Ayo Adebanjo and Edwin Clark, both lawyers and statesmen, deserve to be immortalised The death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, 96, and Chief Edwin Clark, 97, few days apart, has marked not only the end of an era in Nigeria but also that of a generation. The two men, who incidentally were both lawyers, embraced Nigeria as it was meant to be, experienced it as it once was and have regrettably left it as a nightmare that they spent their last days lamenting. Yet, in continuously dreaming new dreams of a prosperous fatherland and pointing younger leaders in the direction of the Nigerian ideal, they kept the hope alive that our country is worth fighting for. That is an enduring legacy that the present and future generations of leaders must embrace. For the duo of Adebanjo and Clark, their patriotism shined through their utterances and actions. Their sense of nation defied...

The ruling All Progressives Congress has called for the long-awaited meetings of the National Caucus and National Executive Committee, which were postponed last year. The meetings will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, Saturday PUNCH exclusively gathered. Earlier scheduled for September 11 and 12 last year in Abuja, the two crucial sessions were called off without any reason. Five months after it was called off, concerns were raised over when the ruling party would hold the NEC meeting. However, a leaked memo from the APC secretariat indicated that the party had secured new dates for the two political gatherings. The memo signed by the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, stated that while the National Caucus meeting would take place at the Presidential Villa banquet hall on February 25, the party’s national secretariat in Abuja would host the NEC the next day. “Distinguished colleagues, kindly circulate the following...

By Daniel Anazia 22 February 2025   |   2:55 am The Music of Black Origin, also known as the MOBO Awards, a prestigious celebration of music’s finest talents, has once again spotlighted the incredible achievements of African artistes on the global stage. Ayra Star The Music of Black Origin, also known as the MOBO Awards, a prestigious celebration of music’s finest talents, has once again spotlighted the incredible achievements of African artistes on the global stage. Held on Wednesday, February 19 in Newcastle, United Kingdom, this year’s spotlight shines brightly on Nigeria’s very own songstress Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe professionally known as Ayra Starr, who made history by taking home not one, but two coveted awards: ‘Best African Music Act’ and ‘Best International Act’. She became the first female to win the Best International Act and the first female to win the Best African Music Act prize in 16...

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue State, Hon Terseer Ugbor, has sent a Save Our Soul message to President Bola Tinubu and nation’s security agencies over the nefarious activities of suspected Fulani herdsmen terrorising his home state. Deji Elumoye reports. A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Terseer Ugbor, has raised the alarm that suspected Fulani herdsmen have taken over 40 percent of the entire land in Benue State with thousands of people displaced. Speaking in Abuja on the recent onslaught on Benue people by the herdsmen, Ugbor, who alleged that no fewer than 13 persons were massacred by the herdsmen on Monday, said their dastardly act has produced more orphans in the state. He called on President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies to intervene before the people are completely wiped out from their ancestral homes. The lawmaker further accused the...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday returned a total sum of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to victims of fraud from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland. Other assets, including vehicles and real estate documents, were also handed over to representatives of these countries in Nigeria for restitution to those affected by fraudulent activities. Speaking at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede urged countries withholding assets and funds recovered from financial and economic criminals to release them for victim restitution. He said, “We are using this opportunity to appeal to those countries holding proceeds of crime recovered on behalf of Nigeria not to continue to sit on those assets because they belong to Nigeria. They should do everything possible to ensure that these assets are repatriated.” Olukoyede emphasised that the event demonstrated the commission’s commitment not just to recovering assets but also to ensuring they are...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total sum of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to American, Spanish, and Swiss victims of local fraudsters. The handover, which was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Olukoyede observed that the event is a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes. He said,”A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy, and a commitment to proving to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes. A commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which, you will agree with me, has become a global crime. “We are here to demonstrate that the...

In recent months, Nigerians have been grappling with rising data prices as telecommunications companies increase their tariffs. This shift has ignited widespread concerns, especially among small business owners who rely on affordable and reliable internet services to sustain their operations. Moreover, the soaring costs are not only affecting everyday consumers but also threatening the livelihoods of entrepreneurs in sectors where digital connectivity is essential for growth. According to the Universal Service Provision Fund, 27.91 million Nigerians currently live in areas underserved or completely unserved by telecom services. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 50 per cent tariff hike after telecommunications operators in the country requested an increase. This decision comes at a time when the sector is struggling with financial challenges due to the devaluation of the naira and rising operational costs. The regulator explained that the decision was made in consideration of ongoing industry reforms aimed at...

Mexico’s president warned the United States on Thursday that her country would never tolerate an “invasion” of its national sovereignty and vowed fresh legal action against US gunmakers after Washington designated cartels as terrorist organisations. The remarks were the latest in a series hitting back at the administration of President Donald Trump, which has ramped up pressure on its southern neighbor to curb illegal flows of drugs and migrants. Mexico is trying to avoid the sweeping 25-percent tariffs threatened by Trump by increasing cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficked by the cartels in his sights. The eight Latin American drug trafficking groups designated as terrorist organizations include Mexican gangs such as the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels — two of the country’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations. But the designation “cannot be an opportunity for the US to invade our sovereignty,” President Claudia Sheinbaum told a news...

• Blames Abacha for leading military cabal opposed to election• Reveals ‘strange’ role played by Justice Minister Akpamgbo, others• ‘I did not support activities of Arthur Nzeribe’s ABN’• CUPP calls for posthumous recognition of Abiola as former president The late Bashorun MKO Abiola once predicted that truth would eventually triumph over falsehood. Thirty-two years later, former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida, has proved him right. Babangida, who annulled the June 12, 1993, presidential election, has admitted that Abiola won convincingly. Reflecting on his controversial decision, Babangida described it as a regrettable chapter orchestrated by a cabal within his administration. “To suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming. I remember saying: ‘These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’ I would later find out that the ‘forces’, led by General Abacha, annulled the elections. There and then, I knew I...

Governor Sani charged them to discharge their duties with utmost diligence and integrity while wishing them Allah’s guidance in their new assignment. The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani has approved the appointment of two new members to serve on the Special Hajj Committee. They are Halliru Abdullahi Maraya and Abdullahi Bayero. While congratulating the new appointees, Governor Sani charged them to discharge their duties with utmost diligence and integrity. He wished them Allah’s guidance in their new assignment. Mallam Abdullahi Maraya is an expert in Islamic Matters. He is a long standing peace advocate and promoter of interfaith dialogues. He was a Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State from 2011 to 2015, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kaduna State on Islamic Matters from 2010 to 2011, and Northern Coordinator, Global Peace Foundation, Nigeria. He is currently a member, National Ulamah, Hajj Committee. He has skills...