TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • Water to become precious commodity in Nigeria – UNICEF

    Water to become precious commodity in Nigeria – UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised an alarm that water could soon become a highly precious commodity in Nigeria.

    UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christiane Munduate, issued the warning during an interview with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday.

    Munduate warned that, if authorities in Nigeria failed to address environmental challenges and combat the effects of climate change, there would be water scarcity across several communities.

    She said that environmental degradation and improper waste management practices were aggravating water scarcity in the country.

    The UNICEF official urged the authorities to enforce existing laws to curb the indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic and polythene materials, which were harming the environment.

    “In Nigeria, water will become the most precious commodity or product in the future.

    “This will surpass the current value of solid minerals, oil and gas resources,” she warned.

    Munduate, who was on a working visit to the North West, also expressed concerns about the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes.

    She stated that the practice was worsening the effects of climate change

    She called on governments at all levels to prioritise the provision of clean water, emphasising its role in preventing diseases and improving public health.

  • Church member I accommodated defiled my daughter – Witness

    Church member I accommodated defiled my daughter – Witness

    A man (name withheld) on Thursday narrated before an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court how a man, Blessing Adetula, allegedly defiled his nine-year-old daughter.

    Adetula is standing trial on a count charge of sexual assault by penetration.

    At the resumed hearing, the witness was led in evidence by the state counsel, Mr Babajide Boye.

    He told the court that the defendant was his church member who he accommodated in his house.

    “I know him from church.

    “I accommodated him in my house because the work he was doing was close to my house.

    “He could not go to work every day from his own house,” the witness said.

    The witness said that his daughter was nine at the time of the incident, adding that he has three children, two boys and a girl.

    He revealed that the alleged incident happened on his wife’s birthday.

    The witness said: “I was at work but my wife was at home because it was her birthday.

    “My wife left home very early to Ikotun market to get something, before she came back, something happened.

    My wife overheard my daughter telling one of her brothers to tell their mother what happened.

    “My daughter later confessed to her mother that Adetula inserted his manhood into her vagina.”

    The witness told the court that he instructed his wife to report the case to the police

    “The police took my daughter to Mirabel Medical Centre in Ikeja and ran some tests on her,” he said.

    Justice Rahman Oshodi, after listening to the witness, adjourned the case until March 12 for cross-examination.

    The prosecution alleged that the defendant committed the offence on March 8, 2020, at Raji Street, at Egbe Ikotun, Lagos.

    According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravene Section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

  • Donald Trump, wife marks 20 years of marriage, share emotional messages

    Donald Trump, wife marks 20 years of marriage, share emotional messages

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Wife Melania Trump have celebrated their 20 years of marriage with heartfelt messages for each other.

    It is a double celebration this week for the first couple as Trump assumed the Presidency of the United States for the second time on Monday and now celebrates his 20th wedding anniversary with Melania.

    The POTUS celebrates his wife with an emotional message on his Instagram page, sharing a throwback picture of their wedding, which took place on Jan. 22, 2005.

    The image has so far garnered more than one million ‘likes’ and a series of comments from fans and supporters congratulating the presidential couple.

    He wrote: “Celebrating 20 years with my beautiful wife and our incredible First Lady, Melania.

    “You’re an extraordinary wife and a wonderful mother. Happy Anniversary, @FLOTUS!”

    On her part, the First Lady also shared a touching message in a video on her X page, reflecting on their marital journey together in the past two decades.

    Melania said: “There was an undeniable spark. There was something magnetic about him— his confidence, his charm, his humour, his vision.”

    She went on to describe their 2005 wedding as a “beautiful affair” that featured her breathtaking Dior gown.

    She added, “It was truly a day to remember.”

    Trump and Melania’s love story began in 1998 when they first crossed paths at a party in New York City, as Melania was an aspiring model, and Trump was a business mogul.

    Despite their 24-year age gap, they quickly formed a connection, and their bond has endured through decades of personal and professional challenges.

    Their wedding in January 2005 was a grand event attended by celebrities, politicians, and business elites.

    Melania’s custom-designed Christian Dior gown, adorned with 1,500 crystals, became the highlight of the ceremony, cementing her place as a fashion icon.

    The couple has one son together, Barron Trump.

  • Nigerian youths epitomize resilience, innovation – First Lady

    Nigerian youths epitomize resilience, innovation – First Lady

    ABUJA – THE First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has described Nigerian youths as an epitome of resilience, innovation and indomitable spirit the world admires.

    This is because the President’s wife has commissioned the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Digital Museum of Dynamic History and Television Studio.

