Author: Naija Daily News

Photo: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola By Deborah Nnamdi The Federal Government has announced a bold plan to phase out fish importation by significantly increasing local fish production through the aquaculture sector. The move aims to create jobs, enhance food security, and empower women and youth across Nigeria. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the plan during a consultative meeting with Fisheries Cooperative Groups on Wednesday in Abuja. He outlined the government’s strategy to reposition aquaculture as a key driver of food self-sufficiency, employment, and export competitiveness. “The Federal Government is fully…

By Deborah Nnamdi Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the takeover of the party by what he described as “antidemocratic forces.” In a resignation letter dated July 17, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward 4 Chairman in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Momodu said his decision to leave the party was effective immediately. “My reason is simple and straightforward,” he wrote. “Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight. It is therefore honorable to abandon the…

By Deborah Nnamdi Five Nigerian fintech companies—PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, Piggyvest, and Interswitch—have been named among CNBC’s Top 300 Global Fintechs of 2025. The ranking, published in partnership with Statista, highlights high-performing fintechs worldwide based on revenue, growth, and workforce metrics. PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, and Interswitch were featured under the Payments category, which recognizes firms offering payment services, gateways, and transaction tools for consumers and businesses. Piggyvest was listed in the Wealth Tech category, which includes platforms focused on online trading, investment management, and portfolio optimization. Despite being home to more than 200 fintech companies, only four firms from Nigeria were…

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has urged fellow Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen to consider a move to Saudi Arabia, citing financial security and long-term career flexibility as key reasons. In a candid statement, Ighalo — who enjoyed a lucrative stint in the Chinese Super League before returning to Europe to play for Manchester United — emphasized that Osimhen’s age and talent give him the freedom to explore new opportunities without jeopardizing his career in Europe. “My advice to Osimhen is to go to Saudi Arabia. Victor should play in Saudi Arabia for two years, earn enough money, and then…

The protesting contractors in Port Harcourt on Wednesday Contractors working with Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) have escalated protests over longstanding unpaid debts, voicing strong opposition to the company’s ongoing acquisition by Oando Plc. On Wednesday, a group of indigenous contractors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, set up canopies and stationed a tanker at the entrance of NAOC’s facility. They warned that unless their outstanding payments are settled promptly, they may shut down NAOC operations across the Niger Delta. The protest highlights growing tension as contractors allege that NAOC owes millions of dollars for services rendered, with no clear timeline…

By Deborah Nnamdi Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last general elections, has formally resigned from the party. In a resignation letter made public on Wednesday and confirmed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku cited “irreconcilable differences” and dissatisfaction with the current direction of the PDP as reasons for his decision. “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” Atiku wrote. “As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this…

By Deborah Nnamdi Huawei has regained its position as China’s leading smartphone brand for the first time in over four years, outpacing U.S. tech giant Apple and domestic competitors like Xiaomi, according to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC). In the second quarter of 2025, the Shenzhen-based company captured an 18.1% share of the Chinese market, shipping 12.5 million units. This marks a major comeback for Huawei, which has spent years navigating U.S. export restrictions, European bans, and an ongoing corruption probe in Belgium. Meanwhile, Apple fell to fifth place with a 13.9% market share and 9.6 million…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 12 senior secondary school students in connection with a deadly assault at Government Secondary School, Bichi, that resulted in the deaths of two students and left two others critically injured. The incident reportedly occurred late at night around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14, when a group of SS3 students allegedly lured four fellow students into a hostel and violently attacked them. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the victims have been identified as…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Sheik Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has publicly refuted claims by the Edo State Police Command that he was freed from captivity due to pressure mounted by security operatives. Speaking to journalists in his hometown, Obhakhobo revealed that his release on July 13, 2025, came only after his family paid a ransom of N6.5 million to his abductors — not as a result of police intervention. “I was kidnapped on July 7 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road. I regained my freedom after a ransom payment of N6.5 million was made. The police had…

Photo: Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose By Deborah Nnamdi A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, of alleged money laundering and theft charges involving N6.9 billion. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke upheld a no-case submission filed by Fayose’s legal team, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case against the former governor. The court found that the prosecution was unable to link Fayose to the alleged financial crimes or provide sufficient evidence to require him to enter a defence.…