The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Tuesday alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, violated the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.

The commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.

In a statement by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said it had facilitated El-Rufai’s medical visit in compliance with a court directive and its statutory obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.

The ICPC disclosed that the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor but that he failed to appear on the first day of proceedings.

According to the commission, its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to convey El-Rufai to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting on seeing his personal doctor.

“The prosecution further informed the court that no prior request had been made to the Commission for such medical consultation and that, when asked by the Commission’s medical doctor, the defendant reportedly indicated that he had no immediate medical complaints but stated that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he see his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar,” the statement said.

The commission said the court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a petition seeking the transfer of the case.

It stated that despite the adjournment, it approved the medical visit in line with the court’s directive.

“During the hospital visit on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026, at the private wing of the National Hospital, FCT, officers of the Commission’s medical and security team conducted themselves professionally and respected the defendant’s privacy,” the statement said.

The commission added that, at the request of El-Rufai’s family members, its officers remained outside the consultation room while the attending oncologist was said to be examining him.

However, the ICPC alleged that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor with several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.

“The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order!” the commission stated.

The anti-graft agency said it had managed El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody “with patience, professionalism and courtesy,” but alleged that such goodwill had been abused.

“The ICPC will bring to the attention of the courts the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the defendant. The professional and humane nature of the ICPC should not be taken for granted,” it added.

The commission further announced that Professor Abubakar had been arrested.

“At this moment, Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, has been taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement said.

The ICPC said it remained committed to operating within the law and warned that it “will not tolerate, under any guise, the abuse of its goodwill by anybody or group of persons.”

The Anambra State Government has approved far-reaching measures and decisions aimed at deepening governance, expanding access to justice, and accelerating development across the state under the “Solution 2.0” agenda.

According to a press statement issued on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, these measures will tackle erosion, student housing deficit as well as address other infrastructural issues.

Mefor said these decisions were taken during the fifth Anambra State Executive Council meeting, held at Light House, Awka, on Monday.

He added that the government also approved the release N551,911,205.81 for general external works on the permanent building at the Solution Innovation District in awka

According to him, the state reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development with new policy decisions and project approvals designed to enhance social cohesion, stimulate economic growth and improve public service delivery across the state.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Executive Council, at its fifth meeting for the second term of the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo administration, approved far-reaching measures aimed at deepening governance, expanding access to justice, and accelerating development across the state under the ‘Solution 2.0’ agenda.

“Council approved the immediate activation of the ‘Soludozie Anambra Programme’ under the Public-Private-Community Partnership model.

The programme will mobilise high-net-worth individuals and communities across the 179 communities of Anambra State to partner with government in the provision of critical infrastructure including roads, schools, and medical centres.

“This reflects the administration’s recognition that sustainable development requires the collective effort of government, the private sector, and the people.”

According to the commissioner, in response to the growing number of students living off-campus, the state government resolved to partner with private investors to provide adequate and affordable hostel accommodation in tertiary institutions across the state.

He noted that the hostels will be delivered through a “Build-Operate-Transfer” arrangement to ensure students have access to a safe and complete campus experience. Modalities for implementation take effect immediately.

He pointed out that to ensure timely and fair resolution of complaints, the state government approved measures to make the state’s Grievance Redress Mechanism more robust and accessible to Ndi Anambra.

“The strengthened GRM will receive, evaluate, and resolve disputes relating to human rights and service delivery between citizens and the Anambra State Government. Ndi Anambra are again advised to forward any grievance to its website.

“Council directed increased public awareness on the availability and use of ‘Small Claims Courts’ in Anambra State.

The Centre for Crisis Communication has warned that worsening insecurity, persistent inflation, food insecurity, disinformation and rising ethno-religious divisions are threatening Nigeria’s economic stability, national unity and democratic governance.

The warning was contained in the Centre’s Second Quarter 2026 National Security and Stability Report presented in Abuja on Tuesday by its Chairman, retired Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade.

According to the Centre’s chairman, the report, prepared by the Centre’s Crisis Communication Hub, showed a deterioration in Nigeria’s security and information environment during the second quarter of 2026, particularly in June.

Olukolade said, “The Centre expresses deep concern over the convergence of escalating insecurity, widespread disinformation, severe economic hardship, and intensifying ethno-religious polarisation — a combination that poses significant risks to national stability and social cohesion.”

He said the assessment revealed “a marked deterioration in the country’s security landscape,” characterised by persistent terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings, violent banditry, farmer-herder clashes, the resurgence of extremist elements and the growing use of artificial intelligence-driven disinformation and coordinated misinformation campaigns.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in rescuing abducted victims and disrupting terrorist activities, Olukolade said criminal groups had continued to adapt their tactics.

He said, “While acknowledging the commendable efforts and operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies — particularly in the rescue of abducted persons and the disruption of terrorist activities — the Centre notes that criminal groups continue to evolve and adapt their tactics. This reality underscores the urgent need for more robust, coordinated, and intelligence-driven responses across all security formations.”

The retired general also linked the country’s security challenges to economic hardship, warning that inflation and food insecurity were worsening public frustration and increasing social vulnerabilities.

He said, “The Centre further observes that worsening economic conditions, rising food insecurity and persistent inflation continue to exacerbate public frustration and heighten social vulnerabilities.”

Olukolade further raised concerns over what he described as the unprecedented spread of fake news, manipulated multimedia content and AI-generated disinformation capable of undermining public confidence in state institutions.

He continued, “Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented proliferation of fake news, manipulated multimedia content, AI-generated disinformation and inflammatory narratives capable of undermining public confidence in state institutions. This situation is aggravating social tensions and complicating ongoing security operations.”

He warned that as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum, the deliberate spread of false information and hate speech had become an increasing threat to national peace and democratic stability.

The CCC chairman also expressed concern over reported restrictions on press freedom and the alleged misuse of existing laws against journalists.

“Equally concerning are reports of restrictions on press freedom and the misuse of extant laws against journalists, developments that have implications for democratic governance and public accountability,” he said.

Olukolade further warned against what he described as the growing weaponisation of ethnic and religious identities by some politicians.

He said, “A particularly disturbing trend identified during the quarter is the increasing weaponisation of ethnic and religious identities by some political actors for partisan purposes. The Centre warns that Nigeria’s hard-earned gains in nation-building, national integration and peaceful coexistence are gradually being eroded by divisive rhetoric and identity politics.”

According to him, unless the trend was urgently addressed, it could further inflame tensions and undermine national unity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

As part of the Centre’s recommendations, Olukolade urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen specialised training, improve rescue operations and adopt more intelligence-driven strategies to tackle kidnappings and other security emergencies.

He also urged journalists, commentators and social media users to avoid sensationalising kidnapping incidents and ongoing rescue operations, saying responsible reporting and the dissemination of verified information were essential to protecting security operations and preventing unnecessary public panic.

Olukolade further called on political leaders to refrain from exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political advantage and instead promote national cohesion.

He also reiterated the Centre’s support for the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms.

Considering the growing public consensus that state policing represents a more responsive and effective approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, the Centre reiterates its support for the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that the constitutional, legal and institutional framework for state policing should not be subjected to unnecessary delays, while adequate safeguards should be put in place to guarantee professionalism, accountability and protection against abuse.

Olukolade also called on government institutions, security agencies, political parties, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work collectively to combat misinformation, strengthen national unity and promote responsible public communication.

According to him, addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires “a whole-of-society approach anchored on professionalism, strategic communication, intelligence-led operations, responsible leadership and active citizen participation.”

Online earlier reported that the Federal Government acknowledged that inflation and insecurity remain major challenges facing Nigerians, even as it defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past three years.

Also, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, recently urged the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges and worsening economic hardship.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has recovered a locally made pistol after suspected drug users fled from a patrol team in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The command said the recovery was made on Friday, July 4, at about 2:00 p.m. when operatives attached to the Ekeki Divisional Headquarters were on routine patrol along Osiri Road in the Tombia area.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, the officers observed a group of youths allegedly taking illicit drugs.

However, on sighting the police patrol team, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning a locally made pistol, which was subsequently recovered by the operatives.

The statement partly reads, “On 4th July 2026, at about 1400 hours, operatives attached to Ekeki Divisional Headquarters, while on routine patrol along Osiri Road, Tombia, observed a group of youths allegedly taking illicit drugs. On sighting the police operatives, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning one locally made pistol, which was subsequently recovered.”

The police spokesperson said investigations had commenced, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects

Investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects. The Command remains committed to proactive policing and urges members of the public to continue providing credible information that will assist in combating crime and enhancing public safety across the state.”

Mohammed reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive policing and urged residents to continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crime and improving public safety across Bayelsa State.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has in recent months intensified intelligence-led patrols and stop-and-search operations across Yenagoa and other parts of the state as part of efforts to curb violent crime, cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned that the abuse of illicit drugs among youths is contributing to rising cases of armed robbery, cult clashes and other violent crimes. The police have therefore continued to encourage residents to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing crime prevention efforts.

The Nigeria Police Force has also sustained campaigns aimed at recovering illegal weapons from circulation, maintaining that the removal of illicit firearms remains critical to improving public safety and reducing violent crime across communities.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, said yesterday the federal government has reduced the import tariffs on used vehicles from 15 per cent to five and on brand-new vehicles from 20 per cent to 10.

Adeniyi spoke when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise to defend the service’s 2026 budget proposal.

The Customs DG said the revised excise tariffs on vehicles were contained in the 2026 fiscal policy measures.

He said while the new policy was expected to improve revenue generation, the reduction in vehicle tariffs could negatively impact collections.

Adeniyi said:  “We have the new excise tariff, which is provided in the 2026 fiscal policy. We believe that these measures will increase our revenue collection.

“Conversely, tariffs on vehicles and levies on vehicles have been reduced significantly.  For used vehicles, it has been reduced from 15 percent to five percent, and for brand-new vehicles, the tariffs have been reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent. So we believe that this is something that may also negatively affect revenue.”

Alex Mascot, a lawmaker from Abia, questioned whether the reduction would be enough to discourage importers from routing cargo through neighbouring countries.

“If five percent has been reduced from the fee that is paid when you import goods into the country, why then do people still move their goods to Cotonou? I am aware that a lot of importers are discouraged from bringing their goods into the country because of the high tariffs.”

Responding, Adeniyi said the policy implementation began in May.

Leke Abejide, chairman of the committee, described the tariff review as a relief for Nigerians.

So, I want the general public to know that the Nigerian government is doing something good for the public,” he said

People have been clamouring for this, and it has happened. So, we should clap for the federal government. We should commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for doing this for the public.”

The comptroller-general said the service generated N7.258 trillion between January and December 2025, exceeding its approved revenue target.

According to him, the performance represented a positive variance of N1.153 trillion (18.89 percent) above the approved target for the year.

He said the performance was achieved despite several factors that constrained revenue generation, including the suspension of excise duty on telecommunications services, the continued suspension of the proposed green tax introduced in 2023, and government fiscal policies promoting local production of healthcare products, which reduced import duty and VAT collections on medical imports.

He also cited the presidential initiative on compressed natural gas, CNG, and electric vehicles, which reduced revenue from imports, as well as the high volume of imports covered by import duty exemption certificates, IDEC, VAT orders and schedule II of the common external tariff, CET.

Adeniyi said imports worth N34.538 trillion qualified for revenue concessions in 2025, comprising 56.40 percent petroleum products, 40.52 percent military imports, and 3.08 percent IDEC and other items.

The Customs boss added that global trade disruptions arising from the Russia-Ukraine war also affected imports, particularly wheat shipments from the region.

Adeniyi told lawmakers that the NCS has a revenue target of N11.074 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year.

He said the target comprises N5.542 trillion for the federation, N1.491 trillion for non-federation revenue, N2.773 trillion from import VAT and N1.266 trillion from free-on-board (FOB) collections.

To achieve the target, he said the service would deploy several strategies, including the full implementation of the unified customs information system (UCIS), also known as B’Odogwu, to automate customs processes and improve revenue collection.

He said other measures include strengthening post-clearance audits and real-time systems audits to improve compliance; expanding the authorised economic operator (AEO) and advance rulings programmes to facilitate trade; deploying geospatial technology and joint border patrols to combat smuggling; and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders.

Adeniyi also said that the new excise tariff regime under the 2026 fiscal policy, the planned reintroduction of the green tax, and other fiscal measures are expected to support revenue generation, despite uncertainties in global trade arising from tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

For the 2026 fiscal year, Adeniyi proposed an expenditure budget of N1.235 trillion, to be funded by N949.86 billion from the four percent FOB allocation, N55.47 billion from its two percent VAT share, and N230.04 billion for ongoing capital projects.

Adeniyi added that the proposed expenditure would cover N421.70 billion for personnel costs, N307.77 billion for overheads and N565.93 billion for capital projects.

LAGOS — RESIDENTS, motorists and business owners along the Berger/Kirikiri corridor, yesterday, blamed the worsening traffic congestion on the Mile 2-Apapa expressway on the proliferation of container terminals in the area, saying the facilities have become the major source of the persistent gridlock.

The gridlock, yesterday, left thousands of commuters stranded for hours, with many abandoning their journeys and returning home.

An auto dealer, Ekene Iruanya, described the container terminals as the primary cause of the perennial congestion, saying the traffic situation deteriorated after the facilities commenced operations.

According to him, trucks transporting empty containers to the terminals frequently occupy the road, creating bottlenecks despite the presence of traffic management officials.

Iruanya said: “There is nothing else causing this traffic other than the terminals opposite the Catholic Church. Before they came here, this road was free. Today, you have three different terminals receiving containers and all the trucks are heading there.”

Police, LASTMA, FRSC, others helpless

He added that personnel of the Nigerian Navy; Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA; Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and other security agencies are regularly deployed to control traffic in the area, but their efforts have yielded little improvement because of the volume of trucks.

He called on the government to reconsider the location of the terminals, arguing that relocating or shutting them down would significantly ease congestion along the road leading to Kirikiri, the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities and the Naval Barracks.

Responding to the allegations, a representative of one of the container terminal operators denied that the facility alone was responsible for the traffic, noting that several terminals within the corridor receive containers.

The official explained that the terminal currently receives only empty containers and has become busier because other facilities handling similar cargo are no longer operating at full capacity.

Why the terminal is congested

For now, we are the only ones receiving these empty containers while other terminals are not functioning fully. That is why the place is congested. We don’t even have enough space inside the terminal because everywhere is filled with empty containers,” the official, who spoke in confidence, said.

He explained that the containers cannot be returned directly to the ports because port authorities only accept specified volumes at a time, making bonded terminals necessary holding areas.

According to him, the terminal receives between 150 and 200 empty containers daily but only accepts new deliveries after previously stored containers have been evacuated to the ports.

He also maintained that many of the trucks contributing to the traffic are not owned by the terminal, explaining that they belong to independent transport operators bringing containers from different locations.

The official suggested that stricter traffic management could help improve the situation.

If the trucks are properly lined up on one lane by the security agencies, there will be free movement. The problem is when they are parked indiscriminately on different parts of the road,” he said.

He added that the evacuation of containers from the terminal is largely determined by port allocations, which specify the number of containers to be returned daily.

We’re working with stakeholders to curb Mile 2 traffic —NPA

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, said it was collaborating with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to address the recurring traffic congestion along the Mile 2-Apapa port corridor.

The assurance came amid massive gridlock caused by tanker trucks and container-laden vehicles lining the Mile 2 axis and stretching towards Apapa, leaving commuters stranded for hours

Speaking on the development, NPA spokesman, Ikechukwu Onyemechara, said government agencies have put measures in place to ensure swift intervention whenever traffic challenges arise on port access roads.

According to him, one of the key resolutions reached at a recent stakeholders’ meeting was the establishment of a WhatsApp platform through which agencies can promptly report and respond to traffic incidents.

He explained that once a traffic situation is reported, agencies such as LASTMA, are immediately alerted to deploy personnel to the affected location and ensure that parts of the road remain open for other motorists.

“Every effort the government is making is a collaborative operation. Everybody has to work together to ensure success,” he said.

He urged tanker operators to be orderly and avoid blocking major roads, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to achieving lasting solutions.

The NPA spokesman, however, admitted that enforcing sanctions against erring tanker operators remains difficult, alleging that attempts to discipline them are often met with threats of industrial action.

“Anytime the government wants to take action, they threaten to stop lifting fuel, and the government does not want a fuel crisis. They are taking advantage of that position,” he said.

Onyemechara also disclosed that some tank farm operators are yet to fully key into the electronic call-up system introduced to regulate truck movements into the ports.

He attributed the persistent congestion around Mile 2 to the fact that the corridor serves both tank farm-bound tankers and container trucks heading to the ports, unlike the Apapa port access road, which is less affected by tanker traffic.

According to him, the Managing Director of the NPA has assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to finding a permanent solution to the challenge.

NSC absolves self from gridlock

When contacted, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, said it was not aware of the traffic situation at the Mile 2 corridor.

Responding to enquiries, the Council’s Deputy Director of Regulatory Services, Ms Adaora Nwonu, said she had passed through the area earlier without experiencing any unusual congestion and promised to verify the reports.

“I passed there about an hour or two ago and it wasn’t bad, so there must be a reason,” Nwonu said.

She said preliminary information suggested the queue comprised tanker trucks heading to tank farms rather than port-bound cargo trucks.

“If they are tankers, then they are most likely trying to access the tank farms. There must be a reason for the gridlock because normally it shouldn’t be like that.

“I’ll ask my people to check. They are already out on monitoring today, so I’ll find out whether they have covered the Tincan and Apapa axis and what they observed,” she said.

culled from vanguard 

The governor also installed the Chief Executive Officer of Bovas Group, Mrs Victoria Samson, as the third Chancellor of the university.

Adeleke, who had earlier inaugurated the university sports complex, a three-in-one laboratory complex, a 500-capacity lecture theatre and a 750-capacity lecture theatre within the main campus of the institution in Osogbo, described Samson as a capable successor to the immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija.

The governor further disclosed that the immediate past Chancellor served the institution with uncommon grace, generosity and commitment, noting that through her exemplary leadership and philanthropy, Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, fully funded by the Alakija Family, was donated to the institution.

Though her tenure has come to a successful conclusion, her remarkable legacy shall remain an integral part of the history of this university.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, leadership is a relay, not a race. Every generation is called upon to build on the achievements of those who came before it.

“Today, the baton has been passed to another accomplished and highly respected Nigerian

After careful consideration, one name stood out: Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson. She is an accomplished business executive, an exceptional administrator, a respected industrialist and an inspiring leader whose contributions to corporate Nigeria have earned widespread admiration,” Adeleke said.

Assuring the new chancellor of his government’s continued support, the governor restated the commitment of his administration to repositioning education as the cornerstone of sustainable development of the state.

Earlier, the UNIOSUN Vice Chancellor, Prof Clement Adebooye, commended Adeleke for appointing Samson, adding that she fitted all the fundamental requirements of a chancellor through her extraordinary, pioneering track record as the founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas.

Adebooye, who emphasised the important role of the chancellor of a university, noted that besides being the highest-ranking official and formal head of a university, the occupant serves as the chief ceremonial head and ambassador of the university to the wider community.

“This position is vital because the chancellor embodies the university’s prestige, champions the university’s mission, and leverages their high profile to secure philanthropic funding and strategic partnerships for the university.

Distinguished members of this gathering, you will agree with me that Mama Victoria Adunola Samson perfectly fits into all these fundamental requirements of a chancellor through her extraordinary, pioneering track record as the founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas,” Adebooye said.

He highlighted the steady growth the university has recorded since its establishment, adding that UNIOSUN has grown from a total student population of 649 in 2007 to 42,000, and from a paltry 19 academic programmes at inception to 108.

On the projects inaugurated by the governor, Adebooye said, “These are completely funded by the Osun State Government through our internally generated revenue to make teaching and learning much better for our students and staff.

“I am also happy to confirm that there are other projects across other campuses, including the ongoing intra-campus road networks here on the main campus and in our Ikire campus.”

In her acceptance speech, Samson noted the contributions of her predecessors, saying her primary focus would be to join the university to raise, deploy and build infrastructure that would support both students and faculty members.

She said, “This is because when the faculty, whether academic or administrative, is well taken care of, they will also do the best for the student population as a whole.

“And when the infrastructure for students is available, with great academic scholars, we will build students who will be world-class in all aspects.

“As a chancellor, I would like to ensure that the bridge between the town and gown is further strengthened through increased collaboration and cooperation between the university, as knowledge producers and trainers, and the industry.

“We must also collaborate to effectively improve the Webometrics ranking of this university. We must ensure all hands are on deck to bring UNIOSUN into the top 10 in Nigeria within the next five years. I strongly believe this is achievable, with God’s blessing.

The investiture was witnessed by former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, deputy governor, Kola Adewusi and the chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Prof Wale Oladipo, among others.

Alakija served as chancellor of the institution between 2016 and 2026, while at the inception of the university in 2007, the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, served as the pioneer chancellor.

An education expert and founder of the IA-Foundation, Ibironke Adeagbo, on Monday described the Federal Government’s reported proposal to review the separation between Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School as a timely intervention that could help reduce the number of children dropping out before completing secondary education.

The UK-based charity founder, which operates in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, however, stressed that structural reforms alone would not solve Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, calling for sustained collaboration among governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society.

In a statement she released, Ibironke said every child who leaves school before completing his or her education represents a loss of human potential.

“Every child who leaves school before completing their education represents lost human potential. We welcome reforms that remove barriers to progression and support children to remain in school.

However, reducing out-of-school children requires more than structural policy reform. It requires sustained collaboration, innovation and accountability across the education ecosystem,” she said.

Adeagbo said the foundation’s position builds on discussions at its education summit held last month, where policymakers, education experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders explored practical and scalable solutions to Nigeria’s out-of-school children challenge.

She noted that the summit produced an education White Paper designed to stimulate policy and advocacy discussions, while the foundation also unveiled a dedicated online portal to connect out-of-school children with sponsors and supporters willing to fund their education.

According to her, addressing the country’s education crisis requires coordinated action involving government, private sector organisations, philanthropists, schools, communities and civil society actors.

She reaffirmed IA-Foundation’s commitment to promoting better educational outcomes through advocacy, strategic partnerships and evidence-based engagement.

The Federal Government recently disclosed that it was considering a review of the current structure separating Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School as part of broader education reforms aimed at improving retention and reducing the number of children who leave school before completing secondary education.

The proposal forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education system and tackle the country’s persistent out-of-school children crisis.

According to estimates by the United Nations Children’s Fund, Nigeria has one of the largest populations of out-of-school children globally, with millions of school-age children lacking access to quality basic education.

Education experts have consistently argued that while policy reforms are important, improved funding, better infrastructure, teacher development, social protection programmes and stronger community engagement are critical to keeping children in school and improving learning outcomes.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary security threats in the country.

He said this would be achieved through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces to improve operational planning and combat readiness.

The President also disclosed plans to modernise the Nigerian Army by enhancing its capacity to contain prevailing security challenges.

Tinubu stated this while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.

The theme of NADCEL 2026 was ‘Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.’

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated, “My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness.

“Accordingly, efforts aimed at sustained research and development in the Armed Forces, advancing technology and strengthening homegrown innovations are steadily progressing.

The revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria stands at the heart of this ambition, and the partnership represented by this forum promises fresh momentum for local production, the creation of skilled employment, and the confidence that grows from a nation able to arm itself.”

He continued, “This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges. We therefore align with the aims of the organisers of this event to amplify Nigeria’s leadership in defence diplomacy and enhance our Army’s operational capabilities through shared expertise.

“And we equally share in the vision to advance security solutions and drive economic opportunities. To this end, successive governments have made efforts to reposition the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the coming on board of the African Land Forces Forum to promote the growth of our defence industries is a welcome development.

“It is my hope that this strategic partnership will greatly boost the capacity of DICON to produce high-end combat equipment with bright prospects for operational effectiveness and local content development.”

He hailed the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers, saying, “To the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, you carry a trust that few are asked to bear, and you carry it with an honour that steadies the whole nation.

“Serve the people with the same devotion you bring to defending them, for the uniform commands respect only when it protects the weak and upholds the dignity of every citizen.

“The future we seek—a secure and prosperous Nigeria within a stable and confident Africa—will be won by the discipline, sacrifice and unity that this gathering represents,” even as he congratulated the Nigerian Army on its 163rd anniversary.”

He further commended the Nigerian Army for its contribution to global security, peace and stability, saying, “Across the arc of our history, Nigerian soldiers stood firm when the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life might continue.

He said, “In markets and classrooms, on farms and along the quiet roads of our communities, the peace that citizens enjoy is the harvest of vigilance kept far from public view, often at the cost of everything a person holds dear.”

The President hailed the strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Army in successfully hosting the African Land Forces Forum, saying the partnership underscored the importance of synergy between the military and the private sector in delivering high-impact engagements of global relevance.

“The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordination among nations, collaboration on border security, capacity building for counter-terrorism operations, and the establishment of regional standby forces.

“Other areas of mutual benefit lie in promoting cybersecurity resilience, addressing climate-induced security risks, and exploring the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for national security. It is my hope that your interactions cover these areas,” he stated.

Tinubu said the event also honoured fallen heroes, saying, “Their courage lives in the freedom we enjoy, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation. Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten.”

Earlier in his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said that over the decades, the Nigerian Army had continued to transform alongside the nation, adapting to new roles and greater responsibilities.

He said the Army is guided by the virtues of selfless service, unwavering loyalty, honour, courage and sacrifice, adding that it has remained steadfast in its sacred duty to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity and safeguard the lives and aspirations of its people.

He said the celebration marked a reaffirmation that the Army would remain committed to protecting the nation’s integrity, saying, “This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era.”

Shaibu revealed that the Army is aware of the presence of foreign jihadists across the nation’s borders, vowing that it would flush them out.

He said, “It is important to note that this year’s celebration comes at a crucial period when over 80 per cent of Nigerian troops are fully committed to ongoing operations to combat the diverse security challenges bedevilling our dear nation.

“It is also worth noting that the Nigerian Army is not oblivious to the dire security situation in neighbouring countries across the Sahel region.

“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I would like to assure us all that the Nigerian Army is alert and equal to the task. Like our forebears who successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations during the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions, the Nigerian Army of today will certainly prevail in confronting the security challenges of our generation.”

In his speech, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara congratulated the Army on the celebration, saying the decision to host the event in the state showed that Rivers is peaceful and safe.

Fubara said the Nigerian Army has demonstrated commitment and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.

He called for improved welfare for Army personnel, saying those who have served the nation deserved better attention, and pledged the continued support of the state government to the Army and other security agencies.

Dignitaries present at the grand finale included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military and government officials.

Goje stated this in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH on Tuesday while responding to questions bordering on Governor Buni-led administration’s seven years of governance since its inception in 2019.

According to the SSG, the Dapchi girls’ incident is no longer a major issue before the state government because all the abductees, except Sharibu, had been released before the current administration came into office in 2019.

He said, “For the Dapchi girls, except for Leah Sharibu, who, I believe, is still in captivity, the Dapchi girls have all been rescued even before 2019. So, that story is a past one because all of them regained their freedom before this administration came on board.

Our correspondent reports that Sharibu, a Christian among the 110 schoolgirls abducted by insurgents from the Dapchi school in February 2018, was reportedly held back after refusing to renounce her Christian faith, while the remaining girls were released about a month after the abduction.

Although there have been unverified reports over the years about her condition, the Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that efforts to secure her freedom remain ongoing.

Speaking further, Goje said the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni has prioritised restoring security across Yobe, noting that significant progress has been recorded since 2019.

According to him, improved security has made every local government area in the state accessible, unlike the situation when the administration assumed office.

“When we came in 2019, the North-East was deeply affected by insurgency. Many communities were inaccessible because of attacks by Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups.

“But today, as I speak to you, there is no local government in Yobe State that is inaccessible. You can travel to every local government area, and humanitarian organisations can also access communities that were previously cut off,” he stressed.

The SSG added that security improvements had also extended to the ward level, saying almost all political wards across the state are now accessible.

