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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, is seeking more funds for seven critical housing sector programmes.
He said these projects include the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme, Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme, and others.
Dangiwa called during the budget defence session of the Senate Committee on Housing, held on Monday at the National Assembly Complex.
“I request that the Distinguished Chairman and Members of this critical Committee use their good offices to increase the budgetary allocation in several key areas.
“This is because these areas are critical to Mr President’s transformative policies and programmes to put the economy on the path of recovery and growth.
“It is pertinent to state here that in the 2024 fiscal year, the sum of N162.609 billion was allocated to our Ministry, which amount was considered inadequate.
“Yet, we have been given an envelope of
N83.752 billion is the Ministry’s Capital Budget Ceiling for 2025, which is a far cry from even the 2024 Appropriation. ”
He said the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme was designed to stimulate economic growth.
“The construction and development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and attract investments.
“The 50,000 units planned to deliver under phase I will create 1 250 000 direct and indirect construction jobs for Architects, Engineers, plumbers, iron benders, masons, etc
“This is in addition to the value chain effect of purchase, supply of building materials and other businesses.
“We have covered 12 States and would like to cover 18 at 250 units per site. The amount needed to achieve this is N108 N6 billion per state.
He said the “Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme” also required increased budgetary allocation.
“Currently, there are ongoing programmes in four states in each geopolitical zone, including FCT.
“This means four sites in four states of each geopolitical zone, including four sites in FCT, bringing the total to 100. At least N100 billion is needed for better results,” he said.
Dangiwa further said that the ministry was exposed to huge liabilities arising from projects completed, duly certified for payments before the end of the budgetary year but not paid due to limited time.
“There is the need to make adequate provisions for liabilities to enable the ministry to reduce the number of liabilities it is exposed to.
“The Ministry has over N92 billion liabilities but would need nothing less than N60 billion in the 2025 Budget to reduce the exposure,” Dangiwa said.
In his remarks, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, assured the minister of his support for tackling the issue of incurred liabilities.
“We will support you by working together to see how best we can approach the Minister of Finance, the budget office, and even the Presidency.
“How best we can get this debt relief on the part of the ministry and the part of our contractors.”
[Leadership]
A former Minister of Interior, Professor Bola Akinyemi, has said that Nigeria should not have accepted the partner membership granted to it by the multinational bloc, BRICS.
Akinyemi made this statement on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Monday.
He argued that Nigeria should have been an original member of the group or granted full membership during its expansion, rather than being designated a partner country.
The professor of political science said that offering Nigeria partner status instead of full membership by BRICS is a slap in the face of Nigerians.
“I am not happy. Can you tell me the difference between a partner country and a member, given our GDP in Africa compared to Ethiopia or even South Africa? Is it a partner country that befits us? No.
“We should have been part of the original members of BRICS. I have said this on several platforms. I don’t know why we were never an original member; I don’t know why we were not invited to join as a full member when they were expanding it.
“I think it is a slap in our face, and we should never have accepted this partner member if that is what they call it,” Akinyemi said.
DAILY POST reports that BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of 10 countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Recall that on Friday, Brazil announced the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of BRICS.
According to a statement by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, BRICS and Nigeria share common interests, as both actively strive to enhance cooperation among Global South countries and advocate for the reform of international organisations.
“With the world’s sixth-largest population—and Africa’s largest—as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS.
“It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance—issues that are top priorities during Brazil’s current presidency,” the statement said.
DAILY POST gathered that Brazil currently holds the BRICS presidency for 2025, having taken over from Russia on January 1.
[DailyPost]
The suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese, actually dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, United States of America, PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday evening.
The priest tied the matrimonial knot with his wife, Dora Chichah, at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas, USA on December 29, 2024, without waiting to be released from his canonical obligations and responsibility by the universal Church.
Consequently, the church Diocesan authorities suspended him from priestly duties noting that “by this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1.”
The suspension, which was contained in a statement titled, ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated, Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo had alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement partly read.
“A footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media had, in addition, prompted the church to act.
“According to the Diocese, even though Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders, the Diocese affirmed that it “reached out to him, asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure”.
“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the Church statement posited.
The Diocese, however, remarked that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.”
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
But more details emerged on Sunday evening on why the now suspended Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, USA.
A woman who claimed to be the biological sister of the suspended Catholic priest, Mary Okanatotor, maintained that “it was the best decision” for her brother.
