The Update

As Eid-el-Fitr 2025 approaches, the Sultan of Sokoto , Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar , has urged Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025 . Moon Sighting to Mark the End of Ramadan In a statement signed by the Waziri of Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu , the Sultan explained that the sighting of the new moon will determine when Ramadan ends and when Eid-el-Fitr celebrations will begin. Since March 29 is the 29th day of Ramadan , it is the earliest possible date to see the new moon. The Sultan urged anyone who sights the moon to report it using the official phone numbers provided by the Sultanate Council. Eid-el-Fitr Date to Be Confirmed If the new moon is sighted , it will mark the beginning of Shawwal , the tenth month of the Islamic calendar , and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated the next day . However, if the moon is not seen, Ramadan will continue for another day , and Eid will be celebrated the day after. The Sultanate Co...

Get ready for potential big changes at the grassroots level! The House of Representatives is seriously considering creating new local government areas (LGAs) in Abia, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Zamfara states. This move could directly impact how your local services are delivered and how your community is run. The Idea: Lawmakers pushing these bills argue that splitting larger LGAs into smaller, more focused units will bring government closer to the people. They envision faster development, more efficient service delivery, and a stronger voice for local communities. The Proposed Changes: In Abia, Bende LGA could be divided into Bende North and Bende South. Delta State might see the creation of a brand-new Ughievwen LGA. Enugu is looking at multiple new LGAs to streamline administration. Imo's Ideato LGA could be split, creating Ideato West. Zamfara is looking to create Moriki LGA from the current Zurmi LGA. The Road Ahead: These bills are just the beginning. They must pass ...

  The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has emphasized the importance of financial literacy for young Nigerians, advocating for early education on savings, budgeting, responsible spending, and investment to enhance long-term financial security. Speaking during the Financial Literacy Day 2025 outreach at Government Secondary School, Kuchingoro, Abuja , as part of Global Money Week , NDIC officials highlighted the need to equip students with essential financial skills. NDIC’s Role in Financial Security Madina Mustapha , Senior Manager in the Insurance and Surveillance Department of NDIC , explained the Corporation’s statutory mandate, which includes: Insuring depositors' funds Supervising banks to ensure financial stability Resolving banking failures Educating consumers on financial best practices She emphasized that NDIC provides deposit insurance for depositors of licensed financial institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and ...

  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja , has intercepted contraband goods and vehicles valued at ₦1.7 billion in the last four weeks. Addressing journalists in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kola Oladeji , revealed that the 82 interceptions were made across southwestern states , particularly around the Oyo and Ogun border axis . During the operations, six suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggled goods, which were brought in from neighboring countries. Seized Contraband Items Include: 3,832 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to seven trailers ) 27 used vehicles ("Tokunbo" cars) 494 kegs of premium motor spirit (PMS) (totaling 14,820 liters ) 27 bales of used clothing 95 bags of charcoal 3,643kg of cannabis sativa The CAC further stated that the unit recovered ₦72.4 million through demand notices issued due to irregular consignment declarations . Strict Enforcement of ...

  The highly anticipated GOtv Boxing Night 33 is set to deliver explosive action as Ghana’s Emmanuel Otoo takes on Nigeria’s Tosin "Soldier Boy" Osaigbovo in a thrilling lightweight showdown . The event will take place on April 26 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos . Otoo, a seasoned fighter with nine wins (nine KOs) from 15 fights , is determined to make a statement on Nigerian soil. However, Osaigbovo , who boasts an undefeated 11-0 record with eight knockouts , is confident of extending his winning streak in front of his home crowd. This clash adds another chapter to the long-standing Nigeria-Ghana sporting rivalry , promising an electrifying contest between two formidable boxers. Other Exciting Bouts on the Card The night will also feature several thrilling matchups , including: 🥊 Sikiru "Omo Iya Eleja" Shogbesan vs. Segun Gbobaniyi ( Lightweight division ) 🥊 William "Kaki" Amosu vs. Emmanuel ...

  The IBB International Golf and Country Club Lady Captain’s Cup 2025 is set to welcome 350 golfers for an exciting competition from April 2 to April 6 in Abuja . This prestigious tournament attracts business leaders, golf enthusiasts, and community supporters , offering a mix of competitive play, networking, and celebration. It will also highlight the achievements of the Ladies Golf Section under the leadership of Lady Captain, Dame Julie Donli . Speaking about the tournament, Donli expressed gratitude for her tenure as Lady Captain, emphasizing the progress made in promoting women’s golf and community development. “Serving as Lady Captain has been an incredible journey. With our theme, Ladies Supporting Ladies , we have expanded membership, hosted major tournaments, and strengthened the legacy of the Ladies Golf Section,” she said. Major Achievements Under Donli’s Leadership During her tenure, the club witnessed several milestones, including: ✅ Increase in weekly pa...