According to Goje, “Except for a few communities in one ward, virtually all the political wards in Yobe are now accessible. That tells you the level of improvement that has been achieved in terms of security.”

He maintained that the restoration of peace had enabled displaced residents to return to their ancestral communities, while government interventions in agriculture, healthcare, education and livelihoods were helping them rebuild their lives.

Continuing, the SSG, while highlighting the reconstruction of Yobe State under the Mai Mala Buni administration further disclosed that the government had reconstructed damaged public infrastructure, supported farmers with agricultural inputs and mechanisation, expanded healthcare services and implemented empowerment programmes to encourage displaced families to remain in their communities.

Our priority has been to ensure that people not only return home but are able to rebuild their lives. We reconstructed public facilities, supported farmers, expanded healthcare and introduced empowerment programmes so that returning communities can become self-reliant again,” he said.

Goje disclosed further that Yobe became the first state in the country to domesticate the National Internally Displaced Persons Policy and develop a Durable Solutions Action Plan to guide the resettlement and integration of displaced persons.

According to him, the policy allows displaced persons to decide whether to return to their ancestral communities, remain where they currently live or relocate elsewhere, with government providing the necessary social services to support whichever option they choose.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the abduction of the Dapchi schoolgirls on February 19, 2018, attracted widespread national and international condemnation and renewed concerns over attacks on schools in the North-East.

While 104 of the girls were released by their captors the following month and another was later confirmed dead, Leah Sharibu remains the only known student yet to regain her freedom more than eight years after the incident.

No fewer than 15 persons were burnt to death in a two bedroom apartment while three others were shot dead at various intervals over land dispute in Niger state.

The incident happened when some yet-to-be identified assailants stormed the house where the 15 people were staying and set it ablaze killing all the occupants.

Eyewitnesses told Arewa PUNCH that the incident happened in the two villages of Mararraban Gwadaro and Tashan Bako, in Rafi Local Government Area of the state where fighting has continued to rage over land dispute.

Our correspondent learnt that trouble started on June 29 at about 11.30 pm at Godoro village, when suspected armed men fired gunshots at 25 years old Ibrahim Musa who died on the spot.

As a result of Musa’s death, a group of aggrieved people who were on a reprisal mission blocked a major road and killed 28 years old Bashir Mazi. The attack was allegedly linked to a lingering land crisis between the two communities in the area.

A source in one of the communities who pleaded anonymity said the clash was between the Fulani and Kamuku people of Rafi Local Government Area.

The source disclosed that since the clash began, no fewer than 10 people had been killed and many houses set ablaze in the community.

The source, who expressed dismay that women and children have been the worst hit among the casualties and called for an urgent intervention from the security agencies and governments at all levels to address the escalating fights.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako confirmed the incident but did not mention the number of casualties affected in the killings.

However, he assured stakeholders that investigations have commenced to unravel those responsible for the act, with a view to punish offenders.

Katako said no responsible government will fold its arms and allow its people to be killed without stamping it’s authority with a view to bringing such problems to a halt, noting that security operatives had been drafted to the local government areas to halt the crisis.

“Yes, the crisis happened in my local government area but security agents have been drafted to halt the situation. No reasonable government will fold its hands and allow its people to be killed without stamping its authority to end the crisis,” he said.

The spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying investigations were ongoing to identify the perpetrators.

“On 30/6/2026 at about 2 pm, report received from Katako District Area of Rafi LGA indicated that on 29/6/2026 at about 11.30pm at Godoro village, suspected armed men fired gunshots at one Ibrahim Musa 25 years who died on the spot.

“As a result of this, a group of Yansakai people blocked the road and killed one Bashir Mazi, 28 years. This attack was allegedly linked to a lingering land crisis between two tribes in the area.

“However, investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators of this act, while a reconciliation committee headed by the local government council officials are working with the security agencies towards addressing the crisis, but normalcy is restored in the area,” Abiodun narrated.

On Thursday, Abiodun released an update on the crisis where he revealed the killing of the 15  people in the two bedroom flat.

“Furthermore, on 1/7/2026 at 10 pm report received indicated that fifteen persons were reportedly burnt to death in a two-bedroom flat at Angwan-Baago via Godoro village, while one other person was also killed at another location, bringing the total number of deaths to figure 18.

“However, a reconciliation committee headed by the local government council officials are working with the security agencies towards addressing the crisis, as joint Police and military patrols have been deployed to the area to restore peace,” Abiodun stated.

LOKOJA — Seven persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries in a road accident along the Okene–Osara–Lokoja Highway in Kogi State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the crash occurred when a commercial Siena bus travelling from Auchi in Edo State to Abuja collided with a stationary heavy-duty truck that was undergoing repairs in Osara.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Lawal Fagge, said the bus was conveying passengers to various destinations, including Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He attributed the accident to excessive speeding, driver fatigue and a tyre burst, which caused the driver to lose control before crashing into the parked truck.

According to Fagge, six occupants of the Siena bus died at the scene, while the motor boy of the stationary truck also lost his life.

He said the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in a morgue, while three injured victims were rescued by FRSC personnel and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“Our rescue team responded promptly to the scene, evacuated the injured victims to a hospital and recovered the bodies of those who lost their lives,” Fagge said.

The FRSC commander urged motorists to obey speed limits, ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on journeys and remain vigilant while driving.

He also advised drivers to exercise caution when approaching broken-down or stationary vehicles on highways to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, wishes to state unequivocally that the body known as the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) is not a recognized organ, chapel, affiliate or professional association under the Council.

For the avoidance of doubt, no group bearing the name “League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP)” exists within the constitutional structure of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ogun State. 

Consequently, it has no authority or mandate to present itself as speaking for media practitioners or journalists in the state.

The Council further clarifies that the only duly recognized NUJ chapel serving that axis is the Ota Independent Online Chapel, made up of professional journalists of proven integrity and standing, whose members provide credible news coverage across the entire Ogun West Senatorial District.

The NUJ, Ogun State Council, remains the only recognized umbrella body for practicing journalists in the state and will continue to safeguard the integrity, ethics and professionalism of the journalism profession.

Members of the public, government institutions, corporate organizations and other stakeholders are therefore advised to disregard any representation by LOYAMP suggesting that it speaks on behalf of journalists or media practitioners under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council.

The Council remains committed to protecting the credibility of the journalism profession and ensuring that only duly recognized professional bodies operate under the banner of the NUJ.

E-Signed:

Comrade Wale Olanrewaju 
Ogun NUJ Chairman 

Comrade Bunmi Adigun 
Ogun NUJ Secretary

The Bayelsa State Government has denied issuing any statement blaming the Federal Government for poverty in the state, describing reports to that effect as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government said no official statement was issued on Monday in response to criticisms by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state over Governor Douye Diri’s six-year performance.

The government specifically refuted media reports in a statement titled, “Bayelsa Govt Rejects PDP’s Poverty Claims, Defends Six-Year Record,” saying the words attributed to the commissioner never existed.

It also dismissed a follow-up report alleging that the state government shifted responsibility for poverty in the state to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that no such position was taken.

The statement partly read, “The commissioner neither issued, signed nor circulated any press release responding to the opposition party’s claims,” stressing that the government considered the allegations unworthy of an official response.

The government challenged journalists and media organisations that published the report to produce the purported statement, maintaining that they would be unable to do so because “none exists.”

It maintained that Bayelsans were familiar with the performance of the Governor Douye Diri administration and could distinguish between facts and deliberate distortions.

The statement further argued that the opposition’s allegation that the state government blamed the Federal Government for poverty only exposed what it described as the PDP faction’s attempt to create a false narrative.

According to the government, Diri enjoys a cordial and productive working relationship with President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, adding that the partnership continues to deliver benefits to the people of Bayelsa.

It accused the PDP faction of seeking political relevance through falsehood and reiterated that the state government would not be distracted by what it described as baseless allegations.

United Bank for Africa Plc has announced that its group chairman, Tony Elumelu, will retire from the board of directors on August 21, 2026.

The bank disclosed this on Monday during its board meeting, asserting that the process was necessary after the completion of the maximum 12-year tenure for non-executive directors prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The financial institution also named a current non-executive director on the board, Emmanuel Nnorom, as its incoming group chairman, whose appointment will take effect on the same day Elumelu retires.

In a statement released shortly after the meeting, the bank said, “The Board places on record its profound appreciation to Elumelu for his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the strategic vision and institutional strength of the UBA Group.

Under his chairmanship, UBA deepened its pan-African expansion strategy and now operates in 20 African countries, alongside operations in four global financial centres.

“The bank currently serves more than 50 million customers across its network. His retirement comes as Nigerian banks continue to align with the CBN’s corporate governance guidelines, which impose a maximum tenure of 12 years for non-executive directors to strengthen board independence and governance standards.”

Reacting, Elumelu on his Facebook acknowledged his years of service as the chairman of an “African institution that can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent’s development.

In the post titled, “Celebrating an African Institution: My Farewell from UBA,” he said, “I have never been able to look at Africa and see only borders. Where many see fifty-four separate markets, I saw one continent, one destiny — waiting to be transformed, waiting to be believed in.

“Africa does not have a shortage of brilliant women and men. Africa suffers a shortage of institutions that outlast brilliant women and men. Today is a day of huge excitement – of potential delivered and continued opportunity. Leadership is not about holding onto a position, but knowing when an institution is ready for the next chapter.

“I conclude my tenure as Chairman of the Group Board of United Bank for Africa (UBA) on August 21, 2026, after twelve years and decades of association with this extraordinary institution, with profound gratitude, immense pride, and most importantly – great optimism for the future.”

He maintained that his objective of building the bank was to connect Africa to itself and the world and to build something that would outlive individuals.

Elumelu continued, “Today, that vision is reality. UBA Group serves over 50 million customers, operates across 20 African countries and four continents, supports trade and investment, and demonstrates that an African institution can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent’s development.

“This success belongs to generations of dedicated colleagues, exceptional management, visionary directors, loyal customers, supportive regulators, committed shareholders, and partners who believed in our shared purpose.”

He further welcomed his successor, Nnorom, to lead the bank, stressing that he believed in his experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the bank, while urging shareholders, customers, partners, and the entire UBA family to extend to him the same trust and support they have entrusted him with over the years.

The League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners has reaffirmed its support for the governorship aspiration of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, describing him as a competent and experienced leader capable of governing Ogun State.

The association also dismissed renewed debates over the senator’s ancestry, insisting that the issue had long been resolved and should not be used to distract from discussions on governance and development.

The National President of LOYAMP, Alhaji Abu-Satar Hamed, disclosed this during a media engagement in Ilaro.

His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Monday by the group’s Secretary-General, Mr Simeon Fakeye.

He said the association remained committed to its longstanding advocacy for the emergence of a qualified indigene of Ogun West as the next governor of the state.

Hamed said, “LOYAMP remains unwavering in its support for the governorship aspiration of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. We believe he possesses the experience, competence and proven capacity to lead Ogun State to greater heights.

“Our campaign has always been rooted in equity, fairness and justice. We have consistently advocated the emergence of a qualified son of Ogun West as governor, and we remain committed to that cause.”

According to him, the association comprises veteran journalists, publishers, editors and other media professionals who have continued to champion justice and fairness through responsible journalism and constructive advocacy.

He disclosed that, in pursuit of the Ogun West governorship agenda, the association had engaged several prominent national leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, among others, to seek support for the aspiration.

Hamed further credited Adeola’s return to Ogun West after representing Lagos West in the Senate with what he described as significant political and developmental progress across the senatorial district.

He said, “Through infrastructural projects, educational interventions and empowerment programmes, Senator Adeola has positively impacted the lives of thousands of residents, including youths, women, artisans, students, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.”

He, however, expressed concern over renewed attempts by some individuals to question Adeola’s ancestry, describing the development as unnecessary and politically motivated.

He said, “Senator Adeola is a bona fide indigene of Ilaro from the Pahayi family. That issue has long been settled and accepted. It is unnecessary to resurrect it at this stage.

“The people of Ogun State deserve issue-based campaigns rather than attempts to revive matters that have long been settled. Elections should be about competence, performance, vision and the ability to improve the lives of the people.”

Hamed maintained that leadership should be assessed based on performance and capacity to deliver democratic dividends, arguing that Adeola’s developmental record in Ogun West remained visible.

He called on residents of Ogun West and the wider Ogun electorate to support the senator’s governorship ambition.

“If Senator Adeola emerges as governor, it will not only provide purposeful leadership for Ogun State but also mark a historic milestone by producing the first governor from Ogun West in over five decades,” he added.

The association also pledged to continue mobilising support for the senator ahead of the 2027 governorship election, while urging journalists to uphold professionalism by ensuring balanced, factual and responsible reporting.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary security threats in the country.

He said this would be achieved through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces to improve operational planning and combat readiness.

The President also disclosed plans to modernise the Nigerian Army by enhancing its capacity to contain prevailing security challenges.

Tinubu stated this while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.

The theme of NADCEL 2026 was ‘Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.’

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated, “My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness.

“Accordingly, efforts aimed at sustained research and development in the Armed Forces, advancing technology and strengthening homegrown innovations are steadily progressing.

The revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria stands at the heart of this ambition, and the partnership represented by this forum promises fresh momentum for local production, the creation of skilled employment, and the confidence that grows from a nation able to arm itself.”

He continued, “This administration is committed to modernising our Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges. We therefore align with the aims of the organisers of this event to amplify Nigeria’s leadership in defence diplomacy and enhance our Army’s operational capabilities through shared expertise.

“And we equally share in the vision to advance security solutions and drive economic opportunities. To this end, successive governments have made efforts to reposition the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the coming on board of the African Land Forces Forum to promote the growth of our defence industries is a welcome development.

“It is my hope that this strategic partnership will greatly boost the capacity of DICON to produce high-end combat equipment with bright prospects for operational effectiveness and local content development.”

He hailed the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers, saying, “To the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, you carry a trust that few are asked to bear, and you carry it with an honour that steadies the whole nation.

“Serve the people with the same devotion you bring to defending them, for the uniform commands respect only when it protects the weak and upholds the dignity of every citizen.

“The future we seek—a secure and prosperous Nigeria within a stable and confident Africa—will be won by the discipline, sacrifice and unity that this gathering represents,” even as he congratulated the Nigerian Army on its 163rd anniversary.”

He further commended the Nigerian Army for its contribution to global security, peace and stability, saying, “Across the arc of our history, Nigerian soldiers stood firm when the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life might continue.

He said, “In markets and classrooms, on farms and along the quiet roads of our communities, the peace that citizens enjoy is the harvest of vigilance kept far from public view, often at the cost of everything a person holds dear.”

The President hailed the strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Army in successfully hosting the African Land Forces Forum, saying the partnership underscored the importance of synergy between the military and the private sector in delivering high-impact engagements of global relevance.

“The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordination among nations, collaboration on border security, capacity building for counter-terrorism operations, and the establishment of regional standby forces.

“Other areas of mutual benefit lie in promoting cybersecurity resilience, addressing climate-induced security risks, and exploring the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for national security. It is my hope that your interactions cover these areas,” he stated.

Tinubu said the event also honoured fallen heroes, saying, “Their courage lives in the freedom we enjoy, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation. Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten.”

Earlier in his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said that over the decades, the Nigerian Army had continued to transform alongside the nation, adapting to new roles and greater responsibilities.

He said the Army is guided by the virtues of selfless service, unwavering loyalty, honour, courage and sacrifice, adding that it has remained steadfast in its sacred duty to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity and safeguard the lives and aspirations of its people.

He said the celebration marked a reaffirmation that the Army would remain committed to protecting the nation’s integrity, saying, “This celebration is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era.”

Shaibu revealed that the Army is aware of the presence of foreign jihadists across the nation’s borders, vowing that it would flush them out.

He said, “It is important to note that this year’s celebration comes at a crucial period when over 80 per cent of Nigerian troops are fully committed to ongoing operations to combat the diverse security challenges bedevilling our dear nation.

“It is also worth noting that the Nigerian Army is not oblivious to the dire security situation in neighbouring countries across the Sahel region.

“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I would like to assure us all that the Nigerian Army is alert and equal to the task. Like our forebears who successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations during the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions, the Nigerian Army of today will certainly prevail in confronting the security challenges of our generation.”

In his speech, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara congratulated the Army on the celebration, saying the decision to host the event in the state showed that Rivers is peaceful and safe.

Fubara said the Nigerian Army has demonstrated commitment and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.

He called for improved welfare for Army personnel, saying those who have served the nation deserved better attention, and pledged the continued support of the state government to the Army and other security agencies.

Dignitaries present at the grand finale included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military and government officials.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, disclosed this on Monday during a bi-monthly press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Lafia, the state capital.

Speaking on the recruitment exercise being conducted by the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Ahemba said the state government approved the recruitment of 1,000 primary school teachers to address manpower shortages in rural communities.

He stressed that the exercise would be conducted transparently to ensure that only qualified candidates were recruited.

The governor’s aide added that all successful applicants from the state’s 13 local government areas would be posted strictly to rural schools to improve the quality of education in underserved communities.

Ahemba said, “To ensure fairness and credibility, the government bypassed standard internal procedures and handed the recruitment assignment to an independent consulting firm.

“The selection process recorded a massive turnout but a very low pass rate. While the full breakdown of scores is yet to be released, over 10,000 candidates applied for the 1,000 available slots.”

He assured applicants that the process would remain merit-based, noting that the rural posting policy was designed to bridge the shortage of teachers in hard-to-reach communities across the state.

Ahemba urged applicants to await further communication from SUBEB and the consulting firm on the next stage of the recruitment exercise.

He added, “The state government approved the recruitment of 1,000 rural teachers. The recruitment exercise was handed to a consulting firm to ensure that everything was done properly and transparently.

“During the period under review, more than 10,000 applications were received from applicants with qualifications ranging from the Nigeria Certificate in Education to diplomas and university degrees.

“A screening exercise was conducted to identify the most qualified candidates. Out of the over 10,000 applicants, 8,000 participated in the screening examination, but only 600 passed.

“Only 600 out of the 8,000 candidates who sat the examination passed, which is below the number the government intends to recruit. The consulting firm has concluded that stage of the process and handed it over to the State Universal Basic Education Board for the next phase.

“As we speak, the board is reviewing the process to ensure that only qualified candidates are eventually employed.”

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested four suspected burglars at a criminal hideout in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on the hideout in the Omisanjana area of Ado Ekiti on Sunday.

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Abutu said operatives recovered a large quantity of items reasonably suspected to be proceeds of burglary and theft.

He stated, “During the operation, four suspects were arrested. They are Abdurazak Suleiman, 39; John Okori, 27; Francis Okori, 32; and Kehinde Alabi, 30, all residents of Omisanjana, Ado Ekiti.

“A search of the premises led to the recovery of numerous items suspected to have been stolen from various shops, including assorted perfumes, bathing soaps, alcoholic beverages, food items, body care products, cotton materials, clothing, a school bag, a 3kg gas cylinder and a sledgehammer suspected to have been used for shop-breaking operations.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects lived together in the same apartment. Further intelligence gathered at the scene linked them to a recent burglary of a shop located at Ekute Quarters, Ado Ekiti, near the Water Works construction site, where some of the suspects were reportedly engaged as labourers.”

The command spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to trace the owner of the burgled shop and other possible victims for the identification and recovery of their property, while a comprehensive investigation had commenced to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in burglary and other criminal activities.

Abutu said the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo Falade, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.

He added that the commissioner urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, assuring them that all information received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Residents of Ido-Ani in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to the management of First Bank of Nigeria to reopen its branch in the community, which was shut down following a robbery attack seven years ago.

The financial institution’s branch in the community was attacked by armed robbers in April 2019.

The attackers reportedly carted away an undisclosed sum of money from the Automated Teller Machine and killed no fewer than six people, including a policeman and a school vice-principal.

One of the robbers was later arrested by the police in collaboration with soldiers

A community leader, Mr Steve Otaloro, who spoke on behalf of concerned indigenes and residents, urged the bank’s management to reopen its Ido-Ani branch, describing the closure as inconsistent with the enduring legacy of the bank’s first indigenous Managing Director, Chief Samuel Asabia.

This was contained in a statement he issued on Monday.

Otaloro, a former chairman of the Irekari Local Council Development Area, argued that restoring banking operations to the historic town would not only revive economic activities but also honour one of Nigeria’s foremost banking icons.

According to him, the Ido-Ani branch of the bank was established in the 1980s during Asabia’s tenure.

He said, “While there is no public evidence that the branch was established solely because it was Asabia’s hometown, its establishment during his tenure remains historically significant and symbolises the philosophy of taking banking services to the grassroots.

Unlike many rural branches that began operations in rented buildings, First Bank invested heavily in Ido-Ani by constructing a purpose-built banking hall as well as an official residence for the branch manager, demonstrating the bank’s long-term commitment to the community.

“For several decades, the branch served as the major financial hub for communities including Idogun, Imeri, Owani, Afo, Ikun, Oba and other neighbouring settlements.”

He noted that the branch also catered to the banking needs of key institutions such as the Federal Government College, Ido-Ani, the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Imeri, as well as farmers, traders, artisans, transport operators, cooperative societies, public servants and other business owners across the area.

According to him, the closure has forced residents and business owners to travel long distances to carry out banking transactions, while many now rely on Point-of-Sale operators for services previously provided by the bank.

The community leader urged the current management of First Bank to revisit the decision taken by previous administrations, stressing that history would judge the present leadership not only by the decisions it inherited but also by whether it had the courage to reverse them.

The present management may not have ordered the closure of the Ido-Ani branch, but history will remember whether it had the vision to restore it.

“There is still time for First Bank to return to the historic town of Ido-Ani, where its first indigenous Managing Director, Chief Samuel Oyewole Asabia, began his remarkable journey and now rests.

“Reopening the branch would be a fitting tribute to the doyen of Nigerian banking and a practical demonstration that the bank remains committed to the ideals of rural banking and financial inclusion that he championed,” Otaloro said.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, ordered the remand of three suspects alleged to have murdered Ms. Kitan Oyesiku, a retired broadcaster with the Ogun State Television and her guard, Pelumi Adetayo, for 60 days at Oba Correctional Centre pending the legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution.

Chief Magistrate O.T Odubanjo of Court 3 gave the order while ruling on an ex parte application filed by the Police against the trio of Sodeinde Olajunwon Phillip, Sobu Obafunsho and Shakirudeen Ayoola arrested for the killing of Oyesiku and her security guard.

The Legal Officer of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, AS Abiodun, informed the court that an application dated 6th of July sought an order of the court to remand the suspects for 60 days, at first instance, at the Nigeria Correctional Centre pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution for the suspects’ arrangement before the court of competent jurisdiction.

He told the court that the application was brought pursuant to Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice and other matters, Ogun 2017 and under the inherent jurisdiction of this court.

Abiodun said a 24-paragraph affidavit attached to the application was deposed to the application by ASP Saka of the homicide section of the State CID.

He informed the Court that 17 exhibits and a written address were equally attached to the application.

The Police legal officer urged the Court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

Ruling on the application, the Chief Magistrate granted the relief as prayed by the Police counsel. The court adjourned the matter to September 10, 2026.

Speaking with the journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said that “The suspects have been remanded for 60 days on court order pending the legal advice from the DPP for the continuation of the case.

“Obviously, the suspects have been brought before the court for the offences committed with regards to the killing of Madam Kitan Oyesiku and her security guard, Pelumi.

“The state police command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, is assuring everyone that justice would be served and that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that justice is truly served on this matter”.

Recall that the late broadcaster, a retired staff member of the Ogun State Television, Ms Oyesiku and her guard, Adetayo, were found lifeless in a pool of their blood at her Agodo residence last June

Online had earlier reported that the police commenced an investigation after residents raised an alarm over suspicious activities at the deceased’s residence.

Detectives who visited the scene reportedly discovered signs of forced entry and disturbance. Adetayo’s body was found at the security post, while Oyesiku’s corpse was later discovered inside the house. Her Lexus RX330 vehicle, initially reported missing, was subsequently recovered during the investigation.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said investigators made a breakthrough after recovering a note inside the stolen vehicle, which was subjected to forensic analysis, leading to the arrest of the prime suspect.

According to the CP, the prime suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two other suspects: Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.

Ojajuni said Philip allegedly confessed to coordinating the attack because of grievances he had with Oyesiku while working as her security guard, claiming the murder was intended to “teach her a lesson.”

The police further alleged that the suspects overpowered Adetayo before using him to gain access to Oyesiku’s residence, where both victims were allegedly killed.

The stolen Lexus RX330 was later recovered through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations in the Onikolobo area of Ogun State.

The police also recovered exhibits, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen, from locations linked to the suspects.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is investigating about 34 tertiary institutions over allegations that they failed to refund students whose tuition fees were paid twice under the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr has said.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Sawyerr said the agency launched the investigations following a surge in petitions from affected students and is working with anti-corruption agencies, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), internal auditors and other stakeholders.

He said: “I can tell you that there are about 34 institutions that we are looking at at the moment to see what’s going on because the number of petitions we’ve received.”

Sawyerr explained that the issue arose after President Bola Tinubu directed that the loan scheme commence midway into the academic session, resulting in some students paying their tuition before later receiving NELFUND loans.

What happened is that a lot of schools got double payment. Some from the students, some from us.

“The refund process is entirely out of our hands. It is the recipient of the double payments that are obliged to make refunds to the students,” the NELFUND boss added.

He said many students depended on the refunds to repay money borrowed by themselves or their families.

Most students in this country are hard up. They don’t have enough money for themselves.

“So when they make payment for their education and then they take a loan for the same education, they expect their money to be refunded to them.

“Some of them have borrowed the funds, their parents have borrowed the funds, and they need to repay those funds,” Sawyerr noted.

According to Sawyerr, while some institutions had processed refunds promptly, others had not.

He continued: “Some have been very good at this. Others haven’t been so good at it.

“I reserve judgement on, you know, the intentionality around it because for some of them, they just didn’t have the process to make refunds.”

He disclosed that NELFUND was upgrading its payment system to allow students authorise tuition payments electronically.

“We’re looking at a tokenised system where the student has the funds effectively as a token on their telephone and when they go to the bursary, they can effectively push a button that makes the payment,” NELFUND boss declared.

Sawyerr said the agency deliberately pays tuition directly to institutions rather than students to reduce the risk of diversion.

He further stated: “We chose in our setting up of this not to pay students directly for the loans because that would take us into an entirely new area.

“Paying the funds to the students rather, quite significant, could really lead to the temptation for them to divert and do other things.”

He acknowledged that NELFUND has no legal powers to compel institutions to issue refunds or prosecute offenders.

“We don’t have the powers of arrest, we don’t have powers of prosecution. We really, our hands are tied in that regard,” he said.

Sawyerr said many complaints were submitted directly by affected students and, in some cases, copied to anti-corruption agencies.

He noted, “Students who are frustrated and unable to get their refunds write to us, but they also write to the EFCC, to the ICPC.”

He added that one investigation involved a joint team comprising NELFUND officials, internal auditors, anti-corruption personnel, representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and NANS.

“A five-person team have gone out to a specific institution that’s been accused of this to go and do an investigation,” he said.

Addressing concerns over tuition increases, Sawyerr said NELFUND had declined to pay institutions that raised fees beyond acceptable levels after the scheme was introduced.

“Some schools, because they get paid easily startes to put up their fees, we refused, point blank, to pay institutions who had hiked their fees beyond a certain level,” Sawyerr asserted.

He said the agency was taking a measured approach while investigations continue.

“We tend to take the view that perhaps it’s not intentional.

“We institute many investigations, we generate many reports, any small hint of anything going wrong, we set up a small committee to look at it because we’re trying to learn,” he concluded.

A final-year medical graduate at the Kharkiv National Medical University, Nnani Adaobi Marian, has reportedly died after suffering injuries from a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, a city in Ukraine.

This was disclosed by one Kateryna Bohuslavska, also known as “Kate from Kharkiv,” who has often shared updates on the ongoing war between her country and Russia since it began.