Mary, in a social media comment over the reports that her brother (Fr Oghenerukevwe) secretly married her partner in America, attributed his decision to “loneliness.”
She disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe suffered from mental health for a long time and could not handle the “loneliness” as a priest.
She added that the family was not physically present to support the priest when he was undergoing difficult challenges.
She wrote, “Thank you all for the comments, the said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness.
“We, his family members, are not with him to give him support physically. Thank you for your encouraging words.
“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.
“Secondly, he did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision.
“Once again, thank you. For the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly.”
Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who hails from one of the communities in Ewu Kingdom of Delta State, was ordained as a priest on June 21, 2008, into the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Norman Didam, for fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices linked to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank disclosed that the project aimed to provide targeted financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households was compromised due to several unethical practices during a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract process.
The statement read, “The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
“The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.”
The bank said that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bids and accessed confidential tender information from public officials.
It added that these actions constituted fraudulent and collusive practices under its Anti-corruption Framework.
The World Bank further noted that Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam falsified the company’s experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and provided inducements to project officials, which it classified as corrupt practices.
These violations, according to the bank, undermined the integrity of the social safety net initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
The statement noted, “According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ Letter of Bids and received confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices, respectively.
“Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”
The debarment precludes the two companies and Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects and operations for the specified period.
As part of their settlement agreements, the parties acknowledged their culpability and committed to meeting specified conditions, including enhanced compliance measures.
The conditions require Didam to complete individual ethics training, while the companies are mandated to improve their internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programmes in line with the bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
The bank highlighted that reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation during investigations, voluntary corrective actions, self-imposed restraints from bidding for contracts, and the time elapsed since the infractions.
The statement added that the debarments qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, signed in April 2010.
It also stated, “The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency. The settlement agreements feature reduced debarment periods due to the companies’ and Mr Didam’s cooperation with the Bank Group’s investigation, voluntary corrective actions, voluntary restraint from participating in Bank Group tenders, and the passage of time.”
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects, stressing that the sanctions demonstrate its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
It said the implicated parties must fulfil the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future Bank-funded initiatives.
[Punch]
Comments by Joe Igbokwe, an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain condemning the endorsement of Seyi Tinubu as the next Lagos state governor has drawn wide condemnation across the country.
Recall that Igbokwe in a post on his Facebook page said ruling Lagos was not a job for the boys, stating that the call was a distraction aimed at pulling President Bola Tinubu down.
Since the comment, there have been several reactions condemning Igbokwe’s position, the latest of which is the statement issued and signed by an APC chieftain and former Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti in the 2023 election, Comrade Isaac Balami.
According to Balami, he is mobilizing his supporters and groups across the country and in Lagos to come all out in support of Seyi Tinubu’s whose ability he believes will further reposition Lagos state. According to him, “if Seyi Tinubu agrees to run in the next Lagos governorship election, I will come all out with my army of youths supporters to support him because as a young man I had suffered serious blow in the past years because they saw that I was young and ambitious. This is the time to change the practice of gerontocracy for the good of Lagosions,” he said.
According to Balami, despite his respect for Igbokwe whom he had known to be a youth advocate, his position on this matter is archaic and does not have a place in modern democracy that is chiefly driven by young and innovative minds.
The former spokesman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, expressed shock that the controversial comment could originate from Igbokwe’s page, saying that good political actors will always stand with what they believe in, “and I had thought Igbokwe believes so much in the potential of the Nigerian youths. I believe that like everyone of us, he knows that the future of this great country lies in the hands of its vibrant youths. It’s therefore contradictory to say otherwise.
“There is no doubt that young people are taking over economically and politically. Historically, good governance is associated with young people who are in leadership positions. This is a fact Igbokwe knows and should defend because he started benefitting from politics very early in life. It was Lagos that reshaped his growth politically. This didn’t start at his current age. The opportunity created for Igbokwe helped him to have a say in Lagos politics. This is why he should leave Seyi Tinubu alone henceforth.
“How old was Yakubu Gowon when he became the nation’s head of state? At the age of 32, his achievements were unmatched. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra at 33. Obafemi Awolowo emerged Premier of Western Nigeria only at 37. Peter Obi was handed the mantle as early as 46. Donald Duke did not do badly when he was Cross River State Governor. He was only 37. In comparison to global politics and governance, Emmanuel Macron became the French President at the age of 39. Compare France GDP of $3.31 Trillion to that of Lagos State which has a GDP of $87 Billion, and you will realize that Seyi Tinubu who will be 42 in 2027 stands the better chance of running Lagos better than anyone else.
