Our Reporters, Author at Trendbrio.com

Tinubu Administration: Multiple Spokespersons, No Clear Communication

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago015 mins

By Temidayo Akinsuyi There is no denying the fact that President Bola Tinubu has the highest number of media aides in the history of Nigeria, in the same manner his government boasts of the highest number of ministers. However, this cacophony of voices appears to be singing disjointed music, with the songs sounding fragmented, uneven or more like a ‘broken record’, like former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, is wont to say. In June 2023, the president appointed Dele Alake, his former Commissioner of Information during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, as Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, making him the first media aide to the president. Soon after, he was named the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, a development sources claimed was orchestrated by a powerful cabal in the villa who do not want Alake to have direct access to the president as his chief spokesperson. Many Nigerians criticised Alake’s appointment as Solid Minerals minister because he has no expertise in the sector. However, he later clarified that the president decided to shock Nigerians by not appointing him to the information ministry, which he has a background in, but drafted him to the Solid Minerals ministry because of his sense of responsibility, expertise, and track record. Hear him: “My portfolio has been the upset of the entire cabinet because given my antecedents, exposure, and experience in the area of perception, information management, and the likes so most people have pigeonholed me for information, and so we decided to shock everybody. Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that the hydrocarbon – that is, the oil is fading out and the world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars, and the rest. So what is the next economic growth factor? It is solid mineral. Given the nature of this sector to our economic growth and vitality of this country which is dear to the heart of Mr President, it’s just very apt and proper for him to send me here because he knows and trusts that I have a demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage to drive the agenda; that is why I am here. We are going to drive that agenda with the full cooperation of everyone.” Two years down the line, whether Alake’s impact has been felt in the Solid Affairs Ministry is left for Nigerians to decide. In July 2023, the president appointed Ajuri Ngelale as his special adviser on media and publicity. In October of the same year, he also appointed Bayo Onanuga, a veteran journalist and one of his close allies, as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. As sources in the villa have confirmed, the young but cocky Ngelale, who added the prefix ‘Chief’ to his name, saw Onanuga as a ‘rival wife who had come to share the same husband with him’ while forgetting that while he was working as a media aide to former President Buhari, it was the likes of Onanuga who were receiving social media bullets for the president and following him everywhere during the electioneering campaign. Ngelale, who went into oblivion after he was technically eased out, crawled out of the hole last week to wish the president, whom he described as ‘his father’, a happy 73rd birthday. Like the Yorubas will say, ‘Baba egbe mo oye omo to bi (The father knows the number of his children). In August, the president also named Muhammed Idris as Minister of Information and National Orientation. Despite occupying such a visible portfolio, the highly reticent Idris, unfortunately, is one of the unknown ministers in the president’s cabinet. Unlike his predecessor, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ask many Nigerians who Nigeria’s current Minister of Information is, and I can bet a lot of people won’t know. Aside Onanuga, other members of the president’s media team are Daniel Bwala (Special Adviser, Policy Communication); Sunday Dare ( Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications); Tunde Rahman (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Media); Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Print Media); O’tega Ogra – (Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media); Tope Ajayi – Senior Special Assistant (Media & Public Affairs); Segun Dada (Special Assistant — Social Media); Nosa Asemota – Special Assistant (Visual Communication); Mr Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Public Engagement); Mrs Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Strategic Communications) and Mr Aliyu Audu (Special Assistant to the President — Public Affairs). With all these people managing the public image and media affairs of the president, one then begins to wonder why there is still a huge disconnect between the government and Nigerians. Aside from Onanuga, the head of the Media and Publicity Directorate who has been doing a yeoman’s job so far, who else can one pinpoint as speaking for the president?. I can’t remember Tunde Rahman granting any interview as a presidential spokesperson; the last time I read about him, he represented the president at the Service of Songs organised for the late Doyin Okupe in Lagos. When Daniel Bwala was appointed as special adviser on media and public communications to the president, he claimed he was the official spokesperson to President Tinubu; the presidency issued a statement that the president has no individual spokesperson but all three special advisers – Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala – will “collectively serve as spokespersons for the government”. How can you have three special advisers jointly speaking for one president who claims he has implemented the Oronsaye report aimed at cutting the cost of governance? What will Sunday Dare or Bwala say that Onanuga alone can’t say? Since his redesignation, Bwala, an erudite lawyer, has been trying his best to communicate the policies and reforms of the president to Nigerians. However, many Nigerians hardly take what he says with a pinch of salt, given his antecedents and previous negative remarks about the…

Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Government Over Failing Security and Ongoing Mass Killings

Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over Insecurity, Mass Killings

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s security policies, stating that the country’s security situation has deteriorated to the point where mass killings have become a tragic norm. He described the failures of the current administration’s security architecture as an ongoing nationwide crisis. Atiku expressed concern that the severity of the nation’s security problems has escalated to such an extent that many killings no longer make the headlines, emphasizing the grim reality of frequent bloodshed under the Tinubu-led government. “The failure of Bola Tinubu’s security architecture has become an endemic issue across the country, with repeated killings, many of which go unreported,” he said. He added that Nigerians are now forced to accept these atrocities as part of daily life, leading to widespread fear and despair. Atiku also extended his condolences to the victims of recent attacks, particularly those in Plateau State, where numerous lives have been lost in violent incidents. “Nigerians are now desensitized to the heartbreaking news of senseless killings, and I offer my deepest condolences to the grieving communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, and the families affected,” he said. In a statement released on Friday, Atiku criticized the federal government’s lack of action, warning that without swift and decisive intervention, the country would continue its descent into lawlessness. He urged the Tinubu administration to overhaul the security architecture to better protect Nigerian citizens. “I call on the Tinubu-led federal government to urgently reconfigure its security framework to safeguard the lives and properties of our people,” he stated. SaharaReporters earlier reported that at least 10 people were killed in a series of violent attacks on Wednesday in five communities within Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. These attacks occurred just six days after a similar attack in Ruwi community during a wake-keeping ceremony, which resulted in 10 deaths and several injuries. A statement from the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), signed by its chairman, Farmasum Fuddang, condemned the ongoing violence, highlighting the severe threat posed by terrorists trying to seize land and impose a caliphate. “In just one week, we have lost more than twenty members of our community due to these marauding terrorists, who are systematically engaging in ethnic and religious cleansing of five villages,” Fuddang stated.

Zlatan And FOLA Inspire With Life Lessons and Positive Energy on a Track Get Better

Zlatan, FOLA Inspire With Life Lessons, Positive Energy on Track Get Better

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago08 mins

Zlatan is known for making music that connects with the streets. Sometimes, his songs are just for enjoyment, full of energy and dance. Other times, he slows things down and speaks about real-life struggles. “Get Better”, his new song featuring FOLA, is one of those songs that mix motivation with melody. It carries a strong message about hustle, life’s ups and downs, and the hope for a better tomorrow. But despite its deep meaning, the song is still enjoyable, with a smooth beat and catchy delivery that make you want to keep playing it. Zlatan starts his first rap verse with a heavy message: “Dangote still striking deals Adeleke just buy a new private jet, And you say make my grind reduce? I don see who get before wey no get again”. This part of the song teaches a profound lesson about life. Zlatan is pointing out that even the wealthiest men are still working. Dangote is a billionaire, but he is still making moves. Adeleke, a rich businessman who doubles as Davido’s father, just bought a private jet, meaning he still grows his wealth. If people like this are not slowing down, why should Zlatan stop working hard? The last line is especially powerful. Zlatan reminds us that wealth is not permanent. Some people had money before but lost it all because they chose to stay in that Comfort zone. He has seen people go from rich to poor, so he knows anything can happen. This is why he cannot afford to relax, and he is passing that same message to his listeners. No matter how much you have, life can take a turn if you stop grinding. This is something many Nigerians can relate to. Everyone wants to make it in life, but Zlatan reminds us that making money is one thing, keeping it is another. If billionaires are still working, nobody should think they have “arrived” and stop putting in the effort. Another essential part of the song is where Zlatan talks about people who leave Nigeria, thinking life will be better. There is a reality check when he sings “No be everyone for UK na him dey okay, 9 to 5 want to make them paralyze.” Many Nigerians believe that as soon as they leave the country, life will become easy. Zlatan is saying that this is not always true. Not everyone in the UK is doing well. Some people work stressful 9-to-5 jobs that leave them drained, to survive. This is a message to those who think traveling out is the only solution to life’s problems. Zlatan is not saying people should not “Japa” (relocate), but he is clarifying that hard work does not disappear just because you have left Nigeria. Even abroad, you still have to hustle to survive. What makes Get Better special is that although it talks about real struggles, it does not feel heavy. The production is smooth, blending emotional piano chords with a street-pop rhythm that keeps the song moving. It is not a party track, but it still has that bounce that makes you want to nod your head or move to the beat. FOLA’s chorus is another highlight of the song. His voice carries both pain and hope when he sings, “I just want things to get better, ko po ko dun pa.” This line is something every Nigerian can understand. Everybody wants life to be better. Nobody wants to suffer. The way FOLA delivers its message makes it even stronger, and you can hear the emotion in his voice. It sounds like a prayer, the thing you say when you are tired of struggling and want a breakthrough. Another influential line in FOLA’s chorus is “Make Lucky Udu no go whine me for old age.” Lucky Udu is a Nigerian videographer and YouTuber who tells the stories of people who used to be successful but fell off for one reason or another. Some were once rich, famous, or great at what they did, but life happened, and now they are struggling. By mentioning Lucky Udu, FOLA is saying, God, please don’t let me become one of those people who had it all and lost everything. It’s a real fear for many Nigerians—nobody wants to blow today and then fade away tomorrow. At the end of the day, “Get Better” is one of the best songs that has been released in 2025. As the country is rugged and people are complaining, Zlatan and FOLA remind us that life is truly hard, but we cannot stop pushing. It is a song that teaches, inspires, and entertains simultaneously.

