Category: cover

 

Donald Trump said in a Sunday interview that the “good parts” of today’s US economy flow from his policies, while the bad can be blamed on his predecessor, Joe Biden, who “did a terrible job.”

 

“Ultimately, I take responsibility for everything,” the US president said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” talk show.

 

“But I’ve only just been here for a little more than three months.”

 

At a time of mixed economic signals and mounting concerns over his aggressive use of tariffs, Trump said “certain aspects” of the economy are his doing. “I was able to get down the costs,” he said.

 

“I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because he’s done a terrible job.”

 

While surveys point to growing public concern over the economy, most official indicators are not yet flashing red, with unemployment last month at a moderate 4.2 percent and inflation in March at 2.3 percent, just above the Federal Reserve’s target.

 

But Fed bankers and others have downgraded their predictions for the world’s leading economy, pointing to slowing growth and rising inflation, and unemployment.

 

Asked whether a US recession is possible, Trump said, “Anything can happen.”

 

“This is a transition period,” he said, adding that ultimately “we’re going to do fantastically” with “the greatest economic boom in history.”

 

Concerning trade with China — badly shaken after Trump imposed tariffs of 145 percent — he said, “We’ve essentially cut off trade relationships by putting that much of a tariff on.”

But, he added, “That’s okay… That means that we’re not losing.”

 

Trump said the Chinese “want to make a deal very badly,” and he anticipated eventually lowering the tariff rate.

 

The billionaire Republican has been a sharp and persistent critic of Fed chair Jerome Powell — whom Trump appointed in 2018, during his first term — telling NBC that “he should lower interest rates.”

 

Now is the “perfect time” to do so, he said.

Fed governors are expected, when they meet Tuesday and Wednesday, to extend a pause in rate cuts while they see just how tariffs affect the economy.

 

Most analysts expect the Fed to leave rates in the 4.25 to 4.50 percent range where they have been since December.

 

Even last month, Trump floated the possibility of firing the Fed chair from a position meant to be largely insulated from politics.

 

But he told NBC that he now expects to wait until Powell’s term ends in May 2026 to name a successor.

 

The Head of Corporate Communications at a Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo has resigned barely four months after his appointment.

 

His sudden departure was confirmed in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday.

 

While the official reason cited for the resignation was for a “higher calling,” insiders in the industry suggest the move may be linked to a series of recent negative media reports involving the airline, which have put its corporate communications team under increasing pressure.

 

Dr. Ndiulo, a seasoned communications strategist, joined Air Peace earlier this

year.

Though details about his next destination remain unknown, another source hinted our correspondent that he is poised to take up a senior role in a prominent organisation, likely outside the aviation sector.

 

Dr. Ndiulo brings with him a strong academic and professional pedigree.

 

He holds a PhD. in Strategic Marketing Management from Babcock University, an MSc in Marketing from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Lagos State University.

He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Additionally, he is certified in External Relations and Reputation Management from Pan-Atlantic University and has undergone Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid Training in the UK.

 

In his resignation letter to Air Peace, Dr. Ndiulo expressed gratitude to the airline for the opportunity to serve, describing his time there as a valuable phase in his professional journey.

 

“I wish to resign my appointment as Head, of Corporate Communications at Air Peace Limited. My family and I are grateful for the wonderful opportunities for growth and development that I have had during my time at Air Peace.

 

“Your guidance and support have played a crucial role in my professional journey, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me.”

 

He further stated that he looks forward to maintaining a cordial relationship with the airline even after his departure.

 

Air Peace is yet to release an official statement regarding Ndiulo’s resignation or possible potential replacement.

 

 

Brazilian police said Sunday they had arrested two people in connection with a foiled plot to attack Lady Gaga’s packed mega-concert in Rio de Janeiro.

 

Rio’s civil police force said that “together with the ministry of justice,” it had “prevented a bomb attack that would have occurred at Lady Gaga’s concert in Copacabana” on Saturday night.

 

Officials said the superstar’s free gig on the beach drew up to two million people.

