NIGERIA NEWS
Tension in the Senate as Oshiomhole, Ndume clash over Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination
A heated confrontation broke out on Thursday between Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) during the screening of former presidential aide Reno Omokri for an ambassadorial role in Abuja.
The drama unfolded on the second day of the Senate’s ongoing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees.
Omokri, seated quietly in Room 301 of the Senate building, watched as two of the chamber’s most outspoken figures clashed over procedure and politics.
Clash Over Procedure
Tension rose when Oshiomhole began commenting on Omokri’s nomination.
“Look, I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there. After all, we see people on television questioning this list,” he said.
Ndume immediately interrupted, insisting that Senate rules must be respected.
“The procedure is that if there is a motion on the ground, it should be seconded. If it is not seconded, it’s dead,” he countered.
Oshiomhole refused to back down, raising his voice.
“Just allow me to continue (with what I am saying). Mr Chairman, you have allowed me. Please protect me,” he yelled.
Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North) attempted to restore calm, warning Oshiomhole that his time was almost up.
A composed Oshiomhole continued. “All right! Mr Chairman, I think I need to speak on this in the public interest, with particular reference to the nomination of Reno. We cannot pretend we have not heard stories,” he said.
Ndume snapped back, “There is no such petition before us. The Senate is not a joke!”
That sparked a sharp political jab from Oshiomhole. “When I talk, those who have not been governors should listen. You have to have that large heart for forgiveness. For me, President Bola Tinubu has shown real quality—that the fact that you criticised me during the election and abused me doesn’t mean I should not appoint you,” he said.
A visibly irritated Ndume responded, “You have never dreamed of being a senator when I became one.”
The Committee Chairman stepped in again, urging both senators to return to order. Omokri, throughout the exchange, remained expressionless as the chamber debated issues that could shape his fate.
Fallout From Earlier Screening Blunder
Thursday’s drama followed another controversy on Wednesday involving career ambassadorial nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi.
The respected diplomat, who had served in Hong Kong and France, shocked lawmakers when he failed to name all three senators representing his home state of Ekiti.
He confidently identified Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu but stalled on the third.
A member of his entourage attempted to search online for the name—Senator Cyril Fasuyi—prompting outrage.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong criticised what he described as falling standards among top-level nominees.
Oshiomhole and Senator Seriake Dickson supported his view, while Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Bamidele, appealed for leniency.
Adeyemi is one of three nominees from Ekiti, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.
Ambassadorial nominee Reno Omokri has thanked Senate members after his appearance before the red chamber’s Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Omokri, in a post on his verified X handle shortly after the session, expressed gratitude to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; the committee’s chairman, Senator Sani Bello; and several members who participated in his screening.
The former presidential aide equally acknowledged senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume, who earlier clashed during deliberations on his nomination.
“From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank the Distinguished Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Distinguished Senator Sani Bello, and members of the committee, especially Distinguished Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is indeed a place of honour,” he wrote.
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday commenced its case against five men accused of perpetrating the deadly June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers.
The suspects – Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al-Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) – were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on terrorism charges.
The prosecution, led by Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), called its first witness, a Catholic priest who was presiding over the Pentecost Sunday mass when the attack occurred. The court granted an application to withhold the priest’s identity for security reasons.
Led in evidence, the cleric gave a harrowing account of the incident, describing how the armed men struck as the service was concluding.
He recounted the chilling sequence of events: “As the service was ending and the recessional hymn began, I heard a loud sound. Then I saw commotion in the church. Soon after, two men from our congregation locked the main entrance and an elder told me, ‘Father, we are under attack.’”
The witness detailed the intensity of the assault, confirming that the attack began with a loud explosion followed by sporadic gunshots.
The priest told the court that at least three explosives were used by the attackers, noting that one landed alarmingly close to the safe room where he and several children had taken refuge.
He narrated the chaos, adding that he assisted in evacuating injured worshippers, including his choir master who had been shot in the chest.
Under cross-examination by the defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness, however, maintained that he was unable to recognise or identify the assailants due to the confusion and his focus on saving lives.
He added that his priority was “rescuing children and moving casualties to the hospital.”
Asked if he knew the number of attackers, the witness responded, “The one struck by a vehicle doesn’t wait to take note of the vehicle’s number.”
Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the charge sheet had been amended to correct minor errors, after which the five defendants pleaded not guilty to the revised charges.
