News
Nigerians Heavily Devastated Under Tinubu Govt – Ex-Head Of State Abdulsalami, Bishop Kukah Lament
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerians are heavily devastated under President Bola Ahmed administration, ex-military leader, General Abdulsalaam Abubakar and Bishop Matthew Kukah lament, to host crucial meeting in Abuja.
The meeting aims to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which have fallen short of the government’s well-intentioned policies designed to enhance citizens’ lives.
The National Peace Committee (NPC) chaired by former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and convened by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, is set to hold a crucial stakeholders meeting on September 26, 2024, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
The meeting aims to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which have fallen short of the government’s well-intentioned policies designed to enhance citizens’ lives.
The committee’s statement highlights the increasing frustration among the populace, exacerbated by recent nationwide protests demanding action against hunger and economic hardship.
They said the protests reflect the urgent need for effective governance and responsive measures to tackle the pressing issues facing the country.
In their co-signed statement, Abubakar and Kukah noted that the optimism surrounding the 2023 general elections, evidenced by a record 93,469,008 registered voters compared to 57,938,945 in 1999, has not translated into tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
The NPC aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to bridge the gap between government intentions and the expectations of the Nigerian people.
The statement read, “Nigerians believed that the 2023 elections would usher in an administration that would swiftly address the nation’s lingering socio-economic challenges.
“The preparations for the elections heightened the hopes for positive socio-economic and political change. However, the outcome of the keenly contested presidential elections amplified the regional and ethnic cleavages that have underpinned our journey of nationhood.”
According to the committee, the well-intentioned policy of the government to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians is yet to meet the expectations of the citizens and the economic strain is being felt by all and sundry.
“This dire situation has fuelled frustration and discontent, culminating in the recent nationwide protests on hunger. The demands made during the protests reflect the deep-seated challenges facing the country and the urgent need for responsive and effective governance.
“In response to this and in line with its mandate to mediate and intervene in electoral and non-electoral matters that impact on the peace and stability of Nigeria, the NPC has decided to convene a one-day town hall meeting with critical stakeholders to discuss frankly and explore the pathways to support the government in addressing and overcoming the current socio-political and economic situation facing the country.”
It continues, “This meeting will provide a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, where the concerns and aspirations of the people can be discussed, and the outcomes are presented to the government.
“It is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between the government and its citizens, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their legitimate concerns addressed.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The chairman of the Ekiti state congress committee, Chief Afolabi Adekanbi has hailed members of the People’s Democratic Party in Ekiti state for conducting themselves peacefully at the just concluded ward congresses across the 177 wards in the state.
The chairman who spoke with journalists at the PDP state Secretariat in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, said that the peaceful conduct of the congress has signified that the future of PDP in Ekiti state is very bright and promising.
He applauded the leaders of the party for their discipline, temerity and maturity in handling the affairs of the party especially the way the congress was done without rancor.
The chairman noted that the state PDP has set a very good example for others across Nigeria, saying that what happened in Ekiti state is a threat to the ruling party as it’s now clear that PDP is more organized than any other party in Nigeria.
He however urged all members of the party in the state to maintain the same tempo in the subsequent congresses, adding that it’s not over until it’s over.
In his remarks, the chairman of the caretaker committee in the state, Chief Dare Adeleke applauded the the chairman and members of the congress committee, saying their conduct played a significant role in the success of the congress.
He as well commended members of the party in the state for making sure that the congress was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Armed unidentified men who recently kidnapped Abdulsalam Rabi’u, the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, are demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
The young scholar, alongside his father and brothers, were abducted on Tuesday near Labin Bangori in Katsina State while returning home from a state recognition ceremony.
Details of the Abduction
Rabi’u, a medical student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hails from Katsina State and was recently honored for his exceptional performance in the Hizb 60 with Tajweed category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Kebbi State.
Following his victory, Governor Dikko Umar Radda invited him and his father to the Katsina Government House for a special recognition event.
Unfortunately, after the ceremony, they were ambushed and taken captive by gunmen along with other family members.
Government’s Response
Katsina State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu-Zango, confirmed the ransom demand during an interview on Saturday. He assured the public that Governor Radda is deeply concerned about the situation and is taking all necessary steps to secure the victims’ safe release.
Rising Insecurity in Katsina
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Katsina and other northern states, where kidnappings for ransom have become a frequent occurrence. The abduction of a national competition winner has sparked widespread concern, with many calling on authorities to intensify efforts to combat banditry and protect citizens.
As negotiations continue, residents and well-wishers remain hopeful for the safe return of Rabi’u and his family
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
What is the Black Market (Parallel Market) Exchange Rate for Dollar to Naira?
Check out the black market exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira as of March 15, 2025. Below are the latest rates for currency exchange in the parallel market.
How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?
As of Saturday,
March 15, 2025, the exchange rate at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) sees traders buying a dollar for
₦1590 and selling at
₦1610, according to sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC).
It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market and advises individuals looking to trade foreign exchange (Forex) to use their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
USD to NGN Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate ₦1590
Selling Rate ₦1610
Dollar to Naira CBN Official Rate Today
USD to NGN CBN Exchange Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1548
Lowest Rate ₦1480
Please note that exchange rates may vary based on location, trader, and transaction type, so the rates at which you buy or sell forex may differ slightly from what is stated here.
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