Gunmen Kill Two and Abduct 12 Passengers in Benue

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has said that gunmen attacked the company’s bus, killed the driver and one passenger and abducted 12 others. The company’s information officer, Johnson Ehi, disclosed this in a statement in Makurdi on Friday.The company is owned by the Benue State government. The statement explained that the bus, with registration number PP512, was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo when the incident happened. According to Mr Ehi, the incident occurred on Thursday, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks. The management condemned the fatal attack in very strong terms. It stated, “Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had disembarked earlier at Taraku Town before the incident. “The management extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity. We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers. “We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.” When contacted, the Benue police command confirmed the incident. The state police public relations officer, Sewuese Anene, said, “The incident was reported but details would be made available later.”

SWAN Congratulates Kida On Appointment As NNPCL Board Chairman

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida on his recent appointment as the Board Chairman of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). President of SWAN, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a letter to Engr. Kida, dated April 3, 2025 and signed by the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, described his appointment as well deserved. Kida, an oil and gas mogul is the incumbent President of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). The SWAN President said Engr. Kida’s track record in the Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has been prominent in the past and recent times. “Before becoming the new NNPCL board chairman, you have made notable achievements in the industry, while occupying various positions as his career gradually blossomed. “One thing that stands you out is your passion for development and your commitment in making great impacts at all times. You deserves all the accolades. More importantly, we believe you will use your new position to touch more lives especially in sports. “Yes, your appointment is about the oil and gas sector, but that can attract a lot for Nigerian sports. Recently, not much has been heard about NNPCL channeling it’s Corporate Social Responsibility programmes to the sporting industry which has the capacity and direct effect on numerous young people that constitute greater part of the country’s population. “So we believe your presence as a known figure within the sporting fraternity will turn things around,” part of the letter said. Meanwhile, SWAN has commiserated with the Board of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) over the loss its President, Alhaji Abdullahi Saidu. In a letter of condolence to NTF, SWAN President Mr. Benjamin through the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Okonkwo expressed sadness for the demise of Alhaji Saidu. He then prayed Allah to give his family, Taekwondo community and the entire sporting arena the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Tragic Losses in Nigerian Entertainment: Dripping Louis and Nkechi Nweje

