The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola, among other leading traditional rulers in the South-West, are currently holding a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The meeting, which is being held on Wednesday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state, also has the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Alake of Egbaland, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Aseyin of Iseyin, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye and several others in attendance.

A credible palace source told The PUNCH that, “The traditional rulers would deliberate on the various issues affecting the region.”

Some of the issues pencilled down for discussion include security, economic development and the 2027 general elections, among others,” the source added.

Details later…

The Independent National Electoral Commission has removed artificial intelligence-generated photographs uploaded to the national voters’ register and flagged officials involved in the practice across 10 states for disciplinary action.

INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this during a webinar titled ‘AI, Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote’, organised by the PUNCH Media Foundation on Wednesday.

Haruna, who is also the Chairman of INEC Information and Voter Education Committee, described the development as a major challenge.

He also noted that the commission faced limitations in preventing individuals from enhancing their photographs before uploading them to the voters’ register.

Haruna, however, said the commission had identified cases involving its own officials and was taking steps to address the violations.

We have already seen one of the challenges, which is that a lot of AI-generated photographs were posted onto the voters’ register, which, as we have said, we have had to take down,” he said.

Haruna explained that while it might be difficult to prevent members of the public from manipulating their photographs before uploading them, the commission had greater control over cases involving its personnel.

But the ones involving our own staff, where it is our own staff that did so, that one is within our control. We are in the process of addressing it. They have been flagged,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the officials had been identified in about 10 states and would face disciplinary action.

“We have their names across about 10 states, and obviously, they are going to face disciplinary action,” he added.

On the commission’s preparedness to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the electoral process, Haruna said INEC had developed an AI policy but was still working to finalise it.

He noted that artificial intelligence presented new challenges that were still evolving, making it difficult for countries, including advanced democracies, to establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

“As you know very well, it is new territory out there. Even the most advanced countries don’t have what you might call concrete, specific policies about AI because these things are evolving,” he said.

Haruna, however, said the commission had outlined how it intended to deploy the technology and would soon finalise its policy for public consideration.

But we have at least some ideas of what we want to do and how we want to use that. We have that policy. Very soon, we will concretise it, and we will be able to share it with the media,” he said.

The Nigeria Police Force says newly acquired cybersecurity tools have the capacity to detect deepfake videos, voice cloning and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated manipulation with up to 99 per cent accuracy.

The police said the technology would strengthen its capacity to tackle the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation and disinformation ahead of the forthcoming elections.

A representative of the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi, disclosed this at a webinar organised PUNCH Media Foundation on Wednesday, themed “AI Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote,” while addressing concerns about the possible use of artificial intelligence to manipulate electoral information, impersonate political candidates and spread false reports capable of undermining election security.

He explained that AI-generated videos, photographs and audio recordings could falsely portray candidates, public officials and electoral authorities as making statements they never made.

According to him, voice cloning also presents a security concern, as individuals could imitate political opponents or other public figures to circulate false announcements, endorsements, threats and inflammatory messages.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the police had acquired technological solutions capable of identifying such manipulations

The cyber solutions that the police have procured of recent have the ability to verify this information 99 per cent,” he said.

He maintained that the police were prepared to provide the necessary security and protect citizens’ fundamental human rights, particularly their right to participate freely in the electoral process.

He said the police recognised the importance of ensuring a level playing field for citizens to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or manipulation.

The police representative further explained that the emergence of AI-related threats had made it necessary for security agencies to strengthen their preparedness to address digital manipulation during elections.

He cited the circulation of allegedly manipulated photographs of a political rally in one of the southern states, where one image reportedly showed an empty stadium while another portrayed it as filled with a crowd exceeding its actual capacity.

According to him, the stadium could accommodate approximately 30,000 people, but another image was circulated suggesting that about 50,000 spectators had attended the event.

He said such content could distort public perception, provoke political disagreements and create security challenges if circulated without verification.

On the police response to such incidents, he identified attribution and verification as key responsibilities of the Police Cybercrime Centre.

He explained that investigators would establish who originated the information, determine its authenticity and investigate the circumstances surrounding its circulation.

He also disclosed that an individual had been taken into police custody over alleged false information concerning a political candidate from the South-South region.

He said the police would continue to investigate such incidents and ensure that anyone found to have committed an offence was dealt with in accordance with the law.

The police further emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies, the National Broadcasting Commission, media organisations, civil society groups and the National Orientation Agency in addressing election-related misinformation.

He urged citizens to verify information through credible platforms before sharing it, warning that the circulation of unverified reports could heighten political tension and threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to strengthening election security through technological innovation, intelligence gathering, investigation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Yiaga Africa has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen the capacity of its personnel to detect and counter artificial intelligence-generated misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation’s Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, said INEC needed to improve the digital literacy of staff managing its information technology departments and social media platforms to enable the commission to respond effectively to emerging threats.

Mbamalu spoke on Wednesday at a webinar organised by the PUNCH Media Foundation, titled ‘AI, Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote.’

She said the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence required electoral officials to acquire the technical knowledge needed to identify manipulated content and deploy appropriate tools to counter it.

We are working with an electoral commission that is existing in a space that is evolving fast. The artificial intelligence-based ecosystem is evolving really fast and so there is a need for internal capacity building, especially with respect to personnel managing the IT departments of the commission and even the social media platforms of the commission,” she said.

Mbamalu added that INEC needed to equip its personnel with the knowledge to use AI tools to detect and counter manipulated content.

Digital literacy is key, not just digital literacy to understand, even how to leverage AI tools to counter. Like I said, they use AI to find AI sometimes, and so that level of information is needed,” she said.

She also urged the commission to improve its response to misleading information, citing the controversy surrounding images purportedly taken from the voters’ register.

According to her, some people circulated images that were not from the register amid concerns about fictitious information, making it necessary for INEC to provide timely clarification.

“The other is also the response to issues as they come up. And I always give an example of the voter register. That was the most important issue that happened recently.

While there were issues of fictitious information, some people immediately started creating images that were not from the voter register, and we expected INEC to respond to those kinds of information because once you remain silent, those things become viral,” she said.

The Yiaga Africa director said INEC could engage additional technical personnel or external support to help manage the information space ahead of the elections.

She further advised the commission to provide clarification rather than issue outright denials whenever concerns arise, noting that delayed explanations could undermine public trust.

“If there is an issue, you respond and rather than deny, provide clarity. But if there is something that is clearly fake, you provide the alternative truth to it,” she said.

Cybercrimes Act must not suppress free speech

Mbamalu also raised concerns about the application of the Cybercrimes Act, warning that journalists and citizens expressing opinions could become victims when the law was applied unfairly.

She called on the police to protect freedom of expression and press freedom while enforcing the law.

“The call is for fairness in application of the rules and, most importantly, that even in applying the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, there’s a focus on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression,” she said.

She added that some citizens had faced consequences for sharing information that was not misinformation but was considered offensive by its recipients.

A man arrested by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has admitted to sexually assaulting and filming a woman naked after she defaulted on a N600,000 loan.

The suspect, identified as Ahmed Usman, was paraded by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a video posted on her Facebook page on Wednesday.

Adeh said the suspect specialised in lending money to widows and vulnerable women before demanding weekly interest payments.

She said the case that led to his arrest was reported to officers of the Lugbe Division on November 5 after the suspect allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted a woman, a nursing mother, who failed to meet her weekly repayment.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect had lent the woman N600,000 and required her to pay N30,000 weekly as interest, in addition to the principal.

Adeh said the woman missed a payment because of poor sales and went to meet the suspect with the N24,000 she had available.

She alleged that the suspect pushed the woman into his vehicle, threatened her with a knife and drove her to a secluded location behind the chief’s palace in Lugbe, where he sexually assaulted her.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect threatened to kill the woman if she failed to pay him, prompting her to raise the money and transfer it to him before reporting the incident to the police.

Adeh said officers tracked and arrested the suspect, adding that he attempted to escape with a police officer in his vehicle before he was eventually apprehended

Speaking during the parade, Usman admitted lending the woman N600,000 and collecting weekly payments of N30,000.

He also admitted to asking her to remove her clothes, having canal knowledge, and recording her naked.

“I loan money to women. So this fateful woman, she took loan from me, 600,000. Normally she used to pay 30,000 weekly, and finally the day she defaulted to pay, I called her, invited her over. She came to my car, which is a Toyota car. And I asked her to take off her dress. So, after videoing her, I made love to her,” he said.

When Adeh asked how he recorded the woman, Usman said, “I video her. I asked her to take off her clothes, naked her and I video her, even ask her to open her vagina, I video her.”

He also admitted driving away with a police officer during the arrest operation, explaining that he later realised the officer was the Divisional Police Officer and returned to drop him off.

“When I find out that it was DPO, I have to go and make U-turn, and bring him back and drop him. That is what happened,” he said.

The suspect, who said he was from Nasarawa State, disclosed that he was married and had six children. He pleaded for forgiveness during the interview.

“I am very sorry to my children and my wife. Please, let me have a second chance. I will be the best father and the best citizen of this country. Please,” he said.

Adeh said the investigation was ongoing and that the command was working with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on the case.

The Ogun State Government has approved major road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, alongside the procurement of an advanced Siemens helium free 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine for the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence.

The approvals are aimed at improving road connectivity, supporting economic activities and expanding access to quality diagnostic services.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the decisions were reached at the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday.

The approved road projects include the construction of the RCCG New Auditorium Road to One Million Junction in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area and the rehabilitation of two stretches of Old Ondo Road in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area: Lagos Garage to Epe Garage and Lagos Garage to Adeola Odutola College.

The Council also approved the construction of Saje Junction to Elega Road and the reconstruction of the corridor linking Ajitadun Roundabout, Mokola Underbridge and Elega Junction, both in Abeokuta North Local Government Area.

These projects are expected to ease travel, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and improve access to homes, businesses and economic centres within the benefiting communities.

In the health sector, the approved Siemens 1.5 Tesla MRI machine will strengthen the diagnostic capacity of the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, enabling more accurate and timely diagnosis of conditions requiring advanced medical imaging.

The equipment is also expected to reduce the need for residents to seek diagnostic services outside Ogun State, while complementing the government’s investment in modern healthcare facilities.

The approvals reflect the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON’s determination to translate infrastructure investment into practical improvements in people’s lives through better roads, stronger economic connections and greater access to quality healthcare.

An illustrious daughter of Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Madam Modupe died in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2026. She was laid to rest following a funeral service held on November 6, 2026, at Honour Oak Chapel, Brockley Way, London, SE4 2LJ.

Her death represents the loss of a woman whose life journey spanned nearly a century, crossed continents and touched generations. Yet, beyond the remarkable number of years she lived, it was the values she embodied and the sacrifices she made for her family that defined her legacy.

Born in Ode Remo, in the Sagamu area of Ogun State, Mrs Modupe belonged to a generation shaped by discipline, perseverance, dignity and a strong sense of family responsibility. These values would become the defining principles of her life, particularly following her migration to the United Kingdom some six decades ago.

Her journey in Britain was one of determination and relentless hard work. While building a new life in a foreign country, she combined her duties as a District Nurse at King's College Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital in London with two other jobs. Her overriding motivation was to provide her children with the necessities of life and, above all, a sound education.

Indeed, her story was not simply that of a woman who migrated in search of better opportunities; it was that of a mother who turned opportunity into sacrifice and sacrifice into a lasting family legacy.

She married Mr Joseph Popoola Modupe, and their union was blessed with four children; Manny, Tina, Ayo and Tosh. She was also a grandmother and great-grandmother, living long enough to witness successive generations grow and establish themselves.

She left a legacy of highly skilled professionals, including doctors and lawyers in the United Kingdom. The accomplishments of her children and the generations that followed form part of the enduring testimony to her commitment to motherhood, guidance and family development.

But perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Mama London's life was her extraordinary work ethic. Even at an age when many would have long retired from active work, she remained remarkably industrious. According to tributes delivered at her funeral, she continued working at her stall at East Street Market in London until the age of 91.

That detail alone offers a compelling glimpse into the character of a woman whose determination was not diminished by age. It speaks of a lifetime of independence, resilience and an uncommon commitment to purposeful living.

* A LIFE OF SACRIFICE, SERVICE AND INSPIRATION

The funeral service brought together family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate a life that left an indelible impression on those who knew her. Tributes painted the picture of a devoted mother, a hardworking professional and a woman whose example inspired generations.

One of the tributes delivered in her honour captured the remarkable journey of the deceased, recalling her Nigerian roots, her years of service in Britain and her dedication to her children.

"We are gathered here today to pay our respect to a truly remarkable woman, Mrs Mercy Mojisola Modupe, who was born in Ode Remo, Sagamu, Nigeria. Up until the age of 91 years, she was still working on the stall at East Street Market in London. She would have been 94 on 11th October 2026 (just gone).

"She married Mr Joseph Popoola Modupe and their marriage was blessed with four wonderful children (Manny, Tina, Ayo and Tosh). She was a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother.

"She came to the UK some 60 years ago, doing two other jobs whilst working as a District Nurse at King's College Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital in London, so as to ensure that her children had food in their stomachs, clothes on their backs, a roof over their heads and a good sound education. Mama was indeed an inspiration to us all and an epitome of hard work."

The Issues Magazine reports that the tribute encapsulated the essence of her life; a woman who worked tirelessly, served others and placed the welfare and future of her children above personal comfort.

Her professional service as a District Nurse also deserves recognition. Beyond her responsibilities at home, she contributed to the care of others through her work in the health sector, demonstrating a commitment to service that extended beyond her immediate family.

* A LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS GENERATIONS

At 94, Madam Mojisola Modupe had witnessed tremendous changes in society, experienced life across two countries and lived to see her family grow across generations. Her story is a reminder that the true measure of a life is not necessarily found in public acclaim or material possessions, but in the people nurtured, the values imparted and the positive influence left behind.

For her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her legacy will remain a source of pride and inspiration. Her life offers enduring lessons in perseverance, selflessness, discipline and the dignity of honest labour.

Although her passing leaves a void in the hearts of family members, friends and associates, the memories of her devotion and the example she set will continue to live on.

Madam Mercy Mojisola Modupe may have taken her final bow at 94, but the story of her life does not end with her funeral. It continues in the lives of the children she raised, the generations she nurtured and the values she bequeathed to those who came after her.

She lived for her family, worked with uncommon determination and left behind a legacy that time cannot erase. Mama London will be remembered.

- The Issues Magazine 

Available exchange rate reports indicate that the official market rate was around ₦1,350.36 per dollar on Tuesday, November 10, while parallel-market dealers quoted buying and selling rates of approximately ₦1,411 and ₦1,419, respectively.

At the parallel market, also known as the black market, the exchange rate varies depending on the location and the Bureau De Change (BDC) operator.

The latest reported parallel-market figures indicate that Nigerians selling $1 to currency dealers could receive approximately ₦1,411, while those purchasing $1 may pay about ₦1,419.

At the official market, the NFEM rate remains the benchmark for foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria.

The difference between the reported official rate of ₦1,350.36 and the parallel market selling rate of ₦1,419 is approximately ₦68.64 per dollar.

The exchange rate may change during the day depending on dollar supply, demand and trading activities across the foreign exchange market.

Nigerians are advised to confirm prevailing rates with their banks and licensed currency dealers before carrying out foreign exchange transactions.

Ogunyakin emerged at the organisation’s election held during the 18th edition of the Salon International de l’Artisanat de Ouagadougou, also known as the International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso, where delegates from several African countries participated in the electoral process.

He succeeds Ivorian Ali Cisse, founder and organiser of the Salon International des Arts et de l’Artisanat de Grand-Bassam, who had led the organisation since its establishment in 2020.

His emergence is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the promotion and preservation of African arts, crafts and cultural heritage, with the new president pledging to expand the continent’s creative heritage and give its products greater international recognition.

Delegates and representatives from Ghana, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Togo, Cameroon, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, among other countries, attended the event at Ouaga 2000 in Ouagadougou.

In his acceptance speech, Ogunyakin expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him, describing his emergence as both an honour and a responsibility to the continent’s artists and craftspeople.

“To have been elected by you — my colleagues and fellow custodians of African craftsmanship — with 65 per cent of the vote, to lead this great continental organisation for the next five years, is an honour I do not take lightly,” he said.

He also commended the Burkinabe government for hosting the event and the organising committee, led by the President of ODEVAA Burkina Faso, Hachim Touré, for what he described as a transparent electoral process conducted both physically and online.

Cull from The Punch

The Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council has sued the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and members of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council before the state High Court in Ijebu-Ode, challenging what it describes as an unlawful attempt to displace the traditional administrative structure of Ijebuland.

Other defendants in the suit include the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and members of the recently reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, namely High Chief Rasheed Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode; Chief Chris Okunowo, the Bobasuwa; Prof. Jide Ajayi, the Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen Bakare, the Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, the Otun Balogun.

The suit, dated November 5, 2026, and marked HCJ/201/2026, seeks to establish the authority of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council to oversee the traditional and administrative affairs of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum following the death of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

According to a statement from the media office of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council and accompanying court documents made available to journalists on Tuesday, the nine-member council, led by the Adele and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sonny Kuku, is asking the court to declare that the Adele system is the only legitimate traditional administrative authority recognised by the native law, customs and ancestral practices of the Ijebu people during the period between the reigns of successive Awujales.

The plaintiffs are also challenging the establishment and subsequent reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, describing the arrangement as alien to Ijebu customary law and inconsistent with the Ogun State Chiefs Law.

In the substantive suit, they are seeking a declaration that neither the governor nor the relevant government authorities have the power to create or reconstitute an administrative council capable of displacing the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council during an interregnum.

They are further asking the court to set aside the purported reconstitution of the AIAC and the appointments of the fifth to eighth defendants, describing them as irregular, illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The plaintiffs also want a perpetual injunction restraining the governor, the relevant ministries and other government officials from interfering with or bypassing the customary administrative functions of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.

Similarly, they are seeking an order restraining the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council from holding meetings, parading themselves or exercising traditional, civil or financial administrative authority over Ijebu-Ode under the disputed arrangement.

The statement read that the plaintiffs are seeking: “A declaration that under the native law, custom, tradition, and ancestral usages of the Ijebu-Ode people, the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council is the sole, valid, and historically recognised traditional administrative authority entitled to manage the interim traditional and local administrative affairs of Ijebu-Ode during an interregnum following the transition of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

“A declaration that the unilateral creation, establishment, or reconstitution of an administrative body known as the ‘Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council’ (AIAC) by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Defendants is alien, unknown, and offensive to the native law, customs, traditions, and ancestral usages of the Ijebu-Ode people, and completely inconsistent with the provisions of the Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

“A declaration that neither the Chiefs Law of Ogun State nor any applicable customary law empowers the 1st to 3rd Defendants to arbitrarily invent, sustain, or reconstitute an ‘Interregnum Administrative Council’ to sideline, supplant, or replace the ancestral Adele system and traditional council structures during an interregnum.”

The plaintiffs are also seeking an order setting aside the purported reconstitution of the AIAC and the appointments of the fourth to eighth defendants by the first to third defendants, which they describe as irregular, illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

They further want a permanent injunction restraining the first to third defendants, their agents, officials, ministries or privies from interfering with, bypassing or disrupting their customary administrative functions during the interregnum.

Another relief sought is an order restraining the fourth to eighth defendants from holding meetings, parading themselves or attempting to exercise traditional, civil or financial administrative authority over Ijebu-Ode under the disputed AIAC arrangement.

Recall that traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode and members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, constituted by the state government in August last year following the death of the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, recently resolved to dissolve the council and transition to the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council to oversee the affairs of the ancient town pending the emergence of a substantive Awujale.

The decision was reportedly reached at a meeting involving the Ilamuren, Pampa, Odi and other chiefs of Ijebu-Ode. The traditional leaders were said to have unanimously adopted a resolution mandating members of the AIAC to step down from their existing positions and become members of the newly constituted Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.

According to the resolution signed by Kuku, the chiefs said the decision to transition from the interregnum administration to the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council was informed by their consideration of the existing traditional and statutory frameworks governing the Awujale chieftaincy institution.

The government, however, announced the reconstitution of the AIAC, reaffirming its legal authority to oversee the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.

Responding to the emergence of the Adele Oba Awujale group, the government declared that the body had no legal or customary recognition under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration or the existing chieftaincy legislation in Ogun State.

It stated that neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 made provision for an Adele Oba Awujale group or assigned it any recognised responsibility in the management of the Awujale stool.

The government subsequently announced the reconstitution of the council, naming Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, as chairman and Okunowo, the Bobasuwa, as secretary. Ajayi, Bakare and Shote were named as members.

It said the reconstituted council would continue to discharge the legally recognised administrative and traditional responsibilities of the AIAC until a new Awujale was appointed and crowned.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house had earlier sued Abiodun, the Awujale kingmakers and five others before the High Court in Ijebu-Ode, seeking orders compelling the completion of the process for selecting the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Adetona at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.

The Ogun State Government halted the selection process in January 2026, citing petitions from security agencies and stakeholders, following an earlier suspension in December 2025 over procedural concerns.

A total of 95 aspirants, comprising 94 princes and one princess, emerged from the ruling house nomination process held in Ijebu-Ode in December 2025 before the government halted the selection process.

Culled from The Punch 

The African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to arrest some of its members, including the party’s spokesperson, accusing unnamed influential individuals of planning to use security agencies to intimidate opposition figures.

The party also alleged that the residence of one of its members, Mudasir Sani, was recently raided over his activities on social media, where he reportedly promotes the party’s policies and political messages.

The ADC made the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi and signed by its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Musa.

It called on the Kebbi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and human rights organisations to investigate the alleged incidents and ensure that opposition members were not subjected to intimidation or harassment because of their political affiliations.

The party said reports reaching it indicated that some influential individuals had allegedly discussed plans to use security agencies against members expressing political opinions and promoting the ADC on social media platforms.

“Of particular concern to the party is the allegation that even the ADC spokesperson is among those reportedly being targeted for arrest,” the statement said.

It added that any confirmed attempt to arrest opposition members for expressing political views would raise serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights and democratic freedoms.

On the alleged raid on Sani’s residence, the party said it wanted the authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The party calls on the relevant authorities to clarify the reasons behind the raid and ensure that his fundamental rights as a citizen are fully respected,” it said.

The ADC said the alleged developments were not isolated, recalling that its Maiyama Local Government Chairman was recently arrested and reportedly spent almost two weeks in prison before his eventual release.

It further disclosed that approximately eight members of its media team were currently facing court proceedings.
The party also accused the police of failing to provide adequate information about a complaint it submitted against a senior government official more than one month ago.

“In another separate incident, the party lodged a formal complaint at the Kebbi State Police Command Headquarters against a senior government official more than one month ago.

“However, according to the party, it has yet to receive any comprehensive information regarding the action taken or the current status of the investigation into the complaint,” the statement said.

The opposition party urged the police to provide an update on the complaint and ensure that investigations were conducted without political interference.

It said, “These developments have compelled the ADC to call on the relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted and the law is enforced fairly and impartially, without political discrimination or favouritism based on an individual’s status or political affiliation.”

The party specifically called on the National Human Rights Commission to investigate reports of alleged human rights violations, intimidation and harassment involving its members.

It also urged judicial authorities to uphold due process and ensure that every citizen enjoyed equal protection under the law, irrespective of political affiliation.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic participation, the ADC maintained that belonging to an opposition political party was not a criminal offence.

“We wish to reiterate that belonging to an opposition political party is not a crime.

“Expressing political opinions, criticising government policies, and disseminating political messages are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, provided they are exercised within the confines of the law,” it said.

The party warned against using political power or state institutions to silence citizens and restrict their participation in legitimate political activities.

The ADC will not accept any attempt to use political power or state institutions to silence citizens, suppress their opinions, or deny them the freedom to participate in legitimate political activities,” the statement added.

However, the party urged its members to remain peaceful and law-abiding, advising them to report any cases of intimidation or harassment to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to self-help.

It said, “Government has a responsibility to protect all citizens, not just those who support it. The law does not distinguish between those in government and those in opposition.

“Every complaint deserves proper investigation, and every individual accused of an offence is entitled to justice and a fair hearing.”

The ADC warned that intimidation and threats against opposition members could undermine democratic development, stressing that democracy depended on the protection of individual freedoms, respect for human rights and the consistent application of the rule of law.

Efforts to get a reaction from the state government were not successful, as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the state police spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, told our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Tuesday that the command remained apolitical and would not serve the interests of any political party.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing adequate security for all political parties during their activities in the state.

“We are not for any political party, and we have assured all political parties in the state of maximum security cover during their programmes. All they need to do is inform us ahead,” he said.

Lagos market leaders have pledged to mobilise traders for bloc voting in support of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The commitment was announced on Tuesday by the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Market Advisory Council, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, at a special prayer gathering organised by the council in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.

The gathering, held at the Blue Roof Pavilion, Agidingbi, Ikeja, brought together market leaders, traders, religious and traditional leaders, and government officials to pray for the electoral success of the APC candidates.

Tinubu-Ojo said the meeting was convened to discuss the forthcoming elections and strengthen cooperation among market leaders.

She reiterated the market community’s commitment to bloc voting but urged the government to provide market leaders with the opportunities and support needed to mobilise traders and fulfil their electoral commitments.

She reiterated the market community’s commitment to bloc voting but urged the government to provide market leaders with the opportunities and support needed to mobilise traders and fulfil their electoral commitments.

The pledge places the organised market leadership at the centre of the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts, with traders representing a significant constituency in Lagos’ commercial and political landscape.

Hamzat, who was represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, welcomed the support and assured market leaders that their interests would receive attention under his proposed administration.

He said the commitment was reflected in the inclusion pillar of his manifesto, The Lagos Promise, unveiled on October 30, 2026, adding that he would build on the achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The APC candidate described market leaders as important stakeholders in the state’s economic development and urged traders to sustain their engagement with government.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Nurudeen Agbaje, also highlighted the political and economic importance of market leaders, urging them to maintain their relationship with the government.
Prayers were subsequently offered for Tinubu, Hamzat and other APC candidates ahead of the elections.

The Anambra State Government has approved the ‘Soludozie’ Anambra Framework, an organised and inclusive platform under the Public-Private-Community Partnership model, designed to provide a structured channel for residents at home and in the diaspora who wish to partner with the state government on development projects.

The state also urged communities to take action against erosion, reiterating that government intervention would continue to prioritise communities that demonstrate proactive environmental responsibility.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, said communities that engage in sand excavation, indiscriminate felling of trees, deforestation, dumping of refuse in drainage channels, channelling of stormwater onto roads and other prohibited and prosecutable practices would not receive priority attention.

Mefor said the decision was taken at the 18th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council, held at the Light House, Awka, on Monday, adding that perpetrators of environmental offences would be prosecuted.

He said the council directed that Ogbodi in Amichi Community, which has been cut off by erosion, be reconnected within two weeks through palliative measures, while work towards a permanent solution would commence immediately.

The statement read, “The state council reiterated that government intervention on erosion will continue to prioritise communities that demonstrate proactive environmental responsibility.

Communities that engage in sand excavation, indiscriminate felling of trees, deforestation, dumping of refuse in drainage channels, channeling of stormwater onto roads, and other prohibited and prosecutable practices will not receive priority attention. Perpetrators of such acts will be prosecuted.

Council directed that Ogbodi in Amichi Community, cut off by erosion, be reconnected within two weeks through palliative measures, while scoping for a permanent solution commences immediately.

“Council approved the ‘Soludozie’ Anambra Framework, an organised and inclusive platform under the Public-Private-Community Partnership model.

“The initiative is designed to provide a structured channel for Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora, and other well-meaning partners, who wish to partner with the state government for development.”

According to him, under the framework, the government’s involvement would generally be limited to documentation, recognition and support where requested, adding that donors and partners would directly manage their funds and projects.

“The initiative aims to position Anambra as a global model of collective governance and inclusive development and to accelerate the state’s development trajectory,” Mefor added.

Culled from The Punch

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday swore in four newly appointed permanent secretaries to fill vacancies in the state’s top civil service cadre, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to merit, fairness and inclusiveness in public service appointments.

The governor, who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said the appointments followed a transparent and competitive process designed to strengthen the leadership of the state civil service while ensuring equitable representation across Oyo State.

Speaking shortly after the appointees took their oaths of allegiance and office, Makinde said his administration would remain focused on governance and service delivery until its last day in office and would not abandon its responsibilities for politics.

According to a statement issued in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor said, “When I said to the people of Oyo State that we will serve them until the last moment of the last day, this is exactly what we’re talking about. We won’t, because we’re campaigning all over the place, forget our responsibilities to the people of Oyo State.”

The governor explained that the selection process was based on a competitive examination, with 80 per cent of the appointments determined by merit and the remaining 20 per cent reserved for balancing considerations to ensure equity, inclusiveness and fair representation across the state.

According to him, “The process that produced the new permanent secretaries was fair and transparent.

“I can say boldly that the process of your becoming permanent secretaries has been fair. After taking 80 per cent based on merit, there is 20 per cent that we always use to balance things out.”

Makinde recalled that when he assumed office in 2019, there was no permanent secretary from the Ibarapa Zone, a situation his administration moved swiftly to address to ensure equitable representation across the state.

He noted that his administration was deliberate about ensuring that no zone was excluded from representation at the highest level of the civil service, stressing that the state’s common wealth belonged to all its people.

The governor further stated that the appointments were not influenced by personal sentiments, political considerations or external pressures but were made through a fair and transparent process designed to ensure that the leadership of the civil service reflected the diversity of Oyo State.

He added that his administration remained conscious of the need to make decisions for which it would one day be accountable to God and the people.

Makinde charged the newly appointed permanent secretaries to uphold their oaths of office by being fair and just in all their dealings and discharging their duties with diligence, integrity and professionalism.

He said, “You have taken an oath to be fair and just to all the people you interact with and in all the files that will pass through your tables. I give you the assurance that until the last day I leave this seat, we will give you all the support that you require to do your work effectively.”

The governor reiterated that the appointees had earned their positions through merit and due process, having successfully completed the prescribed requirements, including the qualifying examination.

Makinde said his administration would be remembered for appointing the highest number of permanent secretaries through a competitive examination process. He also disclosed that another examination would be conducted before the end of his tenure, with the incoming administration expected to act on the outcome.

“I will conduct another examination before I leave office and leave the outcome on the table for the incoming administration. On behalf of all of us, we congratulate you and wish you the very best in your new roles. We also ask for God’s guidance as you assume these new positions,” he said.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Speaker of the House, Monsurat Sunmonu; the President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T. M. Abdulganiyu; and the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde.

Others included the Chief of Staff, Akinwole Akinwale; the Head of Service, Adenike Fashina; the immediate past Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; the Alliance People’s Movement Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mufutau Open-Salawu; commissioners; the Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties; the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in the state, Sikiru Sanda; permanent secretaries; labour union leaders; religious leaders and other stakeholders.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive governance agenda centred on national unity, security, economic productivity and accountable leadership, pledging to restore hope to Nigerians if elected president in 2027.

Obi articulated his vision in Jos, Plateau State, during a town hall meeting with supporters and other Nigerians, where he said his administration would be anchored on listening to citizens and responding to their needs.

He said national unity remained the foremost priority of his candidacy.

“Our number one commitment is to unite the Federal Republic of Nigeria because today we have no unity. We are divided along tribal and religious lines. That should not be. We are Nigerians,” Obi said.

He identified insecurity as the second pillar of his agenda, stressing that the primary duty of government was to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

“Number two is to secure Nigeria. It is our duty to ensure that Nigerians live in safety, in a country where people are no longer killed daily.

“I assure you that no mother will continue to cry over the loss of her children. No woman should experience the pain of losing her husband, and no father should suffer the agony of losing his wife,” he said.

On displaced persons, Obi said the continued existence of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps would constitute a failure of leadership, adding that his administration would prioritise the safe and dignified return of displaced Nigerians to their ancestral communities.

“If any Nigerian remains in an Internally Displaced Persons camp, we have failed. Once one Nigerian is in an IDP camp, the entire Nigeria is in an IDP camp. People must return to their homes,” he stated.

He further pledged to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and confront kidnapping and other violent crimes decisively.

“Nobody will kidnap two children and disappear into the bush. If you kidnap children and go into the bush, you will not be alone there. We will come after you,” he declared.

Obi explained that his decision to engage communities ahead of the commencement of campaigns was deliberate, noting that effective leadership must be demand-driven.

“When you want to serve, you must listen to the people. When we come for campaigns, we only talk and we don’t listen to the people. We have decided that leadership must be demand-driven,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor recalled his visits to Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and other conflict-affected communities in Plateau State, describing the security situation as unacceptable.

He said his presidential ambition was motivated by the plight of victims of insecurity, displaced persons and bereaved families.

“If I have one person in an IDP camp, it means we are all in an IDP camp. I am competing because I want to know how we talk to that mother whose child was killed, that husband who lost a wife and that woman who lost a husband. Who is going to listen to their cries?” he asked.

On the 2027 general election, Obi urged Nigerians to take active responsibility for safeguarding their votes.

“In the next election, every voter is an agent. Don’t vote and go home. Take that day as the one day you are giving to Nigeria as a patriotic Nigerian,” he said.

“Prepare yourself with your breakfast, lunch and dinner, and remain there. Your vote must be counted, recorded and transmitted. Nobody should give you any excuse. It is your vote, and we want this election to be about the future of Nigeria.”

Turning to the economy, Obi said his administration would transition Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven one, arguing that increased local production would stimulate employment and improve living standards.

“Our determination is to unite Nigeria, secure Nigeria and pull people out of poverty. That is why we said we are going to move Nigeria from consumption to production,” he said.

By increasing production, we will increase employment. Today, farmers cannot go to their farms because of insecurity. Companies operating in Plateau State have collapsed because of insecurity. When we unite Nigeria and secure it, we will create opportunities.”

On access to finance for small businesses, Obi said his background in the financial sector had equipped him to implement reforms that would expand credit to entrepreneurs.

“I know what it means to access funding. I have been a director and chairman of a financial institution, and I understand how banks operate,” he said.

“We will ensure that a portion of credit available in the banking sector goes to small businesses to enable them to grow and create jobs.”

On corruption, Obi pledged that public resources would be deployed strictly for the public good, with accountability as a defining principle of his administration.

“I have managed public money, so when I say I am going to fight corruption, I know what I am talking about,” he said.

“I will fight corruption. Public money must be used for public good. Today, public money is wrongly being used, and that must change.”

He also promised substantial investment in education, expressing concern over Nigeria’s estimated 18 million out-of-school children.

“We want our children to go back to school. We want our schools to work. The more educated you are as a nation, the more developed you become,” Obi said.

“We will build new classrooms, employ teachers and ensure that our schools function properly. We cannot continue to allow millions of Nigerian children to remain outside the classroom.”

On healthcare, Obi said strengthening primary healthcare was critical to reducing maternal and infant mortality.

“Today, if you are sick in Nigeria, you go to church because there are no functional hospitals in many communities. The consequence is that people are dying. Pregnant mothers are dying, children are dying, and we have very high infant and maternal mortality rates,” he said.

“The foundation of access to healthcare is primary healthcare. We must strengthen our primary healthcare centres and ensure that every community has access to quality medical services.”

He further stressed the need for government to demonstrate compassion by prioritising vulnerable groups, including the poor, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.

For a government to exist, it must care for the vulnerable. It must care for the poor and those living with disabilities,” he said.

“If we don’t care for the poor, we are not caring for ourselves. That is why we are holding these town hall meetings. We want to listen to the people, take notes of their concerns and understand their expectations.”

Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Traditional Council in Jos, Obi said Nigeria could not make meaningful progress while citizens lived in fear. He said the country required competent, committed and compassionate leadership.

“We want a government that has the capacity to do the job. We want a government that has compassion, a government that hears the cries of mothers who have lost their children,” he said.

“We want a government that is committed to the future of Nigeria. Commitment is very important, and that is what we are going to offer Nigerians.”

In his response, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged politicians and Nigerians to ensure that political activities did not aggravate the country’s security challenges.

“We want to appeal to all politicians and all Nigerians that we should not allow politics to worsen our situation. We already have insecurity, and we must be determined to live with each other in peace and with respect for one another,” the monarch said.

He also prayed for divine guidance in the emergence of a leader who would govern effectively, restore the country’s greatness and promote peace throughout the electioneering period.

Culled From Punch

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved N30 billion for the third phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund to accelerate the installation of electricity meters for unmetered Band A customers and expand coverage among Band B consumers.

The regulator has also directed electricity distribution companies to complete all meter installations under the programme by May 31, 2027, warning that customers must not be charged for meters provided through the initiative.

The commission disclosed this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, effective November 2, 2026.

It announced the order in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday.

The post read, “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC or the Commission) hereby informs electricity consumers and stakeholders of the issuance of Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, effective 2 November 2026.

“The Commission has approved N30 billion for Tranche C, to be allocated among the eleven Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the Fund.

“The funding is intended to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.”

The latest funding is part of the Federal Government’s Presidential Metering Initiative, which seeks to close the country’s persistent electricity metering gap, protect consumers from estimated billing and improve accountability in the power distribution system.

Under the arrangement, the distribution companies are required to conduct transparent procurement exercises involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers and Meter Asset Providers with verified meter stocks.

NERC said it had prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national bid prices submitted by Meter Asset Providers during the September 2026 bidding cycle.

The commission also introduced a two-stage payment arrangement to strengthen accountability and ensure that providers deliver the meters before receiving full payment.

Under the arrangement, 70 per cent of the contract payment will be released after verification of delivered meter stocks, while the remaining 30 per cent will be paid after the complete installation of the meters has been confirmed.

The regulator reiterated that all meters supplied and installed under the fund must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers, warning against attempts by distribution companies or their agents to sell them.

It further directed that every meter supplied under the programme must prominently display the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.

The order also addressed situations where distribution companies relocate customers’ existing connection points for revenue protection purposes.

According to NERC, where a DisCo initiates such relocation, it must bear the associated cost rather than transfer the financial burden to the affected customer.

The commission also provided for sanctions where defaults by distribution companies obstruct or delay meter installations, reinforcing the responsibility of operators to ensure that the programme is implemented within the stipulated period.

To prevent diversion of funds and ensure proper implementation, the regulator prescribed monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers.

It also directed that all supply and installation contracts executed under Tranche C must be submitted to the commission.

The latest intervention comes amid persistent concerns over electricity consumers’ exposure to estimated billing because of inadequate metering across the country.

The metering gap has remained one of the major challenges in Nigeria’s electricity market, with consumers frequently disputing bills issued by distribution companies in the absence of functioning meters.

NERC said the new order was intended to accelerate the closure of the metering gap, strengthen revenue assurance for distribution companies, improve service delivery and protect consumers.

The commission urged all stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the order, particularly the procurement, installation, reporting and consumer protection requirements.

Culled From Punch

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has suspended lectures and other academic activities for two days following the death of a 200-level student in an accident.

The university announced the suspension in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Division, Wale Balogun, on behalf of the management.

The statement said the student, who was in the Department of Business Administration, died in an accident on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

“The university community is in deep shock and mourning over this painful loss of a 200 level Student of the Business Administration Department,” the statement said.

It said the suspension of academic activities was “a mark of respect and solidarity with the bereaved family and the university community”.

According to the statement, lectures and other academic activities would remain suspended on Tuesday and Wednesday, with normal activities scheduled to resume on Thursday, November 12.

The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council, Management, Staff and Students, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, course mates and lecturers of the deceased student,” it added.

The management also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant the family “the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

It appealed to students to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports about the incident.

“Management appeals to students to remain calm, avoid speculations and spreading of unverified information or graphic images on social media, and to respect the privacy of the bereaved family at this difficult time,” the statement said.

The university also reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of students across its campuses.

“Management reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the welfare of all students on all campuses of the institution, as adequate measures have been put in place for these purposes,” it added.

Culled From Punch 

The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared solidarity with striking local government workers in Osun State, demanding that the Federal Government release funds withheld from the state’s councils.

The congress described the continued withholding of the funds as unjustified, accusing the Federal Government of disregarding court decisions and undermining democratic governance.

The NLC Acting General Secretary, Comrade Benson Upah, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday, urging the Federal Government to release the funds without further delay.

“The non-release of these funds has caused considerable damage to governance at the local government council level, with collateral implications,” the statement read.

The labour union argued that there was no justification for the continued withholding of the allocations, alleging that the action amounted to an attempt by the Federal Government to demonstrate its superiority over the law.

There is no justification whatsoever for the continued seizure of these funds other than to prove the point that the Federal Government is above the law,” Upah said.

The congress added, “The Federal Government cannot cherry-pick which decisions of courts to obey and which it will not.”

The NLC warned against what it described as intimidation and arm-twisting in a democracy, insisting that government authorities must respect judicial decisions.

It also commended the striking workers for maintaining peaceful conduct during the industrial action, urging them to sustain the approach.

“We commend the Osun workers for conducting themselves with utmost decorum in prosecuting this action, and we urge them to keep it so… always peaceful,” the statement added.

The dispute over Osun State local government allocations is rooted in the political and legal crisis surrounding the control of the councils following the local government elections conducted in February 2025.

The crisis followed disagreements over the validity of the election and the tenure of the elected council officials, with competing legal positions over which administration was constitutionally entitled to control the councils and receive their allocations.

The dispute has also drawn attention to local government financial autonomy, particularly following the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment affirming the financial independence of local governments and directing that allocations should be paid directly to democratically elected councils.

The NLC’s intervention comes amid renewed labour pressure over the release of the withheld funds and the impact of the dispute on the administration of local government affairs in Osun State.

Culled from Punch

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the reconstructed Lagos Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, saying public assets must outlive individual leaders.

Tinubu, represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urged political leaders to preserve and improve public infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.

He said governance should be measured by the quality of infrastructure and institutions bequeathed to the people.

The President said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and centre of excellence, deserved infrastructure that reflected its status and aspirations.

He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for delivering the facility, describing it as evidence of the state’s commitment to excellence and responsible management of public infrastructure.

Tinubu said public assets belonged to the people and must be preserved, improved and developed to serve generations yet unborn.

“Public assets belong to the people, and it is our responsibility as leaders to preserve what has been entrusted to us, improve it where necessary, and provide lasting infrastructure that future generations can inherit and benefit from,” he said.

He said the timely completion of the project demonstrated the Lagos State Government’s commitment and the efforts of those involved in its execution.

The President recalled that the old structure was demolished in October 2025 to pave the way for the new facility, describing it as a befitting official residence for the Lagos governor and his family in Abuja.

He prayed that the facility would remain a place of peace, comfort and hospitality for successive administrations and their families.

Sanwo-Olu described the commissioning as another historic milestone, saying the lodge was designed as an institutional centre for government business, strategic engagements and relations with the Federal Government.

He said Lagos continued to maintain significant economic and political interests in Abuja despite the relocation of Nigeria’s capital to the city in December 1991.

According to him, successive governors regularly visit Abuja for National Economic Council and Council of State meetings, as well as engagements with ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, governors and investors.

Sanwo-Olu said the old lodge had served the state for decades but no longer reflected its present status and growing responsibilities.

He disclosed that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc executed the reconstruction project, which commenced in July 2025 and was completed in September 2026.

The governor commended the construction company for delivering the project within schedule despite technical challenges, including excavation work approximately 10 metres deep.

He said the facility belonged to Lagos residents and would provide a suitable environment for official engagements, hospitality and the advancement of the state’s interests.

Sanwo-Olu, who is expected to leave office in May 2027, said the facility was built for successive administrations, stressing that governments should prioritise lasting legacies.

“I believe a government should build things, not stay long for itself to enjoy,” he said.

Earlier, Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat described the reconstructed lodge as a renewed institutional presence of Lagos in Abuja and a strategic investment in government business, hospitality and official engagements.

In his project briefing, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s Managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch, said the facility occupied approximately 2,700 square metres and comprised the main residence, a guest house and a utility building.

He said the project involved several subsidiaries of the Julius Berger Group, with PrimeTech handling the designs, while other subsidiaries supplied windows, façade components and furniture.

The inauguration attracted former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, state officials, captains of industry and other dignitaries. (NAN)

Culled from Punch

Fifteen nursing students of Madonna University, Nigeria, have apologised to the institution’s management and appealed for leniency following disciplinary action over a controversial TikTok video recorded during their community posting.

The students, in a letter dated November 2, 2026, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, admitted that they filmed and uploaded a video captioned “No Sick oo Na Gen Z full hospital”, saying it had brought disrepute to the nursing profession and the university community.

The video, which showed the students dancing in different locations, including a hospital waiting area, staircase and a bus on the university’s Elele campus in Rivers State, was part of a social media trend known as the “Gen Z nurses” challenge.

The clip attracted widespread attention and criticism, with some social media users questioning the appropriateness of recording dance content in a hospital environment, particularly by students undergoing clinical training.

The controversy prompted the university to expel one 500-level nursing student, identified as Mercy, and suspend 14 others.

The sanctions, however, triggered appeals from student groups and rights organisations.

The National Association of Nigerian Students called on the university to reconsider the punishment, acknowledging that the students’ conduct was inappropriate but arguing that expulsion could have lasting consequences for their academic and professional futures.

The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association also said it had begun discussions with relevant stakeholders to seek a review of the decision.

Amnesty International subsequently urged the university to reverse the sanctions, describing them as disproportionate and calling for dialogue and mediation.

In their latest appeal addressed to the university management through the Registrar, the students said they had reflected on their actions and were genuinely remorseful.

“We sincerely regret our said actions and assure the university management and all relevant authorities that such an incident will not repeat itself again,” the letter jointly signed by the students read.

They appealed to the management to reconsider the disciplinary measures imposed on them and allow them to continue and complete their academic programmes.

“We humbly plead for leniency and mercy. We have worked hard and made several sacrifices, alongside our families, to reach this stage of our academic journey.

We therefore appeal to the university management to kindly reconsider the various disciplinary measures meted out against us and grant us the opportunity to continue and complete our studies,” they wrote.

The students also acknowledged the management’s engagement with their parents and guardians, expressing appreciation for allowing their families to be heard.

“We do not take this gesture for granted, and we remain grateful for your understanding and consideration,” the letter added.

The appeal was collectively signed by 15 nursing students, who urged the university management to reconsider their cases and give them another opportunity to pursue their academic and professional ambitions.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the renaming on Tuesday during a ceremony attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu; and the widow of the late army chief, Mrs Fatima Attahiru.

Shaibu said the decision was aimed at immortalising the late military officer, whose career was marked by courage, professionalism, discipline and commitment to national service.

He described Attahiru as an exemplary leader and patriot whose contributions to the Nigerian Army remained worthy of enduring recognition, despite his brief tenure as Chief of Army Staff.

According to him, the late general assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army at a challenging period in the country’s security history and pursued operational effectiveness, personnel welfare and professionalism with determination.

“Although his promising tenure and life were tragically cut short, his commitment to duty and the ideals he championed continue to resonate with the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.

The army chief said the renaming went beyond preserving the memory of the deceased officer, adding that it would serve as a reminder to serving and future generations of military personnel of the values of courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service.

He charged the Commander of the 13 Brigade and other personnel to ensure that the values associated with Attahiru’s name were reflected in their conduct, leadership and relationship with host communities.

Shaibu also urged military commanders to recognise that although appointments were transient, the standards they established and the examples they set could endure for generations.

In his remarks, Odey described the renaming as a national obligation of remembrance and recognition, saying the late army chief exemplified the finest traditions of military service.

“It is with this profound gratitude and deep sense of honour that I stand before you today at this historic military formation in Calabar, Cross River State, as we gather not merely to change the name of a military installation, but to fulfil a solemn national obligation of remembrance and recognition,” he said.

The deputy governor described Attahiru as a soldier’s soldier, noting that although his tenure as Chief of Army Staff was brief, his impact on the Nigerian Army was significant and enduring.

He said, “The late General Attahiru was a leader who believed in leading from the front, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the welfare and operations of his men, and remained steadfast in the vision of a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria.”

Odey said naming the military installation after the late general would ensure that his exemplary life, remarkable service and ultimate sacrifice continued to inspire officers and soldiers serving in the barracks and beyond.

He charged personnel of the newly renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks to uphold the values associated with the late military officer, particularly professionalism, discipline, loyalty, courage and selfless service.

“Let his memory inspire you daily as you discharge your constitutional responsibility of safeguarding our territorial integrity, combating terrorism and other criminal threats, as well as protecting lives, property and livelihoods of the people of Cross River State,” he added.

The deputy governor also assured the military of the state government’s commitment to supporting the welfare, training, equipment and operational readiness of the armed forces.

He commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the initiative, describing it as a fitting recognition of Attahiru’s contributions to the military and the country.

The widow of the late army chief, Fatima Attahiru, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for honouring her husband, describing the gesture as a lasting recognition of his service and sacrifice to the nation.

“Renaming this barracks after my husband is a profound honour to our family. It is comforting to know that his service, sacrifices and dedication to Nigeria have not been forgotten. I sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army and everyone who has made this recognition possible,” she said.

She added that her husband’s commitment to the Nigerian Army and the country would continue to inspire generations of military personnel.

Attahiru, who was Nigeria’s 21st Chief of Army Staff, died in a military aircraft crash in Kaduna State on May 21, 2021, alongside other military personnel.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted why he ventured into farming after leaving the Nigerian Army and how he was later arrested and imprisoned under the regime of former military Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo also revealed that he rejected an offer of political asylum from the United States despite being warned that he would be arrested if he returned to Nigeria.

The Ogun State-born elder statesman disclosed this while recounting his experience under Abacha’s regime, according to a video published by BBC News Pidgin on Tuesday.

Following the assassination of Gen. Murtala Muhammed, Obasanjo became Nigeria’s military Head of State on February 13, 1976, at 38.

He served in that role until October 1, 1979, when he handed over power to Shehu Shagari.

In his recall, Obasanjo noted that upon attaining the rank of a four-star general at 42, and ruling as the head of state, he felt he had reached the zenith of his military career. Hence, the decision to venture into farming.

Obasanjo, now 89, further recounted that he was arrested and put in prison under Abacha’s regime.

Abacha’s tenure was from November 17, 1993, until his death on June 8, 1998.

The former military ruler had seized power in a bloodless military coup that overthrew the Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan.

Speaking on this experience, Obasanjo said, “When I was leaving government as military head of state, there was — I was leaving too early. I didn’t join the army to retire at the age of 42.

“Now I had to retire at the age of 42. At the age of 42, I had become a four-star general. There’s nothing else I can do in the army. I’ve become the military head of state. That’s the highest political office I could rise.

“So what can I do? I decided I would go into farming. It really was going well, and it went well until I was arrested.

“Abacha had decided that I must be liquidated; otherwise he would not be able to have his way. I didn’t know that. I was travelling and coming back, and the American ambassador in Nigeria called me and said his country had offered me political asylum because they knew that I would be arrested if I returned home.

“This was difficult for me. I don’t— I haven’t done anything. What do they want to arrest me for? Um, I don’t want political asylum.”

He stated that his passport was seized, after which he went to his farm

Upon his arrival, one of his security details informed him that the farm had been surrounded supposedly by government forces.

Obasanjo said that after some time,  a police officer, dressed in mufti, approached him at the farm and said he had been invited by an unnamed Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

He added that he later went to meet the AIG, who informed him of the directive to arrest him (Obasanjo).

“And when I arrived, they seized my passport; I made for my farm. At the gate of my farm was my security. He waved me down. He said that security had surrounded the farm. And within 15 minutes, this man came in mufti, not in uniform, a policeman, and he said, ‘Well, you have been invited by the AIG to come and help him.’ I said, ‘You are a fool.’

“‘If the AIG wants me to help him, he will not be inviting me. He will come here,” Obasanjo lamented, adding, “So it was my own car that I used to take myself to the police station. We saw the AIG, and the AIG said, ‘I have been instructed to arrest you.'”

Obasanjo also mentioned the assistance offered to him by a former United States President, Jimmy Carter, who helped plead with Abacha.

He said he was confined at an undisclosed location, but after Carter’s appeal, he was later placed under house arrest.

He added that on a particular day, in the dead of night, he was taken away and put in prison.

“I didn’t know that it was a decision of Abacha that some of us must not be kept free; otherwise, he would feel unsafe. I was put in a place.

“Then President Jimmy Carter came. He pleaded, and then they put me under house arrest. Then they came one day; I was playing squash at about 1 am.

“They came and said they were taking me away. And they took me away, and from there, I went to prison,” Obasanjo stated.

Following his release from prison after Abacha died in 1998, Obasanjo won the 1999 presidential election, becoming the first president of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic when he was inaugurated on May 29, 1999.

He served two terms in office before handing over power in May 2007.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, has said the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, could have stood at the airport and waved at the victorious Flamingos like other Nigerians.

Shaibu said this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, while reacting to the controversy over claims that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation prevented Obi from greeting the Nigeria Under-17 women’s team at the Abuja airport.

The former Edo State deputy governor said he did not consider waiting at the airport to greet the players necessary, arguing that the support given to the team before and during the competition was more important than celebrating its victory afterwards.

“You know, the President will not play to the gallery. And the First Lady will not play to the gallery. Going to the airport to want to see them is playing to the gallery, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

Shaibu said President Bola Tinubu personally called the players before, during and after the tournament, adding that such gestures were more significant when the team faced difficult moments in the competition.

“I consistently tell Nigerians, the President makes personal calls before, during, and after. And those calls are more important than after the victory.

“Because when the spirit is down and you get a call from the President telling you, look, forget about the last match, focus on the next match, I think that is more important than after winning coming to do a popularity show of showing affection,” he said.

Shaibu said President Bola Tinubu personally called the players before, during and after the tournament, adding that such gestures were more significant when the team faced difficult moments in the competition.

“I consistently tell Nigerians, the President makes personal calls before, during, and after. And those calls are more important than after the victory.

“Because when the spirit is down and you get a call from the President telling you, look, forget about the last match, focus on the next match, I think that is more important than after winning coming to do a popularity show of showing affection,” he said.

He said the players deserved to be celebrated but stressed that attention should also be paid to the support and preparation that contributed to their success.

These girls deserve to be received, these girls deserve all the accolade that they need. But what is key is the foundation preparatory to that victory,” he added.

The NIS boss, who said he was a former player and had served as deputy governor in charge of sports in Edo State, described the President’s direct communication with athletes as an important source of encouragement.

He said it was often difficult to get governors to speak to players in dressing rooms, contrasting that experience with what he described as Tinubu’s willingness to call the Flamingos.

“To get a governor to even speak to players in the dressing room was difficult. And here you are not even compelling or appealing or begging the President to make a call. He’s on his own. Says, ‘I want to talk to the girls. How are they doing? Fine. I want to talk to them.’

And you know, you understand what it means? I was a player. You are in a dressing room and you are hearing from your President talking to you. That, for me, is more important. That’s what the President does,” Shaibu said.

When asked whether NFF officials did the right thing by preventing Obi from welcoming the players, Shaibu said, “Mr Obi can stand at the airport and wave to them like every other person did.”

Shaibu also recounted an encounter with Enyimba players at an airport, saying he waved at them and allowed them to continue their journey after being told they were travelling.

He explained that teams sometimes have instructions restricting players from interacting with people while travelling, adding that such arrangements should be respected.

“When I was actively involved in sports, there are times that our system will say, look, don’t talk to anybody, just wave. And so when such instructions come, we have to follow,” he said.

Shaibu added that teams had different ways of managing interactions with players, depending on the circumstances.

The controversy followed Obi’s allegation that NFF officials stopped him from greeting the Flamingos when they returned to Abuja on Monday after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Obi said he arrived at the airport at about 7 am to board a flight to Enugu and asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet the players. He alleged that he was told the officials had refused his request and warned that they could lose their jobs if he approached the team.

However, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said officials who received the team reported that they did not see Obi near the players or around the international terminal where the team arrived.

Dikko said two individuals wearing Obi’s campaign face caps and other campaign attire approached officials to request a meeting and photographs with the players. He said the request was declined because the players had just arrived after a demanding competition and needed to be considered.

The NSC chairman also urged Obi to apologise to the players, saying their achievement should not be overshadowed by the controversy.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco to win their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African country to win the competition.

The Noma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja, has performed 457 complex reconstructive surgeries on children affected by the disease since its establishment, with all treatments provided free of charge.

The National Coordinator of the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative, Dr Charles Ononiwu, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 Oral Health Week, Noma Day and Scientific Conference, according to a statement he issued on Tuesday.

Ononiwu said the centre had treated 321 patients and currently had more than 80 children receiving care, adding that 208 surgeries were performed in 2026 alone.

He said the facility attended to an average of 82 patients monthly, noting that its interventions had helped many children who would otherwise have struggled to access expensive reconstructive procedures.

The surgeon warned that noma, a rapidly progressing disease that destroys facial tissues, could cause devastating damage within a week if left untreated.

He urged parents to pay attention to complaints of mouth pain among children, particularly those aged between two and six years, and seek immediate medical attention.

“Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene for your children. If your child complains of pain in the mouth, please look for a hospital immediately,” he advised.

Ononiwu identified poor oral hygiene, severe malnutrition and weakened immunity as major factors that predisposed children to the disease, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment could prevent extensive tissue destruction.

He explained that treatment at the early stage could involve basic antibiotics and adequate feeding, while reconstructive surgery for advanced cases could cost between N7 million and N10 million.

The coordinator urged families, healthcare workers and members of the public to report suspected cases through the initiative’s toll-free line, assuring them that arrangements would be made to cover treatment, transportation and hospital bills.

He said the centre provided comprehensive care through a multidisciplinary team comprising plastic surgeons, ear, nose and throat specialists, paediatricians, clinical psychologists and other healthcare professionals.

Beyond medical interventions, Ononiwu said the facility offered basic education, psychological support and vocational training to affected children and their parents during treatment, which could last several months.

He added that the centre also received patients from other African countries, including Mozambique and Burundi.

According to him, the initiative provides economic support to vulnerable families through business equipment and resources to establish small enterprises, as part of efforts to address poverty and reduce the risk factors associated with noma.

The centre provided direct social assistance to 57 severe cases, enrolled 132 pupils in educational programmes, and empowered 143 participants through specialised skill acquisition classes during 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has unveiled a N70bn five-year National Strategic Plan for Oral Health (2026–2030), aimed at improving access to oral healthcare, strengthening preventive services and tackling diseases, including noma.

The Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, said the funding would be jointly provided by the three tiers of government and development partners, with state and local governments contributing 49 per cent, the Federal Government 30 per cent and development partners the remaining 21 per cent.

The plan is expected to strengthen the integration of oral healthcare into primary healthcare services, improve early diagnosis and expand access to treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The World Health Organisation called for noma prevention, early detection and referral services to be integrated into primary healthcare, stressing the need to equip frontline health workers to recognise the disease before it causes irreversible damage.

Also speaking at the conference, the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, called for stronger community-based prevention and early detection to reduce the number of Nigerian children affected by noma.

Delivering a memorial lecture titled ‘A Legacy of Healing and Hope: Celebrating a Life of Dedication to Children Affected by Noma,’ Adebiyi urged the government to incorporate noma awareness into school curricula and called on Nigerians to stop discriminating against survivors.

She stressed that addressing the disease required sustained public education, community participation and improved access to healthcare.

Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr Tope Adeyemi, acknowledged the association’s contributions to efforts to strengthen oral healthcare delivery in the country.

The conference, organised by the Noma Centre Abuja in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals and development partners to examine progress in patient care, surgical interventions and public health advocacy.

The memorial lecture also honoured the late Mama Ute Winkler-Stumpf (1943–2020), founder of Hilfsaktion NOMA E.V., whose humanitarian work supported the treatment and rehabilitation of children affected by the disease.

Noma, also known as cancrum oris, is a rapidly progressing, non-communicable gangrenous disease that primarily affects children aged between two and six years, particularly those living in extreme poverty and suffering from malnutrition and poor oral hygiene.

The disease begins as an infection of the gums and can rapidly spread, destroying the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and face, leaving survivors with severe facial disfigurement, difficulties with eating and speaking, and lasting psychological and social consequences.

The World Health Organisation added noma to its list of neglected tropical diseases in December 2023, following advocacy led by Nigeria and supported by 32 member states. The recognition was intended to increase international attention, research, funding and access to interventions.

A July 2026 study published in The Lancet Global Health, which examined the geographical distribution of noma in Nigeria between 1999 and 2024, estimated 50,782 cases across 296 local government areas in 12 states, highlighting the need for stronger surveillance and targeted community interventions.

WHO says early detection is critical because the disease can be stopped with basic treatment, including antibiotics, improved nutrition and oral hygiene, before it progresses to extensive facial destruction.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has said that two inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okene, Kogi State, on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji, said the NCos had begun action with other security agencies to recapture the fugitives.

She said, “The NCoS confirms that two inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okene, Kogi State, on Sunday, 8th November, 2026.

“The Service has commenced necessary actions in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the prompt recapture of the fleeing inmates.”

Osuji said a full report on the incident was being awaited to establish how the inmates got out.

“A comprehensive report on the incident is being awaited to establish the circumstances surrounding the escape,” he said.

Osuji said the Controller-General of Corrections has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

According to her, the directive is aimed at identifying any lapses and taking appropriate action where necessary.

The Controller-General of Corrections has also directed that the incident be thoroughly investigated, with a view to identifying any lapses and taking appropriate action where necessary, ” she said.

Osuji assured the public that the matter was receiving attention and that all appropriate measures were being taken to rearrest the inmates.

“The Service assures members of the public that the situation is being given the necessary attention and that all appropriate measures are being taken to rearrest the fleeing inmates,” Osuji said.

He added that the Service would provide updates once verified information became available, and thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation.

The Okene escape follows that of an awaiting-trial inmate from the Auchi centre in Edo State in October 2026.

The Edo State Command of the NCoS confirmed that the inmate, identified as Thomas, escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, where he was being held over conspiracy and stealing.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend him.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has drawn attention after joining worshippers on stage to sing Christian gospel songs at an annual concert in Minna, including one with the refrain, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again.”

Bago, a Muslim, participated in the eighth edition of SHOUT, a Christian gospel music concert organised by House On The Rock Minna at the Trade Fair Complex on Friday.

In a video from the event which has since gone viral, the governor sang three songs, including “I’m a New Creation”, “May the Spirit of the Lord Come Down” and the hymn “Hold the Fort”.

Bago sang, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again. All things have passed away. I’m born again. That’s who I am. I’m a new creation. I’m a brand new man.”

During his appearance on stage, Bago told the congregation that the occasion was a time for celebration.

“You know the season is a season we must rejoice. It’s a season we should be happy because this is the day my Lord has made for me today,” he said.

The event, convened by Pastor Peterock Sadiq, featured guest ministers, including Apostle Joshua Selman.

The governor’s participation was not his first appearance at the Christian gathering.

House On The Rock Minna said in a Facebook post that Bago had supported the Christian community and attended SHOUT for four years, with the seventh edition being the only one he missed.

The church described his presence at the latest edition as a continuation of his relationship with the Christian community, rather than a political campaign appearance.

Bago has previously spoken about religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Niger State.

Bago has attended previous editions of the concert and used them to advocate religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.

At the 2024 edition, he urged residents to live in unity irrespective of their religious backgrounds, describing unity as essential to peace and development. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents.

At the 2023 edition, Bago said he attended the gathering to give thanks to God for his victory in the governorship election. He also urged Christian and Muslim clerics to use their platforms to promote peace rather than division.

The governor has also spoken about his own exposure to Christianity through education.

At a public lecture in Abuja in May 2024, he recalled attending a missionary school and said his experience had not changed his Islamic faith.

He argued that religion should not be forced on anyone and called for respect for people regardless of their religious beliefs.

His latest appearance at SHOUT 8 continued a pattern of participation in Christian gatherings, with the governor joining worshippers in singing gospel songs while reiterating his message of religious coexistence.

Bago, who was elected governor in March 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, assumed office on May 29, 2023.

A former member of the House of Representatives representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency, he has made agricultural development, road construction and urban renewal major priorities of his administration.

He is popularly known as the “Farmer Governor” because of his emphasis on agriculture.

The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has disclosed that he previously traded in heavy weapons internationally, saying he sold arms to buyers who could afford them before abandoning the business at his parents’ insistence.

Kalu made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, while discussing his longstanding relationships with former and current South African leaders.

The former Abia State governor said his business interests previously extended beyond Nigeria, adding that he dealt in heavy weapons sold from one country to another.

When asked by the interviewer whether he was an arms dealer, Kalu responded, “Yes, so I stopped because my…”

Explaining why he abandoned the business, he said his parents asked him to quit.

“But my parents, my mother, my father came and said I must stop, and I stopped,” he said.

Asked whether he sold weapons to people who intended to use them to kill others, Kalu dismissed the suggestion, insisting that his interest was making money.

No, no, no, no, no, no. I was selling guns to make money, whether they blow up it’s not my business,” he said.

The interviewer subsequently asked whether he supplied weapons to the African National Congress during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

Kalu denied selling exclusively to the ANC, saying his customers included anyone willing to pay for the weapons.

“No, I was selling to anybody who wants to buy. If you have the money, you want to buy in D.R.C, I sell to you, you want to buy in Namibia, you want to buy…” he said.

When asked where he sourced the weapons, the senator declined to disclose the details, responding, “It’s only my business.”

The interviewer also raised concerns about the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria, questioning how Kalu’s description of his former business fitted into the country’s security challenges.

However, Kalu maintained that the weapons he dealt in were not small arms, explaining that they were heavy weapons traded between countries.

No, no, these are heavy arms that were sold country to country,” he said.

Asked specifically whether he sold weapons to Libya under its late leader, Muammar Gaddafi, Kalu responded, “To anybody that had money to buy.”

When the interviewer suggested that this meant he had sold arms to Gaddafi, the senator replied, “May his soul rest in peace. He was a good man. If you have money to buy, when I was selling, I would sell to you.”

During the interview, Kalu also spoke about his relationships with successive South African leaders, tracing them to his friendship with the country’s former President, Nelson Mandela.

He said Mandela introduced him to several South African presidents, including Thabo Mbeki and current President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to Kalu, Mandela once explained that Mbeki’s father had contributed more to the anti-apartheid struggle than Ramaphosa’s father, a factor he said influenced the African National Congress’s decision to choose Mbeki over Ramaphosa as his running mate.

Kalu said Mbeki subsequently introduced him to former President Jacob Zuma, with the relationships continuing through successive administrations.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his pledge to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, saying the policy would make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians.

Atiku restated his position in a post on X on Monday, accompanying a campaign video explaining his proposed approach to petrol subsidy.

“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” the former Vice-President wrote.

In the video, a female narrator said petrol was selling for more than ₦1,300 per litre in Nigeria and argued that citizens of other crude oil-producing countries, including Libya, Iran, Venezuela, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, enjoyed cheaper fuel.

The narrator said Atiku’s proposed intervention would be limited to supporting petrol produced by local refineries rather than imported products.

The video also quoted Atiku as saying, “My position has not changed and will not change. I will restore it.”

It added that the proposed arrangement would support domestic refining until the industry could operate without government assistance.

Atiku’s latest statement comes amid the debate over the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.

Tinubu announced the policy during his inauguration, saying the government could no longer sustain the rising cost of subsidy and would redirect the savings to infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.

Atiku has repeatedly criticised the impact of the policy and made its restoration part of his 2027 campaign promises.

At the ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, he pledged to restore fuel subsidy, reopen the country’s land borders for legitimate trade and tackle insecurity if elected.

The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, with the Independent National Electoral Commission fixing February 6 for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket in May for his seventh bid for the presidency.

However, a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5 nullified his nomination alongside decisions taken by the party’s David Mark-led leadership.

The ADC has appealed the judgment and applied for a stay of execution.

A Kwara-based non-governmental organisation, the Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home, has disclosed that it completed five solar-powered borehole projects to reduce the difficulties the residents face in accessing water.

Our correspondent reports that each borehole is equipped with a solar-powered pumping system, water-storage tanks, distribution taps, perimeter fencing, livestock drinking troughs and solar lighting.

The intervention, it was further gathered is expected to reduce the difficulties residents face in accessing water, particularly in communities where households previously travelled long distances to obtain water for domestic use.

Residents of the beneficiary communities welcomed the projects, expressing appreciation to the NGO and KSrelief for the intervention.

They said the facilities would make clean water more accessible and reduce the hardship associated with water collection, describing the projects as an important contribution to improving living conditions.

The projects, executed with support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre under Project OP-660, in communities across the Togolese Republic and designed to improve access to clean water.

were completed on October 9, 2026.

The facilities were installed in Moumento, Kalgora, Atchavédo, Adoglové and N’Tifafa Kome communities.

Speaking to Arewa PUNCH in Ilorin on the completion of the projects, ASPH’s Chief Operating Officer and Project Manager, Barrister Abdulrazzaq Farid, said the initiative was aimed at improving access to water and strengthening community welfare.

He said, “The project is aimed at improving access to water and strengthening the welfare of beneficiary communities.”

Farid stressed the importance of community participation, regular maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure the facilities remained functional and served their intended purpose over the long term.

He said, “Community involvement, regular maintenance and continuous monitoring are essential to ensuring that these facilities remain functional and sustainable.”

The ASPH chief also acknowledged the support of KSrelief, as well as the cooperation of the beneficiary communities and personnel involved in implementing the projects.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the completion of the five boreholes forms part of the organisation’s broader humanitarian commitment to providing essential services and promoting sustainable community development among vulnerable populations across Africa.

The Lagos State Government is seeking to strengthen regulation of traditional medicine through institutional collaboration with Ogun State, drawing on its registration of 9,645 practitioners and regulatory framework to improve oversight of the sector.

The move followed a working visit by a delegation from the Ogun State Alternative Medicine Board to the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, where the visiting officials sought to study Lagos’ regulatory structure, administrative processes and strategies for monitoring practitioners.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos board, Babatunde Adele, said the agency was ready to share its experience with its Ogun counterpart to promote professional standards and responsible traditional medicine practice.

Adele disclosed that the board, established in 1980, had registered 9,645 active traditional medicine practitioners, adding that its responsibilities included registration, professional development, monitoring and the promotion of safe healthcare practices

He said the board had introduced regular training programmes and a code of conduct for practitioners as part of efforts to improve professional standards, strengthen accountability and address the activities of unregulated operators.

The collaboration also comes as Lagos pursues institutional and infrastructure development to support research, documentation and the standardisation of traditional medicine.

Adele identified a botanical garden being established in Epe, plans for additional traditional medicine clinics and laboratories, and the proposed creation of zonal offices to bring the board’s regulatory services closer to practitioners and members of the public

He said the initiatives were part of efforts to modernise the sector while preserving indigenous medical knowledge and ensuring that its practice met acceptable standards of safety and professionalism.

The Ogun delegation, led by the board’s Executive Secretary and Registrar, Charles Erinle, said it was seeking practical lessons from Lagos’ regulatory experience to strengthen alternative medicine administration in the state.

Erinle said the visit was designed to familiarise his team with the Lagos board’s operational structure, administrative processes and regulatory strategies, while identifying areas of cooperation between the two institutions.

He expressed confidence that the experience gained would provide useful models for improving regulation and developing traditional medicine practice in Ogun.

A former member of the Lagos board and the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Holistic College of Traditional Medicine, Tajudeen Olusesi, said the agency had also supported the development of institutions and facilities for organised traditional medicine practice.

He identified training institutions, clinics, botanical gardens, herbal centres and drug manufacturing facilities among the areas encouraged by the board.

Olusesi said the introduction of a data management system, alongside practitioner registration and periodic licence renewal, had helped the board identify active practitioners and address inactive registrations.

He said the measures would strengthen the agency’s database and provide a more reliable basis for monitoring practitioners and improving regulatory oversight.

A member of the Ogun delegation, Olufunke Adu, thanked the Lagos board for sharing its institutional experience and operational insights, saying the lessons would be useful in strengthening regulation in Ogun.

She expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to sustained cooperation between the two states.

The proposed collaboration highlights the growing importance of institutional capacity in regulating traditional medicine, particularly in ensuring that practitioners operate within established standards while indigenous medical knowledge is preserved and developed through research and proper documentation.

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement and the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have renewed their disagreement over the lawmaker’s distribution of millions of naira to constituents, with the group insisting that the exercise raises questions about electoral integrity.

The latest exchange followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s criticism of the movement for calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate her cash empowerment programme, which she said was funded through a Federal Government budgetary provision.

The senator had also maintained that she would honour any invitation from the anti-graft agency and explain the circumstances surrounding the distribution.

However, in a fresh interview with The PUNCH, the Director-General of OK Movement, John Ughulu, said the senator’s position did not address the concerns raised by the group.

Ughulu argued that elected public officials should be subjected to continuous orientation on their constitutional responsibilities, ethical standards and accountability.

The politician said the circumstances surrounding the public distribution of money to constituents raised questions about the possible abuse of public office and the integrity of the electoral process.

He said, “What Nigerians witnessed in the widely discussed money distribution incident raises serious questions about the abuse of public office and the integrity of our electoral process.

“If the circumstances establish that the money was distributed to influence voters ahead of an election, the matter could amount to advance vote buying and should be investigated under the relevant provisions of Nigerian electoral law.”

Ughulu challenged the senator to explain whether similar cash distributions featured in her electoral campaigns, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her emergence into the National Assembly also deserved scrutiny.

“The election that brought Senator Natasha into the National Assembly was decided by the people. Therefore, an important question must be asked: Was the same practice of distributing money to influence voters involved in securing her electoral victory?

“That question deserves a factual answer, not an emotional reaction,” he said.

The movement also dismissed suggestions that its criticism was politically motivated, saying its position on electoral accountability would apply to candidates across party lines, including those of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

We cannot condemn alleged electoral malpractice under the present administration while appearing to tolerate similar conduct from individuals within our own political space. The same standards of integrity, transparency and accountability must apply to everyone.

“The OK Movement will not make exceptions for anyone. This applies equally to NDC candidates and candidates of every other political party. Anyone involved in electoral manipulation, vote buying, result falsification or any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate should expect lawful scrutiny and accountability,” he stated.

Ughulu further warned that the group would explore lawful means of seeking accountability if the EFCC or other relevant agencies failed to investigate credible allegations.

He said the 2027 elections should be determined by voters at polling units, adding that the movement was committed to transparency, proper documentation of results and protection of voters’ rights.

The latest exchange comes days after Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her cash empowerment programme in a video circulating on social media.

The senator insisted that the money was provided through a Federal Government budgetary allocation and that she personally brought it before beneficiaries to ensure transparency.

She said, “Well, I have not been invited by the EFCC. But, of course, if I’m invited, I will turn up and explain the following things. Number one, the cash empowerment was money from the Federal Government. It’s budgeted by the Federal Government, okay? And I, in my typical fashion, do things transparently.

“I brought the money personally before the people. The money was all placed on a platform. There was no money abuse. And you saw the hall was full to its brim. We had about 600 beneficiaries.

“But the Obi-Kwankwaso group, please, I don’t know how authentic you are. But if you are, you have NDC senators in the Senate. And they’re also able to bring these same opportunities to you. So rather than using your efforts to call on EFCC to investigate why I am giving such an amount of money to my constituents, I think you should channel that energy to your senators and tell them to do the same for you.”

The controversy followed the circulation of photographs and videos showing bundles of cash at an empowerment programme organised by the senator to mark her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.

Her action attracted criticism on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the propriety of publicly displaying large sums of money during a constituency empowerment programme.

Akpoti-Uduaghan subsequently defended the decision to distribute cash rather than business equipment, explaining through her media aide, Mike Idoko, that previous empowerment exercises showed that some beneficiaries preferred direct financial assistance to equipment because of their immediate business needs.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct an urgent, independent forensic audit of the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections, following allegations of AI-generated photographs, duplicate entries, and suspicious voter records.

The forum also condemned reported attacks on presidential candidates and political figures, including Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, warning that political violence could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming elections.

The SMBLF, in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna and jointly signed by its leaders, expressed concern over what it described as an increasingly tense political atmosphere as the country approaches the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The statement was signed by the Chairman of the SMBLF and Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata; and National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb Godknows Igali.

The leaders said the alleged irregularities in the preliminary voters’ register had raised serious questions about the preparedness of INEC and the credibility of the electoral process.

“Our most urgent concern is the disturbing discovery of suspected Artificial Intelligence-generated photographs, duplicate entries and records reportedly belonging to unknown persons in the preliminary voters’ register published by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the statement said

The forum said the revelations had generated widespread anxiety among Nigerians, insisting that the credibility of the voters’ register was fundamental to conducting free, fair and transparent elections.

It, therefore, demanded an independent forensic examination of the register by electoral technology experts, civil society organisations and other qualified stakeholders.

Beyond the voters’ register, the SMBLF urged INEC to demonstrate its preparedness to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System effectively, protect election infrastructure, adequately train electoral personnel and ensure transparent collation and prompt publication of polling-unit results.

The statement added, “INEC must learn from previous controversies over its use of technology in result transmission and restore public trust.”

On political violence, the forum expressed alarm over reports and video footage of attacks on political figures, including Obi in Makurdi and Calabar, as well as Sowore in Ekiti State.

It insisted that no politician or supporter should be attacked or intimidated because of political affiliation or participation in democratic activities.

“Whatever their political affiliations, no candidate or supporter should face violence for participating in democratic activities,” the leaders declared.

They called on security agencies to investigate the reported attacks impartially, identify those responsible and prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors wherever sufficient evidence was established.

The forum also condemned the destruction of campaign billboards, posters and other political materials, describing such actions as unacceptable and capable of escalating political tensions.

According to the statement, “Such conduct violates the spirit of political competition and could escalate into avoidable violence.”

The SMBLF further urged the judiciary and other electoral institutions to discharge their responsibilities independently and without unnecessary delay, particularly on disputes involving party leadership and candidates’ eligibility.

It warned that prolonged uncertainty over such matters close to election day could deny voters meaningful choices and weaken public confidence in the democratic system.

The leaders, however, clarified that the forum had not endorsed any presidential candidate or political party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the SMBLF has not adopted any presidential candidate or political party as the collective choice of the forum,” the statement said.

They reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process, stressing that every eligible Nigerian must be allowed to exercise their voting rights freely without coercion, inducement or fear

Babcock University has confirmed that a student involved in a viral incident at one of its hostels is alive and responding to treatment at the university’s teaching hospital.

The institution made this known in a Monday statement signed by its Associate Vice-President, Communication, Media and Branding, Johnson B. Akintayo, following reports suggesting that the student had died.

The university said the incident was brought under control through the prompt intervention of the student’s roommates, whose actions prevented what could have been a more tragic outcome.

“Contrary to reports suggesting that the student may have died, we wish to assure the public that he is responding positively to treatment and is receiving the necessary medical care,” the statement said.

It added that the student and one of his rescuers sustained injuries during the incident and were immediately taken for medical attention.

The student’s parents have been contacted and are on campus to be with their ward as he receives treatment.

“The other student who sustained injury while rescuing his roommate, has been treated and discharged,” the university said

The incident, which occurred on November 8, 2026, involved a 400-level student and attracted attention after videos showing the student near a window ledge at a hostel circulated on social media.

The footage showed some of his roommates attempting to restrain and pull him away from the ledge.

The university said it had commenced an investigation to establish the immediate and underlying circumstances surrounding the incident.

“This process will help us understand what happened, identify any factors that may have contributed to the situation, and determine appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence,” it said.

It urged members of the public and media organisations to refrain from circulating unverified information or attributing causes to the incident while investigations were ongoing.

The institution also said it was committed to supporting the student’s recovery and would provide appropriate guidance and other necessary assistance.

“We particularly acknowledge and commend the courage and prompt action of his roommates who came to his rescue. We appeal for sensitivity and restraint in discussing this incident, particularly out of respect for the student and his family at this difficult time,” the statement added.

The university reiterated its commitment to the safety, health and welfare of its students and employees.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, arrested 75 suspected drug traffickers in connection with 16,818.17kg of illicit drugs in October 2026.

The statistics were released in a statement on Monday by the Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who described the visit of the agency’s Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa, as a catalyst for the command’s fight against drug traffickers.

According to Ofoyeju, the command seized a total of 2,496.11791kg of illicit substances and identified and destroyed eight cannabis farms measuring 5.728819 hectares, with an estimated yield of 14,322.0475kg.

“The October arrests comprised 54 males and 21 females, while the seizures included 2,492.6973kilograms of Cannabis Sativa and 14,322.04kg of cannabis destroyed in the farms. Others are 3.2169kg of psychotropic substances, 0.20371 kilograms of methamphetamine, 35 cylinders of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), six cups of brownies and 4.1 litres of codeine syrup.

The Chairman’s visit is a moral booster to us, and I am glad to do more,” Ofoyeju added.

He said one of the major seizures recorded during the month was the impoundment of a black Toyota Camry at Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, conveying 1,049 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 702.83kg.

He said three suspected traffickers, two males and a female, were arrested. They were identified as Monday Orji, 52; Monday Lawal, 40; and Precious Uduegele, 20.

The cannabis farms destroyed were located in Uzebba Forest and Ukhuise-Osi Community in Owan West Local Government Area; Ugbada Forest, also in Owan West; Ugboshi Ele Forest in Akoko Edo; and Eco Camp, Illushi, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.

On the prosecution front, Ofoyeju said the command secured six convictions and charged 14 cases to court, while 103 cases were pending.

He said the Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, as well as Prevention and Sensitisation units, counselled 47 clients, comprising 33 males and 14 females. The clients who had received counselling were released to their families, while 12 others were undergoing rehabilitation and vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, perfume-making and liquid soap-making.

He noted that the command also carried out 10 sensitisation programmes at six schools, places of worship, markets and public places in Benin City, reaching 5,293 participants, comprising 2,324 males and 2,969 females.

Ofoyeju said the command would continue to work hard to rid Edo State of illicit drugs, adding that a drug-abuse-free society was priceless.

The Nigeria LNG has announced entries for the 2027 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts with a call to filmmakers to show audiences a Nigeria they rarely see on screen.

The cycle, themed “Nigeria Unseen”, invites documentaries that bring lesser-known stories of Nigerian life to wider attention and examine familiar subjects through perspectives that have been overlooked, including everyday experiences that rarely feature on screen.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harrcourt on Monday by NLNG’s
Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.

The statement reads, “Following its inaugural edition in 2026, the competition returns with a prize of US$20,000 and is open to Nigerian filmmakers aged 18 to 35, irrespective of their country of residence.

A three-member Advisory Board has also been appointed to guide the Prize’s development and uphold its standards of excellence.

“Award-winning filmmaker and producer Femi Odugbemi will chair the Board, with journalist and broadcaster Kadaria Ahmed and documentary filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson will serve as members as well.”

The board, according to the statement, will provide strategic direction, oversee the administration of the Prize and safeguard the integrity of its adjudication process.

“Its mandate will emphasise originality, artistic quality and compelling storytelling, while supporting a transparent and independent competition that remains responsive to Nigeria’s evolving creative sector,” it added.

Speaking on the call for entries, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the new edition would build on the company’s support for Nigerian creative talent.

She noted that the Prize seeks to recognise the quality of Nigerian filmmaking and encourage work that broadens public understanding of the country and its people.

“Our support for The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts reflects our confidence in Nigerian talent and our recognition of the work that goes into making good, structured content.

“Documentary filmmaking demands time, research and the patience to understand a subject before presenting it to an audience. With ‘Nigeria Unseen’, we are encouraging filmmakers to pursue stories that deserve closer attention and tell them with care.

We want the Prize to give outstanding work the recognition it deserves and introduce audiences to aspects of Nigeria they may not otherwise encounter,” Horsfall said.

Chairperson of the Prize’s Advisory Board, Femi Odugbemi, said the theme offered considerable freedom in the choice of subject.

Odugbemi encouraged entrants to consider not only what their films would reveal, but also how their treatment of a subject could deepen an audience’s understanding of it.

“Nigeria Unseen’ does not necessarily mean travelling to a remote place or finding a subject that has never been filmed. It may mean looking again at something we pass every day and asking questions we have never thought to ask.

“An unfamiliar subject is a starting point, but the filmmaker still has to find the story and establish why it matters. That requires research, access and the trust of the people whose lives are being documented.

“We encourage filmmakers to test their assumptions and give the people in their films room to speak for themselves,” Odugbemi said

The statement further said the Board brings together experience in filmmaking, journalism, creative education and media leadership.

“The submission portal for the 2027 competition will open on 1 February 2027, and entries must be submitted through www.filmfreeway.com before 11:59 p.m. WAT on 30 April 2027.

“Eligible films must have been produced between January 2026 and April 2027 and must not exceed 20 minutes in running time

The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts recognises Nigerian filmmaking talent and the role of documentary film in recording the country’s stories and bringing them to wider audiences.

“Alongside The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, the Prize reflects NLNG’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence in the arts and sciences,” the statement added.

The Federal High Court will begin its 2026 Christmas vacation on December 21, with regular court sittings scheduled to resume on January 6, 2027.

The court’s Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, approved the vacation, which will end on January 5, 2027, in a notice issued by the court’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, on Monday.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil ) Procedure Rules, 2019, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), has approved the Christmas Vacation of the Court for the year 2026 and the roster of Judges designated to sit during the vacation period.

“The Christmas Vacation shall commence on Monday, 21st December 2026, and end on Tuesday, 5th January, 2027,” the notice read.

According to Christopher, “only the designated Judicial Divisions shall remain operational to provide judicial services to the litigating public.”

The court said vacation judges would entertain only matters relating to the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels and other urgent matters of national importance, including pre-election cases.

For the Abuja Judicial Division, Justices I.E. Ekwo and O.A. Egwuatu were designated as vacation judges.

The Lagos Judicial Division will be served by Justices Akintayo Aluko and Ogazi F. Nkemakonam, while Justices P.M. Ayua and A.T. Mohammed will sit in Port Harcourt.

In Enugu, Justices F.O.G. Ogunbanjo and M.T. Segun-Bello were designated to handle cases during the vacation.

The Chief Judge wished judges and members of the court a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Electricity distribution companies have apologised to Nigerians over persistent power shortages across the country, acknowledging the hardship caused by weeks of prolonged blackouts.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, tendered the apology on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

“I’d like to first of all start by apologising to Nigerians. Apology is needed; it is essential because Nigerians have been taken through this problem over the past few weeks,” he said.

Oduntan also criticised what he described as a return to the blame game among operators in the electricity sector, recalling that similar disagreements between stakeholders had characterised the industry between 2016 and 2019.

He said distribution companies, transmission operators, generation companies and gas suppliers had previously blamed one another for poor electricity supply instead of addressing the underlying problems.

“Our major problem is that we have started that very wrong route that we went through between 2016 and 2019. What is that? Blame game.

“Part of what happened at that time is that people will blame the DisCos, DisCos will blame TCN, TCN will blame GenCos, GenCos will blame the gas suppliers, and gas suppliers will blame payment issues. We have returned to that, and I think there is a need to arrest that,” he said.

Oduntan questions conflicting explanations

The ANED chief also expressed concern over statements issued by the Nigerian Independent System Operator and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited regarding the causes of the electricity shortages.

He said NISO had attributed the supply challenges partly to low water levels and inadequate gas supply, while the NNPC subsequently issued a statement indicating that gas was available.

Oduntan, however, questioned the information provided by the national oil company, insisting that it should clarify whether outstanding payments were affecting gas supply to power generation companies.

“From the NNPC statement, it is very clear that they came to tell us half-truths. What I would have expected NNPC to do is to go ahead and talk to us whether there are payment issues. We need to know whether gas was paid for and delivered, who did, who didn’t,” he said.

He urged the Minister of Power to intervene by bringing the relevant stakeholders together to establish the actual causes of the shortages.

“This back and forth blame game between gas suppliers, NNPC and, of course, TCN or NISO, I think the Minister of Power needs to take charge. There is a need for this leadership because, at the end of the day, they need to call them together,” he said.

Prolonged blackouts

The apology comes amid growing frustration over inadequate electricity supply, with households and businesses struggling to cope with prolonged outages in recent weeks.

The shortages have raised questions about the effectiveness of the Band A, B and C electricity tariff classification, which links the amount customers pay to the level of electricity supply they are expected to receive.

Customers, including those on Band A, who are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily, have continued to complain about inadequate supply.

The situation has been compounded by intense dry-season heat and El Niño conditions, leaving many residents struggling to cope without electricity to operate fans and air conditioners.

The outages have also prompted protests and criticism from public figures.

Veteran actress Kate Henshaw questioned why Nigerians continued to struggle with reliable electricity, lamenting that households had effectively become “mini-factories” because they had to generate their own power.

Content creator Cute Abiola also appealed to President Bola Tinubu in a video, expressing frustration over the unbearable heat and the difficulties Nigerians face in accessing alternative electricity sources.

Meanwhile, the rising cost of petrol and diesel has made running generators increasingly expensive, while installing solar panels, batteries and inverters remains unaffordable for many households and small businesses.

Tinubu’s electricity promise

The power crisis has renewed attention to President Tinubu’s campaign promise to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

During his 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu pledged to improve electricity supply and end estimated billing, telling members of the Organised Private Sector in Lagos that Nigerians should hold him accountable if he failed to deliver.

“Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept.

“If I don’t keep the promise and I come for a second term, don’t vote for me, unless I give you adequate reasons why I couldn’t deliver,” he said.

Tegbe’s intervention

Recall that some Nigerians, including civil society organisations, have called for the resignation of the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, over what they described as persistent electricity outages across the country.

They accused him of incompetence and failure to address the worsening power situation.

This came after the minister’s appeal for calm on Saturday and promise that power supply will improve in 72 hours.

Meanwhile, Tegbe said Monday that electricity supply had been restored to several areas in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Kwara states, and the Federal Capital Territory, following disruptions caused partly by the vandalism of a critical 330-kilovolt transmission line.

The minister disclosed this in an update posted on social media, saying the affected Benin-Egbin transmission line had been repaired and returned to service.

The restoration has increased electricity supply to the Lagos Complex to more than 1,000 megawatts, bringing the system back to the level recorded before the disruption.

The Jigawa State Police Command has warned miscreants to steer clear of the venue of the rally ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit on Tuesday or face the wrath of the law.

PUNCH Online gathered that the President would be making his first working visit to Jigawa State since the inception of his administration on May 29, 2023.

He is expected to inaugurate projects and participate in political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, a development that has heightened activities in Dutse and other parts of the state.

Briefing journalists on Monday at the command’s headquarters in Dutse, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Tijjani Murtala, said adequate security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations in the state capital.

He said, “The security arrangement involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services and other supporting security agencies.”

According to him, the command had commenced comprehensive security preparations, beginning with stakeholder engagement, followed by operational planning and the deployment of personnel across strategic locations.

The CP explained that “a meeting had already been held with commanders of the various security agencies to strengthen collaboration and ensure effective coordination before, during and after the visit.”

He stated that the command had also prepared an operational order to guide the security operation, adding that “additional personnel, including Police Mobile Force officers from other commands and tactical formations, were being deployed.”

However, the commissioner expressed confidence that the security assessment conducted so far showed no major threat to the President’s visit, assuring residents that measures were in place to protect lives and property.

“Jigawa State remains very peaceful, and we commend the people for their law-abiding nature. We assure them that we are going to protect them and their properties.

“We will not allow any disgruntled elements to infiltrate the gathering or take advantage of the President’s visit to cause any security breach,” he added.

Furthermore, the commissioner warned that security agencies would not overlook criminal activities associated with large gatherings, particularly pickpocketing, phone snatching and other petty crimes.

He revealed that, “Plain-clothes intelligence officers would be deployed within the crowd to identify and apprehend suspected criminals, while other operatives would maintain surveillance around designated venues.”

Murtala stressed that although the state had not recorded any significant security threats relating to terrorism and banditry, the command remained vigilant and prepared for any emerging challenge.

He further clarified that the deployment of adequate personnel was strictly part of comprehensive security arrangements for the presidential visit and not a political campaign strategy.

The Jigawa police boss reiterated the command’s commitment to working with sister security agencies to ensure that President Tinubu’s visit was conducted peacefully.

He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious movements to ensure a hitch-free visit.

The Police Service Commission has approved the posting of Commissioner of Police Salisu Fago as the new Commissioner of Police in Niger State.

Fago succeeds CP Adamu Elleman, who retired from service.

A statement released on Monday by its Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Kalu said Fago’s appointment followed an interview session presided over by the Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), who represented the commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.).

The PSC Chairman urged the new police commissioner to remain neutral and develop effective strategies to tackle crime and maintain peace and security in the state.

He specifically advised Fago to adopt intelligence-led and community-based policing approaches in addressing security challenges in Niger State.

I urge you to remain neutral and to develop a workable strategy – including intelligence-led and community-based policing – to combat crime and criminality and to maintain peace and security in Niger State, ” the statement quoted him as saying.

Fago joined the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Conflict Management and Peace Studies. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The new commissioner has attended several professional courses, including the Advanced Intelligence Detective Course, Police Mobile Force Commanders Training Course and Tactical Leadership Command Course.

With over three decades of operational and administrative experience, Fago has served in various capacities, including Officer-in-Charge of the State Intelligence Bureau in Kano and Katsina states.

He also served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation in Katsina, Operations in Delta and Maiduguri, as well as Commanding Officer of the 6 Police Mobile Force in Maiduguri and 52 Police Mobile Force in Chalawa, Kano State.

He was also Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration in Zamfara State Command.

...describes report as baseless and unsubstantiated, insists Senator Adeola maintains cordial relations with Gov Abiodun, SSG Talabi

Hon. Kehinde Odeneye, a two-term member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Yayi Progressives Movement, has challenged the author of a widely circulated political report alleging that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) attacked Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to provide verifiable evidence to substantiate the claims and disclose his or her identity.

Odeneye, who also serves as the Director-General of the campaign for the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, described the publication, titled "Yayi Fires Fresh Salvo at Dapo Abiodun, Labels Ogun Government 'Lazy, Clueless' – Vows to Probe SSG Talabi," as misleading, unsubstantiated and lacking credible evidence.

He maintained that he would ordinarily not have responded to an anonymous publication but was compelled to address it because the report purportedly attributed controversial political remarks to Senator Adeola during his recent visit to Ijebu-Ode, within the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency where he's serving as Campaign Director General.

According to Odeneye, the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections makes it imperative for media practitioners and political commentators to exercise caution, verify information and avoid circulating unsubstantiated reports capable of misleading the public.

He stressed that, in his capacity as Director-General of the Yayi Progressives Movement, a support group committed to the political aspirations of Senator Solomon Adeola, he had a responsibility to defend the movement's principal against what he described as attempts to misrepresent his statements and undermine his political relationships.

"Today, as the Director-General of the Yayi Progressives Movement, a support political group whose loyalty and commitment are firmly with our principal, Distinguished Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (Yayi), we have every right to stand by our leader and defend him against any unfounded allegations or narratives designed to misrepresent his position.

"Equally, I serve as the Director-General of the campaign council for Ijebu-Central Federal Constituency, the very constituency mentioned in the publication as the venue where our distinguished leader and party's governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, allegedly made the statements during his visit to Ijebu-Ode on Saturday.

"I would not have much to exchange with an anonymous writer who cannot come forward with verifiable facts and evidence to support the allegations contained in the report."

Odeneye further stated that video recordings of Senator Adeola's address during the visit were available and could be independently examined by members of the public to establish what the senator actually said on the day.

He added that the full video of the address was available on Senator Adeola's official Facebook page, urging the author of the disputed report to produce any alternative recording that could substantiate the allegations.

"Video evidence of our principal and leader, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), addressing the good people of Ijebu-Ode Local Government on Saturday is available. I have the complete video recording with me, and it was also streamed live on Senator Adeola's Facebook page for anyone interested in independently verifying the statements he made.

"If the writer insists that the allegations are true, the person should come forward with a verifiable video recording or other credible evidence to establish the claims. It is not enough to publish sensational headlines without providing the facts to support them."

Addressing the alleged strained relationship between Senator Adeola, Governor Abiodun and the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tokunbo Talabi, Odeneye maintained that the senator enjoys a cordial relationship with both political leaders.

He described the claims of an attack on the governor and the state government as inconsistent with the relationship among the political leaders, insisting that Senator Adeola had not made the alleged remarks during his engagement with residents of Ijebu-Ode.

Odeneye also noted that Senator Adeola's ongoing visits to local government areas across Ogun State were part of his engagements with the people and should not be misrepresented through fabricated or poorly verified accounts.

He added that the public should not be distracted by reports that could generate unnecessary political tension or create the impression of a breakdown in relationships among leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

He therefore urged the public to disregard the disputed publication pending the presentation of credible evidence, while reiterating his challenge to the author to identify himself or herself and produce the original evidence upon which the report was based.

"The public should not be distracted by a publication attributed to an unidentified writer. If the author is confident about the claims made, the person should have the courage to disclose his or her identity and present verifiable evidence, including a video recording of the alleged statements made by our leader and party's governorship candidate during his visit to Ijebu-Ode on Saturday.

"Those who engage in public commentary, particularly during a politically sensitive period, must understand the importance of responsible journalism, factual accuracy and accountability," - Odeneye asserted.

- Oluseun Joshua, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Government has attributed the overcrowding at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Sagamu to a significant increase in the number of prospective corps members posted to the state.

The government made the clarification following the circulation of a viral video showing prospective corps members sleeping in a crowded multipurpose hall at the orientation camp, popularly known as the Five-Star Camp.

It explained that the registration, screening, credential verification and hostel allocation of corps members were exclusively handled by NYSC officials and did not fall under the direct responsibility of the state government.

According to the government, the camp typically accommodates slightly over 2,000 corps members per batch, but the current batch has received more than 4,300 prospective corps members, placing considerable pressure on available facilities.

The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the scene in the viral video as a temporary arrangement during the registration exercise.

Akinmade said, “The video captured a temporary arrangement during the registration exercise, which continued into the night”.

He explained that prospective corps members had to undergo credential verification and screening by NYSC officials before being allocated hostels.

“The prospective corps members must first undergo credential verification and screening by NYSC officials before being allocated hostels

Those whose registration extended into the night were temporarily accommodated in the multipurpose hall, with mattresses provided for them to rest while the exercise continued,” he said.

Akinmade added that the number of prospective corps members deployed to Ogun had increased considerably compared with previous batches.

“The state received more than 4,300 prospective corps members for the current batch, compared with slightly over 2,000 in previous batches, increasing the pressure on available camp facilities,” he said.

He emphasised that although the NYSC was responsible for managing the registration process and camp accommodation, the state government consistently supported the agency through interventions aimed at improving the welfare of corps members.

As part of its support, Akinmade said the state government provided 500 mattresses during the current exercise, while the Akarigbo of Remo donated 100 mattresses, followed by an additional donation of 200.

He also recalled that Governor Dapo Abiodun had recently approved ₦50,000 each for the 3,050 corps members in the previous 2026 Batch C Stream I to assist with their transportation.

Akinmade further said Ogun State had been adjudged the best in the country in NYSC administration, describing the recognition as evidence of the government’s sustained commitment to supporting the scheme.

He urged members of the public to understand the distinction between the operational responsibilities of the NYSC and the supportive role of the state government, assuring them that the Abiodun administration would continue to provide assistance to make the state conducive for corps members to serve.

The controversy followed the emergence of video showing overcrowding and what appeared to be poor sleeping conditions at the Sagamu orientation camp.

The footage, which surfaced online on Monday, showed graduates packed into a room, with mattresses placed closely together on the floor. Some prospective corps members were also seen sharing mattresses.

The multipurpose hall, ordinarily used for events, had reportedly been converted into a sleeping area to accommodate the increased number of prospective corps members, raising concerns about the adequacy of facilities at the camp.

An X user, Ayohid01 (@ayohid01), who appeared to be among those affected, expressed frustration over the situation, writing, “Bro, I can’t believe I am experiencing this right now at Ogun State camp Unna no try at all.”

When contacted by phone for comments, the NYSC Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Mrs Tejumade Awoleye, declined to comment on the incident.

“I can’t speak on the incident, it is the state coordinator and the Director General of the NYSC that can address the issue,” Awoleye said.

The Federal Government says it has restored electricity supply to several areas in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Kwara states, and the Federal Capital Territory, following disruptions caused partly by the vandalism of a critical 330-kilovolt transmission line.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this in an update posted on social media on Monday, saying the affected Benin-Egbin transmission line had been repaired and returned to service.

The restoration has increased electricity supply to the Lagos Complex to more than 1,000 megawatts, bringing the system back to the level recorded before the disruption.

The development comes amid renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure and the recurring interruptions that have left homes, businesses and public institutions without reliable power.

The minister said, “I would like to report that power has since been restored to many of the areas earlier affected by power disruptions, largely in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and the FCT. Our teams continue to work to restore full supply to the remaining affected locations.

“The vandalised Benin-Egbin 330kV power line has also been swiftly repaired and deployed to transmit power. This restoration helped to bring the total power supply to the Lagos Complex to over 1,000 megawatts, effectively normalising to the condition before the disruption.”

He added that the ministry was working with generation companies, the system operator, the Transmission Company of Nigeria and electricity distribution companies to prevent further deterioration in supply.

The latest update follows an earlier explanation by Tegbe that planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station, inadequate gas supply to some thermal power plants and damage to critical transmission infrastructure had combined to reduce electricity available on the national grid.

In his earlier statement last Friday, the minister acknowledged the hardship caused by the outages, particularly for households and businesses in Lagos and the FCT.

Planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station and constraints in gas supply to some thermal power stations have reduced the amount of electricity available on the national grid. Grid operators have, therefore, implemented load shedding in some areas to manage the shortfall,” he said.

Tegbe had also disclosed that sabotage of key transmission lines restricted the use of alternative routes for delivering electricity, particularly to Lagos.

The minister had promised that affected generating units would return to service in phases, with the first units expected to resume operation within 48 to 72 hours.

The restoration of the Benin-Egbin line is significant because the Lagos electricity network depends on multiple transmission routes to receive bulk power from generating stations. Damage to one route can reduce the amount of electricity available to the Lagos transmission complex, particularly when other sources of supply are constrained.

However, Nigerians, including civil society organisations, are still complaining about the epileptic electricity supply and have called for the minister’s resignation over what they described as persistent electricity outages across the country.

They accused him of incompetence and failure to address the worsening power situation.

The minister further disclosed on Monday that the government was working to restore another important transmission route, the Osogbo-Ikeja West 330kV line, which has remained out of service for about 18 months.

Tegbe said the line could deliver an additional 400MW to Lagos but had been affected by the vandalism of about six transmission towers located in a swampy area.

He said the government had secured a commitment from the TCN to complete the restoration by the end of November.

According to him, Lagos has four major transmission lines, but only three were operational, leaving the electricity network with limited alternatives during periods of disruption.

Tegbe also disclosed that the combined impact of the Egbin maintenance and the vandalised Benin-Egbin line resulted in the loss of almost 800MW from the Lagos electricity supply system.

He said the Benin-Egbin line ordinarily delivers between 300MW and 400MW to the Lagos Complex. The restoration of the line, alongside the return of generating units, was expected to improve electricity supply across Lagos and the Ogun corridor.

Last week, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, in a statement on Thursday, attributed the recent decline in power generation to gas supply constraints affecting thermal power plants and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs.

The operator explained that the shortage of gas had prevented some thermal power stations from operating at their available capacity, while lower water inflows had affected hydroelectric generation.

It said, “Consequently, the reduction in available generation has affected the quantum of electricity allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) for onward supply to consumers, thereby resulting in reduced hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding across distribution networks, with the level of impact varying according to available generation and the corresponding allocations to individual DisCos.”

The situation was reflected in the electricity allocation to distribution companies, which received a combined 2,988MW from 3,840MW generated on the national grid on Wednesday, November 4.

The latest restoration announcement therefore offers relief to electricity consumers in the affected areas, but the return of the vandalised transmission line does not automatically guarantee uninterrupted supply.

Nigeria’s electricity supply remains constrained by inadequate generation, gas shortages, ageing transmission infrastructure, vandalism and distribution challenges.

Tegbe, however, said the government was working with operators across the electricity value chain to improve supply.

Our priority continues to be the provision of reliable electricity to Nigerians,” he said.

The Presidency and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad have faulted the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, over his claim that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation stopped him from greeting members of the national Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos.

The reactions followed Obi’s account of the incident at an airport on Monday, where he said he was prevented from approaching the players by NFF officials, who reportedly warned that they could lose their jobs if he greeted the team.

In a statement released on Monday, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, accused the opposition of attempting to politicise national sports teams and institutions.

He said the national athletes, including the Flamingos, “represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political party or individual ambition.”

Olusegun said protocol guidelines for national teams were designed to protect young athletes from “political exploitation, commercial distractions, and unnecessary media circuses while on official duty.”

He described Obi’s account as an attempt to turn standard security and administrative procedures into a case of political victimisation.

“To spin standard security and administrative protocols into a narrative of political victimisation is a disservice to the unity that sport is meant to foster in our country,” he said.

The presidential aide also accused Obi of using “unverified hearsay to build a victim narrative”, urging him to allow athletes to focus on representing the country.

Similarly, Ahmad, the National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, disagreed with Obi’s description of the incident as a new dimension of toxic politics.

In a statement, Ahmad said being denied access to greet the team did not automatically amount to political persecution.

“Protocol, security and administrative considerations must have been involved,” he said.

He urged the former Anambra State governor to prioritise facts and responsibility, adding that Nigeria was bigger than any individual or political party.

“A new Nigeria is possible, but not through perpetual political antagonism,” Ahmad added.

Obi had earlier said he arrived at the airport on Monday for a flight to Enugu when he noticed the Flamingos preparing to board a vehicle after arriving in the country.

He said he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet the players but was told that NFF officials had objected, warning that they would lose their jobs if he approached the team.

The NFF had not publicly commented on Obi’s account as of the time of filing this report.

Former First Lady of Ogun State and Yeye Moremi Oodua, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, has empowered 70 youths in Ile-Ife, Osun State, with free training in Artificial Intelligence and digital skills, while disbursing N5m in business support grants to traders, widows and other vulnerable residents.

The interventions, which also included free medical check-ups and eye care for elderly residents, formed part of activities marking the 2026 Edi Moremi Festival. The programme combined the celebration of cultural heritage with initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for residents.

This was contained in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday. It said the first batch of 70 beneficiaries had completed six weeks of intensive training at the facility and received certificates at a ceremony held during the festival on Saturday.

Speaking at the presentation, Amosun said the initiative was inspired by the courage, sacrifice and selflessness of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro, whose historic role in the liberation of Ile-Ife continued to inspire generations.

She said, “The story of Queen Moremi is a story of courage, sacrifice and selflessness. She gave so much for her people, and I believe that one of the best ways we can honour her legacy is by doing things that positively affect the lives of our people.

“We must not allow the story of Queen Moremi to remain something we only celebrate during festivals. Her values should inspire us to make sacrifices, empower others and contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities.”

The Yeye Moremi Oodua explained that the training hub, commissioned on September 26, was established to bridge the digital skills gap among children, young people, unemployed graduates and school leavers.

According to her, many talented young people were unable to access quality digital education because of financial constraints, adding that the centre was designed to remove that barrier.

“We want to give our young people an opportunity to compete in today’s world. Technology is changing the way people work, do business and earn a living. Our youths must not be left behind.

“This centre was established to give children, youths, unemployed graduates and school leavers access to digital education, especially those who may not have the financial means to pay for such training,” she said.

Amosun disclosed that the facility was designed to train approximately 200 beneficiaries every six weeks, stressing that participants would not be required to pay for the programme.

Our intention is to train about 200 people every six weeks, and the training will remain free. We do not want money to be the reason any young person is denied the opportunity to learn a skill that can change their life,” she added.

She urged the graduating beneficiaries to make practical use of the knowledge acquired, warning that certificates alone would not guarantee success without commitment and determination.

“Do not just collect your certificates and go home. What matters is what you do with the knowledge you have acquired.

I want you to see yourselves as future employers of labour, not just people looking for employment. Use these skills to create opportunities for yourselves and, where possible, for other people,” Mrs Amosun told the trainees.

In a separate intervention, Amosun extended support to elderly residents through a free medical outreach that provided health consultations, eye examinations and other essential healthcare services.

The outreach was organised to enable senior citizens, some of whom might otherwise struggle to afford medical attention, to access basic healthcare without financial burden.

She assured beneficiaries that residents requiring further medical attention would not be abandoned after the exercise, promising necessary follow-up care and support.

Traders and economically vulnerable members of the community received N5m in empowerment grants to support small businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The money was distributed among 15 associations operating within Oja Titu Market, Ile-Ife, with widows and other vulnerable residents also benefiting from the intervention.

Explaining the arrangement, Amosun said the funds were designed to operate as revolving loans, allowing beneficiaries to access financial assistance to sustain and expand their businesses.

We provided an empowerment grant of N5m, which was distributed among the market associations to support their businesses through revolving loans.

“The idea is for the associations to pool the money together and decide which of their members would benefit from the loans. We want the associations to identify those who genuinely need the support.

“We intend to return in about a year to assess the impact of the intervention,” she said.

She further explained that the revolving-loan arrangement would ensure that the intervention continued to benefit members of the associations beyond the initial disbursement.

The wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, commended Amosun for extending the empowerment programme to women, men and vulnerable members of the Ile-Ife community.

She described the interventions as a demonstration of commitment to grassroots development, noting that initiatives that directly improved the economic circumstances of ordinary people were important to community advancement.

The cultural celebration also featured the 11th edition of the Yeye Moremi Beauty Pageant, organised by Amosun to promote the legacy of Queen Moremi Ajasoro and celebrate the values of courage, leadership and service.

At the event, Miss Adegoke Aisha emerged as the winner of the 2026 Queen Moremi Ajasoro Cultural Pageant.

The winner received a brand-new car, a N1m cash prize and automatic employment.

The first runner-up, Oluwatunmishe Akinyele, received N750,000 and an employment opportunity, while the second runners-up were awarded N500,000 each, alongside automatic employment opportunities.

Speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Amosun for sustaining the initiative and ensuring that the cultural legacy of Queen Moremi continued to receive attention.

The monarch said the opportunities attached to the pageant went beyond the prizes, noting that the employment opportunities offered to the top four contestants would expose them to international engagements.

He added that the opportunities would also give the contestants the chance to travel around the world and gain wider exposure.

He said, “This is the 11th edition of the Yeye Moremi Beauty Pageant, and there is something particularly spectacular about this year’s edition. The four finalists have distinguished themselves, and it occurred to me that they should be rewarded with employment opportunities to serve as Moremi Ambassadors, in addition to their other responsibilities.

“I commend Yeye Moremi Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, for this laudable initiative.”

The United Kingdom has outlined steps for visa holders to access their electronic immigration status, known as eVisa, as part of its transition from physical immigration documents to digital records.

UK Visas and Immigration shared the guidelines in a pictorial posted on its X account on Monday, advising applicants to create a UK Visas and Immigration account, verify their identity and link the account to their eVisa.

An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s identity and immigration status, including “the type of visa you have or if you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK” and “the conditions of your status”, according to the UK government.

The government said eVisas have replaced “physical immigration documents” and that people who successfully apply for a UK visa or another form of permission to stay in the country will receive one.

How to apply for and access a UK eVisa

1. Apply for a UK visa

Applicants are required to apply for a UK visa online through the official government website, GOV.UK.

They may also be required to provide their biometric information and prove their identity at a Visa Application Centre, depending on their application.

2. Wait for a decision

After submitting an application, applicants will receive an email notification when a decision has been made.

UK Visas and Immigration advised applicants to check their junk or spam email folders to avoid missing the notification.

3. Create a UKVI account

Once a visa application is successful, applicants should create a UKVI account through the official eVisa portal at gov.uk/evisa.

They are required to complete the online steps, after which the system will confirm that their account has been successfully created.

4. Verify identity and link the account

Applicants should sign in to their UKVI accounts and confirm their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

They must also link their UKVI accounts to their eVisas to enable access to their digital immigration records.

5. View the eVisa

Once the eVisa is ready, applicants will receive an email notification informing them that it can be viewed online.

UK Visas and Immigration advised users to check that all the information on their eVisas is correct before travelling.

Is there a fee to access a UK eVisa?

The UK government said users “do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa”.

It added that users whose eVisas have been linked to their UKVI accounts would “usually be able to access your eVisa straight away”, although the process could take up to 24 hours.

How can eVisa holders use their digital status?

According to the UK government, eVisa holders can “view your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status” when required, including when starting a new job or renting accommodation.

Travellers can also use their eVisas when travelling, provided they have added their passport or travel document details to their UKVI accounts.

The government noted that although eVisas have replaced physical immigration documents, some holders of biometric residence cards may still be able to use them in certain situations.

It also clarified that existing visa vignettes, which are visa stickers placed in passports, remain valid until their expiry dates.

Nollywood actress, Destiny Etiko, has announced her appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy.

The actress made the announcement in a post on her Instagram page on Monday, where she thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.

Sharing a picture announcing her new position, Etiko described the appointment as a new chapter and a greater responsibility, expressing her readiness to contribute to the development of the state.

She wrote, “With profound gratitude and humility, I am honoured to announce my appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Enugu State on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for this confidence and opportunity to serve.”

The actress further pledged her commitment to the administration’s vision, noting that she would approach the responsibility with humility and determination.

“I embrace this responsibility with pride, humility and a determination to make a meaningful impact,” she added.

Etiko, popularly known for her roles in Nollywood films, has built a career in the Nigerian movie industry, featuring in several productions and attracting a large following on social media.

Her appointment places her in a position focused on youth engagement and the creative economy, sectors that play important roles in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, killed two terrorists and dismantled several terrorist camps during coordinated operations across three local government areas of Plateau State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, saying the operations were conducted in Mangu, Kanam and Wase LGAs and led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistics.

The statement said troops of the Operation ENDURING PEACE Special Tactical Team, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a sting operation at Gindiri Market in Mangu LGA, leading to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner identified as Adamu Adamu, also known as Jauro.

It added that the suspect was apprehended with an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

“The suspect was apprehended with one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and is currently in custody alongside the recovered items for further investigation,” the Army said.

In another operation, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade on November 8, 2026, launched coordinated offensives at Dajin Madam Forest, which spans Kanam and Wase LGAs.

“During the operations, several terrorist camps were cleared and their life-support structures destroyed, significantly degrading their capacity to sustain criminal activities and use the forest as a haven for attacks,” the statement said.

The Army said the advancing troops subsequently made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat.

It added that “bloodstains were observed along their withdrawal routes indicating possible casualties”.

Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT links, four mobile phones, two radios, four motorcycles, two drums of PMS, assorted camouflage uniforms and other items.

The statement added that in a subsequent encounter near Kukawa Village, troops neutralised two terrorists and recovered additional motorcycles.

“These operational successes demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s intelligence-driven approach and sustained offensive posture in denying criminal elements access to weapons, logistics and safe havens,” it said.

The Army said it remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists and other criminal networks while strengthening cooperation with local communities and other security stakeholders.

It added that the efforts were aimed at restoring lasting peace, protecting lives and property and safeguarding national security.

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, has challenged the fact-checkers at Sunday’s Lagos Governorship Debate for accusing him of giving out false information.

He also demanded an apology over what he described as an incorrect assessment of his claim about the state’s internally generated revenue.

Doherty, in a post on X on Sunday, said the fact-checkers were wrong to challenge his assertion during the debate that Lagos generated more revenue than 31 states combined.

He maintained that his claim was based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which put Lagos State’s internally generated revenue at N1.77tn, compared with N1.73tn generated by 31 other states combined in 2025.

The debate fact-checkers called me out during the debate but they got it wrong.

“Precisely as I said in my opening statement, according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics data, Lagos does earn more IGR than 31 states combined: N1.77tn vs N1.73tn (NBS, 2025).

“An apology is in order I believe,” he wrote.

Doherty also shared a list of the states and the revenue figures to support his position, citing the NBS microdata portal as his source.

The dispute followed the debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard Newspaper, ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election.

In his opening remarks, Doherty had argued that Lagos’s challenge was not a shortage of financial resources but the failure of successive administrations to translate the state’s enormous revenue into better living conditions for residents.

He used the revenue comparison to question the delivery of essential public services, including healthcare and education, arguing that residents continued to bear the burden of inadequate government services despite the state’s substantial earnings.

The NBS report on 2025 IGR showed that Lagos generated approximately N1.77tn, the highest among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The report put the combined IGR of all states and the FCT at N5.15tn.

The Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition subsequently published a breakdown putting the combined revenue of the 31 states at approximately N1.574tn and rated the central claim that Lagos generated more than the 31 states combined as correct.

The Nigerian Navy, between November 2025 and November 2026, arrested 259 suspects and destroyed 168 illegal refineries.

The service also impounded four vessels allegedly used for oil theft, while over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were recovered within the year under review.

According to the scorecard obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the Navy also destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

It read, “The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational, infrastructural and institutional achievements in the first year of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of the Naval Staff, strengthening its contribution to maritime security, protection of national assets and national development.

Between November 2025 and November 2026, the Service sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status and recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

It also deactivated 168 illegal refining sites, destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and impounded four vessels suspected of involvement in crude oil theft, and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”

The service also sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status through intelligence-driven operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

As part of efforts to strengthen maritime security, the Navy activated Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime offences.

“A major operational initiative was the activation of Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to strengthen efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

“The Navy also commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels, NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA, in June 2026 to enhance maritime surveillance, operational reach and response capabilities,” it said.

On infrastructure development, the Navy recorded over 36 projects and commenced the construction of a 200-bed Reference Hospital to improve personnel welfare.

It also executed over 93 community development projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects and other initiatives, providing support in potable water, education, healthcare and electricity.

In addition, the service inducted 328 Nigerian Navy Marines to strengthen its capacity to tackle asymmetric threats, while training for a second batch was ongoing.

The Navy also participated in major multinational exercises and operationalised the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to strengthen regional cooperation and collective maritime security.

The programme, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households affected by the rising cost of living.

Wema Bank is among five approved payment providers selected to facilitate the disbursement of the funds.

As reported by PM News on Monday, according to information on the government’s NERSI portal, eligible Wema Bank customers can check their status and accept the payment using a USSD code without an internet connection.

How to Check Eligibility for the ₦50,000 Grant

Wema Bank customers can follow these steps:

1. Dial the USSD code: Dial _945_23# on the mobile number linked to your Wema Bank account.
2. Check your eligibility: Select the eligibility-check option and follow the instructions.
3. Accept the support: If selected, follow the prompts to confirm your acceptance of the ₦50,000 payment.
4. Receive the money: Your mobile wallet will be activated, and the funds will be credited.
5. Confirm payment: You will receive an SMS notification once the money has been credited.

Who Is Eligible for the ₦50,000 Support?

The Federal Government says the intervention targets poor and vulnerable households identified through verified national identity records and the National Social Register.

The programme covers eligible households across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

However, having a Wema Bank or ALAT account does not automatically qualify anyone for the payment. Beneficiaries are selected by the government based on its records.

There is no public application or registration process for the scheme.

Payments are also being made in phases, meaning eligible beneficiaries may not receive notifications at the same time.

Is the ₦50,000 Payment Free?

Yes. Beneficiaries are not required to pay any registration, activation or processing fees to receive the government support.

However, customers who withdraw the money through POS agents may be charged the agent’s normal withdrawal fees.

The government has also warned Nigerians to be cautious of fraudsters who may demand money or banking details in exchange for the grant.

Beneficiaries should never disclose their ATM PIN, one-time password (OTP) or other confidential banking information to anyone.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed workers in Osun State to embark on a three-day sympathy strike beginning at midnight on Sunday to press for the release of statutory allocations due to local government areas in the state.

In a statement signed by the Osun NLC Chairman and Secretary, Christopher Arapasopo and Victor Amusan, respectively, and obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, the congress said the industrial action was in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in the state.

The NLC leaders said the congress had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government over the continued withholding of local government statutory allocations.

They, however, said the issues raised in the ultimatum remained unresolved.

The statement read, “Consequently, having exhausted all reasonable avenues and in accordance with the resolutions reached at the emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held on Wednesday, 28th October, 2026, all affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, are hereby directed to proceed on the three-day sympathy strike in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State Council

The strike shall commence at midnight on Sunday, 8th November, 2026, last for three (3) days, and conclude at midnight on Wednesday, 11th November, 2026.

“Accordingly, all affiliate unions are directed to immediately communicate this directive in writing to their members and ensure total and full compliance across all workplaces.”

The congress warned that any union found deliberately working against or undermining the directive would face disciplinary measures in accordance with its provisions.

It added, “All unions are enjoined to demonstrate maximum solidarity, unity and commitment to the collective struggle for the protection of workers’ rights and welfare. We must emphasise that an injury to one is an injury to all.

“The continued hardship confronting our comrades in NULGE is a collective concern of the entire labour movement, and our response must reflect our shared commitment to workers’ rights, dignity, welfare and economic security.”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress had been locked in a bitter feud over control of local government areas in the state since February 2025.

During the violence that engulfed several council secretariats in the struggle for control of local government administration, the police confirmed six deaths, including that of the then APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Remi Abbas.

Hamzat said the debate provided an opportunity to communicate his development agenda and outline practical steps to address the needs of Lagosians.

In a post shared on his X handle on late Sunday night, the APC candidate said leadership required understanding the needs of the people and developing policies to address them.

“I took part in the Lagos State Governorship Debate and used the opportunity to share my vision for Lagos and speak about the practical steps we intend to take to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

He added, “Leadership is about understanding what matters to people and making sure our plans respond to those needs.”

He identified healthcare as a major priority, promising to expand the state’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, from its current 1.4 million enrollees to cover one in every three Lagos residents.

Hamzat also pledged to complete the Massey Children’s Hospital, Ojo and Somolu General Hospitals, while expanding capacity across the state’s nine general hospitals.

According to him, more primary healthcare centres would operate round the clock, alongside improved training and welfare for health workers.

On housing, Hamzat said his administration would introduce a more accessible mortgage system to enable more families to own homes by spreading payments over several years.

“Beyond completing our ongoing housing estates, we will introduce a more accessible mortgage system that allows people to spread their payments over several years,” he said.

On transportation, he promised to sustain the state’s rail development projects, including extending the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and connecting the Red Line to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts at the National Theatre.

Hamzat said the proposals were aimed at improving access to essential services, expanding homeownership opportunities and easing transportation challenges for residents.

He also outlined seven pillars of his proposed development agenda, tagged The Lagos PROMISE, with each letter representing a key governance priority.

“They are People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity,” he said.

According to him, the pillars would guide his administration’s approach to governance, infrastructure development and the creation of opportunities for residents.

“I remain committed to listening to Lagosians, building on the progress we have made and delivering a future that works for all,” he added.

The APC candidate participated in the Lagos Governorship Debate on Sunday, organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard.

The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is confident of winning the 2027 presidential election, saying he has God and Nigerians on his side.

Makinde spoke on Sunday during a church service at the Church of Christ in Nations, Jos, Plateau State, where he said his presidential ambition was not backed by any political godfather but by God Almighty and Nigerians.

In a statement by his Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, on Sunday, Makinde said his ambition was driven by the need to reset Nigeria through effective leadership and address challenges in security, the economy, education and the socio-political system.

The statement read, “The APM presidential candidate specifically said that his aspiration is not backed by any political godfather but by God Almighty and the people of Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that God would be merciful to Nigerians by providing the right leadership through the 2027 presidential election.

“According to Makinde, ‘When I said in Oyo State in 2018 that I would like to be governor, somebody asked me, ‘Governor of which Rotary District?’ I said Governor of Oyo State, and they asked, ‘With no godfather; nobody in politics who can stand in for you?’ I responded by saying, ‘Well, I have God the Father. And I became the Governor of Oyo State.

“This time around, we also have God the Father, and God will be merciful unto Nigeria, and He will show us mercy in this country.”

Makinde said his administration in Oyo State was guided by planning, transparency and accountability, with development road maps covering his two terms from 2019 to 2027.

He added that his Reset Nigeria Agenda, prepared ahead of the 2027 election, focuses on four key areas: security, the economy, education and the socio-political system.

The statement read, “While presenting the Reset Nigeria Manifesto to the leadership of the church, Makinde asked Nigerians to hold him accountable for the promises in the document.

“I want Nigerians to be able to hold me accountable, not just through promises but through documented commitments. Everything is written down in black and white, and I am prepared to be held accountable for everything contained in this document.”

Makinde urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to participate in politics and get ready to enforce their will in the 2027 presidential election.

He said, “Please, get ready and participate. History is about to happen again.”

The President of COCIN, Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo, urged Makinde to address Nigeria’s major challenges, particularly worsening insecurity and economic hardship, while praying for his success in the 2027 presidential election.

Mohzo also encouraged the APM candidate to sustain his campaign, expressing hope that God’s will would prevail in his political journey.

Makinde, who flagged off his presidential campaign in Bauchi State on Saturday, is in Jos for the party’s Plateau State rally scheduled for Monday at Rayfield Park.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election.

Speaking during a live political programme on Jay FM radio station in Jos, ahead of the rally, Makinde said Nigeria needed a complete reset, not mere reform, to move forward.

Makinde identified the economy as the foremost priority, insisting that economic performance should be measured by the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

“Reform is possible when the good within a system outweighs the bad. At that point, you can say the system can be tweaked and improved. But when the good within the system accounts for only about 20 per cent of what you expect, then the best course of action may not be to tweak it.

“It is like your computer system. If it keeps hanging whenever you try to run a programme, the best course of action is not necessarily to keep tweaking the programme. You have a reset button. Basically, you shut down the system, reboot it and then have a clearer path to proceed with your programme.

So, reform is not going to work within the environment we are in. I was not born a politician; I decided that I must participate because the future of millions of our people is involved and also for potentially the greatest black country on the face of the earth; their destiny is also involved.

“The economy must work for everybody. It is not about taking numbers out and saying external reserves have grown or quoting what the World Bank said about inflationary trends.

“What is the ordinary man on the street feeling? Are they able to feed themselves? If you cannot feel the impact of an improving economy at the street level, then the economy is not getting better,” he said.

He called for greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, education and intensive production, arguing that Nigeria must create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and provide employment opportunities for its youthful population.

Makinde also promised to decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture through the establishment of state police if elected president in 2027.

He said state police would enable governors to respond more effectively to security challenges in their respective states, adding that states willing and ready to establish the institution should be allowed to do so with appropriate safeguards.

The governor, who reiterated his long-standing support for state police, recalled that he had advocated the establishment of state police shortly after assuming office in 2019, following growing security concerns across the country.

When I became governor, we already had security challenges in different parts of the country. We approached the late President Muhammadu Buhari towards the end of 2019 and said we should have state police.

“At that time, the argument was that some states were not even able to pay workers’ salaries. Now you want them to establish state police. They asked how they could do that when they were unable to pay their workers,” he said.

Makinde explained that governors in the South-West subsequently established the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as an alternative security arrangement pending the establishment of state police.

“Amotekun was a midway between having full-fledged state police and having nothing.

“If these operatives were only permitted to carry sticks, they could gather intelligence. They would be there; they could see what was happening and provide useful information.

“That was the compromise at the time, and I am happy to report that we have not had issues getting them to work with the federal security agencies. It has worked very well in our region,” he stated.

The governor acknowledged concerns that state police could become a tool in the hands of some governors to oppress citizens and political opponents, but maintained that appropriate safeguards could address such fears.

Those concerns are legitimate because some people believe it could become a tool in the hands of state governors to oppress the people.

“But we have gone through this type of arrangement before. We do not all have to establish state police at the same time.

“Let the opportunity exist. If you think you are ready, you have ticked the boxes and put the safeguards in place, you should go ahead and secure your state,” he said.

Makinde further argued that Nigeria needed a security arrangement that reflected the realities of individual states, rather than relying entirely on a centralised structure.

He also linked insecurity to the absence of economic opportunities for young Nigerians, warning that failure to provide a clear future for the country’s growing youth population could worsen security challenges.

“Some of these young people are now getting involved in crime and criminality because we have not given them a path to the future.

“If you do not give opportunities to the coming generation, it is a recipe for bigger conflicts ahead of us,” he said.

The APM presidential candidate noted that Nigeria’s population was projected to exceed 300 million, with more than 70 per cent expected to be below 34 years, stressing the need for deliberate policies to harness the potential of young people.

Makinde also recalled his stance during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when he declined to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State.

He said, “I was faced with an almost identical situation in 2020. Six months after we got into government, COVID hit. And we had a meeting, a National Economic Council meeting in Abuja. And the Vice President, who normally would chair the National Economic Council, came in and said, ‘Well, mandatorily, we can see what is happening around the world. All of you should go and lock down your states.’

“And I said, ‘Sir, I cannot lock down my state because I know people in my state who, if they don’t go out today, have no food to eat that night or even the following day. How are we going to look after these people?’

“So, we argued back and forth. Eventually, we agreed that it should be optional. If you think your state needs to be locked down, lock your state down.

“And I didn’t lock down my state. People criticised me at that time and said, ‘Well, he is going to kill the people in his state,’ and things like that. But we were dealing with science, data and logic. It wasn’t as if I had 100 per cent alignment within my own team as well.”

He added, “But something stood out clearly: the 1918 Spanish flu, which was almost similar to COVID. After that flu, people in temperate regions started having flu shots every year. We were not having flu shots here. Very well.

We were going through from 1918 till 2020. So, this idea even came from the virology unit at the University of Ibadan.

“They said, ‘Well, we’re studying this. We need to manage things and all of that, and I said, ‘Well, some of our people would rather die of COVID than die of hunger because they know they can deal with hunger if they go out.

“So, we’ve done it before. We can do the same with state police, and it will help the security situation at the state level.”

On education, Makinde said he remained a firm believer in the vision of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on free education.

On how he intends to reinvigorate higher education to make institutions research hubs, Makinde said, “Well, you know, I kept saying that the first thing we will do is to let Nigerians know our situation sincerely. Don’t hide anything. Bring it forward, and the next thing we will do is to ensure that we have accountability.”

The Federal Government is seeking a fresh $500m loan from the World Bank to establish an infrastructure financing platform, with the proposed approval scheduled for 25 May, 2027, just four days before the inauguration of Nigeria’s next president.

The proposed borrowing comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising questions about the timing of fresh financial commitments and their implications for the incoming administration.

According to the World Bank’s Initial Project Information Document, obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the facility forms part of a broader $3.85bn infrastructure financing initiative designed to attract private investment into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The document, prepared and updated on 4 November, 2026, identifies the initiative as the Nigeria Infrastructure Financing and De-Risking Platform for Growth and Jobs, otherwise known as INFRAGROW.

The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority will serve as the implementing agency.

The bank has scheduled the project’s technical design review for 21 January, 2027, while its estimated approval date is 25 May, 2027.

Nigeria’s presidential inauguration is constitutionally scheduled for 29 May, 2027, following the expiration of the current four-year presidential term.

The timing means the proposed facility could receive World Bank approval in the final days of President Bola Tinubu’s current term, although approval would not necessarily mean immediate disbursement or implementation.

The proposed financing has not yet been approved, and the World Bank’s published timetable remains subject to change.

The document puts the country’s annual infrastructure financing shortfall at approximately $100bn, identifying inadequate investment and weak project preparation as major obstacles to economic growth.

It stated, “Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap, estimated at approx. $100bn annually, remains a binding constraint on growth, fiscal sustainability, competitiveness, and job creation.”

The bank explained that the challenge extended beyond insufficient funding to the difficulty of converting available capital into commercially viable infrastructure investments.

It added, “Closing the financing gap therefore requires an integrated approach that combines rigorous project preparation, appropriately calibrated de-risking instruments tailored to each project’s residual risk profile, and targeted sectoral reforms to strengthen the operating environment.”

The proposed $500m World Bank financing comprises $400m from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $100m from the International Development Association.

The wider $3.85bn financing structure also includes contributions from government, private investors, commercial lenders and guarantees intended to encourage additional investment.

Under the arrangement, the NSIA is expected to contribute $200m in equity as a founding shareholder, while private sector investors would provide another $200m.

Commercial debt financing is projected at $600m, alongside other financing and guarantee arrangements.

The World Bank document also identifies $100m in IDA payment guarantees and $2.25bn in guarantees from other international financial institutions, bringing the guarantee-related financing arrangements to $2.35bn.

The financing arrangement is expected to operate through four independently governed subsidiaries, each designed to address a particular obstacle to infrastructure investment.

The first, the Project Preparation Facility, will finance feasibility studies, transaction structuring, risk assessments and procurement support to help transform infrastructure proposals into projects capable of attracting investment.

The second, the Viability Gap Fund, will provide financial support for economically important projects that cannot generate sufficient commercial returns while maintaining affordable tariffs or sustainable government payments.

The document explained, “Under the proposed endowment model, the VGF would preserve its capital base and finance viability-gap support primarily from investment returns.”

The third subsidiary, the Risk Capital Facility, will provide equity and other forms of patient capital to infrastructure projects that are commercially viable but struggle to attract investors willing to bear higher risks.

The fourth, the Credit Guarantee Vehicle, will provide guarantees against specified credit defaults, public-sector payment failures and political risks affecting eligible foreign investments.

According to the bank, these interventions are intended to encourage participation by commercial banks, pension funds, insurance companies and other institutional investors.

The project will also support reforms to strengthen public institutions responsible for identifying, preparing, procuring and supervising public-private partnership projects.

Its implementation will be divided into four components covering institutional development, project preparation, financing mobilisation and improvements to the regulatory environment.

The first component will finance staffing, professional advisory services, statutory fees and operational infrastructure, with disbursements linked to measurable institutional milestones

The second will support project preparation and financial viability, while the third will activate the risk capital and credit guarantee facilities. The fourth will strengthen government capacity to manage infrastructure partnerships and their associated fiscal risks.

The World Bank said, “The proposed Nigeria INFRAGROW project is an institution-building and private capital mobilisation operation intended to expand sustainable infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The project will also involve the International Finance Corporation as a prospective co-investor, alongside the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, which is expected to provide political risk insurance.

The bank has classified the proposed project’s environmental and social risks as high, particularly because the financing platform could support major infrastructure developments in energy, transport and water.

It warned that such investments could involve land acquisition, displacement of communities, environmental damage, occupational hazards and other social consequences.

A Lagos-based barber, Babajide Adelowo, has died a day after he was released from police custody, where he allegedly spent 28 days following his arrest over suspected possession of firearms.

PUNCH Metro learnt that operatives of the X-Squad of the Lagos State Police Command arrested Adelowo at his shop in Iba Estate, Iyana-Iba area of the state, on October 6 and released him on Tuesday, November 3.

The family, however, accused the operatives of subjecting him to severe torture while in detention.

They alleged that the barber was repeatedly suspended from a weightlifting rod with his hands and legs tied, leaving him unable to walk or feed himself without assistance.

The family also alleged that the police arrested him without a warrant, seized items from his shop and restricted his access to his family and lawyers during his detention.

Narrating the circumstances surrounding the arrest to PUNCH Metro on Saturday, the deceased’s uncle, Samson Adelowo, said, “They came to arrest my brother on the grounds that he owned firearms. They searched the shop, broke the ceiling and opened the water tank, but they could not find anything.

“What I found disturbing was that they also took his generator, chairs and other materials from the shop. What was the connection between the allegation against him and the items they removed from his shop?

They seized his phone and did not allow him to contact anybody in his family. We had to engage lawyers to follow up on the matter, but throughout the 28 days he spent there, the lawyers were only allowed to see him about two or three times, with restricted access at other times.”

Samson further alleged that his nephew’s wife was threatened with arrest when she attempted to visit him.

According to him, the estate chairman, who accompanied the lawyers to meet the police team, was detained and made to part with N50,000 to secure his release.

“The estate chairman went with the lawyers to meet the team leader. He explained that Babajide was known in the community as a peaceful person and that he was one of the estate’s security officers.

“But instead of listening to him, the officer allegedly threatened to detain him. The chairman eventually paid N50,000 before he was allowed to go.”

He said Adelowo’s condition deteriorated while in detention before he was eventually released to his family.

Adelowo’s wife, Mariam, told our correspondent on Saturday that her husband could barely walk and appeared extremely weak when the police handed him over to the family by the roadside.

She said the police brought him to the PWD bus stop in a vehicle and helped him into the family’s car before handing over a referral note from the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, alongside a bag containing medical supplies.

“When we saw him, he could not even walk properly. He was so pale and fragile. The police officers were the ones guiding him into our car. They told us to handle him carefully and take him straight to the hospital.

They handed over a referral note from the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and a nylon bag containing drips, plaster and some other medical items. I still have the bag with me. When they handed him to us, they said the ailment was already in his body, but my husband sharply objected and said he had never had the symptoms,” she said.

The widow said her husband began narrating his experience in detention while they were taking him to the hospital.

“He told me that they would tie his hands and legs to a weightlifting rod and hang him for about 30 or 40 minutes. He said they did that to him three times. He also told me that they squeezed his hands with an instrument until his muscles and veins were affected.

“He said he became so weak that he could not feed himself or even take care of his personal needs. The other suspects in the cell were the ones helping him to eat and bathe. He also told me that he fainted four times while in detention,” she said.

The wife added that the last incident occurred on the day he was taken to the hospital after other detainees reportedly raised the alarm.

She said he regained consciousness to find himself covered in blood and faeces, while his clothes were soaked in blood.

“He told me that the last time he fainted, he woke up and saw blood all over him. He had also passed stool on himself. The other people in the cell were shouting for help before he was taken to the hospital by the police on Sunday, which was two days before he was released to us. It was from the hospital that he called me and said he was in the hospital. He also ended the call immediately, and I could not reach him again.

“When I saw him after his release, I noticed that the clothes he was wearing were not his. He told me that his clothes had been soaked in blood and that the police had bought another set of clothes for him,” she added.

The wife said the family took him to the hospital after his release, where he received a blood transfusion.

She said his condition deteriorated, and he began vomiting blood and experiencing difficulty breathing.

Samson said the family was told that the deceased needed six pints of blood, adding that they were able to obtain one pint before his condition worsened.

The wife also alleged that her husband told her that a fellow detainee had identified him to the police as someone who kept firearms.

She said the detainee later apologised to her husband while in custody, claiming that he had been asked to identify him.

The widow, who said the couple had one child, described her late husband as a caring and responsible man who provided for the family.

She said the four weeks he spent in detention placed an enormous burden on her, as she had to take on responsibilities she was not accustomed to handling.

“My husband was a very responsible man. He took care of his family 100 per cent and took full responsibility for everything. When he was detained, I had to start doing things I had never done before.

“My son kept asking me, ‘When is Daddy coming back?’ I kept assuring him that his father would return. Unfortunately, he did not see his father again until the day after he died, when he saw his corpse. It has not been easy for us,” she said.

Demanding justice, the widow said the police had not contacted her or the family’s lawyer since her husband’s release to ask about his condition.

“I want justice for my husband. They released someone who was almost dying, yet they did not call to ask about his health. They did not contact even the lawyer or me to find out how he was doing,” she said.

A medical report issued by the hospital where he was admitted, dated November 5, 2026, stated that Adelowo was brought to the facility on November 3 with complaints including bleeding, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, general body weakness and anaemia.

The report, addressed to the Head of Pathology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, said he appeared acutely ill, lethargic, pale and dehydrated, with mild tenderness around his navel.

The hospital said an assessment of symptomatic anaemia secondary to upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, complicated by haemorrhagic shock, was made.

It stated that he was admitted, blood samples were collected, and treatment commenced.

“Adelowo received one pint of blood without complications and was awaiting a second pint when he began convulsing and vomiting. Although the symptoms stopped spontaneously, his oxygen level subsequently dropped, prompting the hospital to place him on supplemental oxygen and refer him to a tertiary health facility.

“About an hour later, he began gasping, prompting medical personnel to commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“However, all attempts at resuscitation proved abortive.”

The report added that he was later clinically declared dead and his relative was informed with due empathy.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Taofeek, has called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to order an independent investigation into the arrest, detention, alleged torture and death of Adelowo.

The group also demanded the identification and prosecution of police officers attached to the CP-X Squad who might have been involved in the alleged abuses, including unlawful detention, extortion and denial of medical care.

It called for an independent autopsy, with the family’s involvement, to establish the cause of death and determine whether alleged physical abuse or denial of medical attention contributed to it.

The movement further demanded an investigation into the alleged demand for N10m and collection of N50,000 from an estate chairman, as well as the recovery of a generator, chairs and other belongings allegedly seized from Gabriel’s barbing shop.

It urged the authorities to protect the deceased’s family and witnesses from intimidation, while ensuring that the bereaved family receives justice and appropriate compensation if liability is established.

The group said no criminal allegation justified torture, extortion or inhuman treatment, insisting that suspects should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It added that the police uniform should not shield any officer from accountability, noting that Gabriel left behind a wife, young children and ageing parents who deserved answers over his death.

When contacted on Sunday, the command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the deceased was not subjected to torture.

“An official statement will be issued on that tomorrow,” she added

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the state is well-positioned for the establishment of its own police force, with over 6,000 personnel of the Ogun State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and the So-Safe Corps available to provide an experienced manpower base.

Abiodun, who disclosed this at the weekend, said the state had already established a strong security foundation that would facilitate the transition to state policing and strengthen the protection of lives and property.

The governor spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne, Ikenne Local Government Area, where he described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of state police as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen its security architecture.

Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu in the committee, said Ogun was prepared to translate the initiative into an effective policing structure.

“I am the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation and the representative of the President in the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation. I am proud to announce that the Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the creation of State Police.

“Between Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and that will make the difference in protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.

The governor said effective security remained fundamental to economic growth and sustainable development, stressing that collaboration between communities and security agencies was essential to creating a safe environment for residents, businesses and investors.

In a related development, Abiodun directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, promising that the intervention would improve accessibility, facilitate economic activities and strengthen connectivity within the community.

Speaking on the golden jubilee of Ereke Day, the governor described the 50-year milestone as a remarkable testament to the unity, shared heritage and collective determination of the people of Ikenne.

“Fifty years is very remarkable in the tradition and history of any people. It speaks to a united and common heritage, shared values and a collective determination to build a better future,” he said.

He commended the traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their leadership, wisdom and commitment to preserving the unity of the community and promoting development.

Abiodun also congratulated the people of Ikenne on sustaining the celebration for five decades, describing it as evidence of the foresight of their forefathers, the sacrifices of successive generations and the enduring strength of their communal spirit.

He noted that Ereke Day had evolved beyond an annual cultural gathering into a platform for intellectual engagement, institutional development, infrastructure advancement and the preservation of the community’s heritage.

“Ereke Day represents much more than an annual cultural gathering. It is a powerful demonstration of what a united and purposeful community can accomplish,” he added.

The governor praised the Ikenne Community Development Association for mobilising the human, intellectual and financial resources of the people to address the developmental needs of the community.

He noted that while government had a responsibility to provide leadership and create an enabling environment, sustainable development required active community participation and ownership.

Describing Ikenne as a community of considerable historical significance to Ogun State and Nigeria, Abiodun recalled its association with prominent national figures, including the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin, whose contributions to education, democratic governance and national development remain enduring legacies.

He said the community’s development initiatives demonstrated the importance of collective action in creating lasting assets for present and future generations.

Abiodun disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including over 40 roads in Remoland, as part of efforts to improve connectivity, open up rural communities and stimulate economic activities.

The governor reiterated that peace and security were indispensable to development, noting that no society could achieve meaningful progress in an atmosphere of insecurity.

He also urged young people in Ikenne to shun political violence and resist attempts by politicians to manipulate them ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future,” he cautioned.

He urged the youths to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible civic participation, stressing that elections should be driven by ideas, credible leadership, performance and issue-based engagements rather than violence, intimidation or destruction.

Abiodun further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals and indigenes of Ikenne in the diaspora to sustain their contributions to the development of their ancestral community.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a true son of Remoland and commended his administration’s contributions to Ikenne, particularly the donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, among other interventions.

Soname assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.

One person has died after a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz six-tyre truck overturned around the TREM axis of Gbagada, inward Oshodi, Lagos State, in a midnight accident.

The deceased, an elderly man whose identity had yet to be established, was reportedly thrown out of the truck after one of its front tyres burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The truck, with registration number ABJ 37 AC, was conveying assorted consignments, including sealed bags and newly branded event chairs, when the incident occurred.

According to reports, the vehicle was travelling at considerable speed when the tyre burst. In the ensuing struggle to stabilise the truck, the passenger seated in the front cabin was flung out and hit his head against a sharp object, resulting in his instant death.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its Night Rescue Team, which was conducting surveillance along major traffic corridors, promptly mobilised to the scene and cordoned off the accident site.

The operatives subsequently evacuated the deceased from the busy carriageway into an ambulance operated by the Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (LASEMS), to prevent further exposure to approaching motorists and avert another accident.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful and avoidable loss that underscored the dangers of poor road safety practices.

Bakare-Oki said the rescue and traffic management operations received support from personnel of the Pedro Police Division, who provided security, and officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, who assisted with emergency response.

He explained that the overturned truck could not be immediately recovered because of the volume and nature of its cargo.

Arrangements were therefore made to transfer the consignments into another empty truck before recovering the vehicle.

The LASTMA boss condemned excessive speeding, warning that it reduces drivers’ reaction time, compromises vehicle stability and increases the severity of road crashes, particularly when unexpected mechanical failures occur

He said the consequences of the accident could have been less severe if the truck had been travelling at a controlled speed, despite the sudden tyre burst.

Bakare-Oki urged heavy-duty vehicle operators, commercial transporters and other motorists to adopt responsible driving practices, conduct regular mechanical inspections and pay close attention to the condition of tyres, braking systems and other critical vehicle components before embarking on journeys.

He also advised drivers to remain calm and apply appropriate vehicle-control techniques when confronted with sudden mechanical problems, warning that excessive speed could turn a manageable failure into a fatal incident.

According to him, roadworthiness, speed moderation and compliance with traffic regulations remain essential to safe motoring, particularly for operators conveying heavy loads on densely populated urban roads.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to proactive traffic surveillance, prompt emergency response and collaboration with relevant agencies to protect lives and ensure safety on Lagos roads.

The National Emergency Management Agency has received six Nigerian returnees from the United States at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State.

NEMA disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday, saying the returnees arrived at the airport’s Cargo Terminal on November 4, 2026.

The agency said the reception exercise was conducted through its Lagos Operations Office in collaboration with the United States Consulate, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigeria Immigration Service and ExecuJet.

“The returnees arrived at approximately 10:13 p.m. aboard a Beechcraft 1900 aircraft with registration number N62FF. The group comprised five males and one female, all adults.

Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted the necessary immigration documentation and profiling to ensure proper identification, record-keeping and a smooth arrival process.

“NEMA coordinated the reception in collaboration with the relevant agencies, while necessary reception and post-arrival support services were provided to facilitate the returnees’ transition following their arrival in the country,” the statement said.

The agency did not state the circumstances under which the six returned, whether they were deported or returned of their own free will.

US, under President Donald Trump, intensified US immigration enforcement, which has prioritized stricter rules, accelerated removals of individuals without legal status, and targeted those with criminal records through initiatives such as the “worst of the worst” lists and West Africa Operations Watch.

Nigeria has featured prominently in these efforts, with the US Department of Homeland Security publishing multiple lists of Nigerian nationals identified for deportation in 2026, often linked to offences including fraud and other violations.

Meanwhile, NEMA said the returning exercise reflected the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens through coordinated engagement among relevant agencies and partners.

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security operations that culminated in the killing of one of the suspects.

The victims, who were abducted from a commercial bus on November 3, 2026, regained their freedom unharmed at about 8.30pm on Saturday, November 7, after what the police described as sustained pressure and intelligence-led efforts to secure their release.

In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit subsequently stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road at about 1 am on November 8.

He disclosed that the operation triggered a gun battle between the police operatives and the suspected kidnappers, during which one suspect was neutralised while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Babaseyi said, “Following sustained security pressure and intelligence-led efforts by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command, the 10 passengers abducted from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, on November 3, 2026, have regained their freedom.

The victims were safely released at about 8.30pm on November 7, 2026, without any injury.

“In a follow-up operation at about 1am on November 8, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, where a gun battle ensued.

During the encounter, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.”

The police spokesman said items recovered during the operation included an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, N1,376,800 in cash and a mobile phone.

He added that the command had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang, urging members of the public to assist the police with useful information.

Babaseyi particularly advised residents to report anyone sighted with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police communication channels.

“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Members of the public are therefore urged to promptly report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police channels.

“Public cooperation remains vital to ensuring that the fleeing suspects are brought to justice and that criminal elements are prevented from further threatening the safety of residents,” he said.

The police command assured residents of its continued commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.

The Nigerian Air Force has approved a major shake-up of its senior leadership, involving fresh appointments and postings across its operational commands, strategic institutions and Defence Headquarters.

The exercise, approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on November 7, 2026, is aimed at strengthening command effectiveness, enhancing institutional capacity and sustaining operational readiness.

In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the appointments covered Service Headquarters, operational commands, training institutions and other strategic establishments.

The statement partly read, “The NAF has approved a major strategic realignment of its senior leadership through a fresh round of postings and appointments designed to strengthen command effectiveness, enhance institutional capacity and sustain operational readiness in support of national security objectives.

The exercise, approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 7 November 2026, takes effect from November 2026.

“The appointments span Service Headquarters, operational commands, Defence Headquarters, training institutions and other strategic establishments, reflecting a deliberate effort to align leadership competencies and professional experience with the Service’s evolving operational and institutional priorities.”

At the NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal AK Ademuwagun was appointed Chief of Transformation and Innovation, while AVM IV Ajiboye became Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation

Other appointments include AVM PN Amadi as Chief of Air Intelligence; AVM NN Ananaba as Chief of Operations; AVM AH Bakari as Air Provost Marshal; AVM EE Efiom as Chief of Training; and AVM AJ Laoye as Chief of Aircraft Engineering.

The Air Force also appointed AVM NI Ilo as Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command; AVM BR Mamman as AOC, Mobility Command; AVM OS Ogunsina as AOC, Logistics Command; AVM MN Onyebashi as AOC, Special Operations Command; and AVM FCS Nwakara as AOC, Ground Training Command.

At the institutional level, AVM PB Philips was appointed Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while AVM MC Ekwueme became Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre.

Similarly, AVM AO Akinbunwa was appointed Commandant of the Air Force War College, while AVM OC Ubadike became Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Other appointments include AVM AI Sambo as Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force College of Logistics and Management and AVM M Yusuf as Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

At the Defence Headquarters, AVM UK Abdullahi was appointed Director of Defence Operations, while AVM EOE Ebiowe was posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser as Deputy Coordinator, National Intelligence.

Also, AVM DDG Pwajok was appointed Director of Technical Services at the Defence Intelligence Agency, while AVM I Sani became Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Other senior officers were posted to various directorates at the Defence Headquarters, including operations, military strategy, cyber operations, civil-military relations, search and rescue, special duties and joint warfare doctrine.

The appointments also affected the Defence Space Administration, where AVM AA Suleh was named Deputy Chief, while AVM OA Oyename and AVM SS Lazarus were appointed Directors of Earth Observation and Launch Vehicles and Space Operations, respectively.

Furthermore, AVM GI Jibia was appointed Deputy Force Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, while AVM JI Ukeh became Commander of the Nigerian Air Defence Corps.

The statement said the exercise was part of efforts to strengthen leadership renewal, institutional accountability and operational effectiveness across the service.

According to the CAS, the professional competence and wealth of experience of the newly appointed officers would advance his command philosophy and strengthen the Air Force’s capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations and national security objectives.

“All affected officers are expected to assume their new appointments and complete the necessary handover and takeover formalities on or before November 13, 2026,” he said.

Two persons, including a serving police officer and a female passenger, have died in two separate waterway accidents in Bayelsa State involving a passenger boat and an oil tanker.

The incidents, which occurred in Brass and Sagbama Local Government Areas, also left seven passengers rescued after a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa capsized.

The Bayelsa State Police Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the first accident occurred along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass Local Government Area.

The passenger boat, which was travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, reportedly had eight persons on board when it capsized.

According to the police, the incident was reported by Maritime Union workers in Brass, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.

The statement said seven passengers were rescued, including the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

However, the police officer initially reported missing was subsequently confirmed dead.

The police said, “Upon receiving the report, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, immediately commenced search and rescue operations.”

The statement added that “the intervention resulted in the rescue of seven passengers, including the state commissioner and an NSCDC officer.”

“Sadly, the police officer initially reported missing was subsequently confirmed dead,” the statement said.

The second accident occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at about 5:20 a.m. along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a tanker vessel belonging to Sterling Global Oil Limited, while navigating close to the shoreline, reportedly collided with some canoes, destroying them.

One of the passengers, identified as Mrs Victoria Abetnigo, an indigene of Angalabiri Community, sustained serious injuries in the incident.

She was immediately taken to Ebedeibiri General Hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

The tanker vessel belonging to Sterling Global Oil Ltd, while navigating close to the shoreline, reportedly hit some canoes, which resulted in their destruction,” the police said.

The statement further disclosed that Abetnigo “sustained serious injuries” and was rushed to the hospital, where she was subsequently confirmed dead.

Her remains, according to the police, had been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reacting to the two tragedies, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed sadness over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones.

The police commissioner particularly lamented the loss of a serving member of the Command.

The statement quoted him as expressing “profound sadness over these unfortunate incidents” and extending “heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.”

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims and strength for their families to bear what he described as irreparable losses.

He particularly shares in the grief of the Command over the loss of its personnel and prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, as well as the fortitude for their respective families to bear these irreparable losses,” the statement added.

Adewale commended the Nigerian Navy’s FOB Formoso, local divers, Maritime Union workers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community for their contributions to the rescue operation.

He said their timely intervention was instrumental in saving the lives of seven passengers following the boat accident.

The CP, however, urged boat operators and commercial vessel owners to exercise caution while navigating the state’s waterways and comply with established maritime safety regulations.

He specifically warned commercial vessel operators against navigating too close to shorelines and canoe routes.

“They are particularly advised to maintain safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes and avoid reckless navigation,” the police commissioner said.

He also urged passengers to take personal responsibility for their safety by wearing life jackets throughout their journeys.

Passengers are equally urged to wear life jackets throughout their journeys, while all waterway users are enjoined to prioritise safety and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities,” the statement said.

The command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property across Bayelsa State.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the African Democratic Congress would participate in the 2027 general elections, but warned that candidates produced by the David Mark-led faction, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, might be excluded from the ballot.

Keyamo said the fate of the candidates would depend on the final determination of the party’s leadership dispute by the Supreme Court.

The minister made the clarification in a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, following concerns that the recent Federal High Court judgment against the Mark-led leadership could jeopardise the ADC’s participation in the elections.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Thursday nullified the Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the faction, including the presidential primary that produced Abubakar as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The judgment followed a protracted leadership crisis within the opposition party, which has been marked by competing claims to its national leadership and a series of legal battles.

The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, instituted by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Gombe argued that following the resignation of the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership.

The judgment has triggered fresh political uncertainty within the ADC, particularly over the status of Abubakar’s presidential nomination and the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

The Mark-led faction has rejected the ruling and vowed to challenge it in court, while Abubakar and the party have also announced plans to appeal the decision.

Owing to the court’s judgment, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will not take a position on the leadership crisis rocking the ADC until it obtains and studies the certified true copy of the Federal High Court judgment which invalidated the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

Keyamo argued that the court’s decision should not be interpreted as a ban on the party, insisting that the ADC remained eligible to field candidates through its recognised leadership structure.

“For the education of the public, those raising false alarm that the court judgment on ADC means the party will not be on the ballot are spreading misinformation.

“The ADC will be on the ballot. It is the David Mark faction of candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, that may not be on the ballot, depending on the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he said.

Reacting to protests and criticisms of the judgment, Keyamo questioned why the court’s decision was being portrayed as an attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the elections.

He argued that the rights of candidates who emerged under the party’s original leadership structure should also be considered, insisting that they should not be sidelined in the dispute.

“Therefore, the question we must ask those raising hell is: are those Nigerians who successfully won their primaries under the faction of the original owners of the ADC lesser humans or lesser Nigerians than David Mark and Atiku Abubakar?” he asked.

The minister’s comments come as the ADC’s leadership crisis continues to cast a shadow over its preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the outcome of the pending appeals expected to determine which faction can validly nominate candidates.

A former lawmaker and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called for unity among all stakeholders involved in canvassing for votes for President Bola Tinubu in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oyintiloye, in a statement obtained in Osogbo, the state capital, on Sunday, said the party and Governor Ademola Adeleke must unite and work hard to deliver 1.5 million votes for Tinubu.

The ex-Obokun State Constituency representative in the Osun State House of Assembly further stated that after Adeleke’s appointment as the coordinator of the state’s Presidential Campaign Council, all stakeholders in the coalition must set aside personal interests and work towards Tinubu’s victory.

“We have only one purpose, which is to deliver 1.5 million votes for the President in the state. All party leaders and stakeholders in the coalition for the presidential election must shun personal interests and grudges to ensure the President’s electoral victory.

As the saying goes, any house divided against itself will fall, and we must avoid that as much as possible,” Oyintiloye said.

He also called for the right approach by all stakeholders for the partnership to work in Tinubu’s favour, insisting that they must recognise and respect each other’s political relevance and contributions.

He maintained that the parties involved in the coalition in the state must relate with mutual respect and operate as partners with complementary strengths, adding that both parties must clearly spell out the strategies and approaches to be adopted to secure a convincing victory in the election.

He also implored the leadership of the coalition to develop a structural framework for grassroots mobilisation from the units, wards, local governments to state level, using a bottom-up approach.

The APC chieftain said active involvement of women, youths, traditional institutions, religious leaders, market associations, artisans, farmers, community stakeholders, and other informal groups in the campaign is important and must be embraced by the council.

“All hands must be on deck to achieve this landmark victory for Mr President. Personal ambitions, interests, grudges and claims of superiority must be set aside for the collective benefit.

“There is also a need for the parties involved to embrace inclusiveness across party lines and work assiduously towards achieving their target in the state during the presidential election.

“With love, unity of purpose and open-mindedness, President Tinubu will emerge victorious in Osun with the targeted votes achieved,” Oyintiloye said.

He sought support for all the APC national and state assembly candidates in the upcoming election, saying all stakeholders in the party must work hard to deliver the desired results.

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, on Sunday, raised the alarm over alleged hoodlums suspected to be members of the Allied Peoples’ Movement planning a fresh attack on supporters of its governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and also vandalising his billboards.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Media and Publicity of SSACO, Bisi Oladele, in Ibadan, the state capital.

The statement read, “Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation is alerting the public about plans that have been perfected by hoodlums used by APM governorship candidate Bimbo Adekanmbi and his master Governor Seyi Makinde to attack members of the Park Management System and others supporting the APC in Oyo.

“The planned attack is part of coordinated efforts to repress opposition and instil fear in APC supporters across the state. It follows a series of attacks which led to the death of an APC member in Ibadan in October, and dozens of others who have been injured in similar attacks in the last two months.

This came as Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s campaign billboards are being vandalised and destroyed in some places by agents of the state government. The evil acts have been going on unchecked as Adekanmbi and Makinde continue to use the instrumentality of government to terrorise opposition members and candidates since the election campaign started.

Based on credible intelligence, the SSACO hereby alerts the public of planned attacks by PMS hoodlums on NURTW members supporting the APC. The attack team is particularly targeting a popular member nicknamed Oyere and his followers.”

It stated further that the “PMS hoodlums reportedly spied on the APC members at Senator Alli’s manifesto unveiling event held at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall last Tuesday, where names of NURTW members, especially those who just joined the APC, were listed and discussed.

“The development was further inflamed by the large attendance at the weekly NURTW meeting chaired by Oyere at his office, which had over hundreds of NURTW members in attendance.

“At a meeting directed to be convened by a key member of Governor Makinde’s kitchen cabinet, which held around 10 pm on Friday, credible intelligence indicated that it was agreed that coordinated attacks be unleashed on NURTW members supporting APC, with a particular agreement to disrupt their weekly meetings to whittle down APC support base ahead of the general elections.

‘The state government is also cracking down on billboard proprietors who rent out their billboards to Senator Alli, thereby sending them out of business. Rather than make Oyo State business-friendly, Governor Makinde and his minions are destroying businesses, just to prevent the APC from campaigning freely, among other allegations.”

The SSACO, therefore, called on the state Commissioner of Police and other security chiefs to nip the plan in the bud, as Oyo does not deserve violence from a government that took over in a peaceful atmosphere in 2019.

In its reaction, the APM, through a statement issued by the Director of Communication/Spokesperson, Governorship Campaign Council, Yinka Oladoyinbo, said Makinde and his governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, have always demonstrated their commitment to peace and tranquillity in the state.

The statement read, “The APM in Oyo State wishes to note that the latest allegation by the APC and its campaign council is another attempt at distracting the people of the state from the real issue of governance that they have been challenged to prove that they are ready for.

“It further shows that the party and its candidate do not have what it takes to lead a pace-setting state like Oyo, hence the resolve to raise spurious allegations each time they are confronted with what they have in stock for the people.

“The APM, Governor Makinde and our governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, have always demonstrated their commitment to peace and tranquillity in our dear state.

“This has been evident in the co-existence of people of various backgrounds since the inception of the present administration over seven years ago, and we will not allow power mongers that have nothing tangible to enhance the development of the state to erode the gains we have recorded.”

The APM, therefore, assured the APC that it has nothing to fear or be jittery about as the people of Oyo are solidly behind Makinde and Adekanmbi, saying “the people are ready to speak with their votes at the next general elections.”

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Yobe State, Umar Jajere, and its Secretary-General, Mustapha Gado, have rejected their purported impeachment, describing the exercise as invalid.
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‎The two officials insisted that they remained the council’s recognised leaders, accusing those behind the move of violating the provisions of the IPAC Code of Conduct (2019).
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‎The officials, who made their position known in a statement on Saturday, said the purported impeachment contravened several provisions of the council’s code and was, therefore, unacceptable.

On Thursday, The news report Jajere and Gado’s removal was announced by the council in a statement signed by its Acting Secretary, Habiba Umaru, following an emergency meeting held at its secretariat along Potiskum Road, Damaturu, the state capital.

It said the decision followed a vote of no confidence in the two officers, who were accused of failing to consult member political parties on important decisions and neglecting regular meetings of the council’s executive and general assembly.

The council also alleged that the former leaders used its name to receive quarterly palliatives from the North-East Development Commission and other government and non-governmental organisations for their personal benefit without the knowledge or involvement of member parties

‎However, Jajere and Gado said the meeting failed to meet the requirement of having at least 50 per cent of the membership of either the State Executive Council or the State Assembly, as stipulated in Sections 8(ii) and 8(iv) of the code.
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‎”The meeting did not satisfy the required quorum prescribed by the IPAC Code of Conduct. Any decision reached without meeting this fundamental requirement cannot be considered valid,” they said.
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‎The duo also faulted the participation of some individuals at the meeting, alleging that they were not validly nominated in writing by their respective political party state chairmen, contrary to Sections 4.2(a) and 15.
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‎The duo further argued that the meeting was improperly convened, claiming that no written request signed by two-thirds of the members was submitted, and that the chairman was not given the mandatory seven-day notice required under Section 8(vii).
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‎”The code is clear on the procedures for convening meetings and taking decisions. You cannot disregard these provisions and expect the outcome to be recognised as legitimate,” the officials stated.
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‎On the disciplinary process, Jajere and Gado maintained that no complaint was submitted to the Disciplinary Committee or the Political Parties Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee before the purported impeachment, adding that no investigation was conducted to establish any wrongdoing against them before the decision was announced.
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‎”There was no formal complaint against us, no investigation and no opportunity for us to respond to any allegation. The prescribed disciplinary procedures were not followed,” they said.
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‎The officials insisted that they remained the legitimate leadership of IPAC in Yobe State, warning individuals against parading themselves as officials based on the purported impeachment.
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‎”Nobody can assume the leadership of IPAC in Yobe State through an illegal process. We remain the recognised chairman and secretary of the council until the appropriate procedures are followed,” they declared.
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‎They also threatened disciplinary measures, including suspension, against members who participated in the exercise, accusing them of violating the council’s Code of Conduct.
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‎The duo urged the Yobe State Government, the State Independent Electoral Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other political stakeholders to recognise only them as the legitimate leaders of the state’s council.
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‎They disclosed that the national secretariat of IPAC had been notified of the development in accordance with Section 4.3 of the code.

The Police Command in Kaduna State has repelled an attack by suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 39 stolen cows in Illa Village, Igabi Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday in Kaduna.

Hassan said that on November 7, at about 5:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer, Rigachikun Division, received a distress call from one Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar of Illa Village.

He said Abubakar reported that at about 4:00 am the same day, a group of armed men attacked the village, rustled cows belonging to three Fulani herders and shot one Abubakar, 25, in both legs.

On receipt of the report, a combined team of police operatives led by the Officer-in-Charge, Amana Outpost, local vigilantes and villagers swiftly mobilised, pursued the suspects into the bush and engaged them in a gun duel,” he said.

Hassan said the rustlers subsequently abandoned the 39 stolen cows and escaped into the bush with gunshot injuries.

The spokesman said the injured victim was rushed to Shika Teaching Hospital, where he was responding to treatment, while the recovered cows had been handed over to their owners.

Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, commended the operatives for their gallantry and the community for its partnership, assuring residents of sustained efforts to combat cattle rustling and other crimes in the state.

(NAN)

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company has announced a salary increase for its members of staff effective December 1, 2026.

The electricity utility provider, which distributes electricity to Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement obtained from its official Facebook page.

The company affirmed the decision during an engagement with the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies.

The meeting was led by BEDC’s Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Lawani, alongside the Deputy General Secretary of SSAEAC, Dr Innocent Lord-Douglas, and the Assistant General Secretary (Field Services) of NUEE, Mbang Ntukubes, among other representatives

BEDC Electricity Plc has successfully concluded negotiations with representatives of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), reaching a mutually agreed resolution on consequential salary adjustments, effective December 1, 2026.

“The meeting, held on November 6, 2026, took place on the date previously agreed by Management and the labour unions for the conclusion of the process.

“Following extensive deliberations, all parties reached a consensus, with the agreements formally signed for implementation from December 1, 2026,” the statement read partly.

In October 2026, The news report that the Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of electricity workers, the protection of consumers’ interests, and the development of a stable, efficient, and sustainable electricity market across the state.

The state Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, said the state government was aware of the industrial dispute involving NUEE members and the management of BEDC, which culminated in a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The meeting addressed critical issues affecting electricity workers, including consequential adjustments, personal protective equipment, staff promotions, staff welfare, salary harmonisation, and overtime payments. The resolutions reached included the immediate restoration of overtime payments and a three-week timeline for BEDC management to address the remaining issues in consultation with the unions.

In his remarks, however, Lawani noted that the successful conclusion of the joint negotiation and review process, which began in March 2026, “demonstrates the shared commitment of Management and the unions to staff welfare and the overall performance of BEDC.”

“He, however, described the recent industrial action as avoidable, noting that it resulted in revenue losses, reputational damage and hardship for customers.

“He explained that the process finalised at the November 6 meeting had already been agreed upon during the previous meeting held on October 7, 2026. He, therefore, expressed regret that the industrial action occurred before the pre-agreed date for its conclusion,” the statement added.

It said that during the engagement, the BEDC acting director clarified the company’s operational expenditure framework, saying it had remained unchanged since 2013, “despite rising operational costs and prevailing economic realities.

He further explained that access to the company’s full approved OPEX allocation depends on meeting prescribed collection performance thresholds, with performance below these targets resulting in reduced allocations.

“These clarifications highlighted BEDC’s financial realities and the need for shared responsibility in balancing employee
welfare with business sustainability.”

The company’s management commended the labour unions for their cooperation and engagement, as it stressed its commitment to employee welfare, transparency, mutual respect, industrial harmony and continuous improvement in working conditions.

“The successful conclusion of the engagement marks another significant step towards strengthening trust, collaboration and shared responsibility between Management and organised labour,” it concluded.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has confiscated suspected counterfeit cosmetics and other regulated products during an enforcement operation at Igbudu Market in Warri, Delta State.

The agency said the operation was conducted following intelligence reports about the proliferation of counterfeit regulated products in the market.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday, NAFDAC said its officers from the Asaba Zonal Office led the operation, which was supported by personnel of the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and the market union.

The team visited identified shops and locations, where suspected counterfeit products were discovered and evacuated.

The statement said, “NAFDAC conducted an enforcement operation at Igbudu Market, Warri, Delta State, after intelligence reports indicated a proliferation of counterfeit regulated products in the market.

“The operation, led by officers of NAFDAC’s Asaba Zonal Office, was supported by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the market union. The team visited identified shops and locations, where counterfeit products were discovered and evacuated.”

Among the seized items were cosmetics bearing the brand names of Listerine and Nivea.

Items confiscated included suspected counterfeit cosmetics, including products bearing the Listerine and Nivea brand names,” the agency said.

NAFDAC also warned members of the public against purchasing KY Jelly lubricant currently found in circulation, saying the product’s marketing authorisation holders had confirmed that the last authorised supply was made more than five years ago.

“NAFDAC also cautions the public against purchasing KY Jelly lubricant currently in circulation.

According to the product’s Marketing Authorisation Holders, the last authorised supply was over five years ago; therefore, any such product currently found in the market should be treated as suspect,” the agency said.

The agency also dismissed social media reports claiming that its officers were attacked or chased out of the market during the operation.

NAFDAC said the exercise was successfully completed, adding that its personnel accessed all identified locations and evacuated the offending products.

“The agency also refutes social media claims that its officers were attacked or chased out of the market. The operation was successfully completed, with officers accessing all identified locations and evacuating the offending products,” the agency added.

A boat carrying migrants sank off northwestern Senegal killing at least 21 people in the latest tragedy along the dangerous Atlantic Ocean route from Africa to Europe, authorities said.

The Senegalese interior ministry said in a statement that only one person had been rescued in addition to the 21 bodies recovered.

It said the death toll was “provisional” as of late Saturday and that the search was still going on and the families of victims were being helped.

Media reports said the boat capsized on Saturday off the Loumpoul dunes in Kebemer department, between Dakar and the northern city of Saint-Louis.

Le Soleil newspaper said that most of the victims were from the Leona and Thieppe districts in the same department.

Senegalese authorities said on Saturday that they had intercepted 142 migrants, including women and children, who were on a small boat aiming to reach Spain.

Thousands of people from west Africa have died in recent years trying to reach Europe on the perilous Atlantic route to Spain’s Canary islands.

Details later…

AFP

The Niger State Police Command has warned politicians and their supporters against attacking party members and destroying campaign posters, banners and billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The command said it had observed increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of political campaign materials and attacks on party members during campaigns across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the command condemned the incidents and warned those involved to desist.

“The police command condemns these acts of political intolerance and hereby warns members of the public, political supporters, miscreants and hoodlums engaging in these acts of criminality to immediately desist, as the Command will no longer tolerate such unlawful action,” the statement said.

noted that the destruction of campaign materials and disruption of political activities were offences under the law.

“It is important to note that destroying, defacing, damaging or unlawful removal of a candidate’s campaign poster and billboard constitutes an offence of mischief/malicious damage under the law,” it stated.

The command added that anyone who disrupted political gatherings or carried offensive weapons to rallies would also face prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was said to have directed area commanders, tactical commanders and divisional police officers to monitor political activities across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and DPOs to monitor and keenly observe political activities, parties’ billboards, posters and banners towards preventing such acts, and where it occurs, investigate and ensure that persons found culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement partly read.

It further warned political sponsors and individuals who encouraged the attacks that they would be held accountable.

“He further reiterates that any political sponsor or individual who recruits, encourages or facilitates these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement. He notes that all political parties and candidates are entitled to protection under the law,” the statement said.

The command urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others.

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has restrained three workers’ unions at Kaduna State University from embarking on a strike or taking any form of industrial action pending the determination of a suit filed by the institution.

The affected unions are the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and the National Association of Academic Technologists. Their officers and agents were also barred from declaring, commencing, directing, or participating in any strike.

Our correspondent gathered on Saturday that Justice E. D. Subilim of the Abuja Judicial Division of the court issued the restraining order on November 5, 2026.

In the order, the judge restrained the unions and persons acting on their behalf from “commencing, declaring, directing, instigating, encouraging, or participating in any strike or industrial action” pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice

The court also directed the unions to cease and desist from giving effect to any strike action while the case remained before it

The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/329/2026, was instituted by Kaduna State University, its Governing Council, and the Vice-Chancellor against the three unions and some of their officials.

The defendants listed in the suit include the NASU branch chairman, Nina Ochigbo; its secretary, Dahiru Musa; SSANU chairman, Sadiya Mustapha; and its secretary, Nicholas Allen.

The court directed the claimants to ensure that the originating summons, motion on notice, supporting affidavits, and a copy of the enrolled order were served on the defendants forthwith.

It adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to November 18, 2026.

The order, issued under the seal of the court in Abuja on November 6, 2026, was signed by Vallari Aaron Masomene, Senior Registrar II.

The daughter of Nigerian billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, Ogechukwu Elumelu, has graduated from the University of Oxford with a Master of Science degree and completed a law conversion course.

Her father announced the achievement in a post shared on his X account on Saturday, describing the two accomplishments as major milestones.

Oxford MSc Graduation and Law Conversion Completed! Two major milestones. One incredible TOEGirl! Congratulations, Oge. So proud of you!” he wrote.

Elumelu also shared a video showing him celebrating with his daughter.

Ogechukwu, also known as Tamara-Marie Oge Elumelu, is the eldest daughter of Tony Elumelu and his wife, Dr Awele Elumelu.

She previously graduated with honours from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she studied Politics and Philosophy.

She is also the host of the podcast Africa & Everywhere: Conversations with Oge, which features discussions with African entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers.

In 2026, she organised the Africa & Everywhere Festival in Lagos, a careers and internship fair aimed at connecting young Nigerians with employment and professional opportunities.

Three persons have been killed and seven others injured in two separate road crashes along the Sagamu-Ikorodu Expressway and the Ota–Idiroko Road in Ogun State.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the accidents occurred on Saturday at the Kam Steel axis of the Sagamu–Ikorodu Expressway and the Agarawu, Winners axis of the Ota–Idiroko Road.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incidents in a traffic update on Saturday.

Akinbiyi stated that the first accident occurred at the Kam Steel axis of the Sagamu–Ikorodu Highway, leaving a woman dead and two other women with injuries.

He noted that the crash, which occurred at about 4:10 p.m., reportedly happened when a patrol van emerged from the Kam Steel access road onto the highway and collided with a tricycle, causing it to somersault.

He stated, “The pick-up van came out of the Kam Steel Road into the highway and collided with the tricycle, which somersaulted as a result.

“Eight people were involved; one female adult died while two other female adults sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

He noted that the injured victims were rushed to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, while the body of the deceased was deposited at the same hospital morgue.

The TRACE spokesperson said two persons—a man and a woman—died while five others sustained injuries in another accident at the Agarawu, Winners axis of the Ota–Idiroko Road.

Akinbiyi stated that the accident, which occurred at about 3:25 p.m., involved a yellow Howo truck and a TVS tricycle.

He added that the crash was caused by brake failure, which reportedly made the truck driver lose control.

“According to the eyewitness account, the brake of the Howo truck failed, and the driver lost control and collided with the tricycle.

“Nine people were involved; two persons, including a male adult and a female adult, died while seven others were injured,” he stated.

Akinbiyi said the injured victims had been taken to the hospital before the arrival of rescue officials.

He added that one of the deceased was claimed by her relatives, while the other body was deposited at the General Hospital morgue, Ifo.

Akinbiyi said the intervention of TRACE operatives and other emergency responders helped to restore traffic flow at both accident scenes.

“While TRACE, FRSC, and the Police commiserate with families of the deceased, motorists are again admonished to make safety their watchword by servicing and adequately maintaining their vehicles as and when due in view of the attendant consequences of non-compliance,” he concluded.

The controversy surrounding the death of popular Nigerian comedian and broadcaster, Gbenga Adeboye, has resurfaced 23 years after his demise, following a recent interview granted by his widow, Omolara, on the Kasnaty Show, hosted by broadcaster and media personality, Kolawole Adejojo, on YouTube.

In the interview, Omolara spoke about her experiences following her husband’s death, alleging that members of his family abandoned her and that some of his relatives interfered with his property.

She also dismissed rumours that she had remarried after his death, insisting that she remained unmarried.

“When my husband died, I could not mourn him. I was depressed, I was sad,” the widow lamented.

Omolara alleged that her late husband’s brother, Femi Adeboye, took documents relating to a house Gbenga built.

She also claimed that Femi initially promised to return the documents but later told her he had handed them over to the head of the family.

Omolara said, “Femi used to visit us every morning when we were still at Olowura. After we relocated, they said they wanted to pack his belongings. That was when he took the documents. When I asked him about them, he kept saying he would bring them, but it later resulted in a big fight. He eventually told me he had given them to the head of their family.”

The widow also recounted being told that Femi travelled to Ibadan to consult a herbalist and obtain charms against her.

“The charm was in three parts. The first one was to conquer me; secondly, no man should look my way again; and lastly, nobody would look my way, ‘she revealed

Omolara, who said she had remained silent for years because she believed silence was golden, also presented several letters allegedly written by her late husband and his siblings during the interview.

However, her comments reignited longstanding disagreements between her and her late husband’s relatives.

Two of Adeboye’s sisters, Seun and Sayo, challenged her claims, insisting that some of the issues she raised did not reflect what happened.

They presented their accounts of the disputes before and after their brother’s death.

Speaking on Baba Olomi TV on YouTube, Seun described her brother as a caring person, recalling how he once looked after her when she was ill.

She said, “I remember when I was sick, I slept in his room. He was the one who used clothes to cover me.”

Seun also dismissed allegations that Gbenga was involved in fetish practices or belonged to the Ogboni fraternity, insisting that he was a prayerful man.

“Some people tried to influence him to join a confraternity group, but my brother rejected it,” she added.

Seun further alleged that some valuable belongings were removed from her brother’s house while family members were at the hospital, claiming that Omolara had a spare key to the property.

Her sister, Sayo, made further allegations, accusing Omolara of mistreating Gbenga during his final days.

She claimed that Omolara brought an Islamic cleric from Ibadan, who allegedly performed a ritual involving a hen, a heated knife and a black substance.

Sayo said, “I was at my brother’s house one day, an Alfa came, put a knife inside fire to kill a hen, collected the blood into a calabash, mixed it with a black substance, gave it to Omolara, and she drank it.”

She also questioned the authenticity of the letters Omolara presented during the interview, arguing that they looked unusually new despite supposedly being several years old.

“Look at the letters. They still look neat after so many years, and the ink has not faded. How is that possible,” Sayo added.

She further accused Omolara of disregarding medical advice while Gbenga was hospitalised. According to her, family members had been cautioned against eating in front of him because of a surgery he had undergone. However, she alleged that Omolara once offered him tea.

“There was a day she gave him tea. I was not there, but the nurse told me. When I confronted her, she said he was hungry and had requested tea,” Sayo added.

One of the most contentious allegations raised by Sayo concerned the paternity of Omolara’s three children. She claimed that Gbenga told their elder brother, Femi, while on his sickbed, that Igwe was his only biological son.

“Brother Gbenga told Bro Femi that Igwe was his only son, but my brother did not come out openly to say it,” she said.

Sayo said the family was demanding DNA tests to establish the paternity of the children, challenging Omolara to submit to the tests.

She also disputed Omolara’s account of the handling of Gbenga’s estate, insisting that Femi did not have any of their late brother’s properties in his custody.

The sisters said they had not planned to discuss the family disagreements publicly but decided to respond to what they described as false claims about their brother and the family.

“Lara, go and repent. Jesus is coming soon. We need DNA tests; we need to know the real biological child,” Sayo said.

Responding to the allegations that she neglected her husband during his illness, Omolara said she was not informed when he was transferred from one hospital to another.

“I was the one who called Festus because my husband refused to go to the hospital. That day, I was taking my children to school, and I was unable to wait for him.

“That day, Festus came to take him to the hospital. I went to check on him; I even bathed him. On getting there the following day, I was told he had already been transferred to another hospital without my consent.”

Omolara’s son, Igwe Adeboye, who also featured in the interview, spoke about the emotional toll of his father’s death on the family, particularly his mother.

He recalled that her grief sometimes overwhelmed her to the extent that she forgot to arrange for him and his siblings to be picked up from school.

Igwe also dismissed rumours that his mother remarried and relocated to the United States, saying she had been in Nigeria mourning her husband.

He said, “My mum was depressed after our dad’s death. She sometimes forgot our closing time and to send a driver to pick us up from school. My mum did not relocate; she was here mourning my dad.”

Gbenga Adeboye, popularly known as Funwontan, was a comedian, broadcaster, musician, songwriter and master of ceremonies whose distinctive Yoruba humour and storytelling made him a household name.

Born on September 30, 1959, in Ode-Omu, Osun State, he gained prominence through his programmes on Radio Lagos and the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation.

His distinctive style earned him several nicknames, including Alhaji Pastor Oluwo and Abefe.

He died on April 30, 2003, aged 43, after an illness reportedly linked to kidney disease.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the state of adequate protection.

He said his administration would continue to work with security agencies to guarantee their safety and welfare.

Mutfwang gave the assurance during the formal opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, WAYE Foundation, Doi-Du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Chairman of the NYSC Plateau State Governing Board, Miaphen, the governor said the protection of corps members remained a priority of his administration.

He said, “The protection of corps members remains a priority of my administration.”

He added that the state government was working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen security across Plateau State.

Mutfwang urged the corps members to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to security guidelines throughout their service year.

He charged them to contribute meaningfully to national development through impactful community service in their respective host communities.

The governor further urged the corps members to promote national unity by respecting Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, while appreciating the customs and traditions of their host communities.

In further demonstration of his administration’s support for the NYSC scheme, Mutfwang donated N5m to welcome the corps members to Plateau State and support the orientation exercise.

Separately, Miaphen donated an additional N1m on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in appreciation of the NYSC Plateau State Dance Troupe for its impressive performance during the ceremony.

Earlier, the Plateau State Coordinator of NYSC, Jonathan Yavala, charged the corps members to uphold the dignity of the NYSC uniform.

He urged them to demonstrate discipline, tolerance, humility, respect and patriotism throughout their service year.

Yavala further urged the corps members to participate actively in the orientation course, build meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries and deploy their knowledge, skills and experiences towards addressing developmental challenges in their host communities.

The Sokoto State Government has deployed emergency medical personnel, drugs and other supplies to Bodinga Local Government Area following reports of deaths and illnesses linked to a suspected fever outbreak in the area.

The intervention followed reports of several affected residents, particularly in Sifawa town, prompting the state government to activate emergency response measures.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, disclosed this in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Saturday, saying additional medical personnel and essential supplies had been sent to the affected communities to provide treatment and prevent further deaths.

Wurno acknowledged reports of fatalities but said many of the affected persons had received treatment within their communities before seeking medical attention at formal health facilities.

He urged residents to take anyone experiencing symptoms of the suspected fever to the nearest health facility without delay.

We are appealing to residents to take anyone exhibiting symptoms to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention. They should avoid self-medication and ensure that suspected cases are reported promptly,” he said.

The commissioner added that the government had intensified public awareness campaigns to encourage early treatment and reporting of suspected cases.

The Chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area, Shehu Dingyadi, told PUNCH online on Saturday that the council was working with the state Ministry of Health and relevant federal and state agencies to contain the situation.

He expressed optimism that the response was making progress, adding that the council was providing support to complement the state government’s intervention.

Meanwhile, a community advocate, Comrade Nasir Sifawa, appealed to government authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide urgent assistance to affected residents.

He described the situation as a serious humanitarian concern and called for increased medical support to protect vulnerable people in the communities.

The cause of the suspected outbreak, the number of people affected and the number of deaths had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerian Law School has commenced online screening and clearance for candidates who passed the May 2026 Bar Final Resit Examination ahead of their Call to Bar ceremony scheduled for November 26, 2026.

PUNCH Online retrieved this on the official social handles of Council of Legal Education on Saturday, in a public notice dated November 5.

There, it directed all successful candidates to complete the online screening and clearance process on or before November 20.

The ceremony will hold at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.

Here is a step-by-step guide to completing the screening, making the required payments and submitting the necessary forms.

1. Check your eligibility

Candidates are required to visit the screening portal at https://nigerianlawschoolclearance.com/ and click on the “Get Started” option.

They should enter their Law School Application Number and Examination Number to confirm their eligibility.

2. Generate transaction details and pay the clearance fee

After their records have been successfully retrieved, candidates are expected to copy or save their Transaction Numbers and click on “Proceed to Payment”.

They must then pay the clearance fee, including the applicable transaction charge, using the provided bank details.

The Council advised candidates to ensure that their Transaction Numbers are correctly entered as the transfer narration.

3. Submit proof of payment

After making payment, candidates are required to email a clear copy of their payment receipts to payment@nigerianlawschoolclearance.com.

The email must contain their full names, Law School Application Numbers, Transaction Numbers and dates of payment.

4. Obtain login credentials

Following confirmation of payment, candidates will receive their login credentials, comprising their Application Numbers and passwords, through their registered email addresses within 24 hours.

5. Log in and complete the required forms

Candidates are to visit the student login portal at https://nigerianlawschoolclearance.com/student-login.php and log in with their Application Numbers and passwords.

They must first complete and submit the Alumni Form before proceeding to fill and submit the Clearance Form.

6. Pay the prescribed fees

The Council listed the following payments for successful candidates:

Alumni fee: N25,000, payable through the Council’s designated Remita account.

Body of Benchers Call to Bar fee: N40,000, payable into the designated Zenith Bank account.

The Body of Benchers account details are:

Account name: Body of Benchers Call to The Bar Fee

Account number: 1015715697

Bank: Zenith Bank

Candidates are also required to pay the separate clearance fee through the screening portal.

7. Observe the deadline and prepare for the ceremony

All successful candidates are expected to complete their online screening and clearance on or before November 20, 2026.

The Call to Bar ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, at the Body of Benchers Complex, Abuja.

Candidates experiencing difficulties with the screening and clearance process can contact the support team through support@nigerianlawschoolclearance.com.

The Ogun State Government has said its ambulance and Federal Road Safety Corps personnel arrived at the scene of the recent accident at Saapade, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 10 minutes after it was reported, disputing Nollywood actor Kunle Afod’s claim that there was no emergency response for about 20mins

According to the government, a passerby reported the accident at the FRSC point in Ogere, where a state ambulance was stationed, at 12:18pm, “while the ambulance and FRSC personnel arrived at the scene at 12:28pm.”

The government explained that the emergency responders had to navigate the road and turn to the opposite carriageway to reach the accident scene at Saapade.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, the government said that “the Ogun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OGSAES) responded promptly and helped save lives”.

The government disclosed that “six ambulance points are located between OPIC and Ogunmakin along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the emergency call centre did not receive any distress call from the axis concerning the incident”.

The government further stated that the Nigeria Police and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) also joined the emergency response operation.

It explained that “the victims were taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, a nearby private medical facility, while those who sustained more serious injuries were conveyed by the state ambulance to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu”.

The government commiserated with the families of those affected by the accident, expressing sympathy over the incident and wishing the injured victims a speedy recovery.

It, however, accused Afod of politicising the incident and attempting to portray the Abiodun administration negatively through his video of the accident scene.

The government alleged that Afod was a known supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, citing videos of the actor campaigning for the opposition politician.

It said that while Afod was entitled to support any political candidate of his choice, he should not allow partisan considerations to influence his comments on an incident involving injured victims and their families.

The statement noted that Afod had produced a campaign video for Adebutu only days before the accident, adding that his latest video was an attempt to generate negative publicity for the Abiodun administration.

“It is unfortunate that a partisan Nollywood actor chose to peddle falsehood out of spite, making a mockery of the respected industry he represents.

“Contrary to the wild, patently false claims by Mr Kunle Afod intended to incite violence against the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OGSAES) responded swiftly to the accident in question,” the statement said.

Akinmade maintained that playing politics with victims of road accidents was condemnable, adding that the Abiodun administration would not be distracted by what he described as politically motivated attempts to discredit its emergency response system.

The government also urged motorists to exercise caution and strictly observe traffic rules and road safety regulations while using the highways.

It specifically advised drivers to avoid excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, reckless driving and other practices that endanger the lives of road users. Motorists were also urged to ensure that their vehicles were roadworthy and comply with relevant guidelines issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The government maintained that road safety was a shared responsibility and called on all road users to prioritise the protection of human lives.

Akinmade reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives on the state’s highways and urged residents to report emergencies through the dedicated state emergency line, 08112000033.

The statement also clarified that the state was not currently operating the national emergency number 112, as the Nigerian Communications Commission had yet to make the service functional in the state despite efforts to activate it.

Tinubu said Fubara would not regret his decision to embrace peace, acknowledging his maturity and respect for the wisdom of elders during the political crisis that rocked Rivers State.

The President spoke on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Addressing the governor, Tinubu said, “Siminalayi Fubara, Your Excellency, the host governor of today, I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders.

When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed Democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive.”

He also described Wike as a development partner of his administration, praising the minister for his commitment and contributions to infrastructure development across the country.

Particularly, Nyesom Wike. Nyesom Wike is already a development partner of the Bola Tinubu administration. He’s doing a wonderful job

Committed, very, very hard-working, a man with a vision who combined that with a mission. I help you thank him for me, for his contribution to the infrastructural development of our country,” the President said.

Tinubu also thanked the governor for maintaining peace and stability during the crisis, which he described as a misunderstanding within the political family.

“I want to thank you also again for maintaining peace and stability during the seeming crisis created by misunderstanding in the family. To me, I intervened on your behalf,” he added.

The political crisis between Fubara and Wike erupted in October 2023, months after the governor succeeded the minister as Rivers State governor.

The disagreement, which centred on control of the state’s political structure and influence over the Rivers State House of Assembly, led to an attempt to impeach Fubara, a division among lawmakers and several legal battles.

Tinubu intervened in the dispute at different times, but the crisis persisted until March 18, 2025, when the President declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly.

The emergency rule was lifted in September 2025, allowing the governor and lawmakers to return to office.

In 2026, both camps moved towards reconciliation, with Fubara publicly declaring his return to his political family and recognising Wike as the leader of the Rainbow Coalition.

At the unveiling of the coalition’s candidates in Port Harcourt on October 27, Fubara urged his supporters to recognise Wike’s leadership, declaring that they were now in the same political camp.

The Rainbow Coalition, led by Wike, comprises politicians from different political parties working together to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

At Saturday’s rally, Fubara also pledged that Rivers State would deliver no fewer than three million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election under Wike’s leadership.

The governor said the commitment was part of the state’s support for the President and the coalition’s political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.

Michael Sanft, the lawyer who represented Duane Keith “Keffe D” Davis in the murder trial of American rapper Tupac Shakur, has died at the age of 55.

Sanft was found dead in Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, according to USA Today, which quoted a spokesperson for the Clark County Office of the Coroner as confirming his death.

The cause of death had not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

Sanft was a prominent Nevada attorney who recently represented Davis, who was convicted in August of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon over his role in the fatal shooting of Shakur in 1996.

Davis, 63, was sentenced in October to 40 years to life in prison, becoming the first person convicted in connection with the rapper’s killing.

Following the verdict, Sanft expressed disappointment with the jury’s decision but said he intended to challenge the conviction.

Court records obtained by USA Today showed that he filed a notice of appeal on October 30.

Speaking to local broadcaster FOX5 after the sentencing, Sanft said his legal team had done its best throughout the trial.

We had the best team possible in this case, from the motion practice work on this appeal to our investigator to our firm here at SOS Injury. We all did our part. I don’t see what I could’ve done differently,” he said.

He also recalled discussing the next steps with Davis, who encouraged him to view the verdict as the first stage of a longer legal battle.

“He had reminded me this is phase one. Because I was upset with the verdict, I was very disappointed in the jury. Mr Davis was the one who said, ‘Don’t worry about it, man, this is the first phase,’ and I said, ‘I understand, I hate to lose,’” Sanft told FOX5.

According to his biography on the website of his law firm, SOS Injury Lawyers, Sanft grew up on the island of Tonga before moving with his family to San Diego, California, at the age of 12.

He later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended BYU-Hawaii, where he performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

His biography said he subsequently pursued a career in law, describing it as “the next logical step in his journey”, given his work ethic, ability to connect with people and desire to help vulnerable individuals

The firm described him as an experienced trial attorney who had handled more than 150 cases.

At the time of his death, Sanft was the lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday conveyed Nigeria’s condolences to Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, following the death of his father, Tiani Hassane. The elder Tiani died on Thursday at the age of 110.

In a condolence message signed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the loss of a father as “a profound and deeply personal grief.”

He urged Tiani to draw comfort from his father’s remarkable longevity and the impact he made on those around him.

“In this moment of mourning, I pray that you will find solace in the enduring legacy of faith, honour, and integrity that your father leaves behind, and in the knowledge that his long and fulfilled life was a blessing to all who knew him,” the President wrote.

He added, “Nigeria stands in solidarity with Your Excellency and the Government and people of the Republic of Niger during this period of grief.”

Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, would grant the deceased Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort all those he left behind.

The condolence message comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic following the military coup of July 2023, in which Tiani led the overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Nigeria, under Tinubu, then chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, spearheaded regional pressure, including the threat of military intervention, to restore civilian rule.

The move exacerbated the already strained ties between the two countries, even as Niger joined Burkina Faso and Mali in withdrawing from ECOWAS and forming the Alliance of Sahel States.

UMUAHIA—The Abia State Police Command has arrested suspects linked to the October 17 attack on Uratta Divisional Police Headquarters, rescued 10 stolen children and recovered 15 firearms and 30 stolen vehicles in a major security crackdown across the state.

The Command also disclosed that it arrested 109 suspects, comprising 89 males and 20 females, in connection with 211 criminal cases recorded between September 11, 2026 and November 6, 2026.

Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, who disclosed this on Friday while presenting the Command’s operational scorecard, said the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies.

On the Uratta police station attack, Afolabi said investigations had led to the arrest of some of the suspected attackers, with one of them allegedly confessing to leading the gang that carried out the assault.

He said investigations were ongoing to track down other accomplices and establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

In a related security operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit raided a location at Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, on October 25, arresting a suspect identified as Osita.

The police reportedly recovered two locally fabricated guns, 16 live cartridges and four expended cartridges from the suspect.

Another suspect, 30-year-old suspect, was subsequently arrested for allegedly supplying ammunition illegally. Both suspects have been charged to court, according to the CP.

On child trafficking, Afolabi said police operatives rescued 10 children during the period under review and reunited them with their families.

He specifically disclosed that two suspects, including a 38-year-old , were arrested on October 11 over the alleged stealing of two children, seven-year-old Chiamaka Chikeze and nine-month-old Goodluck Chikeze.

The children were reportedly recovered and handed back to their parents, while the suspects were charged to court.

The police boss also announced the arrest of a five-man vehicle theft syndicate, aged 43, and 40.

A Toyota Corolla with registration number ROU 9338J was recovered from the suspects, who have also been charged to court.

In another operation, two suspected cultists, aged 27, and  25, were arrested on October 31 for allegedly dispossessing students of Abia State University, Uturu, of their mobile phones and other valuables at gunpoint.

A locally fabricated firearm was recovered from them.

The CP said one of the suspects had confessed to belonging to the Black Axe Confraternity, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Two police officers have been detained at the Zone 11 Police Headquarters over alleged brutality and the invasion of students’ hostels at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, on Wednesday.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, Tunji Ojedele, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Thursday, stating that the two officers identified by the victims had been detained for further investigation.

“The officers involved have been detained for further investigation. Two of them were identified by the suspects,” Ojedele said.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the development followed a complaint by the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West, which accused officers attached to the Cybercrime Unit of the Zone 11 Police Headquarters of brutalising students during a hostel raid.

No fewer than 16 students were arrested during the operation.

The NANS South-West Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, in a statement on Wednesday, described the conduct of the officers as disturbing and inconsistent with the principles of professional policing.

Following the complaint, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, Bassey Ewah, ordered the release of the arrested students and an investigation into the matter.

The remains of a missing landlady have been found in a 30-foot soakaway pit in her neighbour’s compound in Umueleghele, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the discovery followed a search by residents after the woman had been missing for several days, with community sources alleging that she had been involved in a land dispute with somebody.

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, confirmed the discovery on Friday while briefing journalists on the activities of the command since September 11.

Afolabi, who described the incident as a matter under investigation, said the police were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

Tinubu argued that the currency would have lost virtually all its value without his government’s foreign exchange reforms.

The president made the remarks on Friday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Akwa Ibom State.

He dismissed criticism over the naira’s depreciation against the US dollar.

He described the naira, currently trading at about N1,300 to a dollar, as still valuable, arguing that the situation could have been worse without the decision to unify the country’s multiple exchange rates.

If we didn’t take a decision on the day I took over, we would be using wheelbarrow to move our naira because it would have been valueless.

“You’re talking of N1,300 to a dollar. Huh, huh, it still has pocketable value. If we had left it, it would have been a wheelbarrow when you go to the tomato market,” the President said

Tinubu announced the unification of Nigeria’s multiple foreign exchange rates in June 2023, shortly after assuming office.

The policy was part of his administration’s efforts to reform the foreign exchange market and narrow the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

The naira subsequently depreciated sharply, moving from about N750 to the dollar to around N1,900 before recovering to approximately N1,300, according to Tinubu.

Tinubu announced the unification of Nigeria’s multiple foreign exchange rates in June 2023, shortly after assuming office.

The policy was part of his administration’s efforts to reform the foreign exchange market and narrow the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

The naira subsequently depreciated sharply, moving from about N750 to the dollar to around N1,900 before recovering to approximately N1,300, according to Tinubu.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has described himself as the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, citing the historical significance of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.

The monarch, however, said he was not interested in competing with other traditional rulers for supremacy.

Owoade stated this during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo on State Affairs, in a video shared on YouTube on Thursday.

Speaking on the historical position of the Alaafin’s stool, he maintained that the institution occupied a prominent position in the political structure of the old Oyo Empire.

Asked if Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land, he said, “Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one.”

Asked if he is contesting for traditional dominance with the Ooni of Ife, Owoade said, “I don’t fight for supremacy or whatever with anybody. But all I know is that historically, if you want to go by history and then the contribution of Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that Alaafin is number one.”

The monarch’s comments come amid previous disagreements between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over traditional authority and the conferment of chieftaincy titles covering Yorubaland.

In August 2025, the Alaafin faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

Through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to revoke the title, arguing that no traditional ruler other than him had the authority to confer a title covering the entire Yorubaland.

The Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, subsequently said the monarch had directed him to ignore the Alaafin’s outburst and leave the matter to public opinion.

However, speaking in the interview, Owoade traced the Alaafin’s authority to the origins of the Oyo Empire, saying its influence remained significant despite the changes that had occurred over the centuries.

Asked about the fall of the Oyo Empire, the monarch disagreed with the description, arguing that its power had declined rather than disappeared.

“I wouldn’t say the Oyo Empire fell. The Oyo Empire started in the 14th century, dated back to 1340-something, and it reigned until around the 18th century.

“I wouldn’t say it fell, but in a way, the power had dwindled. It declined. So, that is exactly what happened,” he said.

He added that the spirit of the empire remained alive, noting that several communities and towns across Yorubaland had historical connections to the old Oyo Empire.

The Alaafin said this informed his decision to introduce Oyo Empire Day, an initiative aimed at bringing together communities that originated from the empire to celebrate their shared heritage.

“That’s exactly what we are trying to do, because definitely, there are a number of towns or cities that emanated from the Oyo Empire. So, we’re trying to come together to celebrate our legacy, to preserve the Oyo and Yoruba identity, and to preserve our culture,” he said.

He explained that the celebration would also provide an opportunity for descendants of the empire, including those living in the diaspora, to reconnect with their roots.

Owoade declined to comment on Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointment of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman of the reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The appointment followed an amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, which removed the Alaafin’s stool as the council’s permanent chairman.

The development marked a departure from the previous arrangement under which the Alaafin occupied the permanent chairmanship of the council.

At the inauguration of Ladoja as chairman, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, the Alaafin was conspicuously absent.

Asked whether he was unhappy with Ladoja’s appointment, Owoade declined to respond.

“Well, that’s a question I would, I’m sorry, I wouldn’t want to answer anyway,” he said.

The Benue State Police Command has arrested three suspected herbal mixture hawkers following the deaths of three people who reportedly consumed their preparations in Igede community, Oju Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were said to have bought and consumed the herbal mixtures sold by the hawkers during Ihiejwo market day in the community last weekend.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident, saying the suspects had been taken to the command headquarters in Makurdi for further investigation.

He said the police had commenced an investigation into the incident but gave the death toll as two, with four other people hospitalised.

Yes, I can confirm the incident, and some suspects were arrested and brought to the state command headquarters for investigation, and I can tell you that investigation has commenced.

“Two people died and four people were hospitalised,” Aondongu said.

However, an eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Ogbu, said three people had died after consuming the herbal preparations, while 14 others were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju.

He alleged that the hawkers, identified as Alhaji Sule Magani, Bello Mohamed and Musa Kala, sold herbal mixtures suspected to contain poisonous substances to residents during the market day.

Ogbu said panic broke out in the community on Monday after several residents who had bought and consumed the preparations began developing similar symptoms.

He said the first victim died on Tuesday morning, the second in the early hours of Wednesday, while the third died on Thursday.

The eyewitness added that four of the 14 people receiving treatment were in critical condition.

When contacted on Friday, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident and said the suspected hawkers had been arrested and taken to the police headquarters in Makurdi.

He said, “Yes, but up till now, I have not gotten the exact number of the dead ones yet, but the number of people so far is three as at yesterday (Thursday).

“Several others are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Oju and the persons selling the herbs have been arrested and sent to Makurdi.”

Ominyi said the council was doing everything possible to take care of the victims receiving treatment at the hospital.

While the NMA warned that criminal sanctions could expose medical practitioners to unfair prosecution for circumstances beyond their control, NARD threatened nationwide industrial action if the National Assembly proceeded with the proposed punitive provisions.

The associations argued that punishing healthcare workers without addressing inadequate funding, poor hospital infrastructure, staff shortages and shortages of essential medical supplies would worsen the country’s healthcare crisis and potentially accelerate the migration of medical professionals.

Their positions followed the passage for second reading of the National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central.

The bill seeks to establish mandatory standards for emergency medical treatment and referral procedures in public and private healthcare facilities.

It proposes that hospitals commence emergency assessment within 15 minutes of a patient’s arrival and provide basic stabilisation measures, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and pain relief, within 30 minutes.

It also mandates immediate life-saving interventions in life-threatening situations and stipulates timelines for transferring patients requiring specialised medical attention.

However, healthcare professionals and facilities found to have violated the proposed provisions could face a fine of up to N300,000, imprisonment for six months or both.

The bill, which secured the support of a majority of senators through a voice vote on Wednesday, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary and Primary Health for further legislative scrutiny and a public hearing.

Commenting on the development in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof Olayinka Atilola, on Friday, the NMA commended the intention of the bill but urged lawmakers to consider the realities of healthcare delivery before introducing criminal sanctions.

It identified inadequate infrastructure, insufficient staffing, shortages of essential medicines, dysfunctional equipment, unreliable electricity and oxygen supplies, poor ambulance coverage and weak referral networks as major obstacles to emergency medical services.

The association questioned how hospitals with only one doctor attending to several critically ill patients, inadequate nursing personnel and no functional oxygen supply could meet the proposed 15-minute assessment and 30-minute stabilisation requirements.

It also cited situations where patients requiring emergency surgery might face delays because operating theatres were occupied, compatible blood was unavailable or specialists were absent.

Patients referred to tertiary hospitals could equally be stranded due to unavailable ambulances, a lack of beds at receiving facilities, insecurity and poor road infrastructure, the NMA added.

The association said these challenges reflected the everyday realities confronting healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“The NMA is particularly concerned about the possibility of imposing criminal liability without sufficiently distinguishing between wilful professional misconduct and failures arising from institutional or systemic limitations,” the statement read.

“There is an important difference between a healthcare worker who deliberately abandons a patient despite having the capacity and resources to provide emergency care, and one who is unable to provide a particular intervention because the necessary equipment, personnel, medicines or infrastructure are unavailable.”

The NMA argued that the inability to provide a specific intervention should not automatically amount to professional negligence, adding that criminal law should target culpable conduct rather than undesirable clinical outcomes.

It warned that rigid timelines, if implemented without consideration for clinical circumstances and available resources, could encourage defensive medical practice, inappropriate interventions and unnecessary referrals rather than improve patient outcomes.

Similarly, NARD described the proposed sanctions as unjust and punitive, arguing that doctors should not be held criminally responsible for failures caused by poor government funding, inadequate hospital facilities and staff shortages.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the association said it supported measures to ensure prompt emergency medical attention but would resist any legislation that held healthcare workers criminally responsible for systemic failures beyond their control.

“It is unacceptable to punish doctors for the consequences of a healthcare system that successive governments have failed to adequately fund, equip and staff,” the association said.

NARD noted that doctors were already battling difficult working conditions, including obsolete medical equipment, inadequate personnel, unreliable electricity, shortages of emergency supplies and deteriorating hospital infrastructure.

Questioning the urgency attached to the proposed penalties, the association challenged the National Assembly to demonstrate similar commitment to addressing the country’s persistent healthcare funding crisis.

It noted that Nigeria had continued to fall short of the 15 per cent health-sector budget allocation commitment under the Abuja Declaration.

The association urged lawmakers to prioritise adequate healthcare funding, functional emergency departments, modern diagnostic equipment, uninterrupted electricity, reliable ambulance services and sufficient medical personnel.

“You cannot legislate oxygen into an empty cylinder, electricity into a dark operating theatre, or life-saving equipment into an inadequately funded hospital,” it said.

NARD also challenged political officeholders to submit themselves to the same accountability standards they intended to impose on healthcare professionals.

It proposed that public officeholders should be required to seek medical treatment in Nigerian government hospitals, with appropriate sanctions for those who misuse public resources on avoidable overseas medical trips.

According to the association, the continued preference for foreign medical treatment by political leaders raised questions about their commitment to improving the country’s public healthcare system.

It further warned that imposing additional criminal sanctions on already overstretched medical personnel could accelerate the migration of skilled healthcare workers under the Japa syndrome.

NARD maintained that although the proposed amendment recognised resource limitations and circumstances beyond the control of healthcare practitioners, the safeguards were insufficient unless made explicit, comprehensive and enforceable.

It insisted that doctors should not face criminal prosecution for institutional failures, unavailable medical equipment, inadequate staffing or other circumstances beyond their reasonable control.

The association called on the National Assembly to withdraw and reconsider the punitive provisions, urging lawmakers to consult medical associations, hospital administrators, patient representatives and other relevant stakeholders before proceeding with the legislation.

It also called for legislation guaranteeing adequate healthcare funding, minimum emergency-care infrastructure standards, appropriate staffing levels, reliable electricity and functional referral systems.

NARD warned that it would convene its appropriate decision-making organs to consider all lawful options, including nationwide industrial action, if lawmakers proceeded with what it described as legislation that unjustly criminalised doctors for failures beyond their control.

It, however, assured that necessary arrangements would be made to protect emergency and critically ill patients in the event of any industrial action.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has squandered the goodwill he enjoyed, accusing him of making “lies and bogus statistics”.

Shettima made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, attended by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and other party leaders.

Speaking about Obi’s political activities and his return to Nigeria, the vice-president said the former Labour Party presidential candidate had lost the support and excitement he once enjoyed.

“Peter Obi has clearly messed up and squandered away his goodwill. He no longer excites. When he speaks these days, he only draws suspicions. Too bad for him,” Shettima said.

He also accused Obi of running himself out of the presidential race with what he described as lies and bogus statistics.

I hear my friend Peter Obi is back in the country after sneaking out to have a rest. He might have avoided Lagos and Abuja on arrival, but clearly this gentleman has run himself out of this race with his lies and bogus statistics,” he said.

Turning to Atiku, Shettima questioned the former vice-president’s claim that his years in public service made him the most experienced candidate to lead the country.

He said Nigerians should assess Atiku’s record based on his achievements and contributions rather than the number of years he spent holding public office.

“Whenever Vice President Atiku Abubakar speaks about his experience and record of public service, I wonder whether he believes Nigerians have lost their memories,” Shettima said.

He acknowledged Atiku’s career in the Nigeria Customs Service and his eight years as vice-president between 1999 and 2007, but argued that those positions alone did not establish his leadership record.

“Nobody disputes that Mr Atiku attended the School of Hygiene in Kano and subsequently joined the Nigeria Customs Service and became the Vice President of Nigeria for eight years, from 1999 to 2007. These are facts, but the experience cannot be established by counting the years spent in public service.

“The more important questions are what one accomplished, which institutions one strengthened, and which leaders one prepared to carry forward a common vision,” he said.

Shettima also contrasted Atiku’s record with Tinubu’s, listing the President’s education, professional career, political activities and time in public office as examples of different forms of experience.

He said Nigerians were entitled to examine the achievements and shortcomings of both political figures.

The vice-president further questioned Atiku’s administrative, business and political record, saying, “And now, how about we move beyond qualifications and put into context Atiku’s administrative, business and political sagacity, that is, if it has any. Charity, they say, begins at home.”

The remarks came amid political and legal challenges surrounding Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition and the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress.

The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has sealed more than 45 buildings in Eko and Ifako-Ijaiye districts for alleged violations of physical planning regulations.

The enforcement operations were conducted by the authority’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit on Wednesday in Ifako-Ijaiye and Thursday in Eko District.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Thursday, LASPPPA said 25 properties were sealed in Ifako-Ijaiye over offences including operating without valid planning permits, excessive building density, unauthorised remodelling, deviation from approved plans and construction without approval.

In a separate update on Friday, the agency announced that more than 20 buildings had also been sealed in Eko District for various planning infractions.

It disclosed that 10 properties were sealed for deviating from approved building plans, while five each were affected for excessive density and carrying out remodelling without the necessary permits.

Other properties were sealed for undertaking construction activities without obtaining planning approval.

The authority explained that the affected property owners and developers had previously received contravention notices from their respective district offices but failed to comply with the directives.

Contravention notices had been served by the district office previously, but compliance was not achieved,” the agency stated.

LASPPPA urged the affected owners and developers to visit their nearest district office or its headquarters at Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, to regularise their properties and obtain further guidance.

Meanwhile, a source within the agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said monitoring and enforcement of physical planning regulations remained continuous exercises.

Physical planning regulations in Lagos are designed to ensure that buildings and property developments comply with approved plans, land-use requirements, safety standards and other development guidelines.

LASPPPA is responsible for processing physical planning permits and monitoring compliance with approved development plans across the state.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to the state to resist unnecessary redeployment requests and contribute to its development.

Yahaya said the state needed the knowledge, skills and expertise of corps members to support growth in critical sectors, including education and healthcare.

He made the appeal on Friday through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Yusuf Abdullahi-Waziri, during the swearing-in of the 2026 Batch C, Stream II corps members at the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Amada, Gombe State.

The governor encouraged the corps members to see their deployment as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to their host communities rather than seek relocation without compelling reasons.

Gombe State needs your services, talent, knowledge, and expertise. Our state continues to pursue development across various sectors, and I believe your contribution can make a meaningful difference in our communities, schools, healthcare facilities and other establishments where you will be deployed,” he said.

Yahaya assured the corps members of their safety and welfare, saying the state government was working with security agencies and other stakeholders to provide a conducive environment during their orientation and service year.

He described the NYSC scheme as an important platform for promoting national unity, integration and reconciliation by bringing young Nigerians from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds together.

The governor also urged the corps members to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for constituted authority while taking part in the orientation activities.

He pledged that his administration would continue to work with the NYSC management to ensure that corps members’ welfare received adequate attention.

Earlier, the Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Regina Eke, said 1,201 corps members, comprising 686 males and 515 females, had registered for the orientation exercise, while registration was still ongoing.

Eke, who said she assumed office as the 19th NYSC coordinator in the state a week earlier, described Gombe as peaceful and hospitable.

She assured the corps members of a memorable service year, saying, “You will not need to go on relocation, except on health grounds, as you will have the best of your time here in Gombe State.”

The coordinator appealed to the state government to increase its financial support to the NYSC and improve feeding arrangements for corps members during the orientation exercise.

She also called for sustained government intervention to improve welfare at corps members’ primary places of assignment, particularly through the payment of monthly stipends.

Eke commended the Yahaya administration for constructing a permanent orientation camp, expressing hope that the ongoing exercise would be the last held at the temporary facility.

The corps members were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima Mohammed, who was represented by Justice Suleiman Abubakar.

Yahaya subsequently declared the 2026 Batch C, Stream II orientation course open.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has projected a turnout of at least 70,000 people at the presidential rally of President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State on Saturday.

Wike said the people of Rivers were enthusiastic about receiving the President, adding that preparations, including security and logistics, had been concluded to ensure a successful event.

The minister spoke on Friday during an inspection of facilities and preparations at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, venue of the rally, according to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

The statement said Wike described Tinubu’s visit as significant, noting that it would be his first visit to the state since assuming office as President in May 2023.

According to Wike, the President last visited Rivers when he was President-elect, and he was governor of the state.

Tinubu had visited to inaugurate projects executed by the then Rivers State Government.

Wike said, “We are highly elated to receive Mr President. Rivers people are very enthusiastic to receive him tomorrow. That is why we have come here to see how prepared we are.

The last time the President visited here was when I was in office as governor, when he was President-elect. He came and commissioned projects.

This appears to be the second coming and the first since he was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. So, we will say that we are very highly elated to receive him”.

The former Rivers State governor expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations at the stadium, particularly the decorations, organisation and security arrangements.

He challenged observers to assess the facilities, expressing confidence that the state would provide a befitting reception for the President.

“You can attest to the fact that, I don’t know how many states you have gone to, but in terms of organisation, decorations and all that, you will give us a pass mark. It is a lovely place, and we believe that the weather is the best to receive the President tomorrow,” he said.

On the expected crowd, Wike said the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium had a sitting capacity of 40,000, compared with the 16,000-capacity Yakubu Gowon Stadium, where candidates of the Rainbow Coalition were unveiled the previous week.

He nevertheless projected that at least 70,000 men and women would attend the rally to welcome Tinubu and listen to his campaign message.

Last week, precisely, when the Rainbow Coalition candidates were received by His Excellency, the governor of the state, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, the sitting capacity of that stadium is 16,000.

“But here, the sitting capacity is 40,000. What we are expecting, in fact, there are 70,000 Rivers men and women who will come to receive the President and hear him,” he said.

Wike said the rally would also provide an opportunity for political candidates to present their programmes to the electorate ahead of the 2027 general election.

He maintained that Rivers residents had already made up their minds to support Tinubu but acknowledged the importance of political campaigns in allowing candidates to engage voters.

“We have already made up our minds what to do. We are all for the President. But again, it is one of those rituals that every political season, candidates will come and sell themselves to the people,” he said.

The minister dismissed doubts about achieving the projected attendance, expressing confidence that the mobilisation efforts and preparations would deliver the expected turnout.

He added that security arrangements had been strengthened and all relevant stakeholders were working towards a successful event.

“It is not about how certain. I have told you that Rivers men and women are enthusiastic to receive this President. And I can tell you, I am very confident, very confident, believing by the grace of God, we will have clement weather.

“All hands have been on deck. Security is tight. Everything looks up and has been put together. We will get that number, if not more,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, more than 80 campaign buses designated for the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, alongside campaign coordinators, were driven through major streets in Port Harcourt before proceeding to the stadium.

The roadshow was organised to create awareness and mobilise support ahead of the President’s visit.

Wike urged residents and observers to attend the rally and witness the turnout.

“I hope you will be here to witness yourself the crowd that will be here to receive Mr President,” he added.

Tinubu’s visit forms part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election. Wike, although a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, has been a prominent figure in mobilisation efforts for President Tinubu’s re-election.

The victim, popularly known as Musa, was allegedly killed inside his residence before his body was dumped in the well.

The police disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Nasarawa Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, who stated that two suspects were arrested in connection with the murder, while a third suspect was still at large.

According to the statement, the case came to light on November 3, 2026, when a 46-year-old woman, Jennifer Alain, of Mpape, Abuja, reported the incident at the Aso Pada Police Division.

During interrogation, one of the suspects, Yusuf Musa, 23, allegedly confessed to his involvement in the killing and disclosed that the victim’s body had been dumped in a dry well within his residence.

“During interrogation, Yusuf Musa allegedly confessed to his involvement in the killing of Jude Thaddeus and disclosed that the victim’s body had been dumped in a dry well within his residence,” the statement said.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that the victim was killed inside his residence before his body was taken to the well and set ablaze.

Preliminary findings indicated that the victim was allegedly killed inside his residence, after which his body was dumped in the well and set ablaze,” the statement added.

The suspects allegedly attempted to conceal the crime by covering the well with blocks.

“The suspects reportedly used several blocks to seal and conceal the well in an apparent attempt to cover up the crime and evade detection,” the police said.

Acting on the information provided by the suspect, detectives, in collaboration with environmental services personnel, visited the scene and recovered the decomposed remains.

“Acting on the information provided, a team of detectives, in collaboration with environmental services personnel, visited the scene, where the decomposed remains of the victim were successfully exhumed from the dry well,” the statement said.

The remains were subsequently evacuated to the Medical Centre, Mararaba, where a medical doctor examined and certified the victim dead.

The police identified the arrested suspects as Yusuf Musa, 23, and Victor Zamani, 32.

The statement further disclosed that Yusuf Musa allegedly confessed to selling some of the deceased’s heavy metals and industrial engines for ₦3.4m.

It added that investigations had established the involvement of a third suspect, who was still at large.

“Efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all persons connected with the crime to justice,” the police said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

The command assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that everyone connected with the crime would be brought to justice.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Sokoto State University Branch, has accused the Vice-Chancellor, Professor M.B. Yerima, of misrepresenting facts surrounding its ongoing warning strike, insisting that the industrial action followed due process.

The union said it embarked on the five-day warning strike after exhausting several avenues of dialogue with the university management and the Sokoto State Government over its members’ unpaid entitlements.

The Branch Chairman, Isma’il Bala Muhammad, stated this in a press statement issued on Friday in Sokoto in reaction to allegations by the Vice-Chancellor that the union failed to follow established procedures before embarking on the strike.

Muhammad explained that the union had formally presented its demands to the university management, after which the Vice-Chancellor constituted a committee to examine and verify the issues raised.

He said the verified demands were subsequently forwarded to the Sokoto State Government through the Ministry for Higher Education, leading to several meetings between the union and the ministry.

According to him, SSANU also issued a 14-day ultimatum after the engagements failed to produce the desired resolution

The Vice-Chancellor was fully aware of all these engagements and the steps taken by the union to resolve the issues before we decided to embark on the warning strike,” he said.

He maintained that the industrial action was not an arbitrary decision by the union’s leadership, stressing that members unanimously approved it at a congress.

“The decision to embark on the strike was unanimously endorsed by members at Congress. We followed the necessary procedures and cannot accept any suggestion that we acted outside established channels,” Muhammad stated.

The chairman also rejected allegations that the strike was politically motivated or intended to sabotage the university’s administration, describing the claims as baseless and an attempt to distract attention from the welfare issues raised by the union.

He said SSANU had played a significant role in the establishment, growth and development of Sokoto State University, particularly during its formative years, when members contributed to attracting qualified professionals to strengthen the institution.

Muhammad further faulted attempts to undermine the intellectual and professional contributions of SSANU members, noting that the union comprised personnel with diverse academic qualifications, including PhDs, master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, Higher National Diplomas and National Diplomas.

He also rejected the description of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the mother union in the institution, insisting that both associations were sister unions with distinct responsibilities and interests.

“ASUU and SSANU are sister unions. No union should be portrayed as superior to another or used to diminish the contributions of other workers to the development of the university,” he added.

Despite the disagreement with the university management, the SSANU chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to industrial harmony and the overall development of the institution.

He, however, insisted that the university authorities and the state government must address members’ outstanding entitlements, saying workers’ welfare remained critical to the stability and effective administration of the institution.

SSANU members at Sokoto State University commenced a five-day warning strike on November 2, 2026, over unpaid entitlements and other outstanding welfare-related demands.

The industrial action followed engagements between the union, the university management and the Ministry for Higher Education, as well as the issuance of a 14-day ultimatum to the relevant authorities.

The strike has drawn renewed attention to the dispute over workers’ welfare at the state-owned institution, with the union insisting that its demands must be addressed to prevent further escalation.

The Nigerian Air Force has recovered a Cockpit Voice Recorder at the scene of the ATR-42 aircraft accident in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the CVR was confirmed intact by technical teams from NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

He said part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly referred to as black box, was also retrieved, while efforts to locate and recover its remaining portion continued.

He said additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains have also been recovered.

Operations are ongoing in challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate necessary technical examinations.

“Investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings,” he said.

Ejodame said the recovery process also involved careful attention to proper handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification undertaking necessary procedures for proper identification.

He added that NAF had sustained engagements with families of victims, recognising their need for information and support.

According to him, engagement with relevant authorities on environmental concerns raised by the host community also remains an important part of the broader response.

“While appreciating the public’s concern and interest, NAF appeals for continued patience and understanding as these critical processes require time, careful coordination and professional attention.

“Ultimate objective is not only to establish circumstances surrounding the crash, but also to draw necessary lessons to strengthen flight safety, enhance ongoing airpower operations and further safeguard the lives of personnel and citizens.”

Online reported on October 5, 2026, that a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.

All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.

Air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 am.

President Bola Tinubu subsequently declared three days of national mourning, while recovery operations continued in the difficult swamp terrain.

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Former President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has urged insurance companies in Nigeria to prioritise prompt claims settlement, transparency and accountability to rebuild public confidence in the industry.

Adesina said insurance firms must demonstrate their value by honouring valid claims rather than focusing mainly on collecting premiums.

According to a statement issued by his media office on Friday, Adesina made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the Nigeria Insurance Directors Conference organised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria in collaboration with the National Insurance Commission in Lagos.

The former AfDB president challenged insurance board chairpersons and directors to take greater responsibility for claims performance, customer complaints, corporate governance and management accountability

He said, “When a policyholder pays an insurance premium, that policyholder deserves a premium service in return.

“Insurance boards must take greater responsibility for claims settlement, customer complaints, corporate governance and management performance,” he said.

He also proposed that NAICOM introduce an annual public accountability and performance report detailing claims received and settled, outstanding claims, average settlement timelines, customer complaints, regulatory compliance and the financial soundness of insurance companies.

He said the industry could not demand public trust while resisting public scrutiny.

Adesina, who was named Global Ambassador for Insurance in Nigeria and Face of Insurance in the country at the conference, also called for stronger regulatory supervision and improved corporate governance in the sector.

He cautioned that the ongoing recapitalisation exercise under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025 would not automatically translate into institutional transformation.

“Recapitalisation is not the same as institutional transformation,” he stated.

He said increased capital must be supported by disciplined underwriting, adequate technical reserves, effective risk management and stronger reinsurance arrangements.

Adesina further urged insurance operators to expand coverage across agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, transportation, healthcare and housing to support Nigeria’s economic growth.

He expressed concern that insurance penetration in the country remained approximately 0.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, saying the industry had a significant role to play in protecting households, businesses and productive investments.

He said insurance must become a stronger pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s $1tn economy ambition by protecting productive assets, managing risks and mobilising long-term capital.

Adesina also challenged industry stakeholders to work towards NAICOM’s 2031 targets of increasing insurance penetration to 10 per cent of GDP, extending active insurance coverage to 25 million Nigerians and developing 6,000 certified insurance professionals.

He called for measurable performance targets, quarterly monitoring and independent assessments to ensure the industry delivered on its commitments.

“The measure of success must be outcomes, not announcements,” he said.

He urged insurance regulators, professional bodies and operators to work collectively towards building institutions worthy of public confidence.

Concluding his address, Adesina said, “Do not just build insurance companies. Insure the nation. Protect its wealth. Finance its growth.”

He added, “The future of Nigerian insurance is not something to wait for, but something we must deliberately build. And the time to begin is now.”

President Bola Tinubu on Friday arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for a working visit to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration and attend a political rally.

The President departed Abuja on Friday morning for a two-state visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers, his first major outing in the South-South since the All Progressives Congress commenced mobilisation for the 2027 general elections.

He was received at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, by Eno, top government officials, APC leaders and a large crowd of supporters who thronged the airport.

Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate several projects completed by the Eno administration, including the new international terminal building, the International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village, all located at the Victor Attah International Airport.

He is also expected to inaugurate the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, as well as Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.

Other projects listed for inauguration include the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.

After the inaugurations, the President is expected to proceed to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for a political rally organised by the APC.

Details later ….

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Lagos State says 116,745 Permanent Voter Cards of newly registered voters are yet to be collected.

The Administrative Secretary of INEC in Lagos, Mrs Adenike Tadese, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

Tadese said that the “commission had received 177,295 PVCs belonging to eligible residents registered during Phase One of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in 2025.”

She said the commission’s weekly update as at Monday showed that “60,550 PVCs had been collected by their owners, leaving 116,745 cards awaiting collection.”

According to her, the “uncollected cards represent a significant number of eligible voters who should collect their PVCs to exercise their franchise in the 2027 general elections.”

She said the cards were available for collection at the various local government offices of the commission across the state

“The cards are available for collection by their owners, not by proxy, at the various local government offices of the commission in Lagos,” she said.

Tadese urged stakeholders to mobilise both old registrants who have not collected their cards and those who participated in the 2025 CVR exercise to collect their PVCs.

She said the cards were still lying at INEC offices and appealed to their owners to collect them before the collection window closed ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The INEC official also disclosed that PVCs belonging to eligible residents who registered during the 2026 CVR exercise before its closure would soon be ready for collection.

Tadese, however, urged eligible registered voters to maintain orderliness during the collection of their PVCs.

She reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections that would be acceptable to all stakeholders in the state.

The administrative secretary also called for peaceful and orderly campaigns, urging all stakeholders to abide by the rules guiding the electoral process.

She appealed to political actors and other stakeholders to play by the rules to ensure a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The World Health Organisation has said Nigeria and eight other African countries recorded 67 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 18 deaths, between January 1 and October 12, 2026.

In its latest situation report on Friday, WHO identified the affected countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo.

According to WHO, recent outbreak activities have been concentrated in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia, including communities located close to international borders.

The organisation identified occupational and environmental exposures, particularly activities around forested areas, mining sites and other outdoor occupations, as significant risk factors for yellow fever infection.

It warned that frequent cross-border movements, the presence of competent mosquito vectors and uneven vaccination coverage could increase transmission and facilitate the spread of the disease.

WHO said affected countries, with support from the organisation and partners, were strengthening surveillance, investigating cases, conducting laboratory testing and intensifying active case detection.

“Other response measures include risk communication, community engagement and vaccination activities targeting affected communities and areas considered at increased risk of infection,” it said.

The health agency said it assessed the overall public health risk of the ongoing yellow fever situation as moderate at the regional level on Oct. 27, 2026.

It, however, maintained that the global public health risk associated with the current yellow fever situation remained low.

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The National Youth Service Corps has sworn in 2,205 corps members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II, deployed to Anambra State for their national service.

The corps members, comprising 961 males and 1,244 females, were sworn in during the swearing-in ceremony held on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area.

NYSC scheme was designed to promote national unity and integration while providing young graduates with the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country.

Speaking at the event, Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Ifeatu Emordi, declared the orientation course open and urged the corps members to feel at home and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Anambra State.

Soludo commended the corps members on the successful completion of their academic pursuits, adding that their decision to serve outside their immediate communities demonstrates their commitment to national unity, integration and nation-building.

He said, “You are arriving in Anambra at an exciting period in our state’s development. Our administration is committed to implementing the Anambra Vision 2070, which seeks to build a livable, prosperous and smart mega city.

“As you settle into your new environment, I encourage you to embrace the rich cultural heritage, enterprising spirit and hospitality of our people. Build meaningful relationships with your host communities, respect their traditions and contribute positively to the development of the state.

As young people, you represent an important part of our nation’s future. This is why our administration places significant emphasis on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills acquisition and job creation.

Through our flagship ‘1Youth2Skills Programme’, the Anambra State Government has empowered 13,300 young people across the first and second phases, with grants totalling ₦5.5 billion. The programme has equipped beneficiaries with practical skills and provided support to help them establish and grow their businesses.

“I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity, just as your predecessors have done, by identifying relevant skills, developing viable business ideas and positioning yourselves to benefit from the programme when it commences.”

According to the governor, the state’s commitment extends to the digital and innovation ecosystem through the Solution Innovation District and related initiatives such as Code Anambra and Digital Tribe.

He added that these initiatives were creating opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills, explore technology, develop innovative solutions and participate in the emerging digital economy.

Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Pauline Ojisua, congratulated the corps members on completing their higher education and qualifying for mobilisation.

Ojisua explained that the orientation course is the foundation of the service year and is designed to prepare the corps members for the demands and responsibilities of national service as well as expose them to programmes such as military drills, Man ‘O’ War activities, leadership training, language studies, entrepreneurship lectures, and sports.

She said, “Through paramilitary drills, lectures, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, sporting competitions, social and cultural activities, and community development sensitisation, we seek to instil discipline, patriotism, leadership, self-reliance and national integration.

“As at this morning, we have successfully registered 2,205 corps members, comprising 961 males and 1,244 females. They are settling in well and have demonstrated encouraging enthusiasm, cooperation and willingness to participate in the various camp activities.”

She urged the corps members to take every aspect of the programme seriously, by participating actively in every activity, respecting constituted authorities and embracing the spirit of teamwork with all discipline.

“Make good use of the SAED programme and acquire skills that will prepare you for life beyond the service year. Above all, remain security-conscious and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your families, institutions and states.

“Let me commend the Camp Director, camp officials, NYSC staff, security personnel and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes for their dedication and commitment to ensuring a successful orientation course.

“To our dear corps members, welcome to Anambra State. We are delighted to have you and wish you a safe, rewarding and memorable service year,” she added.

Speaking to journalists at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Dr Nwabufo Nwankwo, described the NYSC scheme as a vital instrument for national integration and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

Nwankwo said deployment of graduates to states outside their places of origin exposed them to different cultures, promotes mutual understanding and strengthens their sense of national identity.

He encouraged the corps members to explore the state and experience its hospitality, describing it as accommodating and secure, urging Nigerian youths to shun violence, avoid criminal activities and obey the law.

He stressed the need for them to demonstrate responsible conduct and contribute to national unity while commending the state governor for his developmental efforts in the state

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained how candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions can check the approved O’Level and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) subject requirements for their preferred courses.

The board advised candidates to verify their subject combinations before choosing a course or making changes to their programmes, warning that good UTME scores and O’Level results do not automatically guarantee admission eligibility.

In an advisory shared through its JAMB Explained platform on X on Friday, the board noted that every institution has specific subject requirements for different academic programmes.

“Do you know that your subject combination might be the reason you don’t get admitted? You can have good scores in the UTME and O-Level results and still not be eligible for admission,” JAMB stated.

To avoid such challenges, the Board urged candidates to visit its Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) portal at www.ibass.jamb.gov.ng to confirm the requirements for their preferred institutions and courses.

JAMB outlined the steps candidates should follow to access the information on the platform.

First, candidates are required to visit the IBASS website and click on the brochure section.

They should then select the option to view all institutions before using the institution filter to identify their preferred university, polytechnic or college of education.

The next step is to select the desired course and click on the “View Details” option to access the admission requirements.

According to the board, the details provided include the approved O’Level subject requirements and the UTME subject combination for the selected programme.

Candidates are advised to carefully examine the requirements, confirm that their O’Level subjects and grades meet the stipulated conditions and ensure that their UTME subject combination is correct.

The board stressed that checking these requirements before making admission choices would help candidates avoid mistakes that could affect their eligibility.

JAMB reiterated that candidates must meet the specific subject requirements of their chosen institutions and programmes, regardless of their performance in UTME and O’Level examinations.

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the release and evacuation of 98 out of 300 containers of power equipment that had been trapped at the ports for over 20 years.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced this in Apapa on Friday during the flag-off of the evacuation exercise.

Adeniyi said the consignments included high-capacity transformers, cables, switchgear and other transmission equipment imported through the Federal Ministry of Power and government agencies, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

He said equipment imported for critical power projects had remained uncleared at the ports for years, with some consignments stranded for between 14 and 20 years.

Adeniyi explained that following a presentation by the Minister of Power at the Federal Electricity Council, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate clearance of the equipment.

He added that the President also directed relevant agencies to resolve all outstanding charges and administrative bottlenecks without delay.

“In line with that presidential directive, this service has commenced the immediate clearance of more than 200 containers of power equipment. Today, I am here with the Honourable Minister of Power to flag off the release of the first 48 containers from ENL Terminal. Another 50 containers at other terminals in Tin Can and other ports will also be released,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs boss said the service was working closely with the Federal Ministry of Power, the TCN, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders to complete the exercise as soon as possible.

He said the service had deployed all facilitation measures within its mandate, including “priority processing of consignments, dedicated officers for joint examination, the application of approved waivers or charges that are approved during the period when the goods remain out there.”

Adeniyi said technical experts would inspect the equipment, adding that serviceable items would be deployed to ongoing and upcoming projects, including transmission corridors and substations across the country, while obsolete items would be disposed of in accordance with existing regulations.

He acknowledged the commitment of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, for approving waivers on the charges accrued on the consignments.

Adeniyi maintained that some contractors awarded government projects had imported equipment but abandoned them at the ports without executing the projects for which public funds had been committed.

He warned that such conduct denied Nigerians the electricity, jobs and services the projects were meant to deliver.

The Customs chief said contractors who accepted government projects, received payments and failed to deliver should be regarded as engaging in economic sabotage.

He added that the service would work with the supervisory ministry and relevant oversight agencies to identify government consignments that remained uncleared under similar circumstances.

“We are not talking about only power sector equipment. We are talking about so many other imports that are brought into our country. We hear of donations, we hear of items that are brought in by international organisations, by global agencies,” Adeniyi stated.

He said the service remained committed to the Federal Government’s efforts to revive the power sector and ensure the completion of the projects the equipment was meant to support.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed manufacturing facilities of defaulting food companies after laboratory tests revealed that 12 per cent of vegetable oil and two per cent of salt samples sold in Nigerian markets failed to meet mandatory micronutrient fortification standards.

Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, disclosed this yesterday while presenting findings from a two-month market survey conducted in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), which exposed gaps in compliance with Nigeria’s food fortification policy, raising concerns over consumers’ access to essential nutrients through everyday food products.

The survey examined 200 randomly selected samples, comprising 100 vegetable oil and 100 salt products collected from households and open markets across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

Laboratory analysis revealed that 12 per cent of vegetable oil samples and two per cent of salt samples were inadequately fortified with essential micronutrients at household level.

Of the 100 vegetable oil samples, 49 were unbranded, while 51 were branded products.

The investigation also uncovered poor adoption of digital traceability systems for monitoring fortified food products along the supply chain. Only six vegetable oil manufacturers had registered on GAIN’s Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus platform, while three companies uploaded a combined eight product test results.

Bello said large-scale food fortification was a mandatory public health policy aimed at tackling micronutrient deficiencies through the addition of essential nutrients, including vitamin A, iron, folic acid, zinc and iodine.

He stated: “Consumers must be able to trust the quality of the products they buy and the health benefits those products are advertised to provide.

“Consumer protection goes beyond resolving everyday complaints or halting deceptive business practices. It fundamentally comes down to ensuring that citizens are not denied the essential value, safety and nutritional benefits they pay for in the marketplace.”

He said compliance directives had been issued to defaulting manufacturers, stressing that every batch of food products must meet established quality and safety standards.

Bello added that the survey findings had been forwarded to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further regulatory action under the existing memorandum of understanding between both agencies.

The agency said three South Africans had been arrested in recent operations, with large quantities of heroin, cocaine and synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Loud, recovered from them.

The Assistant Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Francis Okogun, disclosed this on Thursday during a joint security briefing in Abuja.

He said, “On the arrest of South African nationals in connection with drug trafficking, it is important to clarify that the issue has attracted attention because of the negative impression it could create about Nigeria internationally.

Our findings indicate that some foreign nationals are increasingly becoming involved in facilitating the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria to other parts of the world.

“Some are also involved in bringing such substances into the country. For the period under review, three individuals were arrested.

“What makes these arrests particularly significant is the large quantities of drugs recovered, including heroin, cocaine and synthetic cannabis popularly known as Loud. These individuals are suspected of working on behalf of international drug cartels.”

Okogun said the suspects were suspected of working for international drug cartels, adding that investigations were ongoing to establish the destinations of the drugs and identify those behind the shipments.

As you know, drug traffickers rarely volunteer information about their sponsors or the final destinations of their consignments.

“These individuals are suspected of working on behalf of international drug cartels.

“As you know, drug traffickers rarely volunteer information about their sponsors or the final destinations of their consignments.

“We are therefore conducting painstaking investigations to establish the actual destinations of the drugs and identify the cartels responsible for the shipments,” he said.

The agency’s disclosure comes amid the arrest of South African nationals in separate drug trafficking cases at Nigerian airports.

In October 2026, the NDLEA arrested a South African woman, Gebashe Sithandiwe Jessie, at the Port Harcourt International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 32.74 kilogrammes of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Thai Loud.

Earlier, on July 6, 2026, operatives of the agency arrested another South African, 38-year-old Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after allegedly discovering 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin concealed in 14 blocks inside her luggage.

The suspect was arrested during the inward clearance of passengers on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa, on Thursday declared war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.

Marwa spoke at an interactive stakeholder engagement in Benin, where he also urged religious bodies in the state to join in the fight.

At the event were representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Air Force, members of the National Youth Service Corps, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, community leaders, among others.

Speaking to the stakeholders at the event with the theme: ‘Addressing the Drug Problem in Edo State,’ the NDLEA boss said the fight against illicit drugs must involve the whole society, noting that all stakeholders “must join hands, flex muscles, work together, collaborate and defeat this criminality.”

Marwa, who urged parents and guardians to set good examples and monitor their children, said it was better to take an early approach to drug abuse, adding that every criminal act could be traced to the use of illicit drugs.

“I am here personally to declare war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State. Though the NDLEA is the lead agency in the country for the enforcement of drug laws, we cannot do it alone.

“We must, as parents, engage early and seek help for our children. There is no shame in it. This is very important for our children and for the future of our country.

“Each of us must play our part. When each contributes his part or her part, in the end, we know that this monster will be conquered.

“Of course, I will be meeting CAN executives and the Islamic council here in Benin. I am going to talk to them as an important segment in our society to use their platforms to preach against drug abuse and support communities,” he added.

The NDLEA boss urged schools in the country to establish drug-free and counselling clubs, as he encouraged students to report to their teachers and headmasters when they were offered drugs.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the state commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the fight against drug abuse and trafficking could not be won in isolation, urging synergy among sister security agencies.

Ofoyeju thanked security agencies and others, adding that the arrests and seizures made in the past years would not have been possible without their support from sister security agencies.

The Lagos State Government is bringing electricity regulators, distribution companies, resellers and suppliers together to confront persistent power supply challenges, as it seeks a pathway to round-the-clock electricity across the state.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the stakeholders would use the 2026 Lagos Energy Summit to examine structural problems in the electricity sector and develop practical solutions to improve supply.

He spoke on Thursday at a press briefing ahead of the three-day summit, scheduled for November 10 to 12, 2026.

The plan signals an attempt to address problems that cut across regulation, distribution, metering and the supply of alternative energy.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibilola Kasumu, said the summit would depart from the usual format of policy speeches and presentations by putting specific industry problems before experts for resolution.

This summit is going to be different from the last one. It is not just going to be a talk shop. We are going to bring real problems to the table and look for solutions from different experts in this sector,” she said

Kasumu said the objective was to establish pathways towards reliable, round-the-clock electricity supply in Lagos, with the possibility of providing a model that could be replicated across the country.

Ogunleye said discussions would also address electricity sector reforms, energy efficiency, renewable energy, metering solutions and the development of alternative energy sources.

He disclosed that the state and the Federal Government were holding discussions to clarify their respective regulatory responsibilities and strengthen Lagos’s control over its energy infrastructure.

The commissioner also identified compressed natural gas and electric vehicles as part of the state’s clean-energy and transportation agenda.

The summit, themed “Lagos Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future”, will also feature youth-led clean-energy innovations, including projects and prototypes developed by secondary school students.

The government said the event would also bring together public officials, private investors, energy experts, academics and innovators.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured the incoming Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, of the state government’s continued cooperation and support, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessor and strive for even greater accomplishments.

Otti also commended the outgoing commandant of the college, Commodore B.U. Quadri, for his professionalism, dedication and contributions to security and institutional development in the state during his 19-month tour of duty.

The governor gave the assurance while receiving the outgoing commandant and welcoming his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South, on Thursday.

Welcoming Onu, Otti said, “All we expect is that you will even do better, like he (outgoing Commandant) has played. As a great man, he wants you to surpass him. Small minds want their successors to do worse, but bright minds want their successors to do better”.

Otti assured Onu that he would enjoy the same level of support extended to his predecessor, stressing that the success of the Nigerian Navy in Abia State was also the success of the state and the country at large.

You can count on the same support we gave him. You can take it for granted that we will also give you so much support so that you can do well,” Otti said.

The governor encouraged the new commandant to maintain open communication with the state government, particularly on areas where its intervention would be required, emphasising that security should be approached as a collective responsibility involving all security agencies.

Otti described Quadri as a professional whose contributions to the state’s security architecture and relationship with the state government were commendable. He also acknowledged the outgoing commandant’s valuable contributions to the state’s monthly Security Council meetings.

Earlier, while introducing the new commandant, Quadri thanked Otti for the tremendous support and cooperation extended to the Nigerian Navy during his 19-month tour of duty in Abia State.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commander MacDonald Uba, noted that Quadri had spent 19 months in Abia in line with the Nigerian Navy’s posting tradition, which generally allows senior officers to serve between 18 and 24 months in a particular assignment.

In his vote of thanks, the incoming commandant, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, appreciated Otti for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to sustaining the achievements of his predecessor.

Musa spoke at the APC Abuja Roundtable in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the military’s growing role in police affairs reflected declining confidence in the police, adding that the constitution allows the military to step in when situations exceed the police’s capacity, but admitted the current level of involvement was excessive.

“If there are issues that are beyond the police, the military can come in. But the idea is, as you said, it is too much. We are too exposed,” he said.

He said the armed forces were supporting the police as they strengthened their capacity.

We’re assisting the police as they are building their capacity. Gradually, we too will start pulling out and going back to the barracks so that we can have time to rest,” he said.

Musa said he had just come from a meeting assessing security issues with the police, attended by the Inspector-General of Police.

We’re looking at how we can enhance the police, because my men are tired. I can tell you for free,” he said.

He said the police were carrying out additional recruitment. “We feel if they get these things right, there’s no need for the military,” he added.

Musa said troops were being stretched by repeated deployments.

“You will spend two years in one place, then you are moving to the northwest. Sometimes you don’t even see your family. It’s not like they’re enjoying it, but there’s a necessity that we have to be there,” he said.

On non-kinetic measures, the minister said Nigeria erred by scrapping tollgates.

“I think we made a mistake destroying our toll gates. Tollgates are security measures in place anywhere in the world,” he said.

He also called for better identity registration, saying, “It’s like operating a company, and you don’t know your workers. It doesn’t work that way.”

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria has unveiled plans to create 100 millionaire entrepreneurs through business training and financial grants, as it moves to address funding and capacity constraints facing small businesses in the country.

The initiative, which will feature at the GROW Nigerian Conference 2026 in Lagos, will combine practical business masterclasses with financial support and market access opportunities for selected entrepreneurs.

A statement issued by the agency on Thursday said a major attraction would be the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition, which has a N100m prize pool to support promising businesses.

The grants will be distributed at the conference and another event in northern Nigeria, with the final and prize presentations scheduled for November 10.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, as quoted in the statement, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial skills and the financial resources required to establish and expand viable businesses

He said many Nigerians possessed business ideas and practical skills but lacked the capital and management knowledge to turn them into sustainable enterprises.

“For someone who has learnt a skill but cannot afford the tools to begin, access to capital can change their prospects. For an existing business, knowing how to price properly, attract customers and manage money can determine whether that capital produces growth,” Odii said.

He added, “Our ambition to create 100 millionaires brings these needs together. We want entrepreneurs to leave the conference with useful skills, financial support and connections that help them build businesses capable of sustaining livelihoods and employing others. The pitch competition carries a ₦100 million prize pool, with disbursements to be made at the conference and another event in northern Nigeria.”

The agency is positioning the gathering as a platform for connecting small businesses with investors, financial institutions, regulators and potential customers.

The programme will feature the Nigeria First Fair, a marketplace where members of the public can buy products directly from Nigerian businesses, discover local brands and establish commercial relationships with entrepreneurs.

Odii urged Lagos residents to patronise participating businesses, particularly as preparations for the festive season gather momentum.

“We are inviting people to come and shop Nigerian. As you prepare for the festive season, there is an opportunity to discover something new, buy directly from local businesses and help an entrepreneur finish the year stronger,” he said.

Meanwhile, a dedicated NAFDAC summit on November 9 will bring regulators and business owners together to discuss registration bottlenecks and demonstrate the agency’s NAPAMS platform

The Ogun State Government has intensified collaboration with the Federal Government to investigate and address recurring methane emission incidents in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities, assuring residents that concrete measures are being taken to establish the source of the emissions and prevent future occurrences.

The intervention follows four reported incidents of gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and its environs, which have generated persistent unpleasant odour and raised concerns among residents about possible environmental and health implications.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government disclosed that a joint team of experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside development partners, had commenced investigations into the incidents.

The team, led by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Mr. Omonedo Prosper, is currently examining emission patterns and possible sources of the gas, following preliminary briefings by state government officials on interventions already undertaken.

According to the statement, the NUPRC delegation expressed its readiness to work with the Ogun State Government and other relevant agencies to establish the cause of the emissions and develop a sustainable solution.

Akinmade said the state government was committed to making the findings of the investigation available promptly, implementing appropriate preventive measures and providing necessary health support and monitoring for affected communities.

He identified Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu East and Odogbolu, as well as other communities across Ogun East, as areas requiring attention as investigations and monitoring continue.

“We believe that collaboration with the Federal Government and research institutions is crucial. The Ogun State Government is resolute in its decision to implement the recommendations of the investigating team once investigations are concluded and to take concrete steps to ensure that the emissions do not recur,” he said.

The government stressed that the welfare, safety and well-being of residents remained its paramount responsibility, assuring communities that it would sustain its engagement with relevant federal agencies and technical experts until the matter was comprehensively addressed.

It would be recalled that following the incidents, the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Ikhane Phillips, explained that geochemical analysis would help determine the composition and source of the gas, while geophysical investigations would establish its possible underground origin and movement.

He noted that findings from ongoing site inspections and laboratory tests would provide the scientific basis for determining the appropriate interventions.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, had disclosed that the state was working closely with the Federal Government to tackle the situation.

Oresanya also called for improved information sharing to address public concerns, while advising residents on precautionary measures during periods of unpleasant odour. He had also assured residents that the gas was not lethal.

Meanwhile, Ijebu Para’po Info Media has commended Governor Abiodun and the NUPRC for their intervention and efforts to find a lasting solution to the recurring emissions.

The group praised the state government for responding to the concerns of residents and maintaining engagement with relevant authorities, expressing optimism that the ongoing investigation would produce a permanent solution.

The lawsuit, instituted by aggrieved NDC members, Garba Umar Isa, Yau Nasiru, and Atiku Jamilu Abubakar, against INEC (1st Defendant) and the NDC (2nd Defendant), was brought before the court via a motion ex parte filed on October 17, 2026.

The aggrieved NDC members were not satisfied with how the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and vice-presidential candidate of the NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, unilaterally anointed the governorship candidate, Gwarzo and his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, as running mate.

The documents, Suit No: FHC/KN/CS/440/2026, at Federal High Court No.3, validated the electoral commission’s position that its handling of the candidate list was bound by judicial directives.

During the proceedings, counsel for the applicant, S.A. Abdullahi, moved the court to grant interim protective reliefs.

Delivering his ruling on October 27, 2026, Justice Amobeda ordered explicitly that 1st Defendant/Respondent, its agents, privies, assigns, officers or any person or group of persons deriving authority from it are restrained from publishing the name of any candidate in the governorship list of candidates as it relates to the 2nd Defendant/Respondent in the Kano governorship election for 2027, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

“That 1st Defendant/Respondent, their agents, privies, assigns, officers or any person or group of persons deriving authority from them are restrained in the interim from tampering, altering, adding to or subtracting from the final governorship list of the 1st Defendant/Respondent published on or about the 10th day of October 2026, pending the Hearing of the motion on notice.

That the Order and the Processes shall be served on the Defendants before the next Adjourned date.

That accelerated hearing is ordered and that this matter is adjourned to the 2nd day of November, 2026 for hearing,” the CTC read.

While earlier political debates and party criticisms raised questions regarding the timeline of candidate omissions, the verified court order provided tangible proof that INEC was legally constrained from publishing or altering the NDC’s governorship list pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

With the court mandating an accelerated hearing for November 2, 2026, all parties were expected to address the substantive legal issues before the bench.

However, the matter could not proceed in court on Monday, as counsel for Gwarzo approached the court with an application for joinder in the case.

The case was adjourned to Monday, November 16, 2026.

The Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM), a leading political support group in Ogun State, has congratulated its Convener, Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as an outstanding leader and a God-sent political figure whose contributions have continued to shape the movement and strengthen its political relevance in the state.

In a congratulatory statement released on Thursday and jointly signed by the Movement's Co-Convener, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Odeneye and State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, alongside other stakeholders, issued through the Office of the Media and Communication Department, the group celebrated Akintunde's leadership, vision and commitment to the progress of the movement.

The statement described the celebrant as a God-sent icon in Ogun State's contemporary political landscape, noting that his leadership has been instrumental to the movement's growth, achievements and growing political footprint.

"Our Convener and leader par excellence, Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and capacity beyond expectations. His place in the history and development of this movement is immeasurable.

"Under his leadership, the Yayi Progressives Movement has recorded remarkable milestones, achieved significant strides and established an enviable presence in the political landscape of Ogun State. His contributions and dedication have continued to inspire confidence, unity and a shared sense of purpose among members and stakeholders."

The Movement further noted that Akintunde's birthday provides another opportunity to appreciate his sacrifices, celebrate his accomplishments and reaffirm its collective commitment to the vision and progress that bind its members together.

"As we celebrate this special occasion, the entire Yayi Progressives Movement joins family, friends, associates and well-wishers across the world in celebrating our leader and Convener. We are proud of his exemplary leadership and grateful for the direction and inspiration he continues to provide."

The group also offered prayers for God's continued guidance, protection, wisdom and abundant blessings upon the celebrant, expressing hope that new doors of opportunities, greater accomplishments and greater fulfilment would accompany his endeavours.

It equally extended its prayers to his family, professional associates, members of staff and the entire YPM family, wishing them continued peace, progress and shared success.

The statement concluded with warm birthday wishes to the Convener, expressing optimism that he would enjoy many more years of good health, impactful leadership and outstanding accomplishments.

"Happy birthday to our great Convener, our leader and an undisputed political figure of our time. May God continue to bless, preserve and strengthen you. May we have many more years to celebrate, rejoice and record greater milestones together."

The Lagos State Safety Commission has urged spa and beauty businesses to tighten hygiene, workplace safety and risk-control measures, warning that negligence in the industry could endanger clients and expose workers to preventable injuries and health problems.

The commission said operators must treat safety as part of professional service delivery rather than an optional requirement.

The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Awolesi Ademola, who represented the Director-General, Lanre Mojola, gave the charge at a one-day training programme for beauty industry operators themed “Safe Hands, Safe Spaces: Building a Zero-Harm Culture in the Spa and Beauty Industry.”

Ademola said the training was intended to help practitioners identify workplace hazards, assess operational risks and adopt measures to prevent accidents.

He said the responsibility for a safe business environment extended beyond regulatory compliance, requiring operators and employees to make risk prevention part of their daily routines.

Mojola urged participants to translate the lessons from the programme into improved workplace practices, better protection for clients and safer conditions for staff.

He said the commission remained committed to extending safety awareness across sectors of the Lagos economy to protect workers, business operators, residents and visitors.

The training examined two areas of occupational risk in the industry: hazard identification in spa operations and the health implications of work-related strain on beauty professionals.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, Olusola Ogunleye, spoke on “Beyond Beauty: Advanced Risk Assessment and Hazard Control in Spa Operations”, highlighting the need to identify hazards and apply appropriate control measures.

The Chief Medical Director of Skintetics Clinics, Chuka Imo, addressed occupational health and ergonomic safety, focusing on measures to protect beauty professionals from work-related health risks.

Speaking, the Head of the Commission’s Spa, Gym, Cinema, Parks and Gardens Unit, Abiola Mary Abiola, urged participants to apply the lessons from the training in their businesses

The Police Service Commission has approved the dismissal of three senior police officers over established cases of serious misconduct and conduct unbecoming of officers of the law.

The commission also approved the reduction in rank of 16 officers, while 21 others received severe reprimands and two were issued ordinary reprimands.

However, three officers were exonerated, while some previously suspended officers were reinstated into the Nigeria Police Force.

The decisions were reached at the commission’s plenary meeting, presided over by its Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Head of Protocol and Public Relations of the PSC, Torty Kalu.

Kalu said the commission had zero tolerance for corruption, human rights abuses, interference in land and civil matters, and other forms of misconduct among police officers.

The Police Service Commission has approved the dismissal of three senior police officers following established cases of serious misconduct and conduct unbecoming of officers of the law.

In a major disciplinary sweep, 16 officers have been reduced in rank, 21 officers received severe reprimands, and 2 officers were issued ordinary reprimands. Meanwhile, 3 officers were exonerated from wrongdoing, and some previously suspended officers were reinstated into the Force.

“Reaffirming the commission’s zero tolerance for corruption, human rights abuses, meddling in land and civil matters, and other acts of misconduct in the Force, DIG Argungu assured the public of continuous speedy dispensation of disciplinary matters before the Commission,” the statement read.

Argungu assured Nigerians that the Commission would sustain the speedy determination of disciplinary cases brought before it.

He also commended the Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Discipline and Legal Matters, Paul Galumje, and other board members for their commitment to the consideration of disciplinary cases and appeals.

The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Wednesday defended her decision to distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents during an empowerment programme, saying the intervention was based on beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance.

However, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the exercise over alleged vote-buying.

The senator came under criticism after pictures and videos of the cash distribution at an event marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly circulated on social media, prompting questions about the propriety and purpose of the handouts.

In a statement made available to The PUNCHin Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, on Wednesday, the lawmaker said her decision was informed by her constituents’ preferences, based on feedback from previous empowerment exercises.

She said, “I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent.

“So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. Some will get N5m through transfer.”

The lawmaker noted that entrepreneurs have different operational realities, making direct cash assistance a practical option for addressing challenges ranging from business expansion and stock replenishment to the acquisition of essential production materials

In her anniversary message, she expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and described the business grants as part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities across Kogi Central.

“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy.

“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.

Beneficiaries reportedly received grants ranging from N100,000 to N5m, depending on their business needs, with some receiving N2m, N3m and N4m, while others were given up to N5m through bank transfers.

Condemning the programme, which it described as alleged vote-buying, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement called for an investigation by the EFCC.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the OK Movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, urged the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the exercise and prosecute anyone found culpable.

Ughulu also threatened to mobilise political resources against the senator’s return to the National Assembly, accusing her of undermining democratic principles through the public distribution of millions of naira to constituents.

The statement read, “The OK Movement strongly condemns the reported cash empowerment exercise by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The action is an apparent case of open vote-buying and a serious affront to democratic principles.

“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding this exercise and, where evidence of wrongdoing is established, prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.”

The group described the lawmaker as a disgrace to the Senate, insisting that elected officials should not use financial inducements to influence citizens’ electoral choices.

“This development is a total disgrace to the Nigerian Senate as an institution. Elected public officials must understand that public office is a position of responsibility, not an opportunity to compromise the electoral choices of citizens through financial inducements.

“The OK Movement will not remain silent in the face of practices that undermine our democracy. We condemn this conduct and declare our intention to mobilise every legitimate political resource within our reach to campaign against Senator Natasha’s return to the Senate.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who respect democratic values, uphold accountability and earn the confidence of the people through competence, integrity and service, not financial inducements,” Ughulu added.

The Osun State Government has placed the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, under watch over what it described as inflammatory remarks capable of triggering religious and inter-town conflicts.

It directed the monarch to stop attacking people of other faiths and fellow traditional rulers.

The cautions were contained in a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Office of the Permanent Secretary, with reference number CD.17/1/VOL.VIII/377, dated November 2026, and signed by Wale Alliyu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.

A copy of the letter, obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo on Wednesday, was also sent to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his capacity as Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas.

The government cautioned the Oluwo, saying his activities were raising communal tension, sowing seeds of communal and religious discord, and increasingly discrediting the traditional values of his people and the Yoruba race.

In the letter addressed to the Oluwo and received by the secretary to the monarch on Tuesday, the government stated that it had observed recent well-publicised statements and pronouncements from Oba Akanbi that could ignite religious confrontation, inter-town conflicts and disruption of communal peace.

It said the persistence of such crisis-inciting activities and disruptive conduct capable of breaching public peace had reached a level the administration could no longer ignore.

It also told the monarch that, within the context of the Constitution, every citizen has a right to freedom of religious association, adding that as a traditional ruler, the Oluwo is bound by law to respect the rights of his people to hold religious beliefs as guaranteed by the Constitution.

It further stated that the Oluwo’s role as a traditional ruler is essentially the preservation of the cultural values and traditions of the people, warning that pursuing any reform with the potential to create community violence and conflict would not be tolerated by the administration.

The letter read, “You cannot, and you must not, conduct yourself in any way that can foment religious crisis through serial attacks on people of other faiths. Your Royal Majesty is also invited to note that just as the traditional stool should not be used to incite religious war, its occupants should also be mindful not to erode the traditional values, culture and tradition of the society over which they preside.

The government notes with shock and disbelief several statements and public utterances credited to Your Royal Majesty without denial.

“Your activities are raising communal tension, sowing seeds of communal and religious discord and increasingly discrediting the traditional values of your people and Yoruba society, of which your domain is a major part.

“These developments constitute serious threats to the peace, unity and stability of Osun State and your immediate domain.

“It is in view of the above observations that the state government issues the following cautionary notes to nip in the bud any likely outbreak of religious and inter-town conflict: (i) That Your Royal Majesty should stop any further attacks on the people of other faiths forthwith. All citizens have the right to religious freedom of their choice; (ii) That Your Royal Majesty should refrain from further attacks on fellow traditional rulers to forestall likely inter-town confrontation; (iii) That Your Royal Majesty should work to preserve the culture and tradition of the people which the traditional stool you occupy symbolises;

iv) That Your Royal Majesty should be guided by the norms and regulations of behaviour as spelt out in the Chieftaincy Laws and resolutions of the State Council of Obas; (v) That the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will be monitoring compliance by Your Royal Majesty with the above notes of caution; and (vi) That the State Council of Obas is equally directed to watch and act on recent developments within Iwo land.”

Although the letter did not specify the Oluwo’s utterances or activities to which the government referred, the royal father has, through his social media pages, often accused other Yoruba monarchs of engaging in idolatry.

On July 1, Oba Akanbi, in a video shared on his Facebook page, said that traditional rites and seclusion for new royal fathers were not a good practice, declaring it an avenue to enslave and lure them into idolatry.

Also on October 10, the monarch, in another video on the page, said the idea of an ancient crown was a ruse, stating that crowns are made by monarchs wearing them.

When contacted for a reaction, the Press Secretary to the Oluwo, Alli Ibraheem, said in a telephone interview that the monarch did not receive any letter from the state government.

The bank said in a statement issued on Wednesday that “customers could dial *5573*27# from their registered phone numbers and select the option to check their eligibility for the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).”

It said customers confirmed as beneficiaries would be guided through the steps to accept the support and receive the funds into their Moniepoint accounts at no additional cost.

The intervention, led by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable households to help them meet essential needs amid prevailing economic pressures.

On Tuesday, PUNCH Online reported that that FG had begun its payment to eligible Nigerians.

Moniepoint said it was “among the payment providers selected by the Federal Government to facilitate the disbursement of the relief funds.”

It explained that beneficiary selection was based on the government’s eligibility criteria and verification processes, which relied on verified national identity records and the National Social Register.

The bank noted that the programme was being implemented in phases across the country, adding that not all customers would qualify or be selected at the same time.

What moniepoint customers should know?

Babatunde Olofin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, said the “bank was pleased to support eligible customers in receiving assistance under the government initiative.”

Olofin said Moniepoint would deploy its technology and financial infrastructure to make the process accessible, seamless and secure.

He urged “customers to use only the bank’s official USSD channel when checking their eligibility or accessing the funds.”

He added that the process required “no additional payment, documentation or third-party intervention.”

The bank also advised customers with enquiries to contact its customer service team or the NERSI helpdesk.

Moniepoint said its nationwide network of financial services infrastructure, including Point-of-Sale terminals across the country’s 774 local government areas, would support efforts to extend access to the intervention.

NAN

The proposed borrowing, which forms part of the Federal Government’s financing plan for the 2026 fiscal year, is expected to contribute to funding a budget deficit estimated at N31.4tn, further placing government borrowing and growing debt obligations under legislative and public scrutiny.

Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to the President of the Senate, sought the National Assembly’s approval to raise N10,790,366,835,481, equivalent to $7,707,404,882.49, using the budget exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar.

The letter was read during Wednesday’s plenary, following which the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, referred the request to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts and directed it to report back as soon as practicable.

The proposed $7.7bn external borrowing represents the foreign component of the N29.2tn new borrowing provision contained in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

According to the President, the approved borrowing plan comprises N18.4tn in domestic loans and N10.79tn in external financing to part-finance the country’s projected N31.4tn budget deficit.

“The 2026 Appropriation Act approved the sum of N29.2tn as new borrowings to part-finance the 2026 budget deficit of about N31.4tn,” the letter stated

Explaining the rationale for the request, Tinubu said the proposed borrowing complied with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2003, which require external borrowing proposals to be submitted to and approved by the National Assembly.

The President disclosed that the Federal Government would explore several financing options simultaneously, taking into consideration borrowing costs, the benefits of each option and the time required to access the funds.

However, he indicated that Eurobond issuance would receive greater attention because of its relatively faster processing time and capacity to generate substantial funds.

“In view of this, emphasis will be on the issuance of Eurobonds, which is typically faster to conclude. Additionally, a larger amount can be raised through Eurobonds at a relatively lower cost in respect to the terms and conditions of the Eurobond,” he stated.

Other financing options identified in the letter included concessional and commercial loans from multilateral and bilateral institutions, facilities from the International Monetary Fund, bridge financing arrangements from book runners, loan syndications and direct borrowing from international financial institutions.

Tinubu, however, acknowledged that the final interest rates, repayment periods and other loan conditions would depend on prevailing market conditions when the financing arrangements are concluded.

He assured lawmakers that the Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office would work together to secure the most favourable terms for the country.

The final terms and conditions, interest rate and tenors can only be determined at the time of pricing. They will all be subject to market conditions prevailing at the time

The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office will ensure that Nigeria secures the best terms and conditions within the context of the market,” the President said.

On the proposed utilisation of the funds, Tinubu said the external borrowing would support critical projects and programmes captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

He identified defence and security, transportation, agriculture, power, education and healthcare as priority sectors expected to benefit from the financing.

The President argued that the additional funds would provide the resources required to execute key budgetary programmes while consolidating the macroeconomic reforms and gains recorded by his administration.

He also made a case for the borrowing on the grounds that the foreign currency proceeds would contribute to Nigeria’s external reserves.

According to him, the funds would be received by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government, leading to an accretion to the country’s foreign reserves.

Tinubu said the anticipated increase in reserves would provide additional support for the naira and strengthen Nigeria’s external position.

Under the proposed resolution, the President is seeking authorisation to raise the N10.79tn, equivalent to $7.7bn, through one or more of the identified financing channels, with particular emphasis on Eurobond issuance.

Reacting to the request, the Senate President stressed the need for the Federal Government to negotiate favourable borrowing conditions and ensure that any agreement reached with prospective lenders would be beneficial to Nigeria.

He cautioned against accepting loan arrangements without adequately examining their economic implications and the country’s repayment obligations.

“So we have to go out there and search for the best terms, and that’s what they may call a win-win seller, win-win buyer approach,” the Senate President said.

He subsequently referred the request to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts for detailed examination, directing the panel to submit its report as soon as practicable.

The committee is expected to scrutinise the proposed financing arrangements, available borrowing options and the terms under which the Federal Government intends to access the funds before the Senate takes a final position.

The latest request comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns over Nigeria’s rising public debt, debt-servicing obligations and the increasing reliance on borrowing to finance annual budget deficits.

Although the Federal Government has consistently maintained that borrowing is necessary to bridge revenue shortfalls and fund critical infrastructure and development projects, concerns remain over the sustainability of the country’s debt profile and the capacity of borrowed funds to generate returns that justify their cost.

Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Anichebe, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire English League One club Bromley, in what could mark his first major investment in football club ownership.

According to talkSPORT on Wednesday, the 38-year-old is leading a wealthy African group of investors negotiating with Bromley’s owner, Robin Stanton-Gleaves, over a possible takeover.

The discussions are said to be progressing, with both parties working towards reaching an agreement.

The proposed acquisition comes at a challenging period for Bromley, who are struggling in their first season in League One following successive promotions from the National League in 2024 and League Two last season.

The club’s recent run of results has also raised concerns about its ability to retain its League One status.

Anichebe’s proposed takeover could provide fresh investment and a new direction as the South London club seeks to improve its position.

The former Everton striker has developed an interest in sports investment since retiring from professional football in 2018.

He is the founder and owner of Lumira Group, an investment company with interests in sports, education, healthcare and infrastructure in the United Kingdom.

Anichebe was also recently linked to a proposed £20m leisure development project in Liverpool.

His interest in Bromley follows an earlier attempt to acquire non-league club Gateshead last year, although the proposed deal did not materialise.

During his playing career, Anichebe featured in the Premier League, scoring 27 goals and providing 12 assists.

At international level, he made 11 appearances for Nigeria’s senior national team, scoring once.

His only goal for the Super Eagles came in a 3-0 friendly victory over Kenya in 2011.

He was also part of Nigeria’s Under-23 team that won silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, scoring against Japan during the tournament.

If completed, the Bromley acquisition would represent a significant step in Anichebe’s transition from professional football to club ownership and sports investment.

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Ebenezer Akinyemi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abeokuta to challenge his suspension by the Ogun State Government, alleging that the action was taken without giving him an opportunity to defend himself.

The monarch, in a suit marked FHC/AB/FHR/148/26, is seeking an interim injunction restraining Governor Dapo Abiodun and other respondents from enforcing the suspension letter dated October 20, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Other respondents in the suit are the Ogun State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State.

In a motion ex parte dated October 23, 2026, and filed before the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Judicial Division, the monarch is asking the court to restrain the respondents, their agents, servants and officers from implementing or giving effect to the suspension letter.

He is also seeking an order preventing the respondents from compelling him to vacate the Eselu Palace, stopping him from parading himself as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom or preventing him from wearing his crown and other traditional royal insignia.

The ex parte motion, filed by Dele Fadesere, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, is seeking, “An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, officers or howsoever called, from implementing, enforcing, executing or giving any effect whatsoever to the letter of suspension dated 20th Day of October 2026 issued against the Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive Originating Summons in this suit.

An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, officers or howsoever called, from: compelling or forcing the Applicant to vacate or stay away from the Palace of Eselu; preventing the Applicant from parading or acknowledging himself as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom; preventing the Applicant from wearing or using any crown, ileke, beaded staff, irukere or any other paraphernalia of an Oba.

An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining or otherwise interfering with the Applicant in the exercise of his rights and functions as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom; pending the hearing and determination of substantive Originating Summons in this suit.

“An order directing the 4th Respondent and all officers under his command to refrain from taking any step in furtherance of the enforcement of the suspension letter dated 20th Day of October 2026 against the Applicant pending the determination of this application and the substantive suit”.

In the 12-paragraph affidavit supporting the application, Oba Akinyemi stated that he received a letter dated October 20, 2026, from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, suspending him as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom with immediate effect.

According to the monarch, the letter directed him to immediately vacate the palace, refrain from presenting himself as the Eselu and stop wearing or using any royal paraphernalia.

He, however, faulted the procedure leading to the suspension, alleging that he was neither given prior notice of the action nor afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.

In paragraph six of his affidavit, the monarch stated: “That I was never given any prior notice or opportunity to be heard before the suspension was imposed on the allegation alleged.”

Oba Akinyemi argued that the suspension without a hearing raised serious constitutional questions, particularly concerning his right to fair hearing under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

Moving the motion on Wednesday, the monarch’s solicitor, Fadesere, who appeared alongside two other lawyers, urged the court to grant the interim injunction to protect the monarch’s fundamental right to fair hearing and check what he described as executive recklessness and lawlessness.

Justice Agatha Okeke has fixed November 11, 2026, for ruling on the application.

The government had, in a statement on October 20, suspended Oba Akinyemi with immediate effect over alleged partisan political activities.

The suspension, according to a statement made available to journalists by Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun, was reportedly approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a detailed investigation into the allegations against the monarch.

The government reportedly acted following several complaints concerning the traditional ruler’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.

The Nigerian Army has rewarded a soldier, Private Utim Terwase, with ₦500,000 for reportedly turning down an alleged bribe from a suspected kidnapper in Plateau State.

Terwase was said to have apprehended the suspect following an attempted escape but refused to accept the ₦500,000 offered to secure his release.

Rather than compromise his duty, the soldier handed the suspect over to the appropriate authorities.

The cash reward was presented on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, by the Commander of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, Colonel Philimon Malgwi, on Wednesday, Vanguard reports.

Speaking during the presentation, Dangana commended the soldier, saying his action demonstrated the level of discipline and commitment expected of military personnel.

The soldier’s conduct reflects the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to duty expected of personnel of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

He said Terwase had shown honesty, accountability and selfless service by refusing to compromise his responsibility, adding that his conduct deserved recognition and should inspire other soldiers.

“Operation Enduring Peace therefore considers Private Terwase’s action worthy of commendation and encourages all personnel to emulate his exemplary conduct,” he said

The GOC urged officers and soldiers serving under Operation Enduring Peace to follow Terwase’s example, noting that the recognition was intended to promote integrity, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The ₦500,000 reward is equivalent to the amount the soldier reportedly refused to accept from the suspect.

In 2023, the Anambra State Police Command awarded a cash sum of N250,000 to a female police officer, Inspector Charity Oyor, for rejecting a bribe offered to her by a suspected cable thief in Onitsha.

Oyor was on traffic duty in the market on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, when she saw a shuttle bus carrying six heavy bundles of stripped armoured cable suspected to have been stolen driving past.

She stopped the driver and inquired about the “consignment” from the purported owner, who, rather than explain how he came to be in possession of the cable, offered her a bribe which she rejected.

Youths and residents of Akotogbo and Ijuosun communities in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to complete the 28-kilometre Ajagba-Akotogbo-Ijuosun Road and provide electricity to the communities.

The Akotogbo and Ijuosun Youths Forum, in an appeal dated November 4, 2026, and signed by its Chairman, Tony Orilabawaye, said the road project, approved in June 2024, remained unfinished, making transportation to farms, markets, schools and health facilities difficult.

“Your Excellency, our people welcomed the approval of this road project in June 2024 with relief and renewed hope. More than two years later, substantial sections remain unfinished, and residents continue to face deep potholes, erosion and overgrown stretches.

“Journeys to farms, markets, schools and health facilities have become difficult and dangerous,” the group said.

It also highlighted the need for urgent repairs, citing an accident involving a woman from Ijuosun who reportedly sustained fractures to her hands and leg while travelling on the road.

We urge you to direct emergency repairs, clear drainage channels and install warning signs while construction continued.

We also request an independent technical assessment of the completed sections, particularly along the Akotogbo axis, to ensure compliance with approved construction specifications,” they said

The youths also called for the publication of project payment records, certified work and outstanding financial obligations to establish the project’s funding and implementation status.

On electricity, the group said both communities had experienced inadequate power infrastructure for about 20 years, adding that Ijuosun had never been connected to the national grid.

“Artisans spend scarce income on fuel, small businesses struggle to remain open, and students have limited light for evening study. Reliable electricity would allow residents to work more productively and give young people a better chance to build their future at home,” it said.

The youths urged the state government to work with relevant electricity agencies to assess the situation and develop a plan for providing power to both communities.

They also requested a meeting with government representatives and a written response within 14 days, outlining proposed interventions and the officials responsible for implementation.

President Bola Tinubu has departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, bound for Abuja.

This follows the completion of a week-long lesser pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

“President Tinubu’s plane took off at the Royal Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi time,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement Wednesday.

The Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.

Before departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport complex

The visit, which began on Thursday last week, included a series of spiritual engagements that generated significant public attention back home.

The President led his delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah at Masjid al-Haram.

The highlight of the visit came on Sunday when King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu the rare privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Ka’abah, the sacred cubic structure at the centre of Islam’s holiest mosque, where he and members of his delegation performed the two raka’at prayers

Inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu offered supplications for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, and sought divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.

The visit also attracted political commentary given its timing.

Tinubu departed for Makkah days after officially flagging off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, with the January 16, 2027 general elections now less than 75 days away.

Speaking to journalists after completing his Umrah rites on Friday, the President had declared that only God could determine who would lead Nigeria, saying, “Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become.”

On Sunday, he hosted members of his delegation to dinner and prayed for Nigeria’s diversity to be converted into prosperity.

On Monday, following the entry into the Ka’abah, he reaffirmed what he called his commitment to “Project Nigeria,” saying: “My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people.”

Tinubu expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to his delegation, particularly the access granted to the Ka’abah.

His entourage on the return flight included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among others.

The mother of a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy, Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot in the Bronx, New York, has travelled to the United States after receiving an emergency visa approved by President Donald Trump.

The mother, Doris Adu Gyamfi, said she was travelling to America to make arrangements for her son’s funeral and seek justice over his killing.

Speaking with the BBC on Wednesday at the airport before her departure, Gyamfi said, “I want justice for my son.”

She disclosed that her son had always dreamt of becoming a medical doctor before his life was cut short in the shooting.

Frimpong, who had been in the United States for only a year, was reportedly chased and shot on Thursday morning while on his way to school in the Bronx.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have yet to make any arrests, while investigations are ongoing. Authorities are searching for three teenage boys suspected to have been involved in the killing.

Gyamfi, who was escorted to the airport by relatives and the Head of Mission of the African Diaspora Forum, Dr Erieka Bennett, said her immediate priority was to arrange her son’s burial.

I’m going to America to plan my son’s funeral,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian government and well-wishers for their support, prayers and assistance following the tragedy.

The emergency visa was granted after New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, contacted Trump over the mother’s inability to travel to the United States to mourn her son in person.

In a social media post on Saturday, Mamdani disclosed that Trump had agreed to approve the visa immediately.

He said, “The murder of a child is a pain no parent should endure, let alone from thousands of miles away.”

“Javits Frimpong’s mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. I just got off the phone with President Trump, and he has agreed to grant her visa immediately,” Mamdani added.

He further said, “All of New York City is mourning this tragedy.”

Meanwhile, the Ghanaian government has condemned the killing and expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.

The government said it was closely monitoring the investigation and had urged US authorities to conduct a thorough probe to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

It also pledged to provide the necessary legal and consular assistance to the bereaved family.

The killing has sparked outrage in Ghana and the United States, with concerns raised over gun violence and the safety of young people, particularly Ghanaian children sent abroad for education.

The search for the three teenage suspects is ongoing, with police reportedly relying on surveillance footage captured around the scene of the shooting.

PUNCH Online reported that 15-year-old Ghanaian boy, Javits Frimpong, was shot dead while walking near his school in the Bronx borough of New York, United States, CBS News reports on Thursday.

Kidnappers have released a man and five other mourners who were abducted while conveying his wife’s corpse for burial in Benue State, following the reported payment of N2.5m ransom.

The six victims were kidnapped around 8pm on Friday along Adoka Road in Otukpo Local Government Area while travelling to Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA.

The deceased woman reportedly died in Kano, and her husband and five others were transporting her remains for burial when gunmen intercepted their vehicle along the road.

The kidnappers reportedly abandoned the corpse on the highway and demanded N15m ransom for the release of the victims.

A source told our correspondent that the six abductees regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after their families paid N2.5m.

The six kidnap victims were released early hours of today after family paid N2.5 million,” the source said.

Confirming their release, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said the victims were freed between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning but declined to comment on the ransom payment.

It’s true that the victims were released between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday,” he said.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Peter Aondongu, said he was yet to receive confirmation of their release.

“I am yet to get the report of the release of the kidnap victims,” the police spokesman said.

The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Hyundai car stolen from a church in the state after tracing it to the premises of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

The vehicle, a golden-coloured Hyundai with registration number LAGOS AA 444 BL, was reportedly stolen on October 25, 2026, while its owner, Uchenna Emmanuel, was attending a church service at St. Thomas Church, Airport Road, Kano.

The police said Emmanuel parked the vehicle within the church premises at about 11am but discovered it missing when he returned after the service.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this on Wednesday, saying operatives of the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) immediately launched an intelligence-led search following a report of the theft.

According to him, the stolen vehicle was traced to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on October 26, where it was found parked within the premises.

The stolen vehicle was later found parked within the premises of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on October 26. Our operatives laid an ambush to arrest whoever brought it there, but nobody showed up to claim the vehicle,” Kiyawa said.

He said the vehicle was eventually recovered on October 28 and taken to the SIS office for investigation before being handed over to its owner.

Kiyawa added that Emmanuel commended the police for their prompt response and successful recovery of his vehicle.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, had advised motorists to install security devices, including vehicle trackers, steering locks and pedal locks, to protect their vehicles against theft.

He also urged vehicle owners to ensure their cars were properly locked and secured, particularly when parked in public places such as churches, markets and hospitals.

“Efforts are also ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigation continues,” he said.

A Somali police officer has died after being struck by a moving aircraft propeller shortly after disembarking at an airport in central Somalia.

The officer, identified as Mukhtar Qasim Samay, was attached to the security detail of Mogadishu Police Chief, Ma’alin Mahdi.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at Dhusamareb Airport, where Mahdi and members of his security team had arrived ahead of the inauguration of Galmudug State’s incoming leader, Liban Ahmed Hassan.

According to Somali media reports, Samay was walking away from the aircraft when its still-rotating propeller struck his head, killing him at the scene.

A video sighted by PUNCH Online showed the aircraft parked on the airport tarmac at night, with its propellers still rotating as passengers and members of the security team disembarked.

The approximately 19-second footage showed a white twin-propeller aircraft bearing the inscription, STAR AIRLINES, with a portable staircase attached to its open door.

A crowd of men, including security personnel in military-style uniforms and others in formal and traditional clothing, gathered around the aircraft as people came down the stairs

The video, which was shaky and grainy, captured people moving around the aircraft while the propellers remained in motion.

Towards the end of the footage, there was a sudden movement among members of the crowd, followed by significant camera movement and blurred images.

The footage captured the chaotic moments surrounding the disembarkation but did not clearly show the fatal impact.

Dalsan TV had earlier reported that Samay was struck on the head by the rotating propeller as he walked away from the aircraft after landing.

The deceased was a member of the Somali Police Force and reportedly served in the Haramacad unit.

Following his death, Mahdi Omar Mumin, in a Facebook post, expressed condolences to Samay’s family, friends and colleagues in the police force.

“Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raajicuun. I send my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and all the Somali Police Forces, the shocking death that happened to them,” Mumin wrote.

He described the deceased as one of the heroes of the Somali Police Force, particularly the Haramacad unit.

“May Allah have mercy on K/S Muqtar Qaasim Samay, who was one of the heroes of the Somali Police force, especially Haramacad,” he added.

Mahdi had travelled to Dhusamareb ahead of Thursday’s inauguration of Hassan, an event expected to attract political and security officials.

Dhusamareb is the administrative capital of Galmudug, one of Somalia’s federal member states.

Local media outlet Mustaqbal had earlier reported that security arrangements had been strengthened in the city ahead of the inauguration.

The Department of State Services has ordered an investigation into an allegation by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency is planning to organise protests in Sokoto State.

The secret police said the investigation was ordered by its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, despite describing the allegation as inconsistent with its operations to protect political actors across party lines.

Multiple reports had noted on Tuesday that Atiku while fielding questions from journalists in Abuja accused the leadership of the DSS, of recruiting protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide a pretext for imposing a curfew to stop the party’s campaign rally.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its “operatives rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, 2026.”

According to the Service, its operatives “deployed to protect Daniya evacuated him to safety during the incident, while two DSS personnel were assaulted and were still receiving treatment in hospital as of Tuesday.”

The agency added that “Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to express appreciation and requested additional security reinforcement.”

Online had earlier reported that the All Progressives Congress and the ADC in Sokoto State on Saturday traded accusations over an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate Dan’iya

The DSS also cited its arrest and prosecution of a man, Monday Udeme Steven, in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over an alleged threat to attack the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.

t said “Steven was prosecuted at a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.”

The Service said the operations demonstrated its commitment to protecting political actors irrespective of their party affiliations, but acknowledged that Atiku’s allegation had prompted the DG to order an investigation.

“Though these operations to protect all Political Parties is at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralize our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DGDSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman,” the statement read.

The DSS also referred to a similar allegation by the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused the agency of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

It said it welcomed the police investigation into the incident, which, according to the DSS, produced a preliminary report identifying an “altercation” as the cause and led to the arrest of 11 suspects.

The Service said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not expend further energy on the matter.

The Service will continue to remain accountable under the present DG,” the statement added.

The union also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call Wike to order over the disputed land, saying this would allow peace and harmony to prevail on the university campus.

The Chairperson of ASUU, UniAbuja branch, Prof. Sylvanus Ugoh, made the demands at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was tagged: “Ministerial Encroachment into University of Abuja Land: Some Points to Ponder

Ugoh said the union would no longer guarantee industrial harmony if the minister failed to reverse the alleged allocation of the university’s land to his friends and cronies.

“The act of the FCT Minister is an outright breach and total disregard for the rule of law.

“On Aug. 18, Justice F.E. Mesiri of Maitama High Court granted interlocutory injunctions, including an order restraining the FCT Minister from entering or encroaching on University land.

In spite of the court order, the FCT Minister went ahead on Sept. 26, to allocate the university land to companies and individuals,” he said.

Ugoh said the minister announced on June 30, 2025, during the inauguration of an access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Institute in Giri, the retrieval of 7,000 hectares from the 11,000 hectares allocated to the university.

He said the minister had accused the university of land grabbing and fencing several hectares of land without proper approval or documentation.

“There is overwhelming documentary evidence showing that this parcel of land was allocated to the University of Abuja,” he said.

He explained that the University of Abuja was established on January 1, 1988, with an initial land allocation of 11,824 hectares to accommodate its long-term academic and infrastructural development.

According to him, the university authority could not have on its own decided where to situate the institution.

He said the university and the land were the property of the Federal Government and not the FCT.

Ugoh said the large landmass was deliberately allocated to provide room for future expansion, research activities, academic facilities and other institutional needs.

He noted that the university, as a dual-mode institution offering conventional and distance learning programmes, required sufficient land to fulfil its mandate.

Ugoh said the land was also needed for the establishment of research institutes, innovation centres and other facilities that would contribute to national development.

He added that portions of the land served as green areas for ecological balance, environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

“The development of the University of Abuja may seem very slow, but it is still the Federal Government that is responsible for the development of its university.

“We appreciate the zeal of the FCT Minister to develop the FCT, but the argument that the land has been left undeveloped for too long does not stand.

“Universities gradually realise their full potential. It is pertinent to mention that the 11,824 hectares of University of Abuja land is not in any way beyond a dual-mode university in the country’s capital.

For instance, University of Ilorin occupies 15,000 hectares, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, occupies 13,000 hectares, Federal University of Technology, Minna, occupies 10,650 hectares and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, occupies 10,000 hectares,” he said.

He explained that out of the 11,824 hectares occupied by the University of Abuja, about two hectares were hilly and would require huge resources to develop.

He said the union would, within the ambit of the law, resist in totality any attempt by the minister to unlawfully take away UniAbuja land.

NAN reports that the news conference followed an emergency congress of the union held at the university on November 3 to deliberate on the land dispute.

In June 2025, Wike accused the varsity of land grabbing and noted that the institution has claimed 11,000 hectares of land, of which he had retrieved 7,000.

(NAN)

…Seeks Stakeholders’ Input for 2027 Budget, Promises Completion of Projects, Policy Continuity

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the planned $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and the proposed $10 billion Ogun Liquefied Natural Gas (OgunLNG) project are attracting fresh waves of investors to the state, positioning it for a new phase of industrial expansion and economic growth.

The governor said the strategic investments, alongside the proposed Ogun Blue Marine and Special Economic Zone and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway being constructed by the Federal Government, were opening up unprecedented economic opportunities and generating growing interest among local and international investors.

Abiodun made this known on Tuesday in Ijebu-Ode during the town hall meeting on the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2027 Budget, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Planning.

He described the planned Deep Sea Port as a defining legacy project of his administration, noting that the agreements recently signed in Paris with DP World would attract approximately $7 billion in private-sector investment into Ogun State.

According to him, the agreements cover the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Ogun Blue Marine and Special Economic Zone, which are expected to transform the state’s maritime, logistics, manufacturing and industrial landscape.

“In September, I had the privilege of travelling to Paris to sign a landmark agreement that will be the biggest legacy of my administration, and that agreement is for the construction of the Ogun Deep Sea Port.

“That day, we signed two agreements: one for the Deep Sea Port and the other for the Ogun Blue Marine and Special Processing Zone. These combined agreements translate to an investment of about $7 billion of private capital, with no government investment,” he said.

The governor added that the proposed $10 billion OgunLNG project, being developed with the involvement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), would further strengthen the state’s investment prospects, while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would enhance connectivity and open up new economic corridors.

He said the convergence of these major projects had significantly increased investors’ interest in Ogun, with the state witnessing growing pressure from prospective investors seeking to establish businesses and take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Abiodun noted that his administration’s investment in infrastructure, human capital development and the provision of an enabling business environment since 2019 had laid the foundation for the state’s growing economic profile.

Reviewing his administration’s achievements, the governor disclosed that over 1,700 kilometres of roads had been constructed or rehabilitated across the state, with substantial interventions also undertaken in healthcare, education, agriculture, electricity and security.

He listed the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, the rehabilitation of more than 1,600 public schools, the recruitment of over 6,000 teachers and support for thousands of farmers among the major interventions undertaken by his administration.

On electricity, Abiodun disclosed that power plants had been installed in Abeokuta, while similar facilities would be established in Ijebu-Ode and Remo to improve electricity supply, stimulate commercial activities and support industrial development across the state.

He specifically highlighted the administration’s interventions in Ijebu Division, including the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads in Oru, Awa, Ilaporu, Ago-Iwoye, Eruwon and Atan, among other communities.

In Ijebu-Ode, he said, the government had constructed 26 roads, reflecting its commitment to improving connectivity and opening up communities to economic opportunities.

The governor described the town hall meeting as particularly significant, being the last of such budget consultations to be held by his administration, and an opportunity for residents to make meaningful contributions to the priorities and direction of the 2027 fiscal plan.

He said the budget would be anchored on the state’s 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, with emphasis on realistic spending, the completion of ongoing projects, the delivery of essential services and investments that would generate sustainable economic growth.

“My responsibility is to present a realistic and transparent budget that will complete all ongoing projects and provide essential services,” he said.

Abiodun expressed appreciation to the people of Ogun State for their cooperation and support over the past seven years, assuring them that his administration would remain focused on delivering its commitments until the end of its tenure.

He further stressed the importance of sustaining government policies and programmes beyond his administration, noting that development should be a continuous process rather than one tied to a particular government.

The governor urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders to actively participate in the budget preparation process by identifying the specific developmental needs of their communities and offering practical recommendations.

He assured participants that submissions made at the meeting would be carefully considered in the preparation of the 2027 budget.

Abiodun, however, explained that proposals that could not be accommodated in the 2027 fiscal document would be documented as an annexure and transmitted to the incoming administration to ensure that legitimate community needs and development priorities were not lost in the transition.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, equitable development and the creation of economic opportunities that would improve the living conditions of residents across the state.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said the government’s development agenda was centred on infrastructure provision, improved access to essential services and the creation of an enabling environment for economic activities and individual prosperity.

Okubadejo described governance as a shared responsibility and urged residents to partner with the government in ensuring that the state’s resources were deployed to areas where they would deliver the greatest benefits to the people.

The Nigerian Bar Association, Akure Branch, has called on the Ondo State Government to second more lawyers from the Ministry of Justice to the state’s Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, to strengthen legal scrutiny of charges and court processes.

The branch said the move would help ensure that cases filed by the corps complied with legal requirements and that the rights of suspects were protected.

The NBA made the call in a communiqué issued after its monthly meeting at the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre in Akure.

The statement was signed by the branch chairman, Mr Oju Kekemeke, and its secretary, Oluwanike Omotayo, and made available on Tuesday.

The association said, “The branch resolved to advocate the secondment of additional legal practitioners from the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as the Amotekun Corps.

The proposed deployment is intended to strengthen the legal scrutiny of proposed charges and other court processes before cases are brought before the courts, with a view to promoting compliance with applicable legal requirements and safeguarding the rights of all persons concerned.”

The Amotekun Corps was established in January 2020 by the six South-West states — Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo — as a regional security outfit to complement conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other crimes

Its establishment followed concerns over rising insecurity in the region and the passage of enabling laws by the respective state Houses of Assembly.

The NBA also criticised the state judiciary’s electronic filing system, describing it as a process that still required lawyers to submit physical copies of documents after uploading them and making payments online.

It called for a fully electronic filing system, recommending that court registries generate physical copies from uploaded documents where necessary.

“Where physical copies are required for the court’s records or for service, such copies should be generated by the registry from the uploaded documents,” the communiqué stated.

The branch also called for urgent ex parte applications to be exempted from mandatory e-filing, adding that it would seek a meeting with the Chief Judge, senior members of the Bar and former branch chairmen to discuss the concerns.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered an illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The commission said the facility was discovered on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence gathering and surveillance of the activities of illegal sludge oil refiners.

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

Oyewale said the facility was deserted when operatives stormed the premises, following an earlier crackdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area

However, he said operatives discovered waste products from the refining process and underground tanks suspected to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil.

The statement partly read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered an illegal oil refinery operated by Chinese in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

“The operation, conducted on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, followed credible intelligence and surveillance by the Commission on the activities of the illegal sludge oil refiners.

The refinery was found deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises, following the Commission’s earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area. However, waste products from the refining process were discovered at the location.”

Oyewale said operatives also discovered underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil.

“Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and transported it to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing,” Oyewale added.

He said the operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through chambers and filters in a process believed to produce diesel for sale in the Nigerian market.

“Personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility.

“Consequently, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC have since taken over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the operators, the ownership of the facility and the full extent of the suspected illegal activities and economic sabotage,” he added.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Kebbi State chapter, is seeking a minimum transportation allowance of N70,000 for workers in the state to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs.

The state chairman of the union, Murtala Usman, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, saying the union would soon meet with Governor Nasir Idris to present its demand.

Usman said the decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting involving all affiliate unions of the NLC in the state, where workers agreed to push for the introduction of the allowance.

He explained that the proposed allowance would cover all categories of public sector workers, including teachers, local government employees, health workers and other civil servants.

We have held a stakeholders’ meeting with all our affiliate unions in the state, and we have resolved to present our demand for transportation allowance to the state governor,” he said.

The labour leader said the union was proposing N70,000 or more, stressing that the amount should reflect the transportation challenges facing workers.

We are demanding a minimum of N70,000 or above, and we want the allowance to cover all categories of workers without discrimination. Teachers, local government workers, health workers and other civil servants should all benefit,” Usman added.

He said the union had also begun consultations with members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly to seek their support for the proposal before engaging the state government.

According to him, the NLC believes that the proposed allowance would provide some relief to workers struggling with the increasing cost of commuting to their workplaces.

Usman expressed optimism that the planned meeting with Governor Idris would yield a favourable outcome, adding that the union would continue to pursue policies that improve workers’ welfare.

The demand comes amid rising living and transportation costs, which have increased the financial burden on many Nigerian workers, particularly those who depend on daily public transport to get to work.

The proposed N70,000 allowance, if approved, would represent an additional benefit for Kebbi State workers.

OPay has explained how its customers can check their eligibility for the Federal Government’s monthly N50,000 cash relief for vulnerable Nigerians, warning that the payment is available only to qualified beneficiaries.

The digital financial services provider said eligible customers would receive a pop-up notification on their OPay app homepage, which they would need to click to proceed with the next steps.

In a post on its X handle on Tuesday, the company clarified that customers who could not see the notification on their apps were not eligible for the intervention, stressing that it did not determine beneficiaries’ eligibility.

OPay stated, “The ₦50,000 monthly Federal Government cash support is available only to eligible citizens. Eligible customers will see a pop-up notification on their OPay app homepage. Kindly click on the pop-up to proceed with the next steps.

“Kindly note that customers who are unable to see the feature on the app are not eligible for it. Please note that we do not determine your eligibility. Kindly contact NERSI at 07000222222 for assistance.”

The fintech also warned customers against fraudsters, stressing that it would never request their personal identification numbers or one-time passwords to process payments under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.

“OPay will never ask for your PIN or OTP to process a NERSI relief payment. Do not pay any agent or click unverified links,” it said.

The company advised customers to use only its official mobile application or the USSD code 95520# to check their eligibility.

OPay’s clarification followed a post by an X user who shared information about the support and listed USSD codes through which customers of participating financial service providers could check their eligibility as public interest around the scheme gains momentum.

The Federal Government had announced the commencement of the disbursement under its NERSI, a presidential initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to vulnerable households.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, disclosed the commencement of the programme in an October 30 statement, saying eligible beneficiaries would receive N50,000 monthly to help meet essential needs and cushion the effects of rising living costs.

Eligible beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly, with the programme to be reviewed regularly.

According to the minister, the ministry is partnering with licensed digital financial service providers for secure and transparent disbursement.

Beneficiaries receive an SMS seeking consent before payment is made directly to their account or mobile wallet.

Approved providers and USSD codes include ALAT by Wema (94523#), MoMo PSB (6710#), NairaGram (72600#), OPay (95520#) and Moniepoint (557327#).

Doro emphasised that no application, fee or registration through agents is required, and warned against fraudsters. He urged Nigerians not to share PINs or BVNs and to contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222 if unsure about any message.

The Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the military have rescued eight persons abducted in the Millennium City and Maraban Rido areas of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victims were rescued between October 31 and November 2, 2026, during coordinated security operations involving federal security and intelligence agencies and the Kaduna State Government.

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference at the DSS Command headquarters in Kaduna.

Rabiu said the operations were part of sustained efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks responsible for recurring kidnappings in the Millennium City area and its environs.

He said, “The area has witnessed recurring incidents of kidnapping, which have generated considerable public concern and attracted media attention over the safety of residents and other stakeholders.

“Our operations are aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for these activities and ensuring the safety of residents.”

The rescued victims were identified as Jamila Muhammad, 27, wife of Abdulkadir Bello; Talatu Yakubu, 40; Yunana Bawa, 30; Calista Bishop, 27; Chidinma Onuwere, 36; Eucharia Obi, 41; Godiya Victor, 50; and an eight-year-old girl, Miracle Alex.

The latest breakthrough came barely weeks after security agencies rescued Ahmad Zakka and members of his family from captivity on October 15, 2026.

The police commissioner said the successive rescue operations demonstrated the determination of security agencies to secure the release of abducted persons and dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.

He said, “These successes are a demonstration of our collective resolve to ensure that victims of kidnapping are rescued and those responsible for these criminal activities are brought to justice.”

Rabiu acknowledged the strategic coordination provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the operational support of the police, the intelligence-driven efforts of the DSS and the involvement of the military.

He also commended the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, for its continued support and cooperation with security agencies in tackling kidnapping and banditry.

He added, “The commitment and support of the Kaduna State Government have continued to strengthen our operations. We appreciate the cooperation and assistance extended to the security agencies in the fight against insecurity.”

The commissioner said the operations reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national security and protecting lives and property through effective coordination among security and intelligence institutions

He assured residents that security operations would be sustained and strengthened to eliminate kidnapping and banditry across the state.

Rabiu, however, identified the complex terrain in parts of Kaduna as one of the challenges exploited by criminal elements, adding that additional personnel and equipment had been deployed to improve security.

He said, “We are strengthening our operational capacity with additional deployments, including 30 patrol vans and eight armoured personnel carriers, to ensure effective security coverage and deny criminals freedom of action.”

The commissioner called on residents to complement the efforts of security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing credible and actionable intelligence on the activities, identities and movements of suspected kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.

He assured the public that information supplied to security agencies would be treated confidentially and acted upon appropriately.

Rabiu said, “We urge residents to provide timely and credible information. Such information will be treated with the necessary confidentiality and acted upon appropriately.”

He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the collective campaign against insecurity.

The police commissioner appealed to media organisations to sustain their support through responsible and professional reporting, particularly by avoiding unverified information capable of undermining security operations or creating unnecessary panic.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the DSS, ONSA, police, military and Kaduna State Government to restoring lasting peace across the state.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a residential care home for older adults established by veteran Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale, in Ibadan.

The facility, named Joseph & Esther Homes, is located in the Akobo area of the state capital.

The opening ceremony, held on Tuesday, also featured the launch of Sobowale’s book, Built From the Break.

The event attracted dignitaries, guests and Nollywood personalities, including veteran actor Adebayo Salami, Ibrahim Chatta, Femi Adebayo and Kunle Afolayan.

The event was also streamed live on Sobowale’s Instagram page.

Joseph & Esther Homes is designed to provide older adults with a safe and supportive environment where they can live independently while receiving professional care and assistance.

The facility operates under the tagline, “Live Well, Age Well, Thrive Together”, and describes itself as “A Place to Call Home”.

A video from the event showed an emotional moment when Sobowale was moved to tears during a tribute celebrating her vision, resilience and caring nature. Her daughter was seen consoling her.

The Senate on Tuesday stepped down the Agricultural Revolution Bill, 2026, sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, following concerns over its drafting, scope and the failure to circulate printed copies to lawmakers.

The bill, SB. 1082, seeks to establish a legal framework for transforming and modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The controversy arose during debate on its second reading, when some senators questioned whether the proposed legislation was sufficiently developed and complied with the Senate’s rules on the circulation of bills.

The motion for the second reading was moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Monguno, on behalf of Barau

Presenting the bill, Monguno described it as a necessary intervention to address food insecurity, low agricultural productivity and structural challenges facing the sector.

He noted that agriculture provides livelihoods for millions of Nigerians but continues to face challenges, including inadequate mechanisation, poor irrigation infrastructure, insecurity, limited access to affordable financing and high post-harvest losses.

“These challenges have resulted in food insecurity, inflation and increased poverty in the country. There is urgent need to move from piecemeal interventions to a coordinated, sustainable legal framework for agricultural transformation,” Monguno said.

He explained that the bill was designed to move Nigeria from subsistence farming to modern, technology-driven and commercially viable agriculture through mechanisation, improved seeds, research, extension services, irrigation and agro-industrial development.

The proposed legislation also seeks to improve storage facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, agro-processing and market access for agricultural products.

Seconding the motion, Senator Muhammad Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, supported the bill, describing agriculture as critical to economic diversification.

However, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, questioned the quality of the proposed legislation despite describing its objectives as “excellent, fantastic and timeous”.

Ningi argued that the bill appeared more like a motion than a properly developed piece of legislation, urging its sponsors to do more work before presenting it for consideration.

He said Nigerian farmers produced between two and three tonnes per hectare, compared with eight to 10 tonnes in some other countries, adding that improved mechanisation, research and farming practices were needed to close the productivity gap.

While commending the Federal Government’s agreement to import agricultural machinery from Brazil, he questioned whether the bill adequately addressed the institutions responsible for agricultural development.

When you bring a bill that has agencies already in place to take care of irrigation and agricultural production, what you ought to do is first bring the bill; let’s see the bill, not something that looks like a motion,” he said.

“This bill did not say it is creating an agency; this bill did not say it is amending existing agencies. You are actually building something on nothing.”

Ningi urged the Senate to step down the bill to allow its sponsors to improve its provisions.

“This is a brilliant idea, but a lot of work has not been done. If it is a motion, Mr President, this could be a very good motion, excellent preparatory work towards enacting a law. I believe we can stand down this bill and do a better job,” he added.

The debate took another turn when a senator raised a point of order under Order 79(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, arguing that deliberations at second reading should focus on a bill’s general principles rather than its detailed provisions.

However, several lawmakers protested that they had not received printed copies of the bill, triggering a rowdy session.

“Where is the bill? Show me a copy! Show me a copy!” some senators shouted.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, intervened and directed Barau to ensure that printed copies were made available to all lawmakers.

Deputy Senate President, please provide copies to all senators. Forget this platform. If the platform has collapsed, how will they see it?” Akpabio ruled.

Responding, Monguno said the bill had been gazetted, uploaded to the Senate’s digital platform and circulated to senators’ offices.

He maintained that the digital platform was part of the Senate’s agreed legislative process and that lawmakers were expected to familiarise themselves with proposed legislation before plenary consideration.

The strongest criticism came from Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North, a professor of agricultural economics and former head of department in the discipline.

Abdullahi questioned the attempt to regulate the entire agricultural sector through one broad legislation, arguing that its various components required separate and targeted laws.

“Agriculture is too wide and omnibus a human endeavour for it to be covered effectively and efficiently under a single bill,” he said.

He argued that issues such as agricultural subsidies, mechanisation and irrigation required specific legislative interventions rather than a blanket legal framework.

Warning against passing poorly drafted laws, he said, “Laws are made to guide policy and implementation of programmes; they are not just nebulous presentations. Once you go there and make a law, of course it will be a law, but if it’s a bad law, it will stay like that forever,” Abdullahi cautioned.

He urged lawmakers to identify the specific challenges in the agricultural sector that required legislation and address them individually.

“If we are serious about developing agriculture, let us look into the content of our agriculture and identify those areas of constraints where legislation is required and address those particular areas,” he said.

Monguno, however, maintained that the second-reading stage was intended to examine the general principles of a bill, while detailed scrutiny would follow at subsequent stages.

He also defended the use of the Senate’s digital platform but conceded that the necessary procedures could be completed before the bill was reintroduced.

The disagreement intensified when another senator accused the Senate Leader of attempting to intimidate colleagues by invoking his leadership position, insisting that all lawmakers were entitled to express their views freely.

The matter was eventually addressed after a ranking senator cited Section 3 of the Senate Rules, which provides that a printed copy of a bill shall, as soon as possible, be sent to every senator.

The senator argued that the provision expressly required printed copies and did not identify the digital platform as a substitute.

Faced with the objections, Barau withdrew the bill, promising to comply with the Senate’s rules.

“So it has been withdrawn until it is given to him. Since that’s what you want, I will get it done. Forget about the fact that it has been placed on the platform. As we agreed, we are going to give you and give others who have not gotten it. We will comply with the rules,” Barau said.

He added, “I am the Deputy Senate President. I will always want to please anyone to the best of my ability.”

Akpabio subsequently acknowledged the withdrawal and confirmed that the bill had been stepped down.

The proposed legislation may return to the Senate after the necessary procedures, including the circulation of printed copies to lawmakers, have been completed.

The development highlights concerns over legislative drafting and parliamentary procedure as the National Assembly considers measures to address food insecurity, improve agricultural productivity and modernise Nigeria’s farming sector.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has met with three ministers from the state in Abuja ahead of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally scheduled for November 11 in Akure.

The meeting, which held on Monday night at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

In the statement, Adeniyan said, “Last night, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, received the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.”

He added that the meeting was part of preparations for the forthcoming rally.

The meeting forms part of preparations for the Ondo State Presidential Campaign rally scheduled for November 11, 2026, in Akure,” the statement added.

The meeting brought together the governor and the three ministers from Ondo State who are serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Ondo State chapter of the APC had earlier constituted a 228-member Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council, according to a statement by the party’s state chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, is expected to coordinate campaign activities, mobilise support across the state and drive the party’s grassroots engagement.

Aiyedatiwa will chair the council, while Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami will serve as Vice Chairman I.

The Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Finance, Oyedele; Minister of Youth Development, Olawande; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; and Babatunde were also listed as vice chairmen.

Former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan, was named Director-General of the council, while Olumuyiwa Adu was appointed Deputy Director-General.

By Oluseun O. Joshua

With an impressive gathering of party leaders, political stakeholders, artisans, students and youths, the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM) has reinforced its growing political presence in Ogun State, demonstrating its organisational capacity and commitment to grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The recently concluded Ogun-East Mega Rally of the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM), held at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, was more than a political gathering. It was a significant demonstration of organisational coordination, grassroots engagement and the movement’s expanding influence within the political landscape of Ogun State.

Months of preparation, strategic planning and mobilisation culminated in an event that brought together 30,000 thousands of supporters, party faithful and political stakeholders from across Ogun-East Senatorial District. The scale of participation and the calibre of personalities in attendance further underscored the movement’s determination to consolidate its structures and strengthen its presence across the state.

Since its transition from the Omoluabi Movement to the Yayi Progressives Movement, the organisation has continued to record notable milestones. Among these were its inauguration ceremony at Ake Palace, Abeokuta and the mobilisation of 10,000 youths and students at a separate programme in Abeokuta. These activities have formed part of a progressive effort to establish a more coordinated and inclusive political support structure.

The Ogun-East Mega Rally represented another significant chapter in that journey, particularly with the inauguration of the movement’s Artisan, Women, Students and Youth wings. The development reflects YPM’s emphasis on building an inclusive organisational framework that recognises the importance of different social and professional groups in grassroots political engagement.

The event attracted the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, the deputy Governorship candidate Mrs. Abiodun Balogun; the APC State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi; Senator Olalekan Mustapha; and several other prominent party leaders and political stakeholders, particularly from Ogun-East senatorial district.

Adding colour and entertainment to the occasion were celebrated music personalities, including King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) and Alhaji Pasuma, alongside other performers and side attractions. Their appearances contributed to the festive atmosphere and further heightened the excitement among participants.

Under the leadership of its Convener, Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde, alongside the Co-Conveners, State Coordinator, Apex Body and other executive members, YPM used the rally to demonstrate the strength of its grassroots network in Ogun-East senatorial district.

According to the movement, more than 30,000 members and supporters participated in the rally, representing a significant mobilisation effort from its documented membership base of 90,600. While the attendance figure reflects the organisation’s own records and estimates, the gathering offered a visible indication of its mobilisation ambitions and expanding political structures.

Speaking at the event, the Convener, Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde, explained that the Ogun-East Mega Rally was designed not merely as a show of strength but also as an opportunity to demonstrate the movement’s readiness to support all APC candidates across the senatorial district.

He emphasised that the rally was intended to reassure party candidates of the movement’s commitment to grassroots mobilisation and electoral support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akintunde further disclosed that similar mobilisation activities were being planned for Ogun Central and Ogun West before the end of the year, in addition to other programmes already outlined in the movement’s strategic calendar most especially its Mega Empowerment programme. 

The movement’s development is particularly noteworthy when viewed against the background of its evolution. From its initial involvement in the Dapo Abiodun Continuity Agenda (DACA), through its Omoluabi Movement phase, and now as the Yayi Progressives Movement, the organisation has continued to expand its political identity, membership base and operational structures.

Its deliberate effort to establish dedicated wings for artisans, women, students and youths also distinguishes its organisational approach. By creating platforms for these groups to participate in its activities. YPM appears focused on building a progressive grassroots network that extends beyond conventional political mobilisation.

For a political support organisation seeking relevance ahead of a major electoral cycle, the ability to combine membership expansion, leadership coordination and sustained engagement at the grassroots remains an important measure of organisational development.

The YPM Ogun-East Mega Rally therefore represents a significant statement of intent by the movement. Beyond the impressive gathering and entertainment, its central message was one of political organisation, collective participation and readiness for the challenges of the coming electoral season.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended the movement’s leadership, particularly its Convener, Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde, for the successful organisation of the rally. He also expressed confidence in YPM’s mobilisation capacity, describing the movement as being well positioned to support the APC and its candidates.

As preparations gradually gather momentum towards 2027, the next major test for YPM will be its ability to translate the enthusiasm, organisational structures and mobilisation capacity displayed at Ijebu-Ode into sustained grassroots engagement and measurable political participation across all three senatorial districts.

For now, the Ogun-East Mega Rally has added another milestone to the movement’s development, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as a formidable and well-structured political support platform in Ogun State.

- Oluseun O. Joshua is the State Media Director for the Yayi Progressives Movement

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said he has no personal rift with former governor Peter Obi, describing their relationship as cordial despite disagreements over political and economic issues.

Soludo said this in an interview with BBC News Igbo, on Monday, explaining that both families maintained close relationships but had different political interests.

“Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms. His wife gave birth to my child in the divine water, my wife gave birth to his child in the confirmation. But when it comes to politics, give me mine, give him his. It’s politics that is being done,” the governor said.

He maintained that their political differences did not affect their personal relationship, adding that both men had supported different candidates during the Anambra governorship election.

He has someone he thinks should be the governor of Anambra. I am also listening. He supported the person he wanted. But I won by the grace of God,” Soludo said.

The governor’s comments come amid renewed disagreements between him and Obi over the former governor’s record in office and the financial position of Anambra State when he left office in 2014.

In September, Obi and the Anambra State Government disagreed over claims that the former governor and his wife were godparents to Soludo’s children.

Obi had said he and his wife were godparents to Soludo’s children, describing the relationship between the two families as cordial despite their political differences.

However, the media aide to the Anambra First Lady, Daniel Ezeigwe, disputed the claim, explaining that Nonye Soludo was the confirmation godmother to Obi’s daughter, while Obi’s wife, Margaret, was the baptismal godmother to one of Soludo’s daughters.

Soludo also addressed his controversial 2022 article in which he questioned Obi’s chances of winning the 2023 presidential election, clarifying that he did not predict that the former Anambra governor would lose.

Asked whether he maintained his position ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Soludo said his earlier argument was that Obi’s participation in the 2023 election would split opposition votes and make victory easier for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Tinubu.

No, no, I didn’t say he wouldn’t win. What I said was that it is impossible for someone who is a presidential candidate of a party to not even write a letter saying he is running,” he said.

He added that his argument at the time was that Obi’s emergence as a third-force candidate would take votes away from the Peoples Democratic Party and benefit Tinubu.

“In fact, I also wrote to him that his participation would take away a lot of votes from the PDP and make it easier for Tinubu to win,” Soludo said.

The governor further argued that an alliance among opposition parties would not automatically guarantee victory against an incumbent administration.

“Even if you have a united opposition, it still does not guarantee you get to defeat an incumbent. But that is even the starting point,” he said.

Soludo also recalled that he personally invited Obi to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance in March 2022 to contest the presidency, saying their discussions initially focused on mobilising the Igbo people rather than merely securing political power.

“It was me myself who invited him to APGA so he could run, early March 2022 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.

He added, “Before he ran for that office, it wasn’t about him running and winning, but how we are going to mobilise the Igbo people.

“We deliberate first before going into an alliance before seeking power. You don’t just get power in Nigeria like that.”

In November 2022, Soludo published an article titled History Beckons and I Will Not Be Silent, in which he questioned Obi’s presidential ambition and wrote that the former governor could not win the election.

Peter Obi knows that he can’t and won’t win,” he wrote at the time.

Nigeria and Australia have agreed to strengthen intelligence-sharing, joint operations and controlled drug deliveries to disrupt transnational trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria–Australia drug route.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Australian Federal Police formalised the partnership on Monday through a memorandum of understanding signed at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, providing a framework for coordinated action against drug cartels operating across the two countries.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), described the agreement as “a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels that think they can hide between continents,” warning that traffickers would face intensified operations across the route.

The four areas of cooperation under the agreement are intelligence and information exchange, joint and coordinated operations, capacity building and professional development, and controlled delivery of illicit drugs to identify and apprehend other members of trafficking networks.

In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday, Marwa said the agreement came as drug trafficking became increasingly transnational, organised and sophisticated, with Nigerian criminal groups linked to the Australia-Pacific route, particularly in the trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine.

“Nigeria is being exploited as a transit and sourcing hub, but no single country can fight this alone,” he said.

Marwa expressed confidence that the partnership would lead to major joint seizures, arrests of high-value targets and successful controlled deliveries.

Now, this MoU is renewable and is a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels that think they can hide between continents.

“With the AFP’s global reach and NDLEA’s operational doggedness, I am confident that we will make the Australia-Nigeria drug route extremely hostile and unprofitable for traffickers. And we look forward to immediate implementation,” he said.

The NDLEA chairman cited recent operations, including the seizure of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine intended for export and the discovery of four methamphetamine laboratories in recent months, with Mexican nationals allegedly embedded in the operations.

One of the laboratories, he said, yielded seizures valued at more than $360m.

He also cited the dismantling of a Switzerland-based drug cartel allegedly led by a Nigerian, Simon Amadi, following more than a year of joint investigations involving the NDLEA, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and police authorities in France, Greece and Switzerland. The agency has also targeted the cartel’s assets in Nigeria.

Leading the Australian delegation, the Head of the AFP delegation, Sandra Booth, said cooperation between law enforcement agencies was necessary because organised crime groups were using drug trafficking to finance other serious offences.

She said criminal networks were increasingly operating a “crime as a service” model, recruiting young and vulnerable people to deliver and transport drugs and carry out violent attacks against rival groups.

Beyond addiction and the damage to families and communities, Booth said the trade was contributing to gang violence and deaths in Australia.

“Whilst Nigeria is a transit country, we are a destination country. And unfortunately for us, people will pay a lot of money for the commodity,” she said.

Booth said Australia wanted to work with Nigeria to prevent drugs from reaching its territory and protect its young people and vulnerable populations.

She commended the NDLEA’s approach to tackling drug abuse and trafficking, including prevention and enforcement, and described its international partnerships as a force multiplier.

“It is so necessary that we work together as a team, that we are forceful, that we are committed, that we show integrity, and we hunt as a pack. And I am very proud that we can now be part of your pack,” she said.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, Deputy High Commissioner Timothy Milikan and other members of the Australian police delegation.

Traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have resolved to dissolve the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council and replace it with the Adele Oba Awujale in Council to oversee the affairs of the ancient town pending the emergence of a substantive Awujale.

The decision was reached at a meeting of the Ilamuren, Pampa, Odi and other chiefs of Ijebu-Ode, where the traditional leaders unanimously adopted a resolution mandating members of the AIAC to step down from their existing positions and assume membership of the newly constituted Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

About a month after the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025, the state government constituted an administrative body to manage various administrative and traditional responsibilities during the transition period until a new Awujale is installed.

The constitution of the administrative body was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, and made available to journalists.

The body was chaired by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland and co-founder of EKO Hospital, Lagos, Chief Folorunso Kuku, who is also designated as one of the Ilamurens.

However, in a resolution signed by the Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, Dr Sonny Kuku, the chiefs said the decision to replace the interregnum administrative arrangement with the Adele Oba Awujale in Council was informed by their consideration of the existing traditional and statutory frameworks governing the Awujale chieftaincy institution.

The statement, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent on Monday, noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 did not expressly provide for the establishment of an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general procedure for appointing a regent during an interregnum.

It, however, maintained that the Chiefs Law and the 1957 Declaration provided an existing framework for the recognition of customary arrangements, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

The statement read, “Upon consideration of the applicable traditional and statutory framework, it was observed that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council, nor does it prescribe a general procedure for the appointment of a Regent.

“It was further noted that the Chiefs Law and Declaration of 1957 provide an existing framework within which customary declarations are made and recognised, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

In view of the foregoing, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted that all members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) should formally step down from their existing positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

“Consequently, the Adele Oba Awujale in Council shall henceforth assume responsibility for the administration of the affairs of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum and exercise, on an interim basis, such administrative powers and functions as may appropriately be required in the absence of the Awujale, subject to applicable laws and established customs and traditions.”

The 14-member council comprises Dr Sonny Kuku, who holds the Ogbeni Oja title; Chief Rasheed Adesanya (Olisa); Chief O.B. Okuboyejo (Obasewa); Chief Chris Funmilola Okunowo (Bobasuwa); and Chief Prof. Jide Ajayi (Jagun Aso).

Other members are Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso (Olootu Olowa); Chief Jimi Lawal (Olotu Ifore); Chief Kunle Ogunade (Apebi); Chief Mrs B.O. Osibogun (Iyalode); Chief Adegoke Balogun (Jaginrin); Chief Agboola Alausa (Balogun); Chief Abimbola Okenla (Kakanfo); Chief Adebisi Adaran (Ogbeni Odi Awujale); and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja (Lapoekun).

The chiefs described the arrangement as a recognised traditional administrative structure designed to ensure continuity and stability in Ijebu-Ode while the process of selecting and installing a substantive Awujale continues.

“The Adele Oba Awujale in Council shall henceforth serve as the recognised traditional administrative body for the management of the affairs of Ijebu-Ode throughout the interregnum, in accordance with applicable laws, customary practices and the established traditions of Ijebuland,” the statement added.

The traditional leaders further said the resolution was anchored in the customs and longstanding cultural practices of the Ijebu people, particularly those relating to the Awujale chieftaincy institution.

They maintained that the arrangement reflected their collective responsibility to protect the integrity of the traditional institution during the period without a substantive monarch.

“Our position is firmly rooted in the ancient customs, established cultural practices and time-honoured traditions of the Ijebu people, particularly as they relate to the Awujale Chieftaincy Institution,” the chiefs stated.

They added that the decision was consistent with the historical traditional framework of Ijebuland and was intended to preserve the institution pending the emergence of a new Awujale.

Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 students in a Niger State Islamic school.

The incident reportedly happened on Saturday in Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area.

The PUNCH learnt that the students were abducted while harvesting maize in their teacher’s farm when the terrorists invaded the farm.

The teacher was also reportedly kidnapped during the incident.

The spokesman of the Niger State police command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying that the number of abducted students was 14 and not 50 as reported.

He also said a joint security mission was on a rescue mission, assuring that the abducted students would be rescued.

“On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30 pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm.

“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident.

However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, speaking on the incident, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over his handling of the security situation in the state.

He lamented that the governor was busy with electioneering and had failed to protect lives and property.

“The security agencies in the state lack operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to confront the situation.

“The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condole with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.

The dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, convicted in the United States of America for offences bordering on fraud, has dragged the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, before the court, asking it to stop him from filling the stool.

Oba Oloyede, who is the second claimant in suit no. HIF/50/2026, in his motion on notice filed before an Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife, alleged that Adeleke did not formally inform him of any infraction he committed before embarking on the process to replace him.

He sought an order of the court stopping the governor or any of his officials from filling the stool of Apetumodu until the substantive suit was determined.

Other claimants in the matter include Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni, and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, for themselves and on behalf of other members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.

Besides Adeleke, other defendants in the matter are the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, the Asalu of Ipetumodu and the head of the kingmakers, Chief Adesoye Babalola, the Malefon of Ipetumodu, and the Ife North Local Government.

The motion on notice filed by Oloyede, dated September 16, 2026, partly read, “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants/respondents either by themselves or through their servants, agents or privies from taking any step to fill the stool of the Apetu (Apetumodu) of Ipetumodu or appoint any person in place of the 2nd claimant who is the occupant of the Apetu’s stool, pending the hearing and final determination of this suit.

“That in The Guardian Newspaper of May 11, 2026 (online edition), it was alleged that the 2nd claimant/applicant has, by order/instrument purportedly signed by the 1st defendant on May 7, 2026, been deposed from office as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu without any lawful basis.

That there was no time the 2nd claimant/applicant was informed by the 1st-3rd defendants of any wrongdoing before the issuance of the publication contained in the said Guardian Newspaper and the purported instrument or order of deposition.”

The hearing in the matter was, however, stalled on Monday, following non-service of hearing notices on the parties in the case.

During the day’s proceedings, only the claimants’ counsel, O. Ogbewe, and counsel for the 5th defendant, Soji Oyetayo, entered appearances.

Addressing the court, Ogbewe said he had served the defendants with the processes regarding the case.

But Oyetayo, counsel for the 5th respondent, Adesoye Babalola, said hearing notice had not been served on him by the claimants.

Oyetayo subsequently urged the court to adjourn the matter for the claimants to serve all the defendants’ hearing notices.

In his ruling, Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case to January 21, 2027, and ordered that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.

The PUNCH reported that Adeleke approved the deposition of Oba Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, following his conviction in the US on tax fraud and money laundering charges.

An amateur boxer identified simply as Kehinde and popularly known as KBlaq has been stabbed to death during a street fight at Olodo Garage in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Monday that the incident occurred on Sunday, sparking outrage among social media users, who called for justice for the deceased.

According to accounts circulating online, the deceased was not initially involved in the fight, while the suspect allegedly appeared after the confrontation had ended and stabbed him in the neck with a broken bottle.

Kehinde, who was described by acquaintances as a boxer, reportedly succumbed to his injuries.

Several social media users expressed shock over the killing, with some claiming that the suspect was not among those involved in the initial fight.

An X user, @MVKAY2, wrote, “The person who stabbed him was not even involved in the fight, and they had stopped fighting already. Just one of those vile men wey the matter no concern came from nowhere and stabbed him.

Before una start dropping different narratives, I wish he was with Z second. I wish he was never there.”

Another user, @omononaolapo, wrote, “Funny enough, this guy that stabbed him was not even among those that they were fighting.”

Similarly, @Tunde, who described the deceased as his brother, wrote, “Na my brother o. Ajeh. Olodo bike men can be very mean sometimes, and they were all there watching them fight.”

Another user, @Fela, added, “This was why I made this tweet earlier today. This boxer is my younger brother’s friend. I got to church yesterday and my brother told me someone killed his friend. I was shocked when he told me.”

Also, @Pelumifundz, who described Kehinde as the younger brother of a friend, wrote, “This guy is a twin and my friend’s junior brother. He’s so gentle and doesn’t cause trouble. I would really love to know what happened that made the bikeman stab him in the neck. Anyways, rest in peace, Kenny. I know you won’t go without having justice. We will definitely get it for you.”

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, told our correspondent during a telephone interview that an investigation was ongoing.

Businessman and social media influencer, Afolabi Kazeem, popularly known as KC Luxury, standing trial over alleged 184.5kg cocaine trafficking and money laundering, has asked Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos to recuse himself from the case, citing alleged irregularities in court records and concerns over his health.

The application followed the court’s refusal last Wednesday to grant Kazeem bail on medical grounds, with the judge holding that the defendant had failed to establish special circumstances or provide sufficient evidence to justify his release.

At the resumed proceedings on Monday, Kazeem, who was absent from court, sought the judge’s recusal through his counsel, Emefo Etudo, who appeared with Mrs Charity Etudo.

Etudo told the court that the record of proceedings did not reflect the October 28, 2026 ruling delivered on his client’s bail application, adding that repeated efforts to obtain a copy from the court registry had proved unsuccessful.

He said the defence was informed that the judge had yet to sign the ruling, raising concerns that the delay could affect his client’s right to appeal within the prescribed period.

Etudo also alleged that a reply affidavit filed by the defence had gone missing, questioning the safety of documents submitted to the court.

He said, “The record of proceedings did not reflect that any ruling was made on October 28, 2026, by this honourable court. And we don’t feel so safe that our evidence, like the reply affidavit that got missing, is safe in the court.”

Etudo further criticised the Federal High Court’s lack of adequate recording facilities, arguing that verbatim recording equipment would ensure that statements and decisions made during proceedings were accurately captured.

He maintained that the discrepancies in the court records had further eroded his client’s confidence in the court.

Etudo also questioned the prosecution’s evidence, insisting that the documents presented before the court did not establish a connection between the first, second and third defendants and the alleged offences.

He said he intended to file a separate application challenging the sufficiency of the evidence but wanted the court to first determine the recusal application.

Opposing the request to move the application immediately, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Abu, argued that the matter was scheduled for trial and that the defence had not explained the first defendant’s absence.

Abu said, “I thought what Chief Etudo would have begun with was to address the business of the day, which is trial. Etudo has not explained to the court where his client is. That is where he should have begun from.”

He told the court that the prosecution had six witnesses in attendance and was ready to commence the trial as previously directed.

Abu, who said he was served with the application during the court’s stand-down, argued that it was not ripe for hearing and requested five days to respond, rather than the seven days ordinarily allowed under the rules.

Opposing the application, the prosecution described allegations of judicial bias as serious and maintained that the court had been fair to all parties.

Abu argued that the trial had not commenced and that the refusal of a bail application could not, on its own, establish bias against the court.

He said the defence had the option of appealing the bail decision or filing another application.

“Refusal of bail is the discretion of the court. That is not bias. There is an opportunity to appeal the decision, which has not been taken,” he said.

The prosecution also opposed the suggestion to sever the charges, arguing that the first count alleged a conspiracy involving the defendants.

Counsel for the second defendant, Augustine Audu, SAN, confirmed that his client was also served with the application during the stand-down but urged the court to hear and determine it before proceeding with the trial.

Audu argued that the pending application had stalled the proceedings and undermined the purpose of the order for accelerated hearing.

He also urged the prosecution to amend the charge and separate the defendants to enable the second and third defendants to proceed with their trial independently of the first defendant.

“We do not want the fate of the second and third defendants to be tied to the first defendant, because we are stuck,” he said.

The senior advocate maintained that the conspiracy count did not prevent the prosecution from proceeding against some defendants while others were at large.

“The fate of the second and third defendants cannot be left hanging. The first count is conspiracy, and people can be tried while others are at large,” he argued.

He further urged the court to consider bail for the second and third defendants, insisting that they should not remain in custody while the first defendant’s application stalled the trial.

Audu said his client was eager to face trial and clear his name, adding that the second defendant should not be made to bear the consequences of proceedings involving another defendant.

He said he would not oppose the recusal application, noting that it was between the first defendant and the prosecution.

Counsel to the second defendant, Audu Augustine, said he would not oppose the recusal application, noting that it was between the first defendant and the prosecution.

He said his client was languishing in custody despite being presumed innocent.

Responding, Etudo said he had reluctantly filed the recusal application because his client had lost confidence in the court.

“My client has lost confidence in this court, and that is why I have had to bring this application, although I was reluctant to do so,” Etudo said.

He disclosed that Kazeem’s health had deteriorated and challenged the prosecution to verify his condition.

Etudo recounted a previous case at the Ikeja High Court in which he had sought the release of a client suffering from prostate cancer to enable him to receive medical treatment.

According to him, the court refused the application, and the defendant died before the next adjourned date.

Etudo said the experience informed his concerns about Kazeem’s deteriorating health and the consequences of keeping him in custody.

He maintained that his client was in a sorry state and no longer had confidence in the court.

The prosecution maintained its readiness to proceed with the trial but requested five days to respond to the recusal application.

However, Justice Kakaki adjourned the case till November 25, 2026, for the hearing of submission of the application.

On September 25, 2026, the Federal High Court in Lagos Remanded KC Luxury and two others over the alleged trafficking and attempted export of 184.5kg of cocaine valued at about N39 billion.

He was arraigned alongside Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, illegal export of narcotics and money laundering.

Meanwhile, on October 23, 2026, The news reported that KC Luxury appeared at the Lagos court in an ambulance, receiving oxygen as his lawyer sought his release on bail for specialised medical care.

At the resumed hearing, a correctional officer told the court that Kazeem was critically ill and had been hospitalised.

The officer also called the nurse attending to him.

Youths in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders to address various challenges facing riverine communities in the state.

The youths, under the auspices of the Ilaje National Youth Council, said the communities needed urgent government intervention in several areas.

The newly inaugurated National President of the Third National Caretaker Committee of the INYC, Agbejoye Joshua, stated this in his acceptance speech on Monday.

According to him, some of the challenges requiring intervention include illegal oil bunkering, the Ayetoro shoreline project and concerns over the alignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

He said, “We call upon the appropriate security, regulatory and environmental authorities to intensify lawful measures against illegal oil bunkering, unauthorised petroleum production and other activities that threaten the environment, public safety and economic development of Ilaje Nation.

We also call for immediate and sustained government attention to the devastating coastal erosion and sea incursion affecting Ayetoro and other vulnerable coastal communities in Ilaje Nation.

“There is a need for urgent engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant authorities regarding concerns over the proposed diversion or realignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway away from affected Ilaje coastal communities.

We also call upon the appropriate aviation, environmental and emergency management authorities to investigate reports of environmental pollution allegedly associated with an aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area. We request a comprehensive environmental assessment, disclosure of relevant findings and appropriate remediation wherever contamination or environmental damage is established.”

Joshua pledged that the group, under his leadership, would promote unity, peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, employment opportunities, skills acquisition, community development and constructive engagement with government institutions and private organisations.

“I assure the entire youths of Ilaje Nation that this administration will strive to justify the confidence reposed in us and deliver meaningful results beyond expectations,” he promised.

Joshua also said the group would meet with private security companies and security contractors operating in Ilaje LGA to discuss “lawful employment opportunities, local content participation, community relations, youth empowerment and collaboration with relevant security agencies.”

The African Action Congress in Oyo State has urged opposition parties across Nigeria to consider boycotting the 2027 general elections if the Federal Government and security agencies fail to guarantee the safety of political actors and voters.

The party made the call in a Monday statement signed by its Oyo State Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, expressing concern over what it described as escalating political violence, intimidation and thuggery ahead of the elections.

It cited the recent attack on its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as an example of the threats facing opposition politicians during campaign activities.

“Therefore, we call on opposition parties and democratic forces across Nigeria to consider a collective boycott of the 2027 general elections if the government and relevant security institutions cannot guarantee the safety of political actors, their supporters, and ordinary citizens,” the statement read.

The AAC said elections should be contests of ideas, policies and visions for the country’s future, rather than opportunities for political actors and their supporters to unleash violence on opponents.

It warned that attacks, intimidation and threats to lives and property during political campaigns raised serious concerns about the safety, credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

The party also called on the authorities to investigate what it described as an assassination attempt on Sowore and prosecute those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, irrespective of their political affiliations.

We demand that authorities immediately investigate the assassination attempt on our Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and identify and prosecute those responsible, as well as their sponsors, regardless of political affiliation,” the statement added.

The party argued that opposition politicians and their supporters should be able to campaign, organise and express their political opinions without fear of attacks or killings.

“We cannot legitimise a process that fails to ensure the safety of its participants. Democracy must be protected, and human lives must take precedence over political ambitions,” it said.

The statement follows an incident involving Sowore in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30, 2026.

PUNCH Online had reported that the AAC presidential candidate was attacked by suspected thugs while meeting supporters at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of the state capital.

Sowore alleged that about 20 armed men attacked him and members of his entourage, leaving him injured.

He also alleged that the attackers were government-sponsored, a claim the Ekiti State Government denied.

However, the Ekiti State Police Command said Sowore was not kidnapped, describing the incident as an altercation with some individuals at the restaurant.

The police said he sustained a minor injury and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for treatment.

The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident and said an investigation was underway.

The AAC maintained that political participation should not expose candidates, supporters or ordinary citizens to violence, warning that intimidation could undermine public confidence in elections.

It added that the safety of participants was essential to the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has dismissed the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s list of governorship candidates as a temporary distraction, insisting that the development would not affect his determination to contest the 2027 governorship election.

Adebutu spoke on Monday at the PDP state secretariat in Abeokuta, where he received more than 1,000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress into the opposition party.

The defectors, led by a former APC member of the House of Representatives, Segun William, were formally welcomed by Adebutu, his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, and other PDP chieftains, including the Ogun Central senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It will be recalled that Adebutu and his running mate, Sowunmi-Kolapo, were missing from the updated list of governorship candidates for the 2027 election in the state, as published on INEC’s website as of Friday, October 31.

The Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, had said in a statement that the commission upheld 66 petitions challenging the final lists of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections and rejected 64 others.

The petitions reportedly followed the publication of the final lists of candidates on October 10, 2026, with complaints bordering on the omission of political parties, the inclusion of candidates whose names were absent from their parties’ membership registers and alleged multiple nominations.

He said the commission reviewed the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions before reaching its decisions.

INEC had attributed the omissions to alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, requiring political parties to submit their membership registers

The commission said its position followed a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Section 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act, which makes the submission of membership registers mandatory.

Addressing the gathering, Adebutu expressed confidence that the controversy surrounding his omission from INEC’s list would be resolved, maintaining that he remained a committed and bona fide member of the PDP.

He challenged those questioning his membership of the party to provide evidence of when he allegedly left the PDP, stressing that he had neither defected to the APC nor visited its secretariat.

Reaffirming his longstanding relationship with the PDP, Adebutu said he had consistently contested elections on the party’s platform over the past two decades.

“I have been the candidate of PDP for the last 20 years, every election cycle. My question is: at what stage did I leave or vacate the party? Where is the proof that for one day I have even visited the APC office, for that matter?

“I was actively involved in organising and financing the recent PDP membership registration exercise in the state, during which over 19,800 members were registered, my registration number was 1536.

“The controversy surrounding my name on the INEC list as an attempt to distract the opposition and disenfranchise voters, but I am assuring our supporters that this party will not lose focus,” Adebutu said.

He further assured party supporters that the PDP would sustain its grassroots mobilisation across the state, regardless of what he described as attempts to distract the opposition.

According to him, the party had already made significant progress in its statewide mobilisation drive, covering several local government areas and wards.

“We have visited 12 of the 20 local governments. Of the 236 wards, we have visited over 140 now. Tomorrow again we continue, because we know that the trick is to get us distracted. We will not be distracted. We keep our eyes on the ball and we shall win,” Adebutu declared.

Earlier, William, who led the former APC members into the PDP, explained that their decision to leave the ruling party followed what he described as its failure to uphold democratic values and deliver meaningful development to Ogun State.

William, who traced his involvement in partisan politics to 2007, recalled that although some of his friends and associates had initially encouraged him to join the PDP, he eventually aligned with the APC.

He said his experience within the ruling party had, however, convinced him that a change of political platform was necessary, adding that the defectors were determined to contribute to the development of Ogun State through the PDP.

Describing the APC as a platform that had fallen short of democratic expectations, William said the party could no longer accommodate the aspirations of its members and the people of the state.

“We are seeking the progress of our dear Ogun State. My sincere appreciation goes first and foremost to our incoming governor, who has made this occasion possible, with the assistance of our deputy governor, our senator, the directors-general, party members, the party hierarchy and the state chairman,” William said.

The Federal Government has introduced stricter verification requirements for newly recruited civil servants, directing that no employee should be admitted into the federal payroll without completing mandatory documentation and eligibility checks.

The new directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of reforms to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System aimed at strengthening accountability, preventing irregular payroll admissions and improving the management of government personnel expenditure.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa.

The statement read, “Henceforth, no newly recruited employee shall be enrolled without first being captured on the nominal roll of the relevant MDA and satisfying all prescribed validation and eligibility requirements.”

According to the OAGF, the revised procedures will require Ministries, Departments and Agencies to take greater responsibility for managing their personnel budgets and maintaining accurate records of employees.

Under the arrangement, government institutions seeking to enrol newly recruited workers must formally submit requests to the OAGF, accompanied by recruitment approvals, appointment letters, applicable waivers and other supporting documents.

The office explained that the documents would undergo verification alongside employee records, salary structures, grade levels, steps, allowances and other financial entitlements before payroll admission could be approved.

The additional checks are intended to ensure that only properly documented and eligible employees are included in the government’s salary payment system.

The OAGF stated, “The validation process will also cover statutory details, including Pension Fund Administrator information, pension identification numbers, National Housing Fund registration and tax records to ensure accurate deductions and timely remittances.”

Following the initial verification, employee records will be returned to the relevant ministry, department or agency for further confirmation.

The Accounting Officer, Director of Human Resources, Director of Finance and Accounts, and designated Payroll Validating Officer must endorse the records before they are submitted to the OAGF for final processing.

The statement explained that the Accountant-General of the Federation would retain final approval authority over the admission of newly recruited employees into the payroll.

It stated, “Final admission into the Federal Government payroll will be subject to satisfactory completion of all validation procedures and the approval of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”

The directive introduces multiple levels of verification involving both the employing institution and the central payroll authority, with officials required to confirm the accuracy of recruitment and salary information.

The OAGF also warned that applications containing incomplete documentation or discrepancies would not be processed until the identified problems had been resolved.

“Any employee record with incomplete documentation or unresolved discrepancies will be deferred from payroll admission until all prescribed conditions are fulfilled,” the statement added.

The office further disclosed that officials responsible for processing and approving payroll admissions would be held accountable for violations of the applicable regulations.

Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies and other relevant government officials have consequently been directed to ensure strict compliance with the revised requirements.

The measures apply to all ongoing and subsequent payroll admission processes involving newly recruited federal employees.

The OAGF said the reforms formed part of a broader re-engineering of IPPIS processes to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability in personnel management.

The directive also places greater responsibility on individual MDAs to ensure that their nominal rolls correspond with approved recruitment records and personnel budgets.

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, has disagreed with his Nigerian Labour Congress counterpart, Joe Ajaero, over the authority of the NLC to negotiate salaries and allowances on behalf of Nigerian workers, insisting that the TUC must be involved in such negotiations.

Osifo said the NLC could not negotiate on behalf of the TUC without its participation or consultation, describing the agreement on the N70,000 Transport allowance,recently approved by President Bola Tinubu as an aberration.

The TUC president spoke on Monday while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, amid the disagreement between the two labour centres over the negotiations with the Federal Government.

“Listening to Ajaero again today, I really pity the Labour movement and the quality of leaders that have been inflated on the NLC

As I listened to Ajaero today, I was wondering if it is the same NLC that produced the likes of Adams Oshiomole, Hassan Sumonu, Ayuba Wabba and so on.

“There is nowhere in ILO regulations that says a trade centre cannot negotiate for its members. It is not there! It is just that if you are going to the ILO, it is tripartite- the labour, government and the employers. And in describing that, it means that the list of the TUC members is joined together with that of the NLC and submitted to the Ministry of Labour, who forwards it to the ILO.

“In that case, the two bodies must come together. We are not contesting the fact that NLC has more affiliates.

But what we are saying is that you have about 60 affiliates while we have about 40. You cannot! You cannot negotiate for a body that is represented, for a body that has a trade union. You cannot negotiate for them on their behalf! It is not there anywhere!

Yes, if we go to negotiations- I sit down, you sit down, and we agree”.

Osifo challenged Ajaero to produce the International Labour Organisation regulation document which, according to him, authorised either of the labour unions to negotiate on behalf of the other.

“He should show me in the ILO Regulations where it says one party is going to negotiate without the other one being there or consulted. He should show me! He should show Nigerians!

“ILO doctrine is that when you have more affiliates, and you are going for one of their events, it is not correct that the most represented will go and negotiate on behalf of the other one when the unions have their own umbrella.

Let Ajaero send a document to you that proves that! It cannot be found anywhere!

“He talked about the JNC (Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council). I don’t truly think Ajaero has read the JNC constitution. I don’t truly think he knows what the JNC means.

Yes, you have a Masters in 1990. You cannot use a solution of yesterday to attack today’s problem.

“And that is why in industrial relations, you need to keep updating, retooling and relearning.

“First, the JNC means that when there are issues in the public sector, the JNC looks at it”.

The TUC president also disputed the position that the meeting at which the N70,000 transport allowance was agreed upon represented a general agreement by members of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

“But that meeting that took place was not the Council meeting. The Minister is not a member of the Council. Ajaero is not a member of the Council. The Council even has a quorum and the number of persons that must be seated to form a quorum. But at the end of the day, that meeting was not a JNC meeting. The members of JNC were not there!

“Again, if you see the release that was sent out by those three bodies, you will discover that after the last minimum wage, we got about 33 per cent increment, and how does that work? Because from N30,000, we got N70,000.

“What you are supposed to do is that JNC will have to sit down and apply consequential adjustments.

You know what Ajaero used JNC to do? Ajaero sent JNC a questionnaire and asked them to apply N40,000 each to Nigerian workers.

“So they took N40,000, which is the difference between N30,000 and N70,000, and applied it across board. That is why the federal workers today are earning abysmally poor.

“But I attacked him! I went to his office and told him that ‘Ajaero, this is wrong!’ What you used JNC to do is fundamentally wrong!”

The Ondo Kingdom in Ondo State is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the coronation of its paramount ruler, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, with a series of medical, cultural, educational and community development activities.

The celebrations, organised by the Ondo Development Committee, will feature a medical intervention tagged the ‘Festival of Surgeries’, cultural performances, an inter-school debate competition, a public lecture, an art exhibition, a golf tournament and the commissioning of legacy development projects.

The activities are expected to run until December 24, 2026, ahead of the annual Ekimogun Day Festival on December 26. The anniversary is themed, ‘20 Years of Unprecedented Peace and Development in Ondo Kingdom’.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, a major highlight of the celebrations will be the conferment of traditional chieftaincy titles on two prominent Americans, media personality Sway Calloway and renowned American music industry executive and cultural advocate, Leila Steinberg, alongside other distinguished personalities.

The ancient Ondo Kingdom in Ondo State is set to celebrate 20 years of the reign of its paramount ruler, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, with an elaborate programme of cultural, medical, educational and community development activities.

“The celebrations, organised by the Ondo Development Committee (ODC), will feature a major medical intervention tagged the ‘Festival of Surgeries’, cultural performances, an inter-school debate competition, a public lecture, an art exhibition, a golf tournament and the commissioning of legacy development projects.

“The activities, which are expected to run until December 24, 2026, will culminate in the annual Ekimogun Day Festival on December 26, providing an opportunity for indigenes, residents and friends of the kingdom to celebrate its rich cultural heritage and reflect on its development trajectory.

The anniversary is themed, ’20 Years of Unprecedented Peace and Development in Ondo Kingdom'”, the statement partly read.

It added that the former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Femi Mimiko, who is the High Chief Lisa-elect of Ondo Kingdom, is chairman of the committee organising the anniversary

A major highlight of the celebrations will be the conferment of traditional chieftaincy titles on two prominent Americans, media personality, Sway Calloway, and renowned American music industry executive and cultural advocate, Leila Steinberg, alongside other distinguished personalities.

“The two Americans will receive the traditional honours in recognition of their accomplishments and contributions, while deserving sons and daughters of Ondo Kingdom will also be recognised for achievements that have brought honour to the ancient kingdom.

“Former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Femi Mimiko, mni, who is now the High Chief Lisa (elect) of Ondo Kingdom, is chairman of the committee planning and organising the anniversary celebrations”, it added.

According to the statement, 2026 marks two decades since Kiladejo ascended the throne of his forefathers in 2006.

The ODC, under the chairmanship of Chief Oye Akinsulire, PhD, FCA, initiated the anniversary activities to celebrate the milestone in the monarch’s reign, showcase the kingdom’s cultural identity and highlight its social, economic and community development aspirations.

Other members of the planning committee include Chief Wole Benson Akinkuolie, the Itagbuyi of Ondo Kingdom, and Dr Nelson Osungbemiro of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo City.

Mimiko said the anniversary was conceived not merely as a celebration of the monarch’s two decades on the throne but also as an opportunity for the people of Ondo, both at home and in the diaspora, to reflect on their collective history, achievements and aspirations.

“Another major attraction will be the ‘Festival of Surgeries’, a medical outreach programme inspired by the monarch’s professional background as a medical doctor and his longstanding interest in the health and welfare of his people.

“The initiative is expected to provide medical interventions for beneficiaries and draw attention to the importance of accessible healthcare in the community”, the statement continued.

The organisers explained that the medical programme was among the anniversary’s practical interventions designed to translate the celebration into tangible benefits for the people, rather than confining it to ceremonial activities.

It added, “In the education sector, the anniversary will feature inter-school debate competitions involving educational institutions across Ondo Kingdom. The competition is designed to provide students with a platform to demonstrate their intellectual abilities, develop critical thinking and engage with issues affecting their immediate environment and society.

“A public lecture will also bring together academics, traditional rulers, professionals and other stakeholders to examine the history, development and future prospects of the ancient kingdom. The cultural component will feature an elaborate fiesta showcasing the traditions, customs and distinctive heritage of the Ekimogun people.

“A golf tournament is also scheduled to hold at the Nibanola Motherland Resort and Golf Course in Ondo City, adding sporting activities to the programme. As part of efforts to preserve the kingdom’s history and document the monarch’s contributions, the organisers will produce a documentary tracing Ondo’s social evolution and traditional institutions.

A compendium of Oba Kiladejo’s speeches and a commemorative brochure will also be unveiled to chronicle significant developments and milestones during his 20-year reign.

“An art exhibition featuring works by prominent Nigerian artists will further showcase the kingdom’s cultural heritage and provide a platform for celebrating artistic creativity. Beyond the cultural and ceremonial activities, the anniversary will be marked by the unveiling and commencement of legacy development projects intended to deliver lasting benefits to the people.”

The organisers disclosed that at least one of the projects was expected to be completed and commissioned before the end of the year, while groundbreaking ceremonies would also be conducted for other initiatives.

“Another significant feature will be a town hall meeting tagged ‘A Day with Osemawe’, which will provide residents with an opportunity to interact directly with the monarch.

“The engagement is expected to strengthen the relationship between the traditional institution and the people by providing a platform for residents from different backgrounds to exchange views with the royal father on issues affecting the kingdom.

“The programme will also feature thanksgiving services at selected places of worship representing different religious and denominational groups in Ondo Kingdom”, the statement added.