President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Infrastructure Development with Abuja Road Commissioning Abuja, June 3, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s strong commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that enhances the lives of Nigerians, as he commissioned the newly constructed Arterial Road N5 in Abuja. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President described the project—linking Life Camp Junction to Ring Road 3—as a symbol of “progress, connectivity, and renewed hope.” “This project is more than just a road. It is a clear demonstration of our administration’s resolve to modernize infrastructure and promote economic growth,” Tinubu said. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, provided further context, explaining that the commissioned segment represents Phase 1 of the road, stretching to Dape District. He affirmed that Phase 2, extending to the airport road, will be completed before year-end. Addressing compensation issues, Wike emphasized the administration’s inclusive policy. “Whether indigene or not, any resident whose property was affected has been compensated,” he said. He commended Julius Berger Plc for the project’s timely execution, adding that the result is proof of increased contractor confidence under Tinubu’s leadership. Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, explained that Arterial Road N5 is a six-lane dual carriageway with additional lanes for parking, making it an eight-lane corridor complete with modern engineering infrastructure—culverts, walkways, streetlights, drainage, telecom ducts, and more. He said the road cuts through major districts including Wuse, Utako, Jabi, Gwarimpa, Dape, and Idu, and is expected to boost mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and spur socio-economic growth across Abuja’s Phase 3 axis. The President and FCT authorities urged citizens to protect and utilize the infrastructure responsibly as the government continues to invest in transformative projects nationwide.

North Carolina Governor Declares June 14 ‘Igbo Day’ to Celebrate Nigerian Heritage RALEIGH, NC — In a landmark move recognizing the contributions of Nigerian immigrants, Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has officially proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” across the state. The proclamation honors the Igbo community, a major ethnic group from southeastern Nigeria, for its deep-rooted presence and impact on North Carolina’s social, cultural, and economic life. Governor Stein praised the community’s commitment to education, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and cultural preservation, noting that many Igbos have called North Carolina home for over five decades. He described them as thriving professionals and selfless volunteers involved in everything from food pantry drives and school programs to shelter support and highway cleanups. “The Igbos have contributed immensely to our economy, culture, and public life,” Stein stated, “and through their unity, resilience, and vibrant traditions, they have enriched communities across our state.” The proclamation also highlighted the creation of the Igbo Day Festival Organisation, a nonprofit founded in 2022 to educate the public and unite Igbo families through art, music, language, and traditional values. The organization hosted its inaugural festival on July 10, 2022, and has since been instrumental in fostering cultural pride and youth engagement. Governor Stein emphasized that “Igbo Day” is not just a cultural celebration, but also a moment to recognize the shared values of unity, purpose, and civic pride that the Igbo people bring to North Carolina. “Their vision is to be a thriving community that honors the heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria while serving as a beacon of cultural pride,” the proclamation reads. With this declaration, North Carolina joins a growing list of U.S. states acknowledging the vital role of African diasporic communities in shaping America’s diverse identity.

Air Peace Chairman Decries ‘Targeted Campaign’, Announces Heathrow Slot Lagos, Nigeria – Chairman of Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has condemned what he describes as a “targeted campaign” aimed at discrediting the airline, urging Nigerians to reject the growing culture of “pull-him-down syndrome.” His remarks come amid a public spat between Air Peace and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, following a reported check-in dispute at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Although Onyema did not name Oshiomhole directly, he called for appreciation of the airline’s contributions despite ongoing challenges. “Air Peace has spent several billions on rescuing this country… We demand to be applauded,” Onyema said during a press briefing at the airline’s Lagos headquarters. He emphasized the importance of supporting indigenous businesses, warning that sabotaging them could worsen unemployment and insecurity. “If you destroy any indigenous business… you do not know where the next suicide bomber, the next armed robber, the next kidnapper will come from,” he warned. Onyema also announced a major milestone for the airline: Air Peace has secured slots at London’s Heathrow Airport, with direct Abuja-Heathrow flights set to begin on October 26. He credited the British authorities, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and President Bola Tinubu for supporting the airline’s expansion. “Internationally, Air Peace has represented this country well and proudly,” Onyema said. He added that the airline also received a seven-day-a-week approval for Gatwick Airport operations. Meanwhile, Air Peace management clarified the recent airport controversy, stating that Senator Oshiomhole missed his flight due to failure to check in online, not due to any operational failure by the airline.