Entertainment: Dripping Louis, Nkechi Nweje dead

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Emerging Nigerian music talent, Dripping Louis, has tragically lost his life in Ibadan. The young artist, who was based in Ibadan, was reportedly stabbed to death by his uncle, Bashiru, following an argument over a ₦600 bottle of Maltina. According to eyewitnesses, what began as a disagreement over the soft drink quickly escalated into violence, resulting in the singer’s untimely death. The incident occurred at their family home in Mokola, Ibadan, leaving both neighbours and fans in shock over the unexpected loss. In a separate heartbreaking development, veteran Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje passed away on Friday, March 21, after a brief illness. The news of her death was confirmed by film producer Stanley Ajemba, better known as Stanley Ontop, who shared a tribute to the late actress on Instagram. He wrote: “Nollywood in tears as we lost one of our vibrant Nollywood actresses, @nkechi.nweje, after a brief illness. Couldn’t post since morning because it was like a dream to me. Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha. Rest in peace, ma’am. My best friend, she always called me on the phone, advising me. The last time we spoke was during the Queenth saga. She said, ‘Ontop, stop.’ I’m still speechless.” The loss of both Dripping Louis and Nkechi Nweje has deeply saddened the Nigerian entertainment industry, leaving a void that will be hard to fill.

Anambra: Labour Party Governorship Primaries Postponed Indefinitely

Anambra: Labour Party Postpones Governorship Primaries

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The Labour Party has announced the indefinite suspension of its Anambra 2025 governorship primary election, which was originally scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, April 5, 2025. The decision to postpone the primaries follows a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court on Friday afternoon, which effectively removed Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party. The court also ordered Abure and his executive team to vacate the party’s national secretariat and all other positions held at various levels. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian on Friday afternoon in Awka, the acting chairman of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Comrade Peter Okoye, confirmed that the governorship primary slated for April 5, 2025, will no longer proceed. He explained that, based on the Supreme Court’s verdict, any primary election conducted under the leadership of Abure’s team would be considered invalid. Okoye emphasized that only the new leadership, under Senator Nenadi Usman, would oversee the party’s affairs moving forward. “The Supreme Court’s verdict this afternoon makes it clear that any election conducted by the current executive team will not stand,” Okoye stated. “The new leadership, along with Senator Usman, will immediately take control of the National Secretariat and other structures across the country.” Okoye also disclosed that a meeting of the acting Anambra State executive has been scheduled for Saturday to discuss the next steps and to brief the national secretariat on the developments. He assured party members and supporters that despite the setbacks, the Labour Party remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Anambra State and beyond. “Despite the challenges, the Labour Party remains the fastest-growing political force in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State,” Okoye affirmed. He urged members to remain resolute and vigilant, awaiting further directives from the national leadership. While the situation remains fluid, Okoye reassured the party’s supporters that the internal issues would be addressed and normalcy would be restored soon.

Alleged N1.9bn Fraud: Court Fixes May 15 for Trial of Works Ministry Director, Surveyor

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja on Thursday, April 3, 2025 fixed May 15, 2025 for the trial of former Deputy Director, Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Augustine Ojo Olowoniyan, alongside a surveyor, Sulaiman Abdulkadir Muhammed of the Department of Highways and Planning. They duo is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a three-count charge, bordering on diversion and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N1,936,961,649.00 (One billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty-six Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-one Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-nine Naira ). The fund was earmarked for the acquisition of titles for federal roads nationwide between March 4, 2019, and July 17, 2020, which the defendants allegedly converted to their personal use. At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to the first and second defendant, J.K. Kolawole and A.S.U. Garba, respectively reminded the court of pending applications of their clients and requested that the court admitted them to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the case. In his objection, prosecution counsel, M.K Hussein drew the attention of the court to a counter-affidavit signed by Njoku Ekelechi, an investigator with the EFCC, accompanied with a written address, dated April 2, 2025 and urged the court to discontenance the bail application or impose bail terms and conditions that will ensure that the defendants appear in court for their trial. Justice Onwuegbuzie admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N800, 000,000 (Eight Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties in like sum, who must be civil servants that are resident in Abuja. The sureties must write an undertaking to produce the defendants in court as and when due. In addition, the defendants must submit their passports to the court which will be verified by the prosecution. The first defendant, Olowoniyan, who is standing another trial in the same court for an alleged N420million fraud was also admitted to another bail by the court in the sum of N400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million) with a surety in like sum, who must be a civil servant, resident in Abuja. The surety, the court held must write an undertaking to produce the defendant in court as and when due. In addition, the defendant must submit his passport with the court registrar. Both matters were adjourned till May 15, 2025 for trial.