News
Minority Caucus Congratulates Nigerians on New Year, Calls for Urgent National Reforms
By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigerians join the global community in celebrating the New Year 2025, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has extended heartfelt congratulations to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, for witnessing the dawn of the year in peace and tranquility.
In a statement jointly signed by House Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip Rep. Dr. Ali Isa J.C, Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip Rep. George Ozodinobi, the caucus reflected on the challenges of 2024, describing the year as “palpable, worrisome, and fearful,” and highlighted its impact on citizens’ personal growth.
The statement reads: “Today, being the first day of Year 2025, whilst, like other parts of the world, we are full of excitement, it gives us another opportunity to have sincere reflections and objective introspection about the journey of our dear country thus far. Fact is, Nigeria’s progress has been marked by significant challenges that hinder our individual growth and collective prosperity.
“True, the situation of our country, particularly in 2024, was palpable, worrisome, and fearful that it stifled the personal development of many citizens. From spiraling inflation to corrosive poverty and debilitating hunger, it was pathetic for citizens. How about accentuating unemployment, alarming insecurity, and other disturbing multi-sectoral indices of under-development?
“As the country enters 2025, it is necessary to reiterate that just as Nigeria has issues of governance and lack of inclusive economic growth, there is an urgent and timely need to ingeniously address challenges of infrastructure deficits, mindless corruption, youth unemployment, and widespread insecurity.”
The caucus urged all Nigerians to leverage the nation’s diversity as a strength and work collectively towards fostering peace, unity, and development.
“No doubt, Nigeria is a blessed nation with enormous potentials, and our diversity remains one of our greatest assets. In 2025, we admonish us all to harness the strengths embedded in our differences to build a nation that works for all citizens. Since no tribe, ethnicity, and group, no matter how powerful, can do it alone, we solicit for the collaboration and synergy of all and sundry. Through these, and other imperatives including believability, inclusivity, and mutual trust, Nigeria can overcome every difficulty and achieve sustainable and enduring achievements.
“As we collectively forge ahead as a nation in 2025, we encourage us all to recommit and reconnect to the values of peace, unity, and development, with the realization that the future of Nigeria rests on our ability to stay united and work together towards the fulfillment of common goals, desires, and aspirations.”
The caucus reaffirmed its dedication to the well-being of Nigerians, pledging to remain steadfast in addressing national issues through legislative action.
“As a responsive and responsible Caucus, we assure Nigerians that, further to our commitment to the general well-being of citizens, we will in 2025, and subsequent years in the lifespan of the 10th House of Representatives, remain resolute and focused in every national issue that requires legislative inquisition and actions.”
The Nigerian Army has achieved a significant milestone in gender inclusivity by promoting Hajara Egbunu, a soldier from the elite Infantry Corps and the Nigerian Army Women Command, to the prestigious rank of Warrant Officer.
The promotion ceremony, held on Friday at the Command Conference Room in Abuja, marked a groundbreaking moment as Egbunu became the first female soldier from the Infantry Corps and the Nigerian Army Women Command to attain this rank.
Brigadier General Mathias Amatso, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command, presided over the event and decorated Warrant Officer Egbunu. Speaking at the ceremony, Amatso commended her for an exceptional career defined by professionalism, dedication, and discipline. He emphasized that the promotion was not merely a recognition of her past achievements but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to the values and standards of the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Maureen Ogbuka, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Nigerian Army Women Command, Amatso urged Egbunu to continue leading by example. He remarked, “Her promotion reflects her hard work. I encourage her to maintain discipline and inspire younger soldiers, in alignment with the core values of the Nigerian Army.”
In her acceptance speech, Army Warrant Officer Egbunu expressed profound gratitude for the support and guidance she received throughout her career. She thanked God for His blessings and acknowledged the instrumental role of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, whose visionary leadership she credited for facilitating her advancement.
Egbunu also extended heartfelt appreciation to Brigadier General Amatso, whose mentorship had been pivotal during her tenure as the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Nigerian Army Women Command. Her remarks reflected a deep sense of pride and responsibility as she embraced her new rank.
The promotion ceremony concluded with a group photograph and a reception featuring light refreshments. The event was not just a celebration of Egbunu’s personal achievement but also a significant step toward enhancing gender inclusion and representation within the Nigerian Army.
This milestone highlights the progress being made in recognizing the contributions of women in the military and setting the stage for future advancements. By breaking barriers, Warrant Officer Egbunu serves as an inspiration to female soldiers across the country, encouraging them to strive for excellence and leadership in their respective careers.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr Zacch Adedeji, said that he was not part of those contesting the Oyo state governorship election in 2027.
Adedeji, who had previously held cabinet position in Oyo State (Commissioner for Finance 2011-2015), has been touted as one of the personalities likely to jostle for the position.
He, however, in a recent outing, dispelled the rumour doing this round, saying he only wanted to focus on the task before him at the moment.
“I want to use this to respond to a lot of requests, that I, Zacch Adedeji, will not contest for governorship election in 2027.
“I know a lot of people would not be happy about this, but everybody knows the responsibility and grace that God has given to us. I was a commissioner of finance 14 years ago. And by that time, with the grace of God, we’ve done all of what God wants us to do in the state.
“He has given us that platform. So the only thing I need from you is your prayers for strength to end well with what I’m doing now. So I would not want to be distracted,” he said in the clip
Adedeji was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023 to head the FIRS.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate in the Black Market (Parallel Market)?
Here’s the latest information on the Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate for January 4, 2025. Check below for the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for Naira.
How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?
Here’s the latest information on the Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate for January 4, 2025. Check below for the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for Naira.
How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?
According to sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC), the exchange rate for a dollar to Naira at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) is as follows:
Buying Rate: ₦1,665
Selling Rate: ₦1,670
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market and advises individuals to approach their banks for foreign exchange transactions.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today:
Buying Rate: ₦1,665
Selling Rate: ₦1,670
Dollar to Naira CBN
Rate Today:
Highest Rate: ₦1,540
Lowest Rate: ₦1,531
Note: Actual rates may vary depending on the transaction and location.
Hajara Egbunu Becomes First Female Soldier In Infantry Corps To Attain Warrant Officer
Oyo Guber race: I’m not part of it — FIRS boss’ Zacch Adedeji
SEE Today’s Black Market Exchange Rate: Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) – January 5, 2025
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