Justice Nwite granted an application for an accelerated hearing and subsequently adjourned the case to January 13 and 14, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
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The Oyo State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has elected its new executive council, asserting that the party is well positioned to make significant gains in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after his election, State Chairman Makinde Anthony Sunday said the new executive is ready to reposition the party for greater political impact in Oyo State. He expressed confidence that the NNPP would offer a credible alternative in governance.
Makinde thanked party members for their maturity, which ensured a peaceful election of the state executive, and invited aspirants from across Oyo State to join the NNPP. “The door of the party is widely open. We will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants,” he stated.
The new executive includes Deputy Chairman Chief Bandele Akeem Oyekunle, State Secretary Mr. Olalekan Ojo Abiodun, State Publicity Secretary Mr. Olapade Olusoji Timothy, and State Financial Secretary. Others are Organising Secretary Adewale Orosiji, Elder Atanda Olayiwola Lawrence; Legal Adviser Barrister Aware Bolanle Ajoke; Treasurer Comrade Opeyemi Ibrahim; Women Leader Mrs. Dasola Adebayo; and Youth Leader Mr. Oyewole Taiwo.
Makinde assured Oyo State residents that the NNPP is committed to improving their welfare. “We are ready to bring succour to the people. Unlike the current PDP-led government, we will prioritise your wellbeing. Those with political ambition are welcome to join the party and realise their aspirations,” he added.
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The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on Thursday highlighted major policy decisions made under President Bola Tinubu in the last two years, saying the reforms have strengthened Nigeria’s digital economy and laid the foundation for large-scale technology talent development.
Mr Tijani spoke at the 3MTT National Impact Summit held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, where he credited the president’s commitment to “firing up the base” and ensuring that reforms directly benefit the average Nigerian.
He said the administration has enacted far-reaching policies, including the signing of the National Data Protection Commission Act, which gave Nigeria its first standalone data protection regulator.
“This commission is now recognised all over the world as one of the very best in Africa,” he said.
The minister added that in October 2023, President Tinubu approved the 3MTT initiative as the “largest technology talent accelerator programme in the world.”
He also noted that in May 2024, the president committed to expanding national connectivity by approving a $2 billion investment in 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to provide Nigerians with “the best internet that is available anywhere in the world.”
According to him, the project is the largest of its kind in any developing country.
Mr Tijani said the president further declared all telecommunications and ICT infrastructure as critical national infrastructure in August 2024, granting them protection similar to military assets.
Speaking on telecom sector challenges, he said: “For 10 years, they had been struggling to change the pricing of their services, and in January 2025, the president allowed these companies to increase their tariffs after a thorough study.”
He added that the government recently approved the deployment of about 4,000 telecom towers in rural communities.
“This initiative will bring close to 23 million Nigerians that are currently not connected at all into the digital economy,” he noted.
3MTT and job creation
Mr Tijani said the celebration of 3MTT aligns with the president’s commitment to job creation.
“Our president said he would like to create a million technology jobs,” he recalled.
He said analysis by the ministry showed that there were over 4.5 million unfilled jobs in the technology sector at the end of 2023, adding:
“This means creating one million technical jobs is not something Nigeria cannot achieve.”
He added that about 59 per cent of the workforce will require upskilling, and that global projections show 170 million tech jobs will be created by 2030.
With Nigeria’s youthful population, he said the country is well positioned for global competitiveness. “We are in a good position to truly become a net exporter of talent,” he said.
This realisation, he added, informed the establishment of 3MTT as the world’s largest technology talent accelerator, designed to train three million Nigerians for both local and international markets.
Mr Tijani said the ministry received strong private sector support even when there was no government budget for the programme.
“IHS Towers came forward and decided to put ₦1 billion into 3MTT,” he said.
He added that IHS further invested ₦1.5 billion into renovating the damaged tech park in Kano, alongside other investments in Kwara and Borno states.
“MTN also turned up with ₦3 billion, followed by ₦1 billion from Airtel,” he noted.
AWS provided credits, while Google “invested over ₦2 billion into training technical talents focused on deep technology.”
He said Wema Bank provided credit worth over $10 million, The Alternative Bank offered ₦5 billion in device financing, Microsoft invested $1 million in training, and SecureID supported fellows who contributed to what he described as “the first government-backed large language model in Africa.”