“It remains a clear case of infringement on one’s fundamental human rights if someone who has hit the franchise age is deliberately denied the right and the opportunity to run and become the governor of Lagos state because of some campaign of calumny.
“And for the fact that the current agitation and campaign against Seyi Tinubu’s age is coming from someone who had not only benefited from the same opportunity but granted the same right as Lagos citizens despite his South East origin is quite disturbing. If Igbokwe could bank on age, why not also look at the pressing question of indigene and relinquish his status as a Lagosian. Using age, gender and tribe as a tool to select our leaders will frustrate leadership by competence and merit.
“My group and I are ready to mobilize support for Seyi Tinubu should he decide to accept his endorsement by the various groups. We will do this to change the notion that the Lagos State governorship seat is reserved for certain age.
“Our interest in Seyi Tinubu is not only because he is a young man with the energy to deliver good governance to Lagosians, it is also because of the leadership he has provided in his capacity as Chief Executive Officers of different companies.
“Empowering young people through his foundation and lifting dashed hopes amid tough times show he is a man in touch with the reality of the ordinary people. I believe that Lagos and Nigeria are for the boys and not for the men. The men have done their best and should now step aside for innovative youths,” he said.
[Vanguard]
‘Recognising two genders, deporting illegal immigrants’ — inside Trump’s declaration on day one
Admin
US President Donald Trump marked his return to the White House with a flurry of executive orders issued within minutes of his inauguration.
Forced by the biting cold to hold the ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda, Trump’s sharp address mirrored the weather outside — both were historic in their chill.
The actions are expected to address many issues, including immigration, border security, gender, trade, and geopolitics.
If he signs as many executive orders as he has touted, Trump could exceed the record of 100 set by former President Harry Truman in 1952.
“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump told a cheering crowd.
Here are a few of the executive orders reeled off by the United States president.
US GOVERNMENT TO ONLY RECOGNISE TWO GENDERS — MALE AND FEMALE
Trump said he would create a society that is “colour-blind and merit-based”.
The US president accused the former administration of socially engineering race and gender into “every aspect of public and private life”.
He clarified that moving forward, it would be the official policy of the US government that there are only two genders, male and female.
Trump’s announcement was met with a standing ovation.
CARTELS TO BE DESIGNATED AS ‘TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS’
Trump said today’s executive orders would designate “the cartels as foreign terrorist organisations”.
He said he would direct the government to use the “full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement” to end “foreign gangs on US soil”.
CHANGE ‘GULF OF MEXICO’ TO ‘GULF OF AMERICA’
Trump said he would rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, as he highlighted the several actions he would take immediately.
“We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory, the Gulf of America,” Trump said.
“What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate. It’s appropriate. And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.”
Presidents have the authority to rename geographic regions and features, but it must be done via executive order.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY AT THE BORDERS
During his inaugural address, Trump said he would declare a national emergency at the southern border, a campaign priority.
“Illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” he said.
He asked the immigrants to “remain in Mexico”, vowing to deploy troops who would protect the borders.
Trump was also reported to have scrapped the US law that grants citizenship to children born on American soil regardless of their parent’s immigration status.
‘STRIPES AND STARS ON MARS’
Trump also vowed to launch American astronauts to Mars.
Elon Musk, tech billionaire and founder of SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company, gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the announcement.
Musk, who also owns X, was instrumental in helping Trump reclaim the White House.
Trump announced that Musk will head a new department of government efficiency.
[TheCable]
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned until January 30 to hear a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and six others.
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the new date following an application by the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), who sought leave to amend the originating summons.
Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is seeking to halt the issuance of oil import licences to some oil marketers.
Mentioned in the suit as 1st to 7th defendants are the NMDPRA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
In its originating summons, Dangote Refinery prayed the court to nullify the import licences issued by the NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products, arguing that such actions violate Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Dangote Refinery claimed that these licences should only be issued in cases of proven shortfalls in local supply and accused NMDPRA of failing to support local refineries as mandated by the PIA.
Additionally, Dangote Refinery sought N100bn in damages against the NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to the NNPCL and the other marketers.
In response, three major oil marketers—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—filed a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss Dangote Refinery’s suit.
