Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent food stampedes in Nigeria, which have resulted in the loss of over 60 lives. The party describes these incidents as a stark reminder of the widespread poverty, hunger, and desperation that have become rampant under the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government. In a statement, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba expressed devastation at the state of the economy, which he believes has been mismanaged by the APC administration. The party said, “The PDP is devastated that the APC-led administration has wrecked our once thriving economy and pushed millions of…
The University of Ilorin has urged its graduates, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to promptly collect their unclaimed certificates. In an internal memorandum dated 18 December, the institution stated that it had observed a significant backlog of uncollected certificates, which led to the latest directive. The University Registrar, M.A. Alfanla, has set a final deadline for certificate collection on Friday, 17 January 2025. Graduates who fail to collect their certificates by this date will be charged a penalty of ₦3,000 for each week of delay. “The University Management, therefore, urges all affected graduates to collect their certificates on or before Friday,…
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on Sunday identified poverty and criminal negligence as the main cause of the stampede that has led to the loss of Nigerians recently. In a statement, the human rights lawyer also called for justice for the dead and injured victims, while chronicling some incidents that involved the distribution of food and cash distribution in the country. He described the events as a national tragedy and called for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of the citizens. “There is also a sociological dimension to this national shame of episodic loss lives…
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide clarification on the sacking of about 1,000 staff members and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion compensation package to the disengaged persons. Abbas made the demands while declaring open an investigative hearing of the Ad-hoc Committee of the House, investigating the CBN’s termination/dismissal of members of staff, on Friday, in Abuja. The Speaker tasked the panel chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Bello Kumo, to probe the rationale behind the decision, particularly in light of the current economic challenges…
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has reduced its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, from N1,020 to N899 per litre. This decision, coming days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899, was confirmed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria in a statement released on Saturday. The statement signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, and quoting a document released by NNPCL’s Commercial Department indicates a reduction based on the regional pricing scheme. The price indicated that marketers would buy the product at N899 per…
President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured. President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi. Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.…
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has approved the immediate payment of compensation to persons, corporate organizations and other entities whose land has been acquired for Abia Industrial Innovation Park, Owaza. A statement by the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije urged all affected persons to ensure that they complete the Indemnity Certificate amongst other necessary documentation to effect a seamless receipt of their due payment. “Affected persons are also by this notice invited to a Town Hall Meeting at Vincker Hotels, Owaza on Monday, 23rd December, 2024 by 12 pm” The Statement also directed affected…
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has approved a new monthly stipend of N250,000 for traditional rulers in the State. The Chairman, Abia State Council of traditional rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba made the disclosure in an appreciation message to the Governor on Saturday. Mba, who spoke on behalf of principal officers and entire members of the traditional rulers council, said that the payment of the monthly package will commence in December, 2024. He explained that the N250,000 monthly stipend is different from the N150,000 Christmas package which Otti recently approved for over 500 traditional rulers in Abia State. “The Council…
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. This was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza. Duza said, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday).” “The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.” Bello was granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih in the sum of N500m. The…
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as the families of the victims, following the tragic stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan that reportedly claimed the lives of over 30 children. Kalu is deeply saddened by the devastating news and acknowledges the unimaginable tragedy has left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective conscience. He shared his thoughts and prayers with those impacted by the tragedy and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety, well-being, and the…