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  • Raw material bill threatens Nigerian exporters, manufacturers —CPPE warns

    The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, has criticized the proposed Raw Materials Bill currently before the Nigerian National Assembly saying it will bring significant adverse and unintended consequences for Nigerian exporters and manufacturers if passed.

    The bill, which seeks to restrict manufacturers from importing essential raw materials and intends to impose barriers on exports, is awaiting passage by the National Assembly.

    The economic think tank, therefore, called for the bill to be withdrawn.

    Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, made this known in a statement sent to Ripples Nigeria on Monday, April 21, 2025.

    The statement reads, “On the face of it, the idea of promoting local value addition is good for the economy and potentially enhances the chances of better earnings from our exports. But the policy has to ensure a balance between the interests of exporters of primary products and the processors. It is also imperative to undertake a robust study on domestic raw materials availability before legislating a ban on raw materials for manufacturers.

    “What is needed is a win-win proposition, not a zero-sum game. The current proposal in the bill will penalise exporters in the country, most of whom export primary products. Thousands of jobs in the primary products export supply chain would be put at risk. The major non-oil exports are cocoa beans and cocoa butter, cashew nuts, gum arabic, ginger, sesame seeds, and shea butter. Even crude oil export is still a major component of Nigeria’s export. Until recently, domestic refining capacity was nil.

    “This proposition raises a number of questions. What metrics would be used to determine the minimum 30% value addition?

    “Who will determine and give approval for the export to proceed? What study has been done to determine the local processing capacity for each category of primary products currently being exported?”

    “What metrics would be used to determine raw materials that manufacturers would be allowed to import into the country?”

    “What is the effective time frame for implementation? Is it within the mandate of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to be promoting the ban of exports or imports?

    “The position of the CPPE is that this bill raises more questions than answers. It is a very simplistic proposition that has not taken into account the critical challenges of manufacturing, processing, and value addition in the Nigerian economy. This contextual understanding is very critical to enrich the conversations around the raw materials bill. Most agro processors have collapsed not so much because of the raw materials availability but because of the challenges of productivity and competitiveness.

    “Production costs are prohibitive. The cost of energy, cost of funds, logistics cost, bureaucratic bottlenecks, exchange rate, multiple taxation, etc. These are bigger issues that need to be addressed to promote value addition. We should be causative in our approach to solving problems and focus less on the symptoms.

    “If passed, the bill would create new corruption gateways in the bureaucracy as businesses will now be burdened with another chain of approvals.

    “Additionally, the issue of export or import bans is not within the remit of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council or the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is in the realm of fiscal policy, which is within the purview of the Ministry of Finance, working in collaboration with the Ministry of National Planning and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. And in this particular instance, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council [NEPC] must be in the loop. This is essential to determine the implications for the non-oil export sector, the manufacturing sector, and the economy as a whole. It is also important for policy coordination and coherence.

    “Import and export regulations are not often legislated. They are trade policy issues that are calibrated from time to time by the fiscal policy authorities in light of prevailing economic conditions. It is not a matter for the national assembly to legislate upon. Trade policies are also meant to be flexible, which is why they are not often a subject of legislation.

    “We therefore submit that the national assembly should discontinue deliberations on the bill and encourage the raw material research and development council to focus on its core mandate of raw materials research to offer the most cost-effective raw materials option for manufacturers. The council’s involvement in trade policy matters is an aberration. Besides, the bill has a very weak value proposition. The CPPE advises the RMRDC to withdraw the bill.”

    By: Babajide Okeowo

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • 18 UNIZIK Students Make First Class At Law School

    Eighteen students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have emerged with First Class Honours in the recently released results of the Nigerian Law School’s 2025 Bar Finals Examination.

    According to the post on the institution’s website, the students include Ibe-Omodo Chioma, Ebubechi Bartholomew Okonkwo, Julius Chukwudi, Ebubechi Ifunanya Nnaji, Peace Udochukwu Onuigbo, Chinecherem Maureen Anatuanya, Wisdom Chibuike Oguguo, Obiajulu Leonard Okoli, Charles Olumba Stella Onyeka, Echefu Stellamaris Uchechukwu, Nwokocha Annastecia Chidinma, Obasi Sochima Evangeline.

