Truth Live Int'l

Author: Anastasia Okechukwu

Wike Renames Abuja Conference Centre After President Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a ceremony held on Tuesday to mark the completion of the building’s renovation, Wike unveiled the new name: Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Originally built in 1991 during the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, the centre has long served as a venue for national and international events, including government meetings, global conferences, and corporate gatherings.
Describing the upgraded facility as “world-class,” Wike emphasised the need for ongoing maintenance and praised President Tinubu for initiating its renovation. The minister said it was Tinubu’s visit to the venue last year, during the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament, that sparked the decision to refurbish the structure.
“At the time, the President expressed his concern over the poor condition of the centre and insisted it be transformed,” Wike explained. “This renovation is a result of that directive—and leadership.”
Wike also revealed that several halls inside the building have been named after key government officials, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Vice President Kashim Shettima; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
According to Wike, this reflects the unity of Nigeria’s three arms of government.
The renovation of the conference centre was announced earlier this year, with the total cost estimated at ₦39 billion.
June 10, 2025
Ghana Bans Use of Honorary Doctorate, Professorship Titles in Public
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a ban on the public use of honorary titles such as “Doctor” or “Professor” by individuals who have not earned them through formal academic research.
In a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director-General Augustine Ocloo, the commission warned that it will begin naming and shaming violators, and may take legal action, especially targeting politicians, businesspeople, and religious leaders.
Mr Ocloo described the growing trend as “unethical and misleading”, saying it damages the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system. He explained that the frequent use of honorary titles undermines the value of genuine academic achievements, such as PhDs and professorships, which are awarded after years of study, research, and peer review.
“This notice goes especially to politicians, businessmen and businesswomen, men and women of God, and any other category of persons to desist from officially using the honorary doctorate and professorship titles in their everyday life,” the statement read.
Honorary degrees are typically symbolic and do not reflect the rigorous process required to earn academic titles at accredited universities.
The warning follows increasing concern about “degree mills”, unaccredited institutions that offer fake honorary degrees in exchange for money. These titles are often used to boost personal image and gain social recognition, despite lacking legitimate academic merit.
June 10, 2025
Obi Okays Subsidy Removal, Faults Processes
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has said that there was nothing wrong with the petroleum subsidy removal but the way and manner it was removed by President Bola Tinubu, that was what was bad.
The former Anambra State governor said he would have also removed the subsidy and floated the naira if he was elected president.
He clarified that, unlike the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, his approach would have been different. According to him, he would have implemented the policies in a “gradual and organised” manner as against the haphazard method of the incumbent administration.
Recall that the President, during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square, Abuja, announced the removal of the subsidy on petroleum, otherwise known as petrol.
His controversial “Subsidy is gone” statement immediately spiked the pump price of petrol from N190 to N500.
The price soared to over N1,000 and later dropped to about N880 in Lagos and higher in other states.
The Tinubu-led administration also floated the nation’s currency, a situation which saw the value of the local currency determined by market forces.
But over two years after President Tinubu’s “Subsidy is gone” pronouncement, Obi has questioned the whereabouts of the funds saved from the policy, noting that the gains should have been invested in “critical infrastructure.”
He lamented that critical areas of development have not witnessed any significant improvement since the removal of the subsidy.
He added that he would have negotiated with operators on a fair pricing template for the product.
“I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy. If you go to my manifesto, it is there and the steps I would have taken in an organised manner.
“There is nothing wrong with the removal of fuel subsidy. What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.
“Since we were told that we removed it because we don’t want to borrow, and that the funds will allow for investments in critical infrastructure. Billions saved. Where is it? Where is it invested in critical areas of development?
“Everybody knows critical areas of development — education, health, and pulling people out of poverty. Have any of these three improved?
“No. There is nothing wrong in floating and devaluing your currency. You do this when you have productivity. In all of this, I would have done the same thing in an organised manner.”
He added that he would have ramped up the country’s production capacity in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors before floating the currency.
Weighing in on the floating of the naira, he said: “There’s nothing wrong with floating your currency. There’s nothing wrong with even devaluing your currency. But you do this when you have productivity.
“What devaluation or floating does is that your currency becomes, in terms of value, low. You attract investment. Your products become more marketable.
“But where we are unproductive, you have nothing to sell. So it’s a double whammy. So in all this, I would have done the same thing in an organised manner.”
June 10, 2025
NDLEA Arrests One Foreign Drug Trafficker, 39 Others
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 18-year-old Nigerien, Mohammed Isah for drugs.
The drugs are four grams of methamphetamine, 54 grams of cannabis sativa, six grams of tramadol tablets (100 milligrams), and 28 grams of Exol-5 tablets.
State Commander of the Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed this while presenting his first monthly operational scorecard.
The command also destroyed two cannabis farms, arrested 39 suspected drug traffickers, and seized over 1.3 tonnes of illicit drugs in the month of May.
