![[PRESS RELEASE] Vice President Shettima to Attend NACC 65th Anniversary Gala in Lagos](/media/k2/items/cache/5e5da15284591a2d48eafd2dbff8a68d_L.jpg?t=20250306_231613)
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is set to celebrate its 65th anniversary with a grand gala dinner, featuring His Excellency, Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour.
The prestigious event will take place on April 12, 2025, at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the red carpet reception commencing at 5:00 PM.
Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, National President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce
The highlight of the evening will be the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of NACC.
Alhaji Balogun will also unveil his leadership team, while outlining strategic initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States.
As part of the evening’s programme, 40 new members will be inducted into the chamber, and the NACC multi-storey building project will be officially launched.
The gala will also honour outstanding Nigerian and American companies and distinguished individuals, including past presidents of the chamber, for their contributions to economic growth and trade relations.
The President of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, will chair the event.
Dignitaries confirmed to attend include Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Founder and Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Chairman of Odu’a Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.
Others are Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, Chairperson of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, Leo Stan Ekeh.
His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, will serve as the Chief Host of the occasion.
For 65 years, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of fostering bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States, serving as the premier platform for business growth, networking, and investment opportunities.
The Chair of the Planning Committee, Dr.Ikenna Nwosu, says all the guests will be treated to one of the grandest anniversary galas ever experienced in the country.
VICTOR OJELABI
Senior PR Associate
Neo Media & Marketing | Chair, Publicity Committee, NACC Presidential Inauguration Dinner & Awards Night
As the Lenten Season commences, I extend heartfelt wishes to all Christians in Nigeria and worldwide who partake in this sacred time.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the 40-day period is a time of fasting, prayer, and repentance, preparing believers for the joyous celebration of Easter.
During Lent, Christians engage in earnest prayer, self-denial, almsgiving, and deep spiritual reflection. It is a solemn reminder of life's transient nature, echoed in the Holy Scriptures: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)
This year's Lent, a time of devotion and reflection for Christians, coincides with the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, a season that similarly emphasises devotion, sacrifice, and acts of kindness. This convergence of religious observances is a testament to the unity in diversity that characterises our nation.
Beyond fasting and prayer, I urge all Nigerians to embrace the love of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and empathy to those around us.
Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, comfort the grieving, visit the sick, and uplift the marginalised. The Scriptures remind us that our love for one another is a true testament of worship.
Let this season deepen our commitment to selflessness and service as we strive to build a nation where empathy and generosity shape our daily interactions.
This period of reflection coincides with encouraging progress in our nation. We ended 2024 positively, as our economy showed strong growth in the last quarter compared to the same period in 2023. Food prices are declining, the exchange rate is stabilising, fuel prices are dropping, and our internal security is strengthening. Our security and law enforcement agencies are making commendable strides. This progress fills us with steadfast hope and optimism for the future.
As we journey through this season with penitence and steadfast devotion to God Almighty, may His kindness bring healing to the sick, prosperity to our people, and peace to our nation.
May we experience God's goodness in a profound way this Lenten season. May He renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and guide us on righteousness.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Nigerian Senate has handed a six-month suspension to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
This decision was made after a majority vote, aligning with the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
The Senate also voted against reconsidering the suspension until the six-month period elapses or Akpoti-Uduaghan apologizes.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly’s premises.
Her salaries and those of her legislative aides will also be suspended during this period.
To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for violating its rules.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro endorsed the ethics committee report, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions warranted disciplinary action, likening her to “a child” who needs correction.
He said, “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with the right hand, you draw that child with the left hand.”
The suspension stems from a heated confrontation in the Senate last week, where Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio.
She had arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to challenge the move and accuse the Senate leadership of marginalizing her voice and attempt to make her invisible.
The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months amid the sexual harassment allegation she levied against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended her suspension on Thursday, March 6, 2024.
During the period of the suspension, the committee stated that her salary and security details will be withdrawn.
The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during her suspension period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stems from a controversy surrounding her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, formally accused Akpabio of misconduct, submitting a petition before the Senate.
[Vanguard]
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports of the alleged ritual killing of a 28-year-old Lagos State University graduate, Adedamola Ogunbode.
The command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, while reacting to an inquiry by PUNCH Metro, on Wednesday, confirmed that Ogunbode was declared missing.
He, however, clarified that his mutilated body was not found as circulated on social media.
However, Hundeyin confirmed that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the case, including a prophet.
He said, “A report was made to the police that the said graduate was missing and three suspects were arrested, including a prophet. However, the police did not discover any mutilated body of the missing graduate as being circulated on social media. He is still missing and we are investigating a case of a missing person, not murder. There is no dead person anywhere.”
The development came after the management of the university demanded justice for the missing graduate who was alleged to have been killed by the prophet.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Registrar and Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.
