Our Reporters, Author at Trendbrio.com

Tinubu’s Appointments Not Lopsided, Inquiries Should Be Directed to SGF’s Office – Akume

Our Reporters6 days ago6 days ago03 mins

PRESS RELEASEOFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has noted recent insinuations, particularly on social media, concerning the composition of Federal appointments. In response, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and fair representation in appointments, and categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness. It remains fully dedicated to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity in all its dealings. Federal appointments are made in strict compliance with the federal character principle as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and justice when selecting individuals to serve in national capacities. This Administration is committed to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented across institutions and agencies of government. The ideals of inclusivity and balanced representation are central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fostering national cohesion and driving sustainable development. The OSGF urges the public to disregard unfounded speculations and instead rely on official government sources for accurate information. Individuals or groups promoting divisive narratives and baseless allegations should not be given any credence. Inquiries regarding appointments may be directed to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which remains the official custodian of such matters. Segun ImohiosenDirector, Information and Public RelationsFor: Secretary to the Government of the Federation

36 Govs Sign MoU With Energy China To Drive Electricity Reform

Our Reporters7 days ago7 days ago05 mins

In a strategic move to enhance energy development at the sub-national level, Nigerian governors on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Energy China, a major Chinese firm renowned for its work in renewable energy and gas production. The agreement, which aims to deepen cooperation on clean energy, was formalized during a high-level meeting involving key stakeholders from Nigeria and China. Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening energy governance, enhancing energy access, and fostering sustainable development across the states. Governor Yahaya highlighted the significance of the recently passed Electricity Act of 2023, describing it as a “pivotal moment” in Nigeria’s energy journey. He noted that the legislation has opened up opportunities for decentralized power solutions, encouraged private sector investment, and empowered states to design their own energy markets. However, he also acknowledged persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, and financing gaps. Yahaya stressed that the MoU with Energy China presents an opportunity to address these issues through collaboration, innovation, and international support. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, also spoke at the event, aligning the partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He explained that the MoU covers key areas including the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure—solar, wind, and hydro—as well as the establishment of a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre. The center will focus on technology transfer, innovation, and capacity-building. Nnaji noted that the initiative is designed to improve off-grid energy access, generate jobs, attract investment, and advance Nigeria’s climate commitments. Dr. Song Liang, Chairman of the China Energy Commission, reaffirmed China’s commitment to fully implementing the terms of the MoU. He emphasized the importance of intelligence-sharing and prioritizing renewable energy development, particularly in areas such as energy storage and green technology. Liang described the partnership as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between Nigeria and China in the energy sector. His sentiments were echoed by the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, who outlined the Forum’s ongoing support for states as they implement the Electricity Act. Dr. Shittu noted that the NGF has established a Power Desk and a Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy across all 36 states to coordinate energy reforms and promote best practices. He reaffirmed the NGF’s commitment to providing technical support, facilitating partnerships, and helping states navigate the responsibilities placed on them by the new electricity law. “There is no doubt that this relationship with the China Energy International Group will significantly accelerate energy access in the country,” he said. “The NGF stands ready to support its successful implementation.”

Akpabio Petitions IGP Over Alleged Assassination Claim by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Our Reporters7 days ago7 days ago03 mins

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as a false and defamatory assassination allegation made against him by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a letter dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio called for an immediate investigation into the claim and also requested that Akpoti-Uduaghan be prosecuted for criminal defamation. Copies of the petition were sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. The allegation, according to Akpabio, arose from a statement made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 1 during a homecoming event in Ihima, Kogi State. She reportedly accused the Senate President of directing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in order to frame her constituents. Akpabio vehemently denied the accusation, calling it “a heinous lie” and “a calculated attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest.” He described the allegation as baseless, politically motivated, and intended to discredit him both nationally and internationally. “The statement is not only false and unfounded, but a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination. Her motive was clear—to incite the public, manipulate sentiment, and malign my person and office,” Akpabio stated in the petition. The Senate President also raised concerns about the wide circulation of the allegation through various media channels, including television, radio, print, and social media. He urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with urgency and prosecute the suspended senator under existing laws related to defamation, false accusations, and incitement.

#BringBackFubara: Women Demand End to Emergency Rule in Rivers

Our Reporters7 days ago7 days ago02 mins

A group of women in Rivers State staged a protest on Friday morning in Port Harcourt, the state capital, demanding the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and an end to the emergency rule declared in the state. The protest, which began in the early hours of the day, saw the women chanting slogans and wielding placards with inscriptions such as ‘We need our democracy restored’, ‘#BringBackFubara’, ‘Obey the rule of law’, and ‘Save our democracy’. “We want Governor Fubara back,” one of the protesters was heard saying in videos circulating on X. PUNCH Online gathered that the demonstration culminated in a march to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, where the women called for a return to democratic governance and described the current political situation in the state as “unconstitutional”. The protest comes in response to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state on March 18, citing a prolonged political crisis. Following the declaration, Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as the sole administrator of the state. Videos circulating on social media showed the women chanting solidarity songs and demanding an end to what they termed a “breach of democratic principles”.

Siemens CEO, Family Perish in Helicopter Crash

Our Reporters1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children have been identified as victims in the crash along with the pilot, aged 36, law enforcement sources told ABC News. An executive of Siemens, a European technology company, his wife and young children were aboard the tourist helicopter that plunged into New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday, leaving no survivors. Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children — ages 4, 8 and 10 — have been identified as victims in the crash along with the pilot, aged 36, law enforcement sources told ABC News. The crash was one day before the 8-year-old’s birthday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. The sightseeing tour was also part of a celebration for Montal’s 40th birthday, according to Jersey City Mayor Fulop. “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board,” Adams said at a briefing. In this screen grab from a video, first responders are shown at the scene of a helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, in New York.WABC Escobar’s title was Global CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. His wife also worked at the company and was a global commercialization manager for Team Digital with Siemens Energy. Siemens said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.” First responders walk along Pier 40, on April 10, 2025, in New York, across from where a helicopter went down in the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J. The identity of the pilot, who was flying the New York Helicopters chartered chopper, has not yet been released. The family was visiting New York City from Barcelona, Spain, two Spanish officials told ABC News. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a post to X that the news was “devastating.” He added, “Five Spaniards from the same family, three of them children, and the pilot have lost their lives. An unimaginable tragedy. I sympathize with the victims’ loved ones at this heartbreaking time.” The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what led to Thursday’s deadly crash in the Hudson, between Lower Manhattan and Hoboken, New Jersey. The crash occurred at 3:17 p.m., just over 15 minutes into the flight, officials said. The helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge before turning south and crashing, officials said.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Fair Representation in Appointments

Our Reporters1 week ago1 week ago02 mins

The Federal Government has refuted claims of lop-sidedness regarding the composition of Federal appointments, just as its emphasizes unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in a statement on Friday urged the public to discard the recent insinuations circulating, particularly on social media. “All appointments are made in strict adherence to federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered). “It is notable to mention that, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments. “This Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies. “Inquiries with respect to this matter can be channeled through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation which is the official custodian of such appointments,” the statement read. The OSGF therefore, urged the public to disregard unfounded speculations and rely on official Government sources for accurate information, stressing that the Government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this Administration. Pokers of embers of hate and disunity who carry tendentious and unfounded allegations should never be taken seriously by Nigerians.

Eedris Abdulkareem Raises Alarm Over N200M Bribe

Our Reporters1 week ago1 week ago02 mins

Nigerian musician Eedris Abdukareem has raised the alarm over an attempt to set him up with a N200,000million bribe following the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) ban on his single; ‘Tell Your Papa.’ Eedris, who spoke in vernacular, made this revelation in a video posted on his Instagram field on Friday. His words; “Okay, my people, how una dey? Make I give una very very quick updates. “So, I got a call from one criminal. Honourable Chisom Jabale. Him no wan make I hear the name sef and after the call, I said what’s your name again. He said Senator…I said Ole leleyi (This one is a thief). “So, the idiot was now telling me that he was in a meeting with Seyi (Tinubu) and this government, that they are trying to bribe you. Don’t listen to them. “We are going to be sponsoring you underground and I said who told you that I need anything. (sic). Immediately, I heard his voice, I said this one nah them send am. I said I’m not interested. He said we would give you 200million and I said the video wey I shoot, nah you sponsor me underground? “I say make una go sidon somewhere. I’m not inetersted. Wetin dey worry una nah? “So, I knew he was sent. Awon Ole buruku (Thieves). Nah me una wan record take do caricature. I don prepare for una tey tey.”

Salah Shows Off £725,000 Wristwatch

Our Reporters1 week ago1 week ago04 mins

Mohamed Salah was seen sporting a £725,000 watch as he signed a new two-year deal with Liverpool on Friday morning. Salah, 32, is one of Liverpool’s all-time greatest players, with the Egyptian having scored a remarkable 243 goals in 394 games for the club since joining from Roma in 2017 for an initial £36.5million fee. The forward, who is the Reds’ third highest goal scorer of all-time, has won eight trophies at Anfield and remains integral to Arne Slot’s side as they close in on the Premier League title. Salah’s previous contract was set to expire in the summer and speculation over his future has been a major talking point throughout the campaign, with the forward regularly providing cryptic answers when questioned over his future. However, on Friday, the club confirmed he had put pen to paper on a new deal until 2027 worth £350,000-per-week, ending the dramatic saga. And, as photos started to circulate of Salah’s contract presentation, eagle-eyed fans noticed what the Egyptian was wearing. Alongside his Liverpool shirt and a beaming smile, on his left wrist Salah was sporting a rather fancy-looking blue watch. The timepiece is from Richard Mille, a luxury Swiss watch company that was founded in 2001. Its full name is the Richard Mille RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium and one website had the watch on sale for $949,999 (£725,000). One review of the product described it as: ‘The new RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium hearkens back to some of the brand’s earliest models with Mille’s hallmark tonneau-shaped case fashioned from satin-finished grade 5 titanium. ‘A biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant, and remarkably rigid alloy, grade 5 titanium is 90 per cent grade 5 titanium, 6 per cent aluminum, and 4 per cent vanadium. ‘The manual-winding RM 17-02 debuted in 2022 with a lightweight TZP ceramic and satin-finished 18-karat red gold case and came in white and blue versions limited to 30 pieces each. ‘Then, earlier this year, the brand unveiled a version in White Quartz TPT, which was also limited to 30 pieces. ‘Now, this fourth titanium iteration, which is not limited, exhibits a more discreet character, underscoring timeless style with what may be viewed as an almost retro vibe for longtime Mille devotees.’