Star News 9ja

Governor Ododo’s Eid-el-Fitr Message: A Call for Unity, Peace, and Progress Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to all Kogites, emphasizing the values of unity, love, and collective progress. He urged citizens to embrace these principles as they celebrate the completion of Ramadan. In his message, Governor Ododo described Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection and gratitude, reminding the people of Kogi that the lessons learned during Ramadan—sacrifice, patience, and compassion—should continue to guide their daily lives. “This celebration is not only a time of joy but also a moment to renew our commitment to peace, love, and mutual understanding,” he stated. “Let us work together, beyond our differences, to build a stronger and more prosperous Kogi State.” The governor reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to development, security, and economic growth. He noted that significant efforts are being made to enhance infr...

  NCSCN Calls for Independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee in Rivers State The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. In a statement, the NCSCN emphasized the need for a neutral body to mediate conflicts, promote dialogue, and restore peace in the state. The council believes that an independent committee will help uncover the root causes of the crisis, foster unity among political stakeholders, and ensure lasting stability. The political situation in Rivers State has raised concerns about governance, security, and development. The NCSCN stressed that resolving these issues through peaceful means is crucial for the well-being of the state and its people. The council also called on all parties involved to cooperate with the proposed committee and prioritize the interests of the citizens above political differences. Th...

Customs Seizes N1 Billion Worth of Contraband, Arrests Suspected Smugglers The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted smuggled goods worth over N1 billion within the past four weeks. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, head of the unit, stated that the seized items have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.7 billion. He emphasized that customs officers have intensified border surveillance to curb smuggling activities. According to Oladeji, the ongoing crackdown on economic sabotage aligns with the NCS Key Performance Indicators (KPI), which focus on revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and legitimate trade facilitation. He noted that the agency has recorded significant progress through its "Swift Sting Operations." Over the past month, the unit made 82 interceptions, including: 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 27 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 494 jerry cans of ...

  Natasha is Fighting Back Strongly Against Her Recall Effort The recall campaign against Natasha has encountered a significant challenge.  The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria has officially stated that the group spearheading the recall process, known as the Kogi Central Political Frontier, is not a registered entity. This revelation raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the petition submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). If the organization behind the recall is not legally recognized, how did INEC proceed with accepting their petition without verifying their registration status? With this development, the validity of the recall process is in question, and it appears that the petition may be fundamentally flawed from the start. Given this situation, legal and political analysts are beginning to scrutinize INEC’s role in the process.  Many are asking whether due diligence was carried out before accepting the petition. If ...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is making progress in stabilizing the foreign exchange market and easing inflationary pressures.  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is making progress in stabilizing the foreign exchange market and easing inflationary pressures. Cardoso, an HKS alumnus and the first African elected to the global HKS Alumni Board of Directors, reiterated the bank’s commitment to policy-driven solutions and strengthening trust in Nigeria’s financial system. He noted that, despite ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s economy, key indicators suggest improvements in both the FX market and inflation. Cardoso also highlighted the value of international exposure, welcoming a delegation of 50 students from 19 countries—including representatives from Harvard Business School, MIT, and Stanford—as an opportunity to forge long-term alliances and promote thought leadership at the CBN. Cardoso, an HKS alumnus and the first African elected to the global HKS Alumni Board of Directors, r...

  A Message of Gratitude and Clarification from Usman Okai Austin I sincerely thank you all for your prayers and support. Many of you visited me during my time in Kabba prison, and I deeply appreciate your kindness. The journey from Kabba to Abuja has given me a new perspective on the significance of this experience. For those who couldn’t visit in person, your messages and protests spoke volumes. Your voices sent a strong message, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of you. To those who think that my return means I will compromise or decamp to support a bad government—let me be clear: That will never happen! I remain committed to the values of justice, accountability, and good governance. My experience has only strengthened my resolve to stand with the people and fight for what is right. No intimidation, no pressure, and no offer will make me turn my back on the truth. We are in this together, and I will continue to stand firm for the people. Thank you all! The struggle...

NIPOST Edo Chaptter Strengthens Partnership with Edo State Police Command.  Benin City, Nigeria – The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Edo State has taken a major step toward improving security in postal operations by strengthening its partnership with the Edo State Police Command. This was confirmed during a visit by the State Postal Manager (SPM), Mr. Augustine Aleburu, and his management team to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimeyin. During the visit, Mr. Aleburu praised the Edo State Police Command for their dedication and hard work in keeping people and property safe. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the police in fighting crime and maintaining peace, emphasizing that NIPOST highly values their efforts. The main purpose of the meeting was to build a stronger relationship between NIPOST and the police, particularly in tackling security challenges that affect mail services. Mr. Aleburu pointed out that while NIPOST plays a key role in c...