Thomas-Onashile stated that investigations by the security agencies revealed that the deceased’s mutilated body was purportedly found buried in the compound of a popular church in the area.
The statement read, “The university management is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ogunbode, a recent graduate of LASU. The deceased, fondly known as Horlar, was allegedly killed by a prophet in the Ojo area of Lagos State, reportedly for ritual purposes. According to the report received by the management, Ogunbode, a 28-year-old graduate of Political Science Education, had been missing since January 16.”
The Deputy Registrar while condemning what she described as a senseless act of violence, called for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice.
“The prophet of the church has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their investigation. The university management extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. His untimely death is a terrible loss to the entire university community, and we share in the grief of all who are mourning his passing.
“We call for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice and that the perpetrators of this horrific crime do not go unpunished. In the meantime, we urge our university community, especially our world-class students, to remain calm, while the authorities carry out their investigations.”
She encouraged the students to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“The safety and security of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that our university remains a safe environment for all,” the statement added.
[PRESS RELEASE] Atiku Abubakar Demands Impartial Probe into Senate President Akpabio Allegations
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Atiku Abubakar Demands Impartial Probe into Senate President Akpabio Allegations](/media/k2/items/cache/4c63c5b64cf18a68210e64a384f9a239_M.jpg)
Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.
As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women's advancement and, by extension, the nation's progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles.
The handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect.
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja
[PRESS RELEASE] All-Inclusive Policing, Internal Security, And National Development; IGP Egbetokun’s Perspective
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] All-Inclusive Policing, Internal Security, And National Development; IGP Egbetokun’s Perspective](/media/k2/items/cache/8c7b15c5f6b78c30f065a8ba16aabcf2_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presided over a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House in Abuja.
Naija News reports Wednesday’s FEC meeting is the second for the week after the one earlier held on Monday.
On Monday, the council approved several memos, including the one for the completion of the Oyo-Ogbomoso road project and the license approval for new private universities in the country.
The agenda of today’s meeting is yet to be revealed, but the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the end of the last meeting, had indicated that another meeting of the council was scheduled for today.
At the commencement of today’s meeting, the council honoured two former members who passed on recently with a minute of silence.
Those honoured were the first female Minister, Adenike Oyagbola, who served under late Shehu Shagari’s administration and late Chief Edwin Clark, who was a Federal Commissioner for Education and later Information.
The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.
In other news, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has denied describing the recent Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in Rivers State as reckless.
Peter Obi, in a statement on Wednesday, clarified that even if the Supreme Court ruling is not agreeable to him, he couldn’t have described it as reckless.
Naija News reports the former Anambra State Governor made the clarification following some reports claiming he described the verdict of the apex court on Rivers State as reckless.
Obi, however, explained that his submissions were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
[NaijaNews]
Rivers State deputy governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, says she has not resigned.
In a trending video on social media, it was reported that the deputy governor resigned as a result of intense pressure.
In a statement which her press secretary, Owupele Benebo, issued on her behalf, on Wednesday, she said contrary to the viral social media video the deputy governor has remained committed to her responsibility.
“The Office of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading reports circulating online suggesting that Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS, has resigned.
“Contrary to these baseless claims, Her Excellency remains committed to her duties as Deputy Governor, a position she was duly elected to serve alongside His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State .
“As a seasoned public servant and academic, Prof. Odu is dedicated to supporting the Governor in his efforts to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State.
” Her exemplary leadership and expertise have been invaluable to the administration, and she remains steadfast in her commitment and support to His Excellency Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS,” Owupele Benebo stated in the press statement.
The statement urged the public to disregard , “the unfounded reports, which are clearly the product of malicious speculation.”
[DailyTrust]
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) has fixed August 9, 2025 to hold fresh local government elections following the Supreme Court’s judgement that sacked the local government chairmen and councilors.
The Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), released the new date on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.
Enebeli said the decision was in line with the last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by his commission.
He said: “In exercise of the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission by Section 5 of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, and all other enabling provisions, the commission hereby provides guidelines for political parties, stipulating rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns.
“The commission, therefore, announces that local government council elections will hold on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in all 23 local government areas of Rivers state.”
[TheNation]
More...
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Appointment Of Special Adviser, Senior Special Assistant In VPs Office
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Appointment Of Special Adviser, Senior Special Assistant In VPs Office](/media/k2/items/cache/d1c1175a849dcbc0343e513b685f0ccb_XS.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson as Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on Job Creation & MSME (Office of the Vice President) and Mrs Uju Anwuka as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health (Office of the Vice President).
The appointments are in continuation of efforts to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially in the respective sectors.
Prior to their appointments, Mr Adekunle-Johnson and Mrs Anwuka served in the same portfolios as Senior Special Assistant and Special Assistant to the President respectively, all in the office of the Vice President.
