Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Federal Government has responded to comments made by the Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor Muhammadu Sanusi II, who criticized the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms during a lecture in Lagos. Sanusi stated that he would withhold advice due to personal grievances and observed the government’s actions without assisting. In reaction, Information Minister Mohammed Idris expressed disappointment, emphasizing Sanusi’s duty to support reforms that align with principles he previously endorsed. Idris highlighted achievements like exchange rate unification and fuel subsidy removal, which have improved investor confidence, freed resources for critical sectors, and projected GDP growth. Idris called for unity and sacrifice from leaders, urging them to avoid rhetoric undermining public trust. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, encouraging constructive dialogue for Nigeria’s prosperity.
2. The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has cleared the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of financial impropriety allegations. Previously, the committee had raised concerns about reported expenditures of N1.1 billion on meals and N850 million on fumigation during a budget defense session. At the resumed hearing, the committee, after reviewing new documents submitted by JAMB, acknowledged that the earlier accusations were unfounded. The statement clarified that the expenditures reflected prudent and responsible resource management under the leadership of JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede. The committee commended Professor Oloyede for his financial discipline and effective stewardship, describing his leadership as a model for public institutions.
3. Rt. Hon. Oriyomi Adewunmi Onanuga, also known as Ijaya, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, has passed away at 59. She died in a UK hospital after battling an illness for over two months. Onanuga was a politician and entrepreneur born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London. She joined the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 and served as Deputy Chief Whip since 2023. She also chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel expressed shock and grief over her demise, describing her as a fearless leader, loyal party member, and advocate for women’s empowerment. Abiodun called her death a monumental loss to Ogun State and Nigeria, while Daniel called her a beacon of hope and inspiration for women in politics.
4. President Bola Tinubu has appointed Folashade Adekaiyaoja as Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the first such appointment in the agency’s history. The decision aligns with the DSS’s original structure, which includes three Deputy Directors General, and is intended to enhance operational efficiency. The appointment was based on the recommendation of DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Adekaiyaoja, from Kogi State, is regarded as qualified for the role, with many seeing the move as a step towards improving career progression within the agency. President Tinubu has emphasized improving national security and has directed security agencies to propose measures for better service delivery. In December 2024, he committed to supporting the DSS and other agencies with advanced technology to address security challenges. The DSS Director-General has also pledged reforms to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.
5. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted an invitation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Nigeria this year. The invitation was extended during their bilateral talks at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, where Tinubu participated as a guest of the UAE President to discuss global sustainability challenges. During their discussions, Tinubu spoke on Nigeria’s economic reforms, which have stabilized the economy and attracted significant foreign investments. He also invited the UAE to deepen its partnership with Nigeria. Sheikh Mohamed expressed gratitude for the invitation and reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhanced economic cooperation. Both leaders explored investment opportunities to foster Nigeria’s development.