The marketers argued that Dangote Refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs and that monopolising the sector would harm the economy.
They maintained that the import licences issued to them were lawful and in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.
They further warned that granting Dangote Refinery exclusive control of the petroleum sector would eliminate competition, drive up prices, and destabilize the country’s fragile economy.
The marketers also cautioned that relying solely on Dangote Refinery for petroleum products could lead to supply shortages and higher costs in the event of operational disruptions at the refinery.
At Monday’s resumed hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), informed the court that the matter had been fixed for a report on settlement or service.
However, he stated that he had not been able to serve the amended originating summons on the defendants.
He added that the issue of settlement could not be addressed due to a motion filed to amend their originating summons, due to the errors in the earlier application.
Similarly, the defendants’ counsel confirmed they had not been served and requested proper service before the case could proceed.
Mathew Bukar (SAN) appeared for the NMDPRA, Ahmed Raji (SAN) represented AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, while Divine Oguru appeared for T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited.
NNPCL counsel, Ademola Abimbola, on his part, informed the court that he had only been served with the application on Monday morning, shortly before the court session began.
Abimbola noted that Dangote Refinery served the amended originating summons following objections that the NNPCL should not have been included in the suit, as it was sued under an incorrect registered name.
He further claimed that the plaintiff amended the suit after it became public in the media, adding that the application would be reviewed for an appropriate response.
Justice Ekwo instructed Dangote Refinery’s counsel to ensure the case was properly positioned to be heard on the next adjourned date.
“You have not been able to position this matter to be heard, and that is the cause of the adjournment,” Justice Ekwo said.
The plaintiff’s counsel requested 10 days to serve all parties in the suit.
Upon his request, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to January 30 to allow all parties to complete the filing and service of court processes.
Meanwhile, another party, represented by Olanrewaju Oshinaike, sought to be joined in the matter but was asked to stand down until the issue of service was resolved.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a tariff adjustment for telecommunications operators, with a cap set at 50 per cent on current rates.
The decision followed a careful review of the rising operational costs faced by telecom companies, which have remained unchanged since 2013 despite mounting inflationary pressures.
The approved tariff adjustment is a crucial step in addressing the widening gap between telecom operators’ operational costs and existing tariff rates.
Although some operators initially requested increases exceeding 100 per cent, the NCC has opted for a more measured increase of up to 50 per cent, striking a balance between the needs of the industry and consumer protection.
In a press release signed by the NCC’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, and made available to LEADERSHIP on Monday, the regulator clarified that the revised tariffs would remain within the guidelines of the 2013 NCC Cost Study. Adjustments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as per the NCC’s standard review process. Furthermore, the adjustments will be implemented in compliance with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024, ensuring transparency and clarity.
The telecommunications industry has faced several challenges in recent years, including rising fuel prices and currency devaluation, which have compounded the pressure on operators to adjust their tariffs. The tariff increase is seen as a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of the sector, enabling operators to continue investing in network infrastructure and improving service delivery to consumers.
The NCC emphasised that the changes were aimed at enhancing service quality, improving network coverage, and promoting better customer service. In response to concerns about the impact of higher tariffs on Nigerian households and businesses, the Commission has mandated that operators implement the changes transparently and fairly, with clear communication to the public regarding the new rates and expected improvements in service delivery.
The decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across both public and private sectors. The NCC highlighted its commitment to balancing the protection of consumers with the long-term viability of the telecommunications industry.
Recognising the financial pressures faced by Nigerians, NCCn stressed its commitment to supporting indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecom ecosystem. The NCC also reiterated its ongoing efforts to foster a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector that will drive the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The statement read in part: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), will approve tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, was arrived at after considering ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability. While some operators requested over 100 percent increases, the approved adjustments are designed to maintain service quality without compromising consumer interests. These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The implementation will follow the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Given that tariff rates have remained unchanged since 2013, despite rising operational costs, the approved adjustment is intended to bridge the significant gap between costs and tariffs, ensuring continued service delivery to consumers. The Commission remains committed to fostering industry sustainability, encouraging investment in infrastructure, and improving services for consumers, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and wider coverage.”
The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to creating a balanced, sustainable telecommunications environment that serves the interests of both consumers and operators while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Father of self-acclaimed gospel singer, Timileyin Ajayi, who was caught with severed head of his supposed girlfriend, has begged the government on his son’s behalf even as he called for his release.