Brian Mills must rely on his skills as a former CIA operative to rescue his teenage daughter and her friend who have been abducted by human traffickers for sexual slavery while on a trip to Paris. #fobami #nigeria #nigerians #post #trending

Tinubu, Kalu Praised for Expanding Tertiary Education Access for Igbo Youth President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, have been lauded for significantly expanding access to tertiary education for young people in Nigeria’s South-East region. The commendation came from Rep. Sam Onuigbo, a member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and former federal lawmaker, following the signing of three key bills establishing federal tertiary institutions in the region. President Tinubu recently signed into law: The bill establishing the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Abia State The Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State The Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State Two of the bills were sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu, who also advocated strongly for the establishment of the third. Onuigbo hailed the President’s swift assent and Kalu’s legislative foresight, describing the move as a transformative milestone for educational and economic growth in the South-East. “Mr. President, by this act, you have once again demonstrated your administration’s commitment to inclusive development, nation-building, and the empowerment of our youth through education,” Onuigbo said. He praised Kalu’s “visionary leadership” and strategic collaboration with the presidency, which he said paved the way for increased access to quality education and better socioeconomic outcomes for generations to come. Onuigbo, who also sponsored the Climate Change Act 2021, emphasized the broader impact of the new institutions, noting that increased educational access would prepare more Nigerians to tackle national challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and technological adaptation. “These new institutions will not only expand access to education but also stimulate local economies in Abia and Imo States,” he said. He concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of the South-East, stating that equality in educational opportunities is key to ensuring Nigeria’s future greatness. #Tinubu #BenjaminKalu #SouthEastNigeria #TertiaryEducation #AbiaState #ImoState #FederalUniversity #EducationReform #YouthEmpowerment #InclusiveDevelopment #NigeriaEducation #ClimateChange #SamOnuigbo #FederalCollegeOfEducation #Okigwe #Bende

Why Oil Companies Are Leaving Nigeria – PENGASSAN The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that worsening insecurity, especially in Nigeria’s oil-producing waterways, is the main reason multinational oil companies are divesting from the country — despite newly introduced cost-saving incentives by the Federal Government. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the root cause of high production costs in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is insecurity, not inefficiency. He stated that the Upstream Petroleum Operations Cost Efficiency Incentives Order 2025, recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, though commendable, fails to address the real barriers to oil sector growth. “The majority of international oil and gas companies started leaving Nigeria principally because of insecurity. The cost of securing facilities and infrastructure became prohibitive,” Osifo stated. He noted that Nigeria’s security demands are far greater than other African countries like Mozambique, Angola, Ghana, and Congo, which are increasingly seen as safer and more cost-effective destinations for energy investment. Heavy Security Burden on Oil Firms Osifo criticised the current model where oil companies are forced to finance their own protection. “One offshore installation requires three to four security vessels manned by naval personnel – paid for by the companies daily. That cost runs into hundreds of millions of dollars annually,” he said. He urged the Nigerian government to take full responsibility for securing oil installations, arguing that this is a core government function, not a private burden. Fuel Pricing Transparency and Exploitation Osifo also raised questions about fuel pricing, saying that Nigerians were exploited when crude prices dropped globally from $80 to $60 per barrel, yet petrol remained at ₦900 per litre. “We should have been buying petrol at ₦700–₦750 per litre. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) must ensure Nigerians are not exploited,” he said. Call for NLNG-Style Refinery Model PENGASSAN recommended adopting the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) model to run the country’s ailing refineries. This would involve the government holding minority stakes, while experienced private sector players — including international oil firms — take majority control. “The NLNG structure works. If we adopt this for our refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt refinery, we can remove political interference and boost performance,” he said. Local Content and Democracy Day Message Osifo also disclosed a new agreement with Sterling Oil Company to promote local content and limit expatriate dominance, ensuring that Nigerians are trained to take over jobs in the oil sector. As Nigeria marked Democracy Day, Osifo reminded the federal government that the true legacy of June 12 is good governance and improved welfare for the citizens. “Democracy should bring food, healthcare, education, and jobs. After 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, we should not still be struggling with basic needs,” he concluded. #PENGASSAN #OilCompaniesExit #NigeriaOilSector #InsecurityCrisis #PetrolPricing #PortHarcourtRefinery #NLNGModel #LocalContent #DemocracyDay #FestusOsifo #UpstreamIncentives #NMDPRA #FuelSubsidy #NigeriaEnergyReform

