The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the extension of health insurance coverage to the retirees in the state under a newly introduced scheme known as the Ogun State Retirees Health Insurance Scheme.

A statement on Thursday from the state Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, said the initiative was designed to cater for retired public servants, thereby ensuring that they continue to enjoy access to quality and affordable healthcare services after retirement.

Onasanya said, “Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the payment of N17.4m monthly for the payment of the retiree health insurance premium. All retirees will enjoy the full insurance coverage without paying or contributing any amount.

“This is to show that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun understands the value of taking care of our retirees, which marks another significant milestone under the ‘Social Welfare and Well-being’ agenda of the present administration.

This initiative is aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of retired officers who devoted the productive years of their lives to the service and development of Ogun State.”

Onasanya said the initiative followed the successful implementation of the Public Sector Health Insurance Scheme for serving public servants introduced by the government in August, 2024.

“This further reflects the deliberate policy direction of government towards inclusive healthcare coverage for all categories of workers, including those in retirement,” Onasanya added.

According to him, under the OGRHIS, beneficiaries will have access to a defined package of healthcare services through accredited healthcare facilities across the state.

The scheme is expected to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses and prevent catastrophic healthcare spending among retirees while encouraging continuous healthcare management.

culled from punch 

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, says Nigeria has sufficient domestic liquidity to close its infrastructure deficit if transparent structures are put in place to attract and secure investments.

Sule said this on Thursday in Abuja while delivering his keynote address during the 2026 Infrastructure Dialogue.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the dialogue had the theme: “Building Nigeria’s Future: The Strategic Role of DFIs and Capital Markets in Infrastructure Financing and Economic Development.”

Drawing from his experience as former Group Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, Sule said the high level of investor interest in the private sector was evidence that substantial capital was available within Nigeria.

Nigeria has so much money. The easiest way to know is to look at the Dangote Refinery.

“If they decide to sell 30 per cent of a 20-billion-dollar enterprise to the capital market, that six billion dollars will be oversubscribed at least three times by PENCOM, banks and hedge funds,” he said.

According to him, investors are primarily concerned about return on investment, transparency and trust, rather than the physical assets themselves.

Sule said his administration had applied this principle in Nasarawa, transforming the state from a predominantly civil service economy into an emerging industrial hub.

He said an executive order mandating solid mineral firms to process raw materials within the state had attracted some of Africa’s largest lithium processing plants.

”Our Internally Generated Revenue rose from N7 billion annually in 2019 to about N36 billion today.

“We did not take foreign loans because of the associated foreign exchange risks. Instead, we blocked leakages and built roads that opened up mining and agricultural corridors,” he said.

Earlier, the Convener of the dialogue and Managing Partner of Deutsche Partners Holdings, Dr Onuoha Nnachi, said a 2024 assessment put Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit at 30.1 trillion dollars.

Nnachi said 62 per cent of the deficit was in economic infrastructure, which could be financed by the private sector because such projects were commercially viable.

“Budgetary provisions of the federal and state governments cannot fund this gap.

We must allow government to focus on social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, while the private sector drives economic infrastructure,” he said.

He commended Nasarawa as one of the few states to establish its infrastructure fund through legislation, with a dedicated portion of state revenue committed to long-term development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, described infrastructure as the foundation upon which economic and social life is built.

Kefas called for a shift from dependence on sovereign budgets to blended finance and green bonds to help meet Africa’s estimated 100-billion-dollar annual infrastructure financing gap.

He was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, represented by CP Justin Obiora, said sustainable development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.

He said the Nigeria Police Force was adopting technology-driven policing, including advanced surveillance along critical corridors, to safeguard infrastructure from vandalism and sabotage.

The 2026 Infrastructure Dialogue brought together policymakers, development finance institutions and private sector leaders to explore ways of aligning capital with Nigeria’s development priorities.

NAN

The United Nations Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the Imo Government and with support from the Gates Foundation, has initiated efforts to strengthen maternal and child nutrition.

The organisation’s Chief of Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, disclosed this during Thursday’s meeting of the state Ministry of Health, Imo Primary Healthcare Development Agency and UNICEF in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened to review and validate the nutrition Social Behaviour Change (SBC) strategy for Imo and the integration of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women.

Chiluwe commended the Imo Government for its commitment to investing in human capital, health and sustainable development.

She gave assurance that UNICEF, with support from Gates Foundation, would continue to advance the nutrition agenda.

She described MMS as a “cost-effective intervention that helps reduce anaemia, low birth weight, stillbirths, and other adverse maternal and child health outcomes”.

Chiluwe called for strong government ownership, coordinated implementation, and increased domestic investment.

We encourage greater State investment in the Child Nutrition Fund to support the procurement of MMS and other essential nutrition commodities.

“This will strengthen sustainability, unlock additional partner support, and ensure continued access to life-saving nutrition interventions for women and children,” she said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Egu, said that SBC was designed to help individuals and families make healthier nutrition choices from pregnancy and infancy to childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.

Egu also said that the strategy promotes good nutrition practices, such as proper maternal nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, micronutrient supplementation, healthy eating habits, hygiene, and timely utilisation of health services.

She commended healthcare workers and community volunteers in the state for their dedication and tireless efforts in driving progress in nutrition programming and service delivery.

She also called for the holistic implementation of the meeting’s outcome.

“By integrating MMS into our SBC framework, we are ensuring that pregnant women across Imo, in both rural and urban communities, not only have access to these essential supplements but also understand their importance and are empowered to utilise them appropriately.

When a pregnant woman in a rural community receives MMS, she is not just taking a supplement – she is taking a step toward a healthier pregnancy, a stronger baby, and a brighter future for her family,” Egu said.

Also, the Imo Commissioner for  Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Anslem Anyanwu, said that the State Government was committed to sustaining the programme through relevant policies, increased ownership, resource mobilisation, and creation of an enabling environment.

Anyanwu thanked UNICEF, Gates Foundation and all the stakeholders and partners, whose technical and financial contributions, he said, continued to advance the nutrition agenda in the state.

NAN further reports that the meeting was also attended by Permanent Secretaries of relevant government ministries, civil society organisations, and representatives of academic institutions, among others.

NAN

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife, Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa.

The monarch disclosed this in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday.

Ooni expressed joy at the arrival of his princes and gave thanks to God as both his wife and the children are in good health.

“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again!

“Warmest congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and to Olori Mariam Ajibola on the joyous arrival of twin princes to the royal throne of Oduduwa today.

We give thanks to Almighty God as both mother and children are in good health,” the statement read.

Recall that following his crashed marriage to Olori Naomi, the monarch moved on from her to marry six wives in the space of three months.

The queens are; Mariam Anako, September 6, 2022; Elizabeth Akinmudai; Tobiloba Philips, October 9, 2022, Ashley Adegoke, October 14, 2022, Ronke Ademiluyi, October 20, 2022, and the sixth, Temitope Adesegun, on Monday, October 24, 2022.

While marking his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, Ooni clarified why he married Mariam Anako and the others, explaining that he tried making some changes but he couldn’t because of the traditional heritage of Ile Ife.

The Nigeria Police Force says jungle justice is a crime, following Monday’s mob attack on a US-based medical doctor who was falsely suspected of kidnapping.

The Force Media Officer, CSP Aliyu Giwa, condemned the act in a post shared on his X handle, @aleeygiwa, on Thursday.

He urged members of the public to always verify facts and report any suspicious activity to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Jungle justice is not justice; it is a crime.

“Always check the facts before reacting and report to the police before taking any action.

“An innocent man was almost lynched, and his car was burnt, all because of an assumption,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the incident occurred around the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, Eleyele-Ido Road, Ibadan, at about 2.30 p.m.

Giwa said an angry mob, suspecting the doctor had abducted two young girls who were found in his Lexus 330 SUV, dragged him out of the car and beat him severely.

The mob, he said, went on to set the vehicle ablaze.

According to him, investigations later revealed that the allegations were false and based entirely on misunderstanding and assumption.

Preliminary findings showed that the two girls, aged 15 and 12, were legally under the care of the doctor and were being taken to assist his mother with domestic chores.

Their guardian confirmed the arrangement to investigators, while the girls also corroborated the doctor’s explanation,” he said.

He noted that tension escalated because the girls could not communicate in the local language, and the doctor was unable to explain the situation quickly enough before the crowd turned violent.

He said that, but for the prompt intervention of officers of the Oyo State Police Command, the doctor would have lost his life because no one bothered to verify the facts. (NAN)

Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State have appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene in the growing internal crisis rocking the party in the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The youths, under the umbrella of the Akamkpa/Biase Youth Movement, made the appeal during a meeting held in Calabar on Wednesday, warning that the lingering division within the party could weaken the APC’s chances in future elections if not urgently addressed.

The group also endorsed the member representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Onun Emil Inyang, for a second term in office.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Daniel Enang from Ehom Ward said the party was experiencing an unprecedented level of division in the constituency, stressing that the development was already causing tension among party supporters and young people.

He said, “We are concerned about the growing division in the party, especially in our federal constituency. As youths, we are not ready to go into another election with this kind of division. It is tearing us apart and creating serious challenges for the party.”

Enang noted that many youths played active roles during the 2023 elections and contributed significantly to the APC’s victory across polling units in the constituency.

“Many youths played active roles during the 2023 elections and contributed significantly to the APC’s victory across polling units in the constituency,” he emphasised.

He commended Otu for what he described as impactful developmental projects across the state but urged him to use his position as leader of the party in the state to restore peace and unity within the constituency.

“On behalf of the youths, I commend Governor Bassey Otu for his impactful developmental projects across the state. But we want him to use his position as leader of the party in the state to restore peace and unity within the constituency,” Enang said.

The youth leader also threw his weight behind Inyang’s second-term ambition, describing the lawmaker as a performing representative who had delivered on several campaign promises.

“The federal lawmaker has executed projects in education, agriculture and infrastructure, including the installation of over 24 solar-powered boreholes in different communities,” Enang said.

He added that the lawmaker had facilitated empowerment programmes for hundreds of constituents in fisheries, agriculture and skills acquisition, with several beneficiaries receiving cash support to establish businesses.

Another speaker, Raphael Egwu from Erei North in Biase Local Government Area, described Inyang as a loyal APC member who had repeatedly sacrificed personal ambition for the interest of the party.

Egwu recalled that the lawmaker stepped down for other aspirants during previous election cycles to maintain peace and party unity before eventually securing the mandate of the people in 2023.

He argued that supporting Inyang for a second term would preserve the existing political understanding between Akamkpa and Biase, which he said was based on fairness and equity.

The youths called on APC stakeholders in the state to unite behind the lawmaker and resolve internal disagreements ahead of the next election cycle.

Benue State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Michael Oglegba, has said local government councils can survive without depending entirely on federal allocations if they fully harness their internally generated revenue sources.

Oglegba stated this during an interview with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.

According to him, the Constitution provides enough opportunities for local governments to generate revenue internally, but many councils have failed to explore the available sources.

The commissioner, who maintained that local government areas in the state are autonomous, urged council authorities to look inward instead of depending solely on monthly allocations.

He said, “The drafter of our constitution gave opportunity to local government to collect internally generated revenue. For instance, the tenement rate, which people pay for residing in a place.

“This is much more than grant rent, and it is supposed to generate a lot of money; unfortunately, there is no local government that has successfully collected the money. Most of them are not interested but wait for money to come.

“They (LGAs) have a long list of rates they ought to collect. IGR is the way out.”

Oglegba, however, blamed poor management and lack of proper governance structures for the inability of local governments to maximise their revenue potential.

He advised officials managing local governments to embrace capacity building and strengthen governance systems.

“There is a lot of IGR trapped in local government areas, another area is the mineral resources that are abound in some councils and there is nothing to stop them from benefiting directly from those resources,” Oglegba said.

Speaking on the state’s internally generated revenue, the commissioner said the Benue State Government had significantly improved revenue generation through various reforms and strategies.

“When we came on board, the IGR in the state hovers between N700m and N800 million monthly but we grew it to N1.5 billion monthly and then N2 billion monthly as at last year but today, we have exceeded N3 billion per month,” the commissioner said.

The issue of local government financial autonomy has remained a major national discourse following the push for greater fiscal independence for councils across the country, with many stakeholders advocating improved revenue generation and accountability at the grassroots level.

The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his pledge to serve only one term if elected president, saying his political history shows inconsistency.

Obi had said in a viral clip from an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday that he would not remain in office beyond four years “even with a gun to my head.”

Reacting on Thursday in a post on X, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the promise, insisting that Obi’s past political decisions show a pattern of broken loyalty.

“If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” Onanuga said.

He said Obi had previously pledged loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance while serving as governor of Anambra State but later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.

Peter Obi’s pledges have always been short-lived. He ultimately abandoned APGA for the PDP, and since then, he has drifted from one political platform to another—a political rolling stone,” he stated.

According to Onanuga, Obi’s political movements over the years show that his promises are unreliable.

By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances,” he added.

Obi was the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, where he finished third behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He has since joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress following his exit from the African Democratic Congress coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The Nigerian naira recorded mixed performance against the United States dollar across the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the parallel market on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as traders continued to monitor liquidity conditions and Central Bank of Nigeria interventions.

At the official market, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed the naira trading around ₦1,375.62/$ at the NFEM window, following recent gains supported by improved dollar supply and stronger market turnover.

Market reports indicated that FX turnover at the NFEM recently surged to about $1.89 billion in single-day trading, reflecting increased liquidity and stronger participation by banks and investors. Analysts said the development has helped reduce pressure on the local currency in recent sessions.

In the parallel market, also known as the black market, the dollar traded between ₦1,395 and ₦1,405, depending on location and transaction size. Bureau De Change operators in Lagos and Abuja quoted buying rates around ₦1,385–₦1,395 and selling rates near ₦1,400–₦1,405.

Reports also showed that the exchange rate gap between the official market and the parallel market remained relatively narrow, ranging between ₦20 and ₦30, compared with wider spreads seen earlier in the year.

Financial analysts attributed the naira’s relative stability to sustained FX interventions by the Central Bank, rising external reserves, and improved investor confidence in the Nigerian foreign exchange market. Nigeria’s external reserves were recently reported at approximately $48.48 billion.

Currency dealers, however, noted that demand pressure from importers, travelers, and businesses seeking foreign exchange outside the banking system continues to influence black-market rates despite ongoing reforms in the FX sector.

Workers’ unions of the West African Examinations Council in Nigeria on Wednesday commenced a three-day nationwide protest over unresolved welfare issues and alleged unfair labour practices.

The protest, organised by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, began at the WAEC national office in Yaba, Lagos, as early as 8:00 a.m., with parallel actions held at regional and state offices nationwide.

The action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by NASU national leadership to WAEC management over nine key demands, including alleged irregular recruitment practices and poor staff welfare conditions.

WAEC Nigeria, alongside four other member countries — Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia — is currently conducting the 2026 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination, with 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools participating nationwide.

The Head of National Office of WAEC Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, had on Monday expressed confidence in the smooth conduct of the examination, assuring stakeholders that measures had been put in place to avert a recurrence of the glitches recorded in the 2025 edition, when some candidates reportedly wrote papers late into the night.

However, the aggrieved workers insisted that the industrial action was unavoidable, citing unresolved grievances with management.

The nine-point demands of the workers were contained in a letter issued by the NASU national body to Dangut, dated May 5, 2026

Signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the letter was titled, “Re: A Call For Immediate Stop to the Shady Recruitment Interview Practices.”

The union warned that workers would embark on the three-day protest if management failed to address the issues within seven days.

The letter read in part, “Kindly refer to our letter on the above subject referenced NASU/EBL/88/VOL.XVIII/198 dated 21st March, 2026 and your response to the same, which we shared with our Branch Executive Officers.”

It added, “The Branch Executive Officers have expressed concerns that the issues raised in our letter remain unresolved. These have further given rise to additional issues requiring your immediate attention.”

Speaking on the protest, the Chairman of NASU-WAEC, Mr Kayode Ogunyade, said the action, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon daily for three days, was intended to compel management to return to the negotiation table.

“The protest is to press home our demands and get management back to the table,” Ogunyade said.

He added that the action was also a warning signal to management over the growing frustrations of workers.

If these issues are not addressed, it simply means management is not ready to resolve them,” he warned.

Ogunyade, however, noted that further action after the three-day protest would be determined by NASU national leadership.

Reacting, WAEC, through its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, assured candidates, parents, school owners and stakeholders that the ongoing WASSCE would not be disrupted.

“The West African Examinations Council wishes to reassure candidates, parents, school owners, stakeholders and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the seamless, hitch-free and successful conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2026,” the statement read.

The council said the examination had continued uninterrupted despite the protest by some categories of workers.

It added that it respects the rights of workers and unions to express grievances within the ambit of the law, stressing that management had taken steps to address the issues raised.

“The Council, as a law-abiding organisation, respects the rights of unions and staff members to peacefully express their grievances within the ambit of the law,” it said.

WAEC explained that the adjustment in examination days was necessitated by the streamlining of subjects from 76 to 38, adding that the shorter timetable reflected the revised structure and hybrid mode of examination delivery.

It also dismissed allegations of indiscriminate dismissal and unfair sanctions, stating that disciplinary matters were handled in line with its staff handbook and statutory provisions.

“The assertion of incessant dismissal and disproportionate sanction is not correct,” the council said.

It further explained that the engagement of contract Examination Officers and Assistant Examination Officers was part of measures to manage rising workloads and ensure efficiency across the sub-region.

WAEC added that management was already in dialogue with the union and had put measures in place to ensure that the examination timetable remained undisturbed.

The council urged the public to disregard rumours or misinformation capable of causing panic over the conduct of the examination.

It reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible and reliable educational assessment services to Nigerian candidates.

Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly beheaded five men out of 416 victims abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a video obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday through a mediation group, the Borno South Youth Alliance, the terrorist group, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, was seen chanting while displaying the bodies of the victims.

The 30-second video was released following an earlier 72-hour ultimatum reportedly issued to the Federal Government.

Recall that on April 20, The report that Boko Haram terrorists released a video daring the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue of 416 abducted victims in Borno State.

They also warned that if their demands were not met within 72 hours, the victims would be moved to undisclosed locations where they might never be seen again.

In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the deceased victims attempted to escape from captivity.

The statement accompanying the video reads: “Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) yesterday, at about 5:18 pm, received a disturbing video showing the execution of about four to five men, both old and young, who reportedly attempted to escape from JAS/Boko Haram captivity

Kaigama said the group had explored all possible interventions and humanitarian channels, yet the 416 women, children and a few men in captivity had largely been abandoned to their fate.

This video is not intended to promote terrorism or any related activity, but rather to expose the painful reality on the ground, a reality we have spent over two months trying to prevent through continuous mediation and humanitarian appeals,” he said.

The group called on well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts toward the rescue of the victims.

“Borno Youth Alliance is calling on well-meaning Southern Borno indigenes, political office holders, political aspirants, and all patriotic Nigerians from the North, South, East and West, as well as international organisations, to urgently support efforts toward the release of the 416 women and children,” he stated.

He added: “Four to five people are already dead. More victims are sick, and some men who attempted to escape have now been killed.”

He stressed that lives are involved and that victims were enduring severe hardship in captivity.

“Please let us come together and donate toward raising N50,000,000 for the release of 50 women and children,”he added.

culled from punch 

Senate President Godswin Akpabio, on Wednesday, stressed the need for more synergy among the Federal Government, academia, researchers, financial institutions, development partners, technology experts, agribusiness investors, and farmers with a view to transforming food insecurity into agricultural abundance in Nigeria.

He made the call in his keynote address at the maiden National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, themed, “Unfolding The Potential of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions Through Collaboration and Innovation To Enhance Food Security And Job Creation,” held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Represented by the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Isa Ashiru, Akpabio explained that the future of agriculture would not be determined merely by hoes and cutlasses, but by research, technology, mechanisation, innovation, biotechnology, data systems, irrigation science, climate adaptation, and knowledge-driven productivity.

The Senate President said, “The government alone cannot transform agriculture. Educational institutions alone cannot do it. Farmers alone cannot do it. The private sector alone cannot do it.

Transformation happens when government, academia, researchers,

financial institutions, development partners, technology experts, agribusiness investors, and farmers work together within one integrated ecosystem.

“We must dismantle institutional silos and build bridges between research and practice, between policy and implementation, between innovation and accessibility.

Second, innovation. We cannot solve 21st-century problems with 20th-century methods. Our young people are creative, energetic, and technologically savvy.

“We must make agriculture attractive, profitable, mechanised, and innovation-driven. Agriculture must no longer be presented as punishment for failure, but as a frontier of opportunity and wealth creation.

“The future farmer may operate drones, use artificial intelligence for crop analysis, deploy digital irrigation systems, and manage greenhouse technology,” Akpabio stated.

He said the National Assembly remained committed to supporting initiatives that would promote food security, rural development, youth employment, and agricultural industrialisation.

Akpabio added, “A hungry nation cannot be peaceful. A hungry people cannot be stable. Hunger weakens productivity, fuels social tension, deepens poverty, and threatens national cohesion.

“But beyond feeding ourselves, Nigeria must think bigger. We must move from being merely consumers to becoming exporters.

“We must move from raw production to agro-processing. We must move from dependence to competitiveness. We must move from potential to performance.”

In his address, the Director General of IITA, and Regional Director for Africa, Simeon Ehui, said that through various collaborations in implementing bold reforms and initiatives on food security, Nigeria will achieve multiple successes worthy of celebration.

He said, “IITA is a non-profit organisation that develops agricultural technologies to address Africa’s most pressing concerns. including hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation.

“We work with a variety of partners across and beyond Africa to improve lives, food and nutrition security, increase employment, and protect natural resource integrity.

“Recent initiatives (2026) include a partnership with the Nigerian government to establish 774 soil testing laboratories and a focus on youth agribusiness development, with the MoU signed with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Youth Development, respectively.

“We look forward to engaging in a successful and continuous partnership aimed at improving technology delivery to our large farming and agro-industrial stakeholders.

“I passionately believe that through our collaboration in implementing bold reforms and initiatives on food security, we will achieve multiple successes worthy of celebration.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Sharafadeen Alli, said the summit brought together lawmakers, policymakers, heads of institutions, development partners, researchers, private sector stakeholders, investors, students, and key actors within the agricultural value chain from across Nigeria and beyond.

He said, “This gathering is not merely ceremonial; it is a platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, legislative engagement, exploring innovation exchange, and for actionable policy recommendations that will strengthen agricultural colleges and institutions across the country.”

Makinde stated this at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor said key infrastructure projects connecting towns and communities across the state, improved security, and efforts to revitalise tourist attractions would significantly boost tourism activities in the coming years.

Speaking at the summit themed, “From Groundwork to Governance: Building Tourism That Endures,” Makinde said continuity of policies and ideas remained critical to sustaining long-term investment in tourism development.

Some of you here were part of the tour of the Oke Ogun Zone. I hope you can now see why Oyo is set to become the tourism capital of South-West Nigeria in the coming years,” he said.

Makinde highlighted ongoing road projects across the state, noting that improved connectivity would support tourism and economic growth.

“I usually boast to people that from the train station in Moniya, you can drive at least 180 kilometres on state roads with no single pothole,” he added.

The governor acknowledged concerns often raised by investors about policy continuity after changes in government, stressing that his administration was focused on building enduring systems rather than projects tied to personalities.

“When investors consider opportunities within our environment, there’s always an underlying question: what happens after this administration? Will policies continue? Will agreements be honoured?” he said.

According to him, the administration had prioritised institutionalising policies to ensure continuity beyond political transitions.

He cited the ongoing 110-kilometre Circular Road project, which was first conceived in the early 2000s before construction eventually commenced under his administration, as an example of delayed development caused by lack of continuity.

“Leadership changes, but systems endure. So, our focus has been deliberate. For this tourism sector, we’re not just initiating projects, we’re building structures that can sustain them,” Makinde stated.

He added that the government had established a 25-year tourism master plan committee and development frameworks for tourism assets such as Eleyele Lake.

The governor also disclosed that the state had signed a 15-year concession agreement with SystemSpecs for the management of Bower’s Tower.

Addressing investors at the summit, Makinde said Oyo offered a stable framework for long-term investment.

“It means that when you engage with Oyo, you are engaging with a system where decisions are guided by frameworks, engagement is coordinated across government, and projects are anchored in long-term plans,” he said.

Earlier, former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, commended Makinde for infrastructure development across the state and for promoting tourism and regional economic integration.

Fayemi urged the governor to sustain continuity in governance, stressing that tourism must be institutionalised to survive beyond individual administrations.

“For tourism to be sustained and developed, it must be institutionalised rather than personalised,” he said.

He also advocated the establishment of a South-West Tourism Circuit that would connect tourist attractions across the region.

Presenting the state’s 25-Year Tourism Master Plan Framework, Kola Lawal said the initiative was aimed at attracting investment and promoting Oyo’s cultural and heritage assets

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, also commended the government for improving road infrastructure to support tourism development.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, said the tourism framework being developed by the state was designed to ensure long-term growth, coordination and consistency in policy implementation.

He said this in a statement sent to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, while acknowledging that he only honoured an invitation by the commission.

The statement signed by Alhaji Abdulrasaq Danjuma, his Media Aide, however, said this was in line with due process and respect for the constituted authorities.

He appealed to the public to avoid speculation, misinformation, sensational commentary, and the circulation of unverified claims that may distort facts, prejudice ongoing processes, or create unnecessary tension.

He said the public should allow the relevant agencies to carry out their responsibilities so that the facts would emerge through lawful, transparent, and due process.

“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability.

“At this time, we respectfully urge supporters, associates, stakeholders, and members of the public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

It is also important to emphasise that the matters currently in the public domain remain allegations subject to investigation and due legal process.

In line with established principles of justice and fairness, every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

Earlier reports from The Punch late Wednesday night quoted a source who claimed that the ECN DG was in EFCC custody

All efforts to get the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, to comment on the facts surrounding the incident as of press time proved futile.

A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.

NAN

The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Richard Peter, over an alleged fake ushering job involving students of Bayero University, Kano.

The police also recovered 29 mobile phones and other items allegedly stolen from the victims.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini.

According to the statement, the suspect, said to be from Lagos State, was arrested following a petition submitted to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police by a group of students led by Clementina Paul

The students alleged that the suspect defrauded them under the guise of offering ushering jobs.

The police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, through one Faith Dauda, invited 38 female students to Mairabo Hotel in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on May 10, 2026.

Upon arrival, the victims were allegedly asked to change into working attire and leave their phones and personal belongings behind on the claim that phones were not allowed at the supposed event venue.

The statement added that the suspect later took the students to the hotel restaurant, ordered food valued at N6,000 for each person and disappeared without paying

After eating and waiting for several hours, the victims returned to the room and discovered that their phones and other items had been stolen,” the statement said.

The police said one of the stolen phones was later traced to the Kano Line Motor Park through intelligence and technical support.

According to the statement, operatives moved to the location but discovered that the suspect had already boarded a vehicle heading to Lagos.

He was, however, intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“Twenty-nine phones and other items belonging to the victims were recovered. The suspect is currently in custody at the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement added.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, commended the operatives for the swift operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting residents against fraud and related crimes.

The police also advised members of the public to be cautious of unverified job offers and avoid handing over personal belongings to strangers.

The Navy has intensified efforts to curb cross-border fuel smuggling with the seizure of over 6,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during a targeted operation along the Badagry-Ajara axis in Lagos State.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, disclosed on Wednesday that the operation was conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry following intelligence reports on the activities of smugglers operating within the area.

The mission formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal fuel trafficking routes and restrict the movement of petroleum products through unauthorized border corridors,” Folorunsho said.

“During the operation, naval personnel discovered about 240 jerry-cans of 25 litres each of PMS concealed and prepared for illegal movement through the Badagry border waterways.

The products were subsequently recovered and evacuated to FOB Badagry for further necessary action in accordance with established procedures.

The operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s sustained focus on dismantling the logistics chain supporting trans-border smuggling activities, particularly the illegal diversion of petroleum products through maritime and littoral routes.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to maintaining operational pressure across strategic border corridors and denying criminal networks the freedom to exploit the maritime environment for economic sabotage.”

General Overseer of Land of Joy and Prayer Ministry, Agah, Ganmo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Prophet Ajiboye Olayinka, has been sentenced to life Imprisonment for having unlawful sexual intercourse with three minors inside the church’s mission house.

Justice H.A. Gegele of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday also sentenced Prophet Olayinka to 14 years imprisonment for illegal abortions of several pregnancies of his victims.

The court subsequently discharged the defendant of the charge of bigamy.

The defendant had faced an eight-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, illegal abortion, and unlawful possession of firearms, contrary to Sections 97, 235 and 283 of the Penal Code, Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004 and Section 31(2) of the Kwara State Child Rights Law, 2006.

During the hearing, the prosecution called 12 witnesses and tendered exhibits.

In the evidence of the victims, particularly PW3, PW4 and PW5, the prosecutors averred that the defendant administered anointing oil on their private parts before having forceful sexual intercourse with them in the mission house.

The prosecutor added that the defendant used to give them a Bible to swear an oath of secrecy not to divulge the rape incident to anyone, or else he would kill them.

On 11th February, 2026, the prosecution team led by Issa Zakari, Chief State Counsel, vigorously cross-examined the defendant and his witnesses in his defence before the court.

Upon the close of defence, written addresses were filed and adopted and the case was adjourned for Judgement.

In his verdict, Justice Gegele held that the prosecution had successfully proven the offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, rape and illegal abortions, but failed to establish the offence of bigamy.

The court described the defendant as “a Pedophile and philanderer whose conduct should be deprecated by all and sundry in the society.”

Justice Gegele further directed that the pump-action gun recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences.

A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed on Wednesday that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently in the custody of the commission.

According to the source, the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn,” the official said.

Efforts to get confirmation from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

President Bola Tinubu had on October 24, 2023 appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

Details later…

Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, have endorsed Bimbo Adekanmbi, the preferred aspirant of Governor Seyi Makinde, for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The lawmakers arrived at the resolution during a “strategic breakfast meeting” with Adekanmbi at his Iyaganku GRA residence in Ibadan on Wednesday.

According to a statement by the media aide to the Speaker, Oyetunji Oyekunle, the delegation endorsed Adekanmbi as the governorship aspirant of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state ahead of the 2027 general election.

Makinde had last week, during a meeting with stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, announced Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, as his preferred governorship aspirant.

The governor subsequently met with other gubernatorial aspirants to calm frayed nerves, inform them of his choice, and rally support for Adekanmbi ahead of the governorship election.

The endorsement also came hours ahead of the “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” expected to feature the declaration of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.

According to the statement, Wednesday’s meeting focused on strengthening party unity, building early political structures, and ensuring a coordinated approach towards the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker described Adekanmbi as an experienced political figure capable of sustaining good governance and providing purposeful leadership for the state.

Ogundoyin noted that the endorsement by the lawmakers was borne out of their “collective conviction in Adekanmbi’s leadership capacity, political maturity, and understanding of governance.”

“We believe Bimbo Adekanmbi possesses the experience, exposure, and political understanding required to move Oyo State forward. Our gathering here today is not just symbolic; it reflects our confidence in his ability to unite stakeholders and provide inclusive leadership for the people of the state,” he said.

He added that members of the House remained committed to supporting initiatives and individuals who would sustain political stability, strengthen democratic institutions, and consolidate developmental strides across the state.

Ogundoyin further stressed the importance of early consultations and grassroots mobilisation.

He noted that internal cohesion and strategic planning would play major roles in determining the success of political parties during the polls.

In his remarks, Adekanmbi appreciated the lawmakers and party stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, describing the endorsement as a major responsibility and a call to greater service.

He pledged to ensure inclusive and people-oriented leadership, particularly by consolidating the achievements of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration in infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, economic expansion, and youth empowerment across the state.

“I am deeply honoured by this show of confidence and solidarity from the lawmakers and party leaders. This endorsement is not just about me as an individual. It is about our collective aspiration to build a more prosperous, united, and progressive Oyo State,” he said.

He assured party members that he would continue extensive consultations across all geopolitical zones in the state to ensure inclusiveness and unity within the party.

Adekanmbi also emphasised the importance of issue-based politics, urging political actors to avoid divisive tendencies capable of creating unnecessary tension within the political space.

Some lawmakers who spoke during the meeting described the endorsement as timely, noting that early alignment among party stakeholders would help reduce internal disagreements and strengthen the APM in Oyo State ahead of the next governorship election.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two more suspected miscreants linked to the recent attack on the popular Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano in April 2026.

Similarly, the command has arraigned seven suspects before Magistrate Court Number 2, Nomansland, Kano, for prosecution on charges relating to criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, unlawful assembly, being armed with deadly weapons, and mischief.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s public relations officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday.

“Further to the press release issued on the thuggery attack at Farm Centre GSM Market, Kano, on 28th April, 2026, the Kano State Police Command wishes to update the public on the progress of investigation and prosecution.

Following discreet and intelligence-led investigation, operatives of the Command identified and arrested two additional suspects connected to the incident, namely: Sadiq Ayuba, 18, of Darmanawa Quarters, Kano, and Abdulganiyu Abba, 38, of Mariri Quarters, Kano,” it said.

It added that during interrogation, Ayuba confessed that he and other suspects were mobilised and paid by one Mallam Hassan, now at large, to carry out an attack on Farm Centre GSM Market and on the entourage of A A Zaura.

“The attack led to destruction of businesses and properties, damage to a Toyota ambulance belonging to the entourage, and a tricycle belonging to one Shamsuddeen Sani.

With these arrests, the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the incident now stands at seven.

“All seven suspects were today, 13th May, 2026, arraigned before Magistrate Court Number 2, Nomansland, Kano, for prosecution on charges relating to criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, unlawful assembly, being armed with deadly weapons, and mischief,” it said.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, reiterated the command’s commitment to identifying and bringing to justice all individuals and sponsors behind violent thuggery and public disturbances in the state.

He assured that the manhunt for the fleeing principal suspect, Mallam Hassan, is ongoing, while commending the public for providing credible information that aided the investigation. He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely intelligence to ensure Kano remains safe and peaceful.

“The Command remains committed to upholding law and order and ensuring that perpetrators of violence face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, was attended by top government officials, civil servants, and political appointees across the state.

Those sworn in as permanent secretaries include Dr Yinkore A. Paul, Dr Okwunze A.C, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor O.O., Akambe O.H., Engr Solomon Aghagba, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota M. Rocky, Itawansa Augustine A., Onobraekpeyan O. Edwin, and Nkemachor Lucky, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the appointments as well-deserved and necessary to strengthen the state civil service and improve service delivery across ministries and local government areas

According to the governor, the appointments became necessary following vacancies created by the retirement of some permanent secretaries.

He explained that the selection process was based on merit, seniority, competence, professionalism, and the need to ensure inclusive governance across the state.

Oborevwori stated that every local government area in the state now has a serving permanent secretary in line with the administration’s commitment to fairness, equity, justice, and inclusiveness.

He said, “The selection of these officers from a pool of equally competent and capable hands was based on vacancies in the respective local government areas, seniority and merit.

“As of today, every local government has a serving permanent secretary in the Delta State civil service in line with our policy of inclusive governance and expectations for a civil service driven by the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.”

The governor also disclosed that his administration recently approved a 93 per cent salary increase for permanent secretaries in the state.

He noted that attaining the position marked the fulfilment of the career aspirations of the affected officers after years of hard work and dedication.

According to him, the appointments should not be seen as a reward alone but as a call to higher responsibility and accountability in public service.

Oborevwori urged the new permanent secretaries to demonstrate discipline, integrity, professionalism, and commitment in the discharge of their duties.

He warned them against compromising standards or allowing political office holders to mislead them into actions that could damage their careers.

Don’t allow politicians to mislead you. Guide them and tell them the truth so that you don’t put your hands into something that will consume you,” the governor said.

He explained that permanent secretaries, as accounting officers in ministries, would be held responsible for lapses in service delivery and implementation of government policies.

The governor, therefore, advised them to work closely with commissioners and provide professional guidance for the smooth administration of ministries and agencies.

Oborevwori also announced a new policy requiring anyone aspiring to become Head of Service in the state to spend at least six months serving as a permanent secretary.

According to him, the policy is aimed at ensuring proper understanding of administrative procedures and personnel management within the civil service.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a professional, efficient, and result-oriented civil service capable of driving the MORE Agenda of the state government.

The governor added that the state had established a performance feedback mechanism to monitor and evaluate the performance of ministries, departments, and agencies.

He said the initiative was introduced to ensure accountability and measurable impact in governance and policy implementation.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; top government officials; and other dignitaries.

Veteran comedian and entrepreneur, Atunyota Akpobome, fondly called Ali Baba, has urged Nigerians to deliberately develop their talents to attain commercial and societal value.

Ali Baba, according to a statement on Wednesday, gave this charge while speaking at the Life Guide Colloquium in Lagos.

The colloquium saw brand strategist and leadership architect, Jide Adeyemi, present his book titled “Life Guide: Stories, Lessons and Insights to Empower Your Journey.”

Addressing the theme of ‘Influence Engineering’, the comedian explained that talent alone is not enough, noting that individuals must continuously develop their abilities to the point where they become recognised assets.

Veteran comedian and entrepreneur, Atunyota Akpobome, fondly called Ali Baba, has urged Nigerians to deliberately develop their talents to attain commercial and societal value.

Ali Baba, according to a statement on Wednesday, gave this charge while speaking at the Life Guide Colloquium in Lagos.

The colloquium saw brand strategist and leadership architect, Jide Adeyemi, present his book titled “Life Guide: Stories, Lessons and Insights to Empower Your Journey.”

Addressing the theme of ‘Influence Engineering’, the comedian explained that talent alone is not enough, noting that individuals must continuously develop their abilities to the point where they become recognised assets.

He explained that influence is built when individuals intentionally nurture their potential until it becomes valuable and indispensable to society.

Speaking on “Influence Engineering,” the comedian stressed that true success should inspire and empower more people.

“We are talking about mining your potential properly until it becomes an asset,” he said. “Potential is where to start from, but you have to develop it enough to the point where people begin to seek it for commercial or societal value.”

He stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate and acknowledge people who create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society, saying recognition encourages others to do the same.

Ali Baba maintained that recognising and rewarding positive contributions is essential for building a compassionate and progressive society where individuals are motivated to continue creating opportunities for others.

Speaking, brand strategist Adeyemi called for purposeful and intentional leadership in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s major challenge is not a lack of capable leaders, but the absence of continuity, genuine concern for citizens and sustainable governance.

Adeyemi noted that Nigeria is richly blessed with human capital, but suffers from inconsistent leadership approaches that hinder national development.

According to him, many political leaders enter government without a clear purpose, often abandoning the programmes of their predecessors to pursue personal agendas rather than building on existing achievements.

We have amazing leaders in Nigeria, but what is lacking is intentionality and purposeful leadership,” he said.

“One government comes with fantastic programmes, and immediately they leave office, the next person starts something new. That is why we don’t have continuity

He noted that sustainable leadership requires leaders who are genuinely concerned about people, committed to impact and determined to leave lasting legacies.

Adeyemi described Nigeria as a country filled with enormous opportunities despite its challenges, noting that gaps in critical sectors create room for innovation and enterprise.

“This is one country where you can go to bed with nothing and wake up the next morning a millionaire because someone gives you an opportunity,” he said. “In places where everything already works, there may be fewer opportunities, but in Nigeria, there are many gaps to fill.”

Adeyemi explained that the colloquium was designed to provide guidance and clarity for individuals navigating life, business, leadership, faith and nation-building in an increasingly distracting world.

“We are trying to provide a compass through which people can navigate life,” he said. “There is so much noise and distraction around people today, and there is a need for clarity, purpose and direction.”

He emphasised the interconnectedness of leadership, faith, branding and nation building, arguing that no society can thrive without stable leadership, strong values and effective communication.

“You cannot build a nation without quality leadership, you cannot have personal clarity without faith in God, and you cannot do anything without marketing,” he stated.

Speaking on his book, Adeyemi said Life Guide was written to help readers gain personal clarity, build purposeful lives and develop wisdom for growth across different areas of life.

According to him, the book challenges readers to rethink their approach to life, embrace integrity and live more intentionally

By Adenike Fayomi-Olowe

At 2:17 a.m., the wheezing begins again. Adewale, a 52-year-old transporter living in Lagos, sits upright on his bed, struggling to pull air into his lungs. The fan is on, the windows are open, but his chest feels sealed shut. His breathing becomes shorter, faster, louder. Beside him lies a blue inhaler he now carries everywhere—from bus parks to church services.

“I never had asthma as a child,” he says. “This started when I was already over 40.”

For years, asthma in Nigeria was largely viewed as a childhood condition—something children “outgrow.” But doctors are increasingly warning about a different and growing reality: adults with no previous history of asthma are now developing the disease later in life, often with more severe symptoms and at significantly higher financial cost.

The condition, known as adult-onset asthma, is emerging as one of Nigeria’s overlooked non-communicable health challenges, worsened by pollution, stress, poor air quality, delayed diagnosis, and the rising cost of treatment.