According to her, the incident, which happened on June 29, 2026, involved the 23-year-old medic, who was fatally wounded alongside her friend, Fatima Huseynova, while heading to a graduation photoshoot the day before they were set to receive their diplomas.

She added that Adaobi was wounded on June 29 when Russian forces dropped aerial bombs on the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv and died in Germany while receiving treatment.

Taking to her X handle while sharing the picture of the duo on Monday, Bohuslavska wrote, “Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old who was injured during a Russian strike on Kharkiv, has passed away in Germany.

”The graduate of the Kharkiv National Medical University sustained severe injuries on June 29 during a guided aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv. Medical professionals in both Kharkiv and Germany fought to save her life, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.

She was a close friend of 23-year-old Fatima Huseynova, who was killed on the same day during the attack. They were both in Kharkiv for their graduation ceremony at Medical University. They had their whole life ahead of them.”

Mourning the late Nnani in a press statement titled, “In memory of Nnani Adaobi Marian” on Sunday, the institution said, “As a result of enemy shelling, Nnani Adaobi Marian was seriously injured. Doctors fought for her life until the last moment: first in Kharkiv, and later in Germany. Everyone sympathised, helped, and hoped for her recovery, but unfortunately, despite the doctors’ efforts, they could not save her.

“Adaobi Marian entered Kharkiv National Medical University in 2020. Over the years of study, she has proven herself as a capable, responsible, and persistent student who studied conscientiously and demonstrated high academic results.

“She consistently pursued professional development, participating in international internships, including at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and at Beruni University (Turkey) in 2025, where she enhanced her professional skills and engaged in scientific work.

Nnani Adaobi Marian was a bright, sincere and friendly person, easily finding common ground with people, distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, hard work and sincere desire to help others.

In the memory of her teachers, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew her, she will forever remain a talented student, a kind person, and an integral part of the large family of Kharkiv National Medical University.”

The university maintained that the staff, administration, faculty, and students expressed their sincere condolences to the family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved Adaobi.

As of the time of filing this report, PUNCH Online is yet to verify the nationality of the late Adaobi.

Here are some things to know about the Nigerian final-year medical student

1. Adaobi was born on April 24, 2003.

2. Adaobi died on July 5 in a hospital in Germany after suffering injuries from the Russian airstrike targeted at Ukrainians.

3. She began her medical studies in 2020 and successfully completed the international academic programmes in 2026.

4. She completed her internships at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and at Biruni University in Turkey in 2025.

5. The university paid tribute to her memory, remembering her as a compassionate, hard-working, and exceptionally bright individual with a strong desire to help others.

6. Adaobi was due to graduate in 2026.

The government said the continued disconnect between falling international crude oil prices and domestic petrol prices had become a source of concern, warning petroleum marketers against sustaining high pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit despite declining global crude prices and insisting that Nigerians should enjoy the benefits of lower replacement costs in a deregulated market.

The warning was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting on cost-reflective pricing of PMS held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority on Monday in Abuja.

PUNCH Online reports that the Federal Government convened a stakeholders’ meeting on the fair and cost-reflective pricing of Premium Motor Spirit, bringing together representatives of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, and other key players in the downstream petroleum sector

The meeting was attended by chief executives and representatives of TotalEnergies, Eterna Plc, Matrix Energy Group, the Depot and Petroleum Products Retailers Association of Nigeria, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, as well as officials of the NMDPRA.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said temporary gains realised from inventories purchased when crude oil prices were higher should not become the basis for sustaining elevated pump prices after global oil prices have declined.

According to the minister, as marketers replenish their stocks at lower costs, reductions in procurement expenses should be reflected promptly in ex-depot and retail petrol prices in line with the principles of a competitive and efficient deregulated market

Lokpobiri said government understood that petrol pricing was influenced by several factors beyond crude prices, including exchange rates, logistics and supply chain costs, but insisted that marketers must distinguish between legitimate replacement costs and extraordinary gains arising from inventory management.

“I am aware that PMS pricing is influenced by several factors beyond crude oil prices, but it is equally important to distinguish between genuine replacement cost and windfall gains arising from inventory management.

“Temporary gains realised from inventories acquired at higher prices should not become the basis for sustaining elevated pump prices after replacement costs have declined. As inventories are replenished at lower costs, the benefits of those lower costs should be transmitted to consumers in a timely and transparent manner. That is the essence of a competitive and efficiently functioning market,” he stated.

The minister added that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting consumers in the post-subsidy era, stressing that deregulation was not designed to create opportunities for excessive pricing or market distortions but to deepen competition, improve efficiency and deliver value to Nigerians.

He further warned that sustaining high energy costs beyond what prevailing market conditions justify could worsen inflationary pressures and undermine the gains recorded in moderating the country’s inflation rate.

The minister urged petroleum marketers and operators to immediately transmit the benefits of falling global crude oil prices to Nigerian consumers, warning that deregulation should not be exploited to sustain high petrol prices and generate windfall gains.

His comments come amid growing public concerns over the slow pace of reductions in petrol prices despite the sharp moderation in crude oil prices in recent months.

According to the minister, international crude prices traded between $61 and $65 per barrel in January before surging above $118 per barrel in April following heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, prices have since declined to around $71 per barrel after the easing of the tensions.

He noted that while the earlier rise in crude prices exerted upward pressure on petrol prices, the subsequent decline had not been reflected proportionately in domestic pump prices.

“Ordinarily, such movements in crude oil prices should be reflected in the pricing of refined petroleum products. While the initial increase in crude prices understandably exerted upward pressure on PMS prices, the subsequent moderation in crude oil prices has not translated into a commensurate reduction in pump prices across the domestic market.

“This disconnect has understandably raised concerns. PMS peaked at about N1,596 per litre in May and currently sells at around N1,296 per litre. While there has been some reduction, the adjustment has not been commensurate with the decline in underlying market conditions,” the minister said.

The minister warned that keeping energy prices artificially high could worsen inflationary pressures and undermine the economic gains achieved by the government over the past year.

He said energy remained a critical input across virtually every segment of the economy and that unjustified high fuel prices translated into higher transportation costs, food prices and production expenses.

“When the cost of energy remains elevated beyond what prevailing market conditions justify, the results translate to inflation. While considerable progress has been made in moderating inflation from the highs experienced in 2024, when inflation stood at 34 per cent, the latest figures show that inflation currently stands at 15.9 per cent.

Sustaining high energy costs where underlying market fundamentals have improved risks undermining these gains and slowing down the recovery that Nigerians are beginning to experience,” he added.

The minister, however, commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, saying the removal of fuel subsidy, the crude-for-naira initiative and other executive interventions had laid the foundation for a more competitive and investment-driven downstream petroleum industry.

He said, “The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to protect public interest post-deregulation. Deregulation was never intended to create opportunities for excessive pricing or market distortions but rather to promote efficiency, deepen competition and ultimately deliver value to Nigerians.”

Lokpobiri consequently directed the NMDPRA to intensify market surveillance and enforce pricing transparency across the downstream value chain.

“I urge the Authority to strengthen market surveillance and enforce pricing transparency across the supply chain to ensure that reductions in underlying costs are reflected promptly in ex-depot and retail prices. Consumers should have confidence that prices are determined fairly and not by information asymmetry or anti-competitive practices.”

He also called for the speedy operationalisation of the National Strategic Stock, describing it as a critical instrument for safeguarding national energy security and moderating future price shocks.

“The National Strategic Stock will strengthen national energy security, reduce exposure to supply disruptions and moderate price volatility. There is urgency in ensuring that this mechanism becomes fully operational,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Rabiu Umar, said the meeting was convened at the directive of the minister to address the growing concerns surrounding petrol pricing and ensure that Nigerians benefit from improvements in global market conditions.

Umar recalled that a similar engagement with operators in the domestic gas sector had recently resulted in a noticeable reduction in liquefied petroleum gas prices, expressing optimism that the same collaborative approach could deliver results in the petrol market.

“Just two weeks ago, many of us gathered in a similar forum to discuss the domestic gas sector. The candid dialogue and the actionable wins we secured during that session are already bearing fruit. Notably, we have seen LPG prices coming down significantly across the market, and we look forward to seeing even more reduction within the next two weeks.

“It is exactly this kind of tangible success that inspired today’s gathering. When regulators and industry operators sit at the same table, we do not just debate challenges, we engineer solutions,” he said.

The NMDPRA boss acknowledged that global crude prices had moderated significantly in recent weeks but lamented that the domestic retail market had yet to adjust accordingly.

“As a responsible regulatory authority, it is our duty to step in alongside you, our valued partners, to interrogate the market forces, understand the operational bottlenecks and directly address this disconnect between falling replacement costs and sustained retail prices.

“Deregulation is not a licence for market distortion or unfair consumer pricing. It is intended to drive efficiency, maximise value and protect the public interest.

Sustainable profitability for marketers and consumer welfare are not mutually exclusive. We need to build a transparent ecosystem where the benefits of market improvements are passed down to the Nigerian consumer in a timely and fair manner,” Umar added.

He stressed that the objective of the meeting was not to dictate prices but to collaborate with industry stakeholders on practical solutions that would keep businesses viable while protecting consumers.

Online reports that the meeting is still ongoing and has moved into a closed-door session involving key industry stakeholders, with a resolution expected to be issued at the end of the deliberations.

The Ekiti State Police Command has rescued the victims who were abducted on 28th April, 2026 during an attack at the Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the State

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Sunday Abutu.

According to report, one of the victims died in the kidnappers’ den.

The statement reads, “The successful rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government.

“The rescued victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP FALADE ADEGOROYE MICHEAL, commends the dedication, professionalism, and synergy exhibited by all security stakeholders whose collective efforts culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.

“He particularly appreciates the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for its unwavering support to the security agencies, which greatly contributed to the success of the operation. The Commissioner also thanks the good people of Ekiti State for their continuous cooperation, vigilance, and timely provision of credible information.

“While efforts are currently being intensified to arrest the perpetrators, the Commissioner of Police reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the State.

He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police and other security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious person or activity to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency number: 08062335577.”

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the August 15, Osun State Governorship poll, Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to the electorate not sell their votes in the forthcoming poll.

Oyebamiji said rather than commercialise their vote, voters in the state should use their Permanent Voters Cards wisely and use it to elect him as governor.

The APC candidate spoke in Osogbo, on Sunday at a meeting held with the leadership and members of the Ansar-u-Deen Society in the State.

The ex-Osun State Finance Commissioner, who declared that if voted as governor, he will
redirect the state to the path of growth and development, said details of his plans had been put in a document that will  guide his actions as governor.

The PVC is an instrument that confers right on each person to have a say in deciding who leads or preside over their affairs for a stipulated period. I am appealing to our people not to commercialise their PVC but use it wisely to vote for someone that has capacity and potential to lead appropriately.

“I am assuring you all that once you vote for me, we will immediately return the state to the path of growth and development. It is in our manifesto the way we will lead you and the state to enviable heights among comity of states in the federation,” Oyebamiji said.

He urged the society to intercede for the state in prayers, adding that residents must allow peace to reign before and after the poll.

He added, “I urged you as congregation, especially religious leaders to continue to pray for peace and talk to our people to allow peace reign before and after the election in the State, nobody should be killed for the sake election.

Our people, including politicians should please allow peace, so that our people can throng to the polling units to vote for the progress and development of Osun State.”

Earlier, the Secretary, Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osun State, Hafiz Akande, described Oyebamiji as a listening leader, a devoted family man, and a practicing Muslim who operates with the deep fear of Allah.

Akande said the society remains apolitical but will not abandon any a Muslim interested in public positions.

“Let me state clearly that as a corporate body, ADS remains non-partisan. However, the Society will never rebuke, sideline, or abandon our own who show an active interest in governance. The Society fully recognizes the need to support our members who aspire to positions of authority.

“We firmly believe that authority is a sacred trust (Amanah) from Allah, and no one attains it except by His divine permission. Therefore, it is a noble pursuit for our members to strive for leadership with sincerity and competence for the ultimate benefit of the wider society,” Akande said.

Electorate in Osun State will be going to the poll on August 15 to elect a governor in an election where the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Fourteen political parties will be fielding candidates in the poll.

The Ondo State High Court sitting in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, has restrained High Chief Akindele Aladenika from parading himself as regent of Ore community in the local government area.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Ade Adegoroye, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Sunday, the court also barred the state government and its agencies from recognising Aladenika as regent of the community until a substantive suit on the stool was determined.

The stool of the community became vacant following the demise of the Olore of Ore, Oba Johnson Olatomide, who passed away in 2020.

The government was said to have approved the appointment of Aladenika as the regent, but the decision was greeted with rejection by the Olore-in-Council, who asked the government to appoint a substantive monarch, and not a regent for the community.

It was alleged that Aladenika had been parading himself as the traditional ruler of the community, allegedly with the support of the state government.

But four members of the Olore-in-Council, High Chief Monday Sawoju, High Chief Mrs Esther, Chief Tope Ijiniga and Chief Fakeye Sawoju, approached the court, seeking an order of interlocutory injunction to restrain the state government and the security agencies from recognising Aladenika as a regent of Ore community.

Defendants in the suit are the state governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government and one David Ijiniga.

The plaintiffs also prayed the court to set aside the nomination, approval and the documents and activities that led to the appointment of Aladenika, pending the determination of a similar case in court.

The court held that there was a subsisting injunction on the previous regency of the community which had not been determined, saying the installation of another regent while the matter remained pending in court could amount to contempt and undermine the judicial process.

In the ruling, Justice Adegoroye said, “The position of this case is a bit more precarious. The matter is sub judice, and the bone of contention is the regency of Ore.

“There is a subsisting injunction against the erstwhile regent, who unfortunately has joined his ancestors. It is an affront against the court for another person to be installed in defiance of the injunction, for whatever it is worth, and the fact that the case is still pending before the court. Tinkering with a matter that is sub judice could amount to contempt of court.

“In sum, I hold that this application succeeds in part. The first to fourth defendants/respondents and all law enforcement agencies are hereby restrained from further recognising High Chief Akindele Aladenika as the Regent of Ore pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

“The said High Chief Akindele Aladenika is also restrained from further parading himself as the Regent of Ore pending the final determination of the substantive suit.”

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Yaba has restrained the Lagos State Government and four other defendants from taking possession of or interfering with a disputed property belonging to an 80-year-old widow in Lekki Peninsula Scheme I, pending the hearing of a motion on notice.

Justice E.O. Ashade granted the interim order in a suit filed by Chief H.A.K. Shonowo, who is suing for herself and on behalf of the estate of her late husband, Chief Owodiran Olusoga Shonowo.

The defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Government, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Gary Sanusi and Dillon Consultants Nigeria Limited.

The claimant, through her lawyer, Babatunde Oni (SAN), told the court that she had suffered hardship as a result of the defendants’ actions and urged the court to preserve the property pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The disputed property consists of 11 units of four-bedroom terrace houses, three units of three-bedroom flats, one two-bedroom flat and a commercial shop built on about 4,000/4,300 square metres at Block 113, Plot Health Centre, Lekki Peninsula Scheme I, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

While granting the application, Justice Ashade held that the claimant had established sufficient grounds for the interim relief.

“I am unable, therefore, to find any cogent reasons why the application of the claimant/applicant should be refused, as I find the arguments of the learned senior counsel to be meritorious.

“I am, therefore, inclined to agree with the submissions of the learned senior counsel that it is in the best interest of justice to grant this application,” the judge said.

The court also noted that parties to a pending case must not take actions capable of affecting the court’s jurisdiction.

“It is trite law that when a court is seized of a matter, parties should not do anything that will impact on the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter in any manner whatsoever,” Justice Ashade held.

The judge added that the acts complained of by the claimant could affect the court’s ability to determine the suit if the defendants were not restrained.

Consequently, the court restrained the defendants, either by themselves or through their agents, servants, privies or representatives, from taking possession of, reassigning, transferring, interfering with or otherwise dealing with the claimant’s alleged right to possession of the property pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

Justice Ashade also restrained the fourth and fifth defendants from handing over the disputed property to any person until the pending application was determined.

As a condition for the interim injunction, the court directed the claimant to file an undertaking in the sum of N1m to indemnify the defendants if it is later found that the order ought not to have been granted.

According to court documents, the claimant and her late husband were jointly allocated the original parcel of land measuring about 7,312.865 square metres in 1996 under a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Lagos State Government.

The claimant stated that the government revoked the right of occupancy through a letter dated October 7, 2020.

She said that following an appeal, the government reallocated 4,000 square metres of the land to her through a letter dated May 17, 2021, while a subsequent survey placed the actual size of the land at about 4,300 square metres.

The claimant further stated that she accepted the allocation and entered into a joint venture agreement with the fourth and fifth defendants to develop the property.

Under the agreement, the developers were to construct 22 units of four-bedroom terrace houses, six units of three-bedroom flats and two units of two-bedroom flats.

She claimed she was entitled to 11 units of the four-bedroom terrace houses, three units of the three-bedroom flats, one two-bedroom flat and a commercial shop, while the remaining units would belong to the developers.

According to the claimant, construction commenced in 2021, with her share of the completed development expected to be delivered by August 31, 2023.

However, she alleged that despite repeated demands since December 2025, the developers failed to hand over her allocated units, requesting additional time to complete fittings and fixtures before promising delivery by March 31, 2026.

She further alleged that on March 27, 2026, the fifth defendant, through the fourth defendant, informed her via WhatsApp that the Lagos State Government intended to take over the entire 4,000/4,300 square metres reallocated to her.

The claimant maintained that she had no contractual relationship with the Lagos State Government, the Attorney-General or the Governor, insisting that her contractual dealings were solely with the fourth and fifth defendants.

Justice Ashade adjourned the matter until July 9, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said his administration will never negotiate with bandits but will sustain military operations until they surrender or face the full weight of the law.

The governor made the declaration through his Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Musa, at the inauguration of the Association of Zamfara State Indigenes Residing in Kaduna secretariat on Sunday.

The event also featured the distribution of food items to less-privileged members of the association in Kaduna.

Musa said the Lawal administration remained committed to ending insecurity through sustained collaboration with security agencies across the state.

He said the government would continue providing logistics, equipment, ammunition and other operational support to security forces fighting criminal elements.

“The governor will never negotiate with bandits. Those willing to surrender should do so or face the law,” he said.

He said the government would continue the offensive against bandits until lasting peace was restored across Zamfara.

Musa said intelligence from residents remained critical to winning the fight against insecurity.

He urged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies for immediate action.

He assured members that the governor remained committed to delivering meaningful development and restoring peace across Zamfara.

Musa described the gathering as important, saying it reflected unity among Zamfara indigenes living outside their home state.

He commended the organisers for successfully establishing the association’s state secretariat in Kaduna.

He assured members that Gov. Lawal would visit the association in the future to further strengthen relations.

According to him, the governor is a progressive leader committed to supporting initiatives that promote unity and development among Zamfara indigenes.

Musa announced a donation of N5 million by the Zamfara State Government to support the activities of the association.

Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Garba Balarabe, described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Zamfara indigenes residing in Kaduna.

He said the secretariat would serve as a centre for unity, coordination and the welfare of members.

Balarabe said the association distributed 280 bags of 10kg rice, vegetable oil and spaghetti to less-privileged members.

He appealed to the Zamfara State Government to support the association in acquiring a permanent office in Kaduna.

The Chairman of the occasion and Zamfara Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulrahman Tumbido, praised the association’s humanitarian initiative.

Tumbido said many Zamfara indigenes relocated to Kaduna because of insecurity in their home state.

He, however, expressed confidence that peace and security would soon return to Zamfara.

Also speaking, the National President of the Zamfara State Indigenes Association, Alhaji Usman Balarabe, called for greater unity among members wherever they reside.

He said the association would continue supporting women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Balarabe urged members to remain committed to the objectives and programmes of the association.

In her remarks, the association’s Ex-Officio, Hajiya Aishatu Maradun, pledged continued efforts to create better opportunities for members.

She appealed to the Zamfara State Government to sustain support for programmes that would strengthen the association.

Also, Engr. Garba Abubakar, representing Engr. Abdullahi AbdulKarim Tsafe, inaugurated and formally launched the state secretariat.

Abubakar described the distribution of food items to vulnerable members as a commendable humanitarian gesture.

He recommended translating the association’s constitution into Hausa to enhance members’ understanding.

According to him, the constitution will provide the necessary guide for the effective administration of the association.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, politicians, community leaders and members of the association from Kaduna, Abuja and other parts of the country.

NAN

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has praised the performances of African teams at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, commending their resilience and expressing hope for further success in the tournament.

In a post on her verified X account on Sunday, Okonjo-Iweala singled out Morocco and Egypt for advancing to the next stage, while describing Cape Verde as the tournament’s standout African side.

“So proud of the performance of the African teams at the World Cup! Morocco and Egypt have made it through so far, but Cape Verde was a standout,” she wrote.

She also applauded the efforts of DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana despite their exits, saying they fought bravely throughout the competition.

DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana also battled. Thanks to all for making us proud. Keeping fingers crossed on further progress!” she added.

Okonjo-Iweala also expressed optimism that Nigeria would qualify for the next FIFA World Cup, saying it would be exciting to see the Super Eagles return to football’s biggest stage.

“Would be exciting if Nigeria makes it through to the next World Cup,” she wrote

Bandits have killed at least nine farmers in a raid on a village in northwestern Nigeria’s Kaduna State and kidnapped “several” others, according to a security report seen by AFP on Sunday and a local source.

Weeks into the annual rainy season, jihadists and criminal gangs — kidnappers for ransom and cattle thieves known locally as “bandits” — have stepped up attacks on farming communities in northern and central Nigeria that fail to pay the levies they impose.

Kaduna is one of several states in northern and central Nigeria impacted by the gangs, who raid villages, kill and kidnap residents for ransom and loot homes before burning them.

A security report prepared for the United Nations and seen by AFP on Sunday said the attackers on Saturday swept into the farmlands outside Kakangi village in Birnin Gwari district and shot farmers as they worked on their fields.

Nine bodies have been recovered so far, with six of the victims identified by local authorities,” the report said.

Kabiru Ishaq, a community leader in Birnin Gwari, some 60 kilometres (37 miles) away, who visited the village to offer condolences, said 10 people were killed.

He said the attack was revenge for the killing of a bandit by farmers in a failed robbery attempt earlier the same day, with the report citing the same motive.

The bandit’s accomplice “returned with reinforcements and launched a retaliatory assault”, the report said.

Attacks on farming communities in the agrarian Birnin Gwari district have continued despite a November 2024 peace agreement brokered by local authorities between them and bandits.

Last month, at least six farmers were killed and 20 kidnapped in an attack on Danauta village in the district, according to local sources.

AFP

A Delta State-based man, Michael James, has narrated why he allegedly staged a self-kidnapping scheme to extort N25m from his family.

James, in an interrogation video shared by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on Sunday, said he resorted to the act because he owed his brother and sister money, which he had already spent and had no means of repaying.

He explained that on July 1, he was asked to dispose of refuse, but instead of returning home, he abandoned his wheelbarrow and hid in a nearby bush.

“My name is Michael James. I am from Edo State, but I live in Delta State. I kidnapped myself. The reason I kidnapped myself was that I owed my sister and my brother, and I had already spent the money. I had no way of paying it back.

On the 1st of this month, they asked me to go and throw away the trash. After throwing away the trash, I parked my wheelbarrow and entered the bush.

“After some time, my mum started calling me, but I did not answer. Later, I called my mum and told her that I had been kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding N25m. Then I ended the call.”

The suspect added that he later called his mother again, claiming that his abductors were beating him and he had transferred N700,000 to them.

He said that after learning from his mother that the police and local vigilantes had launched efforts to rescue him, he became worried.

According to him, when it was about to rain later that day, he left the bush on a motorcycle to another location before calling his family to claim that he had escaped from his captors.

They kept calling me, but I did not answer. Later, when I picked up, I told her that the kidnappers were flogging me and that she should transfer N700,000 to them.

“They kept calling again, but I did not answer. When I later picked up, my mum told me that the police and vigilantes were already handling the matter and that they would rescue me.

“In the evening, I realised it was about to rain, so I took a motorcycle to another place. I then called them and told them that I had escaped from the kidnappers,” James narrated.

Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, in a message accompanying the video, said the command swiftly responded to the reported kidnapping by deploying digital intelligence to trace the suspect’s location.

“We received a distress call that he was kidnapped. The command embarked on digitally generated intelligence and trailed him to where he was allegedly being kept, only for the suspect to run out, claiming he escaped from the kidnappers

“He later confessed that he kidnapped himself so he could extort his family the sum of N25m,” Edafe wrote.

This is not the first time individuals have taken advantage of the rampant kidnapping incident to stage a self-kidnapping scheme to extort money.

PUNCH Metro reported on June 9 that the Ogun State Police Command arrested eight foreign nationals operating a self-kidnapping scheme to extort money from their families abroad in Adiyan town, in the Agbado area of the state.

The spokesperson for the command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, had stated that the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation into a reported kidnapping case, adding that investigations revealed that the acclaimed kidnapping was a staged abduction aimed at extorting money from unsuspecting family members.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun-East Independent Chapel, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism and combating quackery in journalism by organising a capacity-building training for journalists across the Ogun-East Senatorial District.

The professional development programme, aimed at strengthening ethical journalism and enhancing media practice, brought together journalists from different media organisations to deepen their knowledge of contemporary journalism and professional standards.

The guest lecturer, veteran journalist, and current State Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Comrade Adekunle Olayeni, delivered a keynote lecture titled "Maintaining Good Journalism in a Troubled Ocean" during a virtual gathering held on Wednesday.

Olayeni is a former Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, former State Correspondent of The Telegraph Newspaper, and currently serves in the Corporate Affairs Division of Olabisi Onabanjo University.

In his presentation, Olayeni provided participants with practical insights into the changing landscape of journalism, emphasising media ethics, professional responsibility, accuracy, and the need for continuous learning in an increasingly competitive information environment.

He stressed the importance of grassroots journalism, effective headline writing, and thorough investigation before publication, noting that credibility remains the greatest asset of every journalist. 

He urged practitioners to prioritise factual reporting over speed, saying well-researched stories not only educate the public but also strengthen confidence in the media.

Speaking further on the theme, "Maintaining Good Journalism In A Troubled Ocean," Olayeni described today's media environment as one challenged by misinformation, disinformation, economic pressures and the race to break news. 

According to him, these realities make it even more imperative for journalists to remain committed to truth, fairness, balance, and verification in every report.

He also encouraged journalists to embrace regular training and adapt to emerging digital technologies without compromising the ethical principles of the profession. He noted that while technology has transformed news gathering and dissemination, the fundamental values of accuracy, objectivity, accountability, and public interest must remain the guiding principles of journalism.

The veteran journalist further advised practitioners to see themselves as custodians of public trust, stressing that responsible journalism contributes significantly to national development, good governance, and an informed society. 

Olayeni urged media professionals to resist sensationalism and uphold the integrity of the profession despite prevailing challenges within the media industry.

Speaking on behalf of the chapel, the leadership led by Chairman, Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, alongside the Vice Chairman, Comrade Charles Adegbite, Secretary, Comrade Funmilayo Suleodu Adewoju and other members, expressed appreciation to the guest lecturer for sharing his wealth of experience and enriching members with valuable professional knowledge.

The chapel noted that the training forms part of its ongoing efforts to promote ethical journalism, discourage unprofessional practices, and build the capacity of journalists within the Ogun-East Senatorial District. 

It reaffirmed its commitment to organising similar programmes that will continue to enhance competence, professionalism, and excellence in media practice.

The training also underscored the importance of continuous professional development as participants engaged in discussions on ethical reporting, newsroom challenges, and strategies for sustaining quality journalism in an evolving media landscape.

- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress towards the rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.

He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively engaged in various operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving security challenges.

Speaking on operations in the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents and terrorists.

According to him, the operation recently neutralised a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.

“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.

Shaibu noted that improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.

In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to degrade bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.

The COAS also highlighted achievements in the North-Central region through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield.

He said the operations had enhanced security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

On the South-East, Shaibu said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations

In the South-South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.

The army chief described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions, apart from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.

Shaibu announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower to tackle emerging security threats.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of army depots to three.

