Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi The Otu-Jeremi Police Division, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has arrested a 48-year-old father living with HIV AIDS for defiling his 10-year-old daughter. A medical examination conducted by the Police indicated constant penetration of the minor by her father. It was gathered that the suspect had consistently slept with unsuspecting women in the community and had also allegedly infected his wife. Trouble started for the suspect after his wife noticed their daughter became sickly and emaciated. She reportedly took the young child for a medical examination, where her HIV status was confirmed. Following interrogation,…

Nigerian gospel artists Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo have achieved significant global recognition, securing spots among the most-streamed Nigerian acts on YouTube Music for the first quarter of 2025. According to data from Debut Hub, Nathaniel Bassey garnered 52.8 million streams, with Mercy Chinwo trailing closely at 46.4 million. Both artists have continued to captivate audiences worldwide with their uplifting gospel music. Mercy Chinwo’s most popular track, “Excess Love,” has garnered a staggering 133 million plays, making it one of her standout songs. Nathaniel Bassey’s spiritually rich music also continues to resonate globally, with his best-performing songs like “Yahweh Sabaoth,”…

…Oil falls $12 below 2025 budget projection By Douglas Maha, Business Editor Global crude oil prices dropped sharply this week, with Brent crude falling to $65 per barrel, the lowest since August 2021, driven by U.S. import tariffs and an unexpected increase in output by the OPEC+ alliance, raising concerns for oil-dependent economies, particularly Nigeria. The initial optimism from last week, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on countries importing oil from Venezuela, quickly dissipated as geopolitical tensions and trade disputes escalated. According to Oilprice.com, the downturn was primarily due to three factors: U.S. tariffs, OPEC+’s accelerated production increases,…

– 48.6% increase raises concerns over fiscal sustainability ABUJA – Nigeria’s total public debt rose sharply to ₦144.67 trillion as of December 31, 2024, representing a 48.58% increase compared to ₦97.34 trillion recorded in the previous year, according to the latest figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO). The debt burden—external and domestic obligations—highlights the Federal Government’s continued reliance on borrowing to plug budgetary shortfalls, fund infrastructure, and manage macroeconomic instability. A Breakdown of the Numbers Year-on-Year Comparison (₦ Trillions) CategoryDec 2023Dec 2024% ChangeTotal Public Debt₦97.34₦144.67+48.58%External Debt₦38.22₦70.29+83.89%Domestic Debt₦59.12₦74.38+25.77%- FG Domestic₦53.26₦70.41+32.19%- States & FCT₦5.86₦3.97-32.27% Debt Structure: Almost Evenly Split As…

By Deborah Nnamdi On Friday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, officially reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos, which had been closed for maintenance, causing significant public frustration and traffic disruptions throughout the city. During a site visit, Umahi assured the public that permanent repairs on the bridge would begin within the next three weeks. He recognized the bridge’s crucial role in connecting Victoria Island to other major areas of Lagos and apologized for the inconvenience caused by its temporary closure. The reopening follows two days of severe traffic jams, with commuters and drivers voicing their dissatisfaction over the lack…

The GSMA Board of Directors has elected Ralph Mupita as its new Deputy Chair, effective immediately, to serve until the end of 2026. The telecom company announced the appointment in a statement published on its website. “The GSMA Board of Directors has elected Ralph Mupita as Deputy Chair for the remainder of the Board term, until the end of 2026,” the statement read Mupita, who is the Group President and CEO of MTN Group, will assist the Board and Chair in overseeing the strategic direction of the organization. GSMA represents the world’s mobile operators and companies within the broader mobile…

Photo: Bashiru Bayo Ogunlari, GCEO, NNPCL By Douglas Maha, with agency report In a major leadership shakeup, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has named a new eight-member senior management team, signaling a strategic pivot aimed at boosting efficiency and refining its operational direction. Announced in a statement released Friday by company spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, the appointments take immediate effect and reflect a broader effort to streamline the national oil giant’s corporate structure. Leading the new team is Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari. He will be supported by: The leadership changes are part of a wider…

Gov Mutfwang appeals for calm, says suspects arrested By Didimoko A. Didimoko The quiet night of April 2nd turned deadly for residents of several communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State when armed men launched coordinated assaults, leaving at least 52 people dead. As families continue to search for loved ones, the full scale of the devastation is only beginning to emerge. Local leaders, including Farmasum Fuddang of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council Vanguard, confirmed that search teams have recovered over 40 additional bodies in recent days, bringing the previously reported death toll to a staggering 52. Victims…

The Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for their prompt approval and enactment of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) into law. MOSIEND’s National Secretary, Ambassador Winston C. Amain, described the creation of the SSDC as a significant achievement that highlights the current administration’s dedication to addressing the developmental challenges of the South-South region. The SSDC is designed to promote sustainable development, economic empowerment, and social justice for the Ijaw people and other ethnic groups in the South-South region. Ambassador Amain noted that the…

By Deborah Nnamdi Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Mrs Blessing Adagba, Coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi. The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Police Command in Ebonyi, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident on Friday in Abakaliki. Ukanda, who confirmed her abduction, said, “Yes, Adagba was abducted in the Okposhi Eheku community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.” He said that the abduction occurred in the early hours of Thursday, adding that the police had already launched an investigation. “The Anti-Kidnapping Squad has been deployed to rescue the victim. I believe…