As Senior Special Assistant, Mr Adekunle-Johnson has diligently driven some of the administration's policies and programmes in areas of job creation and development in the micro, small and medium enterprises space in Nigeria.
Key initiatives implemented under his supervision include the Expanded National MSME Clinics, and the Shared Facility Initiative, among others.
Mrs Onwuka, on the other hand, has industriously anchored the administration's vision in combating malnutrition and hunger, especially in vulnerable communities across the country, while serving as Special Assistant. A key programme under her watch is the recently launched Nutrition 774 Initiative.
Their latest appointments as Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant respectively are with immediate effect.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
![[Full List] FG Appoints Six Police DIGs, CPs, ACPs](/media/k2/items/cache/d509e640417c1552433471bba72ecb33_XS.jpg)
The federal government through the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of six new Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs).
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Tuesday by PSC Spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.
The newly appointed DIGs include: Sadiq Abubakar, who currently serves as the Commandant of the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; Benjamin Okolo, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Department of Information Communication Technology at Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Williams Adebowale, the Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos. Others are Bzigu Bali, AIG at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu; Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, AIG of Zone 14, Katsina; and Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, AIG of Zone 16, Yenagoa.
Ani also announced the promotion of Kanayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police for Enugu State Command, to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.
“CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police was a former Assistant Commissioner Operations Zone 9, Umuahia; Area Commander, Owerri; Area Commander Karu, Nasarawa state; Commander Switch Operation Switch, Portharcourt; Deputy Commissioner Finance and Admin Edo State Command, DCP, state CID, Osun State and Commissioner of Police Operations, Communication, Force Headquarters, Abuja,” Ani added.
The commission also approved the appointment of new Commissioners of Police (CPs) for Oyo and Enugu State Commands.
He said: “CP Ademola Johnson, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector General of Police, was appointed CP Oyo State.
“He was also a former Deputy Commissioner of Police Delta State Command. CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa was appointed CP, Enugu State, to take over from newly promoted AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu. CP Giwa was former DCP Operations Kaduna and Imo State Commands; ACP Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters Abuja; and CSP A, Commissioner of Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters, among other postings in the Police Mobile Force.”
Additionally, Ani revealed that the PSC had approved the promotion of eight Chief Superintendents of Police to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police.
“They are Abdullahi Kamba Usman, Sani Abdu, Ifeanyi Owo, Vincent Orole, Elisha Atikinkpan, and Margaret Okonkwo. Others are Alhasan Aliyu Guga and Imo Owinizi Ezekiel.
“The newly promoted senior Police Officers were subjected to written examinations and interactive oral interviews,” he said.
PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, encouraged the newly appointed DIGs to work closely with the Inspector General of Police to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s ability to maintain law and order.
“The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu retd, charged the new DIGs to give the Inspector-General of Police the required support and cooperation to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force would be in a good position to secure the Nigerian space and ensure that law and order are maintained,” he said.
[NaijaNews]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation, following a rigorous and merit-based selection process.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, his appointment takes effect on March 7, 2025, the same day the incumbent, Oluwatoyin Madehin, is set to retire.
Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor in December 2024.
His selection was later confirmed through a competitive process, overseen by a dedicated committee.
The evaluation process included a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews, with only the most qualified candidate emerging at the end.
The president’s decision underscores his administration’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service appointments.
Ogunjimi brings a wealth of experience to the role, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.
He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Congratulating the new Accountant General, President Tinubu urged him to carry out his duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to national service.
Ogunjimi’s appointment is expected to further strengthen fiscal accountability and efficiency in government financial management, in line with the administration’s commitment to good governance and economic reforms.
[TheNation]
Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has tendered her resignation, effective immediately. This dramatic exit comes just 49 days after she made history by becoming the first woman to assume the role.
Meranda's resignation was announced after a meeting with key stakeholders, including embattled former Speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, who has been challenging her legitimacy in court. The meeting, which also included APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, seemed to have sealed Meranda's fate.
Meranda's brief tenure was marked by controversy, with Obasa questioning the legitimacy of her election. Despite this, she had garnered support from some lawmakers, who passed a vote of confidence in her leadership just yesterday.
Her sudden exit had left many wondering if the assembly would plunge into further turmoil or if a new leader would emerge to steer the ship. Obasa's return has brought a mix of reactions, with some lawmakers expressing relief and others questioning the implications of his re-election.
As the assembly seeks stability, Obasa's re-election raises questions about the future of the institution. Who is the unseen hands behind the sceen? Will he be able to restore order and confidence among lawmakers, or will the controversy surrounding his return create more challenges?
Despite her sudden exit, she has reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people of Apapa 1 constituency. In fact, she was re-elected as Deputy Speaker in a surprise move, sparking speculation about her future plans.