    Speaking while commissioning the facilities which are within the NYSC directorate headquarters, Mrs Tinubu said it was a visionary step towards preserving the extraordinary legacy of the NYSC scheme in its over fifty (50) years of existence and the significant roles it has played in the history of the nation.

    The First Lady in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, was quoted as saying: “This event highlights the significant contributions of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973, particularly its pivotal role in fostering patriotism, promoting national unity and service among Nigerian youth.

    “The NYSC scheme, in its over 50 years of existence has played significant roles in the history of our beloved nation, serving as a platform for national development, integration and bridging gaps between youth potentials and community needs.”

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended the Nigerian youths, who she said are admired the world over.

    According to her: “The Nigerian youths embody an indomitable spirit that the world admires; a spirit of resilience, innovation, and boundless energy.

    “This selfless and enduring commitment to the nation is perfectly captured in the words of the NYSC Anthem: “Under the sun or in the rain, with dedication and selflessness.” Whether facing challenges or opportunities, Nigerian youth rise with unshakable determination, proving that their strength lies in unity and promise of a brighter tomorrow for our nation. I celebrate you all.”

    She noted that the digital museum which showcases not only the innovativeness and creativity of the Nigeria youth but also the various historical landmarks of the scheme, would serve as a tool for civic education and inculcation of national values.

    “This digital museum, represents the various interventions of NYSC members, who through their selfless service, have left indelible marks across diverse sectors; pioneering innovations in science and technology, advancing agricultural development, improving healthcare delivery, championing human rights, and community service.”

    “By embracing technology in this initiative, the NYSC has aligned itself with global best practices, ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the scheme are accessible to all.”

    She said it would also serve as a reminder of the immense potential and possibilities that lie within the Nigerian youth who are united in purpose and enriched by Nigeria’s diversity.

    “History is at the cornerstone of our national development. When we study the past, we can better understand the present and forge new paths for the future”.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande applauded the First Lady for her various contributions to youth development in the nation especially through her Initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI.

    He described the Nigerian youth as committed and hardworking adding that the youth should carry on the legacy of the NYSC and do researches to further promote the facility and indeed national development.

    The Minister explained that the facilities were built with determination of the NYSC leadership adding that the edifice showcased that the scheme has moved forward, aligning with global trends.

    The Director General of the NYSC Brig. Gen YD Ahmed said that the Museum and TV studio are not merely a repository of artifacts but a dynamic chronicle of Nigeria shared history, values, and aspirations as a nation.

    He said the NYSC museum is intended to show the rich legacy of the scheme and the nation Nigeria.

  • Ogun CUPP accuses Gov Abiodun of nepotism in appointments

    Ogun CUPP accuses Gov Abiodun of nepotism in appointments

    …..petitions President Tinubu, raises alarm over alleged threats by Ogun gov

    ….they are illegal, irritant body, trades on propaganda, blackmail – Oladunjoye

    By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

    The Ogun State chapter of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has accused the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government in the State of nepotism, saying that he favours only Ogun East in key appointments.

    The State Chairman of CUPP, Otunba Femi Sholuade stated this at a press conference in Abeokuta, stressing that indigenes of the Ogun East Senatorial District were given key positions in his government, at the expense of Ogun Central and Ogun West Senatorial Districts.

    It also condemned the appointment of an Ondo State indigene as the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Media, describing it as an affront to Ogun State professionals.

    The group said it has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the Governor Abiodun, Secretary to the State Government, and Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade of orchestrating threats against its executive members.

    The CUPP claimed that its demand for transparency in the State government’s housing projects had sparked intimidation tactics, including calls for its members to appear before the Department of State Services (DSS) under conflicting pretenses.

    Recall that the CUPP had given the state government a seven-day ultimatum to disclose the beneficiaries of its housing scheme and contracts since it’s inception.

    The coalition had pointed to alleged irregularities in the state’s housing project awards, which it claims were executed without open bidding or adherence to due process.

    It also demanded the Ogun State government release information about these projects under the Freedom of Information Act.

    Sholuade, alongside the Secretary, Engr. Samson Okusanya, highlighted the imminent threats against members including Alhaji Moshood Adesina, Comrade Ashade Michael, and Chief Sola Coker.

    “We have been trailed by vehicles with covered plates and intimidated by road union leaders, allegedly loyal to the governor. These developments point to an orchestrated effort to silence our voices,” the statement reads.

    “The lives of CUPP members, including myself, Engr. Samson Okusanya, Alhaji Moshood Adesina, Comrade Ashade Michael, and Chief Sola Coker, are under imminent threat due to our demand for transparency and accountability in the Ogun State government’s housing projects.