And for many patients, the crisis is not only medical. It is economic.

What exactly is adult-onset asthma?

Adult-onset asthma refers to asthma that develops in adulthood, typically after the age of 20. Unlike childhood asthma, which is often linked strongly to genetics and allergies, adult-onset asthma can appear suddenly in people who have never experienced breathing problems before.

Doctors say it is often more persistent and harder to control than childhood asthma.

The disease causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs properly. During an attack, patients may experience wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and severe shortness of breath.

For some Nigerians, symptoms begin gradually with persistent coughing at night or breathlessness during simple activities like climbing stairs. Others experience sudden attacks that send them rushing to emergency rooms.

Unfortunately, many adults do not initially suspect asthma.

In Nigeria, symptoms are frequently mistaken for malaria, catarrh, stress, pneumonia, or ordinary fatigue. Some patients spend months—or even years—using antibiotics, cough syrups, herbal remedies, and self-medication before receiving the correct diagnosis.

Why are more Nigerian adults developing asthma?

Respiratory specialists point to a combination of environmental and lifestyle pressures.

Nigeria’s urban centres, particularly Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Onitsha, expose residents to heavy air pollution daily. Exhaust fumes from vehicles, generator smoke, industrial emissions, open refuse burning, and dusty roads all contribute to long-term irritation of the airways.

Indoor pollution is another major trigger. Millions of households still cook with charcoal, firewood, and kerosene in poorly ventilated spaces. Continuous exposure to smoke damages the lungs over time.

Work environments also play a role. Factory workers, welders, cleaners, mechanics, farmers, hairdressers, and construction workers are regularly exposed to chemicals, dust, fumes, and strong odors capable of triggering asthma.

Stress, obesity, smoking, strong perfumes, mold, cold weather, respiratory infections, and untreated allergies may also increase the likelihood of developing asthma later in life.

For women, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause may contribute to adult-onset asthma as well.

The signs Nigerians should never ignore

Many asthma patients say they ignored their symptoms initially because they seemed minor.

Doctors warn that the following signs should never be dismissed:

Persistent coughing, especially at night.
Wheezing or whistling sounds during breathing.
Chest tightness or heaviness.
Shortness of breath after mild activity.
Frequent “catarrh” that never completely clears.
Difficulty sleeping because of breathing discomfort.
Feeling unusually tired after walking short distances.

Symptoms may worsen at night, during cold weather, after exposure to dust or smoke, or during stressful periods.

In severe attacks, patients may struggle to speak properly, gasp for air, or develop bluish lips due to low oxygen levels. Such situations require urgent medical attention.

How doctors diagnose adult-onset asthma

Diagnosis usually involves a detailed medical history and lung assessment.

Doctors may use a test called spirometry, which measures how well the lungs function and how much air a person can exhale forcefully.

Some hospitals may also conduct allergy testing, chest examinations, or peak flow monitoring.

However, access to proper respiratory testing remains limited in many parts of Nigeria, contributing to delayed diagnosis.

The treatment reality: inhalers, medication, and rising costs

Asthma has no permanent cure, but it can be effectively managed when properly treated.

Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, preventing attacks, and helping patients breathe normally.

The most common medications are inhalers.

Reliever inhalers

These are fast-acting inhalers used during asthma attacks to quickly open the airways.

The most commonly used is Salbutamol, popularly known as Ventolin.

Doctors describe it as a rescue inhaler because it provides relief within minutes.

Prices currently range between approximately ₦2,500 and ₦6,000 depending on location and brand availability.

However, doctors warn against overdependence on reliever inhalers alone.

“Many Nigerians only buy the blue inhaler because it works immediately,” a Lagos-based physician explains. “But asthma inflammation continues silently if proper controller medication is ignored.”

Controller inhalers
These inhalers are used daily to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.

They include:
Beclomethasone
Budesonide
Combination inhalers such as Fortide inhaler

These medications are considered essential for long-term asthma control.

But affordability has become a major problem.

A Lagos patient recently reported being quoted ₦93,600 for a Beclomethasone 200 mcg inhaler, highlighting the extreme price fluctuations affecting imported respiratory medications.

Meanwhile, Fortide inhalers—which combine anti-inflammatory and airway-relaxing medications—can cost around ₦20,000.

For many Nigerians already battling rising living costs, sustaining monthly asthma treatment has become extremely difficult.

Some patients reduce dosage, skip medications, or stretch inhalers beyond recommended usage periods simply to save money.

Other treatments doctors may recommend
Depending on severity, treatment may also include oral medications, steroid tablets for severe attacks, nebulization therapy in hospitals, oxygen therapy, allergy medications, and breathing exercises.

Doctors also advise patients to identify and avoid personal triggers.

The things asthma patients should NEVER do

Medical experts say many asthma complications arise from poor management habits.

Patients are strongly advised not to ignore persistent symptoms or stop medication once they feel better. Asthma often remains active even when symptoms temporarily improve.

Self-medication with antibiotics or excessive herbal mixtures can worsen respiratory conditions or delay proper treatment.

Smoking is highly dangerous for asthma patients, including exposure to secondhand smoke.

Doctors also caution against excessive exposure to dust, generator fumes, harsh chemicals, strong perfumes, insecticides, and open burning.

Patients should never share inhalers or use medications prescribed for another person.

Perhaps most importantly, doctors warn against waiting too long during severe attacks.

“If someone cannot speak properly, is gasping for air, or their lips turn blue, that is an emergency,” a respiratory specialist says.

What asthma patients SHOULD do
Experts recommend regular medical follow-up, proper inhaler use, adherence to prescribed medications, and routine monitoring of symptoms.

Patients are encouraged to keep inhalers nearby at all times, sleep in well-ventilated environments, reduce exposure to smoke and dust, exercise moderately if approved by doctors, drink enough water, treat allergies early, learn proper inhaler techniques, and seek immediate help during severe breathing episodes.

Stress management is also important, as anxiety and panic can worsen breathing difficulties.

The emotional and financial burden
Beyond the physical symptoms, asthma quietly affects livelihoods, sleep, productivity, and mental well-being.

Many adults living with asthma describe constant fear—fear of sudden attacks, fear of crowded environments, fear of hospital bills, and fear of running out of medication.

For workers in physically demanding jobs, asthma can threaten income and independence.

And because Nigeria’s health insurance coverage remains limited, most patients pay directly from their pockets.

A growing public health concern
Health experts warn that adult-onset asthma deserves far more attention than it currently receives.

As urbanization increases and environmental pollution worsens, respiratory diseases are expected to rise further.

Yet awareness remains low, inhalers remain expensive, and many patients continue suffering silently.

For Adewale, the disease has transformed daily life into careful planning.

He now avoids dusty roads, keeps his inhaler close, and thinks twice before physical exertion.

Still, every night carries uncertainty.

“People think breathing is automatic,” he says quietly. “Until one day, it isn’t.”

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa group have allegedly killed two Customs officers in Tuga community, Bagudu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when the attackers invaded two security checkpoints in the area.

A source, who spoke with our correspondent, on anonymity over security concerns said a senior officer among the victims was burnt alive after the assailants set fire to the location where he was sleeping.

The source said the attack happened around 3am.

He stated, “The gunmen attacked two checkpoints that are very close to each other.

“They shot one officer, a one star, while they burnt the three star officer alive.

They came in a truck, disguising as if they were carrying animals, in which they caught the officers unaware.

Two other officers with gunshot wounds are in the hospital now receiving treatment.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Command, Mustapha Mubarak, said the command would issue a press statement once it obtains full details of the incident.

He neither confirmed nor denied the attack, saying, “We will issue a statement once we get the full report.”

The spokesman of the Nigerian Police, Kebbi State Command, SP Bashir Usman, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board has announced May 24 and May 31 as deadlines for the ongoing registration for the National Common Entrance Examination and the May/June In-School Certificate Examinations.

The disclosure is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin by the board’s Assistant Director of Media and Protocol, Uchechukwu Olisah.

The statement quoted the board’s registrar and chief executive officer, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, as saying registration for the 2026 May/June In-School Examinations will close on Sunday, May 31, 2026, while registration for the NCEE will close on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Mohammed advised schools, parents, guardians, and prospective candidates to take advantage of the registration window and complete all necessary procedures before the stipulated deadlines to avoid last-minute challenges.

The NABTEB chief executive further stated that the registration process has been simplified through designated online portals to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for candidates and schools.

“For the May/June (in-school) registration, schools are required to request slots through their respective state offices, capture candidates using the NABTEB biometric software, and complete registration via the official portal at mayjune.nabteb.gov.ng.

“Also, for the May/June (in-school) registration, schools are expected to obtain login details through the state office, log into the school portal, make payment, and complete registration through school.nabteb.gov.ng,” the statement read.

It added: “Similarly, candidates seeking registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) are to request Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) through the state offices, complete registration on the Common Entrance Portal, and finalise the process through commonentrance.nabteb.gov.ng.

“Also, for the online NCEE registration, candidates may create accounts independently, log in, and complete registration online.

“Schools may also obtain login details through the state office to facilitate bulk registration. Payments and registration completion are to be carried out through student.nabteb.gov.ng.”

Mohammed reiterated the board’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and examination administration nationwide.

He also urged candidates and school authorities to strictly comply with all registration guidelines and ensure accurate submission of candidates’ data.

NABTEB advised members of the public to contact the nearest state office or visit the board’s official registration portals for further clarification and support.

Youths in Mabudi, headquarters of Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Wednesday staged a protest over persistent water scarcity in the area

They warned that they may boycott future elections if the situation is not urgently addressed.

The protesters, who turned out in their numbers, marched through the community wearing T-shirts with the inscription “No Water, No Vote,” while chanting slogans to press home their demands.

Some of the demonstrators also brandished placards, calling for immediate provision of potable water, as they lamented the absence of basic amenities in the area.

Speaking to The PUNCH, a youth leader, Mr. Nanlir Gambo, said the protest was meant to draw the attention of the government and elected officials  like their representatives in the state and National Assembly to the urgent need for a sustainable water supply scheme in the area.

“This protest is just a sign that we are serious about our demands. We won’t allow any politician to come here and deceive us again, using our needs only to abscond after election,” he said.

He lamented that residents were forced to depend on unsafe water sources, describing the situation as unacceptable.

Gambo noted that the recurring water shortage had placed a heavy burden on households, especially women and children who trek long distances in search of water.

He stressed that the youths were united in demanding immediate government intervention.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Langtang South LGA, Mr. Butko Iliya, when contacted on the issue, said the council had already put in place temporary measures to mitigate the crisis.

According to him, the Council Chairman, Nanfa Nbin, has been providing water through tankers since the onset of the dry season, with at least one tanker supplied daily to each village on a daily basis.

Iliya added that the council had also received directives to intensify efforts towards addressing the water scarcity by the Plateau state government.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Ministry of Water Resources and Energy has commenced both immediate and long-term interventions to resolve the water situation in the local government.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Lohnan V. Gambo, led a high-powered delegation to the area following an appeal by the council chairman to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

Gambo  , who was in Langtang South on Tuesday, said the governor had directed the ministry to implement urgent measures while working on sustainable solutions, disclosing that a comprehensive geophysical survey had already commenced in Mabudi and surrounding communities.

He assured residents that government was committed to providing a lasting solution to the watee challenge.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the chairman, the Council Secretary, Nanman Domtau, expressed appreciation for the swift response and assured the council’s full support.

Also speaking, the Galadima of Mabudi, Chief Ringjul Dashe, described water as essential to life and commended the government for responding promptly to the plight of the people.

According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Nigeria is facing a severe water crisis, with an estimated 179 million people lacking access to safely managed drinking water, despite having abundant water resources.

As of 2026, about 60–70 million people lack access to basic water, while 114 million lack basic sanitation. The crisis causes over 70,000 child deaths annually due to diarrheal diseases.

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, under the Presidential Power Initiative, inaugurated the Siemens Energy Education and Development training facility in Abeokuta, with plans to train no fewer than 6,000 energy professionals to boost capacity in Nigeria’s power sector.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Director of Human Resources Management, the Federal Ministry of Power, Samaila Nasiru, said the event represented more than the opening of a facility, describing it as a strong commitment to the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Nasiru explained that the mandate of the Presidential Power Initiative is focused on the modernisation and expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

He noted that while significant investments had been made in grid transmission and distribution under Phase One of the Presidential Power Initiative being undertaken by the Federal Government Power Company and other partners, infrastructure alone could not, however, resolve the sector’s challenges without deliberate capacity building.

The director said, “While we are making critical investments in grid transmission and distribution capacity nationwide under Phase One, we recognise that infrastructure alone can not solve our energy challenges.

“Although modernising the grid is essential, it is the empowerment of our people that makes such progress sustainable”.

He described the SEED programme as a practical expression of this philosophy, stressing that sustainable progress depends on a highly skilled workforce capable of operating, maintaining, and optimising complex power systems.

The five-year programme designed to train 6,000 energy professionals is critical for the growth of Nigeria’s power sector. Building local capacity and embedding technical skills within our domestic workforce is essential for long-term success,” he added.

He disclosed that collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency would enable participants to obtain internationally recognised certifications.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, said the SEED initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s power sector through structured human capital development and technical capacity building.

Anuwe described the programme as a strategic investment that aligned with the goals of the Presidential Power Initiative to modernise and expand power infrastructure for sustainable national development.

He emphasised that sustainable progress in the sector depends on skilled professionals who can efficiently operate, maintain, and optimise transmission and distribution networks nationwide.

Anuwe stated that “Today’s event is not only about the launch of a training initiative. It is about investing in people. It is about building the technical capacity, professional expertise, and institutional knowledge required to sustain Nigeria’s energy transformation for generations to come.

“At FGN Power Company, our mandate under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) is clear: to drive the modernization and expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure in a way that delivers lasting impact for the country and its people.

Across the nation, critical investments are being made to upgrade transmission and distribution infrastructure under Phase I of the PPI.

“However, infrastructure alone is not enough. Sustainable progress in the power sector depends on the availability of highly skilled professionals who can operate, maintain, optimize, and innovate within these systems. This is why the SEED initiative is so important.

He explained that this five-year programme aims to train 6,000 energy professionals at multiple Nigerian training sites in partnership with reputable bodies like Council for Regulation of Engineering (COREN), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Ecowas Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE).

Anuwe said that this partnership will support the training programme with internationally recognized certifications that guarantee employability across Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

He stated that beyond technical training, this initiative represents a deliberate investment in local content development.

The MD/CEO added that “For Nigeria’s power sector to truly thrive, we must build indigenous capacity, we must ensure that the knowledge, technical skills, and operational expertise required to sustain these investments are embedded within our local workforce and institutions.

“By doing so, we create jobs, strengthen economic opportunities, improve operational efficiency, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for technical excellence within the energy sector.”

Anuwe lauded other development partners such as the European Union, the German Government, Siemens Energy, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and all collaborating institutions for their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy development journey.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Siemens Energy in Nigeria, Sheu Suleman, said the SEED initiative would support the Federal Government’s plan to reset the power sector.

He noted that the Presidential Power Initiative remains central to President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda for the energy and power sectors.

According to Suleman, the programme would not only address technical losses in transmission infrastructure but also build local capacity through technology transfer and workforce development.

He added that the training would be conducted across multiple locations, including Abeokuta, Offa, Ibadan, Ayede, Birnin Kebbi, and Sokoto, with additional sites to be developed in collaboration with the Federal Government.

The Country Director of GIZ in Nigeria, Markus Wagner, said the SEED initiative is fully aligned with the Presidential Power Initiative and Nigeria’s power sector reform objectives.

He explained that key institutions are working to integrate industry-approved standards and quality assurance measures into the training programmes.

The President of the Council, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, urged well-meaning sons and daughters of Ekiti State “to be prepared to play their roles in their individual and collective capacities to continue to support and promote the spirit of patriotism and selfless service to our society to make it a better place and preserving same for posterity.”

According to a statement by the Council’s Secretary, Niyi Ajibulu and Public Relations Officer, Dr Adebayo Orire, in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Oluwasanmi spoke during the induction of seven young citizens as Affiliate members of the council.

Ajibulu and Orire described the Affiliate members’ initiative of bringing in young persons for service as “a novel concept with a view to modernise and widen the horizon of the Elders’ Council’s activities for greater efficiencies and effectiveness”.

The pioneer affiliate members inducted on the occasion are the Speaker of Ekiti State House of
Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, a development expert, Margaret Fagboyo and the Chief Executive
Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso.

Others are a construction engineer, Oladipupo Bamisaye; an entrepreneur, Lawrence Olagoke Egunjobi; legal practitioner, Mrs Oluwasola Rachel Abe and broadcaster, Oluwakayode Jegede.

The Council, which is exclusive to Ekiti indigenes of 60 years and above, has been playing the role
of father, advising, admonishing and correcting as deemed fit at critical times in the affairs of Ekiti.

The Council’s President, who said that the affiliate members were selected “as a result of their noteworthy contributions to the Council and their remarkable achievements in their respective endeavours”, said that the offer would further engender the spirit of patriotism and selfless service in the younger ones.

He said, “The Council considers the affiliates very fit and worthy within its scope of giving back and striving for a better society.”

Oluwasanmi urged the affiliate members to be guided by their obligations, including “coming up with suggestions that will assist the elders to improve on their service deliverables by injecting contemporary best practices into council initiatives and as well establishing a strong link between the Council and Ekiti in diaspora for the overall benefit of the state and its people.

The affiliate members are also expected to recommend possible
interventions in the affairs of government for improved performance and as well carry out activities that will promote the vision and mission of the Elders’ Council,” he said.

In his lecture on the occasion, titled, “A call to special service”, the Pro-Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Prof. Oladipupo Aina, appealed to professionals,
leaders and the Ekiti in diaspora to join the Affiliate platform of the Council as active partners in the state’s transformation.

Aina said that the initiative “presents the Council as a fountain of wisdom and stability, while positioning Affiliates as the drivers of modernisation – bringing innovation, global perspective and execution capacity to translate Ekiti’s intellectual strengths into economic growth and institutional impact”.

He charged the affiliate members, “The message is clear – this is not a call to observe, but to build – to
convert knowledge into results, align vision with action and to transform Ekiti from a reservoir of excellence into a hub of productive, inclusive and sustainable development.

Affiliates must therefore rise as transformation agents. They must strengthen innovation ecosystems, support enterprise development, contribute to education and mentorship and shape policy through insight and evidence.”

The Pro-Chancellor hailed the Ekiti Council of Elders, which it said had evolved into a moral compass, for its strategic roles, including “functioning as a quiet but effective stabilising force, shaping policy conversations, mediating in conflicts and preserving the values that bind the people together”.

Egunjobi, who responded on behalf of the affiliates, expressed their appreciation for the Council’s uncommon gesture as he pledged their unflinching support to the aspiration and programmes of the
organization.

Among dignitaries at the induction were the Vice Chancellor, BOUESTI, Prof. Andrew Omojola; his predecessor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa; the VC, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Babatola Ayodele; and former VC, Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, Prof. Rev. Father James Olaogun.

The Ekiti Council of Elders, which is committed to the development of Ekiti as reflected in its programmes, projects and activities, comprises elders who are a bank of brains and assets in all fields of endeavour interested in and willing to give back to their communities and state both their experiences and substances as long as God grants them the favour.

The Ekiti Council of Elders has continued to champion developmental initiatives in the state through advocacy, mentorship and community engagement, leveraging the experiences and expertise of its members across different professional fields.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday received a major political boost as leaders, delegates, and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District formally presented and endorsed him as the consensus candidate of the zone for the 2027 senatorial election.

The endorsement, described by party leaders as a collective decision aimed at ensuring quality representation and sustaining party unity in the district, was witnessed by top APC chieftains, including the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, former deputy governors, and other senior stakeholders across Ogun East.

The event had in attendance former deputy governors, Yetunde Onanuga, Segun Adesegun, and Gbenga Kaka, the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, Deputy Chairman, Chief James Dina, Chairman of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Lekan Mustapha, and the Chairman of APC in Ogun East Zone, Dr. Adeleke Ogundoyin.

While presenting Governor Abiodun to leaders and stakeholders of the zone, former Deputy Governor, Segun Adesegun, said party members across the district had unanimously endorsed the Governor as the APC consensus candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District.

Senator Lekan Mustapha, on his part, stated that the adoption of Governor Abiodun was the collective decision of the people of the district to ensure effective and quality representation at the National Assembly.

He recalled the Ogun East stakeholders’ meeting held on April 20, where leaders of the district unanimously adopted Governor Abiodun as the preferred senatorial candidate of the party, noting that Tuesday’s gathering was convened to formally communicate the decision to the Governor and the party leadership.

In his remarks, the Chairman of APC in Ogun East, Dr. Adeleke Ogundoyin, formally handed over the Governor to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, urging the state leadership to forward his name to the national secretariat of the party as the APC flag bearer for Ogun East Senatorial District.

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed profound appreciation to leaders, stakeholders, and delegates of Ogun East Senatorial District for the confidence reposed in him, describing the consensus arrangement as a demonstration of unity, political maturity, and shared commitment to the progress of the district and Ogun State.

The Governor said he was deeply humbled by the overwhelming support and pledged not to betray the trust and confidence bestowed on him by the people and the leadership of the APC in Ogun East.

He assured party faithful and residents of the district that, if elected to represent Ogun East at the Senate, he would provide purposeful, people-oriented, and quality representation capable of attracting more development and democratic dividends to the area.

Governor Abiodun also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the unprecedented support the Ogun State Government has received since he assumed office, while commending leaders of the zone for prioritizing unity and cohesion, noting that the adoption of a consensus candidate would further strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals and programmes of the party, while promising to continue working closely with stakeholders across the senatorial district to sustain the developmental strides already recorded in Ogun State.

The Governor equally appreciated Senator Olamilekan Adeola, former deputy governors, party executives, elders, and stakeholders for their support and solidarity, assuring them that the APC would remain united and victorious in the state.

Former governor cites Dangote Refinery loss, infrastructure decay, weak support for federal projects and silence on Ijebu State agitation

Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday intensified political pressure on Governor Dapo Abiodun ahead of the 2027 Ogun East Senate race, accusing the governor of failing to deliver meaningful development across Ijebuland despite increased federal allocations to Ogun State.

Daniel also declared that he remains politically positioned to defeat Governor Abiodun in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election if the contest is conducted fairly and transparently.
The former governor spoke during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Midterm Assessment and Empowerment Tour held at Obalofin Court, his residence in Ijebu Ode, where party members and supporters gathered for the political engagement.

At the event, the Director General of the BATOGD Campaign Organisation, retired General Okunowo, also delivered a strongly worded address questioning Governor Abiodun’s political legacy, party leadership style, and relationship with grassroots structures in Ogun East.
However, it was Daniel’s direct criticism of the governor’s stewardship in Ijebuland that dominated the gathering.

According to the senator, Ogun East Senatorial District, which comprises six local government areas, has witnessed insufficient infrastructural and economic transformation under the current administration despite what he described as unprecedented financial inflows into Ogun State following fuel subsidy removal.

“We need to thank President Bola Tinubu for increasing the amount of federal allocation going to the state by four times,” Daniel said.

“For our eight years in government, we had access to about N330 billion, but today the state operates a budget of over N1.6 trillion.

What we received in eight years is what the state now receives within a few months, yet there is little to show for it in Ijebuland.”

Daniel argued that Governor Abiodun’s decision to seek a Senate seat after completing his tenure as governor makes public scrutiny of his record both legitimate and necessary.

“Since the governor has decided to go to the Senate after eight years in office, he has the constitutional right to contest, but we also have the responsibility to ask questions,” he stated.

The former governor further alleged that Governor Abiodun consistently failed to support several federal government projects he facilitated for Ogun East Senatorial District.

Daniel cited the naval base project in Abigi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, explaining that the initiative encountered serious obstacles before eventually taking off.

“When I became Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, we facilitated the naval base project because Ogun State deserved it,” he said.

“The project is ongoing today, but we went through serious difficulties before it could commence.”

He also referenced the Federal Medical Centre project in Ijebu Ode, maintaining that the project would have progressed more rapidly if it had received stronger collaboration from the state government.

“In Ijebu Ode today, we still do not have a standard hospital. That was why I facilitated the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre, but the support expected from the state government was not there,” Daniel alleged.

The senator equally revisited the controversial relocation of the Dangote Refinery project from Ogun State to Lagos, accusing Governor Abiodun of playing a major role in the loss of what he described as a historic economic opportunity for Ijebuland.

According to him, significant groundwork had already been completed on the refinery project before his administration left office in 2011.

“By the time we left office, substantial work had already been done on the Dangote Refinery project that was originally planned for Ogun Waterside,” Daniel said.

“After reconciling with Senator Ibikunle Amosun, he told me to ask our current governor what happened because he represented the government during the negotiations.”

Daniel said the people of Ijebuland deserve explanations regarding how such a major investment eventually left Ogun State for Lagos.

The former governor also accused Governor Abiodun of failing to support the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State, describing the governor’s alleged silence on the issue as disappointing to many people in Ogun East.

He further alleged that critical institutions established during his administration, including the Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo and the Ijebu Ode International Stadium, have suffered infrastructural decay under the present administration despite improved government revenues.

Daniel insisted that the growing dissatisfaction within Ogun East should not be ignored and maintained that he remains confident of victory in any transparent APC primary contest.

“I am aware of the enormous powers of incumbency, but if there is a free and fair primary election, I will defeat the governor overwhelmingly,” he declared.

“You can see the turnout here and hear what people are saying publicly. That tells you many people believe these concerns are genuine.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the BATOGD Campaign Organisation, retired General Okunowo, questioned Governor Abiodun’s claim to party unity and grassroots trust, arguing that many APC loyalists in Ogun East remain dissatisfied with the administration’s political handling of the region.

Okunowo asked whether the governor could convincingly campaign on unity after what he described as years of internal division within Ogun APC.

He also questioned whether the people of Ijebuland should easily overlook what he described as unresolved concerns surrounding political trust, infrastructure, and relationships with traditional institutions.
According to him, many citizens increasingly view the current administration as distant from grassroots realities and overly influenced by elite political interests.
“For many citizens, Dapo Abiodun’s administration increasingly symbolizes distance from the grassroots, elite favoritism, and political calculation without emotional connection to the people,” he said.
The retired general also raised concerns regarding the governor’s silence on the agitation for Ijebu State and Ijebu-Remo State creation, arguing that political leadership should not remain disconnected from long-standing regional aspirations.

He warned against allowing political branding and propaganda to overshadow accountability, insisting that history ultimately judges leaders based on their impact on ordinary citizens.

“This is not about hatred. It is about accountability. It is not about tribal sentiment. It is about political memory,” Okunowo stated.

Daniel concluded by urging APC members across Ogun East to remain politically active, secure their membership cards, and support leaders they believe would remain accountable to the grassroots after elections.

By Tayo Mabeweje

Like a mighty river that refuses to change its course because of stones thrown into it, the people of Ogun East Senatorial District have spoken with uncommon clarity and conviction in their overwhelming endorsement of Dapo Abiodun as the consensus senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.

What unfolded at the gathering of party leaders, stakeholders, elders, delegates, and loyal party faithful was not merely a political event; it was a political earthquake that shook the walls of propaganda, rattled the camp of desperate power merchants, and exposed the weakness of those who have mistaken cyberbullying for popularity.

For months, political attack dogs and social media gladiators have unleashed torrents of sponsored falsehood, bitterness, and coordinated attacks in a desperate bid to fracture the unity of the party and diminish the towering political stature of Governor Dapo Abiodun. Yet, like arrows thrown against a mountain, their attacks have returned blunt and ineffective.

The massive turnout witnessed across Ogun East on Tuesday became a referendum of trust, loyalty, and confidence in a leader whose performance continues to speak louder than the noise of cyber mercenaries. It was the people’s thunderous response to merchants of division who believed that social media manipulation could override grassroots reality.

But politics is not won in dark corners of online hostility. It is won in the hearts of the people.

The people of Ogun East have chosen continuity, stability, and purposeful leadership.

The endorsement of Governor Abiodun was not manufactured in hidden rooms by a handful of political traders. It rose organically from the streets, communities, wards, leaders, and stakeholders who have witnessed firsthand the transformational strides of his administration. Roads that once resembled death traps now carry the pulse of economic activity. Investment opportunities have expanded. Industrial growth has accelerated. Confidence in governance has deepened. The footprints of development are visible across Ogun State like inscriptions carved into stone.

Little wonder, respected leaders, former deputy governors, party executives, senators, and elders stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the outgoing governor. Their collective endorsement was a symbolic raising of hands in affirmation of competence, maturity, and tested leadership.

Significantly, the support and alignment of Olamilekan Adeola, the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, further strengthens the bridge of continuity that many citizens have long desired. To party faithful and stakeholders, the Abiodun–Adeola understanding represents more than political cooperation; it symbolizes the preservation of the developmental philosophy captured in the “Building Our Future Together” agenda and the continuation of the magic wand that has driven infrastructural renewal, economic expansion, and administrative stability under the Abiodun administration.

For Ogun East, supporting Governor Abiodun for the Senate is not merely a political calculation; it is an investment in influence, experience, and strategic representation. An outgoing governor who understands the machinery of governance, commands institutional relationships, and possesses national reach is expected to become a strong voice capable of attracting federal opportunities and greater developmental presence to the district.

The gathering also delivered a strong message to those who thrive on bitterness and sponsored attacks: no amount of propaganda can uproot a tree whose roots are deeply planted in the hearts of the people. The louder the attacks became, the stronger the solidarity around Governor Abiodun appeared. What his detractors intended as political sabotage has instead become fuel for wider acceptance and deeper support.

Governor Abiodun’s response reflected calmness, humility, and statesmanship. Rather than descending into the mud of political hostility, he embraced the endorsement with gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the people.

Ultimately, the endorsement gathering in Ogun East will be remembered not just as a political declaration, but as a defining moment where the people rejected politics of bitterness and embraced politics of performance. It was a loud and unmistakable statement that while cyberbullies may dominate timelines, they do not dominate the conscience of the people.

In Ogun East, the people have spoken thunderously and without fear: their trust remains firmly with Dapo Abiodun.

Tayo Mabeweje is a Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON.

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday alleged that its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, during a visit linked to an ongoing fraud case involving a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

T he anti-graft agency said the operatives had gone to the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by the suspect, who is under remand by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo, after repeated attempts to obtain clarification from the hospital management reportedly failed.

In a statement by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the Commission accused some members of staff of obstructing lawful enquiries and attacking its officers during the visit.

The EFCC said the suspect is standing trial over alleged fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

According to the Commission, the suspect had presented a medical report which required authentication by the hospital management as part of the investigation.

The agency said it wrote two letters to the hospital management, dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, requesting confirmation of the report, but received no response.

The investigating officer later visited the hospital to follow up on the request personally, but still got no response.

Oyewale said: “As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.

While within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made.

Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives exit the premises peacefully but the entreaties were turned down

Despite the tension inside the hospital, the EFCC said its operatives exercised restraint and eventually left the premises without disrupting activities at the facility.

Consequently, the Commission warned public institutions and corporate organisations against obstructing its operations, stressing that cooperation with the agency during investigations is a legal obligation.

“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful.

“It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances. Contrary action could be deemed as obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences,” Oyewale added

As the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State is preparing for its National Assembly primaries, all six local governments in Ondo South Senatorial District of the state have formally declared their support for the candidacy of the National Vice Chairman of the party (South West), Mr Isaacs Kekemeke.

Kekemeke, who is also currently the chairman of the Board of Nigeria Postal Service, had earlier declared his intention to run for the senatorial election in 2027.

The chairmen of the six councils who attended the meeting were Ogunsakin Andrew (Okitipupa LG), Adegoroye Taiwo (Odigbo), Jedi Akinfe (Irele), Maurice Openaya (Ilaje), Ebis Molos (Ese-Odo) and Adebare Adebayo (Ile Iluji/Oke Igbo).

Making the declaration during a strategic meeting held at Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, the chairmen disclosed that their decision was hinged on the proven pedigree of Kekemeke, which, according to them, stood him out amongst other aspirants in the senatorial district.

It was gathered that, at the meeting, the chairmen noted that for the purpose of maintaining  party stability and cohesion, they completely aligned with the APC’s position on consensus arrangement fully mediated by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa and party leaders in the state.

Having taken this decision in the overall interest of the party, we have vowed not to give in to the few individuals who are yet to embrace the consensus arrangement,” one of them said.

Kekemeke, in his response, said his candidacy was born out of people’s trust and confidence in the party members

“I am better equipped to make governance more visible and truly responsive through concrete efforts to fully tap the socio-economic potentials of Ondo South for the good of the people,” Kekemeke said.

He promised the chairmen that he would not fail the party and the good of Ondo State to deliver the gains of responsive governance.

The Federal Government has directed universities and other tertiary institutions across the country to temporarily suspend students who repeatedly test positive for drugs, as part of new measures aimed at tackling substance abuse in schools.

The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drugs and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria (Tertiary Institutions), which outlines procedures for mandatory drug testing, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation for students.

It was obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday.

Under the guidelines, students who test positive after undergoing three stages of drug screening and intervention could be removed from the school environment pending rehabilitation.

Students found to be positive in the second testing stage shall be made to undergo a third stage of testing, and if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation,” the policy stated.

It also directed all tertiary institutions to conduct mandatory drug integrity tests for newly admitted students in collaboration with approved health facilities.

According to the document, the objective is to identify students who may require help while promoting safer and healthier learning environments across campuses.

The aim is to identify students who may need help, promote a safe and healthy school environment,” the guidelines stated.

The government stated that the testing process would commence with an initial assessment designed to determine the health status of students.

“The first test is to ascertain the health status of every student. Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling,” the document added.

Students who fail the first test would undergo counselling and treatment before being subjected to a second screening.

Those who test positive again would be referred to professionals for further medical attention and rehabilitation.

The guidelines also mandated periodic drug testing for returning students at least once every academic session.

In addition to sanctions for students, institutions were directed to establish disciplinary committees headed by student affairs officers to oversee compliance and enforcement.

The document further warned that students who refuse rehabilitation procedures could also be separated from the school environment until they are considered stable.

“Any student who refuses to abide by the treatment/rehabilitation procedures shall be temporarily separated from the school environment until he/she is found to be stable,” the guidelines stated.

The policy extends beyond students to include shop owners and vendors operating within campuses.

The government warned that vendors linked to drug-related activities could lose their operating licences and be reported to law enforcement agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The new measures come amid growing concerns over rising cases of substance abuse among young Nigerians, particularly within tertiary institutions.

Data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and previous national drug use surveys have consistently shown increasing rates of drug consumption among Nigerian youths, with substances such as cannabis, codeine, tramadol, and other psychoactive drugs commonly abused.

Authorities and education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns that drug abuse is contributing to cultism, violent behaviour, declining academic performance, mental health challenges and insecurity on campuses.

In recent years, the Federal Government and the NDLEA have intensified advocacy campaigns in schools, warning that substance abuse among students has become a major public health and security concern.

The latest guidelines signal a tougher regulatory approach, combining counselling and rehabilitation with disciplinary measures aimed at discouraging drug use within tertiary institutions.

Odinkalu had accused Emeakayi of alleged sexual misconduct bordering on an improper relationship with Mrs Mmasi Nwangwu, the wife of the detained native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, also known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki”.

The allegations, made some weeks ago, generated controversy and public debate surrounding the prosecution and conviction of “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki”.

However, in a press statement released on Tuesday, a media aide to the Anambra State governor, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, said a fact-finding committee constituted by the state government to probe the allegations submitted its report on May 11 and exonerated the security adviser.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Government has concluded its investigation into allegations made by Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu against the Governor’s Security Adviser, Mr Ken Emeakayi, and has found the claims to be false and misleading.

“A fact-finding committee constituted by the state government to probe Prof. Odinkalu’s allegation that Mr Emeakayi was involved in an improper relationship with Mrs Mmasi Nwangwu, wife of convicted Mr Chukwudozie Nwangwu, popularly known as ‘Akwa Okuko’, has submitted its report dated May 11, 2026.

“The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, and comprising senior lawyers from the Ministry of Justice, stated that it took evidence from all the accused parties.

This included Mr Ken Emeakayi, who supervised state actions against Mr Chukwudozie Nwangwu as referenced by Prof. Odinkalu; Mrs Mmasi Nwangwu; and counsel to Mr Nwangwu, who testified on his behalf.”

However, the state government said Prof. Odinkalu failed to honour its invitations.

“According to the report, the committee issued several notices to Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, inviting him to respond via text or to join a virtual or physical meeting to disclose the source of his information or provide evidence supporting his allegation. Prof. Odinkalu failed to honour any of the notices.

“After reviewing all evidence presented by relevant persons, the committee found the testimonies consistent in establishing that Mr Ken Emeakayi and Mrs Nwangwu did not have any personal or improper relationship.

Accordingly, the committee concluded that the allegation is false and misleading.

“The Anambra State Government reiterates its commitment to due process, fairness, and the protection of the reputation of public officers from malicious and unsubstantiated claims,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, reacting to the government’s position, Prof. Odinkalu dismissed the committee’s report as “an amateur cover-up” and insisted that his allegations remained valid.

In a statement posted on social media, Odinkalu said, “My allegations about a cabinet adviser of the Governor of Anambra State stand unimpeached, and this amateur cover-up will fail.”

He disclosed that he received WhatsApp messages on April 29 and May 1, purportedly from the Anambra State Attorney-General, requesting that he disclose the identities of his sources and the name of the security adviser allegedly involved.

Odinkalu questioned the credibility and procedure of the inquiry, arguing that the messages failed to disclose the composition, legal authority, or terms of reference of the investigative panel.

“It also seemed to me incongruous that an investigation should be run via WhatsApp. Surely, an Attorney-General claiming to be a SAN ought to know how to write a letter,” he stated.

The professor further said he declined to respond because he was sceptical about the authenticity of the messages and the credentials of the sender.

Odinkalu also criticised the government for eventually naming Emeakayi publicly, claiming the exercise amounted to a “whitewash”.

He maintained that he stood by his allegations despite the committee’s findings.

The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the abduction of three members of a family by suspected gunmen at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, in Ijebu Ode area of the state.

The victims were reportedly abducted around 7pm on Monday when about 15 armed men invaded the community.

The spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, saying the command had activated tactical and intelligence operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the incident at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, Ijebu Ode, and has intensified tactical and intelligence operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The command remains proactive and committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state,” he said.

Eyewitnesses and family members said the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community unexpectedly, throwing residents into panic.

The assailants were said to have invaded the family residence, ransacked the house and abducted three members of the family.

A woman was also reportedly shot during the attack as the kidnappers made their way into a nearby forest.

Sources in the community said the head of the family, a government employee, was away at his duty post when the incident occurred.

A community leader in Ipojo Golden Estate, Mr Kehinde, described the incident as disturbing and called on the government to strengthen security in the area.

“We never imagined such an incident could happen in this community. Residents were caught unawares because this is considered a peaceful and developed area,” he said.

He appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

The head of the Badewa family in Ijebu Ode, Mr Yesiru Badewa, whose relatives were kidnapped, said the incident had left the family devastated.

According to him, the victims included two women and a man. He expressed concern over the health condition of one of the abducted women, who he said was ill before the incident.

We are deeply worried because one of the women is sick, and the hardship in captivity may worsen her condition,” he said.

Badewa appealed to the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts aimed at rescuing the victims.

Residents of the community also lamented that the attack had created fear in the area, with many now afraid to go about their daily activities.

The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Ogun State, particularly in agrarian communities across Ijebuland.

Recently, fish farmers in the area raised the alarm over increasing cases of abduction by armed hoodlums and appealed to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to strengthen security in the region.

The farmers cited the recent abduction of a fish farmer, Adams Omamegbe, and four women who visited his farm at Alayo Fish Farm Cluster, Agoro, in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

They alleged that the victims were released only after a ransom of N70m was paid, warning that residents now live in fear of further attacks.

A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has recounted his traumatic experience after spending 11 days in captivity following a fake job offer that allegedly lured him into the hands of kidnappers in Zamfara State.

Azi narrated his ordeal during a testimony at a church in Tudun Wada, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday.

According to him, he was abducted on April 11, 2026, shortly after travelling from Jos to Zaria, Kaduna State, for what he believed was a legitimate welding job opportunity.

He explained that the suspected kidnappers had persistently contacted him by phone, offering him welding work and even sending him transport fare to convince him the offer was genuine.

They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so I believed it was a real job,” he said.

Azi said after arriving in Zaria, he contacted the individuals, who instructed him to board a motorcycle heading to a village.

Although he became suspicious during the journey, he ignored the warning signs because he desperately needed work.

I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers,” he said.

According to him, moments after arriving at the village, a man approached him claiming to be the person who had contacted him about the job.

He said he was then taken on a motorcycle into a remote forest where he noticed another heavily armed man waiting for them.

“I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life. The man told me not to be afraid and claimed the person was a hunter, but deep down I knew something was wrong,” he recounted.

Azi said he was immediately forced to kneel while the kidnappers searched him, seized his phone, bag and work tools, and handed him strange clothes and a face mask to wear.