LEADERSHIP reports that Timileyin was caught with the severed head of 24-year-old Corps member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, penultimate Sunday.
Timileyin’s father, Sunday Ajayi, pleaded for his son’s release in a viral video online. He expressed in Pidgin English that he would like the government to help him settle the matter and release his son.
“I want government make dem help me make the matter settle abeg. Make dem help me try to beg the people make una leave am,” he said.
Timileyin’s mum, Dorcas Ajayi, however, took a different stance from her husband.
She noted that she would not know how to feel if what happened to Salome happened to one of her own children.
According to her, the government can carry out any action they want on the matter because everything is in their hands.
“Had it been it’s one of my daughters they did that to, how do I feel? So I don’t know. Anything government want to do, everything is in their hands,” she stated.
Timileyin’s father’s comments have been met with criticisms online as many suggested that the old man be investigated as well.
Some others expressed that his stance was rather inhuman and unreasonable.
Mexico’s Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez, on Monday, announced a project called “Mexico Embraces You,” providing support for Mexican citizens who could be deported from the United States following President Donald Trump‘s assumption of office.
“Mexico will do everything necessary to defend, care for and allocate what is needed to receive those who are repatriated in order to achieve their reincorporation to their native country,” Rodríguez said during a press conference on Monday.
Through the “Mexico Embraces You” plan, the country’s National Migration Institute will be in charge of receiving Mexicans from abroad, processing their repatriation and supporting transfers to their places of origin, the secretary said.
The government said Mexican citizens will be given 2,000 Mexican pesos (about $100) upon arrival to use during their transfer to their place of origin.
Rodríguez added that the National Population Registry, which is similar to the US Social Security number system, will process identity documents if necessary.
The interior secretary said that the government has been working and developing the plan since Trump pledged to carry out mass deportations.
The plan was developed in coordination with international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNICEF.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she would try to communicate with newly inaugurated President Trump’s team after the inauguration, and she asked Mexican citizens living in the US to remain calm.
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In a swift move that signalled the beginning of President Donald Trump’s hardline border crackdown, the new administration, on Monday, shut down CBP One, an app-based programme that allowed migrants to schedule legal entry into the United States through official ports.
Shortly after Trump took the oath of office as thr 47th President of the United States (POTUS), the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website posted a notice confirming that the app was no longer functional and that all existing appointments had been cancelled.
The CBP One app, introduced by the Joe Biden administration in early 2023, was designed to offer migrants a regulated pathway to seek asylum in the US. The programme allowed 1,450 migrants per day to schedule an appointment for processing, and since its launch, more than 900,000 people have entered the US using the system.
However, the Trump administration’s decision has left tens of thousands of migrants stranded at the southern border, many of whom had already made their way to designated entry points in anticipation of their scheduled appointments.
At the El Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, confusion and frustration gripped migrants who checked their phones only to find that their appointments had vanished.
“I am in shock,” said Maura Hernandez, a migrant from Michoacán, Mexico, who had arrived in Tijuana with her four children for an appointment scheduled on Tuesday. “I don’t know what is going to happen to us.”
Like many others, Hernandez fled violence in her home state, hoping to seek asylum through legal channels.
Gustavo Selva, a Venezuelan migrant, described his devastation upon learning that the program had been terminated.
“We are so disappointed,” Selva said after reading the update on his phone. He had waited seven months for his appointment, which was initially scheduled for late January but had been delayed until February 9. He had already traveled from Chiapas to Tijuana, believing he would soon enter the U.S. legally.
“We thought we could enter today without a problem,” he said. “Now we will be stranded here indefinitely.”
A former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated that around 30,000 migrants had active appointments through the app as of Monday morning. Additionally, nearly 300,000 migrants were reportedly waiting in Mexico with hopes of securing entry through CBP One.
The Biden administration had touted the CBP One app as a critical tool in managing migration at the southern border. The programme was part of a broader strategy that combined asylum restrictions for illegal crossings with legal pathways for those seeking protection.
“I would say that the model that we have built—of restricting asylum at our southern border and building accessible, lawful, safe, and orderly pathways for individuals to seek relief under our laws—is the model that should be sustained,” DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in an interview with NPR earlier this month.
“We have delivered the border and those accessible pathways to the incoming administration,” he added.
Border crossings had significantly declined in recent months, a trend that US officials attributed in part to the app’s success in streamlining asylum applications.