 

Writing on X, Rio police said it had arrested an adult who was “responsible for the plot” as well as a teenager in the operation codenamed “Fake Monster” — a reference to Lady Gaga’s pet name for her fans, “Little Monsters.”

 

It said those involved had recruited people online to “carry out attacks using improvised explosives” in an attack “aimed at gaining notoriety on social media.”

 

Police carried out raids across Rio de Janeiro state as well as in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso.

Lady Gaga’s concert was the second million-strong stage show on Copacabana beach in a year after a huge concert last year by Madonna.

 

Security was extremely tight for Saturday’s show, with some 5,000 officers, drones, and both surveillance and facial recognition cameras deployed.

 

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a fleeing homicide suspect, Abubakar Iliyasu, for the alleged murder of a 65-year-old woman, Jane Okoye, in the Orile-Iganmu area of the state.

 

The Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was apprehended in Kogi State by detectives from the Homicide Section following a preliminary investigation.

 

He added that the principal suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation.

 

According to him, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had forcibly gained access to the victim’s premises and fled with her Toyota Sienna vehicle. The victim was found unconscious and taken to a medical facility where she later passed on.

Following the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for discreet and thorough investigation, a team of homicide detectives promptly swung into action, deploying both intelligence and technical resources to get the suspect apprehended and recover the stolen property.”

 

Hundeyin said Iliyasu had fled Lagos with the deceased’s vehicle and other personal belongings but was tracked and arrested in possession of the stolen items.

 

The PPRO noted that the stolen vehicle was recovered in good condition and secured as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

 

The Commissioner of Police, Olohunde Jimoh, in the statement, assured the public that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the heads of the country’s security agencies to urgently go after individuals and groups financing insecurity across Nigeria.

 

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo the state capital, Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, decried the continued attacks and killings in states like Benue and Plateau, describing the incidents as “pathetic and unacceptable.”

 

“As long as the bandits are still having access to food and ammunitions, it will be difficult to crush them. Once sources of supply of the basic human needs and weapons are cut off by arresting those supplying the criminals, security agencies would be able to curtail activities of the insurgents,” he said.

 

He maintained that it was not enough to tackle the foot soldiers perpetrating the violence, stressing the importance of identifying and dismantling the financial and logistical networks behind the growing insecurity.

 

“To effectively combat insecurity in the country, it is important to target the individuals and entities that are bankrolling criminal activities and insurgencies. This requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening intelligence gathering and analysis, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, and fostering international cooperation to disrupt financial flows,” Oyintiloye said.

 

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, Oyintiloye insisted more must be done to expose and prosecute those enabling violent crimes across the country.

 

“There is no doubt that the security agencies are doing their best and the result of their efforts is glaring for all to see, but more needs to be done in exposing the sponsors of this evil act,” he stated.

He further argued that some individuals were attempting to use the nation’s security situation to score political points, warning that such actions amount to sabotage.

 

“Incessant killings of innocent Nigerians should not be allowed to go on, unchallenged,” he said, adding that “those using the insecurity to score political points against the President should be treated as enemies of the country.”

 

The APC chieftain also urged President Tinubu to allow the public prosecution of those found guilty of sponsoring insurgents, arguing that it would serve as a deterrent and restore confidence in the justice system.

 

“Arresting financiers of insurgency without addressing the issues of criminal justice by prosecuting them publicly might not yield the needed results,” he warned.

 

He also pointed to weak institutions as a major contributor to the country’s security challenges, blaming systemic failures on rising unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and ineffective policing.

 

“Our institutional framework has become very weak over time and has affected governance negatively, our democratic values, and accountability,” he noted.

 

Despite the challenges, Oyintiloye expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security woes with stronger political will and strategic reforms.

 

The Nigerian Defence Academy has issued a warning to residents of Kaduna to avoid its training area during a Range Classification Exercise scheduled for May 5 to 8, 2025.

 

The exercise, aimed at enhancing participants’ proficiency and efficiency in weapon handling, will take place at the NDA Open Range in the Afaka area.

 

The NDA’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maiwada in a statement in Kaduna on Sunday, said the Academy is taking all necessary precautions to ensure public safety.

 

“To ensure public safety throughout the period, the NDA urges members of the community, especially herders and farmers in surrounding areas, to avoid entering the range area during the exercise,” he said.

 

Maidawa emphasized that strict safety protocols will be enforced during the exercise, and unauthorized persons will not be granted access to the firing range.

The NDA has appealed to media outlets and community leaders to disseminate the information widely to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the exercise and the necessary safety measures.

 

“Strict safety protocols would be enforced, and unauthorised persons would not be granted access to the firing range.

 

“Media outlets and community leaders are kindly requested to disseminate this information widely to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the exercise and the necessary safety measures,” Maidawa said.

 

He noted that Nigeria’s foremost military university remains committed to fostering strong relationships with residents and prioritizing the safety and security of everyone around its training areas.

 

“The NDA appreciates the cooperation and understanding of nearby communities during this essential training,” Maidawa said

 

No fewer than 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits and unconfirmed numbers of vigilantes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

 

PUNCH Online learnt that the tensed standoff between these two parties occurred on Friday, when members of the community-based vigilante group intercepted a group of about 40 bandits attempting to raid Magonho village.

 

The assailants, according to a local source from the community, rode on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed, and they reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.

 

The source said, “Initially, it was confirmed that two vigilantes were killed in the early exchange of gunfire.

 

“The number rose to 11 by Saturday after security operatives recovered more bodies from the surrounding Lakurawa forest enclave, believed to be a stronghold of the armed group.”

 

Another eyewitness revealed that the vigilantes had mobilised quickly in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, managing to repel the first wave of the assault and recover some of the rustled livestock.

 

He said following the retreat, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci launched a pursuit operation, successfully reclaiming some of the stolen animals.

“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat, and they set fire on the community’s MTN communication’ mast, and unleashed sporadic gunfire before fleeing again into the forest”

 

The source, however, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining corpses and locate missing vigilantes.

 

“Security forces, including soldiers and personnel from other agencies stationed in Binji and Racca, are coordinating a search-and-rescue operation in the dense Lakurawa forest.”

 

The latest attack has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in its rural communities, where vigilante groups often serve as the first line of defense against criminal gangs.

 

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack and the MTN mast that was set ablaze, but could not confirm the figure of the vigilantees killed as at the time of filing this report.

 

According to him, “Yes, there was a report of attack in the area and the setting up of MTN mast in the community.

 

“On the number of casualties, I would have to get back to you on the figure as I cannot confirm the figure for now”

 

 

Yenagoa, Nigeria – The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, has announced the detailed selection criteria for the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, designed to honor outstanding contributions to local content development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the NCDMB Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the awards will recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Nigerian Content in 2024. The ceremony will coincide with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), further spotlighting industry excellence and contributions to national economic transformation.

The 12 Award Categories are:

Nigerian Content Icon of the Year

Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award

Nigerian Content International Upstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content Independent Upstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content International Service Company of the Year

Nigerian Content Indigenous Service Company of the Year

Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year

Nigerian Content Financial Services Provider of the Year

Nigerian Content Media Organization of the Year

Women in Leadership Award for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment

 

Objective Evaluation Metrics Ensure Credibility

According to the NCDMB, the criteria for oil and gas operators will include key and empirical benchmarks like

– Production output (crude oil and gas volumes).

– Compliance with Nigerian Content Plans (NCPs) and Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCCs).

– Adherence to NOGICD Act reporting requirements, such as submission of Nigerian Content Performance Reports and Employment & Training Plans.

Similar criteria will apply to financial institutions, media organizations, and individuals, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Winners for the Nigerian Content Icon of the Year, Innovator of the Year, and Women in Leadership Award will also be selected based on measurable performance indicators.

 

Advisory Committee of Industry Titans to Oversee Process

To uphold the awards’ prestige, an Advisory Committee of distinguished experts have been set up to oversee nominations and validate winners. Members include:

Dr. Ernest Nwapa (Pioneer Executive Secretary, NCDMB).

