By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has announced the postponement of the National Council for Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy meeting, originally scheduled to be held in Osun State from February 25 to 27, 2025.

The decision comes in response to heightened political tensions in the state following the local government crisis.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, communicated this decision through an internal memo titled ‘Urgent Action Against Hosting of National Council for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy from 24-27 February 2025, in Osun State’, which was addressed to State Commissioners, Directors of MDAs, Heads of Departments/Units, and key stakeholders.

“With reference to the above, I wish to bring to your notice the current tense situation in Osun State stemmed from political unrest and uproar in view of the ongoing local government elections”, the memo partly read.

The memo further directed all concerned parties to take note of the change in schedule and assured them that a new date for the meeting would be announced in due course.

“From the foregoing, I am directed by the Hon. Minister to inform you that the upcoming Council Meeting scheduled to hold in Osun State from 25 – 27 February 2025 has been postponed to a later date that will be duly communicated.

“Any inconvenience(s) caused is highly regretted, please”, the memo further stated.

The ministry also urged recipients of the circular to ensure its wide dissemination to all relevant stakeholders.

“You are requested to give this Circular the needed circulation. While thanking you for your usual cooperation and understanding, please accept the Hon. Minister’s warm regard”, the memo concluded.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital.

Abioye also said the PDP also cleared the 332 councillorship seats in the poll.

The OSSIEC chairman, who said Certified True Copies of the result of the elections would be made available to whoever is interested in having them, congratulated the candidates on their victory at the poll.

Also, on Sunday, Governor Ademola Adeleke inaugurated the newly elected LG chairmen and councillors in the Saturday poll.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira in the parallel market (commonly known as the black market) has been updated for Sunday, February 23, 2025. According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the rates are as follows

Buying Rate: ₦1,520 per dollar
Selling Rate: ₦1,530 per dollar
It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize black market rates and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through licensed financial institutions.

CBN Official Exchange Rate

Highest Rate: ₦1,509
Lowest Rate: ₦1,491

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has summoned Ahmad Isa, popularly known as the Ordinary President of Brekete Family, to appear before it on February 27, 2025. The summons is reportedly linked to a recent broadcast of the Brekete Family radio show, in which Senator Natasha spoke about her grievances with Isa.

The Senate’s directive has sparked debate, particularly over its warning that Isa could be deemed a criminal if he fails to comply. Critics argue that such a stance may be an attempt to stifle press freedom and curtail the activities of Brekete Family, a well-known platform for social justice and human rights advocacy in Nigeria.

Isa, whose work has earned him widespread recognition—including an honorary doctorate from the Federal University Lokoja—has built a strong following through his intervention in public grievances and human rights cases. Many Nigerians regard Brekete Family as a voice for the marginalized, providing a platform for citizens to seek redress on issues ranging from governance to social welfare.

The Senate’s move has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary step to address concerns related to the broadcast, while others see it as an overreach that could undermine media independence and freedom of expression in the country. It remains to be seen how Isa will respond to the summons and what impact this development will have on his widely followed program.