    “These projects, awarded to construction companies without open bidding and due process, have raised concerns about governance and the misuse of state resources.

    “These threats have escalated to include intimidation by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State.

    “On January 20, 2025, a DSS officer by the name of Emmanuel Abua called Alhaji Moshood Adesina, informing him that all CUPP officers must report on January 24, 2025, for a routine interaction with the Ogun State DSS Director.

    However, on January 21, 2025, another DSS official, Kunle Dealer, contacted me, as the State Chairman of CUPP, directing all CUPP officers involved in a recent press conference to report to the DSS office, based on a petition from the Ogun State government”.

    “The conflicting messages from the same organization raise suspicions that Governor Dapo Abiodun is targeting us with the intention to harm our lives and those of our families”.

    “We now live in constant fear of potential assassination, especially given the involvement of powerful and ruthless road union leaders loyal to the Governor, who are capable of carrying out violent orders.”

    “Instead of addressing these issues, the governor has chosen to target us through threats and harassment,” the coalition added.

    It warned that any harm to its members would be attributed directly to Governor Abiodun and his administration.

    CUPP called on President Tinubu to intervene urgently, emphasizing its resolve to uphold transparency despite the alleged witch-hunt.

    Reacting to the allegations, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tunde Oladunjoye described the CUPP as attention seekers, who are not known to media in the State.

    He said, the CUPP in the State remains an illegal, irritant body that trades on propaganda, blackmail.

    Oladunjoye in a statement stated that “the integral principle of natural justice resides in the maxim: “He who calls for equity must come with clean hands”.

    “The case of so-called Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in Ogun State is pathetic, as it is laughable; it is a confirmation of a group’s agitation spurred by pecuniary gains”.

    “For clarity, CUPP is simply the union of deregistered political parties in Ogun State, who were sent out of the political space by the electoral umpire as a result of their redundancy, unpopularity, inaction and rejection in the political environment”.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) considered this group of political jobbers as dangerous parasites in the political climate, hence, their ignominious exit from political environment to entrench sanity in the system”.

    “The recent virtuperations of the illegal association called CUPP in Ogun State about Governor Dapo Abiodun and other senior officials in his government is practically an aberration, considering the antecedents of those individuals that constitute the illegal group”.

    “Without mincing words, the society must be very wary of these individuals who are perpetually jobless as well as covetous; they are serious threat to decency and seriousness in the political arena”.

    “These individuals need to be educated that Prince Dapo Abiodun is beyond a personality that can be blackmailed into submission; thinking the Governor can be emasculated to dole out cash to help their terrible economic conditions”.

    “As far as Ogun State and the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun is concerned, the State is geometrically on the path of development and sustained growth with remarkable projects of indelible legacies”.

    “On a final note, the crop of elements in CUPP must immediately refrain from their illegal activities and get engaged in productive activities rather than their present nude dance at the market square”.

  • ‘Blatantly unconstitutional’ – Judge blocks Trump’s order on birthright citizenship

    ‘Blatantly unconstitutional’ – Judge blocks Trump’s order on birthright citizenship

    A United States of America, USA, judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s order to change birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the Constitution.

    Read Also: What Nigerians should know about Trump’s order on American birthright citizenship

    The judge says the order, which was slated to take effect on 19 January, was “blatantly unconstitutional”.

    The order

    Among the executive orders President Donald Trump signed just hours after taking office as the 47th President of the United States of America, USA, was the one directing government agencies to stop issuing citizenship documentation for babies born in the US to parents without legal status.

    Immigration advocacy groups have already gone to court. It is expected that more lawsuits will follow, given the controversial nature of the orders.

    The order is titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship”.

    ‘Blatantly unconstitutional’

    In Seattle, today, according to BBC, things did not go well for Trump’s lawyers during the brief hearing in Seattle.

    Four states asked a judge to immediately block Trump’s attempt to deny the right to birthright citizenship to children born to undocumented migrants and people in the US temporarily.

    Just as Justice Department lawyer, Brett Shumate, began his arguments on the validity of the order, Judge John Coughenour cut in, asking him point blank: “Is this order constitutional?”

    The judge again interrupted as Shumate began to respond, saying: “This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.

    “We look back in history and say ‘where were the judges, where were the lawyers?’”, the judge continued.

    “Frankly, I have difficulty finding that a member of the bar can state confidently that this is a constitutional order.”

    The “bar” refers to the American legal professional institution.

    In Seattle, lawyers for the four states are now speaking to the press about the temporary block of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.

    “This was fairly obvious. This was simple,” says Nicholas Brown the attorney general of Washington, speaking about the judge’s decision.

    He says the nationwide block is just the first step, but predicts that it won’t be overturned by another court.

    We are waiting to hear what the Trump administration’s next legal move will be.

  • NNPCL disobeys court order on cluster establishment, says Rivers community

    NNPCL disobeys court order on cluster establishment, says Rivers community

    The Bukuma community in Rivers has decried the alleged refusal of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporations Limited’s (NNPCL) to implement a 2021 court judgement on cluster issue.

    The Paramount Ruler of Bukuma, King Precious Elekima, made this known during an interview with Newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    Bukuma, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers is hosting an oil and gas field, housing 10 oil wells.

    The oil field was operated by Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC) before Eroton Exploration and Protection Limited took it over but later handed it over to NNPCL.

    Elekima explained that the cluster arrangement began in 2007 as a resolution mechanism for communal clashes in the area.

    “The government and oil companies operating in the area established clusters to address disputes between the warring communities at the time,” he said.

    ‘’However, Bukuma, the hosting the oil and gas field, was grouped with 16 other communities in the cluster.’’

    Elekima alleged that the 16 communities which, he described, as having no valid take in the cluster, bound together to deny Bukuma the benefits it deserved as the host community.

    “As a result, the Bukuma people decided to demand their own cluster from Eroton.

    “Our community, hosting the oil wellhead and being the most impacted by oil extraction, deserved its own cluster, but Eroton refused,” he stated.

    The traditional ruler said that after their request was ignored, the community sought legal redress, and tho court ruled in their favour, mandating the establishment of a cluster for Bukuma.

    He said that Eroton did not implement the judgement before NNPCL took over and created NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited (NEOL) to oversee the operations of the wells.

    “The community met with NNPCL to implement the court order, but the company refused to comply and has remained adamant till this day,” Elekima said.

    He urged NNPCL not to be engaging with individuals in the community to give the false impression that it had reconciled with Bukuma.

    The paramount ruler urged the government to hold NNPC accountable for not allowing the host community to receive its deserved cluster.

    “We are being exploited, perhaps because the Bukuma people are a minority group with no influential figures in government or society.

    “This neglect has left the community grossly underdeveloped, even though it hosts a major oil field in the Niger Delta that generates significant revenue for the country,” he lamented.

    Elekima said that the recent explosion at the wellhead 008, which spilled crude oil into the community, has worsened living conditions in Bukuma.

    He reiterated the community’s support of the investigation into the fire incident and expressed confidence that it would identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    “Bukuma people support the investigation because we are peaceful and law-abiding and do not engage in sabotage.

    “We do not dispute NNPCL’s claim that vandals destroyed its wellhead, and we fully support investigations into the fire incident.

    “The community sympathises with NNPCL over the incident and assures that we will never encourage any form of illegal bunkering or vandalism of oil facilities,” he stated.

    He underscored the importance of the damaged wellhead, describing it as one of the largest oil wells contributing to Federal Government revenue for national development.

    “We have always stood with the Federal Government in its fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and vandalism.

    “Therefore, we should not be held responsible for the destruction of the facility,” he added.

    The paramount ruler welcomed the involvement of Tantita Security Services, an independent security outfit, in the investigation, but he cautioned NNPCL to be vigilant during the process.

    “NNPC should be cautious in investigation, not to allow any individual to exploit the situation to advance personal interests related to chieftaincy, kingship, or land disputes.

    “The company should ensure that such individuals do not take advantage of the situation to frame innocent people,” he cautioned.

  • All exams in Nigeria ’ll be 100% CBT by 2027 – Minister

    All exams in Nigeria ’ll be 100% CBT by 2027 – Minister

    The Federal Government has a 2027 target for transitioning its examination system to 100 per cent computer-based testing (CBT).

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.

    Alausa said that the committee was tasked with the responsibility of addressing key challenges in the education sector, standardise examination practices and ensure fairness and quality.

    He emphasised government’s commitment to tackling widespread examination malpractices and enhancing the overall quality of the nation’s educational assessments.

    According to him, tackling examination leakages requires a holistic approach, as students are not the only culprits in examination malpractices.

    The minister said that parents also contributed to examination malpractices by encouraging their wards.

    He added that teachers, school principals as well as those supervising the examinations were also culpable in the rising examination malpractices in the country.

    “So, we’re planning that by 2027, all our exams will be computer-based. We will work so hard to ensure that that happens. We have to use technology to help our endeavour.

    “The committee will also be working with local swapping of candidates.

    There are multiple participants in exam practices. From the student to parents, teachers, principals, to even people regulating and supervising exam conduct.

