Royal News

Author: Najeebat Oyerinde

  • Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law, Anti-Corruption

    Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law, Anti-Corruption

    President Bola Tinubu. Photo: State House

    President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, insisting that no individual or group, no matter how highly placed, is exempt from legal accountability.

    The President made the declaration on Monday while addressing participants at a workshop jointly organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for justices and judges in Abuja.

    Tinubu stressed that his government cannot be accused of shielding anyone from prosecution due to political affiliation, adding that the fight against corruption must be collective.

    “A Nigeria free of corruption is achievable if everyone commits to doing the right thing in their respective spheres of influence,” he said.

    The President urged the judiciary to remain steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible in the dispensation of justice, warning that the collapse of any society often begins when its interpreters of the law become compromised.

    “The Federal Government under my watch will make sure that no one is above the law,” Tinubu declared. “We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience.”

    He also expressed concern over court rulings in major corruption cases, saying some judicial outcomes have created the impression that justice is being undermined.

  • Nigerian Army Evacuates Unexploded Device in Rivers Community

    Nigerian Army Evacuates Unexploded Device in Rivers Community

    Residents of Oromeruzimagu community in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State discovered an unexploded ordnance while digging a grave for a deceased kinsman.

    The explosive device was reportedly moved by the villagers into an air-conditioned room in an attempt to prevent detonation before they alerted the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, which later evacuated the item safely.

    Reacting to the incident, the Spokesman of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, cautioned members of the public against handling military-grade explosives, stressing that such actions require technical expertise.

    “This act calls for caution, as handling such sensitive military-grade ordnance requires technical capability. Members of the public are enjoined to report such discoveries to the nearest security agency and avoid resorting to the dangerous practice of self-help,” Danjuma stated.

    He warned that the detonation of such high-trajectory weapons could have devastating effects on the environment and human lives.

    The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the community for promptly reporting the discovery and assured residents of the Niger Delta region that the Army has adequate measures in place for the safe evacuation of such items by trained personnel.

  • Tinubu Will Win Again in 2027, Says Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leader

    Tinubu Will Win Again in 2027, Says Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leader

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo community in Lagos State has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election in 2027, citing his leadership experience and commitment to national development.

    Speaking at a reconciliation parley organized by Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (popularly known as Jandor), Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Sunday Udeh, said the group remains optimistic about Tinubu’s second-term bid.

    The meeting, held in Lagos, sought to promote harmony between Yoruba and Igbo residents following recent demolitions and political tensions in the state.

    Udeh urged both ethnic groups to strengthen peaceful coexistence and avoid divisive sentiments, describing Tinubu as an “experienced leader who understands governance.”

    “We are not in doubt of his victory in 2027. We know our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will win again,” Udeh stated.

    He also called on the Lagos State Government to maintain open engagement with the Igbo community and other ethnic groups to foster inclusiveness and mutual trust.

    Deacon Charles Obih, National President of the Market Leaders Association of Nigeria (TMLAN), pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election, assuring that the Igbo business community would mobilize in his favor.

    “We will ensure the President’s re-election is smooth and successful by the grace of God,” Obih said, describing Tinubu as a pragmatic leader who has remained focused despite national challenges.

    Also speaking, Dr. Okey Anorue, Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo/Bayeku and Babaloja of Tejuosho Market, called for stronger unity between the Igbo and Yoruba communities ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “The Yoruba are our hosts, and we must respect their culture. We need a peaceful environment, free from political manipulation,” he said.

    Anorue warned against politicians exploiting ethnic sentiments, urging both groups to prioritize peace and cooperation for the continued development of Lagos State.

  • Emirates Cargo Plane Crashes into Sea at Hong Kong Airport

    Emirates Cargo Plane Crashes into Sea at Hong Kong Airport

    Tragedy struck early Monday at Hong Kong International Airport when an Emirates cargo plane, flight EK9788, skidded off the runway and plunged into the sea, killing two ground staff members.

    The Boeing 747, arriving from Dubai, veered off course at around 3:50 a.m. local time (7:50 p.m. GMT) while taxiing on the wet runway. The aircraft collided with a patrol vehicle before falling into waters beyond the tarmac.

    Airport authorities confirmed that the two occupants of the patrol vehicle, both ground operations staff, died instantly from the impact. Emergency responders rescued the four crew members aboard the plane, all of whom sustained only minor injuries.

    The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong has launched a full investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that adverse weather and potential mechanical failure may have contributed to the crash.

    Airport Chief Executive, Raymond Chiu, described the incident as “one of the most harrowing aviation events in Hong Kong’s recent history,” extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

    Operations on Runway 07R/25L were temporarily suspended to allow recovery and inspection, leading to flight delays and diversions.