The closure of CBP One underscored a drastic shift in immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has long argued for tougher enforcement measures.
Critics of the app, particularly Republican lawmakers, viewed it as a loophole that allowed migrants to remain in the U.S. for years while their cases moved through backlogged immigration courts.
“The fact that this application exists is the most underreported scandal of the Biden admin,” Vice President JD Vance said in a social media post last week. “They made an application to facilitate illegal immigration. It boggles the mind.”
Matthew Hudak, a former senior Border Patrol official, said the move was a clear indication that the Trump administration would adopt a much tougher stance at the border.
“Simply wanting to immigrate to the U.S. and signing up to get in line will be replaced by more stringent policies that will significantly raise the bar for those seeking to come here, including reimplementing the Remain in Mexico program,” Hudak said.
“Many will be left to decide if they will work through the legal process or attempt to enter the country illegally and face what will likely be much more significant consequences.”
Highly influential tech billionaires lined up in a prime inauguration viewing spot behind President Donald Trump’s family members at the Capitol Rotunda for the inauguration of the 47th President of United States (POTUS) on Monday.
SpaceX boss, Elon Musk; Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and owner of Google Sundar Pichai were all present.
Others in the mix were the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, his fiance Lauren Sanchez, as well as Trump Cabinet nominees such as Senator Marco Rubio and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Other guests sighted inside the Church of the Presidents and the Rotunda included the likes of podcaster Joe Rogan and former Fox News media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Jake and Logan Paul were seen chatting with CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman as they arrived, with comedian Theo Von also spotted chatting with Logan Paul.
The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, was among the congregation as well as the CEO of Snapchat, Evan Spiegel.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson was also seated near Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez for the morning church service.
The presence of the industry heavyweights highlights their increased overtures toward Trump following his electoral win and the portending “tech-industrial complex” former President Joe Biden warned about in his farewell address in the Oval Office.
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Pope Francis has warned that plans by Donald Trump to deport illegal migrants from the US would be a “disgrace” if he went through with it.
Speaking to an Italian TV programme from his Vatican residence,
The Catholic Pontiff in an interview with an Italian TV, said if the plans went ahead, Trump would make “poor wretches that don’t have anything foot the bill”.
“That’s not right. That’s not how you solve problems,” he said.
In a message to Trump shared on Monday, Pope Francis offered him “cordial greetings” and urged him to lead a society with “no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion” and promote “peace and reconciliation among peoples”.
Presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, has accused the new leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch of deliberately denigrating Nigeria to gain acceptance within her party’s right-wing base.
Badenoch recently stated that she does not want the UK to become like Nigeria, which she described as a country where the government has failed.
Her remarks have sparked criticism from the Nigerian government, with Bwala arguing that her rhetoric is politically motivated.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday monitored by our correspondent, Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, suggested that Badenoch’s remarks are aimed at solidifying her support among Conservative Party members.
“The only problem we have with Kemi, I think, is the rhetoric because Kemi belongs to the right base in the United Kingdom, which is what you see in this populism around the world—that you can deepen your support system if you feed off of the anger of the people,” Bwala said.
“She’s building a rhetoric of denigrating and demarketing Nigeria so she can probably win the acceptance of the right in her party. And that, to me, is counterproductive.”
Bwala contrasted Badenoch’s approach with that of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian origin.
He pointed out that while India has faced issues such as gang-related violence, Sunak has never used such problems to discredit his country in order to boost his political standing.
“If you look at Rishi Sunak, he is also of Indian origin. There has been this issue of gang rape in India. He has never used that as a weapon to promote what he believes to be a departure from what is likely to be believed as hereditary or history of the Indian people,” he noted. “But she has always denigrated Nigeria.”
Despite the controversy, Bwala dismissed concerns that Badenoch’s comments would negatively impact Nigeria’s efforts to attract foreign investment.
“I don’t think it would have an effect because she’s not the government in power. Usually, these international relationships or collaborations are dealings between governments. Because she’s not the government in power, it will not have any effect,” he explained.
He further suggested that investors would recognise Badenoch’s comments as political posturing rather than an accurate reflection of Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“Secondly, because she’s a Nigerian, investors will be smart enough to assess what she’s saying, whether it is born out of rhetoric,” Bwala said.
Badenoch, who was announced as the Conservative Party’s new leader on November 2, 2024, was yet to respond to the Nigerian government’s criticisms.