The Nigerian Government has grounded at least 60 private jets across major Nigerian airports as part of a crackdown on owners who have allegedly failed to pay import duties running into several billions of naira. According to information, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which spearheaded the operation, said that several luxury aircraft—including Bombardier Global 6000, 6500, and 7500 series— are affected. The clampdown has also led to the sealing of private jet hangars at Lagos and Abuja airports. Source The PUNCH.
Leadership and members of the National Union of Electricity Employees are on the verge of another industrial action to press home their demands for better work deals. The workers are threatening to down tools and shut down power supply in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger States under the franchise of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company. In a notice letter to AEDC, by the Assistant Secretary General, Liaison, Opaluwa Simeon, the union listed 13 unmet demands of the NUEE, including non-remittance of pension deductions for 16 months, non-implementation of a national minimum wage of N70,000, non-confirmation of staff on acting employment, non-promotion of staff, non-payment of a 2024 productivity bonus and others as reasons for the planned strike action. The union said that the planned strike action is a continuation of the November 27, 2024, suspended strike and will commence anytime from the receipt of the notice. The union vowed to commence mobilisation of its workers within the four states to shut down electricity supply until their demands are met. It said that electricity workers have been neglected by AEDC, raising the company’s collection by over 95 billion in the last 90 days. The union said that several members have lost their lives due to pressure and precarious work conditions. “It is worthy of note to remind you that workers, within the last 90 days, have raised the company’s collection by over 95 billion. This milestone was achieved through dedicated services without the provision of necessary working materials, business districts are no longer funded. “It is also worthy of note that we have significantly lost a huge number of members to death owing to pressure and precarious work conditions. “Consequent upon the above, you are hereby put on notice of our readiness to resume the suspended action on the 27th of November, 2024, and this shall commence anytime from the date of the receipt of this letter without an additional notice. “Councils are by this letter directed and put on notice to commence full mobilisation across the AEDC franchise areas of Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and FCT for an effective action. “The struggle shall be sustained until victory is achieved, as a people united can never be defeated,” the notice letter said The union’s demands include: 1. Non-remittance of pension deduction for 16 months. 2. Non-Implementation of the National Minimum Wage. 3. Non-promotion and the continuous stagnation of members of staff for over 10 years. 4. Non-Confirmation of Staff on Acting Appointment. 5. Non-regularisation and proper placement of appointments. 6. Refusal to convert ad hoc staff to permanent status. 7. The complete collapse of health services owing to the non-payment of Hospital bills. 8. Non-Remittance of 10 Months PA YE. 9. Refusal to complete the work on the Review of Conditions of Service. 10. Non-implementation of the already completed work on career path. 11. Undue board interference with the day-to-day running of the company. 12. Non-payment of union checkoff off dues and other third-party deductions. 13. Non-Payment of 2024 Productivity Bonus.
Director of Governmental Relations in the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP), Mallam Abdullahi Idris has said that Eid-ul-Adha, which comes up tomorrow, June 6, is not only a time for sacrifice and devotion but also an opportunity to embody the values of compassion, generosity and peaceful coexistence. Idris, who is also a member of the GIMP’s Governing Board, in a statement today, June 5, stressed the importance of inclusive charity and compassion during Eid, a virtue which he said is the hallmark of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “We encourage all Muslims to offer charity and goodwill to the less privileged in their communities, regardless of their religious background.” He said that such gestures would foster national unity and uphold the Islamic principles of mercy and justice. According to him, Prophet Muhammad consistently demonstrated kindness to people of other faiths, especially during festive periods, thereby setting a timeless example for Muslims worldwide. He advised Muslims to extend acts of kindness and religious tolerance to their non-Muslim neighbors in the spirit of the sacred celebration. He also called on Islamic scholars, community leaders and media professionals to amplify messages of peace and tolerance during the Eid season. He explained that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works to promote peacebuilding, tolerance, and religious harmony through ethical media engagement and dialogue across Nigeria.
