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President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Lagos for the yuletide has stalled the handing over of the N704.91 million generated from the 50% salary cuts of members of the House of Representatives.
A top official of the National Assembly bureaucracy disclose this to LEADERSHIP Sunday on condition of anonymity.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had at plenary on December 19, 2024 said the House would on December 31 last year present N704.91 million to Tinubu for assistance of vulnerable Nigerians who were worst hit by the removal of petrol subsidy.
The House had on July 18, 2024 adopted an amendment to a motion of urgent public importance proposed by the deputy speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) that lawmakers should contribute 50% of their monthly salaries of N600,000 to assist Nigerians during the challenging times.
Speaking with our correspondent, the National Assembly bureaucrat said; “It is true that the money was put together for onward delivery to the president so that the executive can use it in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
“But we all know that President Tinubu traveled to Lagos for the yuletide from December 18 where he stayed for three weeks before he returned to Abuja. Since then, the National Assembly which the House is part of is engrossed in budget defence.”
The House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi and his deputy, Hon. Agbese, were yet to respond to LEADERSHIP’s enquiries on the matter at the time of filing this report.
Another tragedy from the recurring fuel tanker explosions struck yesterday at Dikko Junction, Niger State.
Scores of residents, who rushed to the scene to scoop the content were killed while several others were injured and rushed to the hospital by rescue workers for treatment.
Officials of the rescue team, who included personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said 60 bodies of the victims were recovered.
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the explosion occurred at about 10am yesterday at Dikko Junction in Gurara local government area of the state.
The vehicle laden with 60,000 litres of petrol caught fire near a fuel station when the body detached from the head and spilled fuel on the surroundings.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker was coming from the Kaduna axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway when the explosion occurred.
One of the eyewitnesses said the fuel truck with registration number KBG 103 XA belonged to HMY Oil and Gas and was driven by one Mohammed Modu from Jere in Kaduna State.
Also, a shop owner at Dikko Junction, Mohammed Aliyu, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that “the fatality rate was high because some of the residents disregarded the danger warning and were scooping the product when the body of the tanker detached and the product started spilling.
“While some succeeded in scooping the product and escaped, several others were not lucky as the inferno intensified and the tanker as well as another parked near the filling station exploded simultaneously,” he said.
The sector commander of the FRSC, Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed to LEADERSHIP Sunday that 60 bodies were recovered from the spot.
He said the tanker with 60,000 litres of PMS was to be delivered in Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when the disaster occurred
Tsukwam said the tank detached from the body of the vehicle and the product spilled leading to an explosion and intense fire that burnt the victims beyond recognition.
He said, “The body detached from its head leading to a fall of the tanker which resulted in the spilling of the fuel on the ground. A large crowd of people gathered to scoop the product despite efforts to stop them.
“Suddenly, the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker. So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene and the victims are mostly scavengers. The fire has been put out and gradually the road is opened to the motoring public.”
Also, the director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the spilled PMS got in contact with a generating set that was on, thereby triggering the explosion.
He said, “At present, NSEMA in collaboration with NEMA, Suleja LGA Emergency Committee and good-hearted volunteers are carrying out search, rescue and recovery operations to rescue the injured who have been moved to the hospital for treatment and to recover the corpses of the deceased.”
Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Bago has expressed shock over the incident.
In a statement issued yesterday by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the explosion as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.”
He sympathised with the families of the victims and prayed that God would repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.
The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
He directed all the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to do the needful and the security agencies to ensure security in the area.
Says private sector shrinking
•Lists massive running costs, deficit financing, loans, wobbling Naira as high hurdles
•‘You cannot tax a dead company’
•Narrates how Nigeria lost top GDP ranking in 10 years to adverse domestic policies
In its New Year message, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said the 2024 economic performance was unsatisfactory for the private sector, calling for economic reforms to address imbalances threatening the private sector in the country.
