Paradise News

Tag: World

  • Okpebholo Assures Investors Of Agricultural Boost In Edo

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured investors that his government is interested in improving agricultural activities to boost food security and sufficiency in the state.

    He was speaking at the weekend when he inspected the Uwesan Farm Settlement in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, in the company of some interested investors.

    In a statement by Fred Itua, his Chief Press Secretary, the governor said planting will soon commence in the farm settlement, along with similar ones in Edo South, Edo Central, and another in Edo North.

    “This is a milestone achievement. The land is very fertile. We are very serious about farming in order to ensure our people have enough food to eat. We have 400 hectares of land here, and we will plant corn and cassava. Food sufficiency is our focus, and we will do everything to ensure we succeed.

    “I am happy that our investors are here with us to see the farm settlement themselves. This is their first visit, and by the time they will be coming again, they will come with their technical partners,” he stated.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Peter Osagie, said the Uwesan Farm Settlement is communal land, and the people are ready to cooperate with the government to boost food security in the state.

    “This is Uwesan, and we are collaborating with the people of this area because it is a communal land of over 400 hectares. We have a guarantee from the community to expand further.

    “In the first instance, this place will be used for cassava farming because it has multiple uses, as both animal and human feed. Right now, the animal feed industry is experiencing a shortage of maize supply, and the state wants to bridge that gap.

    “Closely related to that is cassava cultivation for obvious reasons as well, because it is one of the most stable carbohydrates for the developing world.

    “In Edo State, we have two ethanol plants that use cassava as a stock. Right now, cassava farmers are automatic millionaires because off-take is guaranteed.

    “Apart from the people here, we have continued to talk to our friends who are interested in off-take in cassava in Edo State. Soon, we will have 400 hectares of land for cassava,” he stated.

    Okpebholo Assures Investors Of Agricultural Boost In Edo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • NDLEA vows to act after nursing mum complained about her neighbor who smokes weed and disturbs her baby with the smell

    A nursing mum took to social media on Friday, April 18, to cry out for help over the actions of her neighbour, who smokes weed.

     

     In a post shared in X, the lady stated that the smell of the weed her neighbour smokes affects her baby as it leaves her choked. 

     

    She mentioned that she has tried to ask him to stop smoking as it affects her newborn baby, but that all her pleas have fallen on deaf ears. She asked for help in locating NDLEA officials so they can wade into the matter.

     

    In a swift response to her tweet, NDLEA via its handle promised to take action. See the exchange below

     

    NDLEA vows to act after nursing mum complained about her neighbor who smokes weed and disturbs her baby with the smell
    NDLEA vows to act after nursing mum complained about her neighbor who smokes weed and disturbs her baby with the smell

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • 2023 ELECTIONS: Wike dismisses Peter Obi, labels him a ‘social media candidate’

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained why he chose not to support Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 general elections.

    Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Wike dismissed Obi’s chances of winning the presidency, describing him as a “social media candidate” lacking the grassroots political structure necessary for electoral victory in Nigeria.

    “No, he has no chance to win the election,” Wike said emphatically. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”

    The former Rivers State Governor emphasized that electoral success in Nigeria is not solely determined by popularity or perceived competence, but by deep-rooted political networks and strategic alliances that resonate with the electorate beyond digital platforms.

    Wike’s comments reflect ongoing tensions and ideological divides within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially following a general election that saw heightened youth engagement and online activism. Many viewed Obi’s candidacy as a significant shift toward a younger, reform-oriented political movement, but critics like Wike argue that digital popularity cannot replace the realities of electoral politics.

    Wike’s remarks may reignite conversations around the evolving role of social media in Nigerian democracy and elections in the country, as well as whether traditional political structures remain the most effective path to power.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • FG Opens Competition For Fashion Designers, Creatives

    The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has announced an open call for fashion designers and creatives to participate in the “Nigeria Everywhere: The Creative Collection” competition.

    According to a statement by the ministry, the nationwide search aims to showcase Nigeria’s top fashion creatives on a global stage, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit.

    The statement, signed by the minister’s special assistant for media and publicity, Nneka Anibeze, noted that selected participants will be designing for the ministry and participating in the Exhibition Weekend during the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in June 2025.

    The competition offers participants opportunities for collaborations, fashion commissions, and unmatched exposure through national and international showcases.

    To be eligible, applicants must be fashion designers actively working in the industry or creatives with a strong portfolio who are willing to collaborate with others and commit to designing for the collection.

    “Participants will benefit from collaborations, fashion commissions, unmatched exposure through national and international showcases, growth opportunities through future exhibitions and residencies, and a global platform to showcase Nigerian creativity, culture, and craftsmanship.

