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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Welcomes Abuja’s First Baby of 2025 at Asokoro Hospital

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The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marked the New Year by welcoming the first baby of 2025, Favour Stephen Odion, at the Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja. Favour, a baby girl, was born to Mr. Odion Oyinbo and Mrs. Chioma Odion at 12:27 AM on January 1, 2025, weighing 3.6kg. Represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, Senator Tinubu also celebrated other New Year babies, including Zimchikachim Ejiofor, the first baby boy of the year, born at 7:14 AM to Mr. Ejiofor Nworie and Mrs. Delight Nworie, weighing 3kg. Gifts and Encouragement for Mothers   The First Lady distributed baby gifts, including post-natal care items, nutritional supplies, and cash presents to the families. She also prayed for the newborns, wishing them long life, good health, and prosperity. “Insha Allah, they are the next generation to take over from us,” she stated, while urging mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and timely post-natal care. Hospital Visit and Recognition   During her visit, Senator Tinubu presented birth certificates to Favour and Zimchikachim and toured the maternity ward to congratulate other mothers and their newborns. Dr. Rosemary Nwokorie, Acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its commitment to improving healthcare services across Nigeria.

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Events, Politics

‍Kano State Opposes Tinubu’s Tax Reforms, Calls for Focus on Poverty and Insecurity

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‍The Kano State government has rejected the proposed tax reform bills by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing them as “ill-timed, lopsided, and harmful to national unity. Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo, representing Governor Abba Yusuf at the New Year celebration at Mahaha Open Theatre in Kano, made this announcement. Key Points   1. Opposition to Tax Reforms Governor Yusuf criticized the reforms, stating they would worsen the economic hardship already faced by Nigerians, particularly in the northern region. He urged the presidency to prioritize addressing hyperinflation, insecurity, and extreme poverty over introducing policies detrimental to citizens’ welfare. 2. Achievements Highlighted The administration has recorded progress in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, and foreign scholarships. Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies aimed at improving the quality of life for Kano residents. 3. Victory for the People’s Will The governor celebrated the Supreme Court’s January 2024 ruling that upheld his election victory. He also hailed the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano, emphasizing the governor’s constitutional authority in appointing traditional rulers. 4. Call for Respect and Peace Governor Yusuf urged those interfering in Kano Emirate affairs to respect the law and maintain peace in the state. The governor concluded by commending the resilience of Kano residents amidst the nation’s economic and security challenges.

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2024 Elections: A Mixed Bag of Milestones, Setbacks, and Electoral Integrity Challenges

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The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for Nigeria as it celebrated 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. The electoral calendar tested the resilience of the nation’s democratic institutions and the commitment of political actors to uphold electoral integrity. Despite some progress, the elections revealed persistent challenges that continue to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. National and Sub-National Elections   The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) oversaw several elections at the federal and state levels, including: Two off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo. Bye-elections in Yobe and Ebonyi senatorial districts, along with four federal and three state constituencies. Court-ordered rerun elections across 36 federal constituencies stemming from 2023 general election tribunal decisions. Meanwhile, state electoral commissions conducted local government elections in 28 states, which were widely criticized for electoral malpractices, vote buying, violence, and political interference. Party Performance The bye-elections and rerun elections saw seven parties secure victories in various constituencies: APC: 20 constituencies (including both governorship elections). PDP: 15 constituencies. YPP: 4 constituencies. NNPP: 3 constituencies. ADP, APGA, and LP: 1 constituency each. In local government elections, ruling parties in respective states overwhelmingly dominated, often sidelining opposition parties. Operational Challenges and Innovations   Logistics issues—historically a weak link in Nigerian elections—persisted, though 2024 saw improvements in some areas. INEC demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ensuring timely delivery of materials and personnel in most elections. Notable exceptions included delays during the Edo governorship election and Plateau and Enugu bye-elections. External interference and sabotage were addressed with contingency measures, showcasing INEC’s determination to mitigate disruptions. Declining Electoral Integrity   The 2024 electoral cycle exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic processes, with political actors undermining reforms aimed at enhancing election quality. Local government elections, in particular, were deemed a “travesty of democracy” by Yiaga Africa, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform and institutional accountability.

History, Politics

Nigeria and the British Monarchy: A Legacy of Visits and Diplomatic Ties

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Throughout history, Nigeria has enjoyed a unique relationship with the British Monarchy, marked by mutual visits that reflect shared historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties. Only three Nigerian leaders have been accorded the honor of state visits to Buckingham Palace: General Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria (June 12–15, 1973), President Shehu Shagari (March 17–20, 1981), and General Ibrahim Babangida with his wife, Maryam (May 9–12, 1989). This distinction underscores Nigeria’s prominent place among African nations in royal diplomacy. The British Monarch’s Visits to Nigeria   The late Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria twice, beginning in 1956 during her tour of the Commonwealth. Accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, she traveled to Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Lagos, and worshipped at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos. She also commissioned celebrated Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu to sculpt her bronze statue, a masterpiece completed in 1957. Her second visit was in December 2003 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Abuja, hosted by President Olusegun Obasanjo. She also toured Nasarawa State during the trip. King Charles III: A Regular Visitor to Nigeria   Before his ascension to the throne, King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, visited Nigeria four times—in 1990, 1999, 2006, and 2018. His visits have been marked by significant events, including attending President Olusegun Obasanjo’s inauguration in 1999 and engaging with Nigerian leaders, traditional rulers, and creative talents during his 2018 tour. The 1990 visit saw him and Princess Diana hosted by General Babangida in Lagos, where they stayed aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. In 2006, Charles toured Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano to support Nigeria’s democratization efforts. His 2018 visit, alongside Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, focused on fostering ties with Nigerian youths, traditional rulers, and creatives, reflecting a modernized royal diplomacy. A Legacy of Friendship   These interactions underscore the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the British Monarchy. Through shared history and frequent visits, both nations continue to strengthen their cultural and diplomatic bonds.

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Tinubu Unveils Ambitious Economic Plan to Halve Inflation by 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined an ambitious economic agenda aimed at reducing Nigeria’s inflation rate from the current 34.6% to 15% by the end of 2025. In his New Year message to Nigerians, the president emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy and provide relief to citizens. “Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation,” Tinubu stated. He highlighted key achievements, including a gradual decrease in fuel prices, three consecutive quarters of foreign trade surpluses, rising foreign reserves, and a stronger Naira against the US dollar. Despite these strides, the president acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly the high cost of food and essential drugs, which continue to burden households. To address these issues, he pledged to intensify efforts in 2025 by boosting local food production and manufacturing essential medical supplies. “We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people,” he said. Additionally, Tinubu announced plans to expand access to credit for individuals and businesses to stimulate economic output, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering growth and economic resilience.

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