    “During this change, a lot of areas of compromises will happen. There will be people investigating and regulating the exams,” he said.

    Alausa outlined several goals which the committee was set up to achieve, including eliminating examination leakages, addressing identity theft in examinations and improving examination supervision.

    He stressed the importance of transitioning to computer-based examinations by 2027 and combating local swapping of candidates during examinations.

    According to him, this will be made possible through government’s substantial funding of education under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, with a strong focus on human capital development.

    The minister also announced that examination certificates would now feature three key identifiers: national identification numbers, candidates’ photos and birthdates to ensure the authenticity of results.

    He described examination malpractice as a growing threat, warning that allowing it to persist would undermine the efforts of diligent students striving to improve themselves.

    “I’ve mandated all the registrars of our examination bodies, such as WAEC, NECO and NAPTEB that by their next examinations scheduled for May, June and July, there will be three identifiers on the certificates they issue.

    “These identifiers will be the national identification number of the candidates, picture of the candidate on the certificates and their date of birth.

    “By having these three identifiers, we will ensure almost 100 per cent certainty in identifying candidates,” he stated.

    Responding, Chairman of the committee, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, thanked the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee in carrying out the national assignment.

    Oloyede, who is the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), pledged to carry out the assignment dutifully and promptly.

  • PDP’s NWC hails Fubara’s doggedness, declare him leader of party in Rivers

    PDP’s NWC hails Fubara’s doggedness, declare him leader of party in Rivers

    The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has hailed the doggedness of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in the face of the political crisis in the state, declaring him leader of the past in the state.

    The NWC also commended Fubara for committing to restoring stability in the ruling party in Rivers State against forces of destabilisation.

    The NWC had visited Gov. Fubara, Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, as part of the consultative meetings NWC is holding with party leaders and governors elected on the party’s platform to exchange ideas and explore ways to reposition the party.

    Speaking after a closed-door meeting of the governor and the PDP National Working Committee in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday night, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer of the PDP, affirmed the party’s satisfaction with Gov. Fubara as leader of Rivers PDP.

    Mohammed Yayari said, “There was a court ruling that dissolved the purported party congresses held in the state (Rivers), and other leaders were appointed to pioneer affairs of the party.

    “We came to appreciate the doggedness of the governor in ensuring that the PDP is becoming more stabilised and focused in Rivers State.”

    Mohammed disclosed that before the visit, they had earlier visited the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; and Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri.

    He said the reason for the visits was to assure Nigerians that the PDP is coming together and is set on ensuring that in 2027, the PDP takes over governance in Nigeria, not only at the federal level but also capturing more states.

    The National Treasurer further explained that another aspect of the visit is to inform Nigerians about the recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated Sir Ude Okoye as the National Secretary of the party, adding that they were also visiting these governors to assure them that the majority of the members of the NWC support Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.

    He said, “We will continue to work with him and also request the support and backing of the governors. As you are aware, up to this moment, no court has set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal.

    “This case does not have any stay of execution or similar orders, so members of the NWC are in agreement to work alongside the current National Secretary of the party to ensure that the PDP becomes more transformed and prepared across the board. Come May 2027, PDP will bounce back.”

  • UK tech minister expresses concern over TikTok

    UK tech minister expresses concern over TikTok

    Britain’s technology minister is “genuinely concerned” about how Chinese-owned TikTok could use the data of millions of Britons, according to an interview with The Guardian newspaper published Thursday.

    The UK, unlike the United States, has stopped short of calling for a ban on the social media platform, as concerns rise over how the app could be exploited by the Chinese government.

    “I am genuinely concerned about the ownership model of TikTok,” Peter Kyle said.

    “I’m genuinely concerned about their use of data, linked to the ownership model.”

    He nevertheless called TikTok a “desirable product”, adding that “young people should be free to explore all sorts of cultures and ideologies”.

    A TikTok ban law has been passed in the United States owing to concerns that the Chinese government could use the social media app to spy on Americans or covertly influence US public opinion through data collection and content manipulation.

    The United States gave TikTok’s Chinese parent ByteDance the choice to sell the platform or face a ban. The deadline for this has been extended by 75 days by new president Donald Trump.

    Responding to The Guardian interview, a TikTok spokesperson told AFP:

    “In the UK, TikTok is provided by a UK registered company, subject to UK laws and regulated by UK regulators.”

    “Our parent company is majority-owned by international investors, predominantly from the US.”

    TikTok insisted that the Chinese government has no stake in ByteDance.

    The company also said it has invested £10 billion ($12 billion) to set up a data security programme in the UK and mainland Europe.