Muslims from all over the world gather on the Arafat plain, in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia today, June 5, to offer a day-long prayers and supplications as the Hajj rites reach the zenith.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is scheduled to chair the public presentation of a Book, titled: Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing,” published by Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
The public presentation, scheduled for June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, would be attended by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations. President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, in a statement, said that the minister has over three decades of experience in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations and advertising. The statement gave a brief rundown of Alhaji Idris, who was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM Radio station and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria. As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Alhaji Idris has served both local and transnational corporations. Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred “Kaakaki Nupe” on him. GOCOP president said that the proceeds of the book would be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others. She said that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism. Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP’s membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. “With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism.”
Over 1.5 million Muslims from different parts of the world are today, June 5 (9th Zulhijjah) converging on Arafat plain, a wide expanse of Holy land in Saudi Arabia, for the purpose of glorifying Allah. The distance between Makkah where the pilgrims left yesterday to Mina and subsequently to Arafat today is about six kilometers. And the distance between Arafat and Mina where the pilgrims will return tomorrow, Friday, June 6, via Muzdalifa, to stone devil, is about 15 kilometers. All the guests of Allah, as they are called: rich and poor, black and white, tall and short, young and old, strong and weak wear only one form of dress: white cotton material tied around the waists and another white sling across the shoulders. They are currently chorusing only one glorification song thus: Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, Innal-hamda, wan-ni‘mata, laka wal-mulk, Laa shareeka lak, meaning in English: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.” Being present at Arafat is a call for submission, devotion and readiness to serve Allah. It affirms monotheism and spiritual tone for the pilgrimage as well as reflecting the unity of all pilgrims and indeed, humanity. The scenario is so serene and moving in spiritual mode that one is carried away in it’s purity. The humming of the song in unison has the connotation of nearness to the Creator, as it is believed that Arafat Day is a day Allah descends to the lowest heaven, boasting to His angels about His servants standing on Arafat seeking His mercy. According to Sahih Muslim: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the fire than the Day of Arafah.” The white garments worn by over 1.5 million Muslims from all over the world symbolize the equality of all humans before God. The scene at Arafat, with pilgrims standing and praying, mirrors the Day of Judgment (the day of Resurrection). It draws the attention of Muslims to the reality of life after death, the judgment of Allah and make them to reflect on their deeds and seek forgiveness. Indeed, Arafat Day reflects a rich theological and metaphorical reflection that connects Islamic eschatology (doctrine of the afterlife) with the physical and spiritual experience of standing on the plain of Arafat. The Scene of Arafat is seen much as a preview of Resurrection (Yawum al-Qiyamah). The symbolism of Pilgrims gathering on the Plain of Arafat, all dressed in simple white garments (ihram), devoid of markers of wealth, status or nationality powerfully echoes Islamic descriptions of the day of Resurrection, when all of humanity will be resurrected in similar simplicity for judgment. The white garments symbolize death shrouds, reminding pilgrims of the equality of all humans before God. And just as humanity will be gathered together on the Day of Judgment, so too do millions gather on Arafat. Pilgrims engage in intense prayer, introspection and repentance, mimicking the soul’s yearning for mercy and salvation in the Hereafter. Resurrection in Islam is not just physical but also spiritual and Arafat Day symbolizes a spiritual resurrection. It is said in Hadith that “Hajj is Arafah,” highlighting the day’s central role in a pilgrim’s transformation. Sins are forgiven for those who sincerely repent, akin to a soul being granted a new beginning, echoing the purity of the resurrected soul returning to God. The experience often marks a turning point in a believer’s life, much like the final resurrection marks a turning point in the soul’s eternal journey. Just as God will judge with mercy on the Last Day, He opens the gates of forgiveness wide on Arafat. While the Day of Resurrection is a cosmic, eternal event, Arafat is a temporal, earthly moment. Yet it allows believers to prepare for that day through deep repentance. In mimicking resurrection, Arafat Day becomes a rehearsal for the