Emefiele Gets ₦2 Billion Bail Over Alleged Illegal Acquisition of 753-Unit Estate Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been granted ₦2 billion bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, following his arraignment on eight criminal charges relating to alleged unlawful acquisition of property and control of illicit funds. The charges, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), center on a 753-unit housing estate allegedly acquired at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. Emefiele was also accused of using proxy accounts to manage and conceal funds suspected to be proceeds of crime. The case, marked CR/350/25, implicates Emefiele and an alleged accomplice, Eric Ocheme, said to be at large. Defence, Prosecution Clash on Procedure At the opening of proceedings, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed the court of the arraignment. However, defence lawyer Matthew Bukka (SAN) challenged the court’s jurisdiction, insisting the charges were not directly linked to Emefiele. Justice Yusuf Halilu, however, ruled that the defendant must first enter a plea before other applications could be entertained. Emefiele pleaded not guilty to all eight counts. Court Grants Bail Under Strict Conditions While the EFCC did not oppose bail, it urged the court to impose stricter terms due to the severity of the allegations. Bukka argued for leniency, citing Emefiele’s previous compliance with bail conditions in other ongoing criminal cases. In his ruling, Justice Halilu emphasized the presumption of innocence, granting bail with the following conditions: Two sureties who must reside in Abuja Each surety must own landed properties valued at ₦2 billion in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, or Life Camp Emefiele must submit his travel documents In the event of a bail jump, the properties will be forfeited to the federal government EFCC’s Objection Overruled Bukka requested Emefiele’s release to his legal team pending bail perfection. Oyedepo objected, calling it an attempt to sidestep the bail terms. However, Justice Halilu granted the request, warning that if the conditions weren’t met by Wednesday, Emefiele would be remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned to July 11, 2025, for further hearing. #Emefiele #EFCC #NigeriaCourt #CBNGovernor #FraudTrial #753Estate #Lokogoma #BailConditions #RotimiOyedepo #MatthewBukka #AntiCorruption #JusticeHalilu

VDM flew to Benue before the Nigeria Government especially the President. The Pope spoke about Benue before Tinubu. How can 200 human beings be slaughtered and burnt to death in Benue- and the Pope who lives in Rome spoke about the victims before the president of Nigeria? Imaging 200 killed for nothing 😱 What kind of a lunatic leadership is this???

2 Nigerians, 3 Others Arrested With Cocaine, MDMA in Golconda, India Five individuals — including two Nigerian nationals — were arrested by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) in a drug bust operation on Friday in Golconda, India. The suspects were identified as Okoro Cosmos Ramsey, Chimezie Boniface Adikea (both Nigerians), and Veerapalli Lakshmipathi, Romi Bharat Kalyani, and Abdul Jafar Khan. Authorities recovered 20 grams of cocaine, 45 grams of MDMA, and 20 grams of ecstasy during simultaneous raids conducted at two residences. According to police, the five accused had previously met while serving time in Chanchalguda jail, where they were lodged in the same barracks. After their release, Ramsey relocated to Vinayak Nagar in Golconda and was later joined by Adikea. Together, they began sourcing drugs from a Mumbai-based supplier named James, then distributing them to local dealers including Lakshmipathi. “Lakshmipathi was in Bangalore when he got a call from Cosmos about the availability of drugs. He alerted his associates in Hyderabad to collect the consignment before his return,” an official stated. The arrests were made following a tip-off about the group’s presence in Golconda, prompting a swift operation by narcotics officers. All five suspects are now in custody and face prosecution under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. #DrugBust #Golconda #IndiaNarcotics #Cocaine #MDMA #NigeriansInIndia #TGANB #CrimeNews #NDPSAct