    “Eligible applicants include fashion designers actively working in the industry and creatives with a strong portfolio who are willing to collaborate with other creatives and commit to designing for the collection,” the statement said.

    The application deadline is April 24th, 2025.

    FG Opens Competition For Fashion Designers, Creatives is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • FG shuts Enugu Airport over bad runway

    The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, to allow for emergency repairs on the facility’s runway. 

     

    The shutdown, confirmed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), follows growing concerns about the safety of aircraft operations at the airport.

     

    The development comes shortly after Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading carriers operating in and out of Enugu, announced the suspension of all its flights to the airport. In a statement issued by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, the airline attributed the decision to the deteriorating condition of the runway, which has been causing repeated disruptions to flight schedules.

     

    “We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns of the Enugu airport runway,” the statement read. “The situation of the Enugu runway has been causing major disruptions to Air Peace flights, hence the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into this airport until further notice. At Air Peace, we prioritize safety first over convenience.”

     

    Air Peace further disclosed that flights previously scheduled for Enugu will now operate in and out of the Asaba airport, assuring passengers of continued service while repairs are underway.

     

    FAAN, in its own statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the closure was prompted by a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. She said emergency repairs will be carried out from April 22 to May 6, 2025.

     

    “In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, FAAN has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” she noted. “As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.”

     

    The agency apologised for the short notice and appealed to stakeholders and travellers for understanding and cooperation during the closure. All flights scheduled for Enugu will be diverted to other nearby airports.

     

    This marks the second major closure of the Enugu airport in recent years. In 2019, the airport was shut down for an extended period and only reopened in September 2020 after extensive rehabilitation work. However, recent reports indicate that the runway has once again fallen into disrepair, with pilots reportedly experiencing hard landings due to its poor state.

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • One dead, 12 rescued in Lagos building collapse

    At least one person died in a collapsed building in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State on Saturday.

    The Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the incident in a statement in Ikeja.

    He said 12 persons had been rescued so far from the rubble of the three-storey building which came down at about 10:00 a.m.

    He added that the cause of the incident has not been ascertained.

    The NEMA official said the search and rescue operation was still ongoing at the scene.

     

     

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Fintech, Micro-Lenders Boost Nigeria’s Credit Inclusion- Popoola

    Nigeria’s credit ecosystem has witnessed significant transformation in recent years, with improved access to consumer credit and increased participation from non-traditional lenders such as fintech firms and micro-lending institutions.

    This development was highlighted by Chairman of the Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Popoola during an interview in Lagos.

    According to Popoola, the nation’s credit infrastructure has undergone remarkable improvement over the past two to three years, with a growing number of players contributing to a more inclusive and efficient lending environment.

    He noted that the expansion of access to credit has been catalyzed by the presence of credit bureaus and the emergence of innovative lenders beyond the traditional banking sector.

    “Nigeria has done well in the last two to three years,” Popoola stated. “We’ve had significant improvement in access to credit, driven by developments in infrastructure and increased participation from micro-lenders and fintech companies.”

    Popoola explained that these new entrants have introduced flexibility and scale to consumer lending, offering credit to segments of the population that were previously underserved.

    While commercial banks continue to play a dominant role in deposit mobilization and loan disbursement, the involvement of smaller, tech-driven entities has expanded the reach of credit to individuals and small businesses.

    “Fintechs and micro-lenders are filling the gaps left by traditional institutions,” he noted. “These players are enabling Nigerians to access credit more easily, using innovative platforms and alternative data to assess creditworthiness.”

    Central to this progress, Popoola emphasized, is the role of credit bureaus, which has created a more transparent and structured environment for lending. Since their establishment in 2009, credit bureaus have become integral to Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, offering tools that allow lenders to make informed decisions based on borrowers’ credit histories.

    “The credit infrastructure was weak before the introduction of credit bureaus,” Popoola said. “Today, these institutions provide timely and accurate information that helps identify credible borrowers and monitor loan performance.”

    He also pointed out that the services of credit bureaus are instrumental in managing credit risk. Through data analytics and profiling solutions, lenders are able to reduce default rates and maintain healthy loan portfolios.

    “Even in cases of delinquency or default, the bureaus have developed products and services to help manage such risks effectively,” he added.

    Popoola reiterated the importance of collaboration between regulators, credit bureaus, and market participants to sustain the momentum in credit accessibility.

    He called for continuous innovation and regulatory support to enhance financial inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic resilience.

    Fintech, Micro-Lenders Boost Nigeria’s Credit Inclusion- Popoola is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • I’ll work against Atiku if he runs again

    Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has dismissed ongoing efforts to form a political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, describing the move as futile and lacking broad support. 

     

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, April 18, Fayose, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the proposed coalition, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is “a dead horse ab initio.”