    Emirates Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, pledging full cooperation with authorities during the ongoing investigation.

     

  • Cardoso Optimistic About Nigeria’s Growth and Investment Prospects

    Cardoso Optimistic About Nigeria’s Growth and Investment Prospects

    The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has announced that Nigeria has attracted over $8 billion in new energy investments, citing economic reforms and improved security as key drivers of renewed investor confidence.

    Cardoso made the revelation at the conclusion of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, where Nigeria is set to assume the G-24 chairmanship on November 1, 2025.

    He attributed the investment surge to enhanced security in oil-producing regions and targeted economic incentives. “Reduced insecurity in oil-producing areas and targeted incentives have increased production and attracted over $8 billion in new energy investments,” he said.

    The CBN governor highlighted reforms such as foreign exchange unification, monetary tightening, and fiscal consolidation, noting that these measures are producing tangible results, including moderating inflation, stabilizing the exchange rate, and restoring investor trust.

    Cardoso warned against “reform fatigue,” stressing the need for continuity and policy consistency. “We must continue to show results. This is not a short dash; it is a marathon. As inflation trends down, people must see and feel the benefits to know that better days lie ahead,” he said.

    He also discussed the CBN’s engagement with fintech companies, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with regulation to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Speaking on Nigeria’s broader economic trajectory, Cardoso said the economy is now stable and poised for growth. “In the last quarter, we saw growth improve from three to four percent. Inflation is coming down, and while on a good path, the question is how to sustain it. The difficulty has passed; from now on, growth begins to chime in,” he explained.

    He added that Nigeria’s stable economic position aligns with global priorities, noting that the U.S.-led G20 chairmanship emphasizes growth, which presents opportunities for international support and collaboration.

    Cardoso concluded with optimism about Nigeria’s policy direction and the potential for continued investment inflows and economic expansion.

  • Canva Experiences Global Outage, Millions Locked Out

    Canva Experiences Global Outage, Millions Locked Out

    Popular online graphic design platform, Canva, experienced a significant outage on Monday, leaving millions of users worldwide unable to access their accounts or complete ongoing projects.

    The disruption sparked frustration among professionals, content creators, and businesses who rely on the platform for daily design tasks, marketing materials, and social media content.

    In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Canva acknowledged the issue and assured users that efforts were underway to restore service.

    “Not the ideal situation right now, but we’re working on it. You can check canvastatus.com for updates. We’ll keep you posted!” the company said.

    Reports indicated that both desktop and mobile users were affected, with error messages, slow loading times, and complete inaccessibility of the platform.

    Canva, which has over 170 million monthly active users across more than 190 countries, is widely used by individuals, small businesses, and media organisations for digital design and content creation.

    As of this report, Canva had not disclosed the cause of the outage or provided an estimated time for full service restoration.

     

  • Lagos Cash-for-Trash Scheme Encourages Clean, Green Communities

    Lagos Cash-for-Trash Scheme Encourages Clean, Green Communities

    The Lagos State Government has called on residents to join its Cash for Trash initiative, a waste-to-wealth programme aimed at promoting recycling and maintaining a cleaner, environmentally sustainable city.

    Managed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in partnership with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the programme allows residents to earn money by exchanging recyclable materials, including plastics, cans, and bottles.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, shared details of the initiative on Monday via his official X handle, explaining that it seeks to reduce waste pollution and encourage climate-friendly habits in communities across Lagos.

    Residents participating in the programme are rewarded every Thursday for bringing in sorted recyclable waste. LAWMA’s Recycling Team has been visiting neighborhoods, including Lagos Island, to demonstrate how discarded items can be converted into cash.

    “Did you know your trash can turn into cash? Our #Lawma gov Recycling Team is on the ground in Lagos Island, showing communities how to make it happen,” Wahab said. “We’re rewarding residents every Thursday for helping us keep Lagos clean and green. It’s a win for your wallet and a win for our city. Get involved and see the value in your waste.”

    A video shared alongside the post shows LAWMA officials weighing bags of sorted plastics on portable scales and distributing cash to participating residents, highlighting the tangible benefits of the programme.

  • Lasmid Sparks Debate on Ghana vs Nigeria Music Influence

    Lasmid Sparks Debate on Ghana vs Nigeria Music Influence

    Ghanaian musician Ladsmid Nathaniel Owusu, popularly known as Lasmid, has claimed that Ghana plays a significant role in the success of Nigerian music.

    The Bad Boy crooner told Hip TV that many Nigerian Afrobeats songs first gained popularity in Ghana before becoming hits in Nigeria.

