Author: Maryam Sulaiman

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has greenlit a dedicated compensation package for premium (Band A) electricity consumers who faced severe power outages and subpar supply between February and March 2026. The regulatory body explained that this intervention was triggered by massive generation shortfalls across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). These shortages left electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) unable to deliver on their guaranteed service hours to premium feeders during that window. According to NERC, the widespread blackouts were primarily driven by a lack of gas supply to generation companies, alongside the vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure—events that…

From L-R: Press Diplomat, Ayanda Yaya Ngwane, South African Deputy Ambassador, Her Excellency Lindy Mminele and Dr. Maimoona Salim

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group to death by hanging for their roles in the devastating June 5, 2022, assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo. The infamous attack resulted in the deaths of over 40 congregants and left more than 100 others wounded. Presiding Judge Emeka Nwite delivered the verdict after finding Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25) guilty on a nine-count terrorism charge. The case was prosecuted by the Department of State Services on behalf of the Federal…

Five worshippers who were abducted during an armed raid on the ECWA Church in Omugo, located in the Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have tragically died while being held by their captors. The heartbreaking news was shared by the church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, through a message to his congregation via the church’s WhatsApp platform. He subsequently confirmed the devastating update during a telephone interview on Wednesday night. Among those who lost their lives in captivity was the pastor’s own wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.The victims were part of a group of eight congregants…

A fresh batch of 180 Nigerian migrants, predominantly women and children, has safely arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via a chartered flight from Libya.The evacuation was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) as part of its ongoing mission to combat irregular migration and provide critical aid to vulnerable returnees. Prior to their return, many of the passengers had faced severe hardships, including exploitation, detention, and deep uncertainty during their attempts to migrate abroad. READ MORE: Safe Return: Zamfara police rescue stolen 10-day-old baby, arrest suspect Upon landing, the IOM provided them with immediate necessities,…

The Federal Government has intensified health screening and surveillance across Nigeria’s land borders, airports, and seaports in response to an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease. This proactive measure comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) lowered its count of suspected Ebola cases in central Africa to 116, down from a previous estimate of over 900, while confirmed cases have reached 330.The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the strategy in a statement released on Tuesday, signed by Ado Bako, the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations. The ministry clarified that while there…

President Bola Tinubu is set to address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as the centerpiece of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations. The announcement follows the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Tuesday, which was tasked by the Federal Government to oversee the 2026 Democracy Day events across Nigeria. According to the approved schedule, the official lineup kicks off with a World Press Conference on June 4, followed by special Juma’at prayers on June 5, and an inter-denominational church service on June 7. The commemoration continues with a Democracy Day public lecture on June 9, and…

‎‎‎African Ambassadors, U.S. Policymakers, Global Investors, Business Leaders and Development Experts to Convene in Washington, D.C. for a Landmark Africa–U.S. Economic Summit‎‎ The Global Initiative for the Advancement of Africa (GIAA), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Africa’s economic transformation through strategic partnerships, trade promotion, investment facilitation, and leadership engagement, is proud to officially unveil the 2026 edition of the African Ambassadors’ Economic Forum (AAEFORUM) to partner with Ayanda Media and Forbes.‎‎The event is scheduled to take place from July 16–19, 2026, at the prestigious Westin Crystal City Hotel, VA, Washington, D.C.‎Positioned as one of the most significant Africa–United…

The Supreme Court has delivered a final verdict on the legal dispute surrounding the merger of Providus Bank Limited and Unity Bank Plc. On Monday, the apex court dismissed an appeal that sought to block the transaction and ordered the appellants to pay N10 million in costs to each respondent The ruling was passed down by a five-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Tijani Abubakar, in Appeal No. SC/CV/132/2026. This case originated from Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/137/2025 and Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/734/2025. In a significant legal move, the court dismissed the appeal for lacking merit and utilized its powers under Section…

The Federal Government has ordered all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to stop sending retiring civil servants on a compulsory three-month pre-retirement leave. The government clarified that such a holiday does not exist anywhere within the Public Service Rules (PSR). This directive was made public through a circular signed by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The document was distributed to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, heads of agencies, and other top public sector administrators. In the circular, titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” Walson-Jack pointed out that various MDAs…