He added that the abductors later moved him from Kaduna through Giwa Local Government Area into Zamfara State after several hours of travelling on motorcycles through forests and isolated routes.

“We spent almost six hours moving through the bush on motorcycles. There was no security anywhere,” he said

According to him, upon arriving at the camp, the kidnappers tied his hands and legs before contacting his family and demanding a ransom of N30m.

“I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called him and demanded N30m,” he said.

Azi further narrated how he was repeatedly tortured and interrogated about his religion while in captivity.

“They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me,” he said.

However, he said severe beatings by the abductors eventually forced him to confess his faith.

“While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian,” he added.

According to him, the kidnappers thereafter nicknamed him “Pastor” throughout his stay in captivity.

Azi said constant prayers and faith in God kept him alive during the ordeal.

“The only thing I kept doing was praying and asking God to save me,” he said.

He explained that after negotiations, the kidnappers reduced the ransom demand from N30m to N6m.

However, even after receiving the money, the abductors allegedly delayed his release and demanded an additional N4m.

“They started beating me again and said my family should add another N4m. At that point, I thought I would not survive,” he said.

According to him, support from relatives, friends and sympathisers eventually secured his freedom after several days in captivity.

The UNIJOS graduate said he returned home traumatised but grateful to be alive.

No fewer than 10 persons were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, following a bloody clash between rival cult groups in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

The latest incident came barely one week after a similar attack in the Agwan Jukun area of the town, where three people were killed.

It was gathered that the renewed attack, which occurred between late Sunday and the early hours of Monday in the High-Level and Wurukum areas of Makurdi, threw residents into panic as many fled their homes for fear of being attacked.

An eyewitness disclosed that armed youths invaded parts of the town, including Owerri and Onitsha Streets, targeting victims in their homes.

According to the eyewitness, “10 persons were killed in the attacks which took place between 10pm on Sunday and 2am on Monday around the Wurukum and High-Level areas.

At Owerri Street, some young men arrived on motorcycles and shot a man who was sitting outside his house chatting with friends.

“Also, on Onitsha Street, they stormed the residence of a popular shoemaker near City Bay and shot him dead.

“In a house in High Level they killed eight persons. Four of the victims were their targets while four others lost their lives for being close to the original targets.

“They fired several gunshots, creating panic in the area. As we speak, many residents have fled their homes for fear of further attacks.

It appeared to be a coordinated attack by a rival cult group. After carrying out the attacks, the assailants disappeared without a trace.”

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Keffi, decried the killings, describing them as “ugly, pathetic and condemnable.”

Keffi explained that reports available to him indicated that some armed youths riding motorcycles stormed a compound where four persons were sleeping, called them out and shot them dead.

He added that four other persons who came out after hearing gunshots were also killed.

According to him, “The incident happened around 2am and it was cult-related. What I heard was that a cult member from North Bank had a disagreement with his group and fled to High-Level to stay with a friend.

Unfortunately, because his friends and relatives accommodated him, they were attacked and killed even though they were not cult members.’

The Chairman disclosed that another body was recovered from one of the scenes of the attack, adding, “I have reported the matter to all security agencies, and they assured me that the perpetrators would be apprehended.”

There is a man identified as being the one terrorising Makurdi and other parts of the state. He comes into town, strikes and disappears. Whenever he returns, people are killed, and nobody seems to know how he escapes.

“This is someone who was once arrested by the police and later released. We hope the police will do the needful and ensure he is rearrested,” he said.

The Council chairman said efforts were ongoing to strengthen security across Makurdi through collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups and Civil Protection Guards deployed in vulnerable areas.

He disclosed that security operatives swiftly responded to the incident and cordoned off the affected areas, but the attackers escaped before any arrest could be made.

Sources said the bodies of the victims had been deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Madonna Hospital morgues.

When contacted, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the incident but said the command had recorded six fatalities so far.

He added that the command’s spokesperson would provide further details on the incident.

Oyedele stated this while speaking at the 28th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in Abuja.

The minister’s remarks came barely 24 hours after The PUNCH exclusively reported that the Federal Government had intensified engagement with the World Bank over a fresh $1.25bn loan targeted at supporting economic reforms, job creation and competitiveness.

“Nigeria cannot continue to finance development primarily through borrowing. We must build a fiscal system capable of sustainably supporting critical infrastructure, quality education, affordable healthcare, security, and social protection,” he said.

He added that sustainability was not only about generating revenue but also about promoting growth, reducing inequality, protecting vulnerable groups, and encouraging productivity.

According to him, the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms are designed to make the economy more investment-friendly while improving fiscal sustainability.

Oyedele said the reforms were necessary because Nigeria’s tax system had long suffered from structural weaknesses, including multiple taxation, fragmented administration, weak compliance, and overdependence on a narrow revenue base.

Businesses faced overlapping debts, unpredictable enforcements, and rising compliance costs. Citizens often perceived the tax system as unfair because the burden was unevenly distributed,” he said.

He noted that the situation had become unsustainable because government revenues remained insufficient to meet the country’s development needs.

The minister said the reforms were aimed at building a stronger fiscal foundation for long-term national development rather than introducing changes for their own sake.

“Our approach is guided by a simple principle: a good tax system should raise revenue efficiently, support economic growth, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen trust between governments and citizens,” Oyedele said.

He explained that the reforms sought to simplify the tax system, improve fairness, encourage investment, and reduce distortions within the economy.

Oyedele also disclosed that minimum wage earners had been exempted from personal income tax under the ongoing reforms, while the burden on low- and middle-income earners had been reduced.

On corporate taxation, he said the government was proposing reductions in companies’ income tax rates to improve Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Oyedele further said the government was modernising the Value Added Tax framework by expanding input VAT credits and clarifying exemptions for essential goods and services.

“This reduces cost buildup within the economy and improves efficiency across the value chain. This also helps to moderate inflation,” he said.

The minister also lamented the burden of multiple taxes and levies on businesses, saying the government was working with subnational governments to harmonise taxes and reduce compliance costs.

He disclosed that 15 states had already enacted tax harmonisation laws and urged other states to follow suit.

Oyedele stressed that technology would play a central role in the future of tax administration in Nigeria.

“We are therefore prioritising data integration, automation, digital filing systems, and a technology-driven compliance framework,” he said.

The minister, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, including weak institutional capacity, informal sector integration, and public trust issues.

Also speaking at the conference, Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, defended the Federal Government’s tax reforms, describing them as pro-people and pro-business policies aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and repositioning the economy for sustainable growth.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President, Dr Tope Fasua, Shettima said the Tinubu administration envisioned an economy where ordinary Nigerians could prosper irrespective of social background.

He added that the administration was working towards making Nigerian-made products globally competitive while transforming the country’s tax administration into a benchmark for Africa.

The Vice-President acknowledged that one of the biggest hurdles confronting the reforms was public scepticism and misinformation surrounding the policy changes.

“Many Nigerians simply cannot believe it because it has never happened before,” he said, while insisting that President Bola Tinubu was neither anti-business nor anti-people, but committed to creating an environment where Nigerians could thrive.

Shettima also stressed the need for aggressive public sensitisation on the reforms.

He described tax reform as more than a fiscal policy exercise, saying it should be seen as “an act of patriotism” that can lay the foundation for national prosperity.

Earlier, the 17th President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Innocent Ohagwa, described the newly introduced tax regime as the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s fiscal structure in more than three decades.

Ohagwa said the reforms aligned with the administration’s ambition of growing Nigeria into a $1tn economy by the end of the decade.

He noted that the country had historically struggled with weak revenue generation and excessive dependence on borrowing, but argued that the ongoing reforms were beginning to reverse the trend.

According to him, Nigeria’s revenue-to-debt servicing ratio, which stood at 120 per cent in December 2022, declined to 68 per cent by the end of 2025.

Ohagwa said broadening the tax base and simplifying the tax code would help Nigeria transition “from a nation that borrows to survive to one that invests to thrive.”

He added that the reforms would also help curb illicit financial flows, reduce informality in the economy, and strengthen accountability by improving the National Revenue Service’s technological surveillance.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commended the reforms and said the country required “radical reformers” across all sectors to achieve meaningful development.

Former Edo State Governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also backed the reforms, arguing that taxation remained central to governance and national development.

Oshiomhole said governments do not create wealth directly but rely on taxes to provide infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social safety nets.

He argued that wealthy Nigerians should contribute more to development efforts, noting that individuals earning above N20m monthly and owners of private jets should face higher tax obligations, as in advanced economies.

The former governor also urged Nigerians to make taxation a major issue in political debates.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the conference and National Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation, Caroline Ndubisi, described the gathering as a crucial platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s tax system.

Ndubisi said taxation remained central to Nigeria’s economic transformation and called for tax systems that were fair, transparent, and trusted by citizens.

She also urged tax professionals to see themselves not merely as interpreters of tax laws but as “advocates of economic stability.”

The conference, themed “Tax Reforms and Global Relevance: Positioning Nigeria’s Tax System for Sustainable Future,” focused on the need for transparency, inclusiveness, and stronger public trust in fiscal governance.

A former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who is an All Progressive Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has promised a “Rebirth Agenda” if elected in the 2027 general election.

Adelabu stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan when he declared his ambition to contest the governorship position in the state, pledging to reposition the state’s economy and ensure massive job creation.

The erstwhile Minister of Power said that the declaration marked the beginning of a movement to restore, rebuild, reposition, and reclaim Oyo State for genuine progress, prosperity, and people-centred governance.

He said that his development blueprint, tagged “Oyo Rebirth Agenda,” would feature effective local government administration and grassroots development, modern security architecture and public safety, and an agricultural revolution.

Adelabu further stated that, if given a chance, his agenda would focus on comprehensive social welfare, education reform, health transformation, urban development, civil service reforms, and women’s empowerment, among others.

“I am contesting because governance must go beyond rhetoric; it must produce measurable development.

“I am contesting because I believe that for a better Oyo State, capacity matters, competence matters, character matters, compassion matters, and courage matters.

“I stand before you today with humility and a profound sense of duty to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of the governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections under the banner of the APC,” he said.

Adelabu called for continued unity among the APC in Oyo State, noting that unity remained a pathway to victory for the party in the forthcoming elections.

“This project is bigger than one man. It is a collective mission. We must unite, we must close ranks.

“We must prioritise party supremacy, discipline, and shared victory over individual ambition.

“There is no progress without unity. There is no victory without solidarity. I call on all APC leaders, aspirants, stakeholders, and members: let us work together. Let us build together, let us win together,” he said.

The former minister and APC governorship candidate said that he was offering himself not as a perfect man, but as a prepared leader.

“Not merely as a politician, but as a servant. Not merely as an aspirant, but as a committed progressive determined to deliver results,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the declaration featured goodwill messages from various support groups and party chieftains from all tiers of government and the unveiling of a development agenda tagged “Oyo Rebirth Agenda”.

NAN

Member of Parliament for Peckham, Miatta Fahnbulleh, has resigned from her position as the United Kingdom’s Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities.

She cited the loss of public confidence in the government and called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to set a timetable for his departure.

In a resignation letter dated May 12, 2026, and addressed to Starmer at 10 Downing Street, Fahnbulleh said she was proud of her contributions while serving in government.

“I am proud of the work that I have done in this Government,” she wrote in the letter released on his X handle on Tuesday.

She highlighted achievements during her time in office, including work on energy reforms and community empowerment initiatives.

“First as the Minister for Energy Consumers where I secured energy bill discounts for six million families and kick-started our Warm Homes Plan; and in my current role where I have rolled out our transformational Pride in Place Programme, delivered a generational shift in power through our English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, and led our critical work on tackling the rising tide of hate and division in our communities,” she stated.

Fahnbulleh described serving in government as “a privilege,” adding that she had worked “hard at every level to deliver the change that our country needs.”

The MP, however, said the government had failed to act with the urgency required by the electorate.

Whilst progress has been made, we have not acted with the vision, pace and ambition that our mandate for change demands of us,” she wrote.

She also pointed to policy decisions that she said had weakened public confidence in the administration.

“Mistakes such as the winter fuel payment and cuts to the support provided to disabled people have left too many of my constituents doubting our mission,” Fahnbulleh stated.

“The message on the doorstep was clear: you, Prime Minister, have lost the trust and confidence of the public.”

According to her, the country faces major challenges that require broader reforms and a renewed political direction.

“Our country faces enormous challenges, and people are crying out for the scale of change that this requires. The public does not believe that you can lead this change — and nor do I,” she wrote.

Fahnbulleh urged Starmer to act in the interest of both the country and the Labour Party by paving the way for a leadership transition.

“Therefore, I urge you to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition so that a new team can deliver the change we promised the country,” she added.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has led a delegation of leaders and stakeholders of the state to consult the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Eno disclosed this in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

He said the visit on Monday was to appreciate Akpabio for his continued support and commitment to the peace, unity, and development of Akwa Ibom State, as well as to seek his blessings as political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Last night, I led a delegation of leaders and stakeholders of Akwa Ibom State to formally consult the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, ahead of the 2027 elections.

We came to appreciate him for his continued support and commitment to the peace, unity, and development of our State, and to seek his blessings as we continue this journey,” he wrote.

The governor said he also reaffirmed a collective resolve to work together in support of President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, and a shared vision for a united Akwa Ibom State.

“I reaffirmed our collective resolve to work together to support His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Senate President, and our shared vision for a greater and more united Akwa Ibom State,” he stated.

Eno added that the delegation was well received by the Senate President and appreciated his remarks during the meeting.

“I am grateful for the warm reception and the encouraging words of the Senate President. We will continue to place the peace, unity, and progress of our State above every other consideration,” he said.

Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in 2025, has intensified political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He formally purchased and submitted his APC governorship nomination form for a second term in early May.

The visit to the Senate President, a prominent APC chieftain and indigene of Akwa Ibom State, underscores Eno’s strategy to secure high-level blessings and reinforce alignment with the federal government under Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday urged professional associations to redirect their attention from persistent public criticism of government to the pursuit of tangible development within their own institutions.

Wike made the remarks in Abuja while receiving delegates of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit to his residence in Life Camp.

He said leadership should be measured by legacy projects and reforms achieved during tenure, rather than frequent media criticism of government policies.

“You cannot occupy a position, and all you do is criticise the government every day. People will ask you: while you had the opportunity, what did you do for your profession?” Wike asked.

The minister commended successive leaderships of the Body of Benchers for what he described as a more pragmatic approach, such as seeking government support to improve infrastructure for the legal profession.

“You are not the first chairman of the Body of Benchers, but you came with requests that will improve the institution and open up the area for everybody. That is leadership,” he said.

The ex-Rivers State governor disclosed that key infrastructure projects for the body were nearing completion, including its annex building, which he said would be delivered by June. He also noted that the access road around the Nigerian Law School and EFCC Academy corridor was already 98 per cent completed.

He further approved a request for an additional access road to the Body of Benchers annex, directing officials of the FCT Administration to assess and integrate the project into ongoing works.

While acknowledging the role of criticism in governance, Wike warned against what he termed unproductive commentary from professional groups.

Constructive criticism is good, but not the kind where nobody sees anything good in what the government is doing,” he stated.

He also defended government investment in judicial infrastructure, including housing for judges, arguing that such support strengthens institutions rather than undermines their independence.

“If the government provides accommodation for judges, people say they are compromised. But when the NBA goes about seeking support from the government, nobody talks about compromise,” Wike said.

According to him, professional bodies should focus more on identifying challenges within their sectors and collaborating with the government to address them.

“If you are president of an association and all you do is attend television programmes to criticise the government, that is not enough. What did you attract for your members? What did you improve?” he queried.

Earlier, Akpomudje praised the FCT Administration for ongoing infrastructural development across Abuja, particularly projects linked to the legal sector.

He said the Body of Benchers appreciated the completion of its annex building, the ongoing fire service station, and road construction within its complex.

“Roads are being constructed and upgraded daily, both in the city centre and rural areas. Indeed, this is what governance should be,” he said.

Akpomudje also emphasised the importance of cooperation among the executive, legislature, and judiciary in strengthening democratic institutions and improving access to justice across Nigeria.

The Lagos State Government says it has sealed off Domino’s Pizza, located at No. 38B, Freedom Way, Lekki, Eti-Osa, over the indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage into the environment.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday.

According to him, the action followed a complaint from a resident and a subsequent investigation carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office.

“Following a complaint received from a concerned resident and a thorough investigation, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), on Wednesday 12th May, 2026, sealed-off Dominion Pizza at No. 38B, Freedom Way, Lekki, Eti-Osa, Lagos, over indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage from its chamber due to an overfilled septic tank into the environment and public drains, causing environmental nuisance, offensive odour, as well as endangering human health,” the statement read.

Wahab said the discharge created environmental nuisance, emitted offensive odour, and posed health risks to residents in the area.

The commissioner warned that residents and property managers must adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices, adding that violators would face sanctions and possible prosecution under existing environmental laws.

“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices, noting that any individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” he stated

He also provided contact numbers for reporting environmental violations in the state as 08022022397and 07025332163.

The action aligns with ongoing enforcement drives by the Lagos State Government against illegal sewage discharge, particularly in high-density residential and commercial areas like Lekki.

Similar operations have recently targeted estates, event centres, and other restaurants in the area.

Pastor Peace Ibiyeomie, wife of Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has advised married women to be cautious about forming close friendships with divorced women who are unwilling to reconcile with their former partners or remarry.

The cleric gave this piece of advice during a Mother’s Day service at Salvation Ministries in Rivers State and stressed that some divorced women often speak negatively about marriage while secretly maintaining relationships with men.

Do not follow a divorcee as your friend even if she is your sister. Teach her, either she reconciles with her husband or she remarries,” she said.

Ibiyeomie claimed that some single and divorced women publicly dismiss the importance of men despite still engaging in intimate relationships privately.

“She will tell you that men are not important but meanwhile she goes behind your back to have affairs with men. I have seen so many examples of single ladies.

Some of them told me the truth that it is a lie, that even as they are in church, they follow men. One opened up so much to me, that is why she wants to remarry,” she said

Ibiyeomie questioned why some women continue to condemn marriage while still maintaining romantic relationships.

“They keep saying the man is not important. If he is not important, why are you sleeping with him? So stay on your own if you say a man is not important,” she said.

The cleric also warned women against allowing bitterness from failed marriages to influence others negatively.

That your marriage is broken does not mean you should break another person’s marriage.

Therefore, the company you keep will either keep you up or pull you down. Leave a meaningful legacy that you will be remembered for,” she added.

The Nigerian Navy has disrupted attempts to establish illegal refining infrastructure and recovered a large cache of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in separate operations across Rivers.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.

Folorunsho said the operations were conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

He said that personnel of Forward Operating Base Bonny, following credible intelligence on suspicious activities, foiled attempts by economic saboteurs to set up illegal refining sites in the Promise Land area of Bonny Local Government Area.

According to him, an anti-crude oil theft patrol team carried out a coordinated reconnaissance mission across adjoining creeks and waterways, supported by aerial surveillance.

”The surveillance exposed concealed refining equipment hidden under thick vegetation, while ground assessment confirmed two newly constructed illegal refining sites close to the river channel.

”The sites also contained improvised cooking installations, interconnected pipe networks and other support infrastructure intended for processing and transporting illegally refined petroleum products.”

The naval spokesman added that the operators were still in the early stages of establishing the camps, indicating plans to create a new refining hub before full-scale operations.

He said the sites were subsequently dismantled in line with operational procedures, while the area had been placed under continued monitoring.

Folorunsho said that in a related development, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered a concealed fuel stockpile along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.

He said the discovery followed intelligence reports of suspicious movement of petroleum products around the Okarki community waterside in Abua-Odual Local Government Area.

”On deployment, aerial surveillance revealed multiple sacks concealed within dense vegetation along the creek environment.

”Further exploitation led to the recovery of about 3,800 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil stored in 38 sacks,” he said.

Folorunsho said that although no arrests were made as suspects fled the scene, the recovered products were secured in accordance with operational procedures.

He also said the operations highlighted the increasing reliance of illegal fuel networks on remote creek corridors and hidden storage points to sustain their activities.

He added that ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL were focused on identifying emerging hot-spots, disrupting illegal refining infrastructure, and restricting the mobility of criminal elements.

The naval spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and safeguarding the maritime environment from economic sabotage.

NAN

No fewer than 24 shops were destroyed in a devastating fire outbreak that swept through parts of the popular Mandate Ultra-Modern Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, in the early hours of Tuesday.

PUNCH Online gathered that the incident, which affected sections of the ultra-modern market housing over 200 shops, threw traders into panic as flames engulfed stores containing phone accessories, foodstuffs and other valuable goods.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, firefighters received a distress call at about 4:44 a.m. and immediately mobilised to the scene to contain the inferno.

Hassan said, “The magnitude of destruction was largely intensified due to the late call made to the Fire Service, as the fire had already spread significantly before firefighters arrived at the scene.”

He, however, noted that firefighters prevented the incident from escalating further across the market complex.

“Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market,” the spokesperson added.

According to him, preliminary findings revealed that the outbreak was triggered by a power surge.

The fire reportedly started in a shop where phone accessories were sold alongside a phone charging business, before spreading to nearby shops used for storing foodstuffs and other commodities,” Hassan explained.

Some traders and market stakeholders praised the firefighters for their prompt intervention, saying their efforts saved a large portion of the market from destruction.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, personally visited the scene to sympathise with the affected traders.

During the visit, he met with leaders of the market associations and assured them of the agency’s continued support.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by this incident, and I assure you of the Fire Service’s continued support.”

Alabi also urged market operators to prioritise fire safety measures in their business environments.

“Market operators should invest in both active and passive fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and proper electrical protection devices, especially in situations where shop owners may not be present during emergencies,” he said.

He further reminded traders of the annual fire safety sensitisation campaigns organised by the agency across markets in the state.

The latest incident adds to the growing number of fire outbreaks recorded in Kwara State in recent months.

On Monday, a residential building in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, was partially gutted after minors allegedly played with a cooking gas cylinder, while another fire earlier this month destroyed parts of a building comprising a two-bedroom flat and seven shops in Ilorin.

The Zamfara State Government has approved an upward review of pension for state and local government retirees, saying the move is aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens amid rising living costs.

The approval was disclosed in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa.

The statement said the decision followed recommendations submitted after a comprehensive review conducted by a special committee and the Office of the Accountant General, which assessed the condition of pensioners, particularly those in the lower income bracket.

It explained that the exercise was necessitated by current economic realities that have made existing pension payments inadequate for many retirees.

The review also aligned with a Federal Government circular on consequential adjustment arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amended) Act 2024, which recommended a baseline increase of ₦32,000 monthly for pensioners.

According to the statement, after a detailed assessment of available resources, the state government approved what it described as a 100 per cent implementation option for both state and local government pensioners.

It said, “Following detailed deliberations and assessment of available resources, the Zamfara State Government approved the 100 per cent implementation option for both State and Local Government pensioners.”

The government added that the adjustment would benefit thousands of retirees across the state.

“Under the new arrangement, thousands of pensioners across the State and Local Government system are expected to benefit from the increase, which is aimed at cushioning the effects of rising living costs,” the statement said.

It further quoted the government as reaffirming its commitment to pensioners’ welfare under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

“The Zamfara State Government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the upward review of pension salaries for State and Local Government retirees across the state,” it said.

The statement added that the administration would continue to prioritise social protection and economic stability.

“Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers and pensioners, noting that the government will continue to implement policies and programmes that promote social protection, economic stability, and improved living conditions for citizens,” it said.

It also stated that all relevant agencies had been directed to ensure the smooth implementation of the new pension structure.

The government has directed all relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the approved pension salary adjustment for timely payment to beneficiaries,” the statement added.

The government said the policy is expected to improve the living conditions of retirees who served the state over the years, while strengthening its broader welfare framework for vulnerable groups.

Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh consecutive term as president of Uganda, extending his nearly four-decade rule after securing victory in the country’s disputed January elections.

The 81-year-old leader, who first took power as a rebel commander in 1986, was inaugurated at the Kololo Independence Grounds in the capital, Kampala, amid tight security and heavy deployment of armoured vehicles across the city on Tuesday, BBC reports.

According to election authorities, Museveni won more than 70 per cent of the votes cast, with his new tenure expected to run until 2031.

His main challenger, Bobi Wine, rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities and ballot manipulation during the polls.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, described the election results as “fake” and accused the government of undermining democracy.

The 44-year-old opposition figure later fled the country, claiming he feared for his life.

“The regime wanted to eliminate me,” he reportedly said after leaving Uganda.

Election officials, however, dismissed allegations of fraud and maintained that the polls were free and fair.

Museveni, now among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, joins figures such as Denis Sassou Nguesso, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Paul Biya in remaining in power for more than four decades.

Several African leaders attended the inauguration ceremony, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, Félix Tshisekedi, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally, with many citizens having known no other president besides Museveni.

Although the Ugandan leader has not publicly indicated when he plans to retire, political analysts have speculated that the current tenure could be his final term in office.

Attention has increasingly shifted toward his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has been widely viewed as a possible successor.

The military chief has, however, faced criticism over controversial social media posts targeting opposition figures, including Wine.

Meanwhile, rights groups have continued to raise concerns about Uganda’s human rights record and the treatment of opposition politicians following the elections.

Amnesty International recently alleged that at least 16 people were killed by security forces between January 15 and 18 during post-election unrest.

The organisation claimed the victims were unarmed and posed no immediate threat.

Another opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention after being arrested in late 2024.

Besigye was charged in a military court over allegations relating to illegal weapons possession and attempts to procure arms abroad, accusations he has denied.

The Ugandan government has also faced criticism over a recently passed Sovereignty Bill, which criminalises activities considered to promote “the interests of a foreigner against those of Uganda” and labels recipients of foreign funding as “agents of foreigners.”

Meanwhile, rights groups have continued to raise concerns about Uganda’s human rights record and the treatment of opposition politicians following the elections.

Amnesty International recently alleged that at least 16 people were killed by security forces between January 15 and 18 during post-election unrest.

The organisation claimed the victims were unarmed and posed no immediate threat.

Another opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention after being arrested in late 2024.

Besigye was charged in a military court over allegations relating to illegal weapons possession and attempts to procure arms abroad, accusations he has denied.

The Ugandan government has also faced criticism over a recently passed Sovereignty Bill, which criminalises activities considered to promote “the interests of a foreigner against those of Uganda” and labels recipients of foreign funding as “agents of foreigners.”

A 33-year-old governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Monica Yahaya, has declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, promising inclusive leadership, women empowerment and grassroots development.

She made the declaration on Tuesday shortly after obtaining her nomination form at the PDP secretariat in Gombe, where she said her years of community service and engagement with rural women inspired her ambition.

“I’m into community development. I work with rural women. That is how I picked my interest to contest for this position,” she said.

The aspirant said her mission is to bridge the leadership gap by giving women and young people stronger representation in governance.

I see a gap that we need to close. How we can close it is by representing women positively,” she stated.

Speaking on what she would do differently if elected governor, Monica insisted that women possess the capacity to deliver effective leadership when given the opportunity.

“If opportunity is given, Gombe people will see a difference. When you give a chance to a woman to be in this position, you will see the wonders that she will perform,” she said.

According to her, women remain largely marginalised in politics despite their contributions to society.

“We are all raised by women, right? And we have seen how they can be able to do it. So when we are given the opportunity, we can perform best, carry our people, represent our youth, especially the upcoming ones,” she added.

The PDP aspirant also stressed the need to empower youths to reduce idleness and social vices.

“If they are busy, they will be productive,” she said.

Despite concerns about women’s participation in politics, Monica expressed optimism, saying the support she is receiving from women and even men across the state shows that people are yearning for change.

Many women have been kind of scared. But now, with this kind of movement, you can see the support is massive,” she said.

“Even the men are shouting for change. They need women in leadership positions. Everybody is tired,” she added.

Commenting on the PDP’s internal challenges nationally, the aspirant said she remains confident the party will overcome its difficulties before the 2027 elections.

“We are very confident. Very soon, everything is going to be settled, and we are hopeful everything is going to be well,” she said.

Yahaya disclosed that her ambition is being supported by women’s groups, including the Gombe Women’s Agenda, while noting that female aspirants were granted waivers on nomination forms.

“They are doing a full waiver to female aspirants for the tickets. We only get to pay for the expression of interest, and that is one million naira,” she explained.

The governorship hopeful also criticised the level of women’s inclusion in the current administration in the state, promising that her government would prioritise women, youths and social welfare.

“If I’m given an opportunity, my own system will be entirely different. I will carry women along. I will make sure our girls and youths are safe,” she said.

She further identified water supply as one of the major challenges facing residents of the state.

We all know that we have problems with water in Gombe State. I have seen a rich man buy dirty water. Even with your money, you cannot get water when you want it. I’m going to make water very available by God’s grace,” she pledged.

The aspirant, who claimed to have spent over two decades in the civil society space, said her direct engagement with women and youths in rural communities has prepared her for leadership.

“I have like 25 years, if not more, and I have direct contact with women and youths at the rural communities,” she said.

LAGOS— THE Lagos State, yesterday, disclosed that it intends to launch a state-owned drivers’ license in collaboration with the Federal Government as part of efforts at ensuring sanity and safety on roads across the metropolis.

It also explained that the second and last stage of the Blue Line project will be completed for full commercial operation in the first quarter of 2027

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this at the 2025 annual ministerial briefing, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

The commissioner revealed that the project, which would be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government, is optional for motorists to obtain either the federal license or the new state driver’s license.

He stated that it was aimed at enhancing safety, sanity, among others, on the roads. 

Osiyemi added that it would ensure prompt issuance as against the usual delays being experienced with the existing process.

He said over 56,876 driver licences were processed within the review period, including 27,067 fresh applications and 29,810 renewals carried out in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps

He added that 1,158 international driver permits were equally processed during the same period.

On the Blue Line project, Osiyemi stated that the first phase recorded 3.5 million passengers in 2025.

He added that Phase Two of the Blue Line extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko will be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

On the Red Line, Osiyemi said the state procured 24 new train coaches configured into three sets of eight coach trains to strengthen operations and improve passenger movement along the corridor.

He further disclosed that the government had intensified work on the proposed 68 kilometre Green Line Rail project expected to connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo.

The Kwara State Government has completed the recruitment process for 10 medical doctors and 150 nurses and midwives as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare manpower and improve service delivery across the state.

In a statement obtained by Arewa PUNCH on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik confirmed that all newly recruited personnel have successfully concluded their documentation and administrative procedures ahead of deployment.

“All the newly recruited personnel have completed the required paperwork and clearance procedures for formal deployment,” Malik stated.

He directed the successful candidates to proceed to the Administrative Department of the Board to collect their posting letters, noting that the exercise marks a critical step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

All the new employees are hereby directed to proceed to the Administrative Department of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board to collect their posting letters,” he stressed.

The Board further announced that the newly recruited healthcare workers are expected to resume duties at their respective places of assignment on or before May 11, 2026.

The new hires are expected to resume duty at their respective postings on or before 11th May, 2026.”

The Board commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his sustained investment in the health sector, describing the recruitment as part of broader efforts to enhance human capital development and healthcare outcomes.

“The state government’s vision is reflected in ongoing efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and service delivery.”

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq emphasised the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all residents of the state.

“We believe that a healthier Kwara is a stronger Kwara. This recruitment reflects our commitment to investing in people, training healthcare professionals, and building a system where quality care is accessible to every citizen, no matter where they live,” Abdulraheem said.

He congratulated the successful candidates and welcomed them into the state’s healthcare system, reiterating that the recruitment exercise is part of a deliberate strategy to expand access to quality health services across the state.

Residents of Jajira community in Tudun Fulani Ward of Ungogo Local Government Area, Kano State, on Wednesday staged a two-day protest by occupying the site of the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano–Maradi railway construction site, over allegations that the project blocked their major access roads without providing an alternative route.

The protest, which began on Wednesday and lasted through Thursday, saw residents not only blocking movements but also staying at the construction site, cooking and sleeping there, in a rare show of sustained resistance against the project.

The community, which links Bacirawa, Rijiyar Zaki, Ciromawa and Watari areas, said the railway alignment had effectively cut off long-established routes patronised for decades, disrupting transportation, trade and access to essential services.

Speaking with journalists during the protest, one of the residents, Musa Kabiru Jajira, said the community was initially promised a flyover to ensure free movement, but the promise was not fulfilled.

Initially, they promised to construct a flyover to allow us to pass. Unfortunately, later on, they didn’t,” he said.

He added that while some residents had received compensation at the early stage of the project, the absence of a proper alternative route has left the community in hardship.

“This town is over 300 years old. People have been living here for generations. This road is very important to us, and blocking it without a flyover or alternative route is affecting our daily lives,” Jajira said

Another resident, Suwaiba Sani, urged authorities to urgently intervene, insisting that the community would not continue to tolerate the situation.

“We are appealing to the government to construct a flyover for us so that people can move freely. If they don’t build it, we will not participate in the 2027 elections,” she threatened.

The protest, which attracted dozens of residents at the construction site, also affected movements between Ungogo and adjoining communities as commuters were forced to divert routes.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano–Maradi railway project is part of the federal government’s major transport infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command said it swiftly intervened to prevent the protest from escalating into violence.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the command said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, deployed operatives led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, immediately after receiving reports of the protest.

According to the statement, the police team engaged the protesting groups, restored calm and initiated dialogue with stakeholders in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on community-based conflict resolution.

A stakeholders’ meeting was later convened at the Police Headquarters, Bompai, bringing together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Transport, the construction company handling the project, traditional rulers and local government officials.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman of Ungogo LGA, Hon. Auwal Idris Isah; the District Head of Ungogo, Alhaji Nura Shehu Ahmad; and the Village Head of Jajira, Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad.

The meeting, according to the police, allowed all sides to present their grievances, with agreements reached on sustained dialogue and peaceful engagement to resolve the dispute.

“The Commissioner of Police advised all parties to maintain the peace, shun acts capable of breaching public order and allow lawful activities to proceed without disruption,” the statement stressed.

CP Bakori assured that the command would continue to monitor the situation to ensure sustained peace and prevent further escalation.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Transport, Malam Zahradeen, said the ministry had yet to officially receive any complaint from residents of the community.

“Honestly, I am not aware of the issue, so I cannot say anything for now. Besides, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry is currently sick and all the directors have gone to sympathise with him. The commissioner is also not available,” he said.

He, however, promised to make inquiries and get back to our correspondent.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ministry of Transport nor the construction company had responded officially to the residents’ complaints.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu.

The deposition followed Oloyede’s conviction in the United States of America on tax fraud and money laundering charges.

The governor’s decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgment, which convicted the monarch.

A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Monday, recalled that the State Executive Council had resolved “last year that the Ministry of Local Government should write to the Ohio court to request a Certified True Copy of the judgment to form the basis for the government action.”

The statement further read, “The council had justified the decision to contact the Ohio court on the ground that a governmental decision should not be based on social media reporting alone.

In the deposition order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and good government as well as preserve the honour and integrity of the royal stool.

“The deposition order further stated that the fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede, as found by the US court and which he pleaded guilty to, and his public trial and conviction have brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu to disrepute and public odium, hence the resort to deposition.”

The reports that Oba Joseph Oloyede was sentenced to 56 months imprisonment for the offences of wire fraud, making false tax returns and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property by the United States District Court in the Northern District of Ohio, United States of America, on August 26, 2025.

Rasheed further said, “By this deposition, the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has been declared vacant, while the necessary process will be put in place to appoint a new Apetumodu of Ipetumodu at the appropriate time.

“The governor appeals to sons and daughters of Ipetumodu to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the process of electing a new king is being conducted.”

The management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in the Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State, has convened a security summit to address the challenges posed by insecurity ravaging student communities.

This comes amid a suspected armed robbery attack that led to the death of a student and the recent abduction of five students of the institution, who were later rescued by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command.

The summit, the third edition and held in the polytechnic’s boardroom on Thursday, brought together security agencies, government representatives, community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and student leaders, among others.

Speaking at the summit, the Rector of the institution, Dr Sanni Kehinde, said insecurity in the institution’s host communities had become an urgent matter.

The rector said the summit was necessary to address the security situation in the Ode-Remo, Isara-Remo, and Ipara-Remo communities.

He said, “In recent times, the issue of security has become a matter of urgent concern. This reality calls for proactive engagement, collective responsibility, and strategic collaboration.

“Today’s summit is not just another gathering; it is a platform for dialogue, awareness, and solution-driven conversations. It is an opportunity for us to critically examine the security landscape within and around our community and to chart a sustainable path forward.”

While highlighting some of the security challenges facing the institution, the polytechnic’s Dean of Students’ Affairs, Adedayo Musari, recalled that a student was killed in a suspected armed robbery attack in one of the communities on Saturday.

According to him, the attackers had shot at the door of the student’s hostel, leading to a bullet hitting the student in the chest.

He noted that the attackers also shot the student in the leg, adding that before the arrival of security personnel, the student had died.

“Last week, kidnappers abducted five of our students, but thank God that the police were able to rescue them the following day.

“Between 2009 and 2026, in Ipara, 15 robbery cases were recorded, and two students were killed; in Isara, 32 robbery cases were recorded, and five students were killed, while in Ode, 58 robbery cases were recorded, and 16 students were killed.

The boy who was killed on Saturday was shot while trying to shield his door from the robbers. The bullet hit him in the chest. While attempting to escape, he fell into a gutter, and the robbers shot him in the leg,” Musari said.

Speaking on measures taken to address the situation, he noted that the institution had embarked on sensitisation programmes for students on necessary security measures.

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the Ogun State Governor, Dare Odufowokan, lamented the worsening security situation across the country.

He urged stakeholders to collaborate to address insecurity by establishing a security committee.

Odufowokan also encouraged communities to regulate the movement of scavengers and hunters within the area, especially at night.

The Chairman of the Ode-Remo Development Council, Olufunso Afolabi, also decried the incessant attacks on students, adding that such incidents had “created fear, tension, and reputational damage for both the community and the institution.”

He recommended deploying additional security personnel to student-populated areas, installing functional streetlights and surveillance systems in black spots, and regulating off-campus student accommodation, among others.

The highlight of the event included contributions and suggestions from the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, representatives of the monarchs of the three communities, youth leaders, and the Students’ Union leadership of the institution, among others.

Insecurity across some tertiary institution communities in Ogun State has worsened in recent times.

The report on April 26 that about 12 gunmen reportedly attacked students of the College of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun campus, injuring some and carting away phones and a car, among other valuables.

The attackers were said to have inflicted machete cuts on some of the students during the attack.

Former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said he and his supporters got nothing in return after delivering nearly two million votes to bring former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015, and that the experience pushed him toward seeking political change.

Kwankwaso said this in an interview on Arise TV on Monday, speaking about the personal cost of backing Buhari in the election that ended 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party rule at the federal level.

“I worked so hard. We brought about 1.9, almost 2 million votes. But as politicians, we are not recognised. We put our lives even on the line at that time. But unfortunately, we could not see any benefit either as individuals or the constituencies that we represented,” he said.

The former Kano State governor did not say what he had expected in return or what exactly the Buhari administration failed to do.

He went through each government since 1999 to explain why he believed the country is now ready for real change.

He said Olusegun Obasanjo did his best, that Umar Yar’adua faced serious health problems, and that Goodluck Jonathan’s time in office was complicated by a disputed agreement for him to serve only one term.

“Everybody knows there are issues with this administration again,” he said of the current Tinubu government.

He added, “And therefore, people are determined at grassroots level, and even at the level we are operating now, that there should be some level of changes.”

Kwankwaso said the failures of those years created the conditions for the wave of support the Nigeria Democratic Congress had been receiving since he and Peter Obi formally joined the party on May 3.

“Since we decided to join NDC, Nigerians have decided to come and join us. People are opening offices everywhere across the world. So we are happy about that,” he said.

He also said his years in politics had taught him that a president being from your region was no guarantee of good governance, a view he used to explain why he supported zoning the NDC’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

“Those of us in the political trenches would tell you that it is not only the man from your end that would make the country move forward.

“What is key is to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.

Culled from punch

Residents of Jinrinwo Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and prevent what they described as a plot to remove their monarch, Oba Olawole Ajimosun.

The residents, under the aegis of the Jinrinwo Descendants Union, alleged that some government officials were planning to remove the monarch and install another person unknown to the community.

This was contained in a statement issued by the union on Monday.

According to the statement, Oba Ajimosun was appointed the Oloja of Jinrinwo in 2021 by the Olugbo of Ugbo as the prescribed authority.

The statement read, “It will be recalled that based on the Memorandum submitted by the former Oloja Michaiah Edawole and endorsed by the Olugbo before the Ajama Commission, the Oloja of Jinrinwo chieftaincy was elevated to a recognised chieftaincy by the Ondo State Government on 24 August 2022.

By that same token, the incumbent Oloja, Olawole Ajimosun, became the Olu (Oba) of Jinrinwo. However, the state government in September 2025 initiated a process of alleged illegal imposition of a total stranger as our Oba, consequent upon which we advised Oba Ajimosun to go to court, which he did.