Progress so far
The minister said over 1.8 million Nigerians applied for 3MTT within a month of its launch, adding: “These are uniquely identified individuals from every state and every local government.”
To ensure proper delivery, he said the ministry adopted a phased model: “We focused on 1 per cent, then 10%, and finally 100% of the three million target.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu orders nationwide security overhaul, directs NEC to convert grazing reserves into ranches
Training for the first 30,000 participants began in December 2023, while the second phase started in July 2024.
He said the programme has already recorded “over 15,000 direct jobs in the first batch,” with some participants earning over ₦250,000 in their first roles.
He added that 201 applied learning centres have been activated, with over 600 facilitators and 15 e-learning providers engaged.
He also noted that 37 community managers funded by IHS, support the programme across all states and the FCT.
“SCC provided laptops worth over ₦1.5 billion,” he added, while “over ₦400 million has been given out in prizes.”
He said the programme’s Net Promoter Score of 8.5 out of 10 shows strong satisfaction among participants.
“You didn’t need to know anybody to be part of this programme… this is a programme for you,” he said.
NIGERIA NEWS
Nigerian Man Who Spent N30 million to Relocate to UK Mentions How He’ll Recover Money, Video Trends
- A Nigerian man explained why it was better to spend N30m to relocate abroad than invest it in business in the country
- He also mentioned how long he’ll work to recover the N30m he used to relocate to the United Kingdom, while listing his benefits
- The man’s video went viral and sparked debate on social media concerning the benefits of travelling abroad than remaining in tthe country
A Nigerian man who spent N30 million to relocate to the United Kingdom shares how he’ll recover the money.
He made this known in a video shared on his TikTok page.
Nigerian Man Who Spent N30 million to Relocate to UK Mentions How He’ll Recover Money, Video Trends
Source: TikTok
Identified as @sharpcollins1 on TikTok, the man said it’ll take him 12 months to 18 months to make the money.
He also shared why it’s better to use N30 million to relocate than to invest it in a business in Nigeria.
Watch his video below:
Read also
“It’s obvious”: Man notices one thing many people missed in Remi Tinubu, Gov. Adeleke viral video
Reactions to man’s post about relocation
@HenryIV said:
“Fortune favours the brave. At our age now it’s all about our kids. For me, I’m sorted abeg. I can travel when I want or even decide to go back home and chill and return to uk whenever I want. Anyone who can leave 9ja should be serious with it. People way day laugh say he be British masters degree holder, if e easy, show your own masters from anywhere.”
@Blissbeauty said:
“My brother when you travel go abroad person life can never remain the same 👌 I Dey pray make God do am for me too.”
@Marah said:
“I will say this over and over again 100m to start business in Nigeria is waste of time and resources talk more 30m PERIOD.”
@demz said:
“what happened to that thing that give you 30m tell me one billiornia that lives by 5 to 9 job Omo de go nothing pass investment here in Nigeria any business way give 30 million in Nigeria will make you billions if you double it.”
Read also
Lady shares how father refused to give her N5,000 but donated N110k to church, video trends
@Mr. Sam said:
“life doesn’t work that way, u can still be in 9ja n get MSc online studies, many are in Africa but earn in pounds more than you here in UK. Life have different templates you pick the one you think that will work for you. Faith, Fate, Grace, Favour, Destiny and Time are shared differently by the Creator.”
@Casual_mike said:
“Bro this truth hurt shaa.”
@Evergreen orogwu said:
“You are very right.”
Source: Legit.ng
The Senate screening of former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as two senior lawmakers openly disagreed over his nomination.
What began as a routine exercise before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs quickly shifted into a tense exchange between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Ali Ndume.
Oshiomhole threw his full weight behind Omokri’s nomination, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian whose public interventions have often promoted the country’s image.
He argued that Omokri had demonstrated courage by admitting his past misconceptions when confronted with “compelling evidence” that favoured Nigeria’s interest.
According to him, such behaviour showed maturity and readiness for diplomatic responsibility.
Ndume, however, insisted that the chamber must follow due process. He stressed that the screening of ambassadorial nominees must remain orderly and must not be influenced by personal sentiments.
Ndume attempted to interject while Oshiomhole was speaking, a move that triggered the heated confrontation.
Oshiomhole, visibly irritated, snapped back at Ndume, saying: “Until you are called, you cannot shut me down.”