Hereafter—a day when believers momentarily step out of worldly distractions and face their Lord in humility and sincerity. It is a time of death to the ego, rebirth of the spirit and anticipation of the ultimate meeting with God, serving as a vivid reminder of life’s transience and the soul’s eternal journey. Arafat Day is therefore, one of the most spiritually significant days in the Islamic calendar. It holds profound historical and religious importance for Muslims around the world, particularly those performing pilgrimage. It should be understood that on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, in the year 10 AH (632 CE), Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon on the Plain of Arafat. The Prophet’s sermon emphasized universal human rights, equality, justice and the core tenets of Islam. It was a momentous occasion marking the near completion of the Prophet’s mission. During Arafat Day, the following verse was revealed: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” Qur’an Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3). This was a divine declaration of the completion of Islam as a way of life. The standing at Mount Arafat (Wuquf) is the most essential pillar of Hajj. The Prophet was reported by Abu Dawood, RA, to have said: “Hajj is Arafah,” confirming the fact that any Muslim who does not appear or stand at Arafat has not really performed hajj and cannot be called Alhaji (guest of Allah). Arafat is so significant and important that those who are not in the Holy land to perform Hajj, are strongly encouraged to observe fasting on that (Arafat) day. The Prophet was reported by Sahih Buhari, to have said: “It (fasting on Arafat Day) expiates the sins of the fasting Muslim for the previous year and the sins for the next year.” Arafat Day has been tagged as a unique opportunity for Muslims to engage in spiritual renewal and purification. Tirmizi reported the Prophet as having said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah,” for, it is a time when prayers and supplications are readily accepted, and sincere repentance brings immense reward. Arafat Day is a time to acknowledge the blessings of faith and the guidance of Allah, and to renew one’s commitment to live righteously.
An energy commodity trader and exchange operator JEX Market has been issued licenses to establish and operate a Gas Clearing House and Settlement Authorisation Platform In Nigeria, first of its kind in Africa. The licenses came as part of the most strategic collaborations between government agencies, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in conjunction with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the licenses would make JEX Market to be a commodity exchange platform where natural gas and its derivatives would be traded in Nigeria. The issuance of the licences is said to be one of the game-changing outcomes of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 and product of the strategic leadership acumen of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Observers said that the move is a testimony to the commitment and capacity of the company. The granting of licenses was said to have followed a rigorous and extensive due process, leading to the issuance of a Gas Trading Licence and Gas Clearing House and Settlement Authorisation by the NMDPRA and an Approval for Registration as Licenced Commodity Exchange by the SEC. It is learnt that the platform would soon become operational as first of its kind on the African continent, and would place Nigeria in its rightful place as the hub for energy transactions in the region. The platform is expected to allow for more efficient, transparent and swift trading of natural gas commodities in Nigeria and the African region, and accelerate the growth of the Nigerian energy sector towards a mature market. It is gathered that as the market matures, it would encourage more investment into the sector, create more employment opportunities and wealth creation, increase government revenue and allow easier auditing of transactions by relevant agencies and parties. It is further gathered that the licences are coming at an opportune time marking the two years of the progressive leadership of President Tinubu and as Nigeria approaches the half-mark of the Decade of Gas journey. An insider said: “it is appropriate to opine that the establishment of the exchange platform is indeed a testimony to the success of the policy decisions of the current administration and a clear indication that the Decade of Gas programme is well on track to achieve its objectives by the year 2030. “It is also quite instructive to note the regulatory synergy that led to the attainment of this feat between the NMDPRA and the SEC. “Indeed, it marks a very good example of the values that the nation stands to gain when agencies work together. “The establishment of the platform is a step further in the renaissance of the Nigerian energy landscape being championed by domestic entrepreneurs who are increasingly executing bold initiatives under the conducive environment being provided by regulatory agencies. “It is expected that this achievement would provide further impetus to other strategic undertakings by players in the energy sector to wean Nigeria from energy poverty, consolidate the country as the energy hub of the continent, spur industrialisation, and deepen the hope for a sustainable and competitive future for the country.”