He added that the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, were expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.

“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.

“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.

Shaibu added that the Army had reviewed its curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

He said recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.

The COAS further disclosed that the army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen operational effectiveness.

He said personnel had been deployed for specialised training both locally and abroad to ensure proficiency in operating modern military equipment.

“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.

Shaibu reaffirmed the army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation and responding effectively to emerging security challenges.

(NAN)

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has facilitated the installation of a free campus-wide Wi-Fi facility at the Federal College of Education, Okene.

The initiative, unveiled on Sunday, is aimed at improving internet access for students and enhancing teaching, learning, research and innovation in the institution.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko.

The project comes weeks after the senator launched the “Growing Kogi Central, Building Our Future” 10,000 Economic Trees Project, an initiative designed to promote environmental sustainability and economic empowerment in the district.

Speaking after the installation, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the intervention was part of her commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing young people for the digital economy.

She said, “Education remains one of the greatest investments we can make in our future. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it is an essential tool for learning, innovation, research, and economic empowerment. Our students deserve the same digital opportunities available anywhere in the world.

This free Wi-Fi initiative is designed to remove barriers to knowledge, encourage innovation, support academic excellence, and equip our young people with the digital skills required to compete globally. We will continue to invest in projects that improve lives and build a stronger, more prosperous Kogi Central.”

The senator said improved internet connectivity would enable students to access international learning resources, online certification programmes, artificial intelligence, software development, entrepreneurship and remote employment opportunities.

Some students who spoke after the inauguration welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major boost to academic activities.

According to them, the facility will reduce the cost of purchasing internet data, improve access to digital libraries and online courses, and help students acquire skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.

They added that stable internet access would also support virtual learning, research, innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

Education stakeholders also commended the initiative, noting that reliable internet connectivity has become essential for research, online learning, academic collaboration and digital inclusion in higher institutions.

According to the Command, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Saturday after security operatives responded to a distress call reporting that a large number of heavily armed bandits had invaded the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Command said the distress call was received at about 1:35 a.m. on July 4, prompting the immediate deployment of operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU), and other tactical teams to reinforce officers at the Wamakko Divisional Headquarters.

The statement noted that the operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Upon arrival, the team aggressively engaged the assailants in a fierce and prolonged gun duel. Demonstrating superior tactical proficiency, the operatives successfully overpowered the bandits, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray into the forest, with several bullet wounds,” the statement partly read.

The police said a subsequent combing of the surrounding bushes led to the neutralisation of one suspected bandit.

Items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle and one magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition

The Command disclosed that confidence-building patrols have since been intensified in the area to reassure residents and prevent any further attacks, while neighbouring divisional police headquarters have been placed on high alert to intercept fleeing suspects seeking medical treatment.

Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers for their courage and professionalism.

“The gallantry displayed by our officers is highly commendable. The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating banditry and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Sokoto State,” the commissioner said.

He assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue sustained operations against criminal elements until lasting peace is restored across the state.

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed allegations of an attack on a student hostel by suspected herdsmen, describing the report as entirely false.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this on Sunday following reports circulating on Facebook about the alleged attack.

The report had alleged that more than 80 students were trapped in a hostel that was set ablaze around the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, by suspected herdsmen.

Okoye said the report was entirely false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

He called on the public to disregard the report and refrain from sharing unverified information, warning that such content could trigger fear, panic or public disorder.

The command also appealed to residents to always verify the authenticity of information through credible and official sources before sharing it on social media or other platforms.

The statement read, “The Imo State Police Command has noted a misleading publication circulated on Facebook today, 5th July, 2026, alleging that Fulani herdsmen set a student hostel in Nekede, Owerri, on fire, trapping over 80 students inside the burning building

The command wishes to state unequivocally that the report is entirely false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

“The command therefore urges members of the public to disregard the false publication and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of causing fear, panic, or public disorder.

“Citizens are advised to always verify the authenticity of information through credible and official sources before sharing it on social media or other platforms.

“The Imo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to provide timely and accurate information on matters relating to public safety.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said citizens’ support is indispensable to achieving national security objectives.

Shaibu stated this on Sunday at the inauguration of a renovated community primary and secondary school in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The COAS said the inauguration was part of the Nigerian Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The interventions include the complete renovation of classroom blocks in both the primary and secondary school sections, the provision of desks, the construction of three new toilets, the distribution of writing materials, new uniforms and school bags for pupils and students, among other items.

While noting that the interventions cut across the three senatorial districts of the state, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army has commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones to foster public support and enhance civil-military cooperation.

Shaibu said, “Today’s ceremony provides the Nigerian Army yet another opportunity to foster public support, enhance cooperation and promote community development with the good people of Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, through the renovation of the community primary and secondary school.

“We are also renovating community secondary schools in Luusue, Khana Local Government Area, and the community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area (Rivers South-East), as well as providing a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West), all in Rivers State.

As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role that the people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted and dynamic security environment.”

He explained that the people’s trust, cooperation and active participation remain vital to the success of the Army’s operations, adding that enduring security can only be achieved through strong partnerships among the military, other security agencies and the communities they are sworn to protect.

“This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations under this Civil-Military Cooperation Project scheme, which remains the cornerstone of our efforts in this regard.

“To this end, the Nigerian Army has successfully commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories and roads, as well as the provision of solar lighting systems, boreholes and Information and Communications Technology facilities.

“These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government,” Shaibu added.

The Army Chief expressed delight at the large turnout at the event, describing it as a reflection of solidarity with the Nigerian Army and a demonstration of a shared understanding of the significance of the project.

He said it also underscored the people’s support in enabling the Nigerian Army to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

Shaibu lauded the community leaders for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project and urged them to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its long-term maintenance.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Gift Worlu, lauded the Army for the intervention, saying he would ensure that the facilities inaugurated to enhance teaching and learning are well secured and protected.

The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Michael Sado, on Sunday urged investors to take advantage of the mineral-rich community, peaceful environment and growing infrastructure to establish businesses.

Okpella, located in Edo North, is rich in solid mineral deposits, most notably limestone, which has earned it the nickname “Home of Cement.” The area also holds abundant reserves of gold, granite, marble, clay, feldspar and talc.

The monarch also declared that Okpella is ready for development and on the path to greater prosperity during the celebration of his first coronation anniversary and the maiden edition of Okpella Day, held in the community, where he reflected on the achievements recorded within one year of his reign.

The colourful ceremony attracted traditional rulers from across Edo State, government officials, corporate leaders, community stakeholders, and sons and daughters of Okpella.

Reflecting on his first year on the throne, the Okuokpellagbe said the transformation witnessed across the community was a clear indication that Okpella was embracing a new era of development.

He said his administration had fulfilled the major promises made during his coronation through the execution of strategic projects aimed at improving infrastructure, security, justice delivery, education, economic empowerment and the welfare of the people.

He said, “As I look back at what we have done in a space of one year, I can boldly say that Okpella is on the way to a greater future. The takeaway from this occasion is a message of hope. Okpella is investor-friendly. Come and invest in Okpella, a land flowing with milk and honey.

The projects embarked on were designed to create an enabling environment for sustainable development and attract more investments into the community.”

Among the projects inaugurated were the 1.5-kilometre MCC concrete road, the Police Area Command headquarters, the Okpella Vigilante Office and Okpella Finance Limited, while construction is ongoing on the Iddo internal roads, Imiegiele and Awuyemi concrete roads, as well as a Chief Magistrate’s Court and an Area Customary Court.

The royal father also highlighted initiatives to strengthen security, including the procurement of surveillance drones, the training of drone pilots, improved funding for local vigilante personnel and collaboration with security agencies.

He commended major cement companies operating in the community for supporting educational scholarships and employment opportunities, while appealing for more indigenous people to be considered for management positions.

He further disclosed that discussions with major investors and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company had resulted in arrangements for free electricity supply to domestic consumers in the community, describing the initiative as another milestone in improving residents’ living conditions.

He also announced the launch of the Okpella Royal Palace Foundation, alongside empowerment programmes targeted at women.

The anniversary celebration featured cultural displays and homage by various groups to the monarch, while dignitaries joined him in commissioning the completed projects.

The monarch reiterated his commitment to making Okpella a model community driven by peace, development and investment

A member of the House of Representatives, Chief Philip Agbese, has faulted the recent Federal Government-approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps, warning that some of the changes could erode the scheme’s core objectives and undermine Nigeria’s national defence policy.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State and is the leader of the Labour Party in the state, called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend implementation of the reforms and instead, constitute a broader committee to review them.

The lawmaker made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

A member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, Agbese described the NYSC as “A national institution that has played a critical role in fostering national unity which should not be restructured in a manner that compromises its founding ideals.”

His comments come days after the Federal Government unveiled what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC scheme since its establishment in 1973.

The proposed reforms include splitting the orientation camp into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career streams from which prospective corps members would make their choice during registration, strengthening skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally made attire and, for the first time, and appointing a civilian to head the scheme instead of a military officer, among others.

The reforms have generated mixed reactions, with stakeholders expressing divergent views over whether the changes would strengthen or weaken the scheme’s original mandate.

Reacting to the development, Agbese argued that while efforts to modernise the scheme were welcome, “They should not come at the expense of its national integration and security objectives.”

According to him, “Reducing NYSC to a skill acquisition training centre is not healthy for our national life.”

He maintained that beyond its role in youth development, “The NYSC has over the years served as a strategic national institution, particularly during emergencies, by deploying corps members to support critical sectors, including education, healthcare and electoral services.”

The lawmaker also expressed reservations over the proposal to place the scheme under civilian leadership, insisting that the military tradition embedded in the orientation programme contributes significantly to discipline, patriotism and national preparedness.

On the proposed leadership change, Agbese cautioned that “Instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained.”

He therefore urged President Tinubu to establish an expanded committee comprising security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups and other critical stakeholders to undertake a more extensive review before any reforms are implemented.

The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon as part of the post-Civil War reconciliation programme aimed at promoting national unity, rebuilding trust among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups and fostering a shared sense of nationhood.

For more than five decades, the scheme has deployed graduates to states other than their own, encouraging cultural exchange, national integration and service in sectors facing manpower shortages. It has also been credited with promoting inter-ethnic understanding, strengthening community development initiatives and supporting government interventions in health campaigns, elections and emergency response.

While successive administrations have introduced policy adjustments to improve the scheme, the current proposals represent the most far-reaching restructuring effort since the NYSC’s creation, making the debate over its future one of the most significant in recent years.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, Mrs Mary Barek, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in fake plantain peels through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The agency said the suspect, who works as a caregiver in the United Kingdom, was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the airport on Sunday, June 28, while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 31 large wraps of cocaine disguised as hands of plantain and packed alongside other food items.

Babafemi said, “A thorough search of her bags resulted in the discovery of 31 big wraps of cocaine which were packaged to appear like plantain hands, weighing a total of 13 kilograms. In her statement, the elderly woman admitted full ownership of the recovered cocaine exhibits.”

He also announced the arrest of a 45-year-old PhD student at the University of Putra, Malaysia, Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, over an attempt to export cocaine concealed inside cartons of Orijin Bitters bound for Kuala Lumpur.

Babafemi said Onyeka was arrested in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State on June 29 after investigators traced him as the alleged leader of a drug trafficking syndicate.

He disclosed that operatives had earlier intercepted 36 parcels of cocaine weighing 5.80 kilograms hidden within the walls of nine cartons of the herbal drink that formed part of a consolidated cargo destined for Malaysia.

According to him, four suspects were initially arrested in Lagos during investigations, including the cargo agent, Alalade Taiwo Azeez; the driver who conveyed the consignment, Ndem Ogbonna Kelechi; a trader at ASPANDA Market, Trade Fair Complex, Okeke Tochukwu Chimezie; and Igwilo Chidi Henry, who allegedly supplied the cartons used to conceal the drugs.

Babafemi said, “The efforts eventually paid off, leading to the unmasking of Nwabueze hiding in his village Aziora, Ozubulu, Anambra State as the leader of the syndicate.”

In Taraba State, the NDLEA said its operatives arrested a 30-year-old suspect, Daniel Harrison Ugwuoke, along the Zaki-Biam Road in Wukari Local Government Area on Saturday, July 4.

The agency said 43,980 capsules of Tramadol were recovered from two vehicle fuel tanks specially modified to conceal the drugs.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives arrested Boniface Agu, 65, and Monday Nwaeze, 50, during a raid in Gwantu Local Government Area of Kaduna State on July 2, where they allegedly recovered 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine.

In Ebonyi State, a 65-year-old suspect, Francis Ifara Eja, was arrested with 231.7 kilograms of skunk at Ikwo on July 4, while a 75-year-old suspect, Alhaji Babani, was apprehended with 15 kilograms of skunk at Kurgwi in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State on July 3.

The agency also reported that two suspects, Dahiru Mohammed, 65, and Isiya Lawan, 36, were arrested in Gombe State on July 1 with 587 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 556 kilograms at Kuri village in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.

Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said its commands nationwide sustained the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through sensitisation programmes in schools, workplaces, worship centres and communities.

According to Babafemi, the awareness activities were conducted at Girls Secondary School, Abagana, Anambra State; Government Technical College, Obe, Enugu State; Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State; and the FCE Staff Demonstration School, Kabuga, Kano State, among other locations.

Commending officers involved in the recent operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the commands for combining enforcement with public enlightenment.

Babafemi quoted Marwa as saying he “commended the officers and men of MMIA, Taraba, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau, and Gombe Commands for the arrests and seizures,” noting that “their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitisation activities,” while charging them and other officers across the country to continue to raise the operational bar.”

Nigerians have continued to express divergent views on the Federal Government’s extension of the National Youth Service Corps orientation course and other reforms approved for the scheme.

The government extended the orientation course from three weeks to six weeks.

The reforms are aimed at strengthening skills acquisition, improving career development and repositioning the scheme to better meet national development needs.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday, some respondents said the extension would improve employability, while others described it as ill-timed and unnecessary.

A serving corps member, Miss Victoria Oyerinde, said a six-week orientation course would provide additional time for training, skills acquisition and bonding among corps members if properly structured.

She, however, said the longer duration could impose an additional financial burden on participants unless camp conditions are improved, postings are transparent and the National Youth Service Corps Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme is adequately funded.

An undergraduate, Miss Melody Addo, said the reforms reflected good intentions and urged effective implementation to ensure corps members are adequately equipped for national service and the future

She suggested integrating skills acquisition throughout the one-year national service and placing greater emphasis on digital skills to improve graduates’ employability.

A teacher, Miss Kemisola Odejide, described the extension as ill-timed, saying the Federal Government had yet to adequately address challenges relating to corps members’ feeding, accommodation, healthcare and general welfare under the existing three-week programme.

She, however, welcomed the introduction of specialised career streams, saying posting corps members to organisations related to their fields of study would add value to their national service and provide them with relevant work experience.

Odejide urged the government to prioritise the timely payment of corps members’ allowances, improved security and general welfare.

She said the government should not consider changing corps members’ uniform from the traditional khaki to adire, arguing that the khaki reflects the scheme’s national outlook.

A former corps member, Miss Esther Oluwakomiyo, described the six-week orientation course as excessive.

She, however, said specialised postings would benefit graduates whose assignments align with their academic disciplines.

She urged the government to pay greater attention to broader reforms of Nigeria’s education system and improved employment opportunities for graduates of tertiary institutions.

An entrepreneur, Mr Oluwasegun Sowunmi, said the government should improve camp facilities, decongest orientation camps and enhance corps members’ feeding while extending the duration of the orientation course.

According to him, specialised career streams would only be meaningful if they are linked to relevant employment opportunities after national service.

He advocated making the extended orientation course optional and called for increased allowances, improved security and better welfare for corps members.

Another entrepreneur, Mr David Edogun, said the extension was unnecessary, describing the current three-week orientation course as sufficient.

He, however, lauded career-based postings, saying they would improve graduates’ knowledge and skills.

Edogun urged the government to prioritise national security, improve camp facilities and review corps members’ monthly allowance upward.

An employer, Mr Ekemini Ido, urged the government to focus on strengthening graduates’ employability through an improved education curriculum and better utilisation of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme rather than extending the orientation course. (NAN)

The Corona School Trust Council has reaffirmed its commitment to raising students with strong academic excellence, leadership qualities and life skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The commitment was reiterated in a statement issued by the school on Saturday following the graduation of 52 students from its Agbara Campus in Ogun State.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Principal of Corona School, Agbara, Mr. Innocent Oaikhena, said the graduating students had evolved from a diverse group of young learners into a class distinguished by academic excellence and outstanding extracurricular achievements.

According to him, the graduating class recorded some of the country’s highest scores in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination while also excelling in sports, music, arts and community service.

“They came in here with so much diversity in very many areas—background, talents, academic credits, extracurricular skills, interpersonal relations and music. Today, they have come up with distinctions in so many areas, including some of the highest results in UTME in the country and other notable record-breaking feats,” Oaikhena said.

Speaking on the theme, “Shaped by Diversity, Defined by Distinction,” the principal said the students had also demonstrated compassion by raising funds for underprivileged learners, donating digital devices and stocking libraries in underserved public schools.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Adeyinka Ogunnubi, Group Treasury Manager, CFAO Nigeria Plc, urged the graduates to embrace resilience, humility and hard work as they transition into a new phase of life.

Drawing lessons from Onuora Nzekwu’s Eze Goes to School, Ogunnubi reminded the graduates that privilege comes with responsibility, and that success requires perseverance, mentorship and consistent effort.

“Failure and rejection are inevitable. They are not verdicts on your worth. Opportunity favours those who are already working, not those waiting idly for it to arrive,” he said.

The ceremony also saw Miss Chikaima Nsofor emerge as the valedictorian after winning several academic and extracurricular awards.

Describing her as an exceptional all-round student, Oaikhena said, “She is academically gifted, a rugby player with medals to show for it, and—hand her a microphone—she becomes a formidable public speaker.”

Reacting, Chikaima’s mother, Mrs. Uchenna Nsofor, commended the school’s management and staff for nurturing students academically and morally.

She described Corona School as “a fertile ground for undiluted character development,” while appreciating the teachers for their dedication to the students’ overall growth.

At least 120 vehicles have been impounded in Ogun and Delta states as police intensified enforcement of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive against vehicles operating without registration number plates or with covered, altered and obscured plates.

The enforcement exercise led to the arrest of 89 drivers in Ogun State and the impounding of 31 vehicles in Delta State during separate operations aimed at strengthening vehicle traceability, improving intelligence gathering and denying criminals the anonymity often exploited in committing crimes.

In Ogun, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the exercise followed the nationwide directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

He said, “During the operations, 89 vehicles and their drivers were apprehended for violating the directive. Appropriate administrative and legal actions have been taken against the offenders in accordance with extant laws and established procedures, including prosecution where applicable

“The exercise is a strategic preventive policing initiative designed to improve vehicle traceability, strengthen intelligence gathering, support prompt investigation, and deny criminal elements the anonymity often exploited in the commission of crimes.

“The exercise will be sustained across Ogun State, and all violators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

Babaseyi also disclosed that the command arrested two armed robbery suspects, Abdusalam Adam and Israel Salako, recovered a stolen Toyota Camry and two motorcycles during separate operations across the state.

According to him, operatives of the Ogere Division, working with the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, local vigilantes and residents, foiled an armed robbery operation at Akuro Phase I, Ogere Remo, on Thursday after robbers invaded a residence and dispossessed occupants of two motorcycles, mobile phones, cash and other valuables.

He said the swift deployment of security operatives forced the suspects to abandon the motorcycles and flee into a nearby bush.

“Subsequent coordinated efforts led to the arrest of one suspect, Abdulsalam Adam, who is currently assisting investigators with useful information. The scene was processed, and one knife, one expended cartridge, and one broken padlock were recovered as exhibits,” Babaseyi said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation.

Similarly, he said operatives of the Ajuwon Division on July 2 responded to a distress call over an armed robbery incident at Baale Akinosi Area, Ajuwon, where hoodlums carted away mobile phones, jewellery, power banks, a laptop, a Toyota Camry and other valuables.

The police spokesman said the division’s Anti-Crime Team launched a coordinated operation and, during a hot pursuit, the fleeing suspects abandoned the stolen vehicle.

He said one suspect, Israel Salako, was arrested and is assisting investigators, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining stolen items.

Similarly, operatives of the Delta State Police Command impounded 31 vehicles during an enforcement operation targeting traffic and vehicle registration offences.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said in a statement that the vehicles were impounded during a coordinated crime prevention patrol conducted in Agbor on Friday.

According to him, the operation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, covered Agbor metropolis, major highways, entry and exit points, as well as border communities between Delta and Edo states.

Edafe said the affected vehicles were impounded for offences including non-display of registration number plates, obscured or covered number plates, expired vehicle particulars and other traffic-related violations.

He added that the owners of the vehicles would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The police spokesman explained that the operation was aimed at reinforcing police presence, deterring criminal activities, ensuring compliance with traffic and vehicle registration laws, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate.

The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strategic enforcement operations across the state

He urged motorists to comply with traffic and vehicle registration requirements, stressing that strict enforcement remained essential to public safety, crime prevention and the maintenance of law and order.

The Ijesa North Traditional Rulers’ Council in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State has endorsed the 2027 House of Representatives ambition of a lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi.

According to a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH on Friday, the endorsement came during a town hall meeting held at the council’s headquarters in Iloko-Ijesa on Thursday, attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, residents, Olajengbesi and his wife.

Olajengbesi is contesting on the platform of the Accord Party.

The statement said the council, led by the Elegboro of Ijebu-Ijesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, expressed confidence in Olajengbesi’s ability to effectively represent the Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency in the National Assembly if elected.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Olowena of Owena-Ijesa, Oba Ayelabola Oladoyinbo, offered prayers for the aspirant and his wife and declared support for his bid.

“Your aspiration for the House of Representatives in the 2027 election is a done deal. We believe you have what it takes to excel, and you will excel and make us proud,” the monarch said.

Olajengbesi, an indigene of Ijebu-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of the state, is the spokesman for the Imole Campaign Council for the re-election of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

He also serves as the convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network in the state.

The legal practitioner, who will turn 40 in August, previously contested for the Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency seat in 2019.

He is seeking to unseat the incumbent lawmaker, Wole Oke of the All Progressives Congress, who has represented the constituency in the House of Representatives for 24 years.

Addressing the gathering, Olajengbesi said the constituency required vibrant youth representation and a departure from what he described as the recycling of old ideas.

He pledged to provide effective representation and pursue programmes that would promote development across the constituency if elected in the 2027 general elections.

The Lagos State Government has promised a continued support for thousands of vulnerable families across the state, including widows struggling to feed their children to small business owners trying to recover from economic setbacks.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Olayinka Ojo, during the social protection policy measures onboarding and adoption workshop organised by the Social Protection Coordinating Department in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to a statement made available to Sunday news, Ojo who was represented by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Mr Fuad Oyede, said the initiative would help government agencies integrate social protection principles and global best practices into their programmes.

According to her, the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the state’s approved social protection policy measures while “equipping them with practical skills to design and implement interventions that reduce poverty, protect vulnerable residents and promote social inclusion.”

She added that the success of social protection depends on collaboration among government agencies, improved targeting and accountability to ensure that support gets to those who need it most.

Ojo said, “Our interventions will only be effective when we work together, improve our targeting and ensure that government support reaches the most vulnerable members of society.”

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Social Protection Coordinating Department, Mr Yusuf Semiu, said while the progress made so far should be acknowledged, more work lies ahead in aligning Lagos’ social protection programmes with global standards.

“I want to challenge representatives of participating Ministries, Departments and Agencies to assess the impact of their programmes by asking critical questions. Are interventions improving access to education? Are communities becoming more resilient to economic shocks and climate-related emergencies such as flooding? Are government programmes inclusive and gender-responsive?

“Answering these questions will help shape the next phase of the state’s social protection policy, which is due for review after completing its current five-year cycle.”

Also speaking, the Director of the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Mr Tayo Oseni, described social protection as one of the pillars of sustainable development, alongside education, healthcare and economic growth.

“The implementing agencies need to take ownership of the initiative and maximise the state’s Single Social Register to identify and support residents who require government assistance,” Oseni stated.

In April, the state government, through the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said it had intensified efforts to strengthen its social protection framework with a fresh push to update the state’s Single Social Register.

The move was made in conjunction with community-based targeting teams, local government coordinators and field enumerators across the state’s 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of the state.

Speaking during the operation, the Managing Director of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, said that those arrested in connection with the illegal business had been handed over to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Nwokoye added that the raids followed credible intelligence, underscoring the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on illicit drug abuse and touting activities in the state.

He warned individuals involved in the sale or consumption of illicit substances to desist or risk facing strict legal consequences.

He said, “The raid underscores SASA’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks and curbing criminality across Anambra State.

“It is a significant enforcement exercise carried out after credible intelligence gathering across various locations.

“Illicit drugs estimated to be worth about N50m were found and destroyed, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and touting.

“It is our quest to ensure that Anambra is rid of touting, hard drugs, and all forms of crimes and criminality. The hard drugs were recovered from Awka and its environs.

“Those arrested in connection with the illegal business had been handed over to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.”

The SASA boss said they burnt the hard drugs to ensure that they do not get back into society, warning drug peddlers to leave the state or face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, the hard drugs seized included cocaine, Ghanaian loud, tramadol, cannabis sativa, mkpulu mmiri, and several others.

He stated that officers of SASA will continue to discharge their mandate without fear or favour, while appreciating the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his numerous supports to the agency, and promised Ndi Anambra that they will continue to rid the state of all illicit hard drugs, touting, and criminality.

“We urged Ndi Anambra to always speak up whenever they notice anything untoward in their local environments in any part of the state for immediate action to be taken in order to build a liveable, secure, and prosperous homeland,” he added.

Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, Osasere Okundaye, has revealed that she failed one of her final Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria examinations before eventually qualifying at the age of 16.

Okundaye disclosed this during a Saturday visit to the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Olukoya, where she recounted her three-year journey to becoming a chartered accountant.

She said she began the Accounting Technicians Scheme programme shortly after completing secondary school on the advice of her parents.

“I started this ICAN journey three years ago, after finishing secondary school early. My parents encouraged me to start taking the ICAN examinations through ATS instead of just waiting around until I reached the right age for university,” she said.

According to her, not having an accounting background made the early stages of the programme particularly challenging.

“I wasn’t an accounting student in secondary school, so the examinations, especially at the first level, proved more difficult for me than for other people at the same level. I had to put in more effort, and with the grace of God, I was able to pass the first level. Ever since then, it has been success after success.”

The Accounting Technicians Scheme is ICAN’s entry-level professional programme designed to prepare candidates for the chartered accountancy qualification.

Reflecting on one of the biggest setbacks in her journey, Okundaye revealed that she failed one of her final professional papers but remained determined.

Last year, I failed one of my final papers, unfortunately, which I had to rewrite earlier this year in May, and to the glory of God, I passed that examination, and now I can say that I am a qualified accountant of the institute at 16 years old,” she said.

Reacting to the achievement in a post on X on Saturday, Olukoya described the feat as evidence of God’s faithfulness and the rewards of diligence and discipline.

“Today, we celebrate with one of our own, Osasere Okundaye, as she shares the inspiring testimony of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years old,” he wrote.

He added, “This extraordinary achievement stands as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and what can be accomplished through diligence, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

According to the cleric, Okundaye’s story demonstrates that age is not a limitation to success.

“Her journey is an inspiration to young people everywhere, proving that with God’s grace, determination, and a clear vision, age is never a barrier to greatness,” he said.

The achievement also drew commendation from the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described Okundaye as a shining example of the potential of Nigerian youths.

Okundaye earned the record after successfully completing the rigorous ICAN professional examinations, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that he conferred a chieftaincy title on popular Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Mr Moses Olafare.

Olafare quoted the Ooni as clarifying that although he warmly received the actor and his wife at his palace on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of his son, no chieftaincy title was conferred on the couple.

Oba Ogunwusi said that he also presented the actor with a brand-new car and cash gifts as a demonstration of his fatherly love and royal generosity, but no chieftaincy title was conferred on him.