The body explained that all data, metrics and statistics had confirmed that the private sector bore fully the negative burdens of the nation’s current economic reforms, facing very harsh conditions including high inflation, increased borrowing costs, and currency devaluation.
It emphasized the urgent need for reforms to avert further economic strain on the private sector as the New Year begins, noting that Nigeria is a country with huge potential, innovative private sector minds, capital and opportunities, and deserves a listening economic team and team players who must recognize the private sector as stakeholders. ”We should agree that the 2024 economic performance was unsatisfactory for the private sector. All data, metrics and consequent statistics confirm that the Nigerian private sector has borne fully, the negative burdens of the current economic reforms”, NACCIMA stated.
”While in contrast, the public sector continues to thrive and expand, all economic benefits of the recent economic reforms have been translated to the public sector through high capital transfers and revenues. “The private sector faced higher inflation, higher cost of borrowing/repayment for existing loans, the 2.4 billion USD CBN unpaid forwards, currency devaluation and higher costs in all sectors of the economy.
”This continued imbalance caused by increased public sector expenditure has destroyed value in the private sector due to excessive fiscal deficits which are financed through government borrowing at very high unsustainable interest rates. We are therefore making recommendations and suggestions that may be considered in the short to medium term.
”Fiscal deficits arise when public sector expenditure exceeds public sector income. The funding of these fiscal deficits through borrowing results in high interest rates and high inflation. ”The solution to high interest rates and high inflation is for the public sector to spend less and to start becoming an efficient productive unit.
”We also need to debunk the myth of the government earning more revenue under the pretext of improved productivity. For the avoidance of doubt, payment of customs duties and taxation are not due to improved government productivity. ”These revenues are purely private sector revenues which constitute a transfer of wealth and capital from the productive private sector to an ever expanding unproductive public sector.
The public sector does not own factories nor does it produce any goods and services sold to the customers. Rather it extracts value from the citizens through regulatory fiat. Awarding contracts is not the same as enhancing production.
“For 2025, the expenditure framework is skewed towards huge capital transfers to certain sectors which will not add value to the national wealth. The payment of high interest rates to local and overseas creditors regardless of asset class is close to financial “hara-kiri”. Financial assets (loans) should be created and counterbalanced by equivalent investment in productive assets which are expected to repay the loans.
”If these assets are offloaded to the capital markets, it will be possible to transfer many unproductive public sector loans off balance sheet thereby unburdening the government from excessive borrowing. Please note we do not advocate transferring public monopoly to private monopoly or creation of private uncompetitive markets.
”Government should learn from past experience and avoid engaging in new ventures that will create further bad loans, liquidity, lower interest rates and regulation of public sector borrowing by the Central Bank.
”Aggressive repayment of domestic loans using the excess revenues will result in lower interest rate payments which will lead to more cash flow for FAAC and lower borrowing requirements. Early repayment or transfer of government loan assets will improve Liquidity and result in cheaper single digit loans to the Private Sector. ”Generally, public sector loans must be secured with real assets or must be within the tenure of the government. Longer term loans must be investments in real assets and not on the government balance sheet. This shift would promote private sector growth and ensure that capital is allocated efficiently. ”The successful Eurobond offer was received with mixed feelings.
“We congratulate the financial team on a successful outing. However, the nature of over subscription confirms the coupon offered was beyond market offers. “Perhaps we need to consider a hybrid offer which allows a Dutch auction that mops up the best offers at each coupon level. The successful bidders made instant profits overnight on the offer”. It added that government should be looking to reduce financing cost on an aggressive basis where possible”.
While the improved liquidity gives the government access to international financial markets, NACCIMA stressed that they do not guarantee long-term economic stability.
“Relying heavily on foreign borrowing may expose the country to external shocks and currency fluctuations”, the body added. On foreign reserves, support for local industries and the private sector, NACCIMA advised, “Introduction of public sector expenditure guidance at all government levels for purchase of locally produced goods and services will reduce pressure on foreign exchange demand by government agencies and their contractors.
“Investment in public infrastructure should result in utilisation of more locally sourced inputs, higher investment on local infrastructure and improving local productive capacity. Areas like transportation, power, and technology are key for both manufacturing and services.
”Nigeria needs a coordinated approach to delivering the latest technologies and digital infrastructure to facilitate delivery of social services, public health, educational and digital infrastructure.
“Government should introduce reforms and policies to facilitate, attract and retain private sector investment in digital education and modern skills acquisition, technical skills education for our teaming youth.
“Many employers are unable to find adequate skilled workers in many industries. ”The Industrial Park and Skills centre at the Abuja Free Trade Zone at Idu, FCT and many more around the country should be encouraged and supported by all tiers of government in Nigeria and the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria to produce a different positive outcome for Nigeria.
”By public sector philosophy, all government expenditure is necessary. The government should undertake a rigorous review of its current size and expenditure to identify and eliminate wasteful spending. Efficient allocation of existing resources can help reduce excessive borrowing.
”Other countries like Argentina have made political choices to eliminate recurrent budget deficits. The Nigerian budget for elected and unelected politicians can be adjusted. The size and number of government funded agencies can be reduced and taxes should be further reduced which will attract greater private sector investment. ”The government should create an environment where the private sector can take the lead in economic ventures.
“This includes deregulation in most areas, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and enhancing ease of doing business in Nigeria. (Regulatory Agencies like Standards Organisation, NAFDAC etc can be reformed to adopt internationally acceptable standards for Nigeria.)” In this interview first aired on Arise News, NACCIMA President, Mr. Dele Oye, elaborates on the New Year message and stressed the urgent need for the Tinubu government to engage the private sector in the implementation of its reform agenda as, according to him, the private sector has the formula to make Nigeria’s economy the best in Africa again as it did in 2014. Excerpts:
What is your view on the NACCIMA perspective that corporate taxes should be reduced?
The issue is not that we have a bad bill; what is important is that we normally have inflation when government has spent its revenue, and the tendency is for the government to try to borrow or to increase taxes to fill that gap. If you do that, you only make Nigeria poorer. If you look at our current GDP, in 2014, we were at 568, and we are going down every year. So you cannot use the same treatment for a sickness that had never worked before. Look at the real terms of the 2024 Budget, we are declining. Look at this year’s budget, it is far lower.
Also look at our standing in the African GDP; we are at about No. 5 going to 6. All these are due to the domestic policies that had been laid. So what we are saying is that the private sector is shrinking, while the public sector is expanding. So, government must listen more to the business because it is the business that would generate the income that would be used to pay back these loans. The loans are not sustainable, but if we start cutting down costs on the government side, it will be quite difficult to grow from them. So the government must listen more to the private sector.
We are not unaware of the effort the government has made in giving us two Ministers recently in the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. We are grateful, and we are fully engaging with them. But what is important is that the government must also get its other MDAs, like the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance, to key in and work with the private sector because we are the ones to pay the loans back from our production. The government does not produce any goods or services. Awarding contracts is not an economic activity. What pays this bill is the effort of the private sector. Look at the current budget and show me anything that is different from 2024. The people telling the President that he’s doing very well should show us.
All the indices show there’s a decline. So it is not to tax us more or to reduce tax; in fact, to increase our competitiveness, you must find a way to reduce tax. Anytime we are making laws in Nigeria, look at what our neighbours are offering. We have to be competitive, as we cannot tax ourselves out of this problem; we have to increase the capacity of the private sector. We are not asking for handouts or money from the government. We have a formula that would bring down the interest rate so that people can borrow at a sustainable level. The President himself gave us an 8-point agenda that he would give us single-digit loans.
What are some of the major things NACIMA is looking out for as major reforms?
We highlighted 12 recommendations in our New Year message. In addition, the government must take the issue of the Naira (very seriously). It is the biggest driver of inflation. Nobody will invest in a climate where its currency melts every day. Throughout 2024, we kept shouting; we engaged privately before we went to the public space. The government needs to find a way to cut down its running costs, reduce deficit financing, and pay back the loans they owe. They should stop borrowing. The President should not allow himself to be deceived again.
