Month: January 2025

NIQS partners Julius Berger for infrastructure excellence

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  The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) Foundation has established a partnership with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, recognizing the construction firm’s significant contributions to infrastructure development and the shaping of Nigeria’s built environment. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the NIQS Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to collaborating with industry leaders during a courtesy visit to Julius Berger. He explained that the foundation, an offshoot of the NIQS, was created to extend its impact on society and seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, with Julius Berger being…

Vini Jr. to Madrid Fans: I’m Here to Stay!

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Vinicius Jr. has firmly dismissed rumors of a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia, declaring his intention to remain at Real Madrid for “many more years.” In an interview with club media published on Friday, the Brazilian forward emphasized the importance of continuing to make history with Real Madrid for himself and his family, expressing his hope for a long-term future with the team. This statement comes amidst reports from Spanish media of a substantial offer from a Saudi Arabian club, following the trend of high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo and…

Aiyedatiwa confident of victory at Ondo election tribunal

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed strong confidence in his victory at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal following the November 16, 2024 election. Speaking to journalists after the tribunal’s inaugural sitting, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his belief in the election’s legitimacy, highlighting the historic nature of his win. He emphasized that the election was free, fair, and credible, noting his victory across all 18 local government areas as a testament to the people’s trust and confidence in his leadership. He secured 366,781 votes, defeating the PDP, which garnered 117,845 votes, and…

NYSC Corps Members to Receive ₦77,000 Monthly Allowance Starting February

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National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has revealed that the monthly allowance for corps members will be significantly increased to ₦77,000, effective from February 2025. This announcement was made during a meeting with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members stationed in Katsina State on Thursday. The DG clarified that this increase has been factored into the 2025 Federal Government budget and awaits final passage before implementation. General Ahmed explained the timeline, noting that while January was already concluding, the increased allowance would be disbursed…

Federal Government Announces Imminent Resumption of ALSCON Production

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The Federal Government has announced that the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, is poised to resume production soon. This announcement came after a visit to the plant by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the condition of the equipment and facilities, despite the plant’s decade-long shutdown, signaling a renewed commitment to revitalizing this key industrial asset. Minister Audu outlined several key steps being taken to facilitate ALSCON’s reopening. He emphasized that ongoing consultations and stakeholder…

Meta to Pay $25 Million to Settle 2021 Trump Lawsuit

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Settlement seen as a big victory for the US president as Meta’s Zuckerberg bows to the new administration on a number of fronts. Meta has agreed to pay United States President Donald Trump $25m to settle a lawsuit he filed against the company for suspending his accounts after the US Capitol attack in January 2021.   A Meta spokesman confirmed the settlement, with reports stating that $22m would fund Trump’s presidential library and the remainder going to legal fees and other litigants. The battle dates back to 2021 when Meta’s…

Senator Calls for Immediate MFB Integration to Address Agric Credit Gap

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BREAKING: Senate Approves President Tinubu’s $2.2 Billion Loan Request

Senator Okechukwu Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District, has advocated for the integration of microfinance banks (MFBs) into agricultural and rural credit programs. Speaking at a recent constituency meeting in Nsukka, Enugu State, Senator Ezea emphasized the importance of improved access to rural finance and believes MFBs can play a crucial role in achieving this goal. He highlighted data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showing that MFBs account for the vast majority of bank loans, demonstrating their significant reach and involvement in providing credit. Senator Ezea argued that incorporating…

Borno: Military Pounds Boko Haram Stronghold, Kills Scores

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The Nigerian Air Force, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, conducted a successful airstrike in Borno State, neutralizing an unknown number of Boko Haram terrorists. The precision strikes, which took place around 8 pm on Tuesday, targeted a large gathering of insurgents in Degbewa and Chikide, located within the Gwoza Local Government Area. Intelligence reports indicated the presence of high-profile terrorist leaders, including Ali Ngulde, prompting the air raid on their camps. Military sources suggest the attack resulted in significant casualties for the terrorists, with many killed and others injured. While…

CBN Clears $7bn FX Backlog, Boosting Market Confidence  

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Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced Wednesday that the government has resolved the long-standing $7 billion foreign exchange backlog. Following a forensic audit, verified claims have been settled, paving the way for businesses, multinational corporations, and foreign investors to repatriate funds without hindrance. Cardoso made the announcement at the launch of Nigeria’s Regulatory Policy Framework, hosted by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Abuja. He acknowledged the delays in resolving the backlog, attributing them to past irregularities, and emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the market…

Max Air’s Operations Suspended by NCAA for Three Months After Kano Incident

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The Federal Government, via the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations following a tire burst incident involving one of its Boeing 737-400 aircraft (registration number 5N-MBD) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:51 p.m. The aircraft, carrying 53 passengers, experienced the tire burst upon landing. While all passengers were safely evacuated, the incident caused a temporary grounding of the aircraft and the closure of the runway until approximately 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. This incident marks the third…