He went on to add, “I have the authority of the chairman. You’re not the chairman and cannot exercise the power you don’t have.”
The clash continued as Oshiomhole accused some lawmakers of making comments “here and there” and acting as if they had the authority to halt the process.
He noted that some individuals had publicly questioned the ambassadorial list and that such criticisms should not be ignored.
The former Edo governor argued that Omokri had proven himself by consistently defending the nation when needed, describing him as a “pragmatist” who was “not detained by old feelings.”
He further stated that Omokri’s willingness to acknowledge when he had been wrong was a key quality required for diplomatic assignments.
Oshiomhole also emphasised that Nigeria had a sitting President whose decisions deserved support, adding that his own experience as a former governor placed him in a position to guide those “who are not governors.”
Despite the commotion, the committee continued the screening, though the confrontation left many senators visibly unsettled.
NIGERIA NEWS
Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu Over Failure to Pay Contractors While Celebrating Revenue Targets
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government for failing to pay local contractors, despite President Bola Tinubu’s public claim that Nigeria has “met and surpassed” its revenue target for the year.
In a statement titled “Let Our SMEs Breathe” and posted on X on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over reports and images of contractors staging protests in Abuja and other parts of the country over unpaid bills for completed projects.
Obi noted that many of the affected contractors are small and medium-sized enterprises that play vital roles in local economies and depend on timely government payments to remain in business.
He faulted the government for boasting about increased revenue while allegedly neglecting basic financial obligations, describing the situation as a “contradiction” that exposes deeper issues in public finance management and transparency.
He stated, “In recent days, we have seen worrying images and reports of local contractors protesting across Abuja and other parts of the country, demanding payment for work they have already completed.
“Most of these contractors are small and medium-sized businesses that are crucial to economic activities in various regions. They are ordinary Nigerians who have delivered essential public services with the expectation that the government would honour its commitments.
“What is even more troubling is that this situation arises after President Tinubu publicly announced in August that Nigeria had ‘met and surpassed its revenue target for the year.’
“With such an impressive claim, one would expect increased investment in the economy—particularly in education, healthcare, and programmes aimed at reducing poverty. Yet the government has still failed to pay contractors.
“A responsible government cannot claim record revenue while leaving thousands of contractors unpaid. This contradiction reveals deeper problems surrounding transparency, accountability, and governance in public finance management.
“When a government fails to pay contractors, the effects ripple across the economy. Small and medium-sized businesses shut down, workers lose their jobs, families suffer hardship, and the nation’s productivity declines.
“We cannot build a strong economy where public funds are mismanaged, obligations are ignored, and local businesses are treated as disposable. If revenue has indeed increased, it should be evident in timely payments, the growth of MSMEs, and reduced borrowing.
“Meeting our obligations to contractors is not optional; it is a test of honesty, competence, and true leadership. A government that cannot honour its commitments cannot be trusted to build a nation.
“As leaders, we must fulfil our obligations, manage resources responsibly, and create an economy that works for the people. This is how a nation rises,” he concluded.
A young Nigerian lady has shared a shocking experience after returning home one evening to find her male neighbour inside her room without her consent.
In a viral TikTok video, she explained that around 7 p.m., she went to collect her fan, light, and power bank from a charging point nearby. Grateful for timely assistance, she was unprepared for what awaited her at home.
According to her, the neighbour she found in her room is someone she has never invited inside, and she has no idea how he gained access while the room was locked.
“Even if I want to give him something, I would do it outside, and the only time he may have seen my room is on social media. To my greatest shock, I saw him inside my room, she said.”
She revealed that her only valuable item is her laptop, and she could not believe it was him, as he was the last person she would have suspected.
She also recalled a recent incident when her pot of food was stolen, and she would have blamed another neighbour, only to realize it might have been the same person.
Despite the shock, she expressed gratitude to God for protecting her and urged vigilance, advising others not to trust anyone blindly.
Many social media users have reacted online. A commentator wrote, “Are you sure it’s not a camera he came to install?” Another said, “Don’t even sleep in that house again, please.”
The incident serves as a reminder to always secure personal spaces and remain alert in shared residential settings.
Watch video below…
@adetutupinky20 #tiktok #fypシ ♬ original sound – Funblog 🕶
The Lagos State Government has revealed that a second private refinery could be established in the state as plans continue to take shape for another major investor to enter the sector.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide, during the Economic Roundtable Discussion organised by the Economic Intelligence Department of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja.
