Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has congratulated the Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze on his 43rd birthday tomorrow, August 22, 2025. In a statement on Thursday, the Deputy Speaker said that Eze who is also the founder and convener of New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD) a remarkable online digital prayer platform has through it propagated the Gospel of Jesus Christ, touched countless lives, bringing hope, healing, and spiritual renewal to individuals worldwide. Kalu said that Pastor Eze’s dedication to spreading the gospel and empowering…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. In a notice issued by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public to provide any information that could lead to Haske’s arrest. “The public is hereby notified that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement reads. The notice said Haske, a 38-year-old man, was last known to reside at…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of a possible nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour longstanding agreements on the revitalisation and proper funding of Nigeria’s public universities. Speaking during a press conference at the University of Jos on Thursday, ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said lecturers have endured over two years of broken promises and delay tactics by the government. Piwuna listed unresolved issues to include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, outstanding salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers. “The general public should also note that ASUU has written…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will support those who support President Bola Tinubu, urging residents to “support those that the government will listen to.” Wike made the statement while commending former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda, and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, during the flag-off of Lot 2 of Water Supply Projects in Karu, on Thursday. The minister hailed both men for their capacity and for bringing development to the people, while promising the construction of a 2km road in Karu site, on the request of…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku on his milestone 50th birthday. In a statement, the Deputy Speaker said that Ogbuku’s leadership at NDDC has been truly remarkable. He noted that his vision and expertise have transformed the agency, yielding tangible results in infrastructure development, healthcare, and financial discipline. Kalu cited the completion of critical infrastructure projects, such as the Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road and Ogbia-Nembe Road, saying they have notably improved connectivity and economic opportunities.…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has described Nigerian youths as the heartbeat of the nation. Kalu made the submission in a statement on Tuesday to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day. He highlighted the crucial role young people play in driving progress within the communities of the country to ultimately, accelerate national growth and development. Emphasizing his office’s collaboration with some youth-led organizations to implement empowerment programmes and initiatives, the Deputy Speaker praised Nigerian youths for their hard work, resilience, creativity, patriotism and passion for greatness, believing that these qualities will…

Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation, says the criteria for choosing presidential candidates have changed since 2023. The ex-SGF spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme on Monday. Lawal was in Peter Obi’s corner ahead of the 2023 election. Asked whether in 2027 he would be supporting Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last poll, Lawal said “things have changed”. “They say a day in politics is long. Things have changed. The parameters we used to evaluate our candidate in 2023 are going to be different this time,” he…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, PhD, has said that Nigeria lost a great patriot in former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh. Ogbeh died on Saturday at the age of 78. His illustrious political career spanned decades, with notable appointments under President Shehu Shagari as Minister of Communications in 1982, and later, Minister of Steel Development. Ogbeh’s tenure suddenly ended in December 1983, when a military coup brought Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to power. In 2001, he emerged as the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR has bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Policy and Strategic Studies (PSS) from Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja. The Deputy Speaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State holds a Bachelor of Laws, (LL.B) and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from University of Calabar while currently pursuing his Doctor of Laws (LL.D). Kalu who is a member of ECOWAS Parliament, Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) also holds a Certificate in Migration and Human Rights from John Cabot University Campus, Italy; Certificate…

Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has said that genetically modified foods (GMOs) are not inherently harmful to human health, provided that they meet established safety standards.  She made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, amid growing public debate around the consumption and regulation of GMO products in Nigeria. “GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us,” she said. “They’re not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety…