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The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, on Tuesday described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the greatest gift bestowed on Nigeria by God, praising the President’s leadership and economic reform policies.

Adedeji made the remarks during his opening address at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Abuja.

He said Tinubu had demonstrated courage and vision by implementing difficult but necessary reforms that have helped stabilise the economy and improve the country’s fiscal outlook.

“Without any fear of contradiction, you are the greatest gift bestowed on this republic by Almighty God,” Adedeji said while addressing the President and dignitaries at the ceremony.

The NRS chairman said the newly commissioned headquarters was one of the practical outcomes of the administration’s reform efforts. According to him, the structure stands as proof that reforms are producing visible and lasting results.

“This headquarters stands today as one of the tangible expressions of that reform journey, a visible and enduring symbol that reform is not abstract, but real; not temporary, but structural; not theoretical, but implemented,” he stated.

Adedeji noted that the completion of the project came after years of delays and institutional challenges, adding that major reforms often require patience, resilience, and collaboration across several agencies.

He said tax reforms in particular are usually technical and contested, but insisted that sustained commitment and policy clarity had made success possible.

“Tax reform is not always elegant at reception. It is technical, contested and requires sustained alignment across institutions. It demands discipline, patience and resilience,” he said.

He added, “Yet through pace, persistence and clarity of direction, what once appeared difficult has produced something coherent, structured and of lasting national value.”

Adedeji described the project as a defining milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal transformation and a symbol of what coordinated governance can achieve.

“Today, we celebrate this as a success story, a defining milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal transformation,” he said.

He also used the occasion to commend members of the federal government’s economic management team for supporting reforms in the revenue sector.

He specifically acknowledged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for his guidance and commitment.

Adedeji further praised workers of the Nigeria Revenue Service for their dedication and professionalism, saying the new headquarters would provide a better platform for efficiency and improved service delivery.

President Tinubu attended the event alongside senior government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Tinubu Greatest Gift Bestowed On Nigeria By God — Adedeji is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

France’s interior minister is seeking to block US rapper Kanye West from performing in the southern city of Marseille in June due to his antisemitic remarks, a source close to the minister told AFP on Tuesday.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez is “highly determined” to ban the June 11 concert at Marseille’s Velodrome stadium and is exploring “all possibilities”, the source said.

West, 48, has been heavily criticised for making antisemitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler.

Britain has blocked the US rapper, also known as Ye, from entering the country due to his outbursts, prompting organisers of a festival he was to headline to cancel the July event. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had called booking West “deeply concerning.”

But Dutch Asylum and Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said last week there were no plans as yet to bar the rapper from the Netherlands.

The French source said Nunez had discussed the possible concert ban with the regional prefect and the mayor of Marseille during his visit to the city last week.

Last month, Benoit Payan, the left-wing mayor, said he opposed the controversial performer’s visit, saying he refused “to allow Marseille to be a showcase for those who promote hatred”.

In May 2025, the rapper released a song called “Heil Hitler”, months after advertising a swastika t-shirt for sale on his website.

The song was banned by major streaming platforms. West subsequently expressed regret for his conduct, blaming it on his bipolar disorder.

AFP

The post French minister seeks ban of Kanye West concert in Marseille appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Suleja General Hospital in Niger State, previously criticised on social media for using torchlights to attend to patients at night, is grappling with an electricity bill debt.

THE WHISTLER gathered that the hospital’s debt stems from years of mismanagement of its electricity meter, which left it owing a huge amount.

During a visit to the hospital, the Managing Director, Dr Mohammed Wasagi, told THE WHISTLER that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has been penalising the facility over accumulated bills linked to past misuse of its meter.

He said AEDC initially billed the hospital N120 million but reduced it to N82 million after several pleas and negotiations.

“Power supply is one of our major issues here, there was this issue of misuse of meter in the past, the AEDC are not happy with that, and are actually punishing us now. Presently, the hospital is on pre-paid meter, whatever token we buy, the AEDC deducts 50 percent from it,” Wasagi explained.

“Following the issue, the hospital was billed N120 million, but after our plea and renegotiations, they reduced it N82 million, of which 50 per cent is directly deducted from every token we purchase,” he added.

As a result, the hospital, which is now on a prepaid meter, has 50 per cent deducted from every electricity token purchased.

Wasagi explained that power supply remains one of their major challenges, noting that the deduction means the hospital cannot afford 24-hour electricity.

According to him, to manage the hospital, the management schedules power supply from around 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. during the day, and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at night, except during emergencies when power is prioritised.

“Now what we are managing to do is that, we planned it in such a way that at least we should be able to get light 10 o’clock to 12 o’clock, or to 2 o’clock during the days. Then in the night, we also scheduled to have light from 8 o’clock to 11 o’clock, or as the case may be, if we happen to have an emergency, we don’t have an option,” the MD explained.

He added that the facility has also resorted to using diesel generators, but the rising cost of diesel and petrol has worsened the situation.

