Month: January 2025

An occasion of joy turned into tragedy in Jigawa State after food served to guests at a wedding was allegedly poisoned by the bride.

According to reports, the incident which occurred in Jahun Local Government Area resulted in the death of one of the guests, with the groom critically ill.

Those who witnessed what happened shared that the bride’s action may have been motivated by personal vendetta.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam revealed that an investigation had begun.

“We received a report that the bride had tainted the food served at the wedding reception, leaving the groom critically ill.

“Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged food poisoning incident that occurred during a wedding ceremony in the state,” Adam said.

Speaking further, he disclosed that the bride and another female were the two suspects and that they had been placed in custody.

Adam added that both women are being quizzed by the Criminal Investigation Department of the command.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.

“The command is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we will provide more details as soon as possible.

“For now, we can confirm that the incident occurred, and we are working tirelessly to unravel the facts. We urge the public to remain calm and assured that justice will be served.”

Nigerian telecommunications companies have submitted a proposed 100 per cent increase in their tariffs to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

During an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, stated that the increase is to address rising operational costs, including inflation and increased service delivery expenses.

Toriola, however, expressed uncertainty about the proposal being approved by telecom regulator NCC.

He said the hike became imperative to sustain the industry bedevilled by significant financial pressures due to rising operational costs.

“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increases to regulators.

“I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” Toriola stated.

“I believe we’re all on the same side, the policymakers, the regulators, our Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and the industry.

“We’re united because we share concerns about a few fundamental issues. First, human rights, are critical to driving any economy.

“Without a sustainable industry, the broader economy and the well-being of the people will be negatively impacted,” he added.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the state will host three major summits in 2025 in furtherance of efforts to actualise his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

He explained that the summits focusing on Power, Tourism, and Corporate Business would bring together Akwa Ibom indigenes who are key players in the corporate world, both within and outside Nigeria.

The governor stated this at the Special Inter-Denominational New Year Thanksgiving/Covenant Service held at the state’s International Worship Centre in Uyo on January 2.

According to Eno, the primary objective is to intensify efforts, through strategic partnerships, to foster growth and progress in Akwa Ibom State.

He noted the state’s commitment to achieving uninterrupted power supply and emphasised the need for a summit to outline practical steps toward this goal.

The governor also highlighted Akwa Ibom’s status as a tourism destination within Nigeria, stressing the importance of developing a tourism master plan to enhance the state’s tourism potential.

The governor also underscored the need to leverage the expertise of Akwa Ibom indigenes excelling in the corporate world.

According to him, the Corporate Business Summit would provide an opportunity to identify, celebrate, and collaborate with these individuals to advance the state’s development agenda.

He maintained that the summit would also focus on mentoring the state’s youth through the experiences of these accomplished professionals.

Eno, who is a seasoned entrepreneur, reiterated his administration’s dedication to the ARISE Agenda and affirmed plans to collaborate with stakeholders across the state to drive progress.

He further revealed plans to commence town hall meetings at the Federal Constituency level starting February.

Eno urged stakeholders in each constituency to work together and present unified positions that reflect the actual needs of their communities.

The governor stated that, during the town hall meetings, 62 Small and Medium-Scale Entrepreneurs (two from each Local Government Area) would be empowered with ₦5 million each, alongside other empowerment packages.

He assured Akwa Ibom residents that despite an ambitious lineup of activities for the year, all plans would be accomplished with God’s multiplied grace.

Rededicating the state to God, the governor thanked attendees for participating in the service and extended his wishes for a prosperous New Year to all Akwa Ibom people.