“While the case is still pending at the High Court in Okitipupa, the state government is planning to install Jackson Okorisa as the Olu of Jinrinwo. We therefore advise the governor against any contemptuous act and urge the people to disregard the said installation.”

However, the Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, denied the allegations, saying the government did not impose any candidate on the community.

“I am aware of the chieftaincy issue in the community. The community did not have an oba before, but the people selected the person they wanted and the government approved it. There is no removal or imposition anywhere,” he said.

“This is the local government of Mr Governor, and he cannot do anything that will cause crisis in the community of his kinsmen. Due process was followed in the process,” Takuro added.

President Bola Tinubu has led tributes to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Reuben Fasoranti, describing him as a principled leader who stood firmly for justice, democracy, and the betterment of the people.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Monday at Fasoranti’s centenary celebration held at his residence in Akure, Ondo State capital, where he said the elder statesman “stands out for justice and betterment of the people and in the fight for the attainment of democracy.”

The President said Fasoranti, who clocked 100 years, “sacrificed his comfort to serve the people and the nation meritoriously,” noting that his life reflected courage, discipline, and consistent advocacy for fairness.

“Live a thousand lifetimes in one, compressing into a single journey the courage of prophets, the patience of teachers, the sacrifices of patriots, and the dignity of elders,” Tinubu said, adding that Fasoranti had remained a witness to Nigeria’s historical and political evolution without compromising his principles.

He further described him as a leader who “never watched history from the safety of the pavilion,” stressing that public service in Nigeria often demands sacrifice in the face of personal interest.

“We live in a country where those privileged to serve the people too often end up serving their own interests,” the President said, warning that when “public duty becomes private appetite, the nation is made unsafe for the vulnerable.”

Tinubu praised Fasoranti for refusing silence in the face of injustice, saying he “gave voice to the underrepresented and sacrificed his comfort in doing so,” while choosing “the burden of advocacy and the loneliness of principle.”

According to him, Fasoranti’s long life, which spanned colonial rule, independence, military regimes, and democratic governance, places him in a unique position in Nigeria’s moral and political history.

“He saw Nigeria in its infancy. He saw her hopes rise, her dreams wounded, her institutions tested, and her democracy reborn,” Tinubu said, adding that Fasoranti remained “a steadfast voice for justice and national unity.”

He also commended the elder statesman for consistently warning against oppression, stressing that “peace without fairness is a fragile peace, and unity without justice only postpones grievance.”

“On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I thank you for your service to education, democracy, and the cause of justice,” Tinubu said.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also described Fasoranti as more than an elder statesman, calling him “an institution” whose life reflects discipline, courage, and unwavering principle.

“Through political transitions, national uncertainty and changing times, he has remained remarkably steadfast, firm in principle, disciplined in conduct and fearless in defending what is right,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He added that Fasoranti’s life symbolised sacrifice, saying, “We stand here because one man chose to stand firm when it was easier to bend — for his people, for his principles, for the generations he may never meet but has always believed in.”

The governor also described leadership as a “sacred duty,” saying Fasoranti represents a generation that believes “character matters, honour matters, and power without conscience is dangerous.”

In his response, Fasoranti expressed appreciation to the President, governors, traditional rulers, family, and well-wishers for honouring him, while calling for unity and moral renewal in the country.

“To Ondo State and to Nigeria: We must return to values. Let us teach our children discipline again. Let us reward honesty. Let us love one another, irrespective of tribe or tongue,” he said.

He prayed for peace in the country, good leadership, and family blessings, adding, “At 100, my prayer is simple. I pray for peace in our land. I pray for good leaders… and that when my time comes, I will meet my Creator in peace, with a clear conscience.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including governors, former governors, and traditional rulers from across the country.

This is as the agency noted that corps members have continued to play a central role in Nigeria’s electoral process since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House, headquarters of the scheme in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC chairman, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan described the meeting with the NYSC senior management team as more than a formal courtesy visit, saying it was also a mission of gratitude.

According to him, the NYSC remains a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He noted that corps members had participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999, stressing that, “INEC cannot conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC”.

“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I am honoured to discuss our collaborative efforts toward ensuring seamless and credible elections in Nigeria.

You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of corps members. They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election duty staff we have, and their presence at polling units brings a level of neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable.

“They form the backbone of our election processes, especially as ad hoc staff, whose dedication, discipline and patriotism are critical to the success of our elections,” he added.

Amupitan said institutional data from the 2023 general elections showed the importance of the partnership between INEC and the NYSC.

He explained that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 elections, with over 70 per cent, nearly 850,000 personnel drawn from corps members and student volunteers.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, the INEC chairman said more than 1.4 million ad hoc staff would be engaged, with corps members making up the majority.

“For the 2027 general election, we will require 707,384 ad hoc staff for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. The same number will be needed for the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027, making a total of 1,414,768,” he said.

He added that INEC would also require 52,446 corps members for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.

Amupitan said corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states during previous elections.

“These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across some of the most difficult terrains in the country,” he said.

He further praised corps members for their role in off-cycle elections, particularly the Anambra governorship election and the FCT Area Council polls.

According to him, their digital proficiency contributed significantly to the seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.

“In those exercises, it was the digital proficiency of corps members that ensured the seamless performance of our BVAS, proving they are the tech-savvy backbone of our modern democracy,” he added.

Amupitan acknowledged the sacrifices made by corps members during elections and assured that INEC would continue to work with the NYSC and security agencies to strengthen safety measures and welfare packages for them.

“As the 2027 general election approaches, we are committed to ensuring adequate mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC members for this important national assignment,” he said.

He also noted that the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, scheduled for June 20 and August 16 respectively, alongside several bye-elections, would serve as tests for innovations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Nafiu, thanked INEC for its continued collaboration with the scheme.

He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations was signed in 2011 and had been periodically renewed.

Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable manpower.

“The last batch of millennials will soon exit the scheme, leaving behind Gen Z corps members known for their digital savviness, which will benefit INEC,” he said.

He assured the commission of the NYSC’s continued support in both the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle elections.

The CityBoy Movement has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media publication allegedly attributing blasphemous statements to its Patron, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, regarding Almighty God and the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement signed on Monday by O’tega Ogra, the group Deputy Director-General, Communication and Public Affairs, said the write-up, purportedly authored by one “Albaabu Abudulahi,” is deliberately inflammatory and intended to mislead the public and provoke religious tension.

It stressed that Seyi Tinubu never made such comments “at any time, in any place, through any channel or under any circumstance whatsoever.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Barr. Seyi Tinubu did not make the statement credited to him. The attribution is entirely false, malicious in intent, reckless in circulation and dangerous in consequence,” the statement read.

The Movement further described Seyi Tinubu as a man of faith who holds deep reverence for God, insisting that he has never disrespected or questioned the supremacy of Almighty God.

“Barr. Seyi Tinubu is a man of faith who holds deep reverence for Almighty God. He believes firmly that all power belongs to God alone and that no man can attain, retain or exercise authority except by the grace, mercy and permission of the Almighty,” it stated.

It added that while he remains committed to mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, he has never placed political ambition above religious conviction.

He has never insulted, mocked, questioned or diminished the supremacy of Almighty God or Allah, and will never do so,” the statement added.

The group warned that the viral publication was a calculated attempt to distort his image and incite religious sentiments in the country.

“The CityBoy Movement therefore urges Nigerians, across all faiths and political persuasions, to disregard this malicious fabrication and treat it for what it is: a calculated attempt by mischief makers to inflame passions and mislead the public,” it said.

It also cautioned against the spread of unverified content on social media, urging journalists and online users to verify information before publication or sharing.

As Muslims prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the prices of rams have increased sharply in Kaduna State, forcing many prospective buyers to delay purchases despite the availability of the animals in major markets.

A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in some livestock markets within Kaduna metropolis showed that the markets were stocked with rams, although patronage remained low.

At Zango, Rigasa and Bashama Road markets, small-sized rams were sold for between N150,000 and N250,000, while medium and large-sized rams ranged from N300,000 to as much as N1 million, depending on the breed and size.

Some residents who spoke with NAN described the prices as unaffordable compared to previous years.

One of the buyers, Abdulrahman Usman, who was seen negotiating the price of a ram at Zango market, expressed concern over the rising cost of the animals.

Usman, however, said he hoped prices would reduce closer to the Sallah celebration.

Another customer at Bashama Road market, Ibrahim Lawal, a civil servant, said he had postponed buying a ram because of the prevailing economic situation.

There are many responsibilities to meet ahead of the celebration. Buying a ram at the current price is difficult for many families.

“We are hoping that traders may reduce prices as the festival draws nearer,” he said.

A livestock dealer at Rigasa market, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, attributed the hike in prices to the high cost of transportation, feeding and insecurity affecting livestock supply routes.

According to him, the increasing cost of maintaining the animals has also contributed to the rise in prices.

We spend more on transportation, feeding and medication for the rams before they are sold.

“Most traders are not making the expected profit because of the high operational costs,” he said.

Another seller, Nasiru Ibrahim, said temporary ram markets had also emerged in several parts of Kaduna metropolis as traders intensified efforts to attract buyers.

He said some traders now moved around residential areas with rams in search of customers, while others displayed the animals in front of homes and shops.

“The rams are available, but many people are finding it difficult to afford them because of the current economic realities,” Ibrahim said.

Another livestock dealer, Bilyaminu Musa, said he brings rams from Niger for his customers.

“I have been doing this for close to 10 years, I bring rams for my premium customers who know the worth of the rams,” Musa said.

He noted that out of the 40 rams he brought, 14 have already been sold.

Asked how much the smallest and biggest rams cost, he said the smallest cost N350,000 while the biggest cost N700,000.

NAN reports that ram sellers have begun to take over some corners across the metropolis in search of buyers ahead of the festive season.

NAN

Gunmen killed no fewer than 30 people in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara state, according to a security report prepared for the UN and seen by AFP on Monday.

The victims were travelling along a highway late on Sunday when they were ambushed by an armed group referred to locally as “bandits

The gunmen killed “30 individuals, including civilians, hunters and a community protection guard”, the report said.

Recall Vanguard reported that Troops of Sector 2 under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign against terrorism and banditry in the North West.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, across parts of Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The troops, acting on operational intelligence and sustained surveillance efforts, embarked on an aggressive fighting patrol designed to deny terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt their activities within the affected corridors.

During the operation, soldiers encountered heavily armed terrorists at Doumbourum Village, triggering what military authorities described as a fierce exchange of gunfire between the troops and the fleeing criminal elements.

Culled from vanguard

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on Monday announced that the Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Alausa made the announcement during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, noting that the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving key education stakeholders.

According to him, the policy was designed to strike a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.

“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.”

The minister explained that while the government recognises the existence of exceptionally gifted candidates who may meet academic requirements earlier than the stipulated age, such cases would be handled under strict guidelines.

“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole,” Alausa added.

He said the framework is aimed at ensuring that early admissions do not compromise the maturity and preparedness required for tertiary education.

Alausa also used the platform to introduce policy adjustments affecting specific disciplines, including Education and Agriculture-related programmes, where candidates may now benefit from more flexible admission considerations under the new framework.

The announcement comes amid broader deliberations at the policy meeting, which also includes discussions on admission guidelines, institutional quotas, and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested three female suspects in a coordinated raid on a suspected drug hideout in Warri metropolis, recovering large quantities of illicit substances, including Canadian Loud, codeine and nitrous oxide.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the operation was carried out on May 7, 2026, at about 9:20 p.m. by operatives of the Area Command, Effurun, following what the command described as credible intelligence.

The raid reportedly targeted suspected drug peddlers operating within Ogbomoro and Ugolo communities in Warri.

According to the police, the suspects arrested include a suspected drug baron, 25-year-old Favor Isaac, alongside two female accomplices, Favour Felix, 24, and Samson Precious, 19.

The statement read in part, “Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected drug peddlers operating within Ogbomoro and Ugolo communities in Warri metropolis, operatives of Area Command, Effurun, carried out a covert operation on 7 May 2026 at about 2120hrs, which led to the arrest of a suspected drug baron, one Favor Isaac, aged 25 years, alongside two female accomplices identified as Favour Felix, aged 24 years, and Samson Precious, aged 19 years.

According to the command, a search conducted at the suspects’ hideout led to the recovery of 21 bottles of CSC Codeine, two canisters of nitrous oxide popularly known as laughing gas, two packs of suspected psychoactive chewing gum branded “Highness Gum,” and 640 grams of suspected Canadian Loud..

“During the operation, a search warrant was executed at the suspects’ hideout located along River Road, Ogbomoro community, where operatives recovered twenty-one (21) bottles of CSC Codeine, two (2) canisters containing Nitrous Oxide popularly known as “laughing gas”, two (2) packs of suspected psychoactive chewing gum branded as “Highness Gum”, and a total of six hundred and forty (640) grams of substances suspected to be Canadian Loud concealed in different bags and containers.

Preliminary investigation reportedly linked a fleeing suspect, Rukewe Tega Isaac, as the alleged mastermind and major supplier behind the drug network.

Preliminary investigation revealed that one Rukewe Tega Isaac, who is currently at large, is allegedly the major supplier behind the drug network.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect and dismantle the wider syndicate.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the syndicate.

Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking and related crimes, noting that substance abuse remains a key driver of violent crime and social vices among youths.

“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations against drug trafficking and other crimes across the state.

He urged residents of Delta State to continue providing timely intelligence to support ongoing security operations.

The CP noted that the abuse and circulation of illicit drugs remain a major driver of violent crimes and social vices among youths, and urged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and useful information,” the statement added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday arrived in Akure, Ondo State, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 100th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.

According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), “Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the Akure Airport in Ondo State to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 100th birthday celebration of Chief (Dr.) Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.”

The statement further highlighted Fasoranti’s political and historical relevance, noting that “The sage remained a disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, belonging to the defunct Action Group in the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic, while serving as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State.”

Nkwocha also said the Vice President’s visit was to convey the federal government’s goodwill, stating that “The Vice President is on the ground to express the goodwill of the Federal Government to one of the leading figures in Nigeria’s socio-political trajectory.

, who arrived at the Akure Airport, was received by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other political figures.

Ahead of the visit, security agencies had already moved to secure key locations in the state capital.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that it had deployed a “watertight security arrangement” to ensure safety throughout the Vice President’s engagements.

Jimoh explained that the operation was designed to prevent any breach and ensure a peaceful event, noting that the aim was “to prevent any form of security breach and ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.”

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday said the suspects were arrested on Sunday, while vandalising and stealing from a truck that had fallen into a valley at the Afaha community located along the Highway.

According to the statement, the operatives, after credible intelligence, mobilised to the scene and arrested one Adamu Hamza, aged 19, and a native of Maiduguri, Borno State, who was found in possession of four suspected stolen truck tyres.

In a follow-up operation, they also arrested the tricycle operator, one Anthony James, who was allegedly used to convey the stolen items from the scene.

The statement reads in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the arrest of suspected vandals involved in the looting and theft of items from an accidented truck along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

“On 10th May, 2026, at about 22:00 hours, Operatives of the Command acted swiftly on credible intelligence received through a tricycle operator regarding the activities of criminal elements vandalizing and stealing from a truck that had fallen into a valley at Afaha along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

“Acting promptly on the information, Police operatives mobilized to the scene and successfully arrested one Adamu Hamza ‘M’, aged 19, a native of Maiduguri, in possession of four suspected stolen truck tyres, with the value yet to be ascertained

Further investigation led to the arrest of the tricycle operator, one Anthony James, who was allegedly used to convey the stolen items from the scene.”

DSP John, who disclosed that the suspects are currently in Police custody, noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal act.

She stated that the commissioner of police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned all criminal elements to desist from looting accident scenes, and has also reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening its surveillance and deploying intelligence-driven policing strategies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

She called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, urging them to remain law-abiding and security-conscious at all times.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed shock over the death of the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland, Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola.

The governor spoke on Sunday during the burial ceremony of the late Islamic cleric held at Igan Alalade in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.

Abiodun described the late Sheikh Babalola as a devoted Muslim and respected Islamic scholar who rose to the highest level of leadership within the Muslim community in the state.

According to the governor, the deceased not only served as the Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland but also as President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, making him one of the most influential Islamic leaders in the state.

He further described the late cleric as a man of integrity, generosity and faith who left behind enduring legacies through his service to humanity and the Muslim community.

“I cannot find better words to describe him other than that he was a man of God and a good man,” the governor said.

Governor Abiodun added that Ogun State, known for its religious harmony and tolerance, had lost one of its foremost spiritual leaders, noting that the cleric’s death was a painful loss to both his family and the entire state.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Kunle Salako, said the late Sheikh dedicated his life to the service of humanity through Islam.

“He was a very upright man who consistently defended the interest of Yewaland, even as a Muslim leader. He always looked out for the younger generation and served as a rallying point for many people in the land.

“His death, though coming at a ripe old age, is still a huge loss to us. We will greatly miss him, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljanah Firdaus,” Salako said.

In a brief lecture at the burial ceremony, the Head of the Department of Arabic Studies at the Federal College of Education Abeokuta, Dr. Raji Akano, urged people to make meaningful use of their lives while alive, stressing that death is inevitable for all humans.

Akano said the late Chief Imam had completed his earthly assignment and returned to his Creator, urging the living to lead impactful lives and remain conscious of the hereafter.

Late Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola died on Saturday at the age of 98.

No fewer than 11 people have lost their lives after a vehicle plunged off the Eruku Bridge along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi.

Odunsi said that the accident occurred earlier in the night.

According to Odunsi, the crash involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ, which reportedly somersaulted and plunged off the bridge.

He noted that all 11 occupants of the vehicle, comprising 10 adult males and one adult female, died in the accident.

Odunsi stated that operatives of the FRSC rescue team from the Itori Unit Command were immediately deployed to the scene following the incident.

“The incident involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ, which somersaulted and fell off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside as the doors locked upon impact.

All 11 people on board, comprising 10 adult males and one adult female, lost their lives in the crash,” the statement partly read.

He added that FRSC personnel, with support from members of the local community, dismantled the vehicle to recover the bodies of the victims.

According to him, the remains of the deceased were deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Ifo.

“FRSC personnel, with help from the local community, dismantled the vehicle to recover the bodies. The deceased have been moved to the State Specialist Hospital Morgue in Ifo.

“The preliminary report cites driving under the influence and overloading as the probable causes,” he added.

Reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Oludare Ogunjobi, advised motorists travelling along the Abeokuta-Lagos route to exercise caution, particularly during night journeys.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased victims.

The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, advised travellers on the Abeokuta-Lagos route to exercise extreme caution, especially when driving at night.

“He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” the statement read.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported several fatal crashes along major highways in Ogun state, with road safety officials repeatedly warning motorists against speeding, drunk driving, and overloading.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Awka, by the APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, the party said the screening for Senate and House of Representatives will hold on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the APGA’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The screening for Anambra State House of Assembly will hold at the APGA’s regional office in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the screening will commence at 10am on both days.

The APGA advised all aspirants to adhere strictly to the dates, time, and requirements stated above, adding that the schedule for screening of aspirants from states outside Anambra shall be communicated in due course through official party channels.

The statement read in part, “This is to notify all APGA aspirants from Anambra State seeking nomination for national and state Assembly positions in the 2026 primary elections that the screening exercise shall hold as follows:

“National Assembly aspirants positions: Senate and House of Representatives will hold on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10am prompt at the APGA National Headquarters, FCT, Abuja.

While the screening for the Anambra State House of Assembly aspirants will be held at the APGA’s regional office in Awka, on Tuesday, May 12, at 10am.

“Only members of the screening committee and duly cleared aspirants shall be granted access to the screening venues. All other persons, including supporters, aides, and associates, are strictly advised to stay away from the venues to ensure orderliness.

“Aspirants must appear in person with the original certificate of their highest academic qualification for sighting by the Screening Committee. Photocopies will not be accepted in lieu of originals.”

Opara said the APGA screening is free of charge, no aspirant is required to pay, or should pay, any amount of money to any person or committee, under any guise whatsoever.

“Any demand for payment should be reported immediately to the National Secretariat.

“The schedule for screening of aspirants from states outside Anambra shall be communicated in due course through official party channels.

“All aspirants are advised to adhere strictly to the dates, time, and requirements stated above,” the statement added.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has urged state governments to reduce their reliance on overdrafts and short-term borrowing, warning that reckless fiscal behaviour at the sub-national level could undermine the country’s transition to an inflation-targeting monetary policy framework.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the CBN on Sunday following an engagement with sub-national stakeholders facilitated through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum Secretariat in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Deputy Governor in charge of the Economic Policy Directorate, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, said state governments must adopt stricter fiscal discipline to support price stability and ongoing macroeconomic reforms.

“He urged states to reduce reliance on overdrafts and short-term financing, ensure that borrowing decisions align with debt sustainability thresholds, improve budget realism and revenue forecasting, prioritise expenditure, and better synchronise fiscal calendars with prevailing macroeconomic conditions,” the statement said.

Abdullahi described the transition to inflation targeting as a shift towards a more transparent, rule-based, and forward-looking monetary framework that requires close collaboration between the central bank and state authorities.

According to him, while the CBN remains responsible for monetary policy decisions aimed at controlling inflation, fiscal actions by state governments also significantly influence inflation outcomes in a federal system like Nigeria’s.

He warned that inflation targeting largely depends on managing economic expectations, stressing that expansionary fiscal activities by states could weaken the effectiveness of monetary policy signals.

The deputy governor noted that state governments influence inflation through borrowing decisions, debt accumulation, spending patterns, wage bills, capital project execution, salary arrears, contractor financing, and cash management practices linked to Federation Account Allocation Committee receipts.

“In an inflation targeting regime, persistent, unpredictable or expansionary fiscal behaviour at the sub-national level can significantly undermine price stability,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the absence of fiscal dominance, where governments pressure the central bank to monetise deficits, remains a major condition for successful inflation targeting, noting that the principle applies to both federal and state governments.

Abdullahi further outlined four responsibilities expected of state governments under the inflation-targeting framework, including maintaining fiscal discipline and predictability, pursuing responsible borrowing, improving coordination on cash and debt management, and strengthening internally generated revenue mobilisation.

He warned that excessive supplementary budgets, unplanned spending, and unsustainable debt accumulation could trigger liquidity shocks and worsen inflationary pressures.

The deputy governor stressed that inflation targeting should be seen as a collective national commitment aimed at achieving long-term stability, economic credibility, and sustainable growth.

Also speaking, the Director of the Monetary Policy Department, Dr Victor Oboh, described inflation targeting as a “win-win framework” capable of benefiting households, businesses, and governments by improving policy credibility and reducing macroeconomic uncertainty.

Oboh stated that price stability could not be achieved through monetary policy alone, especially in a federal system where state spending, borrowing, and cash flow decisions directly affect inflation and liquidity conditions.

According to him, the engagement was organised to deepen collaboration and mutual understanding between the CBN and state governments regarding the expectations and coordination required for the successful implementation of inflation targeting.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Director-General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdullateef Shittu, the Executive Director of Policy, Strategy and Research at the forum, Prof Olalekan Yunusa, commended the CBN for involving sub-national authorities early in the transition process.

He said the move from monetary targeting to inflation targeting reflected a deliberate commitment to price stability, adding that sustainable macroeconomic stability required disciplined coordination across all tiers of government.

The engagement attracted participants from over 20 states, including commissioners of finance and economic planning, accountants-general, permanent secretaries, statisticians-general, and directors, who reaffirmed support for the CBN’s reform agenda and transition to inflation targeting.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory’s debt rose to nearly $5.7bn in fresh external loans in 2025, driving a year-on-year surge in subnational foreign debt despite higher inflows from Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursements.

Data from the Debt Management Office indicated that the combined external debt stock of the 36 states and the FCT increased from $4.80bn as of December 31, 2024, to $5.68bn as of December 31, 2025, reflecting a net increase of $884.66m, or 18.43 per cent year-on-year.

A breakdown of the data showed that 33 out of the 37 subnational entities recorded increases in their external debt positions during the period under review, representing 89.19 per cent of the total, while only four states posted declines, accounting for 10.81 per cent.

The scale of the increase shows a continued reliance on external financing by state governments amid fiscal pressures, infrastructure demands, and rising FAAC revenues.

The Federal Government has introduced stringent new measures to combat drug and substance abuse in secondary schools, including mandatory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after undergoing treatment and rehabilitation procedures.

Under the new policy, all newly admitted students in secondary schools will be subjected to compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry.

The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, details of which were obtained by our correspondent.

The guideline outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing the growing prevalence of substance abuse among students and creating safer learning environments across schools nationwide.

According to the document, the policy is designed to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the institutions by reducing the negative effect substance abuse has on the mental health and academic performance of students/learners.”

The guideline states that “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” adding that the process must be carried out “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”

In addition to entry-level screening, schools are expected to conduct periodic and impromptu drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.

The document further provides that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”

It prohibits students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities, stating that “all students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority.”

However, it notes that students requiring controlled medication for medical conditions must declare such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy establishes a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive.

According to the guideline, “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”

Students who fail the first test will undergo counselling and initial treatment as determined by school authorities.

The document explains that “persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority.

Those who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for further treatment and specialised attention.

The guideline further states that “if found positive again, such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to take appropriate treatment and attention that might be required.”

For students who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy provides that they may be temporarily suspended from the school environment.

It states that “if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation that might be found appropriate by the professional.”

The policy also introduces mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening.

According to the document, “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”

It adds that “post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help.”

To enforce compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator with clearly defined responsibilities.

The document further directs that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting or inflicting injuries, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”

It also warns that students who refuse to comply with prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures will be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”

The development comes amid growing concerns over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria, with education and health stakeholders warning about its impact on academic performance, discipline, mental health and security within schools.

While supporters argue that the measures could help curb substance abuse among students, critics are expected to raise concerns over implementation capacity, student welfare protections and the readiness of schools and health facilities to effectively implement the policy nationwide.

The victims, identified as the commercial motorcyclist and his male passenger, were rescued by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, alongside passersby and drivers involved in the crash

According to a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the accident occurred when the driver of a Lexus saloon car with registration number SMK 504 KH allegedly rammed into the motorcycle while the rider was plying the restricted flyover corridor in violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Laws 2018.

The statement disclosed that the force of the collision pushed the motorcycle into a Toyota Corolla with registration number KTU 308 HN positioned ahead, resulting in a multiple-vehicle crash.

According to a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the accident occurred when the driver of a Lexus saloon car with registration number SMK 504 KH allegedly rammed into the motorcycle while the rider was plying the restricted flyover corridor in violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Laws 2018.

The statement disclosed that the force of the collision pushed the motorcycle into a Toyota Corolla with registration number KTU 308 HN positioned ahead, resulting in a multiple-vehicle crash.

“The unfortunate incident occurred when the driver of a Lexus saloon vehicle rammed into a commercial motorcycle conveying a male passenger while illegally plying the restricted flyover corridor,” the statement said.

“As a consequence of the violent collision, the commercial motorcyclist and his passenger sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures to their legs and other traumatic bodily wounds.”
LASTMA officials monitoring traffic around the Iyana-Iba axis were said to have swiftly responded to the scene by securing the area to prevent secondary accidents and ease traffic flow on the busy flyover.

The agency added that the injured victims were immediately evacuated from the accident scene for urgent medical attention.

In what was described as a display of compassion and civic responsibility, passersby and the drivers of the affected vehicles reportedly joined rescue officials in conveying the injured victims to Oyems Hospital, Iyana-Iba, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy to the injured victims and wished them speedy recovery.

Bakare-Oki, however, reiterated the state government’s prohibition of commercial motorcycles on restricted routes, particularly highways and flyovers, warning that persistent violations continue to endanger lives and disrupt orderly transportation in the state.

He further admonished commercial motorcycle operators to desist immediately from plying prohibited corridors and to strictly comply with established traffic laws enacted for the protection of lives and property across Lagos State,” the statement added.

National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE has warned that the ongoing Jet-A1, also known as aviation fuel, crisis could compromise safety and result in job losses in the air transport sector if not urgently addressed.

NAAPE, while lamenting that the aviation fuel crisis has continued to disrupt flight schedules, said pilots and engineers were now forced to work extended hours.

According to the body, this development directly translates into increased fatigue levels, which is globally recognised in aviation as a major safety risk.

Therefore, National President of NAAPE, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, in a statement, urged Federal Government, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, and fuel suppliers to treat the matter with urgency.

His words: “NAAPE views with grave concern the ongoing Jet A1 aviation fuel supply crisis and its far-reaching consequences for our members, airline operators, the flying public, and the Nigerian economy at large. As the body mandated to protect the welfare and professional interests of pilots and engineers in Nigeria, we consider it our duty to formally bring these concerns to the attention of all relevant authorities and stakeholders.

“The persistent disruptions to flight schedules occasioned by the Jet A1 supply shortfall have resulted in significant extensions of crew duty time beyond planned parameters. For our members, pilots and engineers alike, this translates directly into elevated fatigue levels, a condition that is universally recognised in aviation as a critical safety hazard. Fatigue impairs cognitive function, slows reaction time, and, most dangerously, erodes situational awareness, a pilot or engineer’s most essential tool in managing the complexities of flight operations. The safety of every passenger aboard is therefore placed at measurable risk when crew members are compelled to operate under these conditions.

“Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the fuel crisis is inflicting significant financial strain on airline operators. Grounded or delayed aircraft generate no revenue, yet fixed operational costs persist. This economic pressure invariably filters down to our members in the form of delayed salary payments, wage reductions, and general deterioration of welfare conditions. A workforce operating under financial stress is a workforce distracted, and distraction in an aviation environment is, once again, a precursor to compromised safety.

“NAAPE is alarmed by early indicators that some operators are already restructuring their operations in response to this crisis. The recent announcement by Rano Air of a reduction in operational routes is a clear signal of the economic damage being wrought. Should the situation remain unaddressed, we anticipate further route suspensions, potential cessation of operations by some carriers, and significant job losses across the aviation sector. Given that aviation is a critical driver of economic activity, trade, tourism, and connectivity in Nigeria, the downstream consequences for the national economy would be severe and far-reaching.”

The Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, Anambra State, Dr Edwin Emegakor, who was abducted from his hospital on May 7, has regained freedom from his captors.

His release was confirmed to journalists by the Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, Anambra State Branch, Dr Princeton Okam, in Awka, on Sunday.

Emegakor was reportedly abducted on the evening of May 7 after attending to patients by unidentified gunmen alleged to be in security uniforms.

It was gathered that the security operatives at the hospital, medical personnel and other workers within the facility were surrendered at gunpoint and their phones confiscated during the abduction.

In reaction to the development, members of the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association had threatened to embark on indefinite strike action, commencing on Monday, if their member was not released within 48 hours

The association made the demand in a communiqué issued after its Emergency General Meeting held on Saturday.

However, the Chairman of NMA, Anambra Branch, Dr Princeton Okam, who was to address journalists on Sunday, on the strike action planned to commence on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for the release of the medical doctor.

Okam, who did not disclose if any ransom was paid or not, said Emegakor was released with the help of Police operatives, adding that the rescued colleague was healthy, in good spirits and already reunited with his family.

He said, “The release of the doctor had overtaken the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday and that there would be an emergency general meeting to make decisions on the call-off.

“Emegakor was released with the help of security operatives. We appreciate those who played roles in his rescue, while we also call on the government of Anambra to ensure protection of life and property in the state.”

Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have sustained offensive operations across Katsina State, neutralising three suspected terrorists, recovering 175 rustled livestock, and dismantling a drug trafficking ring in coordinated operations.

The military disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, signed by Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, the operations were carried out on May 9 across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi Local Government Areas.

Danja said troops of the 171 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base FUDMA acted on credible intelligence that terrorists fleeing recent military offensives in Dikawa were moving along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma axis.

He said the troops laid a successful ambush, leading to a gun battle in which three terrorists were killed.

“During the ensuing firefight, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses and assorted charms from the neutralised terrorists,” he said.

The military spokesman added that troops simultaneously launched clearance operations targeting terrorist enclaves in Matazu, Musawa and Kankia LGAs.

He said the troops, supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, cleared hideouts in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages, forcing the terrorists to abandon their camps.

Overwhelmed by the sustained military pressure, the terrorists abandoned their camps and fled. Troops subsequently recovered 175 rustled livestock, which are currently secured in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate local authorities in Matazu LGA,” Danja stated.

In a separate operation, troops of FOB Malumfashi, working with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, raided a suspected drug base at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA.

The operation led to the arrest of six suspected drug peddlers identified as Sani Rabiu, Umar Nasiru, Abulkubus Aminu, Abdullahi Halilu, Abubakar Rabiu and Abubakar Dahiru.

Danja said recovered substances included 82.5 grams of suspected Cannabis Sativa, 15.7 grams of Exol-5 and 1.8 grams of D5.

“The suspects and the seized narcotics have been transferred to the NDLEA Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and prosecution,” he added.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements in the North-West.

The Theatre Command remains resolute in its commitment to aggressive operations against all threats to peace and security within the Joint Operations Area. We urge the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information,” the statement said

The Delta State Police Command has impounded 22 vehicles and arrested three suspects during a crime prevention patrol in Asaba metropolis.

The statement shared via X.com and signed by the command’s spokesman, SP Edafe Bright, on Sunday, said the operation was conducted on Friday, May 8 by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, who led a combined team drawn from the Department of Operations (DOPS Buffalo), Special Enquiry Unit, and Operation Delta Shield.

According to Bright, the vehicles were seized for traffic and regulatory offences, including driving unregistered vehicles, operating without number plates, driving against traffic, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

He wrote, “During the operation, twenty-two (22) vehicles were impounded for various traffic and regulatory offences, including driving unregistered vehicles, operating vehicles without registration number plates, driving against traffic, and driving under the influence of alcohol.”

He added that three suspects were also arrested for obstructing and assaulting police officers in the course of their duties

Additionally, three (3) suspects were arrested for obstruction and assault on police officers while carrying out their lawful duties.”

Bright said the operation was executed in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police on visibility policing and effective supervision.

The spokesman assured residents that the command would remain firm and unbiased in enforcing the law regardless of a person’s status.

“The Delta State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that the Command remains firm, professional, and unbiased in enforcing the law, irrespective of status or position,” he said.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the police by providing information that could aid crime prevention and public safety.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has announced his formal entry into the race for the Imo West senatorial ticket under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Uzodimma made the announcement via his verified social media handles on Sunday.

Others seeking the same mandate under the APC include former governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Osita Izunaso, who is currently representing the zone in the Senate.

APC leaders from the zone had, two weeks ago, announced the purchase of the nomination form for the governor while maintaining that he was their consensus candidate.

Uzodimma said he had accepted the call by the people of the Imo West Senatorial Zone to consolidate on the gains of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu, and to enhance development and progress in the area.

According to him, the Imo West senatorial seat belongs to the APC, adding that he was a dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision and aspirations of the party.

He disclosed that he had already appeared before the APC leadership and the party’s screening committee for the National Assembly primary election.

The governor said, “My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people.

“In furtherance of this responsibility, I presented myself before the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the screening committee for the National Assembly primary election.

“During the engagement, I reaffirmed that the senatorial seat I seek to occupy belongs first and foremost to our great party, while I remain only a loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision, and aspirations of the APC to the very best of my ability.

“Our great party has continued to demonstrate steadfast commitment to purposeful leadership, people-oriented governance, and the delivery of democratic dividends across the nation. It, therefore, remains our collective duty to sustain and deepen this noble mission for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“My aspiration to represent the good people of Imo West Senatorial District at the Red Chamber is inspired by the desire to consolidate on the gains of the #RenewedHope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through quality representation, effective legislation, enhanced development, and sustainable progress for our people and our nation.”

The governor said, “My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people.

“In furtherance of this responsibility, I presented myself before the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the screening committee for the National Assembly primary election.

“During the engagement, I reaffirmed that the senatorial seat I seek to occupy belongs first and foremost to our great party, while I remain only a loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision, and aspirations of the APC to the very best of my ability.

“Our great party has continued to demonstrate steadfast commitment to purposeful leadership, people-oriented governance, and the delivery of democratic dividends across the nation. It, therefore, remains our collective duty to sustain and deepen this noble mission for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“My aspiration to represent the good people of Imo West Senatorial District at the Red Chamber is inspired by the desire to consolidate on the gains of the #RenewedHope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through quality representation, effective legislation, enhanced development, and sustainable progress for our people and our nation.”

A socio-security group, Joint Security Watch Kwara South, has rejected claims that rising insecurity has significantly reduced the population and electoral relevance of the district ahead of the All Progressives Congress governorship contest in Kwara State.

The group said reports portraying the area as deserted due to banditry and kidnapping were misleading and aimed at undermining the zone politically.

Speaking in a Sunday statement, the group’s coordinator, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said criminal incidents recorded in parts of Kwara State were not unique to Kwara South and should not be used to profile or define the people of the area.

“Banditry and kidnapping in Kwara entered through ungoverned forests and weak border points.

They are not indigenous to Kwara South and do not define our people,” Oyin-Zubair said.

According to him, most of the attacks recorded in recent years occurred in remote communities and along vulnerable routes where security presence was initially inadequate.

He maintained that coordinated responses by security agencies and local vigilante groups had significantly improved the situation.

Oyin-Zubair added that many residents who fled affected communities had gradually returned to their farms following intensified surveillance and joint security operations.

The group also rejected suggestions that insecurity had weakened Kwara South’s electoral value within the APC.

Oyin-Zubair said voting records from previous elections showed the district remained one of the party’s strongest support bases in the state.

He stated that the APC performed better in Kwara South during the 2019 and 2023 elections than in other senatorial zones, particularly Kwara Central.

As part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities, the group said surveillance, intelligence-sharing networks and early warning systems had been strengthened across several local government areas, including Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Isin and Offa.

Security agencies involved in the operations include the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilante formations.

“Kwara South is securing its land, protecting its people, and restoring normal life and economic activity.

We will not accept the use of insecurity as a tool for political exclusion,” Oyin-Zubair added.

The group called on residents and political stakeholders to avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating fear or tension in the state.

Recent insecurity concerns in Kwara South have sparked renewed public debate over safety and economic disruption in rural communities across the district.

Community leaders in the region recently called for the temporary closure of cattle markets, arguing that they had become linked to criminal networks and the logistics of bandit activities.

The demand followed earlier decisions by local authorities to shut down the markets in 2025, a move that was later reversed after consultations with traditional rulers.

Since then, reports from stakeholders have pointed to continued attacks, displacement of residents, and reduced farming activities in parts of Ifelodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Isin, and Irepodun local government areas.

The Indigenous People of Biafra has declared a sit-at-home on May 30, 2026 to honour Biafran men and women who died during the Biafran War between 1967 to 1970.

The group said the sit-at-home is not a political ritual, but a yearly memorial, noting that it was a way to remember Biafran heroes and heroines, adding that every governor across the 13 states of Biafraland should fly the Nigerian flag at half-mast on May 30.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the IPOB Spokesman, Emma Powerful, urged all South-East residents at home and in the diaspora to observe the day with discipline, dignity, and reverence worthy of the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes.

According to him, the day is not for politics, commerce, entertainment, weddings, burials, meetings, market activities, or social events, adding that it is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, mourning, honour, and national remembrance.

The statement read in part, “We, the Indigenous People of Biafra, under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby solemnly declare May 30, 2026, as a sacred day of remembrance, mourning, reflection, and honour for all Biafran heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price in the defence of our people, our dignity, and our collective right to exist.

“This is not a political ritual. This is a sacred covenant with the fallen. The generation of 1967–1970 was men for men — a rare breed forged in fire, deprivation, sacrifice, and impossible odds.

“They stood virtually alone against the combined weight of overwhelming military power and yet wrote one of the most astonishing resistance stories in modern history.

They faced the geopolitical machinery of the United Kingdom, which openly backed Nigeria diplomatically and strategically throughout the war.

“They faced foreign weapons, Soviet arms supplied to Nigeria despite the Cold War divide, mercenaries, foreign advisers, blockade warfare, aerial bombardment, starvation policies, and hostile forces assembled from far beyond Biafra’s borders. And still they stood.

“The world may move on. History books may reduce their sacrifice to footnotes. Governments may prefer silence. But for us, remembrance is not politics. It is a sacred obligation.”

“So every 30 May is more than remembrance. It is a covenant. A solemn vow between the living and the dead that their sacrifice will never be erased by propaganda, fear, or time itself.”

The group said it remembers the soldiers who fought barefoot with empty stomachs and every scientist who turned scraps into survival.

“And we remember especially the heroes and martyrs massacred at Nkpor and Onitsha during the 30 May 2016 Remembrance observances — unarmed men and women whose only offence was gathering to honour their dead and affirm their identity.

“Their blood joined the long and painful river of sacrifice that runs through our history. We shall never abandon their memory, and we shall never allow their sacrifice to be erased from the conscience of our people.

And we remember them not in shame, but in honour. For history will forever record that a besieged people, abandoned by the world, resisted the combined machinery assembled against them and still refused to surrender their humanity.

“Accordingly, the IPOB, worldwide, calls for the strict and total observance of the annual May 30 sit-at-home across every town, village, and city in Biafraland in honour of all our fallen heroes and heroines.

“We further encourage every governor across the thirteen states of Biafraland to demonstrate moral courage and historical conscience by flying the Nigerian flag at half-mast on May 30 in honour of the millions who perished during the war and in the years that followed.

“Such a gesture would not diminish anyone; rather, it would acknowledge the humanity of the dead and affirm that their lives mattered. No one can build a just future while pretending their dead never existed.

“Their memory is now our duty. Their sacrifice is now our inheritance. And their story will live for as long as a single Biafran remains upon the face of this earth,” the statement concluded.

Recall that on February 8, 2026, the IPOB said its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had ordered the total cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with effect from February 9, 2026.

The cancellation followed the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on January 26, following traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.

However, the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, insisted that the May 30 sit-at-home had nothing to do with the outlawed Monday sit-at-home, saying it is a yearly activity done in memory of the fallen Biafran heroes and heroines.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance structure, describing monarchs as indispensable partners in promoting peace, security, and grassroots development across the country.

Tinubu stated this on Saturday during the final farewell and reception held in honour of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the Dipo Dina Stadium.

Represented by Dapo Abiodun, the President said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration had deliberately repositioned traditional rulers from ceremonial figures to active stakeholders in governance, conflict resolution, economic mobilisation, and nation-building.

According to him, the Federal Government envisions a Nigeria where traditional institutions are recognised as critical partners in preserving cultural values, strengthening social harmony, and advancing grassroots development.

“Our vision is clear — a Nigeria where traditional institutions are recognised as critical stakeholders in promoting peace, preserving values, strengthening harmony, and advancing grassroots development,” he said.

Tinubu noted that traditional rulers possess indigenous intelligence, moral authority, and social legitimacy that modern institutions cannot easily replace, stressing that their roles remain vital in addressing contemporary national challenges.

The President observed that while the 1963 Constitution accorded traditional institutions significant relevance within the governance structure, subsequent constitutional arrangements diminished their influence, weakening the synergy between government and grassroots leadership.

He assured that his administration would continue to support constructive engagement aimed at assigning clearer constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers through ongoing conversations at the National Assembly.

“This is not about politics; it is about strengthening governance, deepening inclusion, and recognising an institution that has sustained social order for centuries,” he added.

Tinubu further disclosed that the Federal Government had sustained strategic consultations with traditional and religious leaders through the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria on issues relating to national security, economic growth, communal peace, and social stability.

He said the engagements had continued to strengthen trust between government and the people, while efforts were also being made to ensure traditional rulers were adequately supported to contribute meaningfully to national discourse and community leadership.

The President charged monarchs across the country to remain at the forefront of peacebuilding and social stability amid prevailing security challenges.

He urged royal fathers to make their palaces centres of wisdom, reconciliation, and conflict resolution, while also encouraging the strengthening of community-based security structures through intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and community vigilance.

Tinubu also called on traditional rulers to guide youths against violence, extremism, drug abuse, and other social vices, emphasising that Nigeria’s cultural heritage should not be treated as relics of the past but as strategic assets for future development.

The President commended the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance for organising the lecture in honour of the late monarch, whom he described as a courageous, disciplined, and principled leader who ruled with wisdom, candour, and uncommon integrity.

Speaking on the lecture theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Institutions and Modern Government,” Tinubu described the topic as timely and significant to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“The theme speaks to one of the most important governance questions of our time — how to harmonise the authority of our ancestral institutions with the structures of constitutional democracy in advancing national progress,” he stated.

In a keynote address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the late Awujale as a foremost traditional ruler whose influence transcended Ijebuland.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Managing Director of the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation, Architect Abiodun Fari-Arole, Obasanjo said the late monarch was a close ally, a lover of his people, and a strong advocate of peace, justice, and fairness.

He noted that Oba Adetona would be remembered for championing reforms in Ogun State’s Traditional and Obas Law, particularly the provision granting monarchs the right to determine how they should be buried after death.

Also speaking during another lecture session titled “A Dialogue for a Stronger Future,” Sheikh Mustapha Bello stressed the importance of culture and traditional institutions in driving socio-economic development.

According to him, culture defines the identity and history of a people and must therefore be accorded serious attention in governance and policy formulation.

He maintained that traditional rulers should be actively consulted in the formulation and implementation of policies because they represent the true voice of the grassroots.

Sheikh Bello added that although Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy, the country stands to benefit more if traditional institutions are fully integrated into governance structures.

“Let there be specific roles for the Obas. They are deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of our people. Many of them are highly experienced, and their contributions can greatly assist government in formulating policies and initiatives that directly benefit the people,” he said.

Two men have been killed in a mob attack in Bunga Hamlet, Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State after they were wrongly accused of theft while travelling on a motorcycle.

The victims, Kabiru Idris (30) and Ibrahim Danliti (40) both from Gabanga Village in Warji LG, were reportedly chased and beaten to death by an angry mob that had crossed from Ningi Local Government.

According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the incident occurred on May 7, 2026, after a distress call was received about the violent attack in Bunga Hamlet, Dagu Ward.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, said the mob began chasing the victims while shouting “thieves, thieves,” forcing them into a desperate escape that ended in tragedy.

The victims, while riding a motorcycle, were pursued by a mob from Ningi LGA shouting ‘thieves, thieves’ until they were intercepted at Bunga Hamlet and subjected to severe beating, which rendered them unconscious,” Habib said.

He added that police operatives rushed the victims to the General Hospital, Warji, where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

Following the incident, detectives from the command acted on intelligence and arrested three suspects linked to the attack. The suspects are Samaila Turawa of Gwada, Danbaba Haruna of Gwada, and Ubale Mai Kaji of Ningi.

The command said the suspects were currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department and were assisting with ongoing investigations, while efforts continue to track down other fleeing members of the mob.

Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a foreign human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.

The police rescued 30 Malian nationals allegedly held captive by the gang in an operation led by the IRT Commander, Adamu Muazu.

A police source familiar with the operation said the rescue followed a petition from leaders of the Malian Diaspora Community in Nigeria over the alleged trafficking and exploitation of their nationals.

According to the source, victims had contacted relatives in Mali, claiming they were being held hostage, with their captors demanding money for their release.

A leader from the Malian diaspora group wrote a petition to the IRT, and our commander swung into action. There have been many complaints about their loved ones asking them to send money, saying they were being held hostage with their hands tied and money was being demanded for their release,” the source said.

He added that one of the victims’ parents initially paid money to the traffickers, but the victim later called again after two weeks requesting further assistance.

Another police officer, who participated in the operation, said sustained surveillance led operatives to a residential apartment at Barrister Road, Rugan Dakachi area of Karu Local Government Area, where about 15 victims were first rescued after 17 days of operation.

After 17 days of relentless follow-up, our men eventually succeeded in rescuing about 15 Malian nationals who were lured, kidnapped and kept under captivity in a residential apartment,” the source added.

During the operation, 12 Malians and one Nigerian suspect were arrested, while others reportedly escaped.

The police officer added that investigations later led operatives to another apartment in the same area, where an additional 15 victims were rescued, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 30.

“In total, 13 suspects, mostly Malians, were arrested by our men, while others escaped. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the source said.

The police also disclosed that the prime suspect allegedly rented the two apartments used for the operation for N1.9m and N1.7m respectively.

The victims are expected to be handed over to officials of the Malian Embassy.

A petition dated April 23, 2026, signed by the President of the Malian Citizens Diaspora Organisation in Nigeria, Dembélé Talibé, alleged that the victims were deceived into Nigeria under false job promises by a network operating under the guise of “Q-NET.”

The petition described the syndicate as an employment and investment front used to exploit victims upon arrival.

One of the rescued victims, Idirisaa Kaulibali, said he was brought into Nigeria by his half-sister with promises of financial opportunity.

“I was invited here by my half-sister to come and make money in Nigeria. When I got here, they said I needed money to join them.

“They told me they sell wristwatches online, so I had to tie my hands and ask my parents to send money so I could start the business. I am not the only one who did that. All of us did the same,” he added.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has said it is awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against one of its pastors in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The Publicity Secretary of the RCCG, Lanre Oyegbola, who stated this on Saturday, also confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the church was aware of the matter.

The accused is said to be a youth pastor at the RCCG Strongtower parish, located near Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

He came under public scrutiny after a dramatic confrontation during a church service, where a lady, said to be a LAUTECH student, accused him of attempted rape and sexual coercion

In a video which has gone viral, the lady narrated how the pastor allegedly approached her and demanded sex.

According to her, the pastor invited her to his residence under the pretext of collecting food she had bought for him, but attempted to force himself on her despite repeated refusals.

She further alleged that after failing to achieve “penetration”, the pastor allegedly demanded oral sex and later boasted about having similar encounters with other female church member

You said can I help you get pounded yam and egusi soup, do you remember that? I knew that this man (pastor) was trying something again, so I gave an excuse but you said you will wait for me to finish whatever I was doing and get you the pounded yam and egusi soup. I brought it to your place at upper room and you started asking me questions before I knew it, you were all over me.

“Then you were trying to rape me and I kept closing my legs. I was telling you no. You did it to the extent that you asked me to give you head (oral sex). And I asked you a question on that day that ‘the way you are always spanking my ass and touching me all over, do you do it to other ladies?’ You said even most of the ladies are virgins and you mentioned the likes of Sister Rachel and co…,” the lady said.

Responding, the pastor took the microphone and said, “She has spoken right, and the story is sweet, let me ask her….”, before the video ended.

Following the confrontation, several other women reportedly came forward with similar allegations involving unwanted sexual advances, coercion and abuse of pastoral authority.

But reacting to the allegations, Oyegbola said the matter was already being handled, adding that the church was awaiting the report of investigation by the school authority before deciding on its next line of action.

“I have been able to confirm that the church is aware of the allegations and is waiting for the outcome of the investigation of the school authority to know the next steps,” he said

When asked if the pastor had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, he said “an allegation is being investigated, so the church is awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the school.”

Calls and messages sent to the National Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Sunday Akande, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to get the accused pastor’s reaction were unsuccessful, as messages sent to him on Facebook were not responded to.

Our correspondent also attempted to reach him on Instagram but was unable to, as his account is private.

The incident sparked debate on social media, with some users praising the lady for speaking out, while others called for investigation into the allegations.

When contacted, the spokesperson for LAUTECH, Lekan Fadeyi, promised to react after finding out details.

He said, “I’m just hearing this for the first time; but let me find out if any such case has been reported to the school authorities.”

Also, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said he was not aware of the incident.

According to him, the state Criminal Investigation Department usually handles such cases.

Meanwhile, a top Christian leader, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said Christians must uphold moral standards and protect vulnerable persons in society.

He said, “The allegations should be properly investigated and if established, whoever is found wanting should answer questions on what has really transpired.

“We should be able to have the mind of Christ in our lives and show the same to other people. Whoever is involved should be penalised. There is no guessing about that because there are things that must not be mentioned among us.”

Adegbite, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, noted that while some persons could bring false allegations against religious leaders, every claim must still be carefully probed in the interest of justice and fairness.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the graduation of the 12 Chibok schoolgirls abducted on April 14, 2014, has raised hope for women’s education in the country and beyond.

Speaking at the 17th graduation ceremony (commencement) of American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday, Shettima, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, National University Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, commended the university for providing a conducive atmosphere for the 12 Chibok schoolgirls to earn a university degree.

He said the 12 Chibok schoolgirls’ graduation represented hope that women’s education is paramount for national development.

Busari said, “A year before, I had obtained a vital proof-of-life video that showed these young women were still alive at a time when the world had started to forget about them

She pointed out that the video helped to kickstart negotiation talks that led to their eventual release.

“At the time, we did not know if the work would make any difference. We did it because the alternative was silence, and silence felt like complicity.

“After the initial coverage, the story began to fade. The news cycle moved on, the way it always does. There were moments I wondered whether continuing to push the story mattered at all.”

Speaking at the event, the President of AUN, Dewayne Frazier said that the graduation of the 12 Chibok schoolgirls validated AUN’s mission as a development university and that it has proven it is possible to bridge the gap between trauma and high level education success.

He said, “These graduates now stand as beacons of light for the Northeast and the world. Their success sends a powerful message: education is the most proven tool for healing and transformation, capable of reclaiming lives and building a brighter, more secure future for Nigeria.”

Frazier commended the Ministry of Women Affairs for sponsoring the girls to acquire quality education at the AUN.

A total of 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram militants from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Nigeria, on the night of April 14, 2014. While dozens escaped immediately or were released in subsequent years, over 80 to 90 of the schoolgirls remain in captivity or are still missing 10-12 years.

Over 180 girls have been freed or escaped over the last decade, often appearing with children born while in captivity.

As of early 2026, reports suggest that over 80 to 91 girls remain missing, with their fates unknown.

The Oyo State Government has issued a public advisory to residents, urging residents to observe precautionary measures as the 2026 rainy season starts in earnest.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, gave the advice in a statement on Saturday in Ibadan

According to Aderinto, the state is likely to experience flash floods and thunderstorms due to high-intensity rainfall associated with the season’s onset.

He cautioned against flash floods, temporary road overflows, and rising temperatures expected in the coming weeks.

The commissioner explained that the soil across the state was still relatively firm, limiting water infiltration and causing heavy surface runoff on roads, drainages, and in some communities.

Aderinto advised residents not panic, as most flooding was expected to be temporary.

He, however, warned that the expected temporary flooding could become prolonged and destructive if waterways and drainage channels cleared by the government are obstructed or tampered with.

The commissioner also appealed for the suspension of illegal dredging and any activity that could disrupt natural water flow.

He noted that prolonged water retention on roads could damage infrastructure, increase accident risks, and threaten public facilities.

Aderinto reaffirmed the government’s efforts to maintain the free flow of water, urging residents to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental violations.

He said that during the transition into the rainy season, occasional heat waves may occur, with temperatures rising to between 33°C and 35°C

The commissioner advised residents to stay hydrated, remain in cool environments, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and seek shade when necessary.

He assured residents that the government would continue to monitor environmental conditions across the state and provide safety advisory (NAN)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.

The anti-graft agency posted the wanted notice on its website on Saturday.

According to the EFCC notice, Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State, and her last known address is EN 008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

The notice, signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, urged members of the public with information on her whereabouts to contact the commission.

The EFCC notice read, “The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Abuse of Office, Diversion of Public Funds.”

The commission directed anyone with useful information to contact its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, or call 08093322644, or email info@efcc.gov.ng, or contact the nearest police station.

Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.

The Nigeria Medical Association in Anambra State has threatened to down tools if its member,  Dr Edwin Emegakor, abducted on May 7, is not freed within 48 hours.

The NMA, Anambra Branch made the call in a Communiqué issued after its Emergency General Meeting on Saturday.

The Communiqué which was signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, its Chairman and Secretary respectively, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the doctor.

It said that Emegakor, the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, was abducted in the evening of May 7 after attending to his patients by unidentified men in uniform.

The NMA said the kidnappers had yet to establish communication with the family of Emegakor, his relatives, friends or colleagues as of Saturday morning.

The communiqué said relevant government agencies had been duly notified and were already taking action towards the release of Emegakor.

“NMA Anambra condemned this recent kidnapping and insecurity and called on the government and security agencies to rise up to this challenge immediately.

A 48- hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra Government to secure the immediate release of our colleague, Dr Edwin Emegakor.

“If at the expiration of the above timeline and our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra under the aegis of the NMA will down tools until our member is released.

“An emergency meeting will be convened within the next 48 hours to review the progress made so far,” it said.

The NMA appreciated Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, through the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, for the efforts to enhance service delivery in the sector while calling for effective measures to tackle insecurity in the state.

The association urged members to continue to work towards providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people of Anambra in spite of the challenge.

“It is our hope that your sacrifices shall not go unrewarded,” it said.

(NAN)

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday backed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, saying the move reflects the party’s power-sharing arrangement and commitment to fairness.

Kwankwaso spoke at the party’s national convention in Abuja while addressing delegates, supporters and party stakeholders.

He said, “I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket to Southern so that the region can complete its eight years.

“This is in line with the zoning process and party agreement.”

He also urged Nigerians and party supporters to participate in the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Please register now,” he appealed.

The endorsement came hours after the NDC officially adopted a resolution zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.

The resolution was adopted during the convention after a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Afam Victor Ogene.

Announcing the decision, the National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, said the arrangement was part of a broader power-sharing formula aimed at balancing regional interests within the opposition coalition.

Cleopas added that after the completion of the South’s tenure, the presidential ticket would return to the North in 2031.

“It will be the turn of the North in 2031,” he stated.

The party’s National Executive Committee also ratified the election of members of the National Working Committee during the convention.

The zoning arrangement is expected to boost the chances of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

The development comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures intensifying moves to build a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Meanwhile, Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC in Abuja, where they urged party members to avoid internal disputes and focus on national development.

Speaking during the event, Obi said their decision to join the party was informed by the need for a stable political platform free from internal crises.

Professor Sadiq Gombe has emerged as the newly elected National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party at the party’s 2026 national convention held in Bauchi on Saturday.

Speaking shortly after being sworn in alongside other members of the National Working Committee, Gombe said the SDP remained the most qualified political platform to take over leadership in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He thanked party members and delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide transparent, committed and patriotic leadership in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

“I thank you sincerely for the confidence reposed in us and for giving us yet another mandate to lead. We assure you of our commitment to the ideals, principles and wellbeing of the party and Nigeria,” he said.

Gombe added that the SDP under his leadership would not take Nigerians for granted, stressing that the country was in urgent need of upright and transparent leadership.

According to him, the party is determined to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform capable of rescuing the country from its current challenges.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country,” he stated

He also appreciated the party’s presidential candidate, leaders and stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and successes recorded by the SDP over the years.

Earlier, the Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, criticised the current state of governance in the country, citing insecurity, high petrol prices, poor infrastructure, unemployment and widespread poverty as major concerns confronting Nigerians.

Bugaje commended party members for remaining steadfast despite the prevailing hardship in the country.

“That despite all these challenges you are able to come in your numbers is a measure of your commitment and determination to change your fortunes for good. No sacrifice is too great in changing the fortunes of the nearly 300 million oppressed people,” he said.

He accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition parties and shrink the democratic space, alleging that institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission had become tools in the hands of politicians.

“The attempt by the ruling party to block the political space and eliminate competition and opposition is one of the most despicable offences today,” Bugaje stated.

He noted that the theme of the convention, “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” reflected the party’s determination to provide an alternative rooted in social democratic ideals and competent leadership.

According to him, while other political parties continue to recycle leaders associated with the country’s challenges, the SDP is presenting fresh and energetic candidates committed to national development.

Punch reports that members of the newly elected National Working Committee include National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Ugochukwu Uba; National Secretary, Olu Agunloye; National Treasurer, Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo; National Organising Secretary, Joseph Achille Abu; National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba; National Legal Adviser, Aderemi Abimbola; National Financial Secretary, Bello Ado Hussaini; National Woman Leader, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi; National Youth Leader, Daniel Ibe; National Society Secretary, Rosemary Effiong; and Leader of Persons With Disabilities, Lekan Alabi.

The suspects, Udeme Udo, 52, and Nkereuwem Udo, 40, were arrested on May 8, 2026, at about 4:25pm in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area following credible intelligence, according to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Saturday.

The statement added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to a criminal network allegedly involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to criminals operating within Ikot Ekpene and its environs.

The statement read in part, “The police command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against criminal elements and illegal arms proliferation within the state.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command on May 8, 2026, at about 0425hrs, successfully arrested two suspects identified as Udeme Udo, 52, and Nkereuwem Udo, 40.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a criminal network allegedly involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to criminals operating within Ikot Ekpene and its environs.

Upon a thorough search conducted on the suspects, one locally made revolver pistol was recovered from their possession.”

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks in the state, the statement said the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Baba Azare, warned individuals involved in unlawful acts to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and cutting off the supply channels of illegal arms fuelling violent crimes across the state.

“He warned all individuals involved in unlawful possession, trafficking, and distribution of firearms to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

“He further directed sustained intelligence-driven operations, raids, and surveillance across identified black spots and criminal flashpoints within the state.”

A 43-year-old entrepreneur, Richard Akinaka, has formally declared his ambition to contest the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, positioning himself as a candidate to address what he described as a persistent leadership deficit affecting grassroots communities.

Speaking while submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the PDP headquarters in Yenagoa on Saturday, Akinaka said his decision to contest followed an earlier declaration of interest made at a party gathering on Tuesday.

Addressing party members and supporters, Akinaka said his candidacy was a response to the socio-economic challenges facing rural dwellers in the senatorial district.

“As one who has experienced the life of our people living in rural communities, I see myself as an embodiment of the collective aspirations of our people. That is why I have thrown my hat into the ring to address the leadership gap and make life better for our people,” he said.

He emphasised his personal connection to the struggles of constituents, arguing that lived experience provides him with both legitimacy and urgency.

I want the best for my constituency. Having experienced life in the same conditions many of our people face, I see it as a responsibility to improve livelihoods at the grassroots. That is why I am seeking this platform—to advance that purpose,” Akinaka added.

The aspiring lawmaker also dismissed age as a limiting factor in governance, asserting that competence and accountability should be the primary criteria for leadership.

“I am 43 years old, and I have the capacity to run for this position. Age is not an indication of performance; it is just a number.

“The real question is whether the individual is responsible enough to undertake the task. If that is the benchmark, then I am well qualified to represent Bayelsa Central in the Senate,” he stated.

Troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during an operation against alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out on May 6 in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports on alleged terrorist collaborators in the community.

The Army said troops on an intelligence-led patrol came under attack from gunmen operating from a building allegedly used as a hideout by IPOB and ESN members

It stated that three soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.

“While troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel.

“Despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area,” the statement read.

The Army added that improvised explosive devices allegedly stored in the building detonated during the gun battle, triggering a fire that destroyed the structure.

“During the exchange of fire, improvised explosive devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout,” the statement added.

According to the military, troops recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities during a subsequent search of the area.

The Army said the shrine was thoroughly searched and destroyed to prevent further criminal use.

One suspected collaborator was also arrested during the operation and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.

The military urged residents of the community to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements.

It also warned members and sympathisers of IPOB and ESN to desist from illegal activities or face the consequences.

Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, videos circulated online showed several houses engulfed in flames, with residents claiming that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed.

In one of the videos, residents alleged that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings.

culled from punch

The Nigeria Customs Service has taken disciplinary action against one of its officers following the circulation of a viral video showing the alleged extortion of a motorist.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

A video posted on the NCS X handle on Friday showed the moment the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was paraded and later handed over to the Customs police unit for further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

The NCS described the incident as a clear case of unprofessional conduct and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct by personnel.

Following the circulation of a viral video depicting unprofessional conduct by patrol officers, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated immediate disciplinary procedures in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct,” a voice-over in the video said.

Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos State, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi, addressed the matter during the parade.

While handing over the implicated officer to the head of the Customs Police Unit, Abdullahi said, “The service wishes to reiterate that officers found culpable of violating ethical standards will be subjected to appropriate sanctions without compromise.

On behalf of the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Controller G.I. Aliu, I hereby hand over the officer to the Head of the Customs Police Unit in Zone A for further investigation and other necessary action.”

The viral video that prompted the action captured the officer demanding up to N200,000 from a motorist.

The motorist was said to have secretly recorded the encounter using AI Meta glasses.

In the recording, the officer, dressed in uniform, was seen engaging the driver over vehicle documents and past clearances while pressing for payment.

The officer told the motorist that he was liable for outstanding vehicle document payments dating back to 2018 and that the accumulated amount had become substantial.

The motorist responded that previous officers usually cleared such issues in Apapa.

The officer then told him to report to the office to retrieve his key.

When the motorist asked how the matter could be resolved, the officer replied, “Go and bring 200,” suggesting a request for a N200,000 bribe.

The motorist was heard replying, “I kill somebody?” before walking away.

It remains unclear whether any money was eventually paid before the vehicle was released.

The development comes amid recurring public complaints about Customs operations on highways, including incidents involving already-cleared goods.

For the second time in less than two weeks, about seven armed hoodlums in the early hours of Friday reportedly invaded hostels occupied by students of the College of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun campus.

The gunmen were said to have shot sporadically before dispossessing the students of their valuables, including a car and several mobile phones.

Not less than 15 students were reportedly affected by the latest security breach plaguing the institution in recent times.

The hoodlums were said to have operated for about two hours between 1am and 3am before escaping with a Lexus ES 350 belonging to one of the students.

Did you know there’s a town where almost everyone lives in the same building?

The President of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, OOU, Ibogun, Oluwafemi Aderupatan, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Friday.

Aderupatan lamented that criminals had continued to disturb the peace of students and cart away their valuables, blaming the attacks on the absence of strong security presence in the area.

Speaking with our correspondent, Aderupatan said, “The armed robbers, about seven of them, attacked students in their hostels in the early hours of Friday.

They were shooting and threatening to kill the students. They robbed about 15 students of their phones and also went away with a black Lexus ES 350 belonging to one of the students. We actually called for police intervention and they came around after the robbers had left, but the deed had already been done.

“We are also of the strong opinion that if there had been a strong security presence, these hoodlums would not have been having a field day and the effrontery to terrorise the students.”

He lamented that the police and the school management had yet to provide the security facilities promised after the first attack.

“We are equally not happy that the police post and robust security architecture that the police, the school management and community leaders promised to put in place about two weeks ago when we had a similar armed robbery incident have not become a reality.

“The truth is that these hoodlums are only exploiting the absence of strong security presence. Once we have good security presence, like a military base or a functional police post, the challenge will become history.

“We are only calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun to come to our rescue. We can’t continue to live in palpable fear or keep losing our valuables to these criminals. Enough is enough,” he added.

When contacted for reaction, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said the command had launched an investigation into the incident.

She said, “I can however confirm that the matter is under investigation and the police are already acting on the information available.

“The Ogun State Police Command takes every security concern within the Ibogun campus environment seriously, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the facts surrounding the report and take necessary action where required.”

About two weeks ago, 12 gunmen reportedly attacked some students in their hostels, injuring some of them and carting away a car, phones and other valuables.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has corrected the official appellation of President Bola Tinubu following recurring errors by some organisations and media outlets.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Mr Yomi Odunuga.

Odunuga said the clarification was personally signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

According to him, Akume urges the public and media organisations to verify official titles before publication to avoid what he described as embarrassing and avoidable errors.

For the record, the correct and official appellation is: ‘His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’,” he stated.

He advised that verification could be made through the OSGF’s official communication channels to include; Facebook- @OfficeoftheSGF, Instagram- OfficialOSGFNG, X (formerly Twitter)-OfficialOSGF, Email- info@osgf.gov.ng.

According to him, the clarification became necessary following an error observed in the naming and appellation of the President in a publication by a national daily on Wednesday, May 7, 2026.

Odunuga explained that Akume had noted that such lapses could be avoided through proper verification from appropriate official sources.

(NAN)

Air Peace has announced a temporary disruption to its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick flight after a routine technical check detected a minor fault on the aircraft.

In a statement issued via its X handle by the airline’s management on Saturday, Air Peace said the issue was discovered after passengers had already boarded the aircraft, prompting the airline to withdraw the plane from service in line with safety procedures.

“Following the completion of passenger boarding, a routine post-boarding technical check identified a minor aircraft fault that required immediate attention,” the airline stated.

The airline added that all passengers were safely disembarked while engineers attended to the issue.

Air Peace stressed that passenger safety remained its top priority, noting that the decision to suspend the flight was necessary despite the inconvenience caused to travellers.

“At Air Peace, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew will always take precedence over operational schedules,” the statement read.

While we understand the inconvenience this situation may have caused, taking swift preventive action was the responsible and necessary decision,” it added.

According to the airline, affected passengers were immediately informed of the development and provided with hotel accommodation and other support services.

The carrier also disclosed that a replacement aircraft would be deployed from London to operate the delayed service.

“To minimise further disruption, a replacement aircraft from London will be dispatched and passengers are scheduled to depart this morning,” Air Peace said.

The airline thanked passengers for their patience and understanding during the disruption, assuring customers of its commitment to safe and reliable operations.

“We deeply appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation shown by our passengers during this period. Their trust remains incredibly important to us,” the statement added.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday confirmed the death of 16 people in a fatal road crash that occurred at Aku village along the Okene–Lokoja Road in Kogi.

The corps also confirmed that six people sustained varying degrees of injuries from the crash.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Corps Commander, Lawan Fagge.

Fagge stated that the accident, which happened at about 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, involved a white commercial Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUS 17 ZD.

According to the sector commander, a total of 22 people were involved in the lone crash, comprising 21 male adults and one female adult.

He disclosed that 16 victims — 15 male adults and one female adult — died at the scene of the accident, while the remaining six male passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The FRSC sector commander said preliminary findings from injured survivors indicated that fatigue and speeding were responsible for the crash.

He noted that the vehicle was travelling from Jos to Lagos before the incident occurred.

Fagge stated that one of the rescued victims was taken to the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, while the other five injured passengers were receiving treatment at Osara Hospital.

Describing the crash as avoidable, the sector commander condemned night journeys undertaken without adequate rest, stressing that the driver could have stopped at a park to rest before continuing the trip.

He also used the opportunity to advise motorists against driving under stress and over- speeding, warning that such practices continued to contribute significantly to road crashes across the country.

Fagge sympathised with the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. (NAN)

Culled from vanguard

A man narrowly escaped death after a truck tyre exploded violently while he was allegedly trying to puncture it in a now-viral video circulating across social media.

The incident, which was captured on camera, showed the unidentified man approaching the parked truck before attempting to damage one of its tyres, reportedly with a sharp object believed to be a knife.

Moments later, the tyre exploded with massive force, throwing him violently to the ground as bystanders screamed in shock.

Although the exact reason behind the incident remains unclear, social media users speculated that the man may have been angry over where the truck was parked.

However, the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation have not yet been confirmed.

The video quickly sparked intense reactions online, with many users warning about the extreme dangers of tampering with heavy-duty truck tyres.

@ifeanyi_ezeme wrote, “A person who can not buy an ordinary wheelbarrow is here causing trouble and damaging the tyre which costs thousands of naira because of him be agbero. And his mind no tell am say what is doing is very dangerous.”

Another user, @DudeRodri, who identified himself as a tyre expert, explained the possible impact of the explosion.

“Tyre expert here. That tyre looks like a 12R tyre, it is usually inflated to 100-120psi. Getting hit by this pressure is equivalent to being hit by a car at 30km/h,” he wrote.

As it stands, his eardrums might have ruptured, possible concussion also. He won’t know how far until he gets home.”

Some users also shared similar frightening experiences involving truck tyres.

@Knightkayyy recounted, “I know someone this killed. He was mad at the parked truck and used a cutlass and it rebounded into his face. He died there. His face was a complete mess that you people could not recognize him.”

Another commenter, @UjaOliver, warned that the man could still face severe health complications despite surviving the blast.
“He is in very serious trouble. He may end up dying from the impact of that explosion if he fail to seek proper medical attention in the hospital,” the user wrote.

Meanwhile, @adisadaniel3 shared a personal experience involving a truck tyre explosion on the road.
“I was in car behind a moving truck, a danfo was just beside the truck when the tire of the truck burst. It threw someone in the Danfo out as the danfo door was opened. The pressure and power inside those tires no be joke.”

The video has continued to gain traction online as many Nigerians debate both the dangers of truck tyres and the risks involved in attempting to damage them.

culled from vanguard 

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the region to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Ogbuku said the PVC remains a key tool for influencing decisions and electing leaders whose values align with the aspirations of Nigerian youths.

He spoke at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

Represented by the Director of Social Services, Jeremiah Oritsejolone, Ogbuku described participation in elections as a demonstration of citizens’ belief in a country with the potential to grow and develop.

“The Nigerian youths are the heartbeat of the new Nigeria that we all seek. Your energy, brilliance and voice would determine the direction our nation takes.

For your voice to be heard, you must collect your PVC as the process gives you the opportunity to influence decisions, shape governance and demand accountability,” he said.

Ogbuku noted that since assuming office, the commission has sustained transformation and capacity-building programmes across the Niger Delta, and encouraged students to register and collect their PVCs ahead of future elections.

He added that the interventionist agency would continue to support initiatives that promote civic participation and empower young people.

Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts to strengthen democracy through voter education.

“We are carrying out this exercise in all the universities in the region to give orientation and broaden students’ horizon on the need for them to collect their PVCs and actively participate in the voting exercise, as we believe that this is another way for the youths to control the economy,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the programme would be sustained in the coming years.

culled from punch 

Omogiafo described the move as the most significant progress yet in resolving liquidity challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Omogiafo disclosed this in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on Friday.

She stated, “For us in Transcorp Power and Transafam, we have actually signed our settlement reconciliation contracts. For Transafam, they started the payments. And for Transcorp Power, they will start sometime this year.

So first of all, let me start by commending the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu. This is the greatest progress we have made as it relates to dealing with the historical debt.”

The development signals early implementation of the Federal Government’s intervention to clear legacy debts, finalised at about N3.3tn owed to generation companies and gas suppliers, a longstanding issue that has constrained liquidity across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

Omogiafo noted that despite persistent challenges in the sector, including gas supply constraints and transmission infrastructure gaps, the Group has continued to deliver strong performance.

It’s common knowledge about the challenges the power sector is facing. We deal with the gas issues and the transmission infrastructure issues… but despite the challenges that we saw in the sector, we were able to produce the kind of results that we have produced,” she said.

She stressed that the company remains focused on managing these constraints while leveraging opportunities within the sector.

“There will always be challenges. That’s just the reality. But it’s what you do with those challenges and how you create opportunities out of them,” she added.

The Transcorp CEO also expressed optimism that recent policy actions and leadership changes in the power sector would improve investor confidence.

She further highlighted the Group’s diversified operations, noting that investments in power and hospitality continue to drive growth despite macroeconomic pressures.

On shareholder returns, Omogiafo said the company has recorded a significant transformation over the years, moving from kobo-denominated dividends to stronger payouts.

“Once upon a time, Transcorp was paying two kobo… today we are paying dividends in naira. We are creating sustainable value… we can’t pay less than what we’re paying today,” she said.

Financial results presented at the meeting showed that the Group recorded a 33 per cent increase in revenue to N544bn in the 2025 financial year, driven by growth in its power and hospitality businesses.

Profit before tax rose by 31 per cent to N179.5bn, while profit after tax grew by 44 per cent to N135.9bn, reflecting improved operational efficiency and stronger earnings.

Total assets increased by 33 per cent to about N1tn from N751bn in 2024, while shareholders’ funds rose by 47 per cent to N353bn, indicating stronger capitalisation and investor confidence.

The Board also proposed a total dividend of N2.00 per share for the 2025 financial year, comprising an interim dividend of 40 kobo and a final dividend of N1.60, amounting to a total payout of over N20.32bn.

Operationally, the Group’s power business recorded improvements, with Transcorp Power Plc increasing its average available capacity to 550 megawatts from 477MW in 2024, while peak capacity rose to 625MW. Average generation also increased to 391MW from 332MW.

Similarly, Transafam Power Limited increased its available capacity to 348MW from 250MW and improved average generation to 102MW, reflecting ongoing asset optimisation and improved gas supply.

In the hospitality segment, Transcorp Hotels Plc delivered a strong performance, supported by increased demand and the addition of a 5,000-seat event centre in Abuja, which has strengthened its position in Nigeria’s meetings and conferences market.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tony Elumelu, attributed the group’s performance to improved operating conditions, effective management, and sustained shareholder support.

“I think the operating environment is gradually also improving. All of these culminated in the increase in performance that you have seen,” he said.

He added that the company’s profit grew by over 30 per cent during the year, while shareholders are now earning N2 per share in dividends, compared to kobo payouts in previous years.

“More importantly, to our shareholders who have told us that they are tired of kobo kobo dividend, they are now happy to be receiving two naira per share. That is fantastic,” Elumelu said.

He reiterated that the group’s investments in electricity, hospitality, and energy are aimed at driving economic development and improving living standards.

The PUNCH earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu approved a N3.3tn payment plan aimed at resolving long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector and boosting the reliability of electricity supply.

The plan addressed legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025 under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.

Following a comprehensive review, the government agreed on N3.3tn as a full and final settlement, ensuring transparency and fairness.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that implementation of the repayment plan has already begun, with fifteen power plants already signed settlement agreements totalling N2.3tn.

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Friday tendered an apology to leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Owan West Local Government Area.

The apology was one of the conditions given to Agbebaku by Owan West leaders for him to align with the party’s leadership in the area, headed by Lucky Ohimai, popularly known as Tarex, as well as to be recognised as one of the aspirants seeking election to the House of Assembly.

Agbebaku tendered the apology at an enlarged meeting of the APC in the locality held at the residence of Ohimai.

Agbebaku said he was at the residence to align and harmonise with the Owan West APC family led by Ohimai.

The Speaker said past misunderstandings were fuelled by overzealous and unidentified supporters. He offered an open apology and pledged full cooperation.

He said, “I have never, and will not dispute his party leadership in Owan West.

“I am here to say, whoever I wronged in the past, whether knowingly or unknowingly, I deeply apologise. I remain committed to working for the progress of our party, the APC, and the people.

I want my brother, Tarex, to also know that I am in the race for re-election. I appeal to you all that we need to use this opportunity judiciously for the benefit of everybody.”

Reacting to the Speaker’s request for support for his third-term bid to the House of Assembly, members at the meeting unanimously rejected his plea and asked him to join the queue with four other aspirants who had also indicated interest.

Chairman of Ward 11, Lewis Ekpenga, said, “Nobody in his right senses should contemplate giving his plea a thought. Hon. Agbebaku is not the only person in Owan West qualified to aspire for this position.

“And considering his antecedents before, during and after the governorship election, we will be doing the greatest injustice to our people if we throw him up as our candidate.”

Johnson Abolagba said the general consensus was for the governor to look in the direction of aspirants who laboured for his election in 2024.

“I think the governor, for the sake of stability and rewarding loyalty in the party, should look at aspirants who worked for his election. I am talking about the likes of Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Barr. George Ohioma, Atafo Gold and Juliana Ikharo. These people have been steadfast in their support for the party, and it’s only fair to look in their direction,” he said.

Those present at the meeting included APC Chairman in Owan West LGA, Joy Ohonyon, Johnson Abolagba, Joe Ekpekhio, Ojo Asein and Stanley Amu, among others.

The automated airport parking system introduces a seamless, secure and fully automated parking and access control solution, designed to enhance airport operations efficiency and improve the overall experience for travellers, visitors and airport personnel.

Commenting on the partnership, Vice President of Transport Ecosystem, Interswitch, Nnenna Ajanwachuku, said: “This partnership with the Asaba Airport Company reflects our commitment to deploying technology that drives efficiency, transparency, and seamless user experiences across critical sectors. With the Parking Management Platform, we are not only addressing operational challenges but also enabling smarter infrastructure that supports revenue growth and long-term sustainability. Asaba Airport is setting the pace for what modern airport operations should look like in Nigeria.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Managing Director, Asaba Airport Company, Christophe Penninck, said: “Our collaboration with Interswitch represents a significant step forward in our commitment to operational excellence and service delivery. The introduction of this advanced parking and access control system will improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and deliver a better experience for passengers and visitors. It also strengthens our ability to manage revenue more effectively while positioning Asaba Airport as a leader in smart airport infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, beyond enhancing user experience, enabling cashless parking payments, and leveraging digital payment solutions, the solution strengthens airport revenue management systems and delivers significant operational value for airport management. Through a centralised, technology-driven system, the Asaba Airport Company can monitor vehicle movements in real time, enforce access control policies more effectively, optimise parking space utilisation, and improve overall coordination across airport operations. This represents a major shift from manual, fragmented systems to a more intelligent, proactive management approach.

As Nigeria continues to invest in critical infrastructure, the collaboration between Interswitch and the Asaba Airport Company, in partnership with the Asaba International Airport, signals a new phase in airport operations, highlighting how digital parking solutions and intelligent transport systems are transforming the country’s aviation ecosystem where parking and access management are streamlined, and intelligent systems are designed to meet the needs of the modern traveller.

Concerned parents of students in the Dentistry programme of the University of Uyo, under the aegis of the Forum of Parents of Dental Students, on Friday protested the non-accreditation of the programme since its inception in 2021.

The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Do not normalise extra years for professional students,” “Save the future of UniUyo Dental Students now,” and “We reject unnecessary prolongation of students for our children,” among others.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo, the Chairman of the Forum, Sunday Elijah, who spoke through Otuekong Vincent Udoh, called for urgent intervention to safeguard the future of the students.

He lamented that the university, which does not have an approved quota for Dentistry, is admitting as many as 40 or more students at 100 and 200 levels respectively, noting that other institutions with requisite facilities and accreditation adhere strictly to approved quotas, admitting as few as 10 students per class.

These students have invested years of disciplined academic effort with the expectations of becoming qualified dental surgeons who will contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system of our nation. They have duly paid their acceptance fees, medical levies and school fees consistently for each academic session.

“It is deeply concerning that a school without an approved quota for dentistry is admitting as many as 40 or more students at 100 and 200 levels respectively, while other institutions with the requisite facilities and accommodation adhere strictly to their approved quotas, sometimes admitting as few as 10 students per class. This disparity raises serious concern about compliance and training capacity,” he said.

He regretted that the university management had yet to invite the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for an advisory visit, let alone an accreditation visit, adding that proactive measures should be adopted by the institution, the Federal Government and the State Government so that students who are at the verge of graduation are not left stranded.

He therefore called for the immediate merger of Years 5, 4 and even 3 Dental students into the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme, which has already secured accreditation, noting that both programmes offer the same courses and examinations administered to students.

“Ideally, accreditation should have been secured before the admission of students into the programme. However, the university is only now making attempts to procure limited equipment, which are insufficient in relation to the current student population per class and do not meet established accreditation standards.

“In view of this, there is an urgent need to implement immediate alternative measures to safeguard students already in the clinical phase, while the University works toward establishing a compliant and sustainable foundation for the programme.

“After careful evaluation of these options, we strongly believe that the internal merger represents the most immediate, practical, and feasible solution, particularly for students in Year 5, Year 4 and Year 3, based on the following reasons: first, the quota for the MBBS programme at the University has not been exceeded for these classes, meaning that accommodating these students is feasible. For example, the total number of students in the Year 5 class is 87 (65 medical students and 22 dental students), while the approved quota for Medicine is 150 students.

“Second, the students in these classes have already undergone the same foundational medical training as their MBBS counterparts. They attended the same lectures and have successfully sat for the Part 1 and Part II Bachelor of Medicine (MB) examination in their 300 Level and 400 Level respectively alongside their medical counterparts.

“They have also participated in the same clinical postings in Medicine and Surgery, and are currently at the same level of academic and clinical progression. This makes the integration into the MBBS programme both reasonable and academically justified,” he said.

He therefore urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to show clemency and hold the University of Uyo management accountable without subjecting innocent students to further hardship arising from circumstances beyond their control.

Reacting, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, said accreditation for the Dentistry programme has been one of his major concerns since assuming office.

He assured all that the university management is doing everything within its powers to ensure accreditation is secured.

He said, “If there is anything I have been concerned about since I came into office, it’s the issue of accreditation. We have done everything as an institution that needed to be done, including the award of contracts and a lot more. It is not something that could be done in a day or two, but I want to assure you that everything is in progress. What is left is to invite the council for accreditation of the programme.”

The International Committee of the Red Cross says over a decade of conflict and violence in Nigeria’s North East has internally displaced more than two million people.

The Head of Sub-Delegation in Maiduguri, Dianna Japaridze, disclosed this on Friday during an event in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, to mark the 2026 World Red Cross Day.

She said the humanitarian situation in the region has continued to worsen as displacement and insecurity persist.

“Due to over a decade of conflict and violence, people in Northeast Nigeria continue to bear the consequences of the conflict.

Over two million people are being internally displaced, and the need for humanitarian assistance has been on the increase,” she said.

Japaridze said the ICRC has been operating in the region since 2012, working with state authorities and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) to respond to urgent humanitarian needs.

“In Borno State, since 2012, the ICRC has been working to address the urgent needs of communities affected by conflict, in collaboration with state authorities and in close partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS),” she said

She explained that the organisation’s interventions cover health, water, livelihoods, and family tracing services across several communities.

“Across 13 local government areas of the state, the ICRC has supported health facilities with medical supplies, equipment, and training, improving access to safe water through borehole rehabilitation and strengthening livelihoods through agricultural and vocational support,” she said.

“We help restore family links for those separated by conflict and displacement. We also continue to promote respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian principles, ensuring protection and humane treatment for affected people,” she added.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “United in Humanity”, Japaridze said the World Red Cross Day serves as a moment to reflect on humanitarian values and the role of volunteers.

“It is observed on 8th May each year and honours the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who show up every day for people in crisis,” she said.

“This year’s theme offers a moment to reflect on humanitarian action and its values. Volunteers are not distant helpers, but our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members. Likewise, those we serve are not statistics, but human beings whose dignity, compassion, and rights must be protected,” she added.

She noted that humanitarian workers continue to operate in difficult conditions while providing life-saving support.

Every day, volunteers and staff of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement support people affected by conflict, disaster, displacement, and crisis—restoring hope, comfort, and dignity alongside life-saving assistance,” she said.

Japaridze also called for sustained commitment to humanitarian principles.

“It reminds us that humanity must always come first, even in the most difficult times, despite the difficulties and despite the obstacles we face,” she said.

She commended staff and volunteers of both the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the ICRC in Borno State for their service.

“Last but not least, I’d like to recognize the great dedication and efforts of the staff and volunteers of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the ICRC staff in Borno State, whose service continues to embody the spirit of humanity.

“To each of them: thank you for your courage, dedication, and service to humanity,” she said.

Highlights of the event included a road walk by members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society from the NRCS branch office in Wulari to the Musa Usman Secretariat International Conference Hall, Maiduguri.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has announced plans to establish a foundation at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in memory of his late wife, Dr Linga Ajayi.

The monarch made the disclosure on Thursday in Sagamu during the inauguration of the Dr David Mada Secretariat, a purpose-built facility commissioned by the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, Remo Zone.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Friday, Ajayi, who was installed as Grand Patron of the association at the event, said the proposed foundation would honour his wife’s legacy in medicine and service.

“Dr Linga Ajayi was a Consultant Surgeon at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, trained at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and served with distinction until her passing

“I will institute a project at OOUTH in her memory to continue her commitment to healthcare and training,” the monarch said.

Dr Linga Ajayi died in February 2018 after a protracted illness.

She was a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College Nigeria, the West African Postgraduate Medical College, and the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

Ajayi also commended the Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr Bunmi Fatungase, for her leadership of the institution.

“I must commend Dr Fatungase for her work at OOUTH. She is, in my view, the best CMD the institution has ever had,” he said, pledging continued royal support for collaboration between public and private healthcare providers in Remoland.

The ANPMP Remo Zone made history at the event as the first zone in Nigeria to own a purpose-built secretariat.

Zonal Chairman, Dr Taiwo Akintoye, said the project, conceived over 30 years ago, was realised in less than two years through member contributions and a building levy introduced into the zone’s annual dues.

“The idea was mooted over 30 years ago when meetings were held at Molaroid Hotel. It lay dormant until about three years ago when Prof. Jagun Edward suggested using our depreciating bank funds to acquire land,” Akintoye said.

He said the secretariat would serve as a meeting space, a venue for revenue-generating events, a gathering point for elderly members, and a base for medical outreach to underserved communities such as Ewu Oliwo.

Akintoye also recalled that the index COVID-19 case in Ogun State in 2020 was first treated at Owokoniran Memorial Hospital, an ANPMP facility, before being transferred to OOUTH, and that gunshot victims from a recent Sagamu cult clash were treated at a member’s facility.

The zone, with nearly 60 financial members, also launched its “Serving the Unserved and Underserved Communities in Remoland” initiative to extend private healthcare to rural areas beyond Sagamu, Arepo, Magboro, Ibafo and Mowe.

Fatungase, in her goodwill message, stressed the need for public-private partnership in healthcare, while the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, represented at the event, urged closer collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

The Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Toye Alatishe, said he was delighted that many doctors he had known early in his life remained active in service.

Awards were presented at the event to Ajayi and posthumously to late Dr Adesina Wilde, for pioneering private practice in Ogun State. Otunba S.K. Onafowokan, Chairman of Coleman Wire and Cable, was installed as Patron.

A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, has resigned his membership of the African Democratic Congress, citing unresolved court cases and legal uncertainties affecting the party.

In a resignation letter dated April 26, 2026, made available to newsmen on Friday in Calabar, Akpagu explained that the move followed extensive consultations with family, friends, associates and political followers.

“I write to inform you of my resignation of my membership of the African Democratic Congress with immediate effect.

“This decision comes after consultation with family, friends, associates and followers, largely based on the uncertainties arising from the unsettled court cases and legal hurdles placed on the pathway of the ADC,” the letter read in part.

Prof. Akpagu, who served as Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL from 2015 to 2020, is a professor of African and Caribbean Literatures in French and remains a prominent voice in academic and socio-political circles in Cross River State

He thanked the party for the support and understanding he enjoyed during his time as a member.

“I express appreciation to all members for the understanding and support. Thanks for your understanding”, it stated.

While Prof. Akpagu did not state his next political destination, his resignation has triggered fresh realignments ahead of future electoral activities in Cross River State.

The letter, which was addressed to the ADC Chairman of Ipong Ward in Obudu Local Government Area, Pastor Emmanuel Ugar Ugwakong, was duly acknowledged and signed on behalf of the party.

Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has dismissed Presidential Adviser on Media Daniel Bwala as unworthy of engagement by serious-minded Nigerians.

She made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.

Yesufu, a co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, said she would not respond to Bwala’s recent comments targeting opposition figures, instead directing him to Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan, who had interviewed him in March.

“First of all, there’s no right thinking Nigerian that is going to waste their energy on discussing Daniel Bwala.

“I’m really not going to focus on that. I heard when he was calling my name. I think I will leave him with Mehdi Hasan. That’s someone that knows how to deal with people like Daniel Bwala,” she said.

Her remarks referenced Bwala’s appearance on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme, which aired on March 6, 2026, where host Mehdi Hasan confronted him with clips of past statements in which he had criticised President Bola Tinubu before joining his administration as a defender of the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Yesufu also used the occasion to defend Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who had been criticised by Bwala. She argued that remaining in opposition was not a political weakness, pointing to Tinubu’s own lengthy stint in the opposition before his All Progressives Congress came to power in 2015.

Even the Mr. Tinubu that he talked about, he has been in opposition. When I remember there’s a particular piece they’re very fond of bringing out when I said he’s the father of opposition.

“And yeah, I mean that because he stayed in opposition until he was able to get into office,”

She acknowledged, however, that Tinubu had changed parties over the years, moving from the Alliance for Democracy through the Action Congress of Nigeria before the merger that formed the APC.

Yesufu said her attention remained fixed on issues of governance rather than government spokespersons.

“My focus really is on the question that is going to move Nigeria forward.

I’m not going to waste my time discussing anything that Daniel Bwala says. Nobody thinks Daniel Bwala is serious,” she said.

After spending two decades shaping some of the most important financial protection laws in the United States, Omo-Oba Olawale Adeyemi Oriola, Esq. says his greatest assignment has now begun: rebuilding home.

A U.S.-based attorney, businessman, and Ijebu-Ode royalty from the Olufadi/Obanlefa male abidagba line of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House discussed his shift from overseeing global finance rules to returning home, vowing to apply his international knowledge toward the development of Ijebuland.

Omo-Oba Oriola, who served as a senior counsel at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), played key roles in drafting regulations designed to protect ordinary Americans from unfair financial practices. 

During his time at the SEC, he helped write major disclosure rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ensuring financial advisers and brokers clearly explained fees, risks, and conflicts of interest to clients without hidden terms or misleading fine print. For example, he contributed to the development of Regulation Best Interest a landmark standard requiring financial advisers to place clients’ interests ahead of profits or commissions.

He noted that while influential groups opposed the reforms, regulators remained resolute. 

"The true test of any institution is its treatment of the most vulnerable individuals under its care," he stated. "People have a right to the truth before investing their money. I assisted in making that a legal requirement. I departed from Ijebu-Ode to gain global experience, and I plan to bring all that I have learned back home."

For his contributions, Omo-Oba Oriola received the SEC Chairman’s Award, the agency’s highest internal honour, multiple times. More than just credentials, his history shows twenty years observing how institutions succeed or fail. The overlap with kingship is intentional, as all governance requires mediating conflict for the general welfare. He has demonstrated this expertise consistently within high-ranking positions.

But beyond the international recognition and legal accomplishments, the Ijebu prince says his return home is driven by something far deeper than professional success.

Following the passing of his grandfather, Omo-Oba Fasasi Adebisi Adeyemi, who served for 25 years as Olori-Ebi of the royal family, Omo-Oba Oriola led the restoration of the family’s ancestral home, Ule Obanlefa Olufadekemi, in Ile Nla Compound, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode.

He described the project not as a display of wealth, but as a commitment to preserving identity, heritage, and family history.

“A family that lets its ancestral home fall apart has quietly surrendered something it can never buy back,” he said.

Today, the restored building stands as a symbol of continuity, carrying the family’s name, crown, and royal heritage proudly at its entrance.

Omo-Oba Oriola says his broader vision for Ijebuland centers on development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

He called for full electrification across communities, stressing that reliable power is essential for businesses, education, and retaining young talent.

He also emphasized mentorship and economic opportunities for young people, arguing that meaningful leadership requires consistent engagement beyond election cycles. At the same time, he urged the protection of Ijebu traditions, language, festivals, and values.

Now as a managing partner at the multifaceted legal and advisory firm Union Square Law and Advisory, he operates across Africa and the diaspora to drive development. His involvement in sectors like fintech, cultural tourism, and hospitality fuels the specific economic transformation he envisions for Ijebuland.

A group of concerned licensed customs agents and maritime stakeholders under the aegis of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged interference of the Marine Police in port operations.

Specifically, they accused the Police unit of blocking and extorting importers of duly cleared cargoes from Lagos ports.

In the petition dated May 6, 2026 and signed by John Ofobike, a former Chairman of the Apapa Chapter of ANLCA, the group called for the urgent intervention of the association’s leadership over the malpractice.

Ofobike also alleged that, for several months, the activities of officers of the Maritime Police have gone beyond lawful enforcement to deliberate harassment, obstruction, and extortion of consignments already duly processed and cleared by the Nigeria Customs Service.

The petition partly reads: “I write this open letter with a heavy heart and as a last resort, to seek your urgent intervention against the persistent, unlawful, and extortionate interference of the Maritime Police Command in the legitimate customs clearing process at our seaports.

For several months, the conduct of officers of the Maritime Police has moved beyond lawful enforcement into deliberate harassment, obstruction, and extortion of consignments that have already been duly processed and cleared by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“Goods backed by valid Single Goods Declaration (SGD), duty payment receipts, and Customs Release Orders are being forcefully stopped at the point of Terminal Delivery Order (TDO) processing, at shipping companies, or at bonded terminals. Our members and importers are subjected to hours and sometimes days of unwarranted detention of already cleared goods, repeated demands for “documentation verification,” and outright monetary demands before containers are released from these illegal blockages.

“This is happening in clear violation of the Federal Government’s 48-hour cargo clearance directive and the statutory role of the Nigeria Customs Service as the lead agency at the ports.”

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to affordable housing finance, describing housing as a critical driver of economic growth and social stability.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the declaration at the 21st Annual General Meeting of Lagos Building Investment Company Plc held in Ikeja on May 5, 2026.

Represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the governor commended the board, management and shareholders of the mortgage institution for sustaining its operations despite prevailing economic challenges.

“Despite a challenging economic climate marked by shifting market realities, LBIC has shown resilience in its role in fostering an inclusive and irrepressible Lagos through mortgage financing,” the governor said.

He described housing as more than a social necessity, stressing its wider economic value.

“Housing is not just a social need; it is an economic driver that creates jobs and supports small businesses across the value chain,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the government alone could not address the state’s housing deficit, calling for stronger collaboration with financial institutions and private sector stakeholders to deepen access to home ownership.

The public sector cannot tackle the housing challenge alone. We must continue to build strong partnerships with credible institutions like LBIC to expand sustainable housing finance,” he said.

The governor also urged the company to embrace technology and innovation to improve access to mortgage services, particularly for underserved residents.

According to him, the state government supports initiatives aimed at strengthening digital capabilities and expanding retail lending within the housing sector.

He expressed confidence that decisions reached at the AGM would position the institution for greater impact in the coming years.

“I am confident that the resolutions from this meeting will further position LBIC for continued growth and success,” he said.

Established to provide mortgage facilities for low-cost housing schemes in Lagos State, LBIC has evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading primary mortgage banks, focusing on expanding access to homeownership through housing finance solutions.

Windstorm has wreaked havoc in several communities across the Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, destroying houses, food storage facilities and property worth millions of naira.

The affected communities include Sambera, Jeroki, Becinga, Nassarawa, Tunga Soja, Tauken Mage, Tunga Muminu Oro and Ciwan Wanzam.

The storm, which struck on Wednesday night, left widespread destruction in its wake, with many families displaced after their homes were damaged or completely blown off.

Residents, however, confirmed that no lives were lost during the incident.

Member representing Suru Constituency in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Faruku Abubakar Maisudan, visited the affected communities to assess the extent of the damage and sympathise with victims.

My heart goes out to you in this difficult moment, and I urge you to accept it as a trial from Almighty Allah,” he told residents during the visit.

The lawmaker assured the victims that he would table the matter before the assembly and Governor Nasir Idris to secure urgent government intervention.

I will ensure your condition is presented to the appropriate authorities so that immediate support can reach you without delay,” he said.

Officials of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, who accompanied the lawmaker on the assessment tour, also pledged swift response and relief materials for the affected residents.

A SEMA official said the state government would soon provide assistance to cushion the hardship caused by the disaster

Ahmed stated this during a meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

A statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesman, said Ahmed expressed appreciation to Singh for the cordial relations between Nigeria and India.

He said that cooperation between both countries would focus on deepening ties ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi in May, 2026

According to him, both countries are strategic partners united by shared democratic values and common aspirations for sustainable development and South-South cooperation.

He underscored the importance of the forthcoming BRICS and India-Africa Forum engagements in advancing multilateral cooperation among developing countries amid evolving global political and economic realities.

Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s interest in increased Indian investments in key sectors of the economy, particularly manufacturing, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and local value addition.

He further stressed the need for strengthened collaboration in security and counter-terrorism, especially through technological cooperation and defence capacity building.

Earlier, Singh briefed Ahmed about preparations for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting slated for May 14 to 15, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, the India-Africa Forum Summit is expected to convene African leaders and senior officials later in the month.

Singh said, “ Nigeria, as a BRICS partner country and a major stakeholder in Africa, occupies a strategic place in India’s foreign policy engagement with the continent.

“The Government of India looks forward to Nigeria’s active participation at the meetings and in deepening cooperation between both countries in areas of trade, renewable energy, defence, industrialisation, agriculture, and technology.”

He further highlighted ongoing initiatives under the International Solar Alliance and Africa Solar Facility, including proposed renewable energy investments and enhanced developmental partnerships with Nigeria.

NAN

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group said respect for court judgments remained essential to the preservation of democracy and the rule of law.

The statement was jointly signed by CDHR President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Debo Adeniran, and the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Jeremiah Onyibe.

CDHR stated that although advocacy groups and citizens have constitutional rights to freedom of expression and public criticism, such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.

According to the organisation, the court, after considering the evidence presented before it, concluded that the publication against the DSS operatives was defamatory and damaging to their professional reputation.

The group urged SERAP to comply with all lawful directives contained in the judgment pending the outcome of any appeal process.

“The rule of law remains the foundation of every democratic society. Human rights advocacy must coexist with accountability, fairness, and respect for due process,” the statement read.

CDHR also cautioned against statements or narratives capable of undermining judicial authority or deepening public distrust in state institutions without credible evidence.

The organisation further stressed that while security agencies should remain open to lawful scrutiny, no organisation or individual is above the law.

Meanwhile, the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence also criticised SERAP over its reaction to the court judgment, accusing the organisation of attempting to ridicule the decision of the court.

In a separate statement signed by its Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, CAIDOV alleged that SERAP continued to maintain on its X handle claims that DSS operatives invaded its Abuja office on September 9, 2024, despite what the group described as a misrepresentation of facts.

Soloki noted, “We in the human rights community should lead by example. We should not be seen as the very persons breaching human rights in the name of free speech.

Human rights is universal. It is for everybody. We should not trample on the rights of others simply because they chose to be security agents.”

CAIDOV argued that the N100m damages awarded against SERAP for defamation should not be considered excessive, citing sanctions imposed on international firms over misconduct.

“Very big corporations around the world have at one time or the other been caught lying or cheating.

“Just last year, Deloitte, PwC and EY Netherlands were fined $8.5 million for cheating, while KPMG Netherlands was fined $25 million in 2024 for widespread cheating on training exams. What then is the big deal in a Nigerian court imposing a N100 million fine on SERAP for defamation?” the statement questioned.

The organisation added that it was ironic for SERAP, which had frequently relied on the courts to hold public institutions accountable, to question the judiciary because the verdict did not favour it.

The DSS had earlier clarified that the defamation suit was instituted by the two operatives in their personal capacity and not by the agency itself.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at DSS Headquarters, Favour Dozie, the Service said the officers sued SERAP after alleging that the organisation falsely accused them of invading its Abuja office and harassing staff on September 9, 2024.

The DSS said it conducted an internal investigation into the allegations before approving the officers to seek legal redress personally.

The FCT High Court subsequently ruled in favour of the operatives, awarding N100m damages against SERAP and directing the organisation to publish public apologies on its website, in The PUNCH and Vanguard newspapers, as well as on Arise Television and Channels Television.

The court also ordered that the damages would attract a 10 per cent annual interest from May 5, 2026, until full payment.

SERAP, however, rejected the judgment, describing it as flawed and announcing plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal

The Kwara State Government has introduced a new standardised health counselling system aimed at ensuring residents receive uniform and accurate healthcare information across hospitals, communities, and outreach programmes.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with Society for Family Health, centres on the deployment of an Integrated Health Facility Flip Chart for frontline health workers, State Mobilisation Officers, and community volunteers across the state.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, said the intervention is expected to address inconsistencies in health communication, improve public understanding of healthcare services, and strengthen behavioural change campaigns at the grassroots level.

Represented at the launch by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Fakoyode Oluwatosin, the commissioner stressed that the state was prioritising a unified approach to health education as part of efforts to improve healthcare outcomes.

She said, “Health promotion remains the backbone of effective public health interventions. Without it, we cannot achieve meaningful or sustained impact.”

“This tool will help drive behaviour change and improve how communities engage with health services.”

El-Imam explained that the flip chart would serve as a structured visual guide to help health personnel deliver clear and consistent counselling messages during antenatal clinics, immunisation exercises, community outreaches, and household visits.

According to her, the initiative is expected to strengthen public awareness and service uptake in key areas such as maternal and child health, routine immunisation, skilled birth attendance, malaria prevention, exclusive breastfeeding, hygiene, sanitation, and diarrhoea management.

She added that State Mobilisation Officers in all 16 local government areas would coordinate the deployment of the tool at the community level.

Also speaking, the Reproductive Health Coordinator at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kafayat Kofo, said the flip chart harmonises messaging across reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent healthcare services, as well as selected non-communicable diseases.

“This is more than a communication tool. It is a standardised behavioural change resource that ensures communities receive the right information in a clear and relatable way.”

Kofo noted that the initiative would help eliminate conflicting health messages and improve the quality of counselling provided by frontline health workers across the state.

In his remarks, the MIS Adviser for Society for Family Health, Mr. Adetayo Adedotun, said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen primary healthcare communication systems and improve programme performance.

Analysis

“This initiative supports the delivery of consistent, high-quality health education and aligns with efforts to improve service uptake and overall programme performance.

“It also provides a unified approach to counselling across facilities and communities,” he said.

The state government expressed optimism that the initiative would improve community engagement, strengthen trust in public healthcare messaging, and enhance overall healthcare delivery across Kwara State.

The National Pension Commission has said that only seven states and the Federal Capital Territory are fully implementing pension reform laws despite widespread adoption of contributory pension frameworks across the country.

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Mrs Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the maiden edition of the bi-annual consultative session for heads of service of states yet to adopt or fully implement the Contributory Pension Scheme or the Contributory Defined Benefits Scheme.

She said, “Out of the 36 states with pension reform laws on their books, only seven states, together with the Federal Capital Territory, are fully implementing these laws.”

The session was organised to encourage dialogue with affected state heads of service and to explore practical ways in which PenCom could provide technical support for the successful adoption and implementation of pension reforms at the sub-national level.

According to Oloworaran, 30 states and the FCT had enacted laws on the contributory pension scheme or the contributory defined benefits scheme, while six states still had pension reform bills awaiting passage in their state assemblies.

She noted that 23 states had pension laws that were either inactive or only partially implemented, leaving many civil servants uncertain about their retirement future.

“That leaves 23 states whose laws are written, inactive, or only partially being implemented. Twenty-three sets of public servants or civil servants whose retirement future hangs in the balance, not because there is no law, but because the law has not been activated,” she said.

The PenCom boss described pension reform as a constitutional and fiscal obligation rather than a policy option, citing Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees pension rights for civil servants.

She said the old pension structure had failed because it created uncertainty and unsustainable liabilities, adding that the contributory pension scheme was introduced to promote accountability, sustainability, and transparency in pension administration.

Oloworaran stressed that the main challenge facing many states was no longer the passage of pension laws but the discipline required for implementation, including regular remittance of pension contributions and adequate funding of accrued pension rights.

“Across our states, the challenge is no longer the enactment of laws. The challenge is the discipline of execution. It is the regular and timely remittance of contributions. It is the adequate and consistent funding of accrued pension rights,” she stated.

She urged heads of service to see pension reform as part of their governance legacy, noting that the success or failure of implementation in states would largely depend on their commitment.

The PenCom DG added that the commission’s goal under her leadership was to achieve “zero pension liabilities” and retirement dignity for Nigerian workers.

She also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved and released N758bn in 2025 to clear outstanding pension liabilities at the federal level, adding that there were currently no outstanding pension liabilities at the federal level.

According to her, PenCom had also launched “Pension Revolution 2.0,” a reform programme focused on retiree welfare, expanded pension coverage, improved investment performance, technology-driven service delivery, and national development financing.

She said the Federal Government’s recent approval of exit benefits for treasury-funded civil servants under the contributory pension scheme had addressed concerns that previously made the scheme unattractive to workers.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the consultative session was timely and necessary.

“The decision to bring together heads of service of states that are not yet fully implementing the contributory pension scheme is timely, strategic, and indeed very necessary,” she said.

Walson-Jack described pension reform as a matter of dignity, justice, confidence, and trust in public institutions, stressing that workers deserved assurance of stability after retirement.

She said the contributory pension scheme had introduced transparency, accountability, and sustainability into pension administration, but added that its benefits could only be fully realised through deeper implementation across all levels of government.

The Head of Service urged participating states to use the engagement to foster honest dialogue, peer learning, and practical problem-solving to strengthen confidence in government and protect workers.

She further called for stronger collaboration among PenCom, state governments, ministries of finance, pension bureaus, labour unions, and pension fund administrators to drive reforms nationwide.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the Nigerian pension fund industry started 2026 on a high note, with total pension fund assets surging to a new milestone of N28.04tn as of January 31, 2026, indicating a 22.64 per cent appreciation in pension assets from N22.86tn in January 2025.

According to the unaudited report on the pension funds industry portfolio, the industry recorded a significant monthly growth of N580.22bn, rising from a previous net asset value of N27.46tn at the end of the prior period.

On an annual basis, the increase represents an addition of N5.17tn within one year, highlighting continued expansion in the pension industry driven by contributions and investment performance.

This growth coincided with a steady expansion in the contributor base, with Registered Savings Account membership reaching 11,084,127 as of January 2026.

The House of Representatives has commenced moves to establish a comprehensive national framework for the control and regulation of alcohol consumption in Nigeria, in what lawmakers described as a major step toward addressing the growing social and public health consequences of substance abuse across the country.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm in Nigeria,” is sponsored by the Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, Mr Oluwatimehin Adelegbe.

The bill, which has already passed first reading, seeks to regulate the production, importation, distribution, advertisement, marketing and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, while introducing stronger safeguards for minors and vulnerable groups.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Adelegbe said the proposed law was designed to address rising concerns over alcohol abuse and its impact on public health, security, road safety, domestic violence and youth development

This bill is not about prohibition—it is about protection, responsibility, and national development. Nigeria must adopt a modern, evidence-based framework that safeguards our youth while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that the proposed legislation followed extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, public health experts, civil society groups and industry operators.

According to him, the bill is intended to strike a balance between public health concerns and the legitimate interests of manufacturers and distributors operating within the alcohol industry.

Adelegbe disclosed that a key technical input into the proposed law came from A New Thing International Foundation, led by Ambassador Kenneth Anetor, who also serves as Lead Consultant to the House Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse.

Quoting Anetor, the lawmaker said, “This legislation represents a shift from reactive interventions to preventive systems. It aligns Nigeria with global best practices while creating a balanced framework that protects public health and allows responsible industry participation.”

If passed into law, the bill will establish a national alcohol control framework, introduce stricter regulations on alcohol marketing and access—particularly for underage persons—strengthen public awareness campaigns and harm-reduction strategies, improve data collection and enforcement mechanisms, and align Nigeria’s alcohol policies with international public health standards.

Adelegbe also called on stakeholders in the alcoholic beverage industry to participate actively in the legislative process as the bill progresses through committee stages and public hearings.

According to him, the engagement of industry players is necessary to ensure that the eventual legal framework is both effective and sustainable.

“The process of the bill is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to contribute to shaping balanced and sustainable regulations, demonstrate commitment to corporate responsibility and partner with government on harm reduction and consumer protection,” he said.

The move by the House comes amid growing concern among health professionals, law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups over the increasing rate of substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria, particularly among young people.

In recent years, stakeholders have repeatedly called for a coordinated national policy to regulate alcohol consumption, warning that the absence of a comprehensive legal framework has contributed to unchecked advertising, easy access by minors and weak enforcement of existing regulations.

Nigeria currently relies on a combination of fragmented laws, agency guidelines and state-level regulations to manage alcohol-related issues, unlike many countries that operate dedicated national alcohol control policies.

Public health experts have argued that the country’s rising cases of addiction, drunk driving, violent crimes and mental health disorders linked to substance abuse require a more structured and preventive approach.

The debate around alcohol regulation has also gained momentum alongside increased attention on drug abuse, especially following repeated warnings by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over the growing prevalence of substance dependence among youths.

Stakeholders believe the proposed legislation could become one of the most far-reaching public health reforms in recent years if eventually passed and implemented effectively.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja.

Alausa stated that the transition to technology-driven examinations marked a significant step in strengthening the credibility of public examinations in the country and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global education standards.

“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading, and that is the Computer-Based Examination, which is to commence this year,” the minister said.

He explained that the new examination model would enable authorities to monitor candidates in real-time, detect suspicious activities, and reduce examination fraud.

The minister described NECO as a key institution in protecting integrity and accountability in the education sector, noting that the council had evolved into a reliable examination body over the past 25 years.

According to him, NECO’s growth reflected the country’s determination to establish a credible national examination system capable of providing equal opportunities for students nationwide.

Alausa stated that the examination body had improved examination security, enhanced scoring reliability, and expanded access to examinations in underserved communities while embracing technological innovations that restored public confidence in its certificates.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide the necessary oversight to ensure NECO’s examinations aligned with national educational goals and curriculum standards.

The minister also stressed the need for educational assessments to move beyond rote learning and focus on modern skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving.

“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work in unison, fostering trust, driving reform, and ensuring that certification remains a passport to brighter futures for all students,” he added.

In his remarks, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the council had expanded its operations beyond Nigeria and was now conducting examinations in eight countries.

Wushishi described the development as evidence of increasing international acceptance of NECO certificates.

“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi stated.

Wushishi said the council had overcome early challenges, including public scepticism, infrastructure limitations, and credibility concerns, to emerge as a globally recognised examination institution.

He noted that NECO had introduced several reforms, including digital verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services, and data analytics platforms.

The registrar also revealed that the council had embarked on infrastructure expansion projects, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the creation of additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.

According to him, NECO recently acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics across the country.

Wushishi further stated that the council planned to intensify measures against examination malpractice and strengthen digital services in line with its future development agenda.

He commended former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for their contributions to the establishment and growth of NECO.

Participants at the event described NECO’s growth over the last 25 years as a major achievement and expressed optimism that the introduction of computer-based examinations would improve transparency and efficiency in the country’s educational assessment system.

The introduction of computer-based examinations marks an important shift in Nigeria’s public assessment system, which has faced persistent concerns over examination malpractice, including question leaks, impersonation, and collusion at examination centres.

In recent years, examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have adopted computer-based testing, with authorities citing improved security, faster result processing, and reduced opportunities for fraud.

The World Health Organization said Thursday there were now five confirmed hantavirus cases from the Atlantic cruise ship outbreak, with three more suspected — and warned more cases were possible.

The WHO said it expected the outbreak on the MV Hondius, currently sailing from Cape Verde to the Spanish island of Tenerife, to be limited, so long as public health measures were properly implemented.

“So far, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus and the other three are suspected,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyeus said.

“The species of hantavirus involved in this case is the Andes virus, which is found in Latin America,” he told journalists in Geneva.

Given the incubation period of the Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported,” he added.

The Dutch-flagged ship left Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1 on its cruise north through the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Verde. It set sail north towards Tenerife on Wednesday.

Tedros said he had been in regular contact with the ship’s captain.

He told me morale has improved significantly since the ship started moving again. I thank him for everything he has done to protect those under his duty of care,” he said.

The WHO’s emergency alert and response director Abdi Rahman Mahamud added: “We believe this will be a limited outbreak if the public health measures are implemented and solidarity shown across all countries.”

The rare disease is usually spread from infected rodents, typically through urine, droppings and saliva.

The Andes virus is found in South America. It is the only strain of hantavirus with documented human-to-human transmission.

Tedros said Argentina would send 2,500 diagnostic kits to laboratories in five countries.

After leaving Ushuaia on its Atlantic voyage, the exploration vessel stopped at several remote islands along the way.

The WHO said it had informed 12 countries that its nationals had disembarked the MV Hondius on Saint Helena.

The ship called at the British territory from April 22 to 24. Its operator said that 30 guests had disembarked at that point, including the first fatality, a Dutchman who died on April 11.

The 12 countries were Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States, Tedros said.

Iwu warned that the country risks falling further behind in global competition if it continues to allow ethnicity to drive critical decisions.

He made the call while delivering the institution’s 61st inaugural lecture on Tuesday, a copy of the lecture was made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.

Titled, “Killing the Gods of Ethnicity Inhibiting Nigeria’s Journey Towards Technological Innovation: Football Theory of Scientific Development to the Rescue,” the lecture argued that technology had become both the weapon of insecurity and its most potent antidote.

“Technology is indispensable in tackling insecurity because insecurity itself uses technology to attack man. So, as a counter, we need more sophisticated technology, intelligence-gathering systems, long-range precision-targeted capabilities, and even technology that can profile and identify people,” Iwu said.

He warned that without adopting cutting-edge innovations, efforts to curb insecurity would remain ineffective and outdated.

Central to his argument was what he described as the “football theory”, a principle he urged governments at all levels to adopt in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Drawing from the world of sports, he argued that just as football rewards skill and talent regardless of a player’s background, Nigeria must apply the same logic to governance, science and technology.

“It is only in football that ethnicity, colour, race, religion or background do not count. What counts is skill and talent. That is the same principle Nigeria must apply, we must scout for competence wherever it exists, across all ethnic nationalities,” he stated.

He was particularly critical of the practice of appointing individuals based on ethnic affiliation rather than ability, saying, “When you bring in someone who has no competence simply to represent an ethnic group, of what benefit is that to national development? We should be thinking of Nigeria in relation to global competition, especially in technology.”

Iwu also charged universities to move beyond their traditional roles and become active drivers of national transformation through talent discovery and innovation.

“Universities must become centres for scouting and grooming individuals with exceptional skills, whether they are found within or outside the system, and prepare them for global competitiveness,” he recommended.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebisi Adaramola, praised the lecturer for a presentation he described as deeply insightful and solution-driven.

“That was a well-analysed presentation by a political scientist who has consistently shown interest in using technology to solve societal problems. He (Prof Iwu) has demonstrated mastery in his delivery,” the Vice Chancellor said.

Nigeria’s security crisis has deepened significantly over the past decade, with the country grappling simultaneously with Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings across the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist agitation and sit-at-home enforcement in the South-East and cult-related violence and oil theft in the South-South.

The cumulative toll in lives, displacement and economic losses runs into the hundreds of thousands, with millions of Nigerians living under daily threat.

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday raised concern over the renewed killings in Plateau State, describing the recurring attacks and the reported assault on mourners during a burial in Barkin Ladi as a failure of security response in the state.

Atiku was reacting to reports and videos from Barkin Ladi, where gunmen reportedly attacked mourners during a mass burial on Wednesday.

Several people were feared killed, while many others sustained injuries after the attackers allegedly opened fire on residents gathered to bury seven people who had been killed earlier in the community.

However, the attack had yet to be officially confirmed by the police as of the time of filing this report.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said the repeated attacks in Plateau communities now bear the “signature of organised terrorism.”

He also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of lacking an effective counterterrorism strategy.

“The violent crises in Plateau State have become an open sore that Nigeria must urgently heal. What is happening is no longer random violence. It is a recurring pattern of coordinated terror attacks against vulnerable communities,” Atiku said.

According to the statement, armed men had attacked the Nding Susut community in Barkin Ladi on Tuesday night, killing several residents before allegedly returning the following day to attack mourners during the burial.

Atiku described the incident as disturbing, saying it showed that even burial ceremonies were no longer safe.

“That attackers could reportedly return to the same community barely 24 hours later to unleash another round of bloodshed is a damning indictment of the government’s failure to respond swiftly to distress calls and secure vulnerable communities,” he stated.

He also faulted what he described as conflicting accounts from security authorities and community leaders over the incident.

“While youth leaders and community sources insist that mourners were attacked during a mass burial, police authorities have reportedly disputed aspects of those accounts.

“What Nigerians deserve at this moment is not bureaucratic contradiction or institutional defensiveness, but urgent action, accountability, and protection for human lives,” he added.

The former presidential candidate further criticised Tinubu for not visiting communities affected by the March 29 killings in Jos North during his visit to Plateau State on April 2.

Leadership demands more than carefully staged appearances; it demands empathy, courage, and decisive action,” Atiku said.

He added that the Federal Government had failed in its responsibility to protect lives and property in Plateau State.

According to him, over 2,500 people have reportedly been killed in Plateau State between 2023 and 2025.

“These are not mere statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, farmers, worshippers, and breadwinners whose lives have been cut short while government continues to grope in the dark for solutions,” he said.

Atiku called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Plateau State Government to adopt a comprehensive strategy to end the killings and restore public confidence.

“The people of Plateau State deserve safety, justice, and peace — not endless mourning and empty political rhetoric,” he added.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Thursday said that effective security in Nigeria can only be achieved through strong collaboration between the police and communities.

The IG, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, stated this during the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Police Community Relations Committee held in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “42 Years of PCRC: A Legacy of Service, A Future of Safe Communities,” the police boss described the PCRC as one of the enduring pillars of community-oriented policing in Nigeria.

He said, “Security is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is a shared duty, one that thrives when citizens and law enforcement work hand in hand.”

According to him, the PCRC has over the years built trust between the police and members of the public through collaboration, advocacy and support during periods of crisis.

“Your legacy is written in countless acts of service, the bridges you have built between communities and the police, the trust you have nurtured in moments of tension, the support you have provided in times of crisis and the advocacy you have championed for safer neighbourhoods,” he said.

The IGP noted that the future of policing and national security would depend on deeper collaboration, smarter engagement and stronger community participation.

He said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to a policing model that is “proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-enabled and community-rooted.”

“But no strategy, no reform and no innovation can succeed without the trust and involvement of the people. This is where the PCRC remains indispensable,” he added.

Disu further called for renewed commitment to community engagement and stronger public trust to build peaceful and resilient communities across the country.

“The future we envision — a future of safe, resilient and peaceful communities — will require renewed commitment to community engagement, stronger involvement, enhanced public trust and continuous dialogue between the police and the people we serve,” he said.

He urged the PCRC to embrace new ideas, technologies and partnerships that reflect the realities of modern policing.

“The PCRC must continue to evolve, embracing new ideas, new technologies and new partnerships that reflect the realities of modern policing,” he stated.

The police boss assured members of the committee of the unwavering support of the Nigeria Police Force in advancing community-oriented policing.

Together, we will continue to advance the ideals of community-oriented policing and build a nation where every citizen feels safe, valued and protected,” he added.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for supporting the organisation and strengthening police-community relations nationwide.

Olaniyan said the PCRC had expanded its presence beyond Nigeria to countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Qatar, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

He also highlighted the committee’s support for police officers and their families through welfare packages, financial assistance and recognition awards.

According to him, over 6,000 police officers benefited from special welfare packages during the last Christmas and Ramadan celebrations.

During the programme, junior officers from different commands were honoured for their outstanding service to the nation.

The Police Community Relations Committee was established in 1984 to foster cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and members of the public in tackling insecurity and promoting peace at the grassroots.

Over the years, the organisation has served as a bridge between communities and the police through advocacy, support programmes and community policing initiatives across the country.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday, said anyone that takes innocent lives while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ is going to hell, and would pay for such evil.

The Sultan added that much of the violence often described as religious is being misunderstood, deepening suspicion and mistrust.

He said these at the first triannual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, in Abuja, where the Sultan, who co-chairs the council, spoke alongside President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to him, “Let us get the narrative right. It is not about religion. Let us stop bringing religion into it. 

“Let us call them what they are – criminals. Not Muslim criminals, not Muslim terrorists, not Muslim bandits. Even if someone claims to be Muslim, what they do goes against Islam.”

Linking the problem to ignorance, he warned against false claims of religious authority, adding that “the fact that you understand Arabic does not make you a Sheikh. Arabic is just a language. So literacy is very important.

“Somebody can go to the market, blows his or herself up, kill people and shout ‘Allahu Akbar’. Yes, God is great, but you are going to hell. They will suffer for taking innocent lives.”

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, has organised a one-day capacity-building training to strengthen advocacy for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation across the state.

The training held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers of Health Health Educators and Monitoring and Evaluation Offices from all 33 local government areas of the state.

A statement released on Thursday, issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made available to journalists in Ibadan, said the training formed part of ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices and promote the health and rights of women and girls.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ending FGM in Oyo State.

He described FGM as a harmful and outdated practise that must be eradicated through sustained advocacy, community engagement, and strengthened healthcare systems.

Olatunji stressed the vital role of primary healthcare workers, aimed at driving behavioural change at the grassroots level, urging participants to become active advocates against FGM in their respective communities.

He stated, “The training was designed to equip health workers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cases of FGM and other forms of Gender-Based Violence.

The programme will strengthen participants’ capacity to implement interventions and ensure proper referral mechanisms for survivors.”

During one of the sessions, the Programme Officer, Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin, delivered a detailed presentation on Female Genital Mutilation, covering its definition, types, prevalence, causes, and consequences as well as emerging trends within Oyo State.

She explained that FGM often wrongly referred to as female circumcision, has no medical benefits and exposes women and girls to severe physical, psychological, and emotional complications.

Olawoyin also highlighted socio-cultural factors sustaining the practice, including myths, misconceptions, and societal pressure while emphasising the need for collective efforts to end it.

Participants at the event received training on appropriate referral pathways for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and FGM, with emphasis placed on ensuring victims receive timely medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance where necessary.

Participants were encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns and promote behavioural change in their communities to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls.

Additionally, the training further underscored the importance of recognising FGM as both a preventable public health issue and a violation of human rights.

As part of efforts to support community outreach activities, health educators were provided with identification jackets, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, and reporting booklets to aid their fieldwork and documentation.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reiterated its commitment to working closely with development partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure the total abandonment of FGM in the state.

The training concluded with a renewed call on participants to serve as frontline advocates in the campaign against female genital mutilation and help create a safer and healthier environment for every girl child in Oyo State.

FGM, according to the World health organisation, comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

It has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, menstrual difficulties, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

The Plateau State Police Command and the Berom youth community are at odds over reports of an attack on mourners during a mass burial of terror victims in Barkin Ladi, with the police describing the claims as “false” while the community insists the incident occurred.

The controversy stems from reports that gunmen attacked mourners gathered for the burial of seven victims killed in an earlier assault on Nding Sesut Community, Fan District of the council area.

Residents and eyewitnesses said the assailants attempted to storm the burial site on Wednesday but were repelled, while separate attacks were later carried out on nearby communities.

In a swift reaction, the Plateau State Police Command issued a press release on May 6, 2026, debunking the report.

It has come to the notice of the Plateau State Police Command that a misleading publication by a section of the media alleges that gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians during a mass burial in the state, resulting in the death of many people,” the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, read.

The command said the claims were “grossly exaggerated, inaccurate, and do not reflect the true situation on the ground,” stressing that “at no time did the Plateau State Police Command record such an incident.”

It added that the burial “was conducted under strict security supervision,” with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agencies present throughout the ceremony alongside the local government chairman, who “addressed the youth, urging them to toe the line of peace and allow security to do all within their powers to arrest the perpetrators of this violence.”

According to the police, “the event was carried out without any attack, as falsely reported.”

Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, said additional personnel, including mobile policemen and operatives of Operation Enduring Peace, had been deployed “as part of proactive measures to sustain peace and forestall any potential threats within the area.”

The command urged the public to “disregard the said publication, as it is misleading and capable of inciting unnecessary panic,” and advised media organisations “to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying information from credible sources before dissemination, especially on sensitive security matters.”

However, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association on Thursday countered the police position in a statement issued on May 7, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.

While acknowledging “the presence and efforts of security personnel at the burial ceremony,” the group said it was necessary “to state the facts clearly and accurately for the sake of public record, justice for the victims, and the affected communities.”

The BYM said the number of persons killed in the initial attack that led to the mass burial was “seven, not five,” and noted that Nding Sesut, a border community between Fan and Ropp districts, “has remained vulnerable to repeated attacks over time.”

The group further asserted that “there was indeed an attempted attack during the mass burial ceremony at Nding Sesut.” 

According to the statement, “Some officials of the association, led by the National President, were physically present at the burial, making this not merely an eyewitness account but a direct experience of those on the ground.”

It added that “the attackers attempted to invade the area during the burial proceedings but were successfully repelled through the combined efforts of security personnel present at the venue and local vigilante groups.”

Three vigilante members sustained injuries during the confrontation and were taken to hospital for medical attention.

The BYM said after failing to penetrate the burial gathering, “the attackers moved to soft-target communities in Ropp District, specifically Zat and Bet communities.”

The attack, it said, “resulted in the killing of two persons in Zat Community and the burning of the residence of the community leader.”

The group noted that Zat Community is located close to Saint John Vianney Minor Seminary, Barkin Ladi, “a fact that can easily be verified by any interested member of the public.”

The youth group stressed that “these unfortunate incidents are realities experienced by the affected communities and should not be dismissed in a manner that may appear to undermine the pains, fears, and losses suffered by innocent citizens.”

It called for “proactive security measures, sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering, and prompt response mechanisms capable of preventing further attacks on vulnerable rural settlements,” adding that “public communication on security matters should reflect realities on the ground with accuracy, balance, and sensitivity.”

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condoled with the people of Esa-Oke over the passage of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran.

This was contained in a statement signed and released by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.

The statement noted that the revered monarch reportedly joined his ancestors in the early hours of Wednesday.

Adeleke, in his condolence message obtained in Osogbo, described the late royal father as a highly respected personality whose reign was marked by wisdom and steadfast commitment to the growth and unity of Esa-Oke and the entire Ijesa land.

In the condolence message, Adeleke stated, “I received the news of the transition of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran, with a heavy heart. Osun State has lost a distinguished monarch and a father figure who devoted his life to the service of his people and the preservation of our cherished cultural values.

“Kabiyesi’s reign reflected humility, maturity, and an enduring commitment to peace and development. His wise counsel and stabilising influence will be greatly missed not only by the people of Esa-Oke but by the entire state.”

The governor further noted that the late monarch played a significant role in fostering harmony and communal progress in Obokun Local Government Area and beyond.

The late Owamiran leaves behind a legacy of honour, integrity, and selfless leadership. His contributions to community development and the strengthening of traditional institutions will remain evergreen in our hearts,” he remarked.

He condoled the royal family, the people of Esa-Oke, the Obokun Traditional Council and the entire Ijesa community, and prayed that God grants the soul of the departed monarch eternal rest and gives his people the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The  earlier report that there was growing concern in Esa-Oke following reports about the health condition of Oba Adediran.

Sources close to the palace said Oba Adediran had been indisposed in recent days.

It was further gathered that the monarch had not appeared in public lately, a development linked to his health condition.

Residents’ concerns over the whereabouts of the royal father intensified on Wednesday afternoon after his second-in-command, the Ogboni of Esa-Oke, Chief Paul Olamiju, announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the community.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and security agencies from Europe, have arrested a suspected Nigerian billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland over an alleged international drug money laundering operation.

The NDLEA announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

“The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon in Switzerland and his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, in Anambra state, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta state on Tuesday 28th April 2026.

“This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes,” the statement read.

The agency said the syndicate allegedly operated a complex financial network used to move and conceal proceeds of drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets and multiple bank accounts across different countries.

Investigators also traced several luxury properties in Nigeria allegedly linked to the suspect and his associates.

The properties include Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, as well as Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja.

The agency added that bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the network had been frozen as part of ongoing investigations.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the operation as a major breakthrough against international drug trafficking and financial crimes.

Marwa said the agency would continue to work with global partners to ensure Nigeria does not become a safe haven for drug cartels or illicit financial operations.

He also praised the support provided by the US-DEA and other international agencies, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations played a key role in dismantling the network.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said contesting Nigeria’s presidency is “not a computer game” as he reacted to calls by youth groups urging him to contest the 2027 election.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday while receiving some youth groups who visited him at his office in Abuja to press him to return to the presidential race.

Responding to the appeal, the former president said he would consult widely before taking any decision, stressing that leadership required careful consideration.

“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I’ll consult widely,” he said.

The former president commended the youths for showing interest in the country, describing patriotism as essential to nation-building.

“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.

Jonathan also urged young Nigerians to promote peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of transparent electoral processes discourages competent citizens from participating in politics.

The key thing we need in this country is peace.

“You continue to advocate for that. And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country. Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” he said.

The former president lamented Nigeria’s low voter turnout, saying the country records one of the poorest participation rates during elections despite having a large voting population.

“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle.

“I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it. And what is the cause? As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he stated.

Jonathan challenged the youths to participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining voter cards and voting during elections.

“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50% of you don’t have your voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process,” he said.

He also lamented the perception of Nigerians abroad, attributing it partly to leadership failures over the years.

“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop. Even African countries that we have, African countries that even when we are students, as of our scholarship monies, we are contributing to solve problems in those countries,” he said.

Jonathan, however, reiterated that he had only listened to the appeal and would continue consultations before making any political decision ahead of 2027.

“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I am telling you that I will consult. If there is a need to, I will wait,” Jonathan stated.

Former Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, has appealed to the management of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti to upgrade the facility’s annex in the community to provide 24-hour medical services to the people.

Meanwhile, Oba Alabi hailed FETHI Chief Medical Director, Prof. Kolawole Ogundipe, and his team for keeping the annex working in the face of the present economic measures in the country.

The monarch, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Chief Olubunmi Ajibade, made available on Thursday, made the call in his palace at Ilawe Ekiti while playing host to FETHI management team led by the CMD, Prof. Ogundipe.

Oba Alabi, who said some modern medical facilities were lying fallow in the annex, said, “The hospital annex should make use of the state of the art equipment including laboratory facilities in the facility to meet the medical needs of patients from Ilawe Ekiti and other neighbouring  communities.

The Alawe hailed indigenes of the community including Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana SAN and the Chairman, Senate Committee  on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, for their contributions to the growth of the hospital annex.”

Ogundipe, who thanked the monarch and Ilawe-Ekiti community for their financial and material donations to the hospital annex, promised to ensure that the health facility met the people’s demands.

The CMD promised to always update the community concerning the  progress  of the teaching hospital annex

Ogundipe, a former CMD of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti and Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, Ado Ekiti assumed office as FETHI CMD in March following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

The CMD, had on resumption of duty, pledged to strengthen and reposition the tertiary health facility as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research.

He had noted that FETHI occupied a strategic position in the country’s healthcare system as he called for the cooperation of the hospital’s workforce to achieve the facility’s mission as both a healthcare provider and a teaching institution.

Organised Labour in the nation’s electricity industry has raised alarm over worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and what they describe as a collapsing power sector, claiming that these are pushing them to the brink.

Under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, they lamented that its members are increasingly exposed to violence, unsafe working conditions, and economic hardship while striving to keep the country powered.

A statement by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, expressed sadness that from overstretched infrastructure to erratic electricity supply, the challenges confronting the sector are mounting.

According to NUEE, workers are being forced to deliver under extreme pressure, even as inflation surges, wages stagnate, and the cost of living spirals beyond reach.

The union warns that without urgent reforms, both the workforce and the nation’s fragile power system could face further decline.

It stated: “In addition, we work under very unsafe environment and circumstances – our linemen and technician in the transmission sector are threatened daily by kidnappers and bandits, distribution engineers and technician are beaten up daily by hoodlums and community boys while our sales and marketing teams face the worst harassment, intimidation and abuse while rendering service to the public.”

According to the union, electricity infrastructure across the country has become a target for vandalism and attacks, leaving technical staff vulnerable in the line of duty.

They added that substations are damaged, transmission lines sabotaged, and entire communities plunged into darkness, compounding the already dire state of power supply.

The NUEE noted that “many workers are grappling with stagnant salaries, casualisation of labour, and poor remuneration in the face of a weakening currency and rising inflation. For many, the promise of decent work—defined by fair pay and safe conditions—has become increasingly unattainable. Insecurity has continued to cast a long shadow over our workplaces and communities. No worker should have to choose between earning a living and staying alive.”

The union also took aim at the state of Nigeria’s power sector reforms, arguing that privatisation has failed to deliver meaningful improvements.

Instead, it claims, the system has produced “public disaster and private gains,” with ordinary Nigerians still suffering from unreliable and inadequate electricity supply.

Despite Nigeria’s vast population of over 220 million people, power generation remains below 5,000 megawatts—far below global benchmarks.

This shortfall continues to strain the system, affecting productivity and placing enormous pressure on workers tasked with maintaining and distributing power nationwide.

Yet, amid the crisis, electricity workers have remained resilient. The union praised its members for their dedication and sacrifice, noting that they continue to serve in both urban and remote areas under hazardous conditions.

Still, NUEE insists that resilience should not be mistaken for acceptance. It is calling for urgent action to address insecurity, improve working conditions, ensure fair wages, and overhaul the failing power sector.

Reports say Police have arrested two persons including the Bayelsa State sender of the barretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition that led to the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman in Effurun, Delta state.

A source said two suspects were moved into the Effurun Area Command under the Delta State Police Command Wednesday night, as investigations continues towards apprehending all persons connected with movement of the gun and bullets, and the death of 28 year old Mine.

While the Police authorities keep mum on the development, a source told Vanguard, “It’s confirmed. They just brought in two suspects Wednesday night.

“It’s not been announced who is who yet, but I can tell you for free that one of them is the person who sent the gun through a transport line from Yenagoa to Effurun, from where Mine picked it to send to a Sapele owner at the Effurun Motor Park where he was caught and extrajudicially killed by ASP Nuhu and accomplices.

Like I sad, it’s not clear if the other person among the two could be the driver who brought the parcel from Yenagoa. But it’s clear that the sender is among the duo just apprehended. And the trail continues for the other suapects.”

The founder of Solid Rock Kingdom in Akwa Ibom State, Apostle John Okoriko, has warned Christians against making careless and negative utterances about themselves, the environment and businesses, saying there is enormous atomic power in the spoken words.

Okoriko stated this during the May edition of his monthly interactive session held in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the State on Sunday, with the theme, “What You Say, You Become. Part 11”

Harping on the importance and potency of thoughts and spoken words right from creation, the cleric regretted that most families and churches still dwell on negative and pessimistic words, which have held them down from making progress.

He said the greatest part of life is to speak positive things to it, saying what people say about themselves, environment, businesses, career or families could either make or mar them. He encouraged citizens to see and speak good things about Nigeria

The cleric urged Christians not to lose hope despite the socio-political and security challenges confronting the country, saying Nigeria can still experience a total turnaround if people begin to say positive words about the country

“A whole nation of Israel talked themselves into poverty. Let us not follow that way. I tell you that positive teachings and preaching can change things in Nigeria.

“The reason churches and families in Nigeria are poor and wretched is because of the activities of Juju men turned into preachers who build their messages on negativities and impossibilities.

I know that the present economic condition in Nigeria has made people to start losing hope, but no matter how we are broken as a country, if we can come together, speak positive things about ourselves, we can change the political, economic and social situation in the country.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, on Wednesday warned against the continued closure of schools due to insecurity, saying it poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability.

Akume said shutting down schools in unsafe areas not only disrupts learning but also deepens the country’s education crisis.

A statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said the SGF spoke in Abuja at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, held under the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

The SGF called for the strengthening of government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments.

The SGF also raised concerns over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas continue to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis.

“He said government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments must be strengthened to protect children and ensure uninterrupted learning,” the statement partly read.

According to him, it was impossible to encourage children to learn when schools were not secure.

A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.

Akume emphasised that while religious studies are already part of the school curriculum, priority must now be placed on improving teaching quality through better-trained educators, enhanced learning materials and value-based education that promotes tolerance and responsible citizenship.

Beyond education, the SGF urged religious and traditional leaders to play a more active role in preventing violence and fostering unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He said faith-based and traditional institutions must lead efforts in grassroots mobilisation, youth education and peace-building to counter misinformation, stereotypes and identity-based divisions that often trigger conflict.

“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, promote tolerance and ensure peaceful coexistence in their communities,” Akume said.

He warned against the manipulation of religion and identity for political or economic gains, noting that such actions often fuel violence and social unrest.

Akume also stressed the importance of combining religious literacy with media and information literacy to combat the spread of falsehoods and hate speech, referencing Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on promoting responsible information sharing.

He added that the Federal Government had put measures in place to support religious and traditional institutions in sustaining peace and security ahead of the elections.

The SGF expressed optimism that deliberations at the NIREC meeting would yield practical solutions to strengthen national cohesion, while urging stakeholders to prioritise education and literacy as key tools for peace-building and development.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, has endorsed Damilola Ayinde Marshal, daughter of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, for the Lagos State House of Assembly.

In a short video shared on Damilola’s Snapchat handle on Wednesday, the aspirant was seen presenting branded caps to Sego during a meeting believed to be linked to her political consultation ahead of the All Progressives Congress primaries.

Speaking in the clip, the Lagos NURTW chairman urged party members and supporters to back her ambition.

“When it is primary election, please come out en masse and vote for Dami, Omo Anifowose. She is the only one who can do it. The progress of our Surulere is our collective responsibility. It is our time,” Sego said.

The endorsement adds to the growing support trailing Damilola’s recently declared ambition to represent Surulere Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the APC.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the lawyer and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism announced her intention to contest the seat through a post on Instagram.

“I am excited to share that I, Barr. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, am stepping forward to serve the good people of Surulere Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she had written.

She said her professional experience prepared her for public service and representation.

“I am a woman of excellence and results. I am ready to serve and lead. With my background, I am fully prepared and ready to fight for what truly matters. I promise to be the voice of the youths in the House,” she added.

Damilola also described herself as part of a new generation of leaders committed to development and youth inclusion.

“As a young woman, I believe this is exactly what my people need right now, and that is why I decided to step forward,” she stated.

She is expected to replace the current lawmaker representing the constituency, Mosunmola Rotimi Sangodara, who occupies the seat under the APC.

The management of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, has expelled eight students over examination malpractice.

This was contained in a letter signed by the Deputy Registrar (Academics), Mr Eli Gbadufu, made available to journalists on Wednesday in Lokoja.

According to the letter, the decision was ratified by the university’s Senate at its 30th regular meeting held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

“The expulsion followed investigations by the Examination Misconduct Committee into violations recorded during the first semester examinations of the 2025/2026 academic session,” the statement noted.

The letter stated that the affected students were found guilty after due process and in line with the university’s academic policies as outlined in the Student Handbook, Page 33, Item 19.

The institution reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on academic dishonesty.

“The eight expelled students cut across various departments and levels of study, including: Ogedemgbe A. Nelson – 100L, Economics; Yakubu Abdulrazak Adavize – 300L, Library and Information Science; and Olowu Samuel Ayomide – 200L, Mining Engineering.

Others were: Usman Bilal – 400L, Information Technology; Adams Michael – 200L, Information Technology; Ale David – 200L, Mechanical Engineering; Habiba Muhammed – 100L, Business Administration; and Mustapha Faith Adetutu – 200L, Agricultural Science,” the management stated.

The CUSTECH management reiterated that the institution remained committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.

The institution urged all students to conduct themselves in accordance with the university’s rules and avoid acts that undermine the credibility of its academic process.

“The move signals CUSTECH’s determination to preserve the value of its degrees and maintain discipline across all faculties as it continues to grow as Kogi State’s premier science and technology university,” the statement added.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at closing regulatory gaps and strengthening enforcement against unsafe products and unfair market practices.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to deepen collaboration between both agencies in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and enforcement of standards.

The agreement also introduced a structured system for information exchange between both regulators, aimed at eliminating delays that often hinder investigations and enforcement.

Speaking at the event held at the commission’s corporate headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji Bello, said the pact marks a deliberate step towards coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market.

He said, “This event marks a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the service of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection overlap and require coordinated action.

“The mandates of the FCCPC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, are clearly set out in law, although their functions increasingly overlap in practice.”

Bello explained that while both agencies have distinct legal mandates, their responsibilities increasingly intersect in practice, especially in dealing with substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and misleading product claims.

According to him, “FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, or exploitative market behaviour. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined. NAFDAC’s responsibilities are more product-specific.

“It regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Its central concern is safety and quality, ensuring that regulated products meet required standards both before and after they enter the market.”

Bello acknowledged that their regulatory functions increasingly overlap in practice, particularly in areas affecting both product safety and consumer rights.

He noted that issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising often cut across the mandates of both agencies, requiring coordinated intervention.

He further explained that a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction, but also a consumer protection issue that falls within the enforcement scope of the FCCPC.

Similarly, cases involving false or misleading advertising of regulated products typically demand joint action from both institutions.

Against this backdrop, the agencies said the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding provides a structured framework to address these overlaps, enabling more effective collaboration, clearer responsibilities, and improved regulatory outcomes.

The FCCPC boss stated, “In reality, the work of both agencies often converges. Issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising raise questions that fall within both product safety and consumer protection. For instance, a harmful product that reaches the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s remit, but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC.

“The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both bodies. Given this overlap, a formal Memorandum of Understanding provides a practical basis for cooperation. The MoU being executed today, therefore, establishes a clearer and more workable framework for collaboration between the two institutions.”

He added that the new framework would eliminate confusion for consumers and improve response time to complaints.

“Rather than leaving consumers to decide which agency to approach, complaints can now be received and reviewed in one place, and then directed through clearly defined channels. This will make the system more efficient and more responsive,” Bello said

The FCCPC boss also disclosed that the agreement provides for data sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions, as well as capacity building through training and technical collaboration.

He stressed that the ultimate goal is to build trust in the market.

“Effective regulation is not just about enforcement. It builds confidence. When consumers trust that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently,” he added.

In a stern warning to violators, Bello said the collaboration would strengthen oversight and deter non-compliance.

“This will send shivers down the spine of those who are mischievous in our society, those who try to circumvent the rules. The message is clear: enforcement will be stronger and more coordinated,” he said.

On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as critical to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.

She said the partnership goes beyond documentation and must translate into action.

“This MoU is extremely important for the nation. But beyond the document, what matters is action. We do not need theory when it comes to consumer protection, we need results,”* she said.

Adeyeye recounted instances where FCCPC responded swiftly to complaints she personally raised as a consumer, leading to immediate corrective actions by erring businesses.

“The two times that I complained, he responded almost immediately, and the enterprise made amends. That is the way it is supposed to be. That is the kind of leadership we need,” she said.

She emphasised that while NAFDAC ensures product safety and quality, FCCPC plays a critical role in protecting the rights of consumers who use those products.

“NAFDAC is about the safety and efficacy of products, but it is people who use those products. That is where FCCPC comes in. Consumers have the right to complain, and we must ensure those complaints lead to action,” she added.

The NAFDAC boss further noted that the collaboration would strengthen enforcement tools, including sanctions against violators, while enhancing public awareness through coordinated communication.

She said, “NAFDAC has the mandate to act against violators, FCCPC will fight for the consumer, and together we will ensure that Nigerians are protected. For our people that are watching us. Because this will be televised. Just know that you are on our mind.

“In terms of product quality, safety and efficacy. In terms of your rights as a consumer to complain. We are watching your back.”

The MoU is expected to streamline complaint handling, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure faster resolution of consumer issues, while also creating a more predictable compliance environment for businesses.

The move comes at a time when Nigeria is battling the proliferation of substandard products, fake drugs, and deceptive advertising, all of which have continued to undermine consumer confidence and public health.

With both agencies now working under a unified framework, stakeholders say the success of the agreement will depend on sustained implementation and consistent enforcement.

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the safe rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja.

The confirmation came in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that gunmen attacked the orphanage on April 26 and abducted 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife.

The government had earlier confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 following intensified security operations across the state.

Fanwo said the remaining nine victims regained freedom during a rescue operation conducted in the early hours of Wednesday.

He described the development as a major breakthrough against criminal elements operating within the state and a relief to affected families.

According to him, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army led the coordinated search-and-rescue mission with support from other security agencies.

The operation, carried out in the Agbaja Forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area, resulted in the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females.

“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention,” Fanwo said.

The state governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and bravery.

The governor also commended the victims and their families for their resilience throughout the traumatic experience.

“The safety and security of all residents remain the foremost priority of our administration. This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi.

“We will continue to strengthen our security architecture, deepen intelligence gathering, and support security agencies to act swiftly and decisively,” Ododo said.

The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to sustain security and stability in Kogi.

He commended heads of security agencies nationwide for their continued cooperation and coordinated response against violent crimes.

He reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and other violent criminal activities across Kogi.

Ododo urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing future attacks.

He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to arrest the perpetrators and ensure they faced justice.

NAN

ABUJA: A former Executive Secretary of the West Africa Economic Summit Secretariat, Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, has unveiled an ambitious economic development blueprint anchored on the vast bitumen deposits and cocoa resources of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, pledging to deliver on it if elected to the House of Representatives.

Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who is seeking the All Progressives Congress APC ticket for the constituency, spoke to journalists in Abuja after submitting her expression of interest and nomination forms.

Accompanied by a broad coalition of political stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers, women leaders and influential party figures drawn from across Ondo State, she painted a picture of a constituency sitting on enormous but largely untapped economic potential, and argued that the missing ingredient had been the quality of its representation in the National Assembly.

“The Ore corridor moves more daily traffic than any single Nigerian airport. Odigbo sits atop one of the world’s largest bitumen deposits. Ile-Oluji anchors a cocoa belt that contributes to Ondo State’s twenty-five percent share of national cocoa output — a crop that earned Nigeria over N3.6 trillion in a single year. The resources exist. The representation has not matched them.

“I have spent years working at the intersection of policy, investment, and governance. What matters is ensuring that this experience translates into real outcomes for our people — across Ile-Oluji, Oke-Igbo, and Odigbo — with representation that is present, responsive, and delivers”, she said. 

Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who also served as senior adviser to former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, said her development agenda is designed to unlock these assets and channel them into industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth for the constituency.

She pointed to a track record that includes facilitating over $150 million in investment pipelines and coordinating regional engagements involving Heads of State, saying her ambition was driven by results rather than rhetoric.

The aspirant also highlighted her grassroots interventions through the Read2Succeed Africa initiative as evidence of her ability to bridge high-level policy experience with direct community impact, noting that her engagement with party structures and local stakeholders reinforced that balance.

On her motivation for seeking elected office, Fajemirokun-Ajayi said the decision was rooted in a desire to give voice to underrepresented groups — particularly women and young people — while ensuring her constituency benefits meaningfully from democratic governance.

“Every election cycle presents an opportunity for the people to decide whether they are satisfied with the status quo or ready for something new. Democracy is about the people, and they will make that decision. Our responsibility is to show that women and young people can step forward, lead, and deliver on the mandates given to them,” she said.

She expressed concern over the persistently low participation and electoral success of women in Nigerian politics, describing the situation as an urgent gap that must be closed.

“There is clearly a shortage of women in key elective positions, including the National Assembly. That must change. Representation should reflect all segments of society, and when given the opportunity, women have the capacity to represent effectively and inclusively,” she said.

Football Australia has criticised the decision to stop public screenings of the 2026 World Cup at Melbourne’s Federation Square, urging authorities to reverse the restriction.

The governing body said it was “extremely disappointed” with the move by the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which cited concerns over previous “dangerous” fan behaviour at the venue.

Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler defended the importance of public viewing sites, stressing their cultural value during major tournaments.

“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and unites Australia’s multicultural communities, while reinforcing our national identity. Live sites create iconic moments for Australian sports fans”, he said.

Kugeler also argued that the decision undermines Melbourne’s sporting reputation, saying:

Melbourne is one of Australia’s sporting and multicultural capitals, and this decision goes against this tradition.”

However, the Melbourne Arts Precinct defended its stance, with chief executive Katrina Sedgwick pointing to repeated safety concerns linked to a minority of supporters.

“This issue is really with a very small group of fans who, unfortunately, behave in a way that is just antisocial and frankly, dangerous,” she told ABC.

She explained that crowd safety had become difficult to manage during past screenings. “The challenge is when you have a crowded square with lots and lots of people and people are smuggling in flares,” she said.
Sedgwick added that injuries had already occurred in previous events, noting: “Some people were injured by flares in previous World Cup screenings.”

She also described the scale of disruption at a past match night: “I think on the final night of the last Socceroos game we screened, we counted over 100 flares and fireworks that had been let off in the square.”

The Socceroos will open their World Cup campaign against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, before facing the United States in Seattle and Paraguay in California.

Nigeria and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in security, economic development and migration management.

This followed a meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and the Somali Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Osman Mohamed, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, while welcoming the envoy, Ahmed said Nigeria remained ready to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Somalia, noting that the interaction would further consolidate the cordial ties between both countries.

He said, “Nigeria is committed to supporting Somalia’s ongoing efforts towards stabilisation, institutional strengthening and national development, with full respect for its sovereignty.”

In his remarks, the Somali ambassador stressed the need for closer collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, security cooperation and institutional capacity-building.

Mohamed said, “There is a need for structured mechanisms to address shared security challenges such as terrorism and transnational crime, while also promoting cultural exchange, technology transfer and investment.”

He also briefed the Nigerian side on the current security situation in Somalia and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support and that of the international community in safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Responding, Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s willingness to share its experience in tackling terrorism and insurgency through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

He said, “Nigeria is ready to collaborate in key areas such as maritime security, anti-piracy initiatives and manpower development, as these efforts are critical to regional stability and economic security.”

Both sides also explored opportunities for economic cooperation in agriculture, mining, digital technology and fintech, highlighting their potential to drive growth and create jobs, particularly for young people.

They further underscored the importance of promoting safe, orderly and regular migration across Africa as a strategy to address irregular migration challenges.

Both countries expressed commitment to sustained engagement and practical outcomes that would benefit their citizens.

Ahmed assured the Somali envoy of the ministry’s full support, expressing confidence that the engagement would usher in a new phase of productive bilateral relations.

The Rivers State Police Command said its officers have arrested a four-man syndicate allegedly involved in a N4.6 million fraud.

According to the police, the arrest followed a report it received about a criminal act involving a house help.

Spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and sent to newsmen.

Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, revealed that the house help identified as Praise Sampson was deceived by two men into boarding a taxi.

She said the men later made her to produce Automated Teller Machine cards belonging to her employer through which they withdrew over N4 million.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat crimes within the state.

“This case was reported on the 26th April 2026 at about 1930 hours, one Rosemary Vincent (Female), a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reported a case of fraud involving her house help, Praise Sampson (Female).

Preliminary investigation revealed that the said Praise Sampson was deceived into boarding a taxi by two male suspects, who subsequently compelled her to produce two ATM cards belonging to her employer. The suspects fraudulently withdrew a total sum of ₦4,607,199 from her employers bank account.

Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command, Divisional Police Station Choba, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju swiftly carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.”

She gave the names of the arrested suspects as as  Praise Sampson (female, 20 years), a native of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Michael Chijioke (male, 36 years), native of Abia State, Ndubuisi Jonah (male), native of Abia State, Ehirim Ugonna (male,38 years), native of Imo State, Okeke Chizoba Daniel (male, 40 years), native of Imo State.

“These suspects have been linked to a series of criminal activities and have allegedly been terrorizing residents within the Port Harcourt metropolis,” the statement further stated.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, has  urged members of the public to stay vigilant, avoid interacting carelessly with strangers and never share sensitive banking details such as ATM cards or PINS.

CP Adepoju advised members of the public rto avoid boarding suspicious vehicles and report any unusual activities to the police for prompt action.

Agabe said, “The command assures residents of its continued commitment to their safety and security.”

On Friday, the Ogun State Police Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju Adewole, arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered three stolen vehicles alongside a fabricated pistol.

The suspects were arrested following coordinated investigations into reported cases of vehicle theft across Ogun State and neighbouring states.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on relevant government agencies to tighten enforcement of safety regulations governing the siting of gas filling stations and retail outlets, amid growing concern over recurring explosions in residential areas.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Adesola Adedayo, who represents Apapa Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during plenary.

Moving the motion, Adedayo drew attention to a recent gas explosion in his constituency, describing it as another example of the dangers posed by poorly regulated facilities.

He expressed sadness over the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, May 5, 2026, along Adeleye Street in Apapa, Lagos State.

According to him, the explosion happened at a site where construction activities were ongoing behind two shops, causing widespread destruction and injuries.

The incident, he said, led to “extensive damage to nearby structures, huge financial and material losses and serious injury of varying degrees to five individuals, including a student who was on his way to school.”

Adedayo commended the immediate response of residents and emergency workers in limiting the impact of the explosion.

He praised “the swift response of the residents of the neighbourhood and State Fire Service personnel to mitigate the disaster by conveying the victims to Gbagada General Hospital and other nearby health facilities for prompt medical attention and treatment.”

Despite the intervention, the lawmaker said the frequency of such incidents has become a source of worry, particularly in densely populated urban communities.

He expressed concern “over the recurring incidence of gas explosions in such high-density, low-income residential areas and the huge losses of lives and properties.”

Following deliberations, the House mandated regulatory authorities responsible for approving and monitoring gas facilities to strictly enforce existing rules on location and safety standards.

Lawmakers also directed the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant bodies to provide immediate relief to victims affected by the Apapa explosion.

Gas explosions have become a recurring safety concern in Nigeria’s major cities, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where rapid urbanisation has led to the proliferation of gas retail outlets within residential neighbourhoods.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, widely used for cooking due to its relative affordability and cleaner-burning properties compared to kerosene and firewood, has seen a surge in demand over the past decade. This growth has encouraged the rapid expansion of gas plants and mini retail outlets, often without strict adherence to safety and zoning regulations.

Lawmakers also directed the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant bodies to provide immediate relief to victims affected by the Apapa explosion.

Gas explosions have become a recurring safety concern in Nigeria’s major cities, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where rapid urbanisation has led to the proliferation of gas retail outlets within residential neighbourhoods.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, widely used for cooking due to its relative affordability and cleaner-burning properties compared to kerosene and firewood, has seen a surge in demand over the past decade. This growth has encouraged the rapid expansion of gas plants and mini retail outlets, often without strict adherence to safety and zoning regulations.

Industry guidelines stipulate minimum distances between gas facilities and residential buildings, schools, and markets. However, weak enforcement, overlapping regulatory responsibilities, and, in some cases, illegal conversions of residential or commercial spaces into gas outlets have undermined compliance.

Past incidents have been linked to factors such as poor handling of gas cylinders, substandard equipment, inadequate staff training, and lack of routine inspections.

In densely populated areas, the impact of such explosions is often severe, with fires spreading quickly and emergency access limited by narrow roads and congestion.

Regulatory oversight is shared among multiple agencies, including standards and safety bodies at federal and state levels, a structure that critics say has contributed to gaps in enforcement and accountability.

Emergency response capacity has improved in some states, particularly with investments in fire services and disaster management agencies, but response times and coordination challenges remain issues in many parts of the country.

The House’s resolution reflects growing pressure on authorities to address these systemic weaknesses by enforcing stricter compliance with siting regulations, improving inspection regimes, and strengthening public awareness on safe handling of gas products.

For many stakeholders, the call for enforcement goes beyond reacting to individual incidents, pointing instead to the need for a more coordinated and preventive approach to urban safety as Nigeria’s cities continue to expand.

Prominent activist, Aisha Yesufu, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

She has also declared her intention to contest for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Yesufu disclosed this in a statement posted on her X handle on Wednesday, saying her decision followed what she described as a deeper understanding of “the future of the nation” and her continued alignment with the political direction of former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“The next couple of days will define the future of this nation. This deeper understanding is why I resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as I follow the leadership of HE Peter Obi, who today embodies the hope and aspiration of a Nigeria that works,” she wrote.

She said her initial decision to support Obi led her to join the ADC, adding that her move to the NDC was part of a continued commitment to that support.

“When I give my word, I keep it. My decision to support HE Peter Obi first led me to the ADC. To continue to honour the promise I am joining the NDC,” she added.

Yesufu further stated that she would not only be joining the NDC but also contesting for the FCT senatorial seat under the party.

This time I am joining the NDC not just as a member but as one running for the FCT Senatorial seat,” she wrote.

She also said she had concluded her obligations with the ADC and ensured what she described as a “clean transition,” while expressing appreciation to members of the party.

“I was fortunate to work with great and amazing people whose goal was a better country. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as sub-committee chair, deputy committee chair, and secretary at various levels,” she said.

She added that the experience was “invaluable” and thanked colleagues for their support and cooperation.

The defection comes amid ongoing realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joining the NDC on Sunday, triggering a wave of movements from the ADC.

Tricycle (Keke) operators in Karshi, Abuja, have decried the indiscriminate increase in ticket fees.

Some of the operators who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday said the new charges were too high and were reducing their daily income.

They said the hike, combined with rising fuel prices and other operational costs, was making it difficult for them to earn a living.

NAN reports that the tricycle operators began a three-day strike over the recent hike in ticket fees.

A keke operator, Mr Kabiru Inusa, said the increase in ticket fees was a major reason for the strike.

He said that before now, the ticket fees stood at N200 but were suddenly jacked up by the union to N500.

According to him, the new ticket fees, combined with the high cost of fuel, are too much for them to handle.

We pay for tickets at every park we enter, and this adds to our burden. This is why we stopped work and are calling on the government to intervene,” he said.

Similarly, another operator, Mr Ibrahim Musa, said that aside from the ticket hike, the cost of maintaining tricycles had also increased.

Musa explained that spare parts and repairs were now more expensive, adding that the extra cost was cutting their profits and making it difficult for them to meet daily needs and support their families.

In the same vein, Mr Suleiman Danladi, another keke operator, said harassment from some task force officials had made their work more stressful.

Danladi said operators were sometimes forced to pay unjustified additional charges on the road.

He added that the strike was not just about ticket fees, but also about fair treatment and better working conditions for keke riders.

Mr Idris Usman, another operator, said the situation worsened after the arrest of their chairman, popularly known as Ustaaz.

According to him, the chairman opposed the high ticket fees imposed on operators and pushed for a fee reduction.

“Instead of the union to reason with him, they arrested him and this further angered us.

“The steady hike in ticket fees over time is becoming worrisome. We used to pay ₦100, which later increased to ₦200; now we pay between ₦700 and ₦800 depending on the park. This is too much for operators to cope with,” he said.

NAN reports that the operators have appealed to the government to review the ticket charges and address their concerns to enable them return to work.

Commuters have also appealed to both parties to settle their differences so the operators can resume work and ease the suffering of commuters. (NAN)

Prince Oluwafemi Akinlawon, an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for Isokan State Constituency 1, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola amid growing political tensions and questions over his allegiance within Ogun West.

In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Akinlawon dismissed insinuations that his recent commendation of federal lawmaker Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka signaled a shift in political loyalty, insisting his support for Adeola popularly known as Yayi remains “complete and unconditional.”

Akinlawon traced his backing of Adeola to a period before the senator’s emergence as the APC consensus candidate on April 13, 2026, emphasizing his early grassroots efforts, which he said were personally funded.

“I was a Yayi man before it was fashionable,” he stated, detailing how he financed campaign materials and mobilization activities without external support or expectation of reward.

The APC aspirant argued that acknowledging the performance of Isiaka, who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, should not be misconstrued as disloyalty, noting the distinction between federal and state political roles.

“Recognising the work of our federal representative does not diminish my support for Senator Yayi as the next governor of Ogun State,” Akinlawon said, accusing critics of either misunderstanding governance structures or deliberately distorting facts for political gain.

He also took aim at unnamed party members, alleging that some individuals questioning his loyalty had contributed little to Adeola’s political project prior to its gaining momentum.

Akinlawon further aligned himself with the unity agenda championed by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, describing the governor’s endorsement of Adeola as a “historic, courageous and selfless” move that strengthened political cohesion in Yewa.

He warned against actions that could undermine the fragile unity in Ogun West, stressing that the progressives’ cause must remain intact ahead of future electoral contests.

Reiterating his political stance, Akinlawon declared himself “a core progressive, a Yayi faithful, and a party loyalist,” pledging continued support for Adeola’s governorship ambition and the broader development of Ogun West.

The statement comes amid heightened political maneuvering within the APC in Ogun State, as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Police Force has declared a man, Nnomere Odinakachi, wanted for alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking.

According to a Special Police Gazette Bulletin released on the Force X handle on Wednesday, Odinakachi, aged 66, is wanted by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Odinakachi is described as a male with fair complexion, a square face shape, and black eyes.