    “We love Nigerians so much, even more than ourselves. If a Nigerian drops a song, it will first blow in Ghana before it blows in Nigeria,” Lasmid said. “The song ‘Who’s Your Guy’ by Spyro blew in Ghana before Nigeria. The love Ghana has for Nigeria has always been there.”

    Lasmid’s comments have reignited discussions about the influence of Ghanaian and Nigerian music, sparking debate on social media over which country has greater impact on Afrobeats.

    Royal News gathered that similar discussions arose a few years ago when Nigerian artist Mr Eazi stated that Ghanaian sounds influenced Nigerian music, drawing backlash from Nigerian fans.

    Lasmid’s remarks highlight the ongoing cultural exchange between the two West African music industries, emphasizing Ghana’s role as an early adopter of hits from Nigeria.

  • NAFDAC Seizes ₦1.2bn Counterfeit Drugs in Lagos Crackdown

    NAFDAC Seizes ₦1.2bn Counterfeit Drugs in Lagos Crackdown

    Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs intensified in 2025, with security agencies uncovering extensive trafficking and counterfeiting networks threatening public health and national security.

    In one of the year’s largest operations, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized 277 cartons of counterfeit Amoxicillin and Ampiclox worth ₦1.2 billion in Lagos on September 12. The operation, part of a broader crackdown, highlights the growing influence of regional cartels driving fake medicines and narcotics into Nigerian markets.

    Authorities say Nigeria’s role as a major transit hub for cocaine and methamphetamine in West Africa continues to expand. In September 2025, a record 9.6 tonnes of cocaine valued at ₦819 billion were intercepted off the West African coast, implicating Nigerian ports. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that West Africa now handles about 18 tonnes of cocaine annually, down from 47 tonnes in 2007, but Nigeria’s share has grown due to porous borders and weak enforcement.

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has also intensified operations, destroying 8,000 kilograms of seized drugs in Yobe and arresting more than 100 suspects in Jigawa in October. Officials say proceeds from the trade fund violent crimes and banditry in the Northwest.

    Counterfeit medicines represent a particularly deadly dimension. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fake pharmaceuticals account for 10–41% of Nigeria’s drug market. Recent seizures in Lagos, Delta, and Port Harcourt include billions of naira worth of counterfeit antibiotics and antimalarials. Experts warn that these fake drugs cause treatment failures, antimicrobial resistance, and thousands of preventable deaths annually.

    A 2023 Frontiers in Public Health study estimated that counterfeit medicines contribute to between 100,000 and 500,000 deaths each year across sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria bearing a large share. Economic losses run into billions, as counterfeit drugs erode public confidence in healthcare and encourage self-medication.

    However, enforcement efforts have achieved some success. NAFDAC reports that its seizures in 2025 alone exceeded ₦50 billion, reducing the prevalence of fake drugs from 16.7% in 2006 to around 10%. NDLEA operations in Lagos, Ondo, and Rivers disrupted major trafficking rings, while INTERPOL’s Operation Pangea XVII seized over $65 million in fake medicines globally, including Nigerian shipments.

    Despite these gains, experts argue that Nigeria must strengthen NAFDAC and NDLEA through better funding, modern surveillance tools, and cross-border cooperation. The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime recommends deeper collaboration through the UNODC CONNECT programme and stricter penalties for offenders.

    With illicit drugs fueling crime, addiction, and economic loss, Nigeria’s regulatory agencies face mounting pressure to consolidate gains and safeguard public health.

  • First Daily Awards 2025 to Celebrate Leadership and Innovation in Nigeria

    First Daily Awards 2025 to Celebrate Leadership and Innovation in Nigeria

    All is set for the 2025 edition of the First Daily Public Lecture and Excellence Awards, scheduled to hold in November at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    The event’s organizer and publisher of First Daily, Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He said the annual gathering will attract top government officials, business leaders, civil society advocates, and media professionals to celebrate excellence, innovation, and transformational leadership across Nigeria.

    According to Iworiso-Markson, the ceremony will be preceded by a public lecture titled “How Can We Make Our Votes Count?” aimed at sparking national reflection on electoral credibility and citizens’ roles in strengthening governance and democracy.

    He revealed that this year’s edition will honour several eminent Nigerians whose leadership footprints have significantly contributed to national development.

    Among the major honourees are Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who will receive the Governor of the Year (Infrastructure Development) award for his administration’s massive investments in road networks, urban renewal, and rural connectivity.

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will also be honoured as Governor of the Year (Civil Service Welfare and Development) in recognition of his government’s efforts in improving the welfare and productivity of civil servants in the state.

    Dr. Iworiso-Markson added that the lecture and awards ceremony will continue to serve as a platform for promoting good governance, responsible leadership, and civic participation in Nigeria’s democratic journey.