  Novak Djokovic continued his dominance at the Miami Open , securing a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Sebastian Korda to reach the semi-finals. At 37 , he became the oldest player to achieve this feat in a Masters 1000 event. Djokovic made a strong start , breaking Korda early to claim the first set. The American put up a fight in the second, forcing a tie-break , but Djokovic’s experience and powerful serving sealed the match. The 24-time Grand Slam champion credited his serve for the win, landing 11 aces and winning 84% of first-serve points . “I was serving very well, probably my best in a long time. It made life easier on the court, especially in the second set when Korda found his rhythm,” Djokovic said. The Serbian, eyeing his seventh Miami Open title and first since 2016 , will face Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals. A victory in Miami would mark Djokovic’s 100th career singles title . “I’m playing my best tennis in a while. Tournaments like this keep me mo...

  Lesotho's Football Association (LFA) has called on FIFA to apply its rules fairly regarding South Africa’s use of an ineligible player during their 2026 World Cup qualifying match last Friday. The Issue: South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena played in the 2-0 win against Lesotho, despite accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe , which should have led to his suspension. This oversight could result in a three-point deduction for South Africa, despite them currently leading Group C with five points . However, LFA Secretary-General Mokhosi Mohapi admitted that Lesotho failed to file their protest within FIFA’s required timeframe – within two hours after the game or 24 hours post-match . FIFA’s Role in Enforcing Rules Despite missing the protest deadline, Mohapi insists FIFA should act on its own , citing Article 8.3 of FIFA’s statutes, which mandates automatic suspension for ineligible players. "FIFA should do what is right ...

  The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation , in partnership with Huawei Technologies , has introduced four new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites to monitor speeding and enhance traffic management across the state. Announcing this at a press briefing on Thursday , Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi , explained that the new installations will complement existing traffic monitoring devices such as the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras . How the New System Works The newly installed checkpoint sites will primarily detect and deter overspeeding , which remains a leading cause of road accidents. Alapere, Ogudu Road – Speed limit: 80 km/h Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way – Speed limit: 60 km/h Additionally, e-police sites have been installed to monitor various traffic violations , including running red lights, illegal U-turns, and improper lane discipline. These sites are located at: Allen Avenue Junction Nurudeen Olowopopo R...

  Renowned Fuji musician , Taye Adebisi , popularly known as Taye Currency , has clarified his relationship with fellow Fuji stars Pasuma and Saheed Osupa . In a recent interview, Taye declared that Pasuma is his boss , while referring to Saheed Osupa as his colleague . Clearing the Air on Pasuma Speaking with Akede Ariya last Thursday, Taye Currency explained that although he never learned Fuji music from Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma) , he deeply respects him. He described Pasuma as a humble and admirable person, emphasizing that their past disagreement was not a real conflict but rather a misunderstanding fueled by fans. “I met Pasuma in 1993 , and we’ve been close ever since. I wasn’t his drummer or backup singer. He was in Lagos, and I was in Ibadan. Our supposed feud was exaggerated by fans , but the truth is, we are not fighting . Any two people who have known each other for 30 years are bound to have misunderstandings at some point,” he said. Taye also dismissed claims that ...

  Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged deeper economic cooperation with Bangladesh during a meeting with Bangladeshi President Muhammad Yunus on Friday. The talks come as Dhaka seeks to diversify its alliances , following tense relations with neighboring India . Yunus, who took office last August after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina , made China his first state visit , signaling a shift in diplomatic priorities. Hasina, once a close ally of India, fled to New Delhi after a student-led uprising . Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation During their meeting, Xi expressed China’s commitment to enhancing economic and strategic collaboration with Bangladesh. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV , he emphasized Beijing’s role as a "good neighbor, good friend, and good partner" to Dhaka, built on mutual trust. Xi highlighted areas for potential cooperation , including: ✔ Infrastructure development ✔ Water management ✔ Digital and environmental ...

  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke , has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun following recent communal clashes . The new curfew will now run from 2 PM to 7 AM , effective Friday, March 28, 2025 , until further notice. The violent clashes, which began as a boundary dispute between Ifon and Ilobu last Friday, escalated to Erin Osun the next day. The unrest resulted in casualties, destruction of homes , and forced many residents to flee to neighboring towns like Okinni, Osogbo, and Ido Osun . Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed , said the curfew was adjusted to ease the hardship on residents and allow them to attend to their daily needs . However, Adeleke condemned continued violence , warning that anyone found inciting or engaging in further clashes will face legal action . He also ordered the joint security task force to maintain round-the-clock surveillance to prevent further unrest. Additionally, the governor directed the sta...

 The House of Representatives has reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill aimed at removing the immunity currently granted to the Vice President, state governors, and their deputies. The bill was initially introduced to combat corruption, eliminate impunity, and promote accountability in public office. However, the House decided to rescind its passage of the second reading, citing the need to further debate certain provisions of the bill. Additionally, the House also reversed its decision on a bill seeking to abolish the death penalty. On Wednesday, 42 constitutional amendment bills, including the one to remove immunity for the Vice President, governors, and their deputies, passed their second reading. Meanwhile, on Thursday, a bill proposing an alteration to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create the offices of Prime Minister as head of government and President as head of state, and to establish a framework for the election process to t...

 The Senate has rejected a motion seeking to rename the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), who oversaw the June 12, 1993, presidential election. The motion, re-sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Thursday, followed a previous dismissal of the proposal by lawmakers on Wednesday. Abaribe called for posthumous national honors to be awarded to Nwosu in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic progress. However, the proposal sparked a heated debate, with senators divided over Nwosu’s legacy. Senator Osita Ngwu acknowledged that Nwosu operated under a military regime, which limited his ability to announce the election results. He argued that “there was no way he would have announced the results with a gun to his head,” but still considered Nwosu a hero. Senator Austin Akobundu, however, criticized those dismissing Nwosu’s contributions,...

 UEFA launched an investigation on Thursday into four Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, over alleged "indecent conduct" following their Champions League last-16 victory over Atletico Madrid. The two star forwards, along with defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, could face disciplinary action ahead of their quarter-final first leg against Arsenal on April 8. A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been assigned to look into the allegations, according to a statement from the European football governing body. Spanish media reports indicate that the focus is on the players' celebrations following the win. Neither UEFA nor Real Madrid provided an immediate response to an AFP request for comment. The record 15-time champions, and current holders, defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 on penalties at the Metropolitano stadium on March 12 after the aggregate score ended 2-2. The match was marred by controversy, including a disputed...

 Kenya launched a match-fixing investigation on Thursday following allegations that a national team goalkeeper was involved in rigging an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed it was aware of videos circulating online that raised concerns about goalkeeper Patrick Matasi's potential involvement in match manipulation. “FKF is committed to upholding the integrity of football and has initiated an official investigation, in partnership with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities,” the federation stated. “We reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation and remain dedicated to maintaining the credibility of our competitions.” The amateur video, which was secretly filmed and shared online, shows an unidentified man discussing a plan with Matasi to fix a match in exchange for money. Matasi, a former AFC Leopards and Tusker goalkeeper who also played for Ethiopia's Coffee Sports Club, featured in Kenya's 4-1 defeat to Cameroon...

 Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 8 for the judgment in the case filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The date was set after both parties' lawyers presented and argued their written submissions in the case. Earlier, the court had issued an order preventing the FCCPC from taking "any administrative steps" against MultiChoice following a price increase for its DStv and GOtv services. This restraining order was granted after MultiChoice sought court protection from potential sanctions by the FCCPC regarding the price hike of its services. During the proceedings, the court granted the Commission’s request for more time to regularize its processes and allowed the plaintiff to withdraw its application for an interlocutory injunction, which had become irrelevant due to subsequent developments. MultiChoice's lead counsel, Onigbanjo, argued that the main iss...

 A bill that would grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the authority to conduct general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill seeks to amend the Electoral Act of 2022 to address rising election costs, reduce campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Senator Saliu Mustapha, leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, emphasized the unsustainable rise in election expenses, which have surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He pointed out that staggered elections are costly, inefficient, and contribute to voter fatigue. “The current staggered election process is a major financial burden. Holding all elections on the same day will save costs, improve voter turnout, and reduce political tension,” he explained. While the proposal received strong support from many senators, some lawmakers raised concerns about INEC's ability to mana...

 On Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted his Ghanaian counterpart, John Mahama, at the State House in Abuja. This visit marks Mahama’s first official trip to the Presidential Villa since Tinubu's inauguration on January 7, 2025. During his visit, Mahama stated that he was in Nigeria to update Tinubu on diplomatic efforts with the military junta leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, focusing on regional security and stability. He emphasized the complexity of the situation but expressed optimism that continued dialogue would resolve the outstanding issues between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “I came to thank him for the honor extended to me during my inauguration, but also to brief him on my visits to the Sahelian countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and to update him on the discussions there. As ECOWAS chairman, it’s my responsibility to keep him informed about some of the concerns raised, so that ...