    Others include, Ezeanyaso Tony Chinweitito, Nwabuzor Chioma Glory, Amanoh Chisom Goodness, Alagboso Daniel Ifeanyi, Anene Chinaza Peace, and Ifechukwu Praise Mmesoma.

    The institution noted that the achievement marks the highest number of First Class Honours recorded by its Faculty of Law, and is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence.

    The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Felicia Ayaogu, expressed pride in the students’ achievement, attributing it to the dedication of the Faculty’s lecturers.

    “This is the true situation. Our students have made us proud, and we give all glory to God Almighty,” she said.

    She emphasized that the Faculty of Law has made deliberate efforts to cultivate an environment that fosters effective learning, teaching, and research.

    The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, also commended the Faculty of Law for its stellar performance and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.

    He congratulated the students on their achievement and assured them of the university’s continued support.

    18 UNIZIK Students Make First Class At Law School is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Harvard sues Trump over US federal funding cuts

    Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, April 21, escalating the battle between the prestigious institution and the former president. 

     

    The University is challenging the administration’s attempts to withhold federal funding and impose political oversight on its operations, particularly related to its admissions policies, hiring practices, and political stance.

     

    The lawsuit, filed in a Massachusetts federal court, claims that the Trump administration’s actions violate both the First Amendment and federal laws. It describes the government’s efforts as “arbitrary and capricious” and argues that they represent an unlawful use of federal funding to influence academic decision-making at Harvard and other targeted universities. The lawsuit seeks to have the funding freeze and other imposed conditions on federal grants declared unlawful and to recover legal costs.

     

    The Trump administration has been engaged in a broader campaign against several elite universities, accusing them of tolerating anti-Semitism on campus. 

     

    This includes claims about protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which the administration linked to anti-Semitic rhetoric. Harvard responded by disciplining students involved in those protests, including placing 23 students on probation and denying degrees to 12 others.

     

    Trump has publicly criticized Harvard, stating on his social media platform that the university is a “joke” that “teaches Hate and Stupidity” and should no longer receive federal funds. He has also frozen $2.2 billion in federal funding to the institution in retaliation for its refusal to accept government oversight.

     

    Harvard, in its lawsuit, affirmed its commitment to combating anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, stating that it is actively implementing reforms to address these issues. The lawsuit argues, however, that the administration’s blanket freeze on funding affects research unrelated to anti-Semitism, including medical, scientific, and technological studies.

     

    The Trump administration’s move comes amid ongoing tensions with academia over claims that universities are too left-leaning and favor minority groups in their programs. Harvard’s stance, particularly its refusal to accept government intervention in its academic independence, places it at the center of a larger debate about the role of politics in education and the autonomy of higher learning institutions.

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Ebenezer Obey shuts down death rumours, says ‘he’s still alive and well’

    Legendary Nigerian juju musician Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, MFR, known professionally as Ebenezer Obey, has shut down rumours of his death.

    Obey-Fabiyi dismissed the claim with a rousing performance in a video posted Tuesday morning. While singing in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, he described the news as untrue.

    In the social media video, the 83-year-old icon appeared energetic and bright, responding to erroneous claims with a musical performance.

    READ ALSO: Kanayo O Kanayo berates modern-day actors, says they have ‘no sense of purpose’

    He said; “Hello, my name is Professor Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. Satan, you don lose o, Satan, you don lose o, you don pafuka. Na lie lie you dey talk, you don pafuka.”

    The veteran musician also issued a statement to his fans and the public: “It is fake news that started a few hours ago claiming that I, Evangelist Obey, have passed on to glory. It is a lie. I am alive, and that is not the word Jesus has written.”

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Harvard Sues Trump Over $2.2bn Funding Cuts

    Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration over what it describes as politically motivated attempts to control its internal policies in exchange for continued access to federal funding.