“Awada Konge Oduwa”, which Baba Ijesha later described on his social media pages as a chieftaincy title, was merely a light-comedy remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed interaction in recognition of the actor’s outstanding career as a comedian.

The Ooni explained that the remark was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.

He said that Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife and a proud son of the source, was deserving of honour and could be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future.

“However, no such title has been conferred on him.

“The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, which are publicly conducted in accordance with the age-long traditions of the source.

“None of these customary procedures took place during the actor’s visit to the palace,” he said.

While appreciating Baba Ijesha for acknowledging the royal kindness extended to him and his family, the Ooni urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports claiming that the actor had been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or conferred with any chieftaincy title.

The royal father reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oodua race at large while preserving the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the revered traditional institution of chieftaincy. (NAN)

The order handed down by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for a total lockdown in the state to enable residents to clear gutters and drainage in all parts of the state appeared to have recorded a huge success as residents complied.

The sanitation exercise, which commenced as early as 6 a.m. and ended by 10 a.m., saw everybody participate actively with keen interest, even as many motorists who attempted to flout the order were arrested by the police and other security agencies for questioning.

However, the arrests were viewed as arbitrary when the security agencies started impounding circulation vehicles conveying national newspapers down to the commercial city of Onitsha from the neighbouring Asaba, Delta State, for distribution to newspaper vendors, contrary to Soludo’s order which exempted those on essential duties like journalists and health workers from being arrested.

Confirming the success of the exercise in a telephone chat, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, told newsmen that the exercise would be carried out periodically to ensure total removal of all the debris in all nooks and crannies of the state to ensure healthy living.

The Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, Osun, on Saturday organised free medical outreach services for residents of Osogbo, as part of its 2026 Army Day celebrations.

The Commandant of the Army Depot, Brig.-Gen. Buhari Madaki, while speaking at the programme held at Light and Life School, Boredun, said the free medical outreach was aimed at rendering service to humanity.

“The Depot Osogbo is a year plus and the works is enormous but the army is dedicated to serving humanity,” Madaki said.

He stated that the health programme was part of giving back to the host communities, stressing that it would be moved around other communities in subsequent editions.

According to Madaki, who was represented by his Deputy, Col. Mathew Obi, Army Day is used to remember Nigerian soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars.

He added that the day was also dedicated to honouring officers who fell during the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.

Also speaking, the acting Commanding Officer, Depot Osogbo Medical Centre, Major Jonathan Edimek, explained that the medical service was to strengthen civil-military relationship with their host communities.

“It is to increase the knowledge and awareness of the communities of the presence of the Nigerian Army.” he said.

Edimek said that the medical outreach would provide the communities with free medical consultations, eye and dental services and medical examinations, among others.

He, however, said that any medical case that required additional attention would be referred to the hospitals around, Federal Medical Centers and the Nigerian Army Depot Osogbo Medical Centre.

The commanding officer said for the free health service, the medical personnel would be treating ailments related to the old and the young, including malaria and skin diseases.

He said that the medical service was open to all communities around the depot as well as those who could make their way to the venue from across the state.

In his remarks, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Raaheed Olabomi, appreciated the gesture by the Nigerian Army.

Olabomi, who was the Guest of Honour at the programme, described the medical service as one of the kinetic programmes of the military.

According to him, the army provides more than security service to the people.

He encouraged his subjects to make full use of the medical programme, informing them of the need to utilise the opportunity for their own well-being. (NAN)

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has described the ongoing reconstruction of internal roads by the Kaduna State Government as the biggest infrastructure intervention the institution has received in over 40 years.

Ahmed said the project had exceeded the university’s expectations and was the first of its kind in more than four decades.

Speaking during an inspection of the project on Saturday, the vice-chancellor commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for extending the intervention to the federal university without any formal request.

“We have waited for 40 years for this. The quality of the work has exceeded our expectations,” he said.

Ahmed noted that ABU, as Nigeria’s foremost engineering institution, could confidently attest to the quality of the construction, adding that the university’s engineers were directly involved in supervising the project to ensure compliance with engineering standards.

“Our engineers are fully involved in the supervision of the work. We are confident these roads will serve the university community for decades,” he added.

The vice-chancellor said the intervention reflected the governor’s commitment to education and responsible governance, urging other Northern governors to support ABU, which he described as a shared regional heritage.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency, Dr Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, said the inspection formed part of the agency’s assessment of ongoing road projects across the state.

He disclosed that the Kaduna State Government had initiated about 150 road projects covering approximately 1,345 kilometres across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Baba Ahmed described the reconstruction of ABU’s internal roads as a landmark intervention in a federal university, adding that engineering tests, including coring, in-situ density and California Bearing Ratio tests, confirmed the quality of the work.

“The Faculty of Engineering of ABU participated in the laboratory tests. We are satisfied with the quality and pace of work,” he said, expressing optimism that the project would be completed before the end of August or early September despite the rainy season.

The President of the Students’ Union Government, Abdulrahman Aliyu, described the project as one of the biggest infrastructure interventions recently witnessed by the university.

Some staff and students also praised the development.

A staff member, Deborah Danjuma, said the reconstruction had restored the institution’s image and improved accessibility within the campus.

A Civil Engineering student, Yusuf Bala, said the project addressed a long-standing challenge despite road maintenance being a Federal Government responsibility.

Another student, Chidima Sunday, said flooding and poor road conditions had previously made movement around the campus difficult during the rainy season, while Faith Idowu appealed for improved transportation services after the roads are completed.

Eala edged a dramatic 84-minute first set before powering to a 7-6 (11/9), 6-2 victory over a stunned Swiatek on Centre Court to reach the last 16.

“It’s difficult to describe. I’m in the second week of a Slam and it’s incredible for me,” said Eala.

It is six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek’s earliest exit from a major tournament since another third-round defeat, by Yulia Putintseva, also at Wimbledon two years ago

The 21-year-old Eala became the first player from the Philippines to reach the third round of a Grand Slam event in the Open era by defeating Maya Joint on Thursday.

But the 29th seed was not overawed by taking on six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, notching her second win in three meetings with the Polish third seed.

“I’m really emotional and maybe for someone like Iga who has won so many Slams, or someone like Serena or Venus (Williams), this achievement might seem small,” Eala added.

But for someone who grew up in the Philippines… I trained with my mother and my grandfather every day after school with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks… so for her this is everything.”

The left-hander, who had only won one match at a Slam before this week, will next face former runner-up Jasmine Paolini on Monday.

Eala will be bidding to become the first player from the Philippines to reach a singles Grand Slam quarter-final since Felicisimo Ampon at the 1953 French Open.

She had enjoyed raucous support from her Filipino fans on the outside courts at the All England Club in the first two rounds, but again impressed in a far less partisan atmosphere on Centre Court against Swiatek.

The 25-year-old Swiatek failed to bounce back from a disappointing last-16 defeat at the French Open, where she is a four-time winner.

She made 44 unforced errors as she struggled to regroup after missing two set points in a first-set tie-break.

– Marathon first set –

Eala stretched into a 5-3 lead but failed to serve out the opener, seeing one set point come and go.

Both players saw multiple chances slip from their grasp in a high-quality breaker, before Eala finally forged in front on her fourth set point when Swiatek sent a backhand sailing long.

The world number 32 took full control of the tie by racing into a 4-0 lead against her shell-shocked opponent in the second set.

Swiatek scrapped hard to get one of the breaks back, but then slipped 5-2 behind after serving two double-faults in another sloppy service game.

Eala got over the line in a dramatic final game, saving four break points before clinching the biggest victory of her career on her third match point.

She fell to the turf in celebration after finishing the contest with a forehand winner, sobbing tears of joy as Swiatek made a hasty departure.

Rybakina crashes out

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina suffered a shock third-round exit in a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 defeat against Elise Mertens on Saturday.

Rybakina was hoping to follow her Australian Open triumph in January by winning Wimbledon for the second time.

But the world number two was unable to emulate her 2022 victory at the All England Club as Belgian 25th seed Mertens produced a major upset on Court One.

Rybakina, 27, also endured a disappointing early departure from the recent French Open, losing to Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round.

The Russia-born Kazakhstani, who beat Ons Jabeur to win Wimbledon four years ago, has failed to make it past the third round on her last two visits to south-west London.

But Rybakina has no intention of letting the defeat ruin the rest of the season.

“I just try to move on. I mean, I lost so many times. I’m sure I’m still going to keep losing. It’s impossible to win everything,” she said.

“Not the result I wanted today. Definitely not happy. I’m of course upset, but it’s not going to take more than one, two days.”

Rybakina plans to analyse her form closely before the hard-court swing, which culminates in the US Open.

“If I knew why, I wouldn’t be in this situation right now. As soon as it happened a couple weeks ago when I was not playing my best, honestly, I don’t know,” she said.

“I was getting a lot of opportunities since I was losing early in the tournaments. Definitely I need to analyse and change something, because it’s not working.

“Now it’s going to be at least for a longer period of time same surface, and it’s kind of one of the last pushes of the year.

“First, I’m looking forward to change a little bit the scenario and just rest.”

Mertens is a two-time Wimbledon doubles champion and has now reached the last 16 in the All England Club singles on four occasions.

She will play Czech 21st seed Marie Bouzkova for a place in the quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old’s best run in a Grand Slam singles tournament is a 2018 Australian Open semi-final appearance.

“Definitely one of my most memorable wins, especially against her here at Wimbledon,” Mertens said.

“Looking back on my previous results on grass this year, it was a little bit of a mixed feelings.

“I really grew into the match. Also especially my last match, also grew into that match. That gave me a little bit of confidence.

I soaked it all in today on Court One. It’s a beautiful court to play at.”

AFP

Yarima made the appeal on Saturday during the combined fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth convocation ceremonies of the university in Sokoto.

He said the institution, established in 2009, had expanded from three pioneer faculties to five and was awaiting approval from the National Universities Commission for 22 additional academic programmes.

According to him, the approval will increase the university’s faculties to between eight and nine.

The university is expanding in terms of admission quota, academic programmes and student population. We are pleading with Your Excellency to allow the university system to expand its staffing position.

“We need more recruitment and more qualified staff to fit into these new programmes,” Yarima said.

He said the proposed programmes include Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Medical Sciences and Nursing, describing them as strategic courses aimed at addressing emerging national manpower needs.

The vice-chancellor also said the university had introduced a monthly public lecture series to promote knowledge sharing and strengthen research.

He added that the institution was working towards establishing a Centre of Excellence for Solid Mineral Research to promote scientific mining and tackle the challenges of illegal mining.

“We are trying to establish a Centre of Excellence for Solid Mineral Research because solid minerals are the next oil in Nigeria. We are already in touch with institutions in India and China to help with equipment and training,” he said.

Yarima said the university had continued to benefit from TETFund interventions in infrastructure, staff development and research, adding that several lecturers had undergone training in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and India.

He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for supporting the institution, particularly by funding the combined convocation ceremony and sustaining the state’s policy of automatic employment for first-class graduates.

“The last two weeks, we interviewed four first-class graduates, and they have been absorbed into various faculties. We are grateful for strengthening and maintaining this policy,” he said.

A total of 42 students graduated with first-class honours during the combined convocation.

The university also graduated 779 students from the Faculty of Arts, 347 from Computing, 1,187 from Education, 1,886 from Science and 1,317 from Social Sciences.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing it as the foundation of sustainable development.

He said the government had cleared salary arrears owed visiting and sabbatical lecturers, implemented salary increases for academic staff, renovated staff quarters and constructed a sports complex.

“We are committed, well committed, fully committed, and we remain committed to supporting the university in its quest to become one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Aliyu also praised former governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for establishing the university, saying the institution had expanded educational opportunities for thousands of students.

He reportedly taunted his victims and shared videos of the attacks on social media.

The Houston Police Department disclosed this in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Thursday and sighted by our correspondent on Saturday.

The department said its Major Offenders Division, working with the Westside Crime Suppression Team, “investigated multiple cases of disabled and homeless persons who had been shot with a high-powered, motorised water gun.”

According to the statement, Cayce “taunted the victims and placed videos of the incidents on social media.”

The police confirmed that the suspect “has been arrested and charged with assault bodily injury.”

The Houston Police Department did not disclose further details on the exact locations of the attacks, the number of victims involved, or when the alleged offences occurred.

According to local US media house, Audacy, Cayce, 34, was arrested by HPD’s Major Offenders Division and held at Harris County Jail, with the charges tied specifically to an attack on two men that occurred on June 4.

He posted bond at $100 per charge, bringing the total to $200, and is due back in court on July 9.

According to Audacy, investigators say the case is not an isolated incident. HPD investigators linked Cayce to a series of incidents dating back to last summer, in which homeless individuals near bus stops or sleeping outdoors were targeted and doused with enough force to cause bodily injury.

Some of the footage reportedly showed a man driving around town firing the motorised water gun in people’s faces, on the street or on the sidewalk.

Officers noted that the weapon’s design was central to the criminal case against him.

The water guns used were motorised rather than hand-pumped, discharging a sustained, forceful jet of water rather than a single burst, a factor that led authorities to treat the attacks as criminal assault rather than a prank.

Speaking to local broadcaster ABC13 after his release, Cayce defended his actions, saying he prayed before each outing and insisting the water guns were set to their lowest power.

He also referred to some of his targets in his videos as “zombies,” which he described to the station as commentary for content rather than a reflection of how he viewed them.

He told the outlet he does not intend to continue the attacks, adding that police had taken his water guns.

It said expanded local production is critical to reducing import dependence, lowering costs and increasing agricultural productivity.

The inspection was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Engagement and New Media Strategy, O’tega Ogra.

The presidential fact-finding delegation visited major fertiliser production and blending facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers and other states participating in the restructured Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The exercise assesses production capacity, quality control, operational efficiency, and the impact of government intervention in making quality fertiliser more affordable and accessible to farmers.

Speaking during the inspection in Kaduna, Ogra described local fertiliser production as a strategic national priority amid global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and rising input costs.

He said Nigeria has abundant raw materials needed for fertiliser production and should maximise local capacity to guarantee sustainable food production.

“When we have about 80 per cent of the raw materials in Nigeria and can produce fertilisers, why import them? If we have locally produced fertilisers with proper quality control, the standard of farming will improve, crop yields will increase and we will strengthen food security and food sovereignty in our country,” he said.

According to him, government investment in local fertiliser production aims to shield farmers from global price fluctuations, improve agricultural output, create jobs, and promote industrial development.

At OCP Africa’s Kaduna Blending Plant, the delegation inspected the company’s blending process, where fertilisers are produced to match the nutrient requirements of specific crops and soil conditions rather than using a uniform formulation.

The plant’s General Manager, Peter Amahwe, said quality assurance was essential to protecting farmers’ investments.

“What is key is that when the farmer is paying for these nutrients, he knows that the nutrients he is paying for are exactly what he is getting. The labour, seeds and every other investment depend on that quality. If the fertiliser is compromised, the farmer’s entire production plan is affected,” he said.

Amahwe said the company carries out extensive laboratory analysis to develop customised fertiliser blends for crops such as maize, rice, cocoa and ginger.

The delegation also visited Barbedos Fertilisers & Blending Company Limited in Kaduna, where officials inspected a facility with a blending capacity of about 90 metric tonnes per hour.

Production Manager Nasser Ismail said local blending had reduced production costs while creating employment opportunities.

 “Our primary objective is to produce high-quality fertiliser blends tailored to the distinct soil and crop requirements of Nigerian farmers.

“By blending locally, we are reducing costs, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for young people and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He added that the company uses moisture-resistant BOPP-coated packaging to preserve fertiliser quality during storage and transportation.

The Federal Government has continued to reposition the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative by promoting local blending and encouraging the use of indigenous raw materials while importing only essential inputs such as phosphate.

The initiative is intended to protect farmers from international market volatility, improve access to quality fertiliser and strengthen domestic agricultural production.

Government estimates indicate that the programme has saved about ₦61.58 billion in 2026 through lower fertiliser costs and increased local production.

Under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund, 515,720 bags of locally blended fertiliser are being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Officials said the ongoing inspection of fertiliser plants underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that locally produced fertiliser meets global quality standards while expanding farmers’ access to affordable farm inputs, improving crop yields and strengthening Nigeria’s food security.

Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN, Nigeria's first female Accountant-General of the Federation, will on Sunday, 5th July, 2026, receive the prestigious City People Magazine Woman of the Year Award 2026 at the City People Awards for Excellence scheduled to hold in Lagos.

According to the letter of conferment signed by the Publisher of City People Magazine, Dr. Seye KEHINDE, OON, the award is designed to recognise, reward and celebrate outstanding personalities, public office holders, politicians and organisations whose achievements, leadership and contributions have made significant impacts on society and national development.

Founded in November 1996 by renowned journalist and media entrepreneur Dr. Seye KEHINDE, City People Magazine is the Nigeria's foremost celebrity, entertainment and society publication. Headquartered in Lagos, the magazine has built an enduring reputation for chronicling fashion, lifestyle, corporate achievements, high-profile personalities and major social events across Nigeria and West Africa. It is widely respected for its exclusive celebrity interviews, high-society profiles, lifestyle features, entertainment news and its flagship annual City People Awards, which honour excellence and outstanding accomplishments across various sectors.

Dr. MADEIN is being honoured in recognition of her exceptional contributions to public service, financial management, community development and humanitarian service, particularly her historic achievement as the first female Accountant-General of the Federation of Nigeria.

Born on March 7, 1965, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, Dr. MADEIN's life has been defined by discipline, integrity, excellence and selfless service. She built an impressive academic and professional profile, earning degrees in Accountancy and Business Administration before obtaining a Doctorate in Management Finance. She is also a Fellow of several prestigious professional bodies, including ACCA (UK), ICAN, ANAN, the International Association for Strategy Professionals (IASP), and the Society for West Africa Internal Audit Practitioners.

With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Dr. MADEIN served in several strategic Ministries, Departments and Agencies before making history as Nigeria's first female Accountant-General of the Federation. During her tenure, she strengthened key public financial management reforms, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), and initiatives that enhanced transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in the management of public resources.

Beyond her outstanding public service, Dr. MADEIN has remained deeply committed to the development of her ancestral home, Iperu-Remo, and the wider Remoland. Through her leadership and interventions, numerous community development projects have been facilitated, including road infrastructure, solar street lighting, water projects, youth and women empowerment programmes, employment opportunities and sports development initiatives.
Her passion for humanitarian service is further demonstrated through the Olowo Oloye Foundation, which has become a platform for transforming lives through scholarships for indigent students, girl-child education, women and youth empowerment, free ICT training, support for widows and vulnerable persons, as well as free healthcare outreach programmes.

A devoted wife and caring mother, she is happily maried to Engr. Sir Adeleke MADEIN, and has successfully combined an exemplary public service career with a stable and admirable family life, making her a role model for women and future generations of leaders.
Following her retirement from the Federal Civil Service in March 2025 after over thirty years of meritorious service, Dr. MADEIN continues to inspire through mentorship, philanthropy and thought leadership. Her book, "Beyond the Ledger: A Journey in Public Finance and Governance – Musings of the First Female Accountant-General of the Federation", stands as a valuable resource for serving and aspiring public servants.

The conferment of the City People Magazine Woman of the Year Award 2026 is a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to excellence, integrity, nation-building and service to humanity.

Congratulations to Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN on this well-deserved honour.

Temitope OYEKAN
Consultant on Media to Dr. Oluwatoyin MADEIN
4th Julý, 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a rapidly escalating outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a deadly Ebola strain, which has killed 454 people and infected 1,481 others in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and France, fuelling fears of a broader regional health crisis.

WHO said the outbreak, driven by sustained transmission in Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern provinces, is evolving rapidly and poses a severe threat to neighbouring countries due to cross-border movement, fragile health systems and humanitarian crises.

According to the update, “As of July 1, Congo had recorded 1,460 confirmed infections and 452 deaths, with health officials warning that the disease continues to spread into new health zones.”

Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, while France confirmed an imported case involving a doctor who returned from Congo after treating infected patients.

“This outbreak is expanding at a dangerous pace, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and displacement.

“The conditions on the ground are creating major barriers to surveillance and response, increasing the risk of undetected transmission,” WHO said in its latest update.

Health authorities say the latest figures represent a steep increase of 564 new infections and 220 deaths in less than two weeks, underlining the scale and speed of the crisis.

It reported that the epicentre remains Ituri Province, where more than 91 per cent of all cases have been recorded. Major hotspots include Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.

“Alarmingly, 102 healthcare workers have also been infected, with 25 deaths among them, a development experts say reflects dangerous gaps in infection prevention and control,” the report noted.

WHO said over 10,800 contacts are currently being monitored in Congo, while Uganda has successfully completed surveillance for over 800 contacts, with no new cases reported since June 21.

In a worrying sign of international spread, French authorities in the report disclosed that a middle-aged doctor who worked for five weeks in Ituri tested positive upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The doctor reportedly self-declared symptoms and was immediately isolated.

WHO praised the move, saying: “Early self-reporting and rapid isolation significantly reduce transmission risk and demonstrate the importance of border health vigilance.”

Bundibugyo virus disease is one of the lesser-known but deadly Ebola strains, with symptoms including fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and internal bleeding. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.

WHO warned that overcrowded camps for displaced persons, weak healthcare infrastructure and insecurity in eastern Congo could worsen the outbreak.

“The combination of conflict, mass displacement and limited access to clean water and healthcare is a perfect storm for Ebola transmission,” WHO said.

Despite the rising toll, WHO advised against travel or trade restrictions on Congo and Uganda but urged stronger border surveillance and community-based response systems.

The agency classified the outbreak risk in Congo as “very high”, “high” in Uganda and neighbouring border countries, but “low” globally.

With the disease now crossing continents, global health authorities said the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Africa can contain yet another deadly Ebola outbreak before it spirals further.

Online had reported that the Depot Nigerian Army said it has not received any formal complaintor credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to some recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct would be thorough and transparent.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Army stated that the allegations had been attributed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and amplified on social media platforms.

The army appealed to victims and witnesses of the alleged assault at the UNIOSUN hostels to provide evidence to assist its ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel

It, however, said the Board of Inquiry earlier constituted to investigate allegations against its personnel remains at work.

In a statement released on Friday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution welcomed the Army’s decision to set up a Board of Inquiry but expressed concerns over the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are the subject of the allegations.

According to the university, such an approach does not take into account the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers that often discourage survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to institutions they may associate with the alleged perpetrators.

The institution also rejected any suggestion that it should reveal the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities.

“Osun State University owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality and protection. The University will not compromise the privacy, dignity or safety of any student by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in contravention of applicable laws,” the statement said.

UNIOSUN reiterated that the welfare and safety of its students remain its top priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to support students who report harassment, assault or abuse.

According to the statement, “the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students.”

The university maintained that investigations into allegations of sexual assault should be victim-centred, independent, transparent and capable of inspiring public confidence.

“The University believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in circumstances where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation by being required to report directly to those connected with the subject of an investigation,” the statement added.

UNIOSUN also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith and in line with the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students.

The university further announced that it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to safeguard the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students.

“The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement said.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Blessing Umo, has lauded Governor Umo Eno on the delivery of the CNG buses and the recent unveiling of the 350-bed hospital, describing the projects as enduring legacies for future generations.

Umo spoke with journalists on Friday in Uyo after the July edition of the State Projects Delivery Meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where the governor highlighted key achievements and ongoing initiatives across strategic sectors, including the unveiling of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital and the delivery of 20 CNG buses, among others.

Umo said the introduction of the CNG buses and the International Hospital project reflect a government driven by innovation, foresight, and a clear determination to improve the living standards of the people.

According to her, the Governor has once again demonstrated that sustainable development is anchored on deliberate investments in sectors that deliver long-term value to citizens.

She noted that the CNG mass transit initiative represents a major milestone in the state’s push for modern, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation, adding that it would ease mobility challenges while aligning Akwa Ibom with global clean energy standards.

The introduction of CNG buses is not just about expanding the transport system; it is about embracing innovation, reducing transportation costs, promoting environmental sustainability, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a leader in clean energy mobility,” she said.

Speaking further on the Ibom International Hospital, the IPAC Chairman described it as a bold and strategic investment that would significantly transform healthcare delivery in the state and the region.

This is a project designed with future generations in mind. They are enduring investments that will continue to serve our people long after today’s political discourse has faded. Governor Umo Eno is laying a solid foundation for a healthier, more prosperous, and economically competitive Akwa Ibom State,” she added.

She called on Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political affiliation, to support initiatives that promote collective progress, noting that development must always transcend partisan considerations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has shared an AI-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her comments on micro-enterprises sparked widespread criticism on social media.

The image, posted on the Presidency’s official social media accounts on Friday, depicts the First Lady at a roadside akara stand wearing an apron bearing the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”

The post followed remarks by the First Lady during an interview in which she said small-scale businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and making kuli kuli require little start-up capital.

She explained that the Federal Government was supporting such ventures with grants rather than loans as part of efforts to improve livelihoods.

We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she had said.

Her comments triggered mixed reactions, with many Nigerians accusing her of being insensitive to the country’s economic realities, while others defended her, saying she was highlighting accessible business opportunities.

The Presidency’s AI-generated image has further fuelled debate online, with supporters describing it as a light-hearted response to critics and others condemning it as trivialising the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.

Reacting on X, a user identified as @Top_GunM wrote, “Warra country. It’s so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she’s being reduced to.”

Another user, who tweets as #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team, saying, “Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job.”

Also reacting,zaddy wilver who identifies #WilverZaddy said, “I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess.”

CHEQNBALNCE who identifies as #ChimaAmako82045 described the post as an insult to Nigerians, “Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of aso rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won’t last forever.”

Straight who writes as #outtahighbee argued that the Presidency was hurting its own image., “lol You guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli now Abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o.”

Gentry☮️ who tweets as #gentrytee22 said the image reflected how poorly the government rated citizens, describing it as “a nationwide meme.”, “This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation , people who wants better for themselves complain now it has to turn to a nationwide meme being used by the government media team lol. It’s a shame”

Highlighting rising living costs, Bruno Fernandes broda who identifies as #AminJaman added, “Even akara has becomes more expensive because beans, oil, and transport costs keep rising. The smile is beautiful, but behind it is the reality of soaring food prices, expensive cooking gas, and declining purchasing power.”

Tim Oma who writes as #SirTimeyin defended the post, arguing that Nigerians had initially turned the First Lady’s remarks into memes.”I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady’s “Akara” comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed, and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to thesame joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Sta M who tweets as #sto0511M welcomed the image, urging the Presidency to continue releasing similar content. “Thank you for this image we want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that theh can continue roaming in 1 roundabout,abeg pepper ???? dem more for us our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement”

Tinubu had on Thursday playfully referred to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller), in an apparent light-hearted reference to the recent controversy surrounding her remarks on small-scale businesses.

The President made the remark while observing protocol during his address at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja.

A video of the event, shared by Aso Rock TV on YouTube, showed Tinubu smiling as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance before turning to the First Lady.

The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of emergency obstetric and newborn healthcare equipment, commodities and delivery kits worth N10bn to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services in Bauchi State.

The intervention, unveiled on Saturday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality through the provision of medical equipment, ambulances, maternity kits and essential drugs to healthcare facilities across the state.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the intervention formed part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

Pate disclosed that the Federal Government had invested about N10bn in Bauchi through the programme, noting that the state had continued to benefit from several health sector interventions under the current administration

He listed some of the interventions to include the establishment and upgrade of federal health institutions, revitalisation of primary healthcare centres, training of frontline health workers and provision of critical healthcare infrastructure.

According to him, 20 primary healthcare centres across 15 local government areas will receive labour and delivery equipment, including suction machines, oxygen concentrators, blood pressure monitors and newborn care equipment.

He added that the intervention also includes 17,000 maternity kits for pregnant women, essential drugs and medical commodities, 15 tricycle ambulances for rural communities and six conventional ambulances to improve emergency referrals.

Pate explained that the maternity kits would ease the financial burden on expectant mothers by providing essential items needed for safe delivery, while all medical commodities would be supplied free of charge.

He urged healthcare workers and facility managers to ensure that the equipment and commodities were used strictly for their intended purposes.

“Do not divert these items or charge patients for services that have been provided free by the government. There should be no under-the-table payments,” the minister warned.

He added that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had been mandated to monitor the utilisation of the equipment to prevent diversion.

The minister also announced that the first batch of National Health Fellows from Bauchi had been absorbed into the Federal Civil Service, while another cohort had commenced the programme, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the state.

He said the equipment, ambulances and medical commodities would significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality, particularly in underserved rural communities.

The governor noted that his administration had upgraded 138 primary healthcare centres to Level II status, constructed three general hospitals and was rehabilitating the Bauchi Specialist Hospital.

He added that the state had installed solar-powered systems in several hospitals, distributed over 64,000 Mama Kits free of charge and recruited thousands of healthcare workers to improve service delivery.

Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to funding the health sector, stating that Bauchi consistently allocates at least 15 per cent of its annual budget to healthcare in line with international recommendations.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Bauchi State Emirate Committee on Health and Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu, thanked the Federal Government for prioritising maternal and child healthcare.

The traditional ruler commended Pate for championing reforms that were improving access to quality healthcare and lauded Mohammed for investing in health infrastructure, recruiting skilled personnel and meeting counterpart funding obligations for healthcare programmes.

He pledged the continued support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities to embrace maternal, newborn and child healthcare services across the state.

The reports that the event included the graduation ceremony of National Health Fellows Cohort I and the inauguration of Cohort II of the fellows.

The Ekiti State Police Command has rescued worshippers abducted during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo, in Ekiti State on April 28.

The command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu.

Abutu said the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.

According to him, the victims have been taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye, commended the security agencies for their professionalism and collaboration, describing the rescue as a product of effective inter-agency synergy.

The police commissioner also appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting security agencies in the state and thanked residents for providing useful information that aided security operations.

Adegoroye said efforts were ongoing to arrest those responsible for the abduction.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The worshippers were abducted on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen attacked an overnight Christ Apostolic Church service in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The attackers killed the presiding pastor and abducted 16 worshippers, including women, children and an elderly woman.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1bn ransom, later reducing it to ₦50m. Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5m alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, prompting protests by residents and a resolution by the House of Representatives calling for their immediate rescue

NAN

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, the UNHCR Deputy Director for the West and Central Africa Bureau, Andrew Wyllie, said the humanitarian situation had deteriorated significantly across the Lake Chad Basin, which spans parts of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

According to the UNHCR, more than 3.5 million people are currently forcibly displaced across the basin, while 8.2 million require humanitarian assistance.

The agency said security incidents increased by 80 per cent between January 2024 and April 2026.

The agency disclosed that between September 2025 and May 2026, nearly 1,800 security incidents and more than 5,700 fatalities were recorded, including attacks on civilians, killings, kidnappings, explosions, clashes between armed groups and raids on villages.

The UNHCR identified Borno State in northeastern Nigeria as the epicentre of the crisis, saying repeated attacks by non-state armed groups, military operations and growing insecurity along roads and displacement routes continue to force families from their homes while limiting humanitarian access.

It noted that the effects of the conflict have spread beyond the North-East, with insecurity and displacement increasingly affecting the North-West and parts of the Middle Belt.

The agency said that since January 2026, more than 77,500 people have been displaced across the four countries, including over 16,000 refugees who fled attacks in northeastern Nigeria to Niger’s Diffa region, where humanitarian partners are providing emergency assistance.

The UNHCR warned that violence is increasingly crossing national borders, with attacks in one country triggering displacement in neighbouring states.

It said persistent attacks continue to fuel insecurity in Cameroon’s Far North, while recurrent attacks and military operations in Chad’s Lac Province have displaced about 60,000 people, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in May

The agency expressed concern that civilians are bearing the greatest burden of the conflict, noting that recent protection monitoring found that one in five households no longer feels safe in its own community.

Women and girls, it said, face increasing risks of violence while specialised protection services remain critically overstretched.

The UNHCR added that the number of people who know survivors of violence has risen to 27 per cent in 2026 from 19 per cent in 2025, reflecting a worsening protection environment despite widespread underreporting.

Children have also been severely affected, with about half of those living in the hardest-hit areas out of school. In Chad’s Lac Province, the figure exceeds 78 per cent

The agency further reported that one in four people surveyed said there were separated or unaccompanied children in their communities, rising to one in three in Cameroon’s Far North.

Wyllie commended governments across the region for keeping their borders open to people fleeing violence and for supporting displaced communities.

He said, “UNHCR is working with them across all four countries to assist people fleeing violence, monitor risks, support new arrivals and ensure families can access documentation, assistance, and, where conditions allow, pathways to return, reintegration and recovery.”

The agency, however, warned that humanitarian operations are struggling to match the scale of growing needs.

Wyllie said, “UNHCR and partners urgently need $29 million through December 2026 to sustain operations, maintain critical protection and assistance in high-risk areas, and support government-led regional stabilisation efforts.”

He cautioned that, “Without timely and flexible support, protection gaps will widen, displacement will continue to spread across borders, and the risk of a more entrenched regional crisis will increase. The trajectory remains deeply concerning, but it is still reversible with sustained support now.”

Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts.

The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said: “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities.

Those arrested include 12 males and 13 females.

“The operation is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to combat social vices, promote moral values, and maintain peace and decency across Kebbi,” he said.

Kamba added that the board would conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with the law, and anyone found culpable would face the appropriate legal process. (NAN)

The debate over the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s comments on akara and kulikuli businesses has found its way into a university examination, as a question in a Second Semester 2025/2026 paper at the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State, tasked students with producing an advocacy advertisement copy around the theme.

The examination question, sighted by our correspondent after it was shared on Facebook by a page identified as Northern Nigeria on Saturday, was set for students of the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, sitting the Advertising Copy Writing (MCM 214) paper.

Question one of the paper read in part, “The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has asked you to do an advocacy ad copy with the title, Beyond Akara and Kulikuli Empowerment, with the sole aim of encouraging Nigerian women and youths to embrace small-scale businesses.”

Students were then required to identify four factors to consider in writing the copy, mention three body copy styles, justify the most suitable style for the ad, and sketch the copy with images and text, altogether worth 30 marks out of the total obtainable in the section.

Reports that the First Lady had, in June, urged Nigerian women to embrace small-scale businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kulikuli, describing them as low-capital ventures that could be sustained with grants rather than loans, while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors in Abuja.

The remarks, however, triggered swift criticism on social media, with many Nigerians accusing her of trivialising the economic hardship facing citizens amid rising food prices, inflation and unemployment.

Tinubu later defended her comments, insisting the Federal Government’s empowerment programmes extended beyond akara sellers to include traders in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain, while speaking at the inauguration of a hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State. She disclosed that the Federal Government had given N100m to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state, with each beneficiary to receive N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, also came to her defense describing the backlash as a “performative circus of selective amnesia” and arguing that critics had ignored the scale of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s interventions across health, women’s empowerment and support for vulnerable groups.

Vehicles and other property were destroyed during a fresh communal clash between the people of Eleme Local Government Area and neighbouring Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to order a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Saturday news gathered that the clash, linked to a protracted land dispute between the two LGAs, started with heavy shooting on Thursday night.

It was learnt that some properties, including vehicles, were burnt in one of the communities.

A source in one of the communities claimed that two persons were missing and that a search team had been set up to ascertain their whereabouts, while an official report had been lodged with the police authorities.

In a viral video seen by our reporter on Friday morning, a Hilux van was in flames while the ear-splitting sound of sporadic shooting rented the air, with people shouting and running as a result of the melee.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eleme LGA, Obarilomate Ollor, has placed an immediate suspension on all real estate activities within the area, alleging an influx of land grabbers targeting property along the Woji–Aleto–Alesa Link Road and the Akpajo axis of the Port Harcourt Ring Road.

Ollor, in a statement he personally signed and obtained by our correspondent on Friday, also threatened legal action against non-compliant property developers in the area.

This unacceptable situation has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and a growing threat to peace, security, and lawful economic activities within Eleme.

“As a responsible government, we have a constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of every resident of Eleme and to uphold law, order, and peaceful coexistence. We will neither fold our arms nor allow criminal elements to dispossess our people of their ancestral heritage.

“All persons directly or indirectly involved in illegal land grabbing within the Eleme axis of the Woji–Aleto–Alesa Link Road, the Agbonchia–Akpajo axis of the Port Harcourt Ring Road, and other parts of Eleme are hereby directed to immediately cease such activities and vacate the affected areas or face the full weight of the law.”

The Eleme LG boss further said that to ensure a thorough investigation into the dispute, the council had petitioned the Rivers State House of Assembly through the lawmaker representing the area.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the shooting, saying the Commissioner of Police had ordered a probe.

Agabe noted that the two LGAs had been embroiled in a lingering land dispute, pointing out that the matter was already before a court.

She stated, “What led to the shooting is a land dispute that has been ongoing for years and both communities are currently in court for that. There was no casualty, only a Hilux vehicle was burnt. The Commissioner of Police has intervened in the matter and has ordered an investigation.

“And as we speak, the investigation is ongoing.

The World Health Organisation has launched the world’s first global database on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.

This provides countries with a centralised platform to access standardised and quality-assured data to strengthen disease surveillance and improve public health responses.

Announcing the initiative on Friday, the WHO said the open-access database is the first global platform to consolidate STI prevalence data from low- and middle-income countries collected from 2010 onwards.

The agency said the new resource addresses long-standing challenges in accessing reliable country- and population-specific data by bringing together both published and unpublished evidence from multiple sources in a single platform.

WHO’s Director of the Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Dr Tereza Kasaeva, described the database as a significant milestone in the global fight against STIs.

“This database represents a first major step forward in our ability to understand the burden of sexually transmitted infections across diverse populations and settings.

“By making these data openly accessible, we are equipping countries and partners with the evidence needed to design targeted interventions, strengthen surveillance systems, and accelerate progress towards reducing the global impact of STIs,” Kasaeva said.

According to the WHO, the database currently covers five STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex virus type 2, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, saying it is designed to expand as more evidence becomes available.

As of June 2026, the platform contains data from 766 studies, representing 2,453 prevalence data points collected from a wide range of populations and settings.

These include household surveys, studies involving pregnant women and adolescents, key populations, sex workers, attendees at STI clinics, as well as baseline data from intervention and case-control studies.

The WHO said only studies that met strict quality criteria were included in the database.

“These criteria include clearly defined population groups, adequate methodological information, sample collection conducted mostly from 2010 onwards, and study populations of at least 100 participants,” the global health body said.

According to the agency, the extensive evidence compiled in the database will help improve understanding of STI epidemiology in both the general population and groups at higher risk of infection.

The WHO noted that the platform will be updated regularly as new studies are published and reviewed, while its scope will be expanded to include additional STIs in response to emerging public health priorities

The organisation said the database is intended to support policymakers, national disease control programmes, researchers, industry, community organisations, and funding agencies by providing better access to STI-related data.

It added that improved access to high-quality prevalence data will enable countries to develop evidence-based interventions, strengthen surveillance systems, and enhance regional and global estimates of STI burden and trends over time.

The Continental Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Continent 3, Pastor Johnson Odesola, has defended comments made by the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, saying they were misinterpreted and unfairly portrayed as a defence of President Bola Tinubu over the country’s insecurity.

In a statement titled, “Pastor Adeboye Deserves Fair Hearing, Not Unfair Criticism,” Odesola said many critics relied on short social media clips instead of listening to the cleric’s complete remarks delivered at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, D.C.

According to him, Adeboye never denied that insecurity had worsened in the country but acknowledged that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping had spread beyond the North into several parts of the South.

Odesola argued that the cleric’s remark that Nigerians should not expect the President to “wear khaki and go and fight” was merely an explanation of the constitutional role of a Commander-in-Chief and not an attempt to excuse government shortcomings.

He (Adeboye) did not defend failure. He simply reminded Nigerians that political leaders provide direction while military professionals execute operations.

“Far from defending incompetence, Pastor Adeboye challenged those responsible for national security to produce results. Even more significant was his emphasis on confronting those who sponsor terrorism

This is perhaps the strongest part of his intervention. Terrorists do not operate in isolation. They require money, weapons, logistics, intelligence and political protection. Every insurgent group survives because powerful individuals somewhere are financing its operations,” Odesola said.

Responding to those who questioned why Adeboye should comment on national security, Odesola said religious leaders had historically provided moral guidance and counsel during national crises, citing several biblical figures who advised rulers and confronted injustice.

He maintained that Adeboye had consistently prayed for the country and offered counsel to successive administrations irrespective of political affiliation.

While acknowledging that Nigerians were free to disagree with the cleric’s views, Odesola urged critics to avoid distorting his comments.

He said the country’s insecurity crisis should not be reduced to partisan politics but should inspire collective responsibility from the government, security agencies, the judiciary, traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens.

Odesola added that rather than condemning Adeboye, Nigerians should focus on what he described as the central message of the cleric’s intervention, namely, the need for decisive leadership, accountability, national unity and sustained efforts to defeat terrorism and those financing it.

Three brothers have been charged with murder in Eswatini after allegedly beating their mother’s boyfriend to death over claims that he was involved in a romantic relationship with her.

The accused — Mlondi Mbuli, 25, Sakhelwe Mbuli, 18, and Lindani Mdziniso, 23 — appeared before the Mbabane Magistrates Court in connection with the killing, which reportedly occurred on June 28, 2026, in Hholoshini, located in the country’s Hhohho Region.

During the hearing, Principal Magistrate Sfiso Vilakati ordered that the three men remain in custody until July 10, 2026, while prosecutors prepare to transfer the case to the High Court, where murder cases are typically tried.

According to investigators, the suspects allegedly attacked the victim, identified as Njabulo Ngwenya, using bricks, stones, sticks, punches and repeated kicks, inflicting injuries that proved fatal.

Police believe the alleged assault stemmed from accusations that Ngwenya was having an affair with the

brothers’ biological mother.

The incident came to the attention of authorities after Sibongile Motsa reported finding her son dead inside her sister’s home in the early hours of June 28.

Court documents state that Motsa discovered Ngwenya’s body at about 1 a.m. before notifying the Royal Eswatini Police Service, which subsequently launched an investigation and arrested the three suspects.

Following their first court appearance, the accused were remanded in custody pending the next hearing and the formal transfer of the matter to the High Court.

Authorities have not disclosed additional information beyond the facts presented during the initial court proceedings.

The case has drawn widespread public interest across Eswatini as investigations continue.

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland before Mswati III officially renamed the country in 2018, is a landlocked nation in southern Africa bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Under the country’s judicial system, serious criminal offences such as murder are generally transferred from the Magistrates Court to the High Court after the initial hearing.

The Governorship candidate of Allied People’s Movement in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, on Friday, sympathised with the traders affected by fire outbreak at the popular Bode Market in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of the state.

Adekanmbi donating N2.5 million to the victims.

The guber hopeful, who visited the market to assess the extent of damage, described the incident as a painful loss for many families and business owners.

He further expressed sadness over the destruction of goods and means of livelihood caused by the inferno, urging the victims to remain hopeful despite the unfortunate incident.

The news had earlier reported that the early morning inferno destroyed many shops and goods worth millions of naira, especially at herbal section at the market.

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An eyewitness, simply identified herself as Serifat, told our correspondent that, “The blaze caused extensive damage, leaving many traders counting their losses. We have not known the cause of this fire incident.”

Bode Market is one of the largest markets in Ibadan metropolis, and is widely known as a major trading hub for herbs, animal skins and other traditional products.‎
‎It serves traders from across the South-West and other parts of Nigeria.

It will also be recalled that similar incident had, in September, 2024, completely razed to the ground over 40 shops at a popular Oranyan market, herbal section, in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state.

Though no life was lost, the incident destroyed multimillion naira property and herbs.

APM candidate said, “The donation of N2.5 million to the affected traders is to cushion the effect of devastating a loss.

The gesture is intended to provide immediate relief and demonstrate solidarity with those affected.

“The fire disaster has further highlighted the need for improved safety measures in markets across the state, including better fire prevention facilities and emergency response systems.

“I, therefore, call on well-meaning individuals to extend assistance to the victims to enable them to rebuild their businesses and restore their means of livelihood.”

APM candidate prayed for the affected traders, expressing hope that they would recover from the losses and return to their businesses stronger.

The traders who received the donation appreciated Adekanmbi for identifying with them during the difficult period, describing his visit and support as timely and encouraging.

Mrs Florence Ajimobi has arrived in Vienna to formally assume duty as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Austria and the International Organisations in Vienna.

Announcing her arrival in a post on Facebook on Friday, Ajimobi said she was received at the VIP Wing of Vienna International Airport by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy and Permanent Mission, Mr. Muyiwa Onifade, alongside officials of the mission and members of the Nigerian community in Austria.

“Today, I arrived in Vienna to assume duty as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Austria and the International Organisations in Vienna,” she wrote.

Ajimobi added that she was “warmly received at the VIP Wing of Vienna International Airport by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy and Permanent Mission, Mr. Muyiwa Onifade, accompanied by Home-Based Officers, Local Staff, and distinguished leaders of the Nigerian community in Austria, including representatives of the Oduduwa Group, Igbo Cultural Group, Nigeria-Austria Friendship Group, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), and Nigerian Students in Austria.”

Expressing appreciation for the reception, she said, “I am deeply grateful for this heartfelt welcome and look forward to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Austria.”

Online reports that in November 2025, President Bola Tinubu forwarded the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

The nominees include 17 non-career ambassadors and 15 career ambassadors, who will be posted to countries and international organisations critical to Nigeria’s foreign relations.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has overturned a judgment of the Oyo State High Court that permitted Muslim students of the International School, University of Ibadan, to wear hijab as part of the school’s uniform.

In a split judgment delivered on Friday, the three-member appellate panel held, by a majority decision of two to one, that the Supreme Court’s decision permitting the use of hijab applies only to public schools and not private institutions such as the International School, University of Ibadan.

The appellate court set aside the earlier judgment delivered by Justice Moshood Ishola of the Oyo State High Court, which had held that the school’s ban on hijab violated the affected students’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.

The suit was instituted by 11 students with the support of the Muslim Rights Concern.

Delivering the lead majority judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring, held that “ISI is a private school, not a public institution, thereby overturned the earlier judgment on the matter.”

‎He submitted that the right to religion is a personal right that can be waived.

He added, “The students had waived that right by signing an undertaking to obey ISI’s rules and regulations, including its dress code.

In public schools, you can wear hijab on school uniforms based on the judgment of the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court is yet to make any decision on the use of hijab in private schools.”

However, Justice Fadawu Umar dissented, holding that the appeal lacked merit and ought to be dismissed.

The dispute over the use of hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan, began in 2018 after some Muslim students challenged the school’s prohibition of hijab as part of its uniform policy.

In 2022, the Oyo State High Court ruled in favour of the students, holding that the restriction violated their constitutional rights.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the school authorities appealed the decision, leading to Friday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The Benue State Government has mourned a former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. David Salifu, who died after sustaining gunshot injuries in an attack by suspected bandits along the Wukari-Makurdi road.

Salifu was reportedly attacked on Thursday on the outskirts of Wukari while travelling to Makurdi. He later died from his injuries in the early hours of Friday.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, described the late Salifu as a dedicated public servant whose contributions to governance and education left a lasting impact on the state.

The statement, issued on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, said Salifu served the state with “uncommon diligence, integrity and intellectual distinction.”

It added that his contributions to public administration, scholarship and human capital development earned him widespread respect and left an enduring legacy.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, the Government and the good people of Benue State, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Dcns. Serumun Deborah Aber extends heartfelt condolences to the Salifu family over this painful loss.

“The Government of Benue State joins the family, friends, the academic community, and all who knew him in mourning this illustrious son of Benue,” the statement read in part.

The government prayed for God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss and repose the soul of the deceased.

There is palpable tension in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State following the decision of the state government to sack the elected leadership of the Orba Modern Market Traders Association.

The development comes despite a subsisting High Court order restraining the government from taking such action, declaring it illegal and unconstitutional.

The modern market was built by a private company with a $60m loan (about N84bn) obtained from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme in 1996.

The project was designed to insulate the market from government control in order to promote trade and self-employment for traders.

The loan, which has been fully repaid by the traders, was facilitated by a former Vice-Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology and a native of the area, Prof. Julius Onah, who was then a consultant to the World Bank.

While the Orba community donated five hectares of fully developed land for the project, the Enugu State Government provided N8m as counterpart funding.

Before the latest development, an Enugu High Court sitting in Obollo Afor, presided over by Justice Comfort Chinyere Ani, had, in a judgment delivered on May 13, 2025, ruled that the state government lacked the power or authority to sack the elected leadership of the traders or set up a caretaker committee to administer the market.

The court also awarded N1m in damages against the state government over its action.

According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday, Ben Okolo represented the Enugu State Government in the suit, while Obi K. Odo represented the traders.

Declaring the setting up of a caretaker committee as arbitrary, Justice Ani held: “In the final analysis, I hereby make the following orders: It is hereby declared that the leadership of the Orba Modern Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) remains with the elected executives headed by the plaintiff, Brendan Ugwu, as chairman,” having emerged on September 22, 2023, until the expiration of his four-year tenure.

“The Defendant, Enugu State Government, is hereby perpetually restrained by themselves, agents, privies or howsoever described, from interfering with or interjecting in the collection, management and control of OMMATA or howsoever usurp the offices/functions and rights of the plaintiffs.”

However, in a fresh twist, the State Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, in a statement dated June 25, 2026, announced the suspension of the Ugwu-led OMMATA executive over allegations of “unruly behaviour.”

The suspension letter, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Ifeanyi Onah, on behalf of the Commissioner, Ogbu Nwobodo, also announced the appointment of Hon. Edward Emeka Eze as the General Manager of OMMATA.

In a follow-up letter addressed to Ugwu and dated July 1, 2026, the newly appointed general manager ordered the ousted chairman to hand over all association properties, records and responsibilities to the caretaker committee.

The letter read in part, “I write with reference to the suspension of the Executive Committee of OMMATA, led by Brendan Ugwu, by the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, Enugu State… over allegations of unlawful activities in Orie Orba International Market.

“Consequent upon the suspension and constitution of a caretaker committee by the ministry, you are hereby directed to immediately hand over all OMMATA properties, records, documents, financial books and records, and account details.”

Traders in the market have expressed concern that the government’s defiance of the court order could trigger a breakdown of law and order in the community.

Egypt’s talisman and captain Mohamed Salah was named to start the last-32 World Cup encounter with Australia in Texas on Friday following a hamstring niggle.

The former Liverpool attacker came off in Egypt’s final group game, a 1-1 draw with Iran, a week ago.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had said on Thursday that he was “not sure” if the 34-year-old would be fit to start.

But Hassan named him in a starting XI that also includes Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in attack.

Salah has one goal and two assists so far at the tournament in North America, and averages a goal every other game for his country.

Egypt and Australia are both attempting to win a World Cup knockout game for the first time when they meet at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The winner will face either Lionel Messi’s reigning champions Argentina or debutants Cape Verde in the last 16.

AFP

Ekiti State Government has directed all commercial motorcycle riders and tricycle operators in the state to register and undergo biometric data capture on or before July 18.

This was  to be part of efforts to curb criminal activities and strengthen security,

The Commissioner for Transportation, Kehinde Ajobiewe, who gave the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti, said the exercise was in a bid “to strengthen security, enhance public safety and improve regulation of the transportation sector”.

This was contained in a statement made available by the ministry in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

Ajobiewe stated, “The biometric registration of all commercial motorcycle riders and tricycle operators will begin on July 6. Operators who failed to register and obtain the required permits by July 18 will face sanctions in line with the state’s transportation regulations.”

He urged leaders of motorcycle and tricycle unions to mobilise their members to participate fully in the exercise before the deadline.

The commissioner said, “The Ministry of Transportation will ensure that every operator is properly screened and issued a valid riding permit upon completion of the registration process.

The exercise is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of operators, facilitating proper identification and curbing criminal activities associated with unregistered transport operators.

“The registration will be conducted at all offices of the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue across the 16 local government areas of the state.”

Ajobiewe said the initiative would also provide the government with reliable data for transportation planning, improve service delivery and address challenges facing the commercial transport sector.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to “strengthening security, promoting an orderly transport system and improving the welfare of transport operators in the state.”

Stakeholders at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Bayo Abulola; representatives of the commissioner of Police and Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander; the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Mr Kunle Asaolu; and the Chairman, Tricycle Operators Association, Mr Akinola Talabi, among others.

Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators play a major role in public transportation across Ekiti State.

However, concerns over the use of unregistered operators by criminal elements have prompted the government to introduce biometric registration as part of wider security measures aimed at improving public safety and ensuring proper regulation of the transport sector.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew has become one of the most talked-about figures in Nigeria following allegations that he presented himself as the Director-General of a government agency the Presidency insists does not exist.

Adeyemi, who describes himself as a public administrator and investment promoter, is currently facing an eight-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of forgery, impersonation and operating a fictitious government agency.

Despite the criminal charges, he has continued to insist that he is the legitimate head of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an agency the Presidency has repeatedly described as non-existent.

Adeyemi came under national scrutiny after claiming to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also referred to in some documents as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

He claimed the council was established to attract foreign investment into Nigeria and alleged that it had offices, staff, bank accounts and official government approvals.

He also alleged during a television interview that he paid ₦400 million to secure his appointment, a claim the Presidency has strongly denied.

Presidency says agency is fake

The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has consistently maintained that the agency has no legal backing and was never created by the Federal Government.

According to the Presidency, Adeyemi forged official documents, including appointment letters bearing the names and signatures of senior government officials, to portray himself as the head of the council.

It also alleged that he operated from an office inside Phase III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja, where he reportedly hosted meetings with government officials, diplomats, foreign investors and members of the public.

Investigators further alleged that he sought a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate visa applications for individuals linked to the purported agency.

Budget controversy

The controversy deepened after reports showed that an entity listed as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, or similar variations, received over ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

According to budget documents, the allocation comprised about ₦802.98 million for personnel costs, ₦200 million for overhead, and ₦300 million for capital expenditure, bringing the total allocation to more than ₦1.3 billion.

The budget provision has attracted widespread public scrutiny, with critics questioning how an agency the Presidency now describes as non-existent was included in the federal budget.

While acknowledging the budget allocation, the Presidency has maintained that the PFIPC was never lawfully created or recognised under the Tinubu administration.

The issue has also prompted calls from opposition figures, lawyers and civil society groups for an investigation into how the agency made its way into the budget despite the multiple approval stages involving the Budget Office, Federal Executive Council, National Assembly and presidential assent.

Arrest and court case

Following a petition by the Chief of Staff in October 2025, security agencies launched an investigation.

Adeyemi was arrested on October 27, 2025, while operating from the Federal Secretariat.

Police investigations reportedly uncovered dozens of bank accounts allegedly linked to him, including accounts said to have been opened using false representations.

On November 27, 2025, the Nigeria Police filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two others before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The charges include forgery, impersonation, false personation and operating a fictitious government agency.

His next court appearance has been scheduled for July 27, 2026.

Previous controversy

The latest allegations are not the first time Adeyemi has attracted public attention.

In 2016, he was widely reported to have emerged as President-General of the World Youth Organisation, which he claimed was affiliated with the United Nations.

The claim received widespread media attention before the UN reportedly denied any affiliation with the organisation, prompting questions over its authenticity.

The Presidency has cited the episode as evidence of what it describes as a pattern of false representation.

His defence

Speaking on Thursday on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adeyemi rejected allegations that he is an impostor.

“I’m not a con artiste. Let the court decide on the matter.”

Questioning the Presidency’s position, he argued that he could not have openly interacted with senior government officials if the agency did not exist.

“Let’s assume the agency does not exist. Would I have the temerity to be going all over the country meeting the heads of agencies and departments if they know that the agency does not exist or, as alleged, that I cooked everything?”

He also pointed to his meetings with ambassadors and other government officials as evidence supporting his claims.

Adeyemi acknowledged that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State but denied suggestions that his alleged appointment was a political reward.

