Day: May 11, 2025

ONDO STATE’S LOW-DEBT ECONOMY: MISSED OPPORTUNITY OR UNTAPPED FRONTIER?, By Kunle Odusola-Stevenson

Abibat Babalola

In Nigeria’s complex fiscal landscape, where many subnational governments grapple with growing debt burdens, Ondo State quietly stands out. Known for its relatively low domestic debt profile, Ondo is often praised for fiscal prudence and responsible financial management. Yet when set against the backdrop of the state’s modest GDP, underdeveloped infrastructure, and muted investor activity, the low-debt label triggers a more complicated conversation. Is Ondo’s fiscal conservatism a mark of vision—or a symptom of underinvestment in its own future? Stability Without Growth For investors, low debt can signal stability—but stability…

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‘1000 Delegates, Over 50 Exhibition Stands,’ NCDMB Tops NOGOF 2025 Preparation

Aliyu Aliyu

  . Exclusive project opportunity presentations by some 25 industry resource persons, insightful panel sessions, and strategic networking sessions.” What to expect at Nigeria’s Biggest Oil industry’s opportunity Fair    About 1,000 delegates are expected at the 5th Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025 to be hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, between May 20 and 22, 2025. Platforms Africa reports that the biennial event which offers a unique platform to present upcoming project…

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‘Be Good Ambassadors of Lagos,’ Sanwo-Olu Bids 1,432 Hajj Pilgrims Goodbye

Damilola Olonade

  . Lagos Gov deepens welfare, takes over payment of sacrificial goats, spiritual clothing, and visits to holy sites for state pilgrims in Saudi Arabia   The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged 1,432 Hajj pilgrims from the state to be good ambassadors of Lagos and Nigeria at the holy land. Platforms Africa reports that the governor said this at a one-day seminar for 2025 hajj intending pilgrims in Lagos held at LTV Blue roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja. The first batch of pilgrims from the state are to leave Nigeria…

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Atiku Slams EFCC Over Detention Of Ex-Lawmaker

Abibat Babalola

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the detention of a former member of the House of Representatives, Muhammad Kazaure. n a tweet on his official X handle, the Peoples Democratic Party’s elder statesman described Kazaure’s detention as a disregard for due process. He said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has once again plunged headlong into its well-worn pattern of lawlessness, arresting and detaining citizens with brazen disregard for due process and without offering any justification for its actions.” READ ALSO:…

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‘Thrilling Clasico,’ How Barcelona Defeated Real Madrid 4-3

Ganiyu Amodu

Barcelona closed in on the league title as they fought back from two goals down to beat Real Madrid – for whom Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick – in a thrilling Clasico. Real Madrid raced into a 2-0 lead with Mbappe scoring twice inside 14 minutes, but Barca hit four by half-time – one each for Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal, and two for Raphinha. Mbappe scored again with 20 minutes left, to take his club total in all competitions to 39 – the most ever by a Real Madrid…

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Crime Fighting: Northern Governors Support Creation Of State Police

Abibat Babalola

The Northern Governors Forum, NGF, has called on the National Assembly to institute a legislation for the creation of state police to boost security across the country. Director General Press and, Media Affairs to Yobe State Governor, Mamman Mohammed, in a press release noted that the call was contained in a communique at the end of Forum’s meeting on Saturday which was read by its Chairman, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. “The Forum resolved to support the creation of state police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the…

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Falana Seeks Probe Into Alleged Diversion Of $3.4bn IMF Loan

Abibat Babalola

Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged criminal diversion of the $3.4 billion loan obtained from International Monetary Fund (IMF) by Nigeria to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. He made the call in a statement he signed on behalf of the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) on Sunday. Falana also called on the IMF Board to probe alleged deliberate refusal of its Management to ensure…

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‘Worth The Wait,’ Harry Kane Lifts First Career Trophy

Ganiyu Amodu

Harry Kane declared the first major trophy of his career was “worth the wait” as Bayern Munich celebrated their 34th Bundesliga title win on Saturday. Bayern had already secured the Meisterschale last week, as 2023-24 victors Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 at Freiburg. And they celebrated in style with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach at the Allianz Arena, with Kane and Michael Olise getting the goals. Kane’s goal was his 25th in the Bundesliga this campaign, at least six more than any other player. His 32 total goal involvements (seven…

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FULL LIST: Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Others Make BET Awards Nominees List

Ganiyu Amodu

The 2025 BET Awards nominations have been announced, with African artists earning recognition across top categories, marking another milestone in the continent’s growing global influence in music. The awards ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on 9 June. Nigerian artist Ayra Starr made a significant impact by securing nominations in two of the show’s most prestigious categories. She joins the ranks of SZA, Summer Walker, and Victoria Monét in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category, a highly competitive field dominated by US heavyweights. Starr’s nomination…

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Seven Doors, Lisabi; List of Winners At AMVCA 2024

Damilola Olonade

‘Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbe Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Gabriel Afolayan, Hakeem Onilogbo,’ are you surprised with the list? check full names of who won what at the 11th award   “Seven Doors”, an historical drama series by Femi Adebayo, has triumphed at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), winning three major awards, solidifying its standout status in Nollywood. Femi Adebayo won Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Adedunjoye, the king in the series. Chioma Chukwuka also claimed the Best Lead Actress award for her role as…

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