     

    In recent weeks, several opposition figures have reportedly held strategic meetings to explore the possibility of forming a united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle. Atiku Abubakar, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has been at the forefront of the discussions, urging political actors across party lines to collaborate to wrest power from Tinubu and the APC. However, the proposal appears to be gaining little traction, especially within Atiku’s own party.

     

    Earlier this week, governors elected on the PDP platform declared that they are not considering any merger or coalition with other political parties, effectively distancing themselves from Atiku’s push for a unified opposition. Fayose cited this position as a clear signal that the coalition lacks foundational support, particularly from key stakeholders within the PDP.

     

    “Their coalition is a dead horse ab initio. Tell me one positive person or well-respected Nigerian that has given his voice in support of this coalition,” Fayose said during the programme. “The (PDP) governors’ actions and statement in Ibadan is to tell Atiku: we are not with you, we are going nowhere, we have our own identity. So, that coalition is just in the imagination of people trying to bring it to fruition. Let me say to you, it is a waste of time.”

     

    Fayose also argued that some opposition governors are more comfortable with Tinubu’s leadership than they were with Atiku’s candidacy. He maintained that the PDP’s internal crisis, which he attributes to the disregard of the party’s zoning principle, must first be addressed before any viable coalition talks can take place.

     

    “I publicly worked against Atiku, and I am saying for the second time, if Atiku comes again (to contest), I will work against him. It is time to learn our lesson,” Fayose said. “After eight years of a northerner, it is the turn of a southerner, which could involve someone from the east, south-west or south-south.”

     

    Blaming the crisis in the PDP on what he described as a breach of the party’s informal power-sharing arrangement, Fayose said party members must respect unwritten agreements such as zoning if the PDP hopes to regain political relevance. “Those who gave or zoned power back to the north caused all these problems,” he said, insisting that the root of the party’s disarray lies in its inability to honour internal consensus.

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Suspected killer of Lead Varsity student extradited to Nigeria from Qatar

    The Nigeria Police Force has completed the extradition of a fleeing murder suspect from Doha, Qatar, to the country.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement he posted on his official X handle @princemoye1 on Saturday.

    He said the suspect, who had been on the run for the murder of Miss Augusta Onuwabhagbe in Lagos, was returned to the country on Saturday.

    The spokesman said: “The suspect returned in the early hours of today through coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Justice, International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), National Central Bureau (NCB), Force Headquarters Abuja, and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.

    “The extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives, and was dated September 29, 2024.

    “The matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja for investigation.”

    According to Adejobi, investigations revealed that the suspect murdered Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, at his residence in Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on July 13, 2023.

    He added: “After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.

    “Following the declaration as a wanted person by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department on October 13, 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension.

    “He was initially apprehended in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in October 2023 under the false identity ‘KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,’ but escaped custody during a prison break on November 26, 2023, in Freetown.

    “Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East, under forged identities before relocating to Doha, Qatar, on January 24, 2025.

    “Operating under the alias ‘TOURE ABDOULAYE’ with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.

    “Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025.

    “An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.”

     

     

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Easter: Atiku Preaches Unity, Love, Sacrifice

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to imbibe the enduring virtues of unity, love and sacrifice as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

    This was conveyed in a goodwill meaasge released by his media office on Saturday, on the occasion of the Easter celebrations.

    He emphasised that these noble virtues remain indispensable to fostering the unity and cohesion Nigeria so urgently requires, especially in a time when narrow, sectional interests threaten to erode the bonds that hold the nation together.

    “This weekend, we join our Christian brothers and sisters in celebrating Easter, a sacred moment that commemorates the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is a season that calls for deep introspection, compassion, and reaching out to those in need,” Atiku stated.

    He called on Nigerians of all faiths and ethnicities to unite in prayer and purpose for the peace and progress of the nation. 

    “Let us remain steadfast in the pursuit of unity across every divide. Our strength as a people lies in our togetherness. A nation united shall always endure and flourish,” he affirmed.

    Expressing optimism, Atiku declared his belief that Nigeria shall overcome her present trials. “Though evil may momentarily cast a shadow, the collective goodness and resilience of Nigerians will prevail. In unity and shared purpose, our nation shall rise,” he said.

    He urged the nation’s leaders at every level to use the Easter period as a time of introspection, embracing the spirit of the season to recommit to their sacred duty of service.

    “Our leaders must be guided by the principles of sacrifice, love, and charity. It is only through sincere collaboration that we can heal our divisions and renew our national hope.

    “We must resist every attempt to deepen fault lines, for our challenges are not born of ethnicity or religion, but of a failure to build common understanding.”

    Easter: Atiku Preaches Unity, Love, Sacrifice is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler