News
JUST IN: FG to stop minerals testing abroad, unveil analysis lab
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has described African Natural Resources and Mines Limited as a valuable partner in the government’s efforts to promote local value addition in the mining sector.
Speaking at the commissioning of the ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, Alake emphasised that the lab, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aligns with the key objectives of repositioning the mining sector in line with his 7-point agenda.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, on Thursday, said the certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing.
“You are not only aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda but also contributing to our ministry’s seven-point agenda, with local value addition being a critical component.
This internationally certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global mineral analysis,” the minister stated.
Commending ANRML’s initiative, the minister urged the company, which also operates an iron ore mining and processing plant, to sustain its investment efforts, pledging the support of the Federal government for investments that will generate jobs for teeming youths in the country.
In his remarks, ANRML Group Managing Director, Alok Gupta, expressed his gratitude to the minister for commissioning the laboratory and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the ministry to revolutionise the country’s mining landscape.
“The world-class laboratory commissioned today will be used to analyse solid mineral samples.
Recognising the need for such a facility in Nigeria, we decided to establish this laboratory using the latest technology.
0I am proud to announce that we are the only company in Nigeria certified with the prestigious ISO 7025 from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations and other internationally recognized accreditation bodies for testing laboratories,” Mr Gupta asserted.
The ANRML laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge WDXRF machines, offers a comprehensive range of geochemical services tailored for the exploration and mining industries.
News
Dr Claudiana Ibijoke, Sanwo-Olu ‘s wife clocks 59 today ; husband praises her virtues
She is a reliable partner who has used her good office as First Lady to support my role as Governor in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.
• Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu…Photo Credit: LASG
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated his darling wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.
He described her as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, the First Lady and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), clocks 59 on Thursday, January 8. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the Lagos State First Lady as a caring partner, committed prayer warrior and loving wife and mother.
He said his wife of over two decades has been a dependable and reliable partner in the delivery of the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State, I celebrate my darling and loving wife, trusted and reliable partner, prayer warrior and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.
“Ibijoke is a God-fearing woman, a good companion, and a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian and lover of children.
She is my dependable partner, who has complemented the roles that God has given us with all sense of dignity.
“She is a reliable partner who has used her good office as First Lady to support my role as Governor in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.
“On this occasion of her 59th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State.
“I also use this auspicious occasion to appreciate her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity in general.
I wish Ibijoke good health and more fruitful, prosperous and impactful years ahead.”
News
GNI FIRE: Governor Soludo Sympathises with Omatu ‘s Family
The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State, namely Mr. Stephen Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed profound condolences and deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident that occurred and claimed lives at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
Governor Soludo commiserates with all families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate inferno, regretting that this catastrophic event, which transformed what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of unspeakable tragedy, has left numerous hearts heavy with griefs.
The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State, namely Mr. Stephen Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
These industrious young men, who were simply striving to earn an honest living for their families, have been taken from us in the most tragic circumstances. Their loss represents not just a family tragedy but a collective loss to Anambra State.
In the statement signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, Soludo commended the response of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and all other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to rescue victims and contain the situation,
Soludo also advised Anambra citizens residing in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over recovering property and goods in the event of a fire outbreak.
Thus, Governor Soludo wishes all affected families the strength to bear and recover from their irreplaceable losses, while praying that the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace.
He also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Crime
BREAKING: Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami and Family in Money Laundering Case
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
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