NIGERIAN NOTCH

Sixty-one years after the establishment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the country still imports military hardware, including arms and ammunition. DICON was established in 1964 to cater to the military’s needs, but six decades later, the Nigerian Military still relies heavily on imported military wares. The Nigerian Military has budgeted N25,594,414,841 to procure the arms and ammunition needed for its operations in 2025. In the 2025 appropriation bill before the National Assembly, the Armed Forces also budgeted N16,134,661,311 to procure protective kits such as uniforms, helmets, ballistic vests, etc. This is in addition to budgetary provisions for other equipment, including aircraft, vehicle fuel costs and other logistics. Advertisement Interestingly, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) claims it exported arms and ammunition to African countries in 2024. The budget proposal reviewed by LEADERSHIP also allocated N30,000,000 to e...

In a clear message of zero tolerance for cash flow disruptions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sanctioned Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to make Naira notes available through automated teller machines (ATMs), during the yuletide season. Each bank was fined ₦150 million for non-compliance, in line with the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their branches. The enforcement action follows repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to guarantee seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand. The affected banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc. Communication with the banks revealed that the fines would be debited directly from their accounts with the apex bank. The Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali confirmed the develo...

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has congratulated the Nigerian Senate on the confirmation of Mr. Mark Okoye II, as the pioneer Managing Director of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC). This confirmation is a testament to Okoye's exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to the development of the Southeast region the party said in a press release made available to this medium by Mazi Ejimofor Opara KSM, PhD, ANIPR, the National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) stressed that as the pioneer Managing Director of SEDC, Okoye is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in driving the commission's mandate and fostering economic growth in the region.  His appointment he said has been hailed as a major boost to the development of the South East region, and a significant milestone in the region's journey towards economic growth and development. APGA therefore commends the Nigerian Senate for carrying out a th...

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has urged his colleagues to rededicate themselves to the task of fixing Nigeria. He made the appeal on Tuesday in a welcome address titled: "Rising To The Greatness of Our Calling" which he read at the resumed Plenary after Yuletide and New Year break The Senate President said: "As we embark on this new legislative year, I urge us all to accommodate in our New Year resolutions a renewed commitment to the service of our great nation, Nigeria. "Let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the task of fixing Nigeria—transforming it into the country of our dreams, the pride of Africa, and a beacon of hope for the world. "As we return to our legislative duties, we are immediately faced with a matter of utmost importance: the consideration of the national budget. "I have no doubt that, as always, we will approach this with our usual patriotic fervor and meticulous diligence. "This is not just a financia...

A devastating fire outbreak has ravaged the popular Nkwo Nnewi Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, leaving a trail of destruction and billions of naira in losses. The inferno, which started at approximately 2am, gutted several sections of the market, destroying goods and properties worth billions of naira. Eyewitnesses attributed the fire to an electrical fault in one of the shops, which quickly spread to nearby stalls due to the highly flammable nature of the goods sold in the market. Traders and shop owners were seen scrambling to salvage what was left of their wares, while firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service battled to bring the blaze under control. Stakeholders of the market described the incident as a "great loss" for the traders and the community at large. "We urge the government and other well-meaning individuals to come to our aid and assist us in rebuilding the market," they appealed. The fire incident has raised conce...

THE Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol would likely cost more as depot owners have increased prices by about 4.74 per cent. This follows the recent increase of crude oil prices, including Nigeria’s Bonny Light to $80 per barrel this week from $73 per barrel last week. Already, some depots, including Swift Depot have increased their loading prices to N950 per litre from N907 per litre while Wosbab depot also increased its price to N950 per litre from N909 per litre. Similarly, Sahara Depot increased its price to N950 per litre from N910 per litre while Shellplux, increased its loading price to N960 per litre from N908 per litre. …Details coming later

The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency Election has come and gone with Sen John Azuta-Mbata emerging as the National President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. It's no longer news as well, that many stakeholders in the race have moved on. The most outstanding is Chief Fyneface Ndukwe Amaechi, who a was credible and acceptable front-runner was instrumental in making sure that what the constitution stipulated was not stalled, as he did not allow Rivers interest to taken away from them, despite all the manipulation from unfortunate elements in Rivers State.  As it was Rivers turn to present who becomes the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.  For this, many stakeholders have commended Chief Fyneface Ndukwe Amaechi for his unwavering dedication to supporting Ohaneze Ndigbo, demonstrating stability and passion for the Ndigbo community. His commitment to upholding the interests of Rivers State during the electioneering process has also earned him recognition and admiration...

— As Businessman, Jonas Ifinta Revolutionises Technical Education in Awgbu with New School Complex In a historic event held on January 2, 2025, philanthropist and businessman Jonas Ifinta has unveiled a two-story school complex at the All Saints International Technical College (ASITEC) in Awgbu to serve as a workshops for skills acquisition. This landmark project, fully funded and donated by Ifinta, aims to bridge the gap between theory and problems solving in Nigeria’s education system. Addressing the audience, Ifinta spoke passionately about the importance of equipping students with practical skills, noting that the absence of such training in Nigeria’s current curriculum has exacerbated unemployment.  He said “I have always been fascinated by technical skills. The major issue with education in Nigeria is that the current curriculum doesn't transfer practical skills. As a result, graduates often remain unemployed due to the absence of skills, while employers struggle ...

— As Businessman, Jonas Ifinta Revolutionises Technical Education in Awgbu with New School Complex In a historic event held on January 2, 2025, philanthropist and businessman Jonas Ifinta has unveiled a two-story school complex at the All Saints International Technical College (ASITEC) in Awgbu to serve as a workshops for skills acquisition. This landmark project, fully funded and donated by Ifinta, aims to bridge the gap between theory and problems solving in Nigeria’s education system. Addressing the audience, Ifinta spoke passionately about the importance of equipping students with practical skills, noting that the absence of such training in Nigeria’s current curriculum has exacerbated unemployment.  He said “I have always been fascinated by technical skills. The major issue with education in Nigeria is that the current curriculum doesn't transfer practical skills. As a result, graduates often remain unemployed due to the absence of skills, while employers struggle ...