But if we start the way the budget is structured, we are going to end up smaller next year. So it is better if we work together. Nigeria has one of the best private entrepreneurs that have the capacity to turn around the economy. If the government is truly willing to drive this economy, he must use the capacity of the private sector. If you look at some of the areas where things are working, the government is not yet there. Look at the creative industry; look at the small POS business too. But when the government entered, you can see what has happened.
How can the private sector organise itself for the new reality?
Well, we are not advocating for a reversal of the government reforms. All we are saying is that the way they are currently implemented would not lead us anywhere. This government has been here for almost two years. If it was working, we were not supposed to inherit these reforms. It is supposed to happen during the life span of the four years of this government.
If it is not working, the economy is shrinking; it is time for the government to change the procedure instead of trying to use the imperial way that most of the agencies have used when dealing with us. The government must listen to us and use our ideas for policies.
The reason why the Naira is falling is because the government is running a deficit budget. With a 13 trillion deficit, what do you expect? If you cut the government expenses down, the Naira will start appreciating. Until the government cuts its expenses, we are going to continue to borrow in an unsustainable way.
The government must work with us. In 2014 we became the best in Africa. Those sectors that brought about the rebase in our economy are all suffering today. MTN has lost over N100 billion in currency depreciation, and you and I know it’s an industry that requires continued investment for them to continue to be competitive because of the technology involved. We must find a way to give them their sense of security back by building an environment where they can work and make more money.
You cannot tax a dead company. You must find a way to listen to us. The problem is at home. It is not about traveling abroad, seeking foreign direct investment. They should tell us how much has come in those several trips. It is not the business of the government to be in business. Government should be a facilitator.
Are you accusing the government of hypocrisy, or does the partnership they talked about not exist?
I started first by thanking Mr. President because there’s a tendency to change strategy because for the first time we have two Ministers. We had a four-hour strategy meeting with the Minister of Trade and Investment. There’s likely to be a change. If the government does not domicile it in the private sector, cut its excesses, we are going to have the same result. Anybody telling the President we are moving up is lying to the President. We need better engagement.
The fight between CBN and Bureau de Change must stop because we are the losers. We must find a way to use everyone’s talent and make Nigeria work. I want us to go back to 2014 when we were the best in Africa; this is all I am asking for. We are ready. We have the formula to work with the government on some of these things. If the government succeeds, we make money.
If the government fails, our members lose. So it is in my interest for the government to succeed. So let’s move this issue from the blackboard to a drawing board where all of us can contribute.
[Vanguard]
Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the presidential committee on tax policy and fiscal reforms, says the tax reform bills will be passed into law in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
Oyedele spoke on Saturday at The Platform, an event organised by The Covenant Nation to facilitate national development.
According to Oyedele, the implementation of the tax reform bills will commence in July.
“I need to talk about the tax reforms. Part of the expectation is we expect the tax reforms to be approved, particularly the tax reform bills in 2025,” Oyedele said.
“Our expectation is before the end of Q1 and therefore we can give notice to taxpayers to prepare themselves with capacity and begin to implement around 1st of July.”
On October 13, 2024, President Bola Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.
The proposed legislations are the Nigeria tax bill, tax administration bill, and joint revenue board establishment bill.
Tinubu is also seeking to repeal the law establishing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.
The tax bills have received the backing of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF).
NGF also proposed a new “equitable” sharing formula for VAT.
The development was an outcome of a meeting between the NGF and the presidential tax reform committee, convened on January 16, to deliberate on critical national issues, including the reform of Nigeria’s fiscal policies and tax system.
[TheCable]
Alaafin Stool: Oyo Mesi Kingmakers Witnessed Ifa Consultation, They Were Not Sidelined – Prof Abimbola
AFOLABI
Prof. Wande Abimbola, a former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the Third Republic Senate Majority Leader, has disclosed his involvement in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo, stating that the kingmakers were thoroughly consulted.
Speaking with Tribune, Abimbola, who has been the Awise Awo Agbaye (World Spokesperson for Ifa) since 1981, emphasised the pivotal role of Ifa divination in the process.
He described the event as a landmark moment, marking the first time in modern Yoruba history that Ifa played a decisive role in the selection of a prominent traditional ruler.
“For the first time in modern times in Yorubaland, Ifa played a key role in the selection of a prominent oba,” he said.
“In the past, that was the norm across Yorubaland. Ifa would select the successor to a deceased king without the influence of money or political position. But in recent times, that tradition has been abandoned in favour of financial and political influence.”
Abimbola recounted the events leading to the selection, saying, "They claimed to have resolved it, and for a long time, nothing happened. I returned home for my son's wedding in Lagos, and when the governor heard I was around, he said he was about to summon me again."
He explained that he was ready to proceed, but the kingmakers were in disarray. Some were even investigated by the EFCC over allegations of receiving large sums of money.
"Two days ago, I was summoned again. The governor reminded me that names had been presented last year and asked which one should proceed. I reaffirmed that the choice made by Ifa remained the best.
"Fortunately, when the selected candidate was screened, no issues were found — he had a clean record. The announcement was then made in his favour."
Abimbola explained, "Even in modern times, our culture requires consulting Ifa. It may not be the primary selection method, but it is a critical part of our tradition. The kingmakers were not sidelined — they were present during the consultation.
"However, they were divided. Two of them accused others of giving them smaller shares of a bribe, leading to EFCC investigations where confessions were made.
"On the other hand, the rest took the government to court, insisting their candidate, influenced by money, must be installed. With the split among the five remaining kingmakers, the governor appointed two warrant chiefs to participate in the process.
"This is a standard practice when there is no consensus among the kingmakers. Ultimately, four kingmakers endorsed the candidate chosen by Ifa, and the process was legitimate."
When asked if Ifa could be wrong, he responded firmly: "Ifa does not make mistakes. It never does."
Rt. Rev Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Bishop of Warri Catholic Diocese, has suspended one his priests identified as Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for entering into marriage.
The Bishop said that Oghenerukevwe is now prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the diocese of Warri in any capacity.
This was made known in a statement jointly signed by the Bishop, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement. A, who serves as the Chancellor/Notary of the diocese.
The statement alleged that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with one Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on 29 December 2024, noting that the footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media.
By his this action, the church said that Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon law of the church.
“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“On November 30, 2024, Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.
“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“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). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates 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 said.
‘I Invested My Blood, Sweat, Money In You’, Promoter EeZee Conceptz Tackles Gospel Singer Mercy Chinwo
AFOLABI
Former manager of gospel artist, Mercy Chinwo, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has broken his silence after allegations of diversions of funds and withholding royalties levelled against him by the singer.
Recalls that a Federal High Court in Lagos had on Thursday ordered Onyedikachukwu’s arrest over claims of embezzling $345,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the motion, accusing Onyedikachukwu of diverting funds and withholding royalties from Chinwo’s digital music platforms and event earnings.
The prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, who represented the EFCC, cited legal provisions under the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as grounds for the arrest.
The EFCC had announced that if Onyedikachukwu is not apprehended, they will issue a public summons to declare him wanted.
The court, however, adjourned the case until January 24 for arraignment of the manager.
But, the EeZee Conceptz CEO, while reacting to the allegations by Chinwo in an Instagram post on Friday, accused the gospel singer of being ungrateful, stating that she breached their contract.
“You have received over $625,000 from EeZee Conceptz to date, yet you spread falsehoods about a bad contract,” Onyedikachukwu wrote, adding, “You pursued me for years and even involved third parties to secure a deal, yet now you weaponize law enforcement and religious organizations against me.”
He alleged that Chinwo failed to fulfill her obligations under their agreement, including the delivery of a third album, and withheld funds intended for the label.