Dr. Omar Farouk (Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization).

Mr. Wole Akinyosoye (Former Zonal Operations Controller, DPR).

The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe emphasized that the awards aim to become the oil and gas sector’s equivalent of the Oscars, celebrating genuine impact rather than mere participation.

“This recognition is reserved for those who have gone beyond compliance to drive tangible growth in Nigerian Content,” he stated.

Event Details

Date: May 21, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM

Venue: NCDMB Conference Hall, Yenagoa.

With a focus on credibility, compliance, and measurable impact, the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards is poised to set a new standard for excellence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

 

Corporate Communications

May 2, 2025

 

Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of physical improvement and remodelling of three markets across the state.

 

The three markets selected for the first phase of the physical improvement are Aare-Alasa Market, Akanran area, Ona-Ara Local Government, Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin Local Government, and Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central Local Government.

 

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.

 

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that will drive agricultural productivity and improve access to markets across the state.

 

“These markets will undergo comprehensive modernization, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders.”

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts, stressing that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of ensuring food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.

 

In her address, the OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Adeola Ekundayo, explained that “the N3.5 billion allocation covers N1,227,196,608.81 for the Aare Alasa market upgrade, N1,219,954,792.90 for the Oja-Agbe market upgrade, N1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba market improvement.”

 

She noted that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP is strategically designed to enhance rural market infrastructure, ensure better linkage to rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the accessibility of farm produce.

 

The contractors awarded for each project site include Quicbond Nigeria Ltd– Aare Alasa Market, Ona-Ara LGA, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd– Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA, AB-Bond Habitat Ltd– Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA

 

Ekundayo, therefore, urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.

 

A former Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Ademola Adebise, has urged the management of the bank to pursue deeper and more structured engagement.

 

He said the bank’s continued relevance today is due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders, employees, customers, shareholders, and other partners.

 

He gave this advice at the second reunion and celebration of Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary, tagged Oluyole 2025, with the theme: “Navigating the Intersection of Past, Present and Future – A Stakeholder-Centric Approach to Sustainability and Growth.”

 

The event, organised by former employees of the bank under the aegis of the Ex-Colleagues Group, was held at Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

 

Adebise said the reunion was particularly special as it coincided with the 80th-anniversary celebration of the bank, describing the milestone as “eight decades of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service.”

 

The former MD stated that the bank stands as a leader in digital innovation within the Nigerian banking landscape, adding that beyond technology, the bank has also deepened its focus on sustainability and stakeholder engagement.

 

He said, “Our ability to stay relevant today is largely due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders – our employees, customers, shareholders, and partners – who have contributed to making our bank a force to reckon with.

 

“I encourage both the bank and the Wema Alumni community to pursue deeper, more structured engagement.

 

“The value that resides within this network of former staff is immense – individuals with decades of experience, regional understanding, and deep-rooted relationships that can continue to serve the institution in different ways.”

Adebise advised that, “Rather than allow this wealth of knowledge to lie dormant, we must harness it through purposeful engagement.”

 

Also speaking, an Executive Director of the bank, Tunde Mabawonku, addressed the bank’s capital-raising efforts, saying, “In terms of capital raising, we have already started the process. The bank is a commercial bank with national authorisation.

 

“So today, we are present in 27 or 28 states of Nigeria.

 

“And we really want to continue growing. At present, we require an additional N130 billion in capital based on CBN requirements.

 

“We are already in the market to raise N150 billion through a rights issue. It opened on 14 April and will close on 21 May.

“We have already engaged shareholders, and almost 95 per cent of them have made payments. Just complete your verification and go ahead to absorb the cash,” he said.

 

Mabawonku appealed to his former colleagues and other stakeholders to support the rights issue and continue to uphold the bank’s legacy while enjoying the rewards of their past contributions.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Group Administration Team, Wale Adedapo, expressed gratitude to the current management of the bank for their financial support and recognition of the Ex-Colleagues Group.

 

He said the purpose of the reunion was to interact with former colleagues, have fun, and celebrate the bank’s 80th anniversary.