The bulletin states that his last known address is in Vietnam, with no regularly visited places recorded in Nigeria.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in apprehending him.

“If seen arrest and hand over to the nearest police station or office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja or call 08128589077,” the notice read.

This development comes as the federal govenrmnet continue to intensify efforts against online crimes, including cyberstalking and cyberbullying, which have raised significant public concern in recent years.

Corps members have been advised to live within their means, avoid flamboyant lifestyles, and cultivate the habit of savings.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the advice while addressing corps members at the NYSC Kaduna State Temporary Orientation Camp in Kurmi-Mashi, Kaduna.

This was contained in a statement issued via the corps’ X handle on Wednesday.

Nafiu also implored the corps members to acquire new skills through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, adding that this would enable them to be self-employed and, at the same time, create jobs for others.

He said the scheme has partnered with several stakeholders willing to support corps members with low-interest loans, business grants, and starter parks.

Don’t waste your time because time is precious. Do something with your time. Be diligent during your post-camp SAED training,” Nafiu said.

He urged “them to start small and gradually grow their business investments with time.”

While presenting her camp situation report, the NYSC Kaduna State Coordinator, Mrs Efeke Dadaza, informed the director-general that 2,896 corps members, comprising 2,198 deployed to Kaduna State and 698 dislodged from the FCT, were registered.

She added that they had all adjusted to the regimented camp environment and had been actively participating in all camp activities.

The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned five suspects before a Special Court sitting in Awka for various cases bordering on rape, sexual and child abuse-related offences.

One of the suspects is a middle-aged father who has been having affairs with his daughter, during which he inflicted her with a serious viral disease.

According to a press release issued by the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday, the suspects were brought before the court after the conclusion of investigations by the operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Ikenga said the suspects committed the offence at different locations across the state, adding that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, had described the case as heinous and unacceptable, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice

The statement read, “Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department have concluded investigations into several serious cases of sexual and child abuse-related offences, including that of a father who has been having an affair with his daughter and inflicted her with a serious viral disease.

“The five suspects will be arraigned today, May 6, 2026, before the Special Court sitting in Awka. Below are the details of the case.

“The Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department on April 22, 2026, received a case of defilement of a 16-year-old girl from Ogbunike Police Division Headquarters.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, Chukwuemeka Chidiebere, male, aged 26 years, a security personnel at the estate in the area, allegedly attacked the victim while she was on her way to visit a friend within the estate.

“He was said to have dragged her into an uncompleted building within the estate where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. Meanwhile, the suspect has made a confessional statement.”

Ikenga added that the operatives also received on April 23, 2026, a case of defilement of an 11-year-old girl, transferred from Neni Police Divisional Headquarters.

“The male suspect, Uchenna Muojama, aged 36 years, allegedly lured the victim inside his barbing saloon where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The Operatives have further obtained a medical report for the court proceedings,” he added.

In a similar development, on April 21, 2025, a case of defilement was transferred from Central Police Station Awka, where a 52-year-old male suspect, Chukwudi Nwayata, took advantage of the mental situation of an 11-year-old girl, lured her to his house and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim.

“Furthermore, on the same day, April 23, 2026, a case of incest involving a 20-year-old victim was transferred from Oko Police Station.

“The suspect, Rapuruchukwu Ezenandu, male, aged 46 years, allegedly engaged in sexual relations with the victim since she was 17 years old. The case came to light after the victim tested HIV positive during a hospital visit. The suspect has made a confessional statement.

In another development, on 28th April 2026, a female suspect by name Eucharia Ezenwanne allegedly subjected two children, Echetuna Ezenwanne (six years) and Chikaima Ezenwanne (four years), to severe physical abuse, reportedly using a wire to inflict injuries.

“The suspect claimed to have adopted the children from a motherless babies’ home in Onitsha.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu, describing the case as heinous and unacceptable, reiterates the Command’s Commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” the statement concluded.

Two Nigerians have been arrested in Uganda over alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking and document fraud network dismantled by security agencies in Kampala, the nation’s capital.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation coordinated by Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs through the National Citizenship and Immigration Control, in collaboration with other security agencies.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mundeyi Simon Peter, and posted on its X handle.

The ministry said the operation uncovered a “sophisticated drug trafficking network operating internationally based in Kampala,” involving a Ugandan national and several foreign associates.

At the centre of the investigation is a Ugandan businessman, Mr Mugisha Keith King, who authorities said is linked to shell companies and multiple alleged criminal activities, including drug trafficking and identity fraud.

“In 2010, Mr Mugisha was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi with cocaine shipped from Brazil. He served a 12-year prison sentence in Kenya and remains an internationally wanted criminal.

“Mr Mugisha holds different passports alongside his Ugandan passport, including those from Seychelles, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Brazil, as well as national IDs of Kenya and Nigeria. He also has a fake work ID masquerading as an employee of the President’s Office,” the statement read.

Authorities further accused him of impersonating government and military officials and displaying a signpost at his residence reading “Ambassador’s Residence.”

The statement also alleged that Mugisha coordinated illegal activities with Nigerian nationals, including Chekwubechukwu, described as his spouse.

Mr Mugisha is alleged to be coordinating these illegal activities with a group of Nigerian nationals. Of particular concern is the discovery that his spouse, a Nigerian national, Ms Ikemefuna Winner Chekwubechukwu, fraudulently acquired a Ugandan National ID under the name Mugisha Winner Chekwubechukwu with the help of Mugisha.

“She is currently on the run in Brazil.

“The Ministry also has in custody the following Nigerian associates linked to this racket: 1. Ikemefuna Testimony Udo; 2. Ikemefuna Annointing,” the statement added.

The ministry said further arrests are ongoing in collaboration with international security partners.

Security agencies also reportedly recovered weapons and other items during searches of the suspect’s residence and business premises, including a gun, a pistol, live ammunition, multiple passports, identity cards, military attire, communication gadgets, and allegedly forged official documents.

The Ministry emphasizes that Uganda maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and the misuse of military hardware,” the statement said.

It urged members of the public to report suspected drug activity and impersonation of security personnel to relevant authorities, adding that investigations and immigration status reviews of all foreign suspects were ongoing.

The ministry added that it would continue working with international partners to apprehend other suspects still at large.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown a challenge at rival groups within the Peoples Democratic Party, urging them to prove their claim to leadership by opening an official party bank account and running a formal secretariat.

Wike’s comments come in the wake of fresh disputes between rival camps, including groups aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and those in the Wike-backed faction, over control of party structures.

The controversy followed the rejection by the Wike-backed PDP of what it described as an unauthorised National Executive Committee meeting and the announcement of a caretaker committee reportedly led by Tanimu Turaki.

The faction insisted that no valid NEC meeting was convened and maintained that Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remain the recognised party officials.

It also referenced the Supreme Court’s April 30 ruling, which nullified the Makinde-backed PDP convention in Ibadan that produced the Turaki-led leadership, deepening the dispute over legitimacy within the party.

Speaking during a live media session in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said some party figures were misleading the public about who actually controls the PDP, despite existing court rulings on the matter.

The minister argued that the faction opposing the recognised leadership has no legal authority to manage party affairs.

According to him, if they are truly in charge, they should be confident enough to open a PDP account where members can pay nomination fees and conduct official transactions.

“You cannot continue to deceive Nigerians. If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP, let them open an official PDP account and tell party members to pay nomination fees into it,” Wike said

The former Rivers State governor specifically mentioned Taminu Turaki, SAN, and others in the rival camp, challenging them to publicly establish such a structure.

“Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, open an account for the PDP. Let them announce it publicly for members who want to contest elections. That day, you will see what will happen,” he stated.

Wike also questioned how any bank could legitimately open an account for a political party without verified documentation and court-recognised leadership, insisting that the process would expose the weakness of their claim.

He further warned against any attempt to set up parallel PDP offices in Abuja, saying such moves would not be tolerated if they threaten public order.

The ex-governor stated that any illegal party office would be shut down under his authority as FCT Minister.

That bank will be in trouble because to open such an account, you must provide the party’s authentic documents and recognised leadership. Who has those documents?” he queried.

“If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it. I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty is to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

The minister dismissed claims that the Supreme Court ruling favoured the rival faction, insisting that available legal decisions supported the position of the recognised party leadership. According to him, attempts to reinterpret the judgments were aimed at confusing party members and the public.

Reaffirming his position, Wike said he remains a loyal member of the PDP and insisted that his actions are aimed at defending lawful processes and respecting court decisions.

LAGOS— FRESH concerns have emerged over the return of the Apapa gridlock as key stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sector passed the buck over the persistent congestion choking access roads to the country’s busiest ports.

The renewed traffic crisis has reportedly cost operators an estimated N100 billion, according to the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Clearing Agents, NCJTFLCA, while the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, AMATO, attributed the situation to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite these claims, the Traffic Transit Point, TTP, engaged to manage truck movement in the Apapa corridor, insisted that the situation was under control.

Recall that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, in 2021 entered into a five-year agreement with TTP as part of efforts to ensure seamless traffic.

Despite these claims, the Traffic Transit Point, TTP, engaged to manage truck movement in the Apapa corridor, insisted that the situation was under control.

Recall that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, in 2021 entered into a five-year agreement with TTP as part of efforts to ensure seamless traffic.

The electronic call-up system, popularly known as “Eto,” which was introduced to address the longstanding gridlock challenges in the area, expired in February 2026.

When our correspondent visited the Apapa Port last week, he observed that there was traffic around the axis.

Operators lose N100bn due to congestion—NCJTFLCA

In a chat with Vanguard, the President of NCJTFLCA, Basil Nwolisa, argued that Nigeria’s port challenges are not unique but are being mishandled locally.

Nwolisa said: “Nigeria is not the only country where goods are cleared from ports. Consignments come in bulk, even in countries without vast land space, yet they operate seamlessly.

The problem here is the ETO policy and the operations of TTP. What we are seeing is a system designed to create loopholes for settlements, forcing operators to pay money to move their trucks.

“The current congestion is costing practitioners hundreds of billions of naira weekly in unofficial payments and bribes.

If the authorities are serious about solving this problem, traffic would flow smoothly. Right now, it appears there is confusion and a lack of direction. They should engage the National Compliance Joint Task Force and empower us to manage truck movement into and out of the ports. We can handle it efficiently.

“The system is being manipulated to allow interference, extortion, and bribery. It is a challenging task, no doubt, but if the contract is properly implemented, we can resolve the issue within two months.

Everything would be scheduled properly; you would receive information, come in, load or offload, and leave without delays. TTP is not meant to be a parking system for trucks.”

AMATO blames Strait of Hormuz disruption

Also speaking, the General Secretary of AMATO, Sani Mohammed, attributed the congestion at the Apapa port corridor to the crisis in the Middle East, which, he said, has disrupted global shipping routes and reduced vessel availability for cargo evacuation in Nigeria.

Mohammed said: “The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted maritime shipping logistics. It has affected the availability of vessels for the evacuation of imports and exports of containers. Nigeria has an export promotion drive policy of the Federal Government. We have a lot of exports going to the Middle East and other countries. Most of these boxes get to these locations. Most of these boxes are export containers.

“Congestion at the ports is the root cause of the visible gridlock along the port corridor. As soon as shipping companies deploy vessels to evacuate export and empty containers, all this gridlock will disappear.”

Gridlock under control — TTP

On his part, the spokesperson for TTP, Nancie Nandi, explained that occasional traffic build-ups should not be interpreted as a collapse of the system.

Nandi said: “We wouldn’t describe the current situation as a return to gridlock. The Ètò electronic call-up system is still active and doing what it was designed to do, which is bringing order and structure to truck movement in and around the ports.

“At times, you may notice some build-up, but these are usually temporary and often linked to delays at the terminals, like slower cargo handling or processing issues.

“To be clear, TTP hasn’t given up on managing traffic in Apapa. We remain fully engaged and committed to keeping the system running efficiently and improving it where necessary.”

NPA keeps mum

Efforts to get a response from the spokesperson of the NPA proved abortive as SMS and calls put across to him were ignored.

Muslim leaders in Enugu State have denied allegations linking them to the arrest of Alhaji Musa Ani, describing claims circulating on social media as false and misleading

The leaders clarified that Ani was invited and subsequently arrested by the police following petitions over alleged mismanagement of the Enugu Islamic Centre.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in the state, Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ezeani, said the arrest was carried out by security agencies after repeated demands for accountability.

“The claim that Muslim leaders arrested Alhaji Musa Ani is false. His arrest followed petitions requesting a detailed account of his stewardship over the Islamic Centre spanning more than 30 years,” Ezeani said.

He added that Ani was arrested alongside an associate after failing to adequately respond to concerns raised by members of the Muslim community and a steering committee set up to oversee the centre.

According to him, the Department of State Services had earlier intervened in the dispute, issuing terms of reference that included a comprehensive audit of the centre’s finances.

Ezeani explained that the Islamic Centre, established in 1958, was built for all Muslims in the then Eastern Region and not for any specific ethnic group.

He, however, lamented the current state of the facility, noting that it has deteriorated from a functional hub with schools and a mosque into a largely commercial space.

The centre has been overtaken by artisans and activities inconsistent with Islamic principles, while revenues generated over the years have not been properly accounted for,” he said.

Other Muslim leaders echoed similar concerns, insisting that the centre belongs to all المسلمين irrespective of ethnic background and calling for urgent steps to restore its original purpose.

President of the Yoruba Muslim Community in Enugu, Alfa Abdul Adeyemi, said the centre was established through collective contributions to promote both Islamic and Western education.

A leader of the Arewa community in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, also dismissed claims of exclusive ownership, attributing the centre’s decline to years of poor management and lack of transparency.

Chairman of the steering committee, Alhaji Kassim Ofordile Idoko, said a new management structure was constituted following DSS intervention, with a mandate to revive the centre.

Chief Imam of Nsukka Central Mosque, Yakubu Abdullahi Omeh, called for government intervention to sustain peace within the Muslim community, warning that ongoing disputes could fuel division.

He traced the ownership dispute back to 1993, noting that a government white paper had affirmed that the land belongs to the entire Muslim community in Enugu, not any tribe.

The cleric urged all parties to respect the ruling and work together to restore the centre’s educational and religious functions.

The leaders unanimously called for a legal resolution of the dispute and renewed commitment to repositioning the Islamic Centre for the benefit of the Muslim community.

THE Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,382 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,387 per dollar on Monday.

Similarly, the naira appreciated to N1,362 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market,  NFEM.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira fell to N1,362 per dollar from N1,367.5 per dollar on Monday,  reflecting  N5.5 appreciation for the naira. 

Consequently, the margin between the parallel and official markets widened to N20 per dollar from N19.5 per dollar on Monday. The turnover in the interbank foreign exchange market increased by 19.4 percent to $71.6 million from $59.93 million on Monday.

The Lagos State Government has sealed multiple buildings, shopping malls and hotels across the state over noncompliance with mandatory lift and elevator safety regulations.

This was disclosed in a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Monday.

The enforcement, carried out by the Lagos State Safety Commission, affected more than 12 facilities in key areas, including Lekki Phase I and Ikeja, following repeated failure by property owners to register lift systems for inspection and monitoring.

Affected facilities included The Heritage/AXA building on Awolowo Road, Ikeja; Mosesola House, Debour House and Bosch House on Soji Adepegba Close; Bridge View, Elizabeth Court, 10Bou Towers, Brion Court, Footprints Apartments, Lekki Luxury Flats, as well as Brasas Mall on Admiralty Way, Lekki.

Leading the operation, the commission’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sovi Tijani, who represented the Director-General, Lanre Mojola, said the action became necessary after persistent disregard for safety directives.

“We duly served them notices, informing them of the need to comply before the expiration of the deadline, but they failed to do so.

“Some refused to acknowledge or collect the letters from our officials, while others attempted to obstruct our personnel during enforcement,” he said.

Tijani explained that proper registration of lifts was critical to ensuring routine inspections and preventing avoidable accidents in both public and private buildings.

“Registration is not optional. It is a safety requirement designed to safeguard lives and property,” he said, warning that poorly maintained elevators pose serious risks to users.

The commission said the affected properties had received multiple notices and reminders but failed to comply within the stipulated timeframe, prompting enforcement.

Tijani stressed that the agency would sustain its compliance drive across the state, insisting that defaulters would continue to face sanctions until they meet the required safety standards.

“We will not relent in this enforcement. The safety of residents remains our priority,” he said.

The government urged building owners, facility managers and operators to comply with existing regulations by registering their lift systems and ensuring regular maintenance in line with approved standards.

Officials reiterated that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to strengthen safety compliance and prevent accidents in Lagos’ rapidly expanding urban landscape.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Monday held a strategic meeting with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education on plans to establish a new campus of the Nigeria Police Academy in Ogun State and upgrade 42 police colleges nationwide.

A statement by the Force spokesman, Anthony Placid, said the meeting, held on May 4, 2026, was hosted by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad.

“Disu held a high-level strategic meeting at the Federal Ministry of Education today, Monday, May 4, 2026.

“The main goal of the meeting was to officially establish a new Nigeria Police Academy campus in Ogun State, along with a comprehensive plan to upgrade and secure accreditation for the 42 police colleges nationwide,” the statement read.

Placid said a former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other stakeholders also attended.

He said discussions focused on the proposed establishment of the Ogun State campus and plans to upgrade and secure accreditation for police colleges across the country

According to him, part of the plan included collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for infrastructure development, as well as engagement with the National Universities Commission for resource verification and accreditation processes

Stakeholders also coordinated with the National Universities Commission  for thorough resource verification to meet accreditation standards, with a clear timeline set for the Ogun State campus to be fully operational in the 2026 academic session,” he said.

The IGP promised to strengthen police education and improve training standards, noting that the reform would combine academic and operational training to prepare officers for current security demands.

“IGP Disu reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to professional excellence, emphasising that transforming these institutions is essential for building a modern, service-oriented police force.

“He stated that by combining academic rigour with tactical operational training, the Nigeria Police Force will produce officers ready to address today’s security challenges with the highest level of integrity,” he said.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered firearms in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’d spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said stolen items were also recovered following a swift police response in Auchi, where the robbery took place.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of a firearm and stolen items following a swift police response in Auchi.

“On 2 May 2026, at about 02:00hrs, actionable intelligence was received at Auchi Division that a four-man armed robbery gang had invaded the residence of one Mr Okologho Prosper in the Comprehensive Secondary School area of Auchi.

Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised a patrol team to the scene. On sighting the police, the suspects fled in different directions, abandoning a bag containing one cut-to-size locally made firearm, one live cartridge, and one mobile phone.

“A coordinated manhunt was immediately launched, leading to the arrest of one of the suspects, Aliu Mustafa (male), at about 09:00hrs the same day. Further investigation led to the recovery of two additional mobile phones, one wristwatch, and one bag, all identified as items stolen from the victim.

“The suspect is currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending the remaining members of the gang.”

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response, professionalism, and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid policing efforts.

The Nigerian passport climbed six places on the Henley Passport Index since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, rising from a global rank of 95 in January 2024 to 89 in the latest April 2026 edition.

However, the actual number of countries Nigerian passport holders can visit without a visa has fallen by two destinations.

This is as Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Somalia, Mauritania and São Tomé and Príncipe, among others, have moved Nigeria to the “visa required” category in recent years.

According to the April 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, Nigeria’s visa-free destinations stand at 44, down from 46 in January 2025 and 45 in January 2024.

The data, drawn from three successive annual editions of the index obtained by The PUNCH, shows that while Nigeria climbed six places in the overall global ranking from 95th in January 2024 to 89th in April 2026, the actual number of countries accessible to its passport holders without a prior visa shrank by two destinations over the same period.

According to the data, several countries ranked below Nigeria in prior editions have also fallen further in the intervening period, raising Nigeria’s position without necessarily requiring any improvement in the country’s passport strength.

The Henley Passport Index, now in its 21st year, ranks 199 passports globally using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.

n that time, the Nigerian passport fell 27 places from 62nd in 2006 to 89th in 2026.

A detailed comparison of the 46 destinations from January 2025 against the 44 accessible to Nigerian passport holders as of April 2026, verified against the Henley country-specific destination document obtained by our correspondent, revealed that while Nigeria gained access to nine new destinations including Fiji, Micronesia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo, Samoa, Palau Islands, Niue and Montserrat between 2025 and 2026, it simultaneously lost access to seven countries over the years.

The most well-documented is Ethiopia, which scrapped visa-on-arrival for Nigerian citizens in October 2022, requiring Nigerians to obtain visas from the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja before travelling.

The change came barely two weeks after Ethiopian Airlines emerged as a core investor in the Nigerian national carrier project.

Ethiopia, which had been one of the most accessible destinations on the African continent for Nigerian travellers, is now effectively inaccessible by any route.

Meanwhile, the Zambian government mandates that all West African passport holders must obtain visas.

Zimbabwe, which previously offered Nigerians a visa-on-arrival, now requires a prior visa application.

Lesotho, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe and Somalia have each similarly moved to a prior-visa requirement for Nigerians.

The changes were highlighted in crossed-out entries against each of the countries concerned in the 2026 destination list for Nigeria.

None of the countries involved cited formal bilateral disputes with Nigeria, and the changes were administrative.

Visa-free Pacific island nations of Fiji, Samoa, Niue, Palau, Micronesia and Montserrat currently operate open-door or minimal-visa-requirement policies that apply broadly to developing nations.

Among West African countries, Nigeria sits near the bottom of the 2026 ranking, as Ghana ranked 67th globally with a visa-free score of 67, 23 destinations more than Nigeria.

The Gambia, a country of less than 2.5 million people, ranked 66th with 68 visa-free destinations.

Senegal ranked 77th with 56 destinations, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire at 77th and 78th respectively with 56 and 55 destinations, and Guinea-Bissau at 83rd with 50 destinations.

Across the continent, South Africa maintained its lead as the strongest passport. Ranked 46th globally, its holders can travel to 100 destinations visa-free.

Botswana followed at rank 56 with 81 destinations, ahead of Namibia with 74 destinations, Morocco with 71 destinations, Kenya with 69 and Ghana with 67 destinations.

Globally, Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport with a visa-free score of 192, edging ahead of Japan and South Korea, which share the second position at 187 alongside the United Arab Emirates.

Sweden, with 186 destinations, is ranked third, while Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland jointly occupy fourth position with 185 visa free destinations.

The index put Austria, Greece, Malta and Portugal at fifth position with 184 destinations.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan holds the world’s weakest passport as its holders can access only 23 of 227 assessed destinations without a prior visa.

The rest include Syria with 26 destinations, Iraq with 29 destinations, Pakistan and Yemen (31 destinations, rank 98), Somalia (32, rank 97), Nepal and North Korea (35, rank 96) and Bangladesh (36, rank 95).

Libya, with 39 destinations and Eritrea, with 38, occupy ranks 93 and 94, respectively.

In an earlier interview with our correspondent, Research Director, Centre for China Studies, Abuja, Charles Onunaiju, argued that the dwindling visa-free access Nigerians enjoy globally reflects the country’s internal challenges.

“We have a challenge. Since Nigeria is becoming inhospitable, especially for young people with no opportunities, there is desperation to go abroad. Almost all embassies now enforce regulations on Nigerians that they don’t impose on other nationals.

“People feel that almost every Nigerian wants to leave here. That’s partly true because the nation has mishandled the potential in it. Our leaders have not harnessed the vast human resources available to us.

“If we want to earn respect from outside, we must begin from home. If we want the world to take us seriously, we must get our acts together,” Onunaiju said.

An ex-official of Nigeria’s passport issuing agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, said visa-free mobility primarily reflects bilateral agreements between countries and within regional blocs.

The official who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Henley’s ranking is based on passport admissibility, and that is largely a function of mutual understanding and reciprocity among countries, which does not necessarily reflect the true strength of a passport. A good example is the European Union and the ECOWAS.

“While we appreciate their work, the NIS is more concerned with deepening its passport technology to meet the standards of the ICAO. The goal is to ensure that our passport complies with ICAO guidelines.”

The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island, on Tuesday suspended further hearing in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege, pending further directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.

Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted proceedings following a request conveyed by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).

In a short ruling, Adetunji lambasted the Attorney-General for taking steps to halt the proceedings without formally informing the court.

“I find it very appalling that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), would take such steps without informing the court.

The court is not under the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney-General does not have the power, under the principle of separation of powers, to direct the court.

“I will report to the Chief Coroner for further directives. I will not assign any adjournment date until I receive directives from the Chief Coroner,” she ruled.

Earlier, when the matter came up for hearing, counsel from the Attorney-General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed the court that he had been directed to inform the court that proceedings should be suspended pending a meeting between the Attorney-General and all counsel involved in the matter.

Araba said the meeting had been fixed for May 12, 2026.

“I have been directed to inform the court that a meeting between the Attorney-General of Lagos State and all counsel appearing in this matter has been scheduled for May 12, 2026.

“We urge the court to suspend today’s proceedings and fix a hearing date after the meeting,” he said.

However, counsel to the deceased’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that his clients had earlier received a letter dated April 23, 2026, signed by Olamide Ibrahim from the Attorney-General’s office, fixing the meeting for 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

He said counsel were only informed late Monday night that the meeting had been rescheduled to May 12.

“We received a letter dated April 23, 2026, signed by Olamide Ibrahim from the Attorney-General’s office, fixing the meeting for today at 2 p.m.

“It was only last night that we were informed that the meeting had been shifted to May 12. Based on the earlier notice, we believed today’s hearing would proceed and that we would attend the meeting afterwards.

This letter has effectively truncated today’s hearing.

“The father of the deceased is in court and has already sworn his statement on oath. I had expected the court to hear it today,” he said.

Counsel for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), also confirmed receiving the two letters dated April 23 and May 4, 2026, notifying parties that the meeting had been rescheduled to May 12, 2026.

The inquest into Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege’s death commenced on February 25, 2026.

The child was admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical procedures.

He had initially been admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.

While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI scan, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.

The child, however, died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following the procedures.

Meanwhile, Pedro (SAN) has denied claims that his office played any role in the suspension of proceedings in the coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Adichie-Esege.

Reacting to reports surrounding the proceedings of May 5, 2026, at the J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse, Lagos Island, Pedro said suggestions that the Ministry of Justice directed or requested the coroner to halt the inquest were false.

He stressed that the decision to suspend proceedings lies solely within the powers of the coroner.

“At no time did the Office of the Attorney-General direct, request or intend that the coroner should suspend proceedings,” Pedro said.

According to him, the ministry’s involvement had been misconstrued.

He explained that the invitation extended to counsel representing parties in the matter was part of a routine engagement aimed at communicating the policy direction of the Attorney-General’s office on the conduct and management of coroners’ inquests in Lagos State.

Pedro said the meeting was also intended to secure the cooperation of counsel and other stakeholders to ensure the inquest proceeds speedily and without avoidable delays.

“The engagement was designed to enhance coordination and ensure that the inquest is concluded expeditiously in the interest of justice,” he said.

The Attorney-General noted that the initiative was informed by recent institutional experience, particularly the prolonged coroner’s inquest into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

He said the development highlighted the need for a more efficient framework for handling similar proceedings.

“The experience from recent inquests has shown the need to promote a more efficient process, as undue delays are neither in the interest of justice nor in the interest of affected families,” he stated.

Pedro maintained that the proposed engagement was never intended to interfere with, suspend or truncate the judicial process.

Rather, he said, it was conceived as a collaborative effort to improve the effectiveness and timely resolution of the proceedings.

He urged members of the public to disregard insinuations to the contrary and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the proper administration of justice in Lagos State.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Tuesday, expressed displeasure over the rising cases of kidnapping and terror attacks in Yorubaland and other parts of the country.

The organisation’s feeling was contained in a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to the organisation, the fact that incidents of terror attacks, including kidnappings, are occurring virtually every day in various parts of the country is giving Afenifere a lot of concern.

“Before now, reports of incidents of this nature used to be from other climes. But these days, the horrendous incidents are also occurring in Yorubaland of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, and parts of Kogi.

We are deeply concerned about this, just as we are uncomfortable with the sacking of communities, kidnapping, killing, livestock rustling, arson, and maiming of people in some other parts of the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Niger, Nassarawa, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory; to mention a few,” he said.

Ajayi submitted that Afenifere has, for years, been drawing attention to the then incipient banditry before it escalated into pure terrorism, sacking of communities, and direct attacks on military bases and police stations.

He added that Afenifere is highly disturbed by the news of the kidnapping of a trader at Jinarere in Ibadan, the abduction of two staffers of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Ibadan-Ijebu-ode Road, attacks on families in Ondo and Ekiti, killing of farmers in Tede, Ago-Are, killing of military police men in Tenibo/Kenanji in Kwara State, desertion of palaces by some traditional rulers in Kwara state as a result of bandits’ incessant attacks, raids of an orphanage, churches, mosques, markets, and households in various states.

In view of abductions of youth corpers and graduates on the way to NYSC Orientation Camps, the national publicity secretary called on the Federal Government through the National Youth Service Corps to let youth corpers undergo the one-year programme in their respective states rather than to be posted outside of their immediate enclaves.

He said, “Among the victims cited were Sodiq Ogunlana, a LASU graduate who was shot and abducted on his way to Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State; Lateefah, a graduate of Kwara Polytechnic who was abducted on her way to the NYSC camp in Taraba State; and Gift David Samiya, who was abducted on the Akwanga-Jos road while going to the camp.

Afenifere first made this call as far back as 2021 when some youth corps members were attacked by bandits. Recent happenings impel us to reiterate our earlier call in this respect. No Nigerian or anybody else deserves to be kidnapped or killed extra-judicially.

“Youth corpers deserve special treatment because of their peculiar nature. For this reason, if the scheme could not be suspended, a modification should be made so that participants are mobilized to serve in their respective states or states of residence rather than being posted to states far from the areas they are familiar with.

“On the mechanism to tackle banditry and terrorism generally, Afenifere spokesman maintained that non-kinetic methods should be hyped more than is presently being done.”

Noting that most attacks on communities are carried out by bandits using motor bikes, Ajayi submitted that the failure of security forces to tackle them tends to vindicate Afenifere’s postulation that the battle against terrorism and banditry has not been won.

According to him, the battle has not been won because of the complicity of some unscrupulous people within the security service, powerful people in the community, and in government circles.

A convoy of armed youths on motorbikes ought to attract the attention of security agencies at any level and in any climate. Reports have it that those who attacked communities in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Plateau, and Benue states usually rode on motorbikes.

“They cover their faces and carry arms. It is difficult to believe that such convoys would evade the radar surveillance of security agencies. For such groups to reach their targets and carry out their dastardly acts successfully suggests complicity at the highest level, including among some powerful people in the communities.

“Those carrying out mining, especially illegal mining, are other elements Afenifere wants the government to beam a searchlight on. Indications are that illegal miners tend to move into some communities shortly after the residents were attacked, sent packing, and/or forced into captivity.

“Several unconfirmed reports alleged that jets have been seen supplying arms and food items to bandits in the jungles. As is known, jets can not fly in Nigerian airspace without authorisation from the relevant government agencies,” Afenifere added.

The fourth defendant in the alleged coup plot trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Zekeri Umoru, on Tuesday, denied knowledge of any plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, insisting in a recorded statement played in court that he was “misled.”

Umoru, an employee in the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa working with Julius Berger Nigeria, made the claim in a video recording previewed by the court as part of the prosecution’s evidence against the six defendants standing trial over the alleged plot.

Proceedings began on a sombre note after defence counsel informed the court of the death of a colleague, U.H. Kamra, who reportedly died in a car accident after the previous day’s sitting.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik observed a minute’s silence before ordering the continuation of the trial.

In the video played in open court, Umoru told investigators that he first came in contact with persons linked to the case through the third defendant, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the Presidential Clinic.

He said Ibrahim introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, whom he later discovered was Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

According to Umoru, he initially believed Ma’aji was “a civilian businessman” interested in offering him electrical work at a building under construction.

The defendant recounted how he allegedly received several cash payments from Ma’aji during meetings attended by Ibrahim and another associate identified as Usman.

He told investigators that during one gathering at one Tiger Bar, Ma’aji allegedly gave “between N100,000 and ₦120,000” to him and his associates after buying drinks and asking about their professions.

Umoru further stated that on September 24, 2025, Ma’aji allegedly handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing cash.

He said he deposited the money at a Zenith Bank branch where it was counted and found to be N8.8m.

According to him, another N2m was allegedly given the following day during a separate meeting involving Inspector Ibrahim.

The defendant said he later became uncomfortable with the repeated cash payments and demanded an explanation from Ibrahim.

He alleged that Ibrahim told him Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitise the government” with support from unnamed associates described as “boys.”

Umoru further claimed that Ibrahim spoke about involving “an ambulance driver” to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa, with expectations of financial reward.

Despite the claims, Umoru repeatedly denied knowledge of any coup plot.

“I was misled,” he said in the video, insisting he would have distanced himself from Ma’aji had he known he was a military officer or had “any intention beyond business dealings.”

The defendant also admitted escorting Usman into the Presidential Villa, stating that security officials allowed the visitor entry after he indicated the man was there to see him.

He added that he later saw Usman “taking photographs” in his office and warned him against it.

Umoru expressed regret during the interview, apologising to his employers and affirming support for Tinubu’s administration.

The court also viewed another video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied involvement in the alleged coup plot.

Goni told investigators that the money he received from Ma’aji was strictly for “prayers and charitable purposes,” including spiritual interventions connected to alleged promotion setbacks.

However, investigators pointed to financial records allegedly showing transfers running into millions of naira, including a “₦10m transfer” in October 2024, which they said contradicted aspects of his explanation.

The prosecution further suggested that discussions referenced in the videos, including remarks about gaining access and acquiring “work tools,” raised concerns about a broader scheme, though both individuals denied any knowledge of a coup plot.

Following the preview of the video statement, counsel for the sixth defendant and senior counsel, Michael Numa, told the court he had just received the video exhibits of his client, adding that he needed more time to go through the exhibits.

While defence counsel argued for the case to be adjourned to a further date, prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to stand by its earlier order for accelerated hearing of the case.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter till May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.

The PUNCH reports that at an earlier hearing on Monday, the court viewed separate videos in which other defendants allegedly admitted to coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, but denied participating in any concrete plan to overthrow the government.

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies recorded a paradoxical performance in February 2026, as improved efficiency metrics failed to translate into stronger revenues, exposing lingering weaknesses in the power sector’s commercial framework.

A new commercial performance factsheet released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on Tuesday has revealed that while billing, collection, and recovery efficiencies improved compared to January 2026, actual billings and cash collections declined, raising fresh concerns about liquidity across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

According to the report published on the official X handle of the commission, data from the regulator indicated that total energy received by the 11 DisCos rose to N277.09bn in February, representing a 17.64 per cent increase from January’s N235.53bn.

It said, “Total energy received by all DisCos stood at N277.09bn, representing an increase of 17.64 per cent compared to January 2026.

However, despite receiving more energy, the DisCos billed only N242.29bn, a 9.66 per cent drop from January’s estimated N268.08bn, pointing to continued gaps in energy accounting and customer enumeration.

Billing efficiency improved to 87.44 per cent, up 7.72 percentage points from 79.72 per cent in January, suggesting better conversion of energy received into invoices, even as total billings declined.

Despite the drop in billings, the regulator said operational performance improved, adding that “billing efficiency increased to 87.44 per cent, reflecting a 7.72 percentage point improvement over the previous month.”

On revenue collection, the report stated that “the total revenue collected by DisCos in February 2026 was N196.68bn, representing a decline of 3.94 per cent compared to January.”

It, however, emphasised that “collection efficiency improved to 81.17 per cent, up by 4.84 percentage points, indicating better conversion of billed energy into cash collections.”

The commission further highlighted gains in tariff realisation, stating that “the actual average collection per kilowatt-hour increased to N100.27, representing a 16.64 per cent improvement compared to January 2026.”

This, it said, pushed recovery performance upward, noting that “overall revenue recovery efficiency rose to 80.67 per cent, an increase of 11.51 percentage points month-on-month.”

The report added that “the allowed average tariff for the period was N124.30/kWh, indicating that a gap still exists between cost-reflective tariffs and actual collections.”

Providing a breakdown across utilities, the Commission stated that “Eko, Kano, and Abuja DisCos recorded the highest billing efficiencies at 97.20 per cent, 99.04 per cent, and 93.70 per cent, respectively.”

Conversely, it noted that “Yola and Kaduna DisCos recorded the lowest billing efficiencies at 66.09 per cent and 72.46 per cent respectively.”

On collections, the report said “Eko DisCo led with 94.12 per cent collection efficiency, followed by Abuja at 89.28 per cent,” while “Kaduna DisCo recorded the lowest collection efficiency at 49.27 per cent.”

In terms of cost recovery, the commission disclosed that “Eko DisCo achieved a recovery efficiency of 100.67 per cent, exceeding the allowed tariff benchmark,” while “Kaduna DisCo recorded the weakest recovery performance at 41.20 per cent.”

An analysis of the figures shows that compared to January, energy received rose by N41.56bn (17.64 per cent), Billings fell by N25.79bn (9.66 per cent), and Collections declined by N8.09bn (3.94 per cent).

This indicates that although DisCos are becoming more efficient operationally, the sector is still grappling with weak demand, collection losses, and customer liquidity constraints.

The commission also disclosed that “reduced ATC&C loss targets averaging 16.64 per cent have been approved for 2026 to reflect the expected impact of DisCo investments made in 2025.”

It added that the February performance “demonstrates gradual improvements in commercial efficiency, though significant gaps remain in revenue realisation across the industry.”

The development underscores a persistent contradiction in Nigeria’s power sector: efficiency improvements are not yet translating into financial stability.

The situation may continue unless there is wider metering coverage, improved power supply, stronger enforcement against energy theft and better alignment of tariffs with consumer affordability.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the rising cost of aviation fuel, warning that domestic airlines are under severe financial pressure.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday during plenary by Paschal Agbodike, who represents Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State.

Agbodike said Aviation Turbine Kerosene remains a major cost driver for airlines, accounting for between 40 and 60 per cent of total operating expenses.

He said, “airline operators are struggling for survival while also offering quality services together with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to Nigerians amidst the spiralling costs.”

He warned that several airlines have already begun scaling back operations due to rising costs.

“The House is concerned that many domestic airlines have been forced to reduce their flight frequencies or ground aircraft entirely, leading to reduced capacity. The high cost of jet fuel, coupled with the impact of the foreign exchange liquidity crisis on the purchase of aircraft parts, has placed immense pressure on the balance sheets of Nigerian carriers, exposing them to potential collapse.

“We are concerned that the continued instability in jet fuel pricing, if not urgently addressed, could lead to the collapse of major domestic airlines, a scenario that would have devastating consequences for the national economy, employment, and regional integration.”

The motion was unanimously supported during the session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Lawmakers urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, to establish a price-stabilisation arrangement with local airlines to ensure predictable jet fuel pricing.

The House also mandated its Committees on Aviation, Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Finance to investigate the persistent price increase within two weeks.

It further directed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to present an emergency roadmap to reduce aviation fuel costs within the same period.

Lawmakers also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise foreign exchange allocation for airline operators to ease pressure on maintenance and operations.

Aviation fuel prices in Nigeria have surged in recent years, driven by global crude oil volatility, limited local refining capacity, deregulation of the downstream sector, and persistent foreign exchange shortages.

Industry operators say prices have, at times, exceeded ₦1,200 per litre, forcing airlines to increase fares, reduce routes and, in some cases, suspend operations.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, said the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, during an attempt to remove a component from a high-tension installation.

“The vandal who was reportedly in his late twenties was said to have died on-the-spot after disconnecting a pot insulator from a High-Tension pole,” the statement said.

According to PHED, the incident turned fatal when electricity was restored shortly after the suspected vandal had removed the equipment.

“It is a battle we must all fight collectively because once these installations are vandalised, invariably, the customers served become severely impacted,” Ilevbare said.

She described the deceased as “a victim of his own trade,” adding that the incident should serve as a warning to others involved in similar activities.

“It is hoped that the death of Khalifa, who paid the ultimate price with his life, will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities,” she added.

PHED also reminded the public that existing laws on electricity-related offences carry severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 21 years, while noting that investigations were ongoing to identify other suspects involved in vandalism within the area.

In a related development, the company announced the migration of Mbodo Aluu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to Band A, a classification that guarantees improved electricity supply.

Ilevbare said the upgrade would ensure a minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity supply, noting that the community previously operated under Band D and was connected to an 11kV feeder.

She explained that the upgrade involved the installation of new transformers and the replacement of key infrastructure components, including conductors, insulators, poles, and other fittings.

PHED said the intervention reflects its commitment to improved service delivery, while commending residents of Mbodo Aluu for settling outstanding electricity bills.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has met with the United States Consul General in Lagos, saying discussions centred on credible elections, opposition participation, and Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi disclosed on his X handle on Tuesday that he met with the US Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, improving electoral credibility, and expanding economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

“This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship.

“We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties, can thrive and contribute,” he said.

He added that discussions also covered trade and investment opportunities, expressing optimism about future improvements in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process.