Philip Ibitoye

Inside Senate’s Refusal to Reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan After Serving Suspension

Sep 9, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

The decision by the National Assembly to bar Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties has raised questions about parliamentary discipline, judicial authority, and the balance between internal legislative autonomy and the constitutional right of representation. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6 following what was described as … Read more

After Outcry, Will FG Implement 5% Fuel Tax?

Sep 9, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

The federal government’s plan to introduce a 5 percent surcharge on refined petroleum products — including petrol and diesel — has been met with swift and loud opposition from industry stakeholders, civil society groups, and political figures. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has warned that the tax could push many … Read more

Why Wale Edun Is Right to Warn Against Reliance on External Finance

Sep 8, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

When Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, urged West African countries to stop depending on external assistance and instead reform their economies, he was issuing more than a polite suggestion, he was sounding an alarm. At the 11th Annual Conference of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees … Read more

DSS Ultimatum Expires: What Next After X Refuses To Delete Sowore’s Account?

Sep 8, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

The Department of State Services’ (DSS) 24-hour ultimatum to X (formerly Twitter) has expired, but activist Omoyele Sowore’s tweet describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” remains online. In a letter dated Saturday, September 6, 2025 and publicised early Sunday, the DSS demanded the “immediate and urgent ban/deactivation of an X account owned by Omoyele … Read more

Oil Marketers Set To Begin Strike. How Will That Affect You?

Sep 7, 2025.Sep 6, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Petrol stations across the South West may go dark from Monday as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, has vowed to shut operations in protest of what it calls an attempt to “monopolise” the downstream petroleum sector. The decision, reached at a zonal council meeting on Saturday, comes just as Dangote … Read more

Fond of Using Your Phone in the Toilet? New Research Reveals What You Risk

Sep 7, 2025.Sep 6, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

An illustration of using a phone in the Toilet

For many people, the bathroom has become more than a place to answer nature’s call, it is now a quiet sanctuary to catch up on news, scroll through social media, or grab a few minutes of “me time.” But doctors are warning that this habit may be taking a toll on our health. EDITOR’S PICKS … Read more

President Tinubu, Success On Forex, Increased Revenue Must Be Managed By Wasiu Ademola Bakare

Sep 6, 2025.Sep 5, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Emilokan 2027: Political Coalition Launches Campaign for Tinubu’s Second Term

Wasiu Ademola Bakare, a member and one of the elders of the Epe Club, an influential group of Epe indigenes, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to deliberately manage the successes of his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the changes to foreign exchange policy. Bakare, … Read more

Single-Use Plastics Ban: Should Lagos Target Manufacturers or Retailers?

Sep 5, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab

The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, has been the subject of criticisms after recent enforcement activities at retail stores in parts of the state over the ban of single-use plastics. In recent days, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has posted footage of state officials conducting … Read more

What Non-Oil Revenue Surge Means For Nigeria’s Economy

Sep 4, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Nigeria’s fiscal story is changing and fast. Between January and August 2025, the federal government generated ₦20.59 trillion in revenue, with ₦15.69 trillion coming from the non-oil sector, according to the presidency. This means three out of every four naira now comes from non-oil sources, a milestone that marks a fundamental shift for Africa’s largest … Read more

Why Zamfara Governor May Have Made Most Convincing Case for State Police

Sep 4, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

The debate over state police is as old as Nigeria’s democracy, but Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal may have just made the most compelling case yet for why the country must decentralise policing. Lawal, in a viral video that has sparked nationwide conversation, declared that he could wipe out banditry in Zamfara within two months … Read more

What To Know About New FCCPC Sanctions for Digital Lenders Harassing Borrowers

Sep 3, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Meta Threatens to Shut Down Facebook, Instagram in Nigeria Over Regulatory Disputes

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has rolled out a new regulatory regime that could finally rein in the widespread harassment of Nigerian borrowers by digital lending platforms. The regulations, officially gazetted as the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulation, 2025, took effect on July 21 and are poised to … Read more

What New Secondary School Curriculum Means for Students

Sep 3, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Students in one of the classrooms at Ogombo Senior Secondary School

When the next academic session begins later this September, Nigerian secondary school students will face a curriculum unlike any they have seen before. The Federal Government’s newly introduced curriculum, unveiled on Sunday and widely circulated after presidential aide Dada Olusegun shared it online, represents one of the most significant overhauls of the country’s education system … Read more

What Favour Ofili’s Switch to Turkey Says About Nigeria’s Talent Drain

Sep 2, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Favour Ofili representing Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics

When 22-year-old sprinter Favour Ofili confirmed on Monday that she had switched allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, it was sad, but unsurprising, news. Ofili, a multiple-time medalist and Olympic finalist, is not just one of Nigeria’s finest track and field exports, she is the latest high-profile talent to leave the country after repeated clashes with … Read more

Why WAEC’s Move to CBT Could End Exam Malpractice Epidemic

Sep 2, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announcing the WAEC CBT transition

Nigeria’s education system is set for a major shake-up as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) begins its transition from paper-based testing to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Education experts, policymakers, and school administrators are hailing the move as a critical step toward restoring public confidence in the … Read more

Tinubu, Mastermind Of Eko Club International, Congratulates Diaspora Group On 25th Anniversary

Sep 1, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

President Tinubu sent a congratulatory message to Eko Club International members. The president, a former member of the diaspora, helped create the group. The group is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary later this month. Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the leaders and members of Eko Club International (ECI), the … Read more

Can Nigeria Avoid Another Tragedy Like IPOB Provocateur Simon Ekpa?

Sep 1, 2025. by Philip Ibitoye

When a Finnish court sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years in prison on Monday for terrorism-related crimes, Nigerians were reminded of the far-reaching impact of the man who, from the safety of his Lahti apartment, incited a wave of fear, violence, and economic paralysis in the country’s southeast. Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and former … Read more

PHOTOS: Wake Keep Of Pastor Samuel Adebowale Brings Family And Friends Together

Aug 18, 2024.Aug 18, 2024. by Philip Ibitoye

Family and friends of Pastor Samuel Adelaja Adebowale gathered at his wake keep on Thursday to bid him a farewell. The gathering held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Oyo Province 2, New Bodija, Ibadan. The event, which featured several songs of tributes for the deceased, also involved many attendees eulogising the departed … Read more

IN PICTURES: Pastor Samuel Adebowale’s Final Journey Home

Aug 18, 2024.Aug 18, 2024. by Philip Ibitoye

Pastor Samuel Adebowale was on Friday, August 16, 2024, sent on his final journey home as his remains were buried in his hometown of Ibadan, Oyo State. Many dignitaries, including family and friends, attended the burial ceremony that followed a service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Oyo Province 2, New Bodija, Ibadan. … Read more

PHOTOS: Fond Memories Of Pastor Samuel Adebowale Dominate Funeral Reception

Aug 18, 2024.Aug 18, 2024. by Philip Ibitoye

On Friday, August 16, 2024, Pastor Samuel Adebowale was laid to eternal rest in his hometown of Ibadan, Oyo State. The day concluded with a reception, where family, friends, and other well-wishers gathered to celebrate Pastor Adebowale’s life and contributions. The reception featured a display of photographs and memorabilia, along with a selection of tributes … Read more