Dr. Olumide explained that Lagos had become increasingly attractive for large-scale industrial and petrochemical investments, noting that private operators were beginning to explore opportunities beyond the existing Dangote refinery.
The commissioner revealed that conversations around establishing a second private refinery had already begun. He made the remark while emphasising the role of the private sector in driving major capital projects across the state.
What Dr. Olumide said
“These are things that are supposed to be channeled by the private sector. The government cannot go into everything, so these are opportunities that people can make money from. It’s so funny when people talk about the level of employment.
“The plans are rich enough that the private sector can come in, and you can see what Dangote has done in Lagos. Another operator—they’re also coming in—very soon, he is going to have a competitor. They have already started discussing that, that it should be another refinery, a private refinery.”
Olumide added that Lagos’ physical planning framework was deliberately structured to support capital-intensive projects, particularly those that can drive job creation, strengthen the energy sector and expand the state’s industrial base.
What you should know
Lagos State already hosts the largest single-train refinery, the Dangote Refinery, which was initially planned for the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State.
Aliko Dangote had revealed that his conglomerate lost $500 million due to delays in securing the Olokola site during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in addition to the $2.5 billion originally borrowed from banks.
- Unseen political interference reportedly stalled the project, prompting the move to Lagos, where the state government under then-Governor Babatunde Fashola provided an enabling environment that allowed the refinery to materialise.
- Multiple refinery licences have already been issued to other private operators, with active projects underway by BUA, Aradel, and Waltersmith.
Lagos’ business-friendly environment, infrastructure, and planning framework are now creating the conditions for a second private refinery to enter the state, reinforcing its position as a hub for industrial growth and private-sector-led energy investments.
By Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Authorities of the Kwara State University (KWASU) Malete has said about 82 out of the 8,119 graduands of the institution would receive First Class honours degrees during the 13th Convocation Ceremony of the University.
The ceremony would hold on Saturday at Malate in Moro local government area of the state.
Speaking at a pre convocation press conference at Malete on Tuesday, the vice chancellor of the institution, Professor, Luqman Jimoh, said, apart from this, 1,986 would receive Second Class Upper Division, 4, 195 Second Class Lower, 1,355 Third Class, 426 for Masters degrees and 82 for PhD.
Prof. Jimoh said the academic results of this year convocation showed that the lecturers and students are more committed to the academic excellence of the institution.
He stated the superlative achievement is also due to the readiness and seriousness exhibited by the students towards their academic learning in the school.
He also said that, “There has been significant academic growth since the last one year.
“The two other campuses of the Kwara State University have taken off , one in Osi in Ekiti local government area of the state and the other in Ilesha-Baruba in Baruten local government area of the state.
“Both staff and students of the faculty of Environmental Sciences and the faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences have been integrated in these communities with lectures and research activities ongoing for the 2025/2026 academic session.
“This, has facilitated the spread of the institution to other parts of the state with expected socio-economic benefits to the communities hosting them”.
On the issue of insecurity in the school, Prof. Jimoh said the management of the institution has collaborated with security agencies and the Moro local government council management so as to address the reported cases of insecurity in the institution.
He said that, “apart from this, the management has put in place a restriction policy on the movement of the students and other people around the campus till after 11 p.m and the restriction in the use of power generating sets after 12 p.m.
“Also, the University/Community joint security committee is still in place and working to ensure that we do not have a repeat of burglaries.
“The Moro local government area of the state has also passed a bye law to provide a legal backing for the imposition of restrictions and we thank the local government for this proactiveness that has continued to ensure peaceful situation at KWASU”.
On the challenges facing the institution, Prof Jimoh said that, “The crossing from Shao to Malete through Jebba Road remain a serious challenge.
“The federal government’s intervention on the express way has not mitigated the dangers. Some commercial and even articulated vehicles drive against the traffic in a bid to cut down on the distance to drive to make the turn.
“This constitutes a major hazard for all users of that road. We urge our visitor to use his good office to facilitate a flyover bridge for safe crossing of the express road.
“Similarly, we request extensions to be existing intra- campus road network for ease access to facilities. Road infrastructure is beyond the ability of the University and this is why we call on our proprietor, Kwara state Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene in this area”.