UFC: Kamaru Usman Defeats Joaquin Buckley in Triumphant Comeback Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, made a resounding return to the Octagon after a 20-month hiatus, securing a unanimous decision victory over rising contender Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta. The 38-year-old Nigerian-American, nicknamed the Nigerian Nightmare, showed flashes of his championship pedigree despite a challenging few years marked by back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev, as well as multiple meniscus surgeries. Usman’s experience, tactical grappling, and improved striking helped him neutralize the explosive Buckley, who had been on a hot streak coming into the fight. A Star-Studded Return The comeback was witnessed by several big names, including Afrobeats superstar Davido and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who also walked Usman out during the ceremonial weigh-ins. Legendary boxer Evander Holyfield was also backstage, adding to the high-profile atmosphere of the event. Usman’s return not only reaffirms his relevance in the stacked welterweight division but also puts him back in the conversation for a potential title eliminator. #UFCAtlanta #KamaruUsman #NigerianNightmare #UFC #MMA #JoaquinBuckley #FrancisNgannou #Davido #EvanderHolyfield #UsmanReturns

Hardship Bites: MultiChoice Nigeria Revenue Drops 44% Amid Subscriber Exodus Amid Nigeria’s worsening economic climate, MultiChoice Nigeria has reported a steep 44% decline in subscription revenue, falling from $355.93 million in the previous fiscal year to $197.74 million for the year ending March 2025. The collapse, linked to rising inflation and currency instability, reflects broader consumer hardship that has prompted a mass exodus of subscribers. According to the pay-TV giant’s latest financial report, 1.4 million Nigerian subscribers dropped off since March 2023, making up 77% of the total 1.8 million lost in MultiChoice’s Rest of Africa (RoA) segment — which spans key markets like Kenya, Zambia, and Angola. “High inflation has added pressure on consumers, driving sizeable customer losses in Nigeria,” the company stated. Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at 23.71% in April 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Between April and September 2024 alone, MultiChoice Nigeria shed 243,000 subscribers, as consumer spending power deteriorated sharply. At the group level, MultiChoice closed the fiscal year with 14.5 million subscribers, including 7.5 million in the RoA. The company also reported foreign exchange losses of $158.19 million, due to a 44% depreciation of the naira, which significantly impacted remittances and revenue conversion. Only $133 million was repatriated from Nigeria during the period at an average exchange rate of ₦1,589/$, compared to $184 million at ₦1,044/$ in the previous year. “Nigeria’s economic challenges had a significant impact on our Rest of Africa operations,” said Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice Group, adding that the RoA segment’s subscription revenue also fell by 23% to $779.66 million. Group-wide, total subscription revenue dropped by 11% year-on-year to $2.27 billion, while overall revenue fell by 9% to $2.87 billion. Operating profit dropped 34% to $263.50 million, and trading profit nearly halved to $228.14 million. Despite challenges in its traditional pay-TV business, MultiChoice reported strong growth in digital and streaming operations: DStv Internet revenue surged 85% KingMakers (sports betting platform) grew 76% (constant currency) DStv Stream rose 48% Showmax recorded a 44% increase in active paying customers “Our strategy continues to evolve with shifts in technology, increased piracy, and changing consumer behavior,” Mawela said. “While macroeconomic conditions remain tough, we are focused on innovation, cost management, and building long-term digital growth.”