“It’s disheartening to see lies being spread and efforts to weaponize law enforcement and religious affiliations against me. I invested my blood, sweat, and hard-earned money into you. I housed you for months before securing two-bedroom apartments for both you and your band leader.
“You breached our contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds meant for the label from content and events. When this happened, I didn’t attack you. Instead, I reached out, proposing a reconciliation meeting and even suggesting an independent audit for transparency,” he wrote.
Onyedikachukwu also revealed his previous encounter with the EFCC and claimed that he was illegally detained for nine days in a location far from Lagos, during which $274,000 was allegedly extorted from him.
“Last year, I was illegally detained by EFCC for nine days, far from Lagos, where our business took place. Under duress, $274,000 was extorted. Yet, I still didn’t resort to dragging you publicly. As a law-abiding citizen, I chose to follow the legal processes outlined in the contract you signed with Eezee Conceptz.
“If your hands are clean, why avoid the Multidoor resolution process in our agreement? Why manipulate institutions to bully me? You deny the contract when it speaks of your obligations and our benefits, but quote it when it benefits you.
“Discrediting same document that you have hugely benefited from. Kindly post your bank statements and songs recorded 3years before you were signed and 3years after you got signed.
“You’re now attempting to claim ownership of a catalogue I fully funded.. a body of work you never contributed financially to.
“For years, you’ve received both quarterly royalties and immediate remittances from the 50/50 agreement, but this greed and betrayal that persists are beyond comprehension.
“Let me remind you: I founded the label that built your platform, put food on your table, and gave you opportunities beyond your dreams. Through God’s grace, I did this, and no one can erase the role Eezee Concept played in building your influence…
“I’ll continue to act lawfully, trusting the legal system and God to defend my peace and reputation. As Proverbs 17:13 says, “Whoever repays good with evil, evil will never depart from their house,” he added.
Dr. Ijeoma Opara, a distinguished Nigerian-American scientist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University School of Public Health, was recently awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by US President Joe Biden for her research in public health, particularly among urban youth.
Here are 7 things to know about Ijeoma Opara:
1. Opara is one of the latest Nigerians including Azeez Butali, Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Oluwatomi Akindele, Eno Ebong and Abidemi Ajiboye to receive the highest honour bestowed by the US government on young scientists and engineers.
Other earlier awards include the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award in 2020 and the NIDA Racial Equity Initiative Visionary Pioneer Award in 2023. She also earlier received the John D. Slade, MD Memorial Advocacy Award and the Woman of Impact Award.
2. Opara lost her parents at a young age due to illness. She lost her mother to diabetes and her father to a heart attack. This painful loss shaped her decision into public health to dismantle the systemic barriers that contribute to poor health with a focus on black girls.
3. Opara is committed to educating and mentoring future researchers by providing lab visits and internships to high school and college students in urban areas.
4. Her study has been crucial in demonstrating how race, as a social construct shaped by white supremacy and anti-black racism, affects health outcomes.
5. Opara holds a PhD in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University, a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, a Master’s degree in Public Health in Epidemiology from New York Medical College, and a Bachelor of Arts’ degree from New Jersey City University.
6. Opara is the founder and director of Stony Brook University’s Substance Abuse and Sexual Health Lab, as well as an associate professor at Yale School of Public Health. She was previously an assistant professor at Stony Brook University and a lecturer at Columbia School of Social Work.
7. She also heads a consulting outfit that provides training to adolescents, community-based groups, businesses and schools on different themes pertaining to substance use prevention and sexual health.
… killed officer recently passed a promotional examination.
One operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was shot dead and another critically injured when suspected internet fraudsters, known as Yahoo Boys, opened fire on them in Anambra State.
The development has raised concerns among anti-graft personnel, who revealed that the agency’s life insurance scheme has been dormant for years.
“We no longer have life insurance. “The last time families of deceased officers received compensation was during Farida Waziri’s tenure,” an official of the graft agency was quoted as saying.
