioids, primarily used in research due to their high addiction potential and severe side effects.

It said these substances could be hundreds of times stronger than oxycodone, posing a high overdose risk, stressing that limited information is available on their risks, toxicity, side effects, and long-term consequences.

“The identified product in this alert is confirmed as falsified on the basis that it deliberately/fraudulently misrepresented its identity, composition, or source.

“The falsified product imitates OXYCONTIN 80mg manufactured and marketed by MUNDIPHARMA in the Polish market. MUNDIPHARMA has confirmed that the product was falsified and was not produced by their company.

“This falsified product has been found to contain undeclared nitazene compounds, which pose a significant risk due to the high likelihood of adverse events, even in small doses. Nitazenes produce similar effects to other opioids.

“Their high potency carries a high risk of overdose and death. Using nitazene derivatives has been linked to several deaths.

“Mixing them with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines can be very dangerous, leading to severe effects like respiratory depression, low blood pressure, coma, or even death,” NAFDAC said.

It said that this falsified product posed a particular risk to individuals with substance use disorders who might perceive this falsified product as a safe and quality-assured medicine.

NAFDAC said that visible discrepancies were observed on the falsified product such as the placement of the batch and expiry dates on the counterfeit product were incorrect.

It added that the falsified product batch and expiry date are visible on the front side of the blister strip, adding that genuine OXYCONTIN has the batch and expiry date visible on the back of the blister strip.

NAFDAC stated that on the falsified product, the expiry date is on the left and the batch number is on the right, pointing out that genuine OXYCONTIN has the batch number on the left and the expiry date on the right.

According to NAFDAC, all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct surveillance and retrieve any falsified products of this medicine found within their zones and states in Nigeria.

It said that importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid importation, distribution, sale, and use of falsified OXYCONTIN tablets.

NAFDAC said that all medical products/ medical devices must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers, stressing that products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

It advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

It said that healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

NAFDAC said that healthcare professionals and patients could also report to the agency through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng

NAN