Questions over background

Adeyemi has publicly claimed to have attended Anglican Grammar School, Igbara-Oke, studied at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and obtained a master’s degree from the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

However, those claims have not been independently verified by government authorities or major public records.

For now, the legitimacy of his claimed appointment remains at the centre of a legal battle, with the Presidency maintaining that the PFIPC was never established and that the matter should be determined by the courts.

The Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced a revision of the 2025/2026 academic calendar for public primary and secondary schools across the state, confirming that schools will resume on July 6 for the continuation of the current academic session.

The adjustment was contained in a circular dated July 2, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. B.T. Oyinloye.

According to the circular, “schools are to resume on Monday, July 6, 2026, for the continuation of the academic session.”

The ministry stated that the resumed academic term “will run for six weeks, ending on Friday, August 14, 2026.”

Under the revised calendar, students and teachers will proceed on a four-week break immediately after the end of the term.

The circular noted that the ministry “approved a four-week holiday beginning from Monday, August 17, 2026, to Friday, September 11, 2026.”

The revised schedule also provides a commencement date for the next academic year.

According to the ministry, “the 2026/2027 first term will commence on Monday, September 14, 2026.”

The changes affect public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State and form part of the updated academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The calendar adjustment follows a month-long strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, which shut public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State from June 1, 2026, over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

Online reported two days ago that the strike was suspended after engagements with the Oyo State Government.

NUT President Titus Amba said the union decided to return to classrooms “because of the little ones who remain at home and can’t go to school because of the incident.”

Meanwhile, the industrial action was triggered by the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire LG, during which gunmen abducted teachers and pupils and killed two teachers.

The incident sparked protests and calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and secure the victims’ release.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Mr Michael Akintomide, has urged the aggrieved members of the party to shun the ongoing protest against the candidates’ list and come together to work for the victory of the party in next year’s general election.

‎Some aggrieved members of the staged protests in Akure, against the list of candidates for the National Assembly election, released by the national secretariat of the party and sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

‎In the same vein  supporters of a member of the House of Representatives representing Ondo East/ Ondo West Federal Constituency, Mr Abiola Makinde also protested against the exclusion of the lawmaker’s name from the candidates list.

‎However, the APC House of Rep candidate, Akintomide, while speaking with journalists in Ondo, on Friday, ruled out the possibility of the protests and agitations affecting the chances of the party from winning the forthcoming election.

He said it was an internal misunderstanding that would be resolved amicably.

‎”There is no need for agitation. For clarity’s sake, the National Working Committee has spoken and there is party supremacy. Whatever they are saying on social media that is contrary to the position of the party should be ignored. Even if there are protests, don’t join them. Believe in the process. The process has produced credible candidates

Not at all. Don’t be surprised. This is not new in any political election. This is the aftermath of an election. People have the right to agitate and express their displeasure. However, at the end of the day, we will come to the round table and understand that the party is superior to any personal interest.

The APC has done so much for this country that we cannot afford to lose the forthcoming election. So trust APC members, trust APC supporters, and trust APC candidates. We will all come together as one eventually and emerge victorious, as we have always done. Our victory is sure; the reelection of President Bola Tinubu is sure next year,”

‎Also speaking, the APC candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Jimi Odimayo, called on party members to rally behind all the candidates produced by the primaries, saying the APC remained one united family despite differing interests during the contest.

‎Odimayo lauded President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their roles in the primary process and urged members to work for the success of the party at all levels.

‎”I advise all party members to accept the candidates of the party. I advise them to unite and work for the progress of the party. We have a fantastic relationship. It’s one family,” he said.

The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft has called for the establishment of a special court to fast-track the prosecution of crude oil thieves and other economic saboteurs, saying weak laws and delays in the judicial process have continued to undermine efforts to curb oil theft in Nigeria.

The proposal was made at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where lawmakers, security agencies and officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser reviewed the country’s legal framework for tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related offences.

The meeting forms part of the committee’s ongoing consultations on legislative and institutional measures to address crude oil theft, which has continued to reduce government revenue, cut oil production, discourage investment and threaten Nigeria’s energy security despite years of security operations.

Chairman of the committee, Alhassan Doguwa, said participants agreed on the need to review existing laws, arguing that many of the statutes governing the sector date back to the military era and no longer provide adequate deterrence against increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

We have also recommended in previous bills before the House the possibility of establishing a special court for these kinds of crimes because the crimes themselves are special.

“If we allow these criminal cases to go through the conventional court system, considering the delays involved, many of them will remain unresolved while the criminals escape appropriate punishment,” he said.

He said the committee and stakeholders had agreed to work together to address legal and institutional bottlenecks hampering the fight against crude oil theft.

The global oil and gas economy is now in an advanced stage. Virtually all oil-producing countries are making progress because they have provided effective legal instruments to address their challenges. For this reason, we believe Nigeria should also review some of its laws,” he added.

Doguwa noted that courts are still relying on outdated legislation enacted during military rule to prosecute offences in the oil and gas sector.

“Unless we provide new measures, new laws and a new legal framework, the courts will continue to rely on this obsolete legislation in handling serious criminality within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives through this committee, will partner with the Office of the National Security Adviser to effectively combat crude oil theft and every other criminal activity within the oil and gas environment,” he added.

The lawmaker said Nigeria’s crude oil production remains below budget projections because of persistent theft and pipeline vandalism, stressing that reversing the trend is essential to improving government revenue and restoring investor confidence.

He noted that representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attended the meeting, describing inter-agency collaboration as critical to addressing the challenge.

Doguwa, however, criticised the absence of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission from the meeting, describing it as disappointing.

“It was rather unfortunate that some of the critical regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector, particularly the NUPRC, neither attended nor sent representatives.

“We frown at that action and have directed the Clerk of the Committee to write to them, requiring them to appear before the committee because they are key stakeholders in the fight against this serious problem bedevilling our country,” he added.

A member of the committee, Cyril Hart, said the committee’s mandate extends beyond tackling crude oil theft to ensuring Nigeria’s oil assets are fully developed for national benefit.

He said operators that fail to develop oil blocks within stipulated timelines should also be held accountable.

Representing the National Security Adviser, the Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Goodluck Ilajufi, said stronger legislation had become necessary because existing penalties were no longer serving as effective deterrents.

The Assistant Commandant General (Operations) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, David Idowu, also supported the establishment of a special court, saying it would ensure speedy trials and appropriate punishment for offenders.

Nigeria has for years battled crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta, where the activities have reduced production, damaged oil infrastructure, worsened environmental pollution and cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue.

Although security agencies have recorded periodic successes against oil thieves, industry stakeholders have consistently argued that weak prosecution and light penalties have limited the long-term impact of enforcement efforts.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently battling a fire outbreak at the Bono Energy Terminal in Coconut, Apapa area of the state.

The spokesperson for the LSFRS, Shakiru Amodu, confirmed this in a terse message sent to journalists on Friday.

He wrote, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently curbing a Fire explosion at Bono Energy Terminal on Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, by Coconut, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Update to follow.”

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

Details later…

The Abia State Police Command says it has identified and destroyed a suspected criminal camp in the state, warning that there is no hiding place for criminals.

In a statement issued on Thursday, by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the command said that, leveraging actionable intelligence, it identified and dismantled a suspected criminal camp located within Unuobasi Forest in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

“Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Command, in collaboration with the local security outfit in Umuobasi, carried out the operation on Sunday, 28/06/2026, leading to the destruction of the criminal camp and the disruption of criminal activities in the area. Monitoring of the area is still ongoing”, the statement partly read.

The statement added that the commissioner assured residents that “there will be no hiding place for criminals within the state.”

He reiterated the command’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of preventing crime and apprehending criminals.

The command re-emphasised that the police would continue to take the fight to the enclaves of criminals.

It also advised members of the public, as partners in crime prevention, to report any security concerns, suspicious persons, or activities to the nearest police station.

The President made the remark while observing protocol during his address at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja.

A video of the event was shared by Aso Rock TV on YouTube.

It showed Tinubu smiling as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance before turning to his wife.

Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” the President said, drawing laughter and reactions from the audience

The nickname comes weeks after the First Lady urged Nigerian women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn and kuli-kuli through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programme.

She had noted that such ventures “don’t take much money” to start.

The statement sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some Nigerians criticising the remarks as insensitive to the country’s economic challenges and accusing her of trivialising the hardship faced by many citizens.

However, the First Lady later clarified that the Federal Government’s empowerment programme was not limited to akara sellers but also covered traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.

She spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State.

Addressing the criticism directly, the First Lady said the Federal Government had donated N100m to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state.

“Because of the atmosphere, what is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we’ve already given, donated about 100 million to her to use to empower 2,000 petty traders.

“And I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara, we also have tomato sellers. We have boole, and those also selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market.

“We will continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable. So that is what we are doing,” she said.

The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to take urgent and decisive action to secure the release of kidnapped victims in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area, and the abducted school children in Ahoro-Esinele, Ogbomoso, both in Oyo State.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, on Thursday, the SSSG, a coalition of 14 security-relevant organisations, expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of citizens, which, they said, has heightened fear and insecurity in the affected communities.

The group is made up of the Oodua People’s Congress, Agbekoya Society, including the Agbekoya Peace Movement and Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye and Omo Oduduwa United, among others.

Recall that on June 16, 2026, Kuburat Omowumi and her son were abducted in Igbope, a community within the Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This is just as no fewer than 42 pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.

In the statement, the SSSG condemned the failure of the government and security agencies to secure the release of Omowumi and her son, and urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify their efforts, deploy adequate resources, and engage all relevant security agencies to rescue the victims immediately.

The statement read, “The kidnapping of school children is a particularly heinous crime that disrupts education and traumatises families and communities. The government must prioritise their rescue operations and ensure that such incidents do not recur.”

The group added that the recent spate of kidnappings in Igbope and Ogbomoso reflects broader security challenges facing the Southwest region.

The statement read, “Insecurity, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and communal clashes, has adversely affected economic activities, education, and social cohesion.

“The Southwest region is in dire need of a comprehensive security strategy that involves state and local government policing, intelligence sharing, and collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities, and private security groups.

“We particularly implore the Southwest State governors to collaborate with the SSSG and all our security apparatus at the grassroots to effectively secure our region.

“Government must also address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalisation.”

Amid growing concerns about the kidnap incidents, the Oyo State Government and security agencies have consistently spoken of ongoing rescue efforts, while stating that it was being careful with information being sent out so as not to jeopardise the lives of the abducted persons.

The opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo has called for demonstrations in the capital and other cities on Wednesday to demand the resignation of President Felix Tshisekedi, accusing him of attempting to cling to power by changing the constitution.

Political tensions have been rising, more than two years before the vast Central African country, grappling with decades-long conflict and an Ebola outbreak in its east, heads to the polls.

Tshisekedi, 63, came to power in 2019, and his second — and, under the current constitution, final — five-year term is due to end in late 2028.

However, at a rare press conference in May, Tshisekedi appeared to confirm what the opposition had alleged for months.

If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept,” Tshisekedi, popularly known as “Fatshi”, declared.

The dispute now centres on a bill outlining the framework for a referendum on constitutional amendments. The bill was passed by Parliament last month, where the presidential bloc holds an overwhelming majority.

In the DRC, “parliamentary oversight is rarely exercised”, the Ebuteli research centre said in a recent report.

On Tuesday, Tshisekedi announced in an Independence Day address that he had “referred this law to the Constitutional Court for review of its constitutionality”.

A review by the Constitutional Court — whose independence has frequently been questioned — is the final step before the president decides whether to sign the bill into law.

“Over the years, the perceived politicisation of certain judicial bodies, particularly the Constitutional Court, has fuelled debate over how effective this independence truly is,” the Ebuteli Centre said.

The bill has galvanised the opposition, which emerged weakened and fragmented after the 2023 presidential election, which Tshisekedi won with 73 per cent of the vote.

In May, the C64 coalition was formed. Its name refers to Article 64 of the constitution, which allows citizens to oppose any seizure of power deemed unconstitutional.

A key figure in the coalition is former presidential candidate Moïse Katumbi, a wealthy businessman and former governor of Katanga Province, who now lives in exile.

Other prominent members include former minister and lawmaker Delly Sesanga and Martin Fayulu, who also contested the 2023 election and continues to claim victory in the disputed 2018 poll.

History will be unforgiving towards those who chose ambitions of power over the defence of the nation,” Sesanga said recently.

“We will not give in; we are ready to do whatever it takes for the good of the nation,” Fayulu warned.

Sesanga and Fayulu were injured during a June 12 rally in Kinshasa against what the opposition described as a “constitutional coup d’état”, when clashes erupted between pro-government supporters, opposition demonstrators and the police.

The United Nations said at least one protester was killed.

Congolese political analyst Trésor Kibangula said opposition to constitutional amendments could rally public support and “allow the opposition to regain levers for political remobilisation”.

Pressure from street protests and the international community forced former President Joseph Kabila to abandon an attempt in 2015 to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit by amending the electoral law.

However, public engagement in the country of about 100 million people remains generally low. Voter turnout in the 2023 election was just 43 per cent.

Observers say the low turnout reflects widespread distrust of the political elite, as well as the daily struggle of many citizens to meet basic needs in a country rich in mineral resources but where about two-thirds of the population lives below the poverty line.

In a recent statement, the country’s influential Catholic bishops urged Tshisekedi to “honour the oath he took” to uphold the constitution.

In Africa’s most populous Roman Catholic nation, the Church has traditionally been a vocal critic of those in power. It wields significant influence through its extensive presence across the country and its longstanding role in education, particularly in areas where state institutions are weak.

The bishops also called on the clergy to “awaken” the conscience of the faithful to “resist manipulation” and urged Congolese citizens to “oppose by all legal and peaceful means any attempt to amend” the constitution.

Since colonial times, the Church has held “moral ascendancy” in the DRC and has often served as “a kind of recourse for major questions of national interest”, political scientist Christian Moleka told AFP.

Meanwhile, the government has banned large public gatherings in four provinces, including Kinshasa, because of an Ebola outbreak in the country’s northeast.

It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s opposition march will be covered by the ban.

The Federal Government has assured residents of Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State of immediate humanitarian assistance and a permanent solution to the gas seepage affecting the area as investigations continue to determine the source of the incident.

A Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited the community on Thursday alongside the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and representatives of oil and gas operators.

According to a statement by the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the delegation delivered relief materials and pledged to provide potable water, intensive medical outreach, additional firefighting equipment and support for electricity supply to ease the hardship faced by residents.

The Commission said the delegation had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who assured residents that the Federal Government was taking steps to bring the situation under control.

According to the governor, requests for potable water, healthcare and firefighting support had been noted and would be addressed without delay.

Fubara also directed the immediate upgrade of the community’s primary healthcare centre to strengthen its capacity to respond to medical emergencies arising from the gas seepage.

Speaking at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, Ekpo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to identifying the cause of the seepage and restoring environmental safety.

“Investigation into the root cause is ongoing, and the Federal Government is fully committed to resolving the issue. We will ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated. We are with you on this,” he said.

Eyesan said the NUPRC had completed preliminary investigations but was adopting a cautious approach to avoid worsening the situation before any intervention.

She disclosed that the Commission had engaged an international firm to conduct comprehensive scientific studies, with fieldwork expected to commence before the end of July.

We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managing the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention,” she said.

She added that experts from across the oil and gas industry were collaborating with the Commission to identify the source of the seepage and implement a permanent solution, assuring residents that they would receive regular updates on the progress of the investigation.

On immediate interventions, Eyesan revealed that preliminary assessments showed the community’s first aquifer had been contaminated.

“Our assessment indicates that the first aquifer has been contaminated, and while we work towards a sustainable long-term solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible,” she said.

Responding on behalf of the community, Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention but urged the authorities to fulfil their promises promptly to enable residents to fully benefit from the area’s oil and gas resources.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has said it will picket and shut down Lagos State-owned universities over the refusal of the state government, the owner of the institution, to implement the FGN-ASUU 2025 Agreement.

The affected institutions are the Lagos State University, LASU, the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH and the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED.

Briefing the press at LASUSTECH Main Campus in Ikorodu, on Thursday, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of ASUU, Prof. Adesola Nassir, said it was unbecoming of the state government to lag in the implementation of the agreement.

He added that after many letters were written to the state government, ASUU members in those institutions would no longer tolerate the seeming neglect by the state government and would take the next line of action.

“We are giving this warning ahead so that there won’t be any allegation that some persons are the ones sponsoring ASUU members to demand their rights. The non-implementation of the Agreement being experienced by our members has left academic staff in the Lagos State-owned universities feeling neglected, undervalued, and increasingly uncertain about the government’s commitment to their welfare.

“You would recall that our union engaged the Federal Government in eight tortuous years of renegotiation of the FGN-ASUU 2009 Agreement, culminating eventually in the signing of the ASUU-FGN 2025 Agreement. To ensure that all stakeholders were carried along, the Federal Government Team comprised Pro-Chancellors of Federal and State Universities, in addition to representatives of other government agencies.

“By this arrangement, we therefore believed that the implementation of the Agreement would be seamless, such that the disruption in academic calendars, occasioned by union strikes over non-implementation, would be avoided. To our utter disappointment, the Lagos State Government appears to be playing the ostrich on this matter. Six months of interaction with some representatives of the Lagos State Government have not produced any concrete results,” he stated.

He asked whether the Lagos State Government is opposed to the welfare of its employees.

“For a state that proudly bears the slogan ‘Centre of Excellence,’ its managers, from the governor to the foot soldiers, know that excellence is sustained by people, particularly by those who create knowledge, educate professionals, conduct research, and shape future leaders. No government can legitimately claim excellence while the intellectual workforce responsible for producing excellence experiences prolonged uncertainty over agreed welfare commitments,” he said.

He added that the staff of the affected institutions are becoming despondent because they are being denied their dues.

The ASUU zonal chairman noted that other states have implemented the agreement, leaving Lagos as the odd one out.

“Our perception is that Lagos State is now more than before synonymous with delayed attention to legitimate staff welfare and this has become a recurring feature rather than an isolated occurrence. We are also disturbed by the lackadaisical manner in which local staff crises and cries in LASU and LASUED is being handled.

“ASUU remains committed to constructive engagement. But we would not allow any state to trivialise our committed struggle to improve the lot of our universities in producing high-quality graduates that would power societal development at state and national levels. Nigerians are aware that our union does not seek confrontation for its own sake. Industrial peace is built not upon an arrogant refusal to implement an agreement borne out of collective engagement.

“On this matter, our union has written to state governments that own universities, inclusive of Lagos State, through the Vice Chancellors. We are also aware of communications to the universities by the Executive Secretary of NUC. Without doubt, you would have been aware of the decision of various state universities in the country to shut down over non-implementation of the FGN-ASUU 2025 Agreement. Our union is giving full backing to this movement,” he said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Hauwa Abubakar, disclosed this at the command in Lekki while speaking during the 2026 Half-Year Media Briefing.

The CAC stated that the figure represented an increase of N91.54bn when compared to the N317.3bn collected within the same period in 2025, “amounting to an impressive 28.85 per cent increase in revenue performance.”

“Between January and June 2026, the command generated a total revenue of N408.8bn. This represents an increase of N91.54bn when compared to the N317.3bn collected during the corresponding period in 2025, amounting to an impressive 28.85 per cent increase in revenue performance,” Abubakar said

Abubakar stated that the unprecedented growth is not accidental, adding that it is the product of deliberate strategies aimed at strengthening compliance, improving operational efficiency, and fostering constructive engagement with all stakeholders operating within the Free Trade Zones and Lekki Port.

She maintained that the command’s sustained stakeholder engagement programmes have continued to build mutual trust and encourage voluntary compliance with extant customs laws and regulations.

“Through continuous dialogue, education, and collaboration, we have created an environment where legitimate trade can flourish while ensuring that government revenue is adequately protected. Equally important have been the professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the officers and men of this command. Their diligence, discipline, and dedication to duty have contributed significantly to these outstanding achievements and have strengthened the confidence of the trading community in the operations of the NCS,” she said.

Abubakar added that in June, the command recorded its highest monthly revenue collection since inception, generating a total of N87.10bn.

The LFTZ Customs boss highlighted that the historic achievement demonstrated the command’s growing capacity and the increasing confidence of investors and stakeholders operating within the Free Trade Zones under its jurisdiction and Lekki Deep Seaport.

She commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and the confidence reposed in the command.

While acknowledging what he described as the invaluable support and cooperation of all sister security and regulatory agencies operating within the port and the Free Zones, the CAC commended stakeholders, including investors, licensed customs agents, importers, exporters, and members of the business community, for their cooperation.

“The synergy among our various agencies has continued to enhance security and facilitate legitimate trade in line with the Federal Government’s economic objectives. Your partnership has been instrumental to the command’s success, and I encourage you to sustain this commendable disposition,” she stated.

“As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we are determined to consolidate on these achievements, improve service delivery, and surpass our performance targets without compromising our statutory responsibilities,” Abubakar said.

She said that since its establishment four years ago, the command has become a model of trade facilitation within the service, stressing that its commitment to efficient trade processes and operational excellence has enhanced the ease of doing business while positioning the command as one of the country’s major revenue-generating commands.

The Benue State Government has dismantled illegal roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints along the Vandeikiya-Konshisha road.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, stated this while speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.

According to Har, the operation was carried out during his inspection tour of Konahisha, adding that both residents and commuters were happy as a result of the exercise.

He said, “Findings from the route were alarming: more than 20 roadblocks had been mounted, yet only three, which were operated by the Nigeria Police and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, were legitimate.

“The remaining checkpoints were erected illegally by youth groups, or individuals posing as either VIO officials or untrained BSCPG personnel who mount these points to extort money from motorists and traders plying the route.

The security adviser described the situation as a needless burden on road users and traders, who, he said, lose both time and money to extortion at these illegal points.

Har warned against the practice and urged residents to report any case of illegal checkpoints or extortion to the appropriate authorities.

The Edo State Government on Thursday demolished a building allegedly owned by a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of its crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The state governor, Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the demolition was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad.

The squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said the building had been identified as a place where kidnapped victims were allegedly kept before being moved to other locations.

According to Idemudia, the property belongs to the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He identified the suspect as Solomon Johnson, who he said is from Delta State and is currently in police custody.

He alleged that the suspect and his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded a N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim.

He added that the gang allegedly planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect.

Idemudia said the demolition was intended to serve as a warning to others involved in criminal activities.

He also alleged that while many of the suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often received support from local collaborators.

“We are here to demolish this building identified as a den where kidnappers keep their victims. It served as a hideout before they were moved elsewhere.

Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. Anyone who wishes to live peacefully is welcome, but those with criminal intentions should leave the state,” he said.

Idemudia further disclosed that the government would soon invite Okaigheles (community heads) across the state to Government House for discussions on resident profiling and community security.

He said community leaders would be expected to know those moving into their communities and work closely with the government and security agencies to prevent crime.

“As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community. You will be held accountable for security lapses in your community, so collaboration with the government is essential,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johnson, who identified himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, admitted during interrogation that he worked for an alleged gang leader identified simply as Efe.

Johnson claimed his role was to sell stolen items, including phones, laptops and other belongings allegedly taken from kidnapping victims.

“I work for a man called Efe, who is involved in robbery and kidnapping. He brings phones, laptops and other valuables for me to sell around Ring Road,” he said.

He added that he was paid commissions from the proceeds, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single sale.

Police investigations into the case are ongoing.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Gombe.

According to the statement, the boy’s father, Muhammadu Nabadara, reported the incident to the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 after his son left home the previous day at about 6:30 a.m. and failed to return.

The police said detectives immediately launched an investigation and intensified efforts to trace the missing child.

The statement explained that on June 29, the victim’s family received a telephone call claiming to reveal the child’s location, but the information turned out to be false after police verification.

It added that intelligence-led operations led to a breakthrough on June 30, when operatives arrested the first suspect, identified as Abdullahi Mohammed of Jauro Musa Quarters in Kumo, Akko LGA.

“During interview, the said Abdullahi Mohammed confessed to have conspired with Mohammed Magaji, 35; Sale Sale, 23 and Walida Ya’u, 18, all of Kagarawal Quarters, Gombe, to abduct the victim,” the statement said.

The police said the three other suspects were subsequently arrested and the abducted boy was found in their custody.

“The victim was successfully rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family. However, investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion,” the statement added.

Commending the operatives for the successful rescue, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, praised their professionalism and prompt response.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the professionalism, diligence and swift response of the operatives involved in the rescue operation. He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies,” the statement added.

On July 1, the Ondo State Police Command rescued a 61-year-old woman, Modupe Oladele, who was abducted by armed men in Owo, Owo Local Government Area.

The command said the operation was carried out after a swift response by its operatives under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.

Digital payments can play a critical role in improving tax administration, revenue collection and public service delivery, eTranzact Plc has said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact, Niyi Toluwalope, stated this at the Nigeria Employers’ Summit 2026, organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the company on Thursday.

Toluwalope, represented by the Executive Director and Group Head, Public Sector Division, Mr Abubakar Achimugu, said digital payments had evolved beyond facilitating financial transactions to becoming an essential driver of economic growth and accountability.

The statement read, “He said digital payments have evolved beyond simply moving money to becoming an important part of the economy by improving transparency, strengthening revenue collection, enhancing tax administration and supporting better public service delivery.”

Speaking on the role of technology in national development, he said governments across the world were investing in Digital Public Infrastructure as the foundation for efficient modern economies.

He explained that Digital Public Infrastructure was built on three interconnected pillars of digital identity, trusted data exchange and digital payments.

Toluwalope said Nigeria had already recorded significant progress in digital identity enrolment, noting that the country had over 100 million National Identity Numbers and more than 60 million Bank Verification Numbers.

He added that while government provides the enabling policy framework, private sector firms were responsible for building, operating and expanding the digital infrastructure needed to support economic activities.

He stated, “Every digital payment creates a trusted record. Every trusted record strengthens accountability.

“Every accountable transaction reduces leakages. Every reduction in leakages increases confidence in government, institutions and the economy, and that is where eTranzact comes in.”

He said the company’s technology solutions were supporting government institutions and businesses to improve efficiency and service delivery.

“At eTranzact, we believe technology creates value only when it advances national priorities. That belief guides every solution we build,” he said.

Toluwalope added that the firm’s support extended to Federal and State Government revenue collections as well as digital transformation initiatives across the public and private sectors.

He listed some of the company’s platforms to include its e-Invoicing Solution, Pension Gateway, Electronic Verification Management System, Central Billing Systems and other digital solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

Our platforms are designed to support organisations, including members of NECA, by helping them improve their operations through secure and efficient digital solutions.

“These solutions position eTranzact not only as a champion of digital payment innovation, but also as a trusted partner in translating public sector reforms into measurable economic outcomes, making us the preferred financial technology partner for both the public and private sectors,” he said.

Toluwalope further stated that digital payment innovation was contributing to Environmental, Social and Governance objectives by promoting financial inclusion, strengthening governance and enabling businesses to operate more efficiently.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with both government and the private sector to build trusted digital payment infrastructure capable of supporting ongoing reforms.

“The future will not be shaped by the reforms we announce, but by the outcomes we deliver,” he said.

Also speaking at the summit, eTranzact’s federal government Business Partnerships lead, Adedayo Adejokun, said the company’s sponsorship of the event reflected its commitment to supporting government reforms and inclusive economic growth.

“We’re here today because we’re one of the sponsors of this summit. For us, sponsorship is about putting our money where our mouth is. We strongly believe in ESG principles and in driving inclusiveness,” she said.

Adejokun added that the company’s role extended beyond payment processing.

“Our role as a financial technology solutions company goes beyond facilitating payments. We simplify interactions between citizens, businesses, and government by making these processes more seamless and efficient.

“The more government creates opportunities for private sector participation, the more opportunities are generated for businesses and individuals alike,” she added.

The summit brought together participants from the public and private sectors, with the launch of the Environmental, Social and Governance implementation guide for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria as one of the highlights of the event.