    The lawsuit, filed on Monday, was in response to the administration’s demand for access to all internal reports on antisemitism (anti-jewish) and anti-Muslim bias at Harvard since October 2023, along with new oversight requirements, according to CNN.

    The university’s president, Alan M. Garber, in a message to the Harvard community, called the government’s actions “a direct threat to academic freedom and the independence of American institutions of higher learning.”

    He said the demands have real consequences for students, researchers, and the global reputation of U.S. higher education.

    The Trump administration has frozen more than $2.2bn in research grants and federal contracts, and is threatening to revoke an additional $1bn in health-related funding unless Harvard agrees to a series of demands.

    These demands include eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programmes, banning masks at campus protests, implementing merit-based hiring and admissions, and allowing federal oversight of hiring, admissions, and ideological climate on campus.

    A letter from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights, ordered Harvard to hand over all internal bias-related reports and the names of contributors to these documents for federal interviews, according to The Free Press.

    However, Harvard has refused the demands, arguing that the administration’s actions overstep legal boundaries and exceed its lawful authority.

    “This has nothing to do with fighting antisemitism,” Harvard’s lawsuit claims, arguing that the funding freeze unfairly targets critical scientific and medical research.

    Garber, who is Jewish, said Harvard admitted valid concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia but said these concerns are actively being addressed through established campus task forces, insisting that the university will not compromise its constitutional rights.

    The administration’s actions follow the public release of a letter on April 11 from the White House’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, which demanded Harvard to submit to extensive federal oversight.

    Harvard’s public rejection of the letter’s terms reportedly escalated the conflict.

    Other elite institutions including Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern have faced similar threats and halts in federal funding as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to reshape higher education policies.

    The U.S. Internal Revenue Service is also reportedly considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, while the administration has threatened to bar the university from enrolling foreign students, including Israeli veterans currently studying at the school.

    Meanwhile, Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and Harvard Hillel, have voiced concerns that the administration’s response is more about political posturing than genuine concern for Jewish students.

    Over 100 Jewish Harvard students signed an open letter condemning the funding cuts, saying they feel like “pawns in a broader political agenda.”

    Harvard Sues Trump Over $2.2bn Funding Cuts is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Former NFL star Justin Blackmon couldn’t fit into police car after arrest, two sets of handcuffs were required to hold him

    Former college football standout Justin Blackmon was arrested for public intoxication on Saturday, April 19, with a police report obtained by TMZ Sports revealing details of the incident.

     

     The 35-year-old ex-Oklahoma State University receiver’s arrest drew attention over the weekend, with fans noting his altered appearance in the mugshot.

     

    According to the police report, officers responded to a call at 1:32 AM regarding a “larger black male” lying on the ground. By the time they arrived, the man had gotten up and walked into a campus building. Upon making contact, officers observed that Blackmon was unsteady on his feet, smelled strongly of alcohol, and was wearing wet clothes. His speech was described as “slurred and confusing.”

     

    When questioned about his actions, Blackmon told officers he was attempting to walk home. However, when asked for his destination, he repeatedly mentioned “Stillwater,” a town, but admitted he did not live there, saying, “You got me.” He then complied with officers’ instructions to turn around and place his hands behind his back.

     

    The report noted that two sets of handcuffs were required due to Blackmon’s body size and the girth of his wrists. When being escorted to a patrol car, officers found he was unable to fit in the back seat because of his size. As a result, a larger patrol car was brought in, and Blackmon was transported to jail for booking and processing.

     

    Blackmon, who stands at 6’2″ and weighs 230 pounds, is about 20 pounds heavier than his playing weight during his time at OSU and in the NFL. After a promising college career, Blackmon was drafted fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2012 NFL Draft. However, his professional career was cut short when he was indefinitely suspended for multiple violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Correctional Service denies reports of bomb blast in Charles Okah’s cell at Maiduguri prison

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed claims of a bomb explosion at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, describing the reports as “false and misleading.”

    In a statement issued on Monday, April 21, 2025, and signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, the NCoS assured Nigerians that there had been no security breach at the Maiduguri facility or at any other custodial centre nationwide.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to an online report of a purported bomb explosion in Maiduguri Custodial Centre. This report is not true and is highly misleading,” the statement read. “The situation at the custodial centre remains calm and stable. Inmates are continuing their rehabilitation programmes without disruption. The fake report should be disregarded.”

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    The NCoS issued the rebuttal following widespread online claims that an explosion had occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, in the solitary confinement cell of Charles Okah, a high-profile inmate.

    Supposed eyewitness accounts from within the prison had alleged that an object, believed to be an explosive device, was thrown into Okah’s cell through the window bars, triggering smoke and fire. Okah was reportedly heard coughing and calling for help.

    Further reports suggested that strict prison procedures, particularly the rules governing solitary confinement, may have delayed immediate rescue efforts due to the time required for authorization to open a cell at night.

    Charles Okah has been in solitary confinement since March 16, 2025. He is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the October 1, 2010, bombing near Eagle Square in Abuja and a separate attack in Warri, Delta State, in March 2010.

    The timing of the alleged incident coincides with Okah’s recent open letter to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in which he accused officials of systemic corruption within the Maiduguri correctional system.

    While the correctional authorities continue to maintain that the centre is secure and stable, independent verification of the explosion has not yet been made. The public has been urged to remain calm and disregard what the NCoS has described as “unfounded and sensationalist reports.”

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Underhand Dealings Claims In Oil Blocks Licensing Bid Round, False, Malicious—NUPRC

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has faulted reports in a section of the
    media (Not THE WHISTLER)that claimed some underhand dealings in the allocation of oil blocks during the 2024 oil licensing bid round.

    The Commission said the publication appears to be the work of a notorious blackmailer, and a malicious attack intended to generate unnecessary controversy, as there have been no such deals with any individual, group or institution.

    In a statement signed by Mr Bashiru Indabawa, Chairman 2024 Bid Round Committee, NUPRC, it dismissed the reports stating that the bid rounds were done in line with global best practices.

    The NUPRC recently undertook the initiation and conclusion of the 2024 Oil Bid Round.

    The process was characterised by a comprehensive and rigorous framework designed to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.

    Among the key components of this meticulous process were public hearings held at various stages, where all relevant industry stakeholders were encouraged to participate and voice their perspectives.

    These hearings facilitated a collaborative atmosphere, allowing for input from regulatory agencies and all parties operating in, and oversighting industry operations.

    Their involvement, according to the NUPRC, was not limited to the final stages of the bid round but played an integral role from the very outset, contributing to the development of regulations and guiding the bid process.

    It added that this level of engagement and procedural rigour underscores a commitment to fostering a fair and competitive bidding environment in the Nigerian oil sector.

    The statement added, “The selection process for the 2024 oil bid round was a comprehensive and inclusive event, involving a diverse array of stakeholders such as the International Oil Companies (IOCs), various local and international firms, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, and both national and international media representatives.

    “This process was conducted in a manner that upheld the principles of competitiveness, openness and transparency, as mandated by section 73 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    “The licensing round conducted by NUPRC under Engr Komolafe was the first in nearly 70 years of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry history to leverage digital technology, devoid of any human interference, in a manner adjudged to be in line with global best practices.

    “The outcome was televised live and attended by all the aforementioned stakeholders. There was no room for any manipulation to warrant any underhand dealings whatsoever, as insinuated mischievously in the publication.

    “Therefore, any allegations or insinuations regarding underhand dealings or bribery lack merit and are entirely unfounded, serving only to mislead.

    “These claims are not rooted in truth, and disregard the rigorous standards upheld throughout the selection process.

    “The article is nothing more than a fabricated narrative aimed at defaming the leadership of the Commission. Its reliance on anonymous sources undermines the credibility of the claims made, raising serious doubts about the journalistic integrity of the piece.”

    The Commission stated that the meticulous processes and regulatory frameworks established by the NUPRC during the 2024 Oil Bid Round demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fairness in the industry.

    ” Allegations of misconduct, particularly those lacking substantive evidence, distract from the real advancements being made in the oil sector and contribute to a culture of misinformation.

    “It is essential for media outlets to uphold rigorous standards of accuracy, especially when discussing matters of significant public interest and economic importance.

    “The baseless claims made in the aforementioned article serve only to mislead and create unnecessary controversy, detracting from the progress being achieved within the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

    “Regardless of the mischievous motives of those behind the smear campaigns, the NUPRC leadership is unwavering in its firm commitment to the implementation of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold reform initiatives in the Nigerian oil and gas sector for optimisation of federation revenue in the overall national interest,” it added.

    Ends

    Underhand Dealings Claims In Oil Blocks Licensing Bid Round, False, Malicious—NUPRC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Hailey Bieber reveals she’s dealing with two ovarian cysts as she shows off bloated tummy

    Hailey Bieber has revealed that she has been diagnosed with two ovarian cysts after giving birth to her and husband singer,  Justin Bieber’s son Jack Blues Bieber in 2024. 
     

    On April 21, 2025, the 28-year-old model posted on her Instagram Stories showing off her stomach and sharing the health update. 

    “Currently have 2 ovarian cysts,” she wrote. “If you deal with ovarian cysts i’m right there with ya!” 
     

    Hailey Bieber reveals she

    This isn’t the first time Hailey has dealt with a cyst. In 2022, the Rhode skincare founder posted on Instagram that she had an ovarian cyst “the size of an apple,” sharing a photo of herself with her shirt pulled up that revealed her stomach. 

    “I don’t have endometriosis or PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome] but I have gotten an ovarian cyst a few times and it’s never fun,” she wrote at the time.

     

    Hailey Bieber reveals she

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • BREAKING: Bandits Impose N60million Levy On Several Zamfara Communities For Aiding Nigerian Military Operations

     Dare-devil bandits have imposed a staggering N60 million levy on no fewer than t12 communities in Zamfara State, accusing residents of aiding recent military operations that disrupted their strongholds.

     

    The affected communities include Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu.

     Locals fear that refusal to comply may lead to violent reprisals, including mass abductions, arson, and killings.

     

    A security reporter, Bakatsine, disclosed the development on his verified X handle on Tuesday, warning that the situation could escalate if an immediate government action is not taken.

     

    Former councillor of Dankurmi Ward, Hon. Iliyasu Salisu Dankurmi, also confirmed the levy in an interview with BBC Hausa.

     

     He explained that the demand followed recent military raids in the area believed to have inflicted heavy losses on the armed groups.

     

    “”The Nigerian Army had recently raided the area, and the bandits are now demanding N60million as compensation. They have threatened to make life unbearable if we don’t pay,” Dankurmi said.

     

    He further revealed that eight residents of the Zargado community had already been kidnapped, and their release had been tied to payment of the ransom.

     

    Many residents say they are trapped between the threat of bandits attacks and a lack of adequate protection from the authorities.

     

     Community leaders are urgently calling on federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.

     

    So far, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Army nor the Zamfara State government regarding the levy or recent military operations in the region.

     

    The crisis in Zamfara is part of a broader pattern of insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s Northwest, where rural communities have faced years of terror from well-armed gangs engaging in kidnapping, extortion, and deadly raids.

     

     

     

    SaharaReporters reported days ago how the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described the wave of killings in Plateau State, Zamfara and Benue as a “national disgrace and a clear failure of governance.”

    In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG had expressed outrage over the killings of more than 100 people in Plateau in recent weeks, with entire communities razed and thousands displaced.

    “The recent massacre in Plateau State, where over 100 lives were brutally cut short, represents a grotesque failure of governance. 

     

    “These killings are not isolated. They form part of a broader pattern of insecurity spanning Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and ethno-religious violence in the North-Central,” the statement read.

     

    The group had accused the Nigerian government of inaction and demanded urgent, decisive steps to stop the bloodshed. It called for the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to flashpoints across Plateau State and other northern regions facing similar threats.

     

    CNG had also condemned President Bola Tinubu’s reported foreign travels during the crisis, likening the President’s actions to “Nero fiddling while Rome is burning.” 

    Source: Sahara Reporters