“We have other diesel generators that we have to put to use. We put them, and also service them for use, but with the coming cost of the diesel and the petrol again has added another thing to us. So, we are actually struggling on that feat,” he lamented.

The Managing Director said the hospital has not been silent on the issue and has written to the Ministry of Health, the State Commissioner for Health, the Federal Medical Service, and several NGOs for intervention.

He disclosed that the commissioner visited the hospital about four weeks ago and promised to escalate the matter to the governor.

In a recent development, Wasagi said the management installed solar systems in sensitive units including the maternity and emergency wings, and some consultant offices, at a cost of over N8 million.

He described solar as the most reliable option and appealed to philanthropists, NGOs, and groups to assist the hospital with power supply, saying it would be “marvellous” if they could help ease the burden on health personnel saving lives.

“We have done first installment, and this solar system is the best option now, it is more reliable. So, if we have any other person that will come to this hospital and want to assist us, the first thing we look into is the issue of light power. If you can do that to us, that would be marvelous,” Wasagi pleaded.

Wasagi also raised concerns over inadequate health personnel but expressed hope that the state government would address it, reiterating that electricity remains their most pressing challenge.

He further commended the state government’s efforts so far and urged them not to relent until the goal is achieved.

Govt Hospital Using Lantern In Viral Video Owes N100m Electricity Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor Uba Sani has promised to support the Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited(DPAN) because Kaduna State is the second subnational in the Ease of Doing Business ranking in Nigeria.

The Governor who made this commitment when the management of DPAN paid him a courtesy call, also pledged his administration’s support for the company because of its strategic importance in job creation and poverty alleviation.

He further disclosed that his administration’s support is also very necessary because of Kaduna State’s equity in the automobile company.

‘’As of today, we are holding about 11.7% equity in Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited and that is the reason why as a government, we will do everything to ensure the success of this very important initiative.

‘’As the host community, our people are benefiting tremendously in terms of job opportunities. There are about 1,000 people working there and there are several others benefiting from indirect jobs,’’ he added.

Governor Uba Sani also pointed out that ‘’Kaduna State government is second in Nigeria in Ease Of Doing Business. And that is the reason why, virtually every investor wants to come to invest in Kaduna.’’

According to him, Kaduna State is also leading in the area of transportation because ‘’ we are also building the biggest ultramodern bus terminal in the whole of Nigeria.’’

‘’We already have two other bus terminals; one has been completed and the second one is at about 95% completion. In the next two months, we will invite you for the ground breaking of our Bus Rapid Transit(BRT), which will be the second outside Lagos,’’ he added.

The Governor disclosed that ‘’Kaduna State has generated about $3.5 billion worth of both local and foreign investments. today, about $743 million has already been actualized and $ 2.76 billion is in the pipeline.’’

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of DPAN, Ibrahim Issa Gachi, pleaded with Governor Uba Sani to promote and prioritise ‘’DPAN’s locally assembled vehicles within Kaduna State’s official fleet and public service operations’’

He also pleaded that the Governor should advocate for the adoption of DPAN’s locally assembled vehicles across other state governments and to support ‘’strategic collaboration on mass transit and mobility initiatives utilising our vehicle range.’’

Gachi said that DPAN plans to expand its presence in the Nigerian market by introducing additional brands, including Citroën, Fiat, and Leapmotor in 2027.

‘’This expanded portfolio will cover a broad spectrum of mobility solutions, ranging from saloon cars and SUVs to mass transit buses for both intercity and intracity operations, as well as micromobility options.

‘’The lineup will feature diverse powertrain technologies, including petrol, diesel, and CNG-powered internal combustion engines, alongside fully electric vehicles.

‘’In addition, we intend to introduce Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs), an advanced category of electric vehicles primarily driven by an electric motor, complemented by a small internal combustion engine that functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery when required,’’ he added.

The MD also invited Governor Uba Sani to graciously accept ‘’to formally unveil the 2026 Peugeot models at our facility at a convenient date within the next four weeks.’’

Kaduna is investment-friendly – Uba Sani to DPAN

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed claims linking him to an alleged plan to unseat Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. In a press statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch described the allegation as false and urged those behind it not to drag the Olubadan throne into […]

A prominent governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Chief Maurice Vunobolki, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

During a news briefing in Yola on Tuesday, he expressed concerns over lack of transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the APC.

Addressing journalists, Vunobolki said his decision was prompted by “recent developments in the APC that contradict earlier assurances of equity and a level playing field.”

Vunobolki said defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDO, into the APC on February 23, 2026 after assurances by the party and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri who was also set to join the APC at the time. He, however, said prevailing actions within the party and the state government undermined those assurances.

Describing the current political climate as a repeat of past patterns, Vunobolki asserted that the system is increasingly driven by imposition rather than democratic choice.

“As a long-standing participant in Nigeria’s political space, I recognise the signs of a system that is tilting towards impositions; there is a growing likelihood that decisions will be made through manipulated consensus rather than a transparent and credible process,” he said.

He said he remains a governorship aspirant but has not decided his next political party.

He urged his supporters across the state to also withdraw from the APC and await further directives on the next political direction.

DAILY POST reports that though Vunobolki’s resignation from the APC may have come sooner than Adamawa public may have expected, prevailing complaints by many who were influenced into the APC by Governor Fintiri signal possible similar resignations in the near future.

APC governorship aspirant, Vunobolki dumps party in Adamawa

By Enitan Abdultawab

Omah Lay has boldly declared himself the greatest Afrobeats artiste of the decade, stressing that his claim is rooted in artistic quality rather than commercial success.

The ‘Soso’ crooner spoke in a recent interview with Capital Xtra, and maintained that his strength lies in his craft, even if conventional industry metrics suggest otherwise.

“I am the greatest Afrobeats artiste of the decade. I am the greatest,” he said.

However, the 28-year-old singer clarified that factors such as streaming numbers, popularity, and public persona might not place him at the top in the eyes of many.

“When you consider numbers, personality, level of fame, and stardom, maybe you would not consider me. But when it comes to the art itself, I am the greatest,” he added.

This is not the first time the Port Harcourt-born artiste has made such a bold assertion. He had previously described himself as Nigeria’s best artiste of the last 20 years, joining a growing list of Afrobeats stars who have made similar claims about their dominance in the genre.

Born Stanley Omah Didia, Omah Lay began his journey in music as a producer at the age of 15 before gaining mainstream attention in 2020 with breakout hits like ‘You’ and ‘Bad Influence’.

Known for his emotive songwriting and distinctive Afro-fusion sound, he has built a strong global fan base and remains one of the genre’s most talked-about voices.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Omah Lay earned a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for ‘With You,’ his collaboration with Davido, but lost out to Tyla.

The post I am Afrobeats greatest artiste – Omay Lay declares appeared first on Vanguard News.

President John Mahama has underscored the importance of Nigeria’s stability to Ghana’s security and economic wellbeing, warning that challenges in Africa’s most populous nation could trigger migration pressures across the subregion.

Mahama made the remarks at the African Heritage Awards 2026, where he highlighted the strong historical, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and Ghana.

According to him, Nigeria’s progress is directly linked to Ghana’s fortunes, noting that instability in the country could have spillover effects on smaller neighbouring states.

“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us. If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well,” Mahama said.

“I mean, when you have cousins, 250 million of them, you want them to do well so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana,” he said, adding that the size of Nigeria’s population makes its stability a matter of regional concern.

Mahama also expressed personal concern over Nigeria’s situation, stating that he regularly reflects on the country’s challenges and hopes for improvement.

He further pointed to longstanding ancestral and migration links between the two countries, particularly connections between Ghanaian communities and the Yoruba ethnic groups in southwestern Nigeria.

The former Ghanaian leader noted that these shared roots reinforce the deep relationship between both nations and underscore the need for sustained stability in Nigeria.

His comments come amid growing concerns across West Africa over insecurity, economic pressures, and migration trends, with regional leaders continuing to stress Nigeria’s strategic role in maintaining balance and prosperity within the subregion.

I pray Nigeria does well so they don’t run to Ghana’ — President Mahama

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has gifted Ekiti-born Miss Adeolu Oluwadamilola, who recently emerged winner of the Africa Spelling Bee competition, her coach, and her school, St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, cash gifts worth N8 million. The governor also pledged to sponsor the Africa Spelling Bee champion, together with her mother and coach, to […]

Provisional results from Benin’s presidential election show Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni securing a crushing victory with more than 94% of the vote, based on 90% of ballots counted.

The electoral commission described the outcome as “irreversible.” Voter turnout stood at 58.75%.

The 49-year-old Wadagni was widely expected to win after being endorsed by outgoing President Patrice Talon, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term.

His only challenger, Paul Hounkpè, conceded the race on Monday while votes were still being tallied, congratulating Wadagni and stressing that “democracy requires mutual respect and the ability to rise above partisan divides.”

The election was largely viewed as a formality due to strict rules requiring presidential candidates to secure endorsements from lawmakers.

Benin’s main opposition party, the Democrats, failed to field a candidate after its nominee could not gather the required sponsorships.

Wadagni, a technocrat who has served as Finance Minister, will now lead the West African nation of 15 million people as it grapples with chronic poverty, especially in the north and worsening insecurity.

Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group JNIM has carried out deadly attacks on soldiers in recent months, including incidents that killed 54 troops last April and 15 more recently.

The security crisis was cited as a key factor in a failed coup attempt by soldiers four months ago.

Benin has stood out as one of the more stable democracies in a region hit by multiple military coups in recent years.

Official final results are expected in the coming days.

Benin’s Finance Minister Wins Presidency In Landslide Victory is first published on The Whistler Newspaper