Two female and 14 male governorship candidates of different political parties are set to commence campaign for the governorship election in Anambra State, starting from next week Wednesday, June 11. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a final list of candidates released to newsmen today, June 4, said that sixteen out of the 19 registered parties have been cleared to participate in the election. In a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission said that the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) are fielding female candidates while six parties are fielding female running mates. “They are Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).” He said that none of the parties has nominated a person with disability as a candidate. “In terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years.” The Commission said that the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public information. It made it clear that with the final list, there would be no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates, adding that it can only be allowed in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day, as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act. The statement said that in line with the provision of Section 94 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Political Parties are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday 11th June 2025 to end at midnight on Thursday 6th November 2025. “As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind Political Parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials. “Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaign, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings. “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate. “The Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday 8th November 2025.”
“I take joy when I step on the toes of big men. Those who say that nothing will happen, I take joy in saying that something will happen. “All you want me to do is to take decisions against the poor people, but you the rich man, nothing will happen. Something will happen and that’s why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care. “The only person I owe an explanation to is Mr. President.” These were the words of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike when he fielded questions from select media men on the two year achievements in the FCT, of the government of President Bola Tinubu. The Minister stressed that what made the government of Tinubu different from others is that it has the courage to “annoy people” and “step on toes” in the pursuit of good governance. “People had said that FCT was not working and now FCT is working. I’m doing things that they refused to do. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes.” Wike insisted that his decisions are driven solely by a commitment to good governance and national progress, rather than any regional or religious affiliations. “I’m not doing it because I’m from a certain place or I belong to a certain religion. I’m doing it because I have to support the government; I have to make a difference.” He stressed that he is committed to collecting outstanding ground rents, some of which is over 30 years, aimed to combat impunity and ensure the availability of funds for infrastructure development. He dismissed claims of insufficient notice, stating that the condition for ground rent payment is clearly outlined in title grants. He challenged those complaining about the enforcement to acknowledge and pay up their ground rent arrears, emphasizing that without revenue, essential infrastructure cannot be provided.
The newly elected chairman of Kogi State branch of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Yusuf Jimoh Itopa has pledged to bring creativity into, and run an accountable system in the Association. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected executive officers in Lokoja, the state capital, Itopa praised his predecessors for setting a standard which he promised to maintain and improve upon. “Our leadership will be transparent. It will be creative and cerebral in its literary activities, honest and just. “Humility, not empty pomposity and pride will be our guiding principle.” Itopa called on members to give him and his team maximum support and cooperation for the task ahead. “My predecessor, Mr. Joel Tope has recorded a number of achievements for ANA. We will consolidate on the gains of his performance. And I thank him and his team for taking ANA this far. “Just an instance, his advocacies to schools and Radio Stations Reading programme and literary activities will be made more vigorous. “We will swell ANA with credible and patriotic literary minds. There is strength in number and many legs of ANA members will kill the grass for us to walk on a thorn-free path.” Itopa acknowledged that there are many established and up coming writers in the state, such as Professors Olu Obafemi, Sunday Ododo, Emmy Idegu, Abdullahi Denja and a host of others, adding that ANA Kogi will identify with them and collaborate with other writers of repute to widen the literary garden of the State the more. He described literature as “a perfect standing mirror through which the society watches itself to know how good or bad its activities are, in order for her to continue propagating it or in order to make amends, for its own sophistication and advancement. “We have our peculiar literature here in Kogi State because of our cultures and cherished traditions.
“And it is manifesting in the writings of our writers from Kogi. Through the platform of ANA, we will project the literature of our people. “And to do this in a digital world, Kogi ANA will encourage its writers to deploy technology to make the propagation of our literature easy and swift.” He said that his team will creatively enlist the understanding, partnership and support of Government for the necessary enablement to carry out its plans as reeled out. He appealed to the state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo to “embrace us like similar Organizations as the platform that is out to bring out literary writers that will bring honour to Kogi, the whole country and even beyond. “I appeal to Kogi State Government as ably led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to lift up Kogi to bring out the Achebes and the Soyinkas in the literary firmament of Kogi State. “Encouragement from the Government can quicken my prophecy to come to pass. It is possible.”
Itopa is a pioneer member and Editorial Advisor of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria. He is also currently Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kogi State Newspaper – The Graphic, published by State Government.
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