Ofoyeju said those arrested include: 18 male and 21 female.
He said that the two cannabis farms, measuring a combined 0.783 hectares, were located in Uzebba and Ohosu forests across Owan West and Ovia South West Local Government Areas, respectively.
He said that the Uzebba farm covered 0.266 hectares while the Ohosu farm spanned 0.517 hectares.
Ofoyeju added that the major highlight of the operation was the interception of 74 and a half bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,115 kilograms at Oke community in Ohunwude LGA, following an intelligence report.
“The two suspects arrested in connection with the seizure are: 33-year-old Isaac Israel from Abak LGA in Akwa Ibom, and a 19-year-old Precious Zion from Ogba LGA, Rivers State .
The NDLEA commander associated drug trafficking to rising violent crimes in the state.
He said the activity undermined public safety, investment opportunities, and placed heavy burdens on the law enforcement and the healthcare system.
“Drug control is germane to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s fight against kidnapping and cultism in the state.
“The Edo Command of the agency will continue to work assiduously in ensuring a safe and secure society for all,” Ofoyeju said.
He reaffirmed the mandate given to him by the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), to dismantle cannabis cultivation syndicates and expand the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
Ofoyeju called for immediate and coordinated efforts to combat the risks associated with drug trafficking and abuse.
He also advocated proactive strategies and improved resource allocation to address drug and drug-related problems.
June 10, 2025
FG, Meta Launch Program to Fund Early Stage AI Innovators in Nigeria
By Toba Owojaiye
Abuja, Nigeria
In a landmark move to position Nigeria as a hub for responsible artificial intelligence development, the Federal Government has partnered with global tech giant Meta to launch the Llama Impact Accelerator, an eight-month programme aimed at supporting early-stage startups leveraging open-source AI to tackle critical national and regional challenges.
The initiative, unveiled by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reflects Nigeria’s increasing commitment to fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem and harnessing technological innovation for national development.
According to a statement by Ms. Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, the programme is designed to “democratise responsible AI” and promote solutions aligned with Nigeria’s socio-economic priorities.
“This partnership represents a significant step in our mission to build a resilient, forward-looking AI ecosystem. Artificial Intelligence is not just a buzzword, it is a transformative tool for solving real national challenges,” said Tijani.
Truth Live News gathered that the novel accelerator programme is part of Meta’s broader strategy to build inclusive, open-source AI communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The Llama Impact Accelerator will kick off with a six-week incubation phase, offering hands-on technical training and mentorship from global AI experts. This will be followed by six months of extended support, including access to infrastructure, technical resources, and ecosystem connections to aid growth and scalability.
Startups will receive up to $25,000 in equity-free funding, with top performers having the chance to pitch for an additional $100,000 during the AMET Summit. The programme culminates in demo days that will highlight promising AI solutions.
Targeted sectors for innovation include:
Agriculture, Security and Safety Healthcare, Wild Card : for bold, high-impact solutions outside the core categories.
“The wild card category is especially important,” said Dada, “because it encourages unconventional, high-risk ideas that could redefine how we solve deeply rooted societal issues.”
The accelerator ties directly into the Federal Government’s broader tech innovation roadmap, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to train a new generation of Nigerian professionals in high-demand tech skills, including AI, by 2027.
“Partnerships like this allow us to tap into global expertise while empowering local talent. They ensure Nigeria is not just a consumer of technology but also a producer of cutting-edge solutions tailored to our realities,” added Dr. Tijani.
Meta’s open-source Llama models (core to the Programme) are designed to be adaptable, lightweight, and efficient, making them ideal for deployment in resource-constrained environments like rural Nigeria.
Beyond Nigeria, the accelerator is also accepting applications from startups in Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal, underscoring Meta’s intention to catalyze a pan-African movement for locally relevant, globally competitive AI solutions.
“We believe Africa’s AI future must be built on collaboration, openness, and relevance,” said Dada. “This programme is about equipping changemakers with the tools to build solutions that matter.”
Applications opened on May 26, 2025, and close June 27, 2025. The first cohort begins in August 2025, with demo days scheduled for September and October, and extended support running until March 2026.
While the launch has been met with enthusiasm across Nigeria’s innovation space, industry watchers will be closely monitoring the implementation phase to see how inclusive and effective the programme becomes. With Nigeria battling youth unemployment and digital infrastructure deficits, programmes like the Llama Accelerator offer hope: but also raise questions about access and sustainability.
Still, as Nigeria continues to champion digital transformation on the continent, this accelerator represents a strategic intersection of policy, private sector innovation, and open-source technology positioning the country as a potential AI powerhouse in the years ahead.
June 10, 2025
Niger Flood: Bago Approves N7bn for Road Repairs, N1bn for Victims
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced that the reconstruction of key roads and bridges linking Mokwa town to Raba and neighbouring communities will cost N7 billion. He confirmed that the contract for the project has already been awarded.
The announcement came during the governor’s visit to Mokwa, where recent flooding claimed several lives and displaced many residents.
Governor Bago also pledged a relief package of N1 billion to support victims while permanent resettlement efforts are underway. Additionally, he said the state government would distribute 10 truckloads each of rice, beans, maize, millet, and sorghum to the affected families.
To speed up the resettlement process, Bago directed the Ministry for Land and Survey to issue a certificate of occupancy to the federal government to begin immediate construction of new homes for displaced residents.
He assured the public that temporary shelters will not be a long-term solution, adding that the state is working with the federal government and partners to relocate the victims as quickly as possible.
The governor thanked the federal government, aid partners, and individuals who have extended support, and offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Also speaking during the visit, Hussaini Ibrahim, the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), gave a harrowing account of the flood’s impact:
206 lives were lost, including men, women, and children; 82 others sustained injuries, many of them severe; 458 homes were completely destroyed; 180 hectares of farmland were submerged; 3,534 people were displaced, now living in makeshift shelters; And 9,560 people remain in urgent need of humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.
“The scale of destruction is heartbreaking,” Hussaini said. “Entire families have been uprooted, livelihoods destroyed, and communities broken.”
June 10, 2025
NNPC Warns Public Against Fraudsters Posing as Company Representatives
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent individuals and firms falsely claiming to represent the company.
In a statement released by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, NNPC said the imposters have been soliciting money from people, particularly foreign investors, under the guise of arranging meetings with the company’s top executives, board members, and management staff.
“These actions are unauthorised and illegal,” Soneye said, urging people to stay vigilant and report such cases to the authorities.
He stressed that all official dealings with NNPC must go through authorised business channels. The company also encouraged those with concerns or queries to reach out directly via [contactus@nnpcgroup.com](mailto:contactus@nnpcgroup.com).
NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, integrity, and the protection of its stakeholders in all interactions.
June 10, 2025
Tinubu To Confer National Honours On Selected Legislators On June 12
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
As Nigerians look forward to celebrating June 12 otherwise known as Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu has concluded plans to confer national honours on selected legislators in commemoration of the day.
A statement by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr., said the leadership and members of the House of Representatives will participate in a Special Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12.
The President who is expected to be the special guest of honour will address the joint sitting of the legislators.
“The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on selected legislators by Mr President,” Rotimi Jr. said.
The House Spokesman said that the theme for this year’s celebration is: “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”
He explained that the Joint Sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said it underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.
He appealed to Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.
June 9, 2025
Rivers Women Urge Tinubu to Reinstate Fubara
A coalition of women under the banner “Rivers Women Unite for Sim” (RWUS) has called for the immediate reinstatement of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State.
The women held a prayer gathering in Port Harcourt, the state capital, urging for peace, healing, and unity amid ongoing political tensions following the suspension of Governor Fubara.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Fubara from office. Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed to lead the state as sole administrator. Since then, closed-door meetings have taken place between President Tinubu and the suspended governor, though no resolution has been publicly announced.
During the gathering, the women expressed support for Fubara and prayed for what they described as the “speedy restoration of democratic governance” in the state.
“We actually want God to do it in no time,” said Ibiwari Iyama, one of the group’s members. “Even in the short time Sir Siminalayi Fubara served as governor, there was real transformation in the state. He touched lives.”
The women further urged residents of Rivers State to stay hopeful and united despite current challenges, calling for genuine reconciliation and an end to political division.
June 9, 2025
Obi: Fuel Subsidy Needed to Go, But Tinubu’s Execution Flawed
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi says he would have removed Nigeria’s petrol subsidy and floated the naira if elected president but in a more “organised” and “gradual” manner than the current administration.
Speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Monday, the former governor of Anambra State acknowledged the need to end the fuel subsidy, which he described as “riddled with criminality and corruption,” but criticised President Bola Tinubu’s implementation as abrupt and poorly managed.
“There is nothing wrong with the removal of fuel subsidy,” Obi said. “What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.”
He said the removal should have been carefully planned, with clear steps to protect the most vulnerable citizens, and questioned what the government has done with the billions saved since the policy took effect.
“Everybody knows critical areas of development — education, health, and pulling people out of poverty. Have any of these improved? No,” he added.
Obi also commented on the administration’s decision to float the naira, a move that has led to significant depreciation. He said such a policy is only effective when backed by strong economic productivity.
“There is nothing wrong in floating and devaluing your currency. You do this when you have productivity,” he said. “In all of this, I would have done the same thing in an organised manner.”
Since Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy in May 2023, petrol prices have jumped from N190 to over N850 per litre, and the naira has been left to market forces, causing its value to drop sharply.
Obi’s remarks add to growing public debate over the economic direction Nigeria has taken under Tinubu’s leadership.
June 9, 2025