The operatives, who had travelled from their Enugu zonal headquarters, were on a mission to apprehend a cluster of suspected cyber criminals when they encountered deadly resistance.
The attack left one officer dead on the spot and another hospitalized in critical condition by nightfall.
A male suspect was arrested for the murder, but his identity remains undisclosed. Authorities were yet to confirm if he has legal representation.
The slain officer, whose name was withheld, was an assistant superintendent who had recently passed a promotional examination.
American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID, has warned that Southeast Governors risk a range of US presidential sanctions including travel ban and confiscation of assets on US soil over their alleged complicity in the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The warning is coming on the heels of the alleged reluctance of the Governors to jointly write a joint as demanded by President Bola Ahmed Bola, requesting the release of Kanu to them.
AVID, in a statement by its President, Chief Dr Sylvester Onyia; and Secretary, Dr Godson Obiagwu, expressed displeasure at the reluctance of the Governors to advance to the President the said letter, accusing them of non-committal towards Kanu’s release.
AVID which is a body of retired and serving military officers of Igbo extraction in the North and South American military, reminded the Governors of the grave implication of their lackadaisical attitude towards Kanu’s continued incarceration.
The statement read in part: “According to the information we have, the Governors are supposed to meet with the President and unanimously advocate for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release, which has yet to occur.
“We also know that Mr President has asked the Southeast Governors to write a formal letter seeking the release of their son, which they all find difficult to do.
“We are also aware that all meaningful initiatives, particularly by religious leaders and national and state players, have been frustrated by the same Governors.
“Even after the Nigerian appeals court pronounced Mazi Nnamdi Kanu not guilty, the Governors remained silent, confirming their complicity.
“Your Excellencies, as the USA Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, we must make you aware that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu mirrors the sort of grave human rights violations sanctionable
by the US government under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which was enacted to punish violators of internationally recognized human rights.
“The Act empowers the President of the United States to impose sanctions against foreign officials complicit in “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” against persons for exercising internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression or association, among other things.
“The range of presidential sanctions includes denial of visas, blocking transactions in all property in the United States, and public stigma.
“Therefore, when the time comes for it, your inaction in seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu may make you
complicit and thus subject to the full consequences of this Act should you come in contact with the United
States which you do very often.”
The veterans cautioned the Governors against being passive over matters of importance to the Igbo nation.
“As AVID USA, we cannot stand by and let Southeast Governors devastate Igboland by selfishness and a lack of motivation to advance our region.
” As a group, we attempted multiple times to persuade these Governors that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was justified, in his stands on security and social
economic development of Southeast.
“Keep in mind that you Governors proscribed IPOB, while previous President Buhari labelled this wonderful
organization a terrorist movement due to his enmity with the Igbo people. For this reason, we can’t blame the President for the insecurity in the Southeast region.”
The veterans also urged President Tinubu to stop looking for excuses and release Kanu in compliance with the pact his son Seyi had with Kanu’s family before the 2023 presidential election.
AVID told President Tinubu to honour his promise to release Kanu which he made during the campaigns.
“We, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, (AVID) concur with Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s position on the implementation of the agreement between the family of Nnamdi Kanu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through his son Seyi.
“We also concur with the concerned Igbo Ministers’ Commission over the recent news announcement that:“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a betrayal of Igbo nation….”
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Senator Shehu Sani has expressed disappointment over the rising price of petrol despite expectations that the Dangote refinery would lower costs.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the former lawmaker stated, “The expectation was that Dangote Refinery will crash the price of petrol; the news that it’s increasing is baffling.”
This follows an announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery confirming a price increase for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The refinery now sells PMS at N955 per litre for customers purchasing 2 to 4.99 million litres and N950 per litre for purchases of 5 million litres or more.
This price adjustment reflects a 6.17% increase, or N55.5 per litre, compared to the discounted rate of N899.50 per litre offered during December 2024’s holiday period.
The adjustment has led to a retail price hike, with petrol now selling for between N1,030 and N1,050 per litre across various outlets.