 On Thursday, Ghanaian President John Mahama paid a visit to his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja. This marked Mahama's first visit since Tinubu's inauguration on January 7. The purpose of the visit was to brief Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on Mahama’s recent trips to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Speaking to journalists, Mahama explained that he was in Nigeria to update Tinubu on diplomatic efforts with the military junta leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, focusing on regional security and stability. While acknowledging the complexities of the regional challenges, Mahama emphasized that continued constructive dialogue would help resolve the issues between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “I came to thank him for the honor he bestowed upon me during my inauguration and also to brief him on my visits to the Sahe...

 The Federal Government has expressed strong condemnation over an incident in which a Chinese expatriate allegedly instructed a security officer to shoot a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer who was carrying out his official duties at a Chinese-owned company in Niger State. In response, the government announced that it is implementing an automated immigration system for categorizing foreigners—white, grey, and black lists—and warned that any foreigner posing a threat to national security would be swiftly blacklisted. This statement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday in Abuja during a Stakeholders' Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025. The minister emphasized that Nigeria would not tolerate any form of disrespect from foreign nationals conducting business in the country. He stated, "Some foreign companies have been intimidating NIS officers from performing their duties, and this will no longer be...

This summer, the Premier League will have two transfer windows to allow Manchester City and Chelsea to register players for the Club World Cup. English top-flight clubs will be able to sign and retain players in a special window from June 1 to 10. FIFA approved this exceptional registration period last October, and it is open to any national association with teams participating in the expanded Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14. The competition's winners could claim up to $125 million in prize money, with a total prize pool of $1 billion shared among the 32 teams involved. Chelsea and Manchester City are England's representatives after winning the Champions League in 2021 and 2023, respectively. The earlier registration window may also allow Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in time for the tournament. The England international is reportedly close to joining the European champions on a free transfer when his contract expire...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 8, 2025, for its ruling on the legal battle between MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over price increases for DStv and GOtv packages. The dispute centers around MultiChoice’s recent announcement of price hikes for its services, which the FCCPC argues could violate anti-competition laws. The case was brought before Justice James Omotosho, who heard arguments from both sides before reserving judgment for May. MultiChoice had filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to prevent the FCCPC from taking action against the company while the case is ongoing. The company’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onibanjo (SAN), argued that Nigeria’s free-market economy allows businesses to adjust prices without needing regulatory approval. He contended that the FCCPC lacks the authority to regulate such price changes, citing relevant laws. On the other hand, the FCCPC, represented by Prof. Jo...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an electronic system to streamline the process for travelers declaring cash when entering or leaving Nigeria. This new initiative, aimed at bolstering Nigeria's anti-money laundering efforts, will require travelers to declare any cash exceeding the legal threshold of $10,000 (around N15.4 million). NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada shared the news in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, explaining that the system will allow travelers to complete their declarations online before departure. By scanning a QR code, travelers will access the form, fill it out, and the NCS will be able to monitor the declaration in real time. The new system is designed to improve compliance with international financial standards and enhance collaboration with relevant authorities. Maiwada emphasized that the NCS is working with airline operators to raise awareness, and signage in both English and French will be reinstated ...

 The World Bank has recommended that Nigeria invest between $10 million and $15 million annually to improve its national statistical system, aiming to align it with countries like Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, and Colombia. This suggestion came from Mr. Johan Mistiaen, the World Bank's Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, during a meeting with Nigeria's Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Wednesday. Mistiaen, accompanied by World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop, presented a plan titled "Next-Level Statistics to Support Nigeria’s Reform and Growth Agenda." According to Mistiaen, Nigeria’s statistical performance is currently behind that of its peers and requires consistent investment to close the gap. An annual investment of $10-15 million, he believes, would significantly boost the country’s ability to generate accurate, timely data for development and policy reforms. In response, Senator Bagudu assured the World Ba...

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, officially launched the 2025 farming season on Thursday in Benin, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the governor revealed that N70 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget to boost the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, increasing farmers' incomes, and improving production levels across the state. “This allocation reflects our dedication to making agriculture a key driver of Edo’s economy and improving the livelihoods of our citizens,” Okpebholo said. Since taking office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo has prioritized agriculture as a core element of his administration's development agenda, recognizing its vital role in job creation and economic growth. One key initiative is the Back to Farm program, which will develop large-scale farmlands across Edo’s three senatorial distr...