Author: Press Room

The Senate has passed a bill through its second reading to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices within Nigeria. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to ensure that multinational social media corporations such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat set up local offices to enhance accountability and compliance with Nigerian laws. Leading the debate, Nwoko stressed that despite Nigeria’s vast digital presence, multinational social media companies do not maintain physical offices in the country, unlike in other nations. He said the…

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to probe allegations about Standard Organisation of Nigeria’s reversal of its decision to shut down 18 companies found wanting in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, especially manufacturers of iron rods. The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Edo lawmaker, Mr Billy Osawaru. Osawaru, a member of the All Progressives Congress urged the House to ask SON to do everything possible to eliminate fake products particularly building materials from the Nigerian market and ensure only quality products find their way to…

Former Barcelona and Arsenal defensive midfielder, Emmanuel Laurent Petit, has urged Chelsea to go all out for Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor James Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports. The 26-year-old striker is one of the most sought-after attacking prospects in European football, and Chelsea alongside a host of other European clubs are interested in the services of the Napoli loanee. Petit, who played for Chelsea between 2001 and 2004, admitted Osimhen’s fighting spirit will boost the mood at Stamford Bridge but is sceptical about how the striker’s personality will rub off on the rest of his teammates. Victor Osimhen during the…

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, says the Nigerian senate is like a “cult”. She added that senators do not express contrary views in the upper chamber for fear of retaliation. Akpoti-Uduaghan was speaking in an interview with the BBC. The female lawmaker had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her. She was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio. “I am being victimised. My suspension is a means of silencing me,” she said. “It was episode after episode, moment after moment. We were at his country home.…

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has revoked the land occupancy rights of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja. In a letter dated March 13 and addressed to the PDP national chairman, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, director of land administration at the FCT administration, said the revocation was due to “non-payment” of ground rent. Ground rent is a yearly fee land owners pay for the right to occupy and use their property. Nwankwoeze said the PDP has failed to pay the annual ground rents due on the property from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2025.…

Sodiq Ojuroungbe As the heat waves soar across the country, experts have expressed concern over the physical and mental health implications of extreme heat. According to them, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can significantly alter human mood and lead to heightened levels of aggression, irritability, and stress. They, however, advised Nigerians to stay hydrated and take preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, a psychologist, Dr. Ifeoma Onaje explained that extreme heat places a significant strain on the body, which can, in turn, manifest in emotional instability. “When the body experiences intense heat, it can cause discomfort,…

Ezuata Matthew Audu, popularly known as Mazzi, has released his latest single, “Wait,” a love song that blends Afro-fusion rhythms with soulful melodies. After making his debut with “Duro,” the Nigerian singer-songwriter continues to tell stories through music, capturing the emotions of love and devotion. “Wait” is a smooth and heartfelt track that brings romance to life through its lyrics and instrumentals. Originally from Edo State, Mazzi is currently studying International Law in Cyprus while pursuing his passion for music. Outside of music, he enjoys cooking, investing, and pushing for consistency in all aspects of life. Listen to “Wait” below.

Following concerns over errors and discrepancies in some bills transmitted to the President for assent, which were declined, the House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated a stricter verification process for authenticated bills before transmission to the President. This followed a motion during the plenary session presented by the lawmaker representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Sada Soli Soli decried the inconsistencies in certain bills passed by the National Assembly, noting that some provisions did not align with the versions approved by both chambers. In February, President Bola Tinubu declined assent to the Federal University of Education, Numan (Establishment)…

The Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspected kidnappers with cash suspected to be proceeds from kidnapping activities. The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, in a statement on Tuesday, said arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects in the last 48 hours. Yamu disclosed that the arrests and recoveries were made in several places in Edo North which has experienced kidnappings and killings in the last three weeks. The statement read, “On 16/03/2024 at about 04:30hrs, operatives of the Agbede Police Division alongside vigilante personnel, while on stop and search in Aviele along Abumere by power line, intercepted and…

Super Eagles and Fulham defender, Calvin Chinedu Bassey, was included in Troy Deeney’s BBC Matchday 29 Team of the Week after a brilliant performance in his side’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Soccernet.ng reports. The former Rangers centre-back was immaculate at the back as his side sealed a 2-0 win over Ange Postecoglu’s side, and it was a moment to celebrate for Fulham as they moved closer to their dreams of playing in Europe next season. Additionally, it was Marco Silva’s 200th Premier League match as a gaffer. Deeney, who was famously known as a Watford striker before he hung his…