The price increase has sparked public outcry, as many Nigerians hoped that the refinery would reduce fuel prices and ease the burden on citizens.
The Nigeria Police has confirmed that armed internet fraudsters fatally attacked an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Anambra, leaving another critically injured.
Naija News reports that the incident occurred on Friday when the EFCC team came under fire during an operation targeting suspected cybercriminals, commonly referred to as Yahoo Boys. The unexpected gunshots caused the officers to retreat for safety.
The team had traveled from their zonal headquarters in Enugu to carry out the assignment.
The slain officer, identified as an assistant superintendent, had recently passed a promotional examination. Meanwhile, the injured officer remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital as of Friday night.
“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer disclosed anonymously, highlighting that compensation for fallen officers’ families had not been issued since the tenure of Farida Waziri.
Another officer lamented the situation, saying, “The families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything. So can we say he died for nothing?”
Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway.
“Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody while the arm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga told Daily Trust.
Details about the Department of State Services (DSS) operations that led to the arrest of 10 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) members in Ilesa, Osun State, have emerged.
The raid occurred at an old bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church in the Ifofin and Ogbon Idio areas of Ilesa-East Local Government Area, Osun State.
According to reports, the operation took place around 1 a.m. on December 16, 2024, involving about 30 DSS operatives.
News of the arrests surfaced publicly on January 10, 2025, when the DSS sought a Federal High Court order in Abuja to detain the suspects for 60 days. The suspects are identified as Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi.
The DSS disclosed that the suspects were arrested while being trained to manufacture and detonate explosives. Preliminary investigations revealed they are members of Boko Haram/ISWAP.
Sources confirmed to The PUNCH that the operation spanned 90 days, with two teams from the DSS headquarters conducting the surveillance.
The first team reportedly arrived in Ilesa in late September, while the second team followed in mid-November 2024.
An insider noted, “The Osun command was excluded from the operation due to concerns that the initial intelligence about ISWAP activities in Ilesa had been compromised.”
An undercover officer revealed that agents infiltrated the community in September 2024, blending in with locals to pinpoint the suspects’ exact location.
After confirming their findings, a tactical team conducted the operation without gunfire, preventing public attention. The suspects were found with ISWAP materials and bomb-making equipment.
Following the arrests, the DSS reassigned senior officers and transferred over 150 personnel from Osun to northern states, including Benue, Jigawa, and Bauchi. Intelligence reports indicated the suspects had been under surveillance since 2023, after an alleged plan to attack a church in Ilesa was uncovered.
It was also revealed that ISWAP members were involved in bank robberies in Iree and Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area, in 2021. Previous DSS operations in Osun State included arrests in Ile-Ife in 2022, involving suspected terrorists from Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Local residents expressed shock and concern about the arrests.
A community leader, Mohammed Borni, stated, “It’s been two months since their arrest, and we’ve had no contact with them. We never suspected them of criminal activities—they sold wristwatches and MP3 players.”
The incident has heightened security awareness in the area, with residents expressing fear about living alongside suspected terrorists.
One tailor, Bimpe Olaiwola, said, “We’ve lived peacefully with them, but this news has made everyone more cautious. I hope the authorities ensure our safety.”
The United States President-elect, Donald Trump, will hold his inauguration inside the U.S. Capitol on Monday.
Trump explained that the inauguration was moved indoors due to severe cold conditions.
This marks the first time in 40 years that U.S. presidential inaugural ceremonies will take place indoors. The last time an inauguration was held indoors due to severe cold was in 1985, during former Republican President Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in.
Posting on his Truth Social media handle, Trump wrote: “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.
“Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda.”
The incoming President also informed his supporters that they could view the ceremony on screens inside the Capital One Arena.
He added that his presidential parade, initially set to feature marching bands and other groups proceeding down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, would also be relocated to the Capital One Arena.
Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democrats in the November 2024 presidential election, securing the highest number of electoral college votes.
[DailyPost]