News

ACF warns against premature 2027 campaigns, urges focus on governance

Published

6 days ago

April 11, 2025

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The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has issued a stern warning to political actors across the country against engaging in premature campaigns for the 2027 general elections at the expense of governance.

It described such actions as insensitive amidst the deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing discontent among Nigerians.

The ACF Chairman, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, stated this at the 715th National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the forum at its national secretariat in Kaduna.

The ACF chairman described the recent resurgence of violent attacks in parts of the North and other parts of the country as disturbing and unacceptable, saying, “Only recently, we were rudely astounded by the sad news of the resurgence of terror attacks and loss of lives and property in Bokkos, Plateau State; the gruesome assassination of Northerners in Uromi, Edo State; and renewed Boko Haram assaults in Borno State.”

He noted with concern that while federal authorities continue to assure of normalcy in the North-East, the return of insurgents to communities has shattered public confidence.

“These insecurities have interfered with the peaceful co-existence of our people. Farms are abandoned, schools closed, and petty trade halted, crippling livelihoods,” Osuman lamented.

ACF also expressed sympathy for victims of the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri and its environs, urging federal and state authorities to scale up emergency response and rebuild critical infrastructure.

On the political climate, Osuman decried the growing tempo of political campaigns and media rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as a distraction from the urgent task of governance.

“While the desire to serve is commendable, the safety, welfare, and prosperity of Nigerians should take precedence. The momentum around 2027 should take a back seat for now,” he said, stressing the need for responsible leadership that addresses terrorism, mass killings, hunger, and disease.

He called on members of the forum and leaders across the board to be courageous and selfless in speaking truth to power, likening their role to that of global moral icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Indira Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.

Highlighting internal developments within the forum, the chairman commended revitalisation efforts in various state chapters, particularly applauding the Gombe State chapter for its coordination and engagement during recent visits.

He also announced the creation of six additional standing committees on agriculture, livestock, education, politics, code of conduct and ethics, and the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, bringing the number of ACF standing committees to fifteen.

“Our influence as a socio-cultural force must not be seen as symbolic. We must match our ideals with action and tangible impact,” he said, just as he tasked committee members to deliver on their mandates and ensure the forum “leaves lasting footprints on governance, policy, and peacebuilding in the region.”

News

20 Suspects Nabbed As Lagos Govt Cracks Down On Drug Peddlers, Dismantles Black Spots In Egbeda, Gowon Estate

Published

1 hour ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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According to authorities, the enforcement operation was carried out following discreet intelligence which identified several locations where criminal elements gathered to sell and consume illicit substances.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Taskforce has apprehended 20 individuals in a coordinated crackdown on illicit drug activities in Gowon Estate and Egbeda.

Taskforce officials dismantled makeshift stalls used as cover for the illegal trade, particularly at the junction of Idoani Street, believed to be a key spot for drug-related activity.

“During an enforcement operation yesterday, the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce team raided and arrested 20 peddlers at dark spots where illicit drugs are made available for sales and use in Gowon Estate,” said Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, via his official X handle on Thursday.

“The locations include the notorious 31 Rd intersection, Wole Omo-Osho and Idoani streets, as well as the Egbeda market area along Egbeda-Idimu road.”

“During the operation, various illicit substances were recovered including cash proceeds from the illegal activities,” he said.

“All suspects arrested will be charged to court accordingly.”
https://x.com/tokunbo_wahab/status/1912754632918528274/video/1

News

Chimaobi gets four years jail for refusal to accept naira as legal tender

Published

1 hour ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Uzondu Precious Chimaobi to four years imprisonment for his refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.
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‎Chimaobi was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 5, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.
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‎One of the counts reads: “That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 as a means of payment for a purchase of a cartier diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you, thereby , committed an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
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Business

Dollar to Naira exchange rate stands at ₦1,600.80 today

Published

2 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The exchange rate for the US dollar to the naira today is ₦1,600.7991, marking a slight decline of -0.432% compared to yesterday’s rate.

Over the past week, the dollar has shown relative stability against the naira, although it has slipped by -2.094% compared to its value seven days ago.

Within this one-week window, the exchange rate has fluctuated between a high of ₦1,636.71 recorded on April 10, 2025, and a low of ₦1,589.45 on April 14, 2025. The most significant single-day shift happened on April 10, when the naira strengthened, leading to a -2.252% drop in the dollar’s value.

Current Rates:
1 USD = ₦1,600.7991
1 NGN = $0.00062469

US Dollar to Nigerian Naira Conversion Table:
1 USD = ₦1,600.7991
3 USD = ₦4,802.3973
5 USD = ₦8,003.9955
7 USD = ₦11,205.5937
10 USD = ₦16,007.991
12 USD = ₦19,209.5892
15 USD = ₦24,011.9865
25 USD = ₦40,019.9775
30 USD = ₦48,023.973
45 USD = ₦72,035.9595
50 USD = ₦80,039.955
75 USD = ₦120,059.9325
100 USD = ₦160,079.91
300 USD = ₦480,239.73
400 USD = ₦640,319.64
500 USD = ₦800,399.55
750 USD = ₦1,200,599.325
1,000 USD = ₦1,600,799.1
3,000 USD = ₦4,802,397.3
5,000 USD = ₦8,003,995.5
7,500 USD = ₦12,005,993.25
10,000 USD = ₦16,007,991
15,000 USD = ₦24,011,986.5
25,000 USD = ₦40,019,977.5
50,000 USD = ₦80,039,955
75,000 USD = ₦120,059,932.5
100,000 USD = ₦160,079,910

Nigerian Naira to US Dollar Conversion Table:
1 NGN = $0.00062469
3 NGN = $0.00187406
5 NGN = $0.00312344
7 NGN = $0.00437282
10 NGN = $0.00624688
12 NGN = $0.00749626
15 NGN = $0.00937032
25 NGN = $0.0156172
30 NGN = $0.01874064
45 NGN = $0.02811096
50 NGN = $0.0312344
75 NGN = $0.0468516
100 NGN = $0.0624688
300 NGN = $0.1874064
400 NGN = $0.2498752
500 NGN = $0.312344
750 NGN = $0.46851601
1,000 NGN = $0.62468801
3,000 NGN = $1.87406402
5,000 NGN = $3.12344004
7,500 NGN = $4.68516006
10,000 NGN = $6.24688007
15,000 NGN = $9.37032011
25,000 NGN = $15.61720018
50,000 NGN = $31.23440037
75,000 NGN = $46.85160055
100,000 NGN = $62.46880074