The news earlier reported that eTranzact reaffirmed its commitment to supporting taxpayers with same-day onboarding and seamless electronic invoice uploads as the Nigeria Revenue Service intensifies the phased implementation of its e-invoicing regime.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Thursday, clarified that the Federal Government had yet to approve Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps, hours after his comments on the proposed change generated widespread reactions.

In a statement published on his official X handle, Olawande said reports suggesting that Adire had been adopted to replace the iconic khaki uniform misrepresented his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

The minister explained that while he mentioned Adire and Ankara during the interview, they were only examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the scheme, adding that “No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”

“My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” he stated

According to Olawande, the government is considering options that “tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride.”

He said any eventual decision would be guided by extensive stakeholder consultations and what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the country.

The minister also urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing reforms.

The reforms are designed to make the Scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers.

“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development,” he said.

The news had  earlier reported that the Federal Government planned to replace the NYSC’s traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire as part of sweeping reforms approved for the 53-year-old scheme.

Speaking on Channels Television, Olawande had said, “It’s Adire,” explaining that the move was intended to promote local textile production and keep government spending within the Nigerian economy.

The proposed uniform change formed part of the comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, which also includes skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme and amendments to the NYSC Act.

The Federal Ministry of Education has inaugurated the second cohort of the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme at the I Choose Life Foundation, an accredited training centre.

The initiative is said to be part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

The inauguration and orientation programme, held at the foundation’s training centre, was conducted by the National Programme Monitoring Office, represented by Mr Tunji Odewunmi.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Odewunmi urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing the initiative as a transformative programme capable of changing lives through skills acquisition.

This was disclosed in a statement by the ministry on Thursday.

He said the TVET programme was designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and financially independent.

“The programme represents a life-changing opportunity to acquire practical skills that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence,” he said.

Odewunmi cautioned beneficiaries against taking the opportunity for granted, stressing that productive engagement helps young people develop confidence, purpose and direction in life.

According to him, meaningful participation in vocational training also serves as a preventive measure against social vices and substance abuse while promoting mental wellbeing

Individuals thrive when they are meaningfully engaged in productive activities that build confidence, provide purpose, and create a sense of direction. These are important factors in preventing involvement in social vices and substance misuse while promoting overall mental wellbeing,” he added.

The Federal Government’s TVET Initiative was established to bridge critical skills gaps by providing Nigerians with practical vocational and technical education through accredited training centres across the country.

The programme is expected to enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship and create sustainable economic opportunities for participants.

Speaking on its participation in the initiative, the I Choose Life Foundation said the programme aligns with its mission of promoting mental wellness and preventing drug and substance misuse among young Nigerians.

The foundation described skills acquisition as more than an economic intervention, saying it also provides a pathway to improved mental health, dignity, productivity and positive community engagement.

The organisation maintained that tackling substance abuse requires more than awareness campaigns, noting that young people also need opportunities to develop practical skills and build sustainable livelihoods.

“Young people need meaningful opportunities to learn valuable skills, earn sustainable livelihoods, and build hopeful futures,” the foundation stated.

It encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the Federal Government’s TVET Initiative and other legitimate skills development programmes, noting that technical trades, vocational services, digital skills and entrepreneurship remain effective pathways to self-reliance and improved wellbeing.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, skills development, mental wellbeing and youth empowerment across Nigeria.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment for judicial officers as he inspected the ongoing construction of the Justice Saidu Kawu Court House in Ilorin, the state capital.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the multistorey judicial complex, describing the project as part of efforts to strengthen the administration of justice through improved infrastructure.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mashood Agboola.

Speaking during the inspection, AbdulRazaq said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to providing modern facilities for the judiciary.

The work is going on very well. This is the major building of the courthouse. We are trying to give the judiciary a better working environment,” the governor said.

The governor added that the administration was determined to deliver a judicial complex that meets modern standards and improves the administration of justice in the state.

“We have seen what His Excellency Nyesom Wike has done for the judiciary, and we are trying to give another great edifice and masterpiece of architecture that offers a very conducive environment for the judiciary. So, all we are doing is making sure the standards are improved.

The judges shouldn’t be doing their work in sub-standard offices and infrastructure. So, we are also setting a standard that can be emulated in other parts of the country,” he stated.

The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, who accompanied the governor on the inspection, commended the administration for investing in judicial infrastructure.

“I am highly impressed and elated with what I have seen this afternoon. So, I want to, on behalf of the judiciary of Kwara State, appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the wonderful job he is doing for the judiciary,” he said.

He noted that the project would consolidate courts currently scattered across Ilorin and improve the efficiency of justice delivery.

“When this project is finally completed, we will have a compact headquarters in Ilorin. Other courts will be able to accommodate more judges, and the administration of justice will move on smoothly in the state. So, Your Excellency, we thank you, sir,” Adebara said.

The Justice Saidu Kawu Court House is one of the major judicial infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Kwara State Government to improve court facilities and strengthen the state’s justice system.

The Federal Government has confirmed plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps’ traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the scheme.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying the move was intended to promote local manufacturing and ensure government spending supports the Nigerian economy.

“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” he said.

Olawande also said corps members would increasingly be posted according to their fields of study under the new framework, explaining that graduates with education qualifications, for instance, would be deployed to schools rather than being posted without consideration for their professional backgrounds.

After you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school just because NYSC wants you to be in school but because of the process you followed when in camp. So, that is going to give a framework of where you are going to be posted to,” he said.

On security, the minister said the government was considering posting prospective corps members to regions where they studied and were already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas facing security challenges.

According to him, the arrangement would reduce concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making the deployment process more practical.

“If you have interest that you want to go to the North-East why not, but if you don’t have interest, instead of redeploying you, paying people for camp, doing all those funny things, we said no, let us look at it and say who are those in that area, that can reside in those geographical areas and still give us the kind of number we are looking for since we are saying NYSC should be more impactful. So, that is what we are talking about,” he said.

The minister also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing such claims as a misconception.

The reforms followed the approval by the Federal Executive Council on Monday of a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC, the first major reform of the scheme since its establishment in 1973.

Under the approved reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to accommodate the changes.

The new framework provides that the scheme’s operational leadership will be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members nationwide.

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms factory in Kebbi State, recovering five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arresting two suspected gun makers allegedly supplying weapons to terrorist groups.

The operation, which the military said was based on credible intelligence, targeted a secluded compound allegedly used by the suspects to manufacture and stockpile firearms.

The military said the raid formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and curb the proliferation of illicit weapons across the North-West.

Confirming the operation in a statement on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the troops acted on credible intelligence to dismantle the illegal arms network.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a carefully planned operation on a secluded compound deliberately concealed by the suspects to evade security detection.

“During a thorough search of the premises, troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arrested two suspected arms manufacturers and suppliers,” the statement read.

He said the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, describing it as another breakthrough in efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and organised criminal networks in the region.

The operation, conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies, highlights the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and degrade criminal networks across the North-West,” he stated.

According to Danja, the suspects are in military custody undergoing preliminary interrogation, while investigations have commenced to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, including its financiers and collaborators.

“Investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, uncover their financiers and collaborators, and dismantle the entire illegal arms supply network,” Danja added.

The Theatre Command commended the troops and partner security agencies for the successful operation and urged residents of the North-West to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

“Public cooperation remains vital to sustaining ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance security across the region,” the statement said.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA has intensified operations against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across the North-West in recent months, with security forces targeting armed groups, kidnappers and illegal weapons suppliers in an effort to curb insecurity in the region.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Bauchi Zone, on Thursday, accused the Gombe and Plateau state governments of failing to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement, warning that the development could trigger industrial unrest in the affected universities.

The union said that despite the agreement reached between the Federal Government, state governments and ASUU on December 23, 2025, Gombe State University and Plateau State University had yet to implement its provisions.

Speaking at a press conference held at Gombe State University, the ASUU Bauchi Zonal Coordinator, Timothy-Aku Namo, said the refusal of the two state governments to implement the agreement had worsened the welfare of academics and heightened frustration among lecturers.

“You may recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria signed an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities on December 23, 2025, after protracted negotiations involving the Federal Government, state governments that own public universities and our union,” he said.

Namo noted that although the Federal Government subsequently released funds for the salary component of the agreement and constituted an Implementation Monitoring Committee, many state governments had yet to fulfil their obligations.

“Many state governments are yet to commence implementation of the agreement. Some even claim that the agreement was signed between the Federal Government and ASUU alone,” he said.

The ASUU leader disclosed that following a forensic audit conducted by the union’s National Executive Council on June 21, 2026, only Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State, and Ekiti State University had implemented the agreement among the state-owned universities reviewed.

After a forensic audit of the implementation of the agreement across our branches, the union concluded that, apart from Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State and Ekiti State University, other state governments were unwilling to implement the agreement,” he said.

Namo lamented what he described as the deteriorating welfare of academics, saying Gombe State University and Plateau State University had become major flashpoints in the implementation crisis.

“The union lamented the worsening living conditions of Nigerian academics and directed further engagement with the media to draw public attention to the looming crisis in state universities, including Gombe State University and Plateau State University, which have refused to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement,” he said.

According to him, implementation of the agreement is not the only unresolved issue, as both universities are also grappling with other outstanding matters affecting staff welfare and industrial harmony.

Namo appealed to the Visitors to the two universities to intervene before the situation degenerates into another round of industrial action.

“We call on the Visitors to Gombe State University and Plateau State University to direct the immediate implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement and address all other lingering issues, or risk industrial disharmony,” he warned.

He also urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and other stakeholders to prevail on the Gombe and Plateau state governments to act without further delay.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially parents, traditional rulers, the clergy, the media and other stakeholders, to appeal to the Gombe and Plateau state governments to make hay while the sun shines,” he added.

They assured residents and visitors that the measures are routine and aimed at maintaining law and order amid increasing protests in the Federal Capital Territory.

The barricades, which have been mounted at strategic locations in the city centre in recent days, have caused gridlock and delays for thousands of motorists, civil servants and other workers moving to and from offices in the Federal Capital Territory.

Responding to concerns over the security measures during a joint media briefing by security and intelligence agencies, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, assured residents that there was no security threat warranting panic.

“It is a joint operation. There is no cause for alarm at the moment,” Iniedu said.

He explained that the security agencies had observed an upsurge in protests within the city centre and had consequently intensified security deployments to ensure public safety.

“We’ve noticed that there has been an upsurge of protests in the city centre, and we’re trying to maintain law and order as is our basic and primary responsibility. The deployments are basically deployments with movement from one location to the other to ensure that our city centre is safe,” he said.

The police spokesman stressed that the heightened security presence was particularly important because Abuja serves as Nigeria’s capital city and hosts diplomatic missions, government institutions and foreign investors.

Remember, we’re in the capital, and there’s a lot that has to be done to ensure confidence in those in the city centre and also for our foreign investors,” he added.

Speaking further, Iniedu said the Nigeria Police Force had expanded its security strategy beyond intelligence-led policing to what he described as “intelligence-led community collaborative policing.”

He said the approach recognises that intelligence gathering alone is insufficient to tackle emerging security threats and therefore places greater emphasis on collaboration with local communities.

“We’ve seen that intelligence alone won’t help us. We have gone far to create collaborative processes with our communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Kingsley Amako of the National Coordination Office of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit said security agencies had continued to strengthen intelligence gathering and financial surveillance to combat terrorism financing.

“We have very robust intelligence-gathering mechanisms. As they are evolving into new tricks and changing their tactics, we are also evolving with them,” Amako said.

He noted that while some security operations could not be disclosed publicly, agencies were working collaboratively to counter evolving threats and urged the media to engage security institutions whenever clarification was required.

Delivering judgment, Justice Musa Liman held that the suit lacked merit and was not justiciable because it related to the internal affairs of a political party.

The court upheld the preliminary objections filed by the ADC, its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, the incumbent National Chairman, David Mark, and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

Justice Liman ruled that Abejide failed to establish that any of his legal rights had been violated by the emergence of the current leadership.

He also held that the lawmaker did not exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism before instituting the action.

According to the court, issues concerning the internal administration and leadership of political parties are generally outside the jurisdiction of the courts except where there is a clear violation of the law or infringement of a member’s legal rights.

On the substantive issues, the court ruled in favour of the defendants, holding that the transition of leadership from Nwosu to Mark did not breach either the ADC Constitution or the Electoral Act.

Justice Liman further held that the stakeholders’ meeting of July 2, 2025, which preceded the party’s National Executive Committee meeting of July 29, 2025, formed part of the legitimate process that produced Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The judge noted that the NEC meeting was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, lending credibility to the process.

He consequently declared that the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola complied with the provisions of the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act.

As part of the judgment, the court ordered Abejide to pay litigation costs of N2 million each to all the defendants.

It also awarded N10 million against his counsel in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Abejide had approached the court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, filed on February 15, seeking to nullify the transfer of the party’s leadership from Nwosu to Mark and Aregbesola, describing the process as unlawful.

The lawmaker joined the ADC, Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants.

Among the reliefs sought, Abejide asked the court to invalidate the July 2, 2025, handover held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, arguing that the appointments of Mark and Aregbesola did not comply with the Electoral Act.

He also sought orders restraining both party leaders from functioning in their official capacities and asked the court to stop INEC from recognising them as the ADC’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

However, Justice Liman dismissed all the claims and affirmed the legitimacy of the current leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

The African Democratic Congress has witnessed a leadership transition following efforts by opposition politicians to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Senate President David Mark emerged as the party’s National Chairman, while Aregbesola became National Secretary, moves that have attracted both political interest and legal challenges from some party members.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing clearance of illegal traders and squatters from the Okokomaiko–Orile road median.

The exercise, according to the state government on its offical social media handles, is aimed at permanently clearing the corridor, which has been designated for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project.

Wahab said the inspection was to assess compliance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to remove all illegal structures and commercial activities obstructing the road median, noting that years of engagement with traders had failed to produce lasting results.

“This is a major highway built with public funds. For years, we have repeatedly engaged those occupying the median and consistently pushed them back from the Okokomaiko end to Orile. Enough is enough. We are determined to permanently clear this corridor and ensure that it remains free from all forms of encroachment,” he said.

He explained that the wide road median was intentionally reserved for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, adding that the government would continue monitoring the corridor to prevent displaced traders from returning.

“We will continue to patrol this stretch and ensure that those dislodged do not return. This median has been reserved for the rail project, and it must be protected for that purpose,” the commissioner added.

On environmental sanitation, Wahab urged residents to dispose of waste properly through their designated Private Sector Participation waste operators instead of dumping refuse on roads and public spaces.

“It does not reflect positively on us as a people when waste generated in our homes is dumped on road medians and other public places. Residents should patronise their PSP operators and immediately report any failure in service delivery to LAWMA. There is no justification for indiscriminate waste disposal,” he said.

He also warned traders and market leaders to maintain clean markets, saying environmental sanitation was a shared responsibility.

“If traders cannot keep their markets clean, then they should not be doing business there. Environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility and must be taken seriously by everyone,” Wahab said.

The commissioner disclosed that the ministry had “within the last year, prosecuted more than 100 offenders for encroaching on road medians and violating environmental regulations.”

He added that the state’s environmental laws provide sanctions for actions that undermine public infrastructure and environmental sustainability, stressing that enforcement would continue without fear or favour.

Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, preserving the alignment for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project and improving environmental sanitation across the state.

As courts grapple with a surge of pre-election litigation, the Federal High Court’s new Practice Direction now allows litigants to file processes on weekends and public holidays.

The Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, who repealed the 2022 version of the Practice Directions, directed the Registry of the Court in all Judicial Divisions to henceforth open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., exclusively for the filing of pre-election cases.:

The new directive came barely 24 hours after the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, decried the increasing delays in the adjudication of cases.

Speaking at the opening of the National Workshop on Case Management for Judges of the Superior Courts of Record, organised by the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, the CJN urged the adoption of proactive measures to tackle delays in the administration of justice and bolster public confidence in the judiciary.

She maintained that the judiciary’s effectiveness is measured not only by the quality of its judgments but also by the speed and efficiency with which cases are received and resolved.

Prior to the 2023 general elections, Justice Tsoho had constituted special panels to dispose of the many cases plaguing the court’s dockets. He had decried the fact that some judges had over 1,000 pending cases in their files, noting that the situation was particularly worse in the Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt divisions of the Court.

According to the CJ, Sections 29(5) and 84(14) of the Electoral Act, 2022, vest in the High Court exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine pre-election complaints, with Section 285(10) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, mandating that such cases be concluded within 180 days of the date of filing of the suit.

“This is notwithstanding the judges’ existing high-volume dockets, which present enormous challenges. It is necessary to place on record that the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022, was enacted without any consultation with the Court.

Also, no support whatsoever was provided to address the increased responsibility. This weighed heavily on the operations of the Court,” he stated during a special session the High Court held to mark its 2022/2023 legal year.

The avalanche of cases awaiting adjudication in various courts across the country also led the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BoSAN) to demand the establishment of a National Constitutional Court to be saddled with the responsibility of determining all election-related cases. The legal body bemoaned the fact that many matters, including fundamental rights enforcement suits, have continued to suffer adjournments owing to political cases flooding the High Court.

Meanwhile, the new Federal High Court Pre-Election Practice Directions, which came into effect on June 29, are intended to enhance the speedy, efficient, and fair determination of pre-election matters, in line with the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2026, and other applicable laws.

Justice Tsoho issued the directions in exercise of the powers conferred on him as the High Court’s CJ by virtue of Sections 254, 285(9), (10), and (14) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

“The purpose of these Practice Directions is to: (a) provide for a fair, impartial, and expeditious determination of pre-election cases; (b) ensure that, in all election matters, the parties focus on matters which are genuinely in issue; (c) minimise the time spent dealing with interlocutory matters; (d) ensure that the possibility of an amicable settlement is explored before the parties proceed to hearing; (e) minimise undue adjournments and delays in the conduct of matters.”

It stipulated that the Court, in every pre-election matter before it, shall pay particular attention to the provisions of Sections 29(5), (6), (7), 83(5) and (6), 88(1–4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and Section 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)

Likewise, it made it mandatory that anyone challenging the conduct or outcome of a primary election join, as respondents in the suit, all relevant parties, to enable the court to effectively determine the dispute.

On the filing of processes, it provided that every pre-election matter shall be commenced by an Originating Summons, as specified in Forms 3, 4, and 5 of Appendix 6 to the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, with such variations as circumstances may require.

“Provided, however, that where a party alleges fraud, forgery, or highly contentious facts in a pre-election matter, the parties shall, in addition to or in lieu of affidavits, set out the particulars of such alleged facts, which shall be examined by way of calling witnesses viva voce or receiving documents in evidence.

“The parties and the Court shall be entitled to summon any person to attend, to produce documents before it, or to be examined or cross-examined before it, in like manner, at the hearing of the suit.

“An Originating Summons shall be accompanied by: (a) an affidavit setting out the facts relied upon; (b) copies of exhibits to be relied upon; (c) a written address; and (d) an affidavit of non-multiplicity of action on the same subject matter.

A respondent served with an Originating Summons shall, within seven (7) days from the date of service of the Originating Summons on him, file the original and a copy of a duly completed and signed Memorandum of Appearance, as specified in Form 11, Appendix 6 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, with such modifications or variations as the circumstances may require.

“A respondent served with an Originating Summons shall, within ten (10) days of service, file in the Registry of this Court a counter-affidavit and written address, which may include any preliminary objection raised to the action.

“An applicant on whom a respondent serves a defence shall, if the need arises, serve a reply on that respondent within three (3) days of such service.

“The written address shall be concise, typed in double spacing with a font size of twelve (12), numbered consecutively, and shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages.

“Any amendment to the Originating Summons may be made with the leave of the Court within seven (7) days of service of the respondent’s reply.”

On service of process, the Practice Directions stipulated that a party shall not serve a notice of an application on another party on the date scheduled for hearing.

“To ensure speedy dispensation of justice, electronic mail and other electronic means may be employed by the Court to inform counsel of urgent court and case events, provided that such notification is given at least forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled court date.

“In line with the provisions of Paragraph 8(2) of these Practice Directions, parties are expected to furnish the Court Registrar with functional telephone numbers and email addresses for themselves and their counsel.

“An application for substituted service shall be made as provided for in the Rules of this Court.”
The new legal instrument vested the CJ with the power to nominate judges to sit in any judicial division for the hearing and determination of pre-election matters, and/or to transfer pre-election matters from one judicial division to another. It also gave any judge handling a pre-election matter the power to leverage technology in the conduct of proceedings, including virtual hearings.

“Upon the close of the exchange of processes between the parties, the Court shall, within seven (7) days, set the matter down for hearing.

The Court shall continue to accord priority to all pre-election matters until judgment is delivered.
“Where a matter comes up for hearing under these Practice Directions and either party is absent, the Court shall, either suo motu or upon oral application by counsel for the party present, order that the address of the absent party be deemed adopted, if satisfied that the parties had notice of the proceedings.

“The Court and the parties shall prevent unnecessary delays, and accordingly, not more than two (2) adjournments shall be granted to any party to an action covered by the provisions of these Practice Directions. Provided that no application for adjournment shall be entertained on a day fixed for hearing.
“Where a party seeks to change counsel during the lifespan of a case, not more than two (2) adjournments shall be granted to him to do so.

“Where it is expedient, and in furtherance of the objectives of these Practice Directions, the Court may schedule the time and date of hearing on such day and at such time as may be convenient for the parties.
“Counsel shall ensure that they are present in court and ready to proceed with their case at all times.

“Where the provisions of sub-paragraphs (6) and (7) of these Practice Directions become impracticable to apply by reason of ill health or any other unavoidable circumstance, such counsel shall ensure that counsel with the requisite knowledge of the issues before the Court is present and ready to proceed with the case in his or her stead, or shall apply for the case to be heard virtually where practicable, with the consent of the parties.”

On the issue of interlocutory applications, the Practice Directions stipulated that motions for such orders shall, except where the context otherwise dictates, be on notice, stating the rule under which they are brought and the grounds for the reliefs sought, and shall be supported by an affidavit and a written address.

The respondent(s), upon being served with the processes, shall have five (5) days within which to file processes in response (if any) to the motion on notice, and the applicant shall have three (3) days to file a reply (if any) to the processes of the respondent(s).

“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 285(8) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), ruling on preliminary objections and other interlocutory issues touching on the jurisdiction of the Court shall be suspended and delivered at the stage of final judgment; provided that, where the objection relates to service of originating processes, the Court shall satisfy itself that the parties have been properly served before proceeding to determine the substantive suit.

“Every application for extension of time shall be made by a motion on notice and shall be supported by an affidavit setting forth good, substantial, cogent, and verifiable reasons for the failure to file within the prescribed period, before time can be extended.”

Even though the directions have already come into effect, they will not be applied retroactively to cases already pending in court.

“In any other case where a cause or matter is pending, the Court shall give such directions as may be necessary or expedient to ensure conformity with the requirements of these Practice Directions,” it stated.
Expectations are high that the new directives will help judges resolve pre-election disputes swiftly as the nation draws closer to its next general election

Residents of Ogidigben in the coastal Ugborodo Federated Communities, in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against alleged imminent threat to their lives following the release from detention of some suspects arrested in April, with assault rifles during an attack on the community.

The placard-carrying protesters raised the alarm that some of the suspects that were allegedly released have been threatening to launch a fresh attack on the community.

They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as security agencies to, “as a matter of urgency, wade in and effect a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to the release of the suspects in the first instance, to prevent a fresh outbreak of violence in the area”.

The protesters anchored their grievances on a viral video in circulation purportedly showing one of the suspects arrested after the April 6, 2026 attack on the community, boasting that his group would return to invade Ogidigben

According to the protesters, “the community cannot afford another attack following the December 20, 2025 killing of an indigene, Emiko Onuwaje, about three months before armed men invaded the community”.

Their placards showed inscriptions such as, ‘The killers of Emiko Onuwaje cannot go unpunished’, ‘DG DSS, order your men to produce those arrested with arms in Ogidigben in April,’ ‘We now live in fear in Ogidigben’, as well as ‘Ogidigben people cannot afford a third armed attack’, among others.

The spokesman for the community and Vice Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), Elder Austin Ajuremisan said the community’s confidence in its safety had been shaken “following the alleged release of suspects apprehended during the April attack”.

He said, “We are still mourning the loss of our brother, Emiko Onuwaje, who was killed on December 20, 2025. Then, on April 6, 2026 armed men invaded this community. When security personnel arrived, some of the attackers lost their way because they were unfamiliar with the terrain.

The youths, working with the military, apprehended some of them with arms and ammunition.

“Few days ago, a video surfaced online showing one of those arrested boasting that they would return to attack this community. That is why we are protesting today. We are no longer safe; our lives are in danger.

“We handed the suspects over to the army for investigation.

 We are calling on the President, the governor and all security agencies to bring those responsible to justice before another tragedy occurs.”

Also, the National Youth Association Secretary of the UCMC, Jerry Iyonsi, said, “The community remained traumatised by the April invasion, during which armed suspects were arrested with sophisticated weapons”.

The UCMC women leader, Caroline Ekuanjemi, said “mothers and families in the community have been sleeping with one eye open owing to the recurring violence.

We appeal to President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori to come to our rescue. Nobody should die again. We are not safe. If people arrested with guns could be released and are now threatening to return, I fear for what may happen next.”

The Delta State House of Assembly says the decision to declare the seat of the member representing Udu Constituency vacant was taken in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information and House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, gave the explanation in Asaba.

Nwaobi said the Assembly acted strictly within its constitutional powers and not for political reasons.

He said, “The House merely carried out its constitutional responsibility after considering the resignation and defection letter submitted by the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency.

The assembly spokesman explained that the Constitution clearly states the conditions under which a lawmaker can defect from the political party on whose platform he or she was elected without losing the seat.

According to him, the only condition is where there is a division or crisis within the political party at the national level.

He said there was no evidence before the Assembly to show that the lawmaker’s defection met that constitutional requirement.

Nwaobi said, “The Delta State House of Assembly is guided solely by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every action taken by the House is rooted in the law, and nothing is done outside the provisions of the Constitution.”

He added that the Assembly’s resolution should not be seen as a political vendetta but as a faithful implementation of the Constitution.

The House leader reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly to the rule of law, constitutional democracy and legislative integrity.

He urged members of the public to study the relevant provisions of the Constitution before drawing conclusions on the Assembly’s decision.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson, weeks after the actor-turned-politician publicly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement signed on Thursday on his official X page, expressing gratitude to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.

“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his Spokesperson. I thank HE AA for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.

He described the appointment as evidence of Atiku’s leadership style, saying, “Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations of any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solution to problems.”

Okonkwo disclosed that during discussions with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC, concerns over the interests of the South-East were addressed despite what he described as challenges created by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“At a dialogue with HE AA and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress, the interests of the South-East have been discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground,” he stated.

He also thanked Dr Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr Ekene Onwuka, for their roles in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 election.

“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans, and friends for their support and prayers, which God answered in covering my errors and colouring my efforts to pave way for this appointment. I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out this challenging post, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he added.

The appointment comes weeks after Okonkwo faulted the selection of the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, warning that the reported decision could worsen what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East in national politics.

He had argued that reports indicating the party had chosen a candidate from the South-South for the position would further deny the South-East representation in either the presidency or vice presidency, a situation he said had persisted since 1999.

The ADC has since selected former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election after Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate at its nationwide primary.

Tinubu, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said every Nigerian deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of where they live or their income level.

He said that since assuming office, his administration, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, had embarked on one of the most ambitious healthcare reforms in decades.

“Every Nigerian deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

Since assuming office, our administration, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has embarked on one of the most ambitious and comprehensive transformations of our health sector in decades.

“We are revitalising Primary Healthcare Centres, expanding health insurance, protecting millions of children through immunisation, strengthening our health workforce, upgrading specialist hospitals, improving maternal and child health, and positioning Nigeria to become a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare investment,” he wrote.

The President said the impact of the reforms was already becoming evident.

The progress is becoming evident: six million more Nigerians added to health insurance; 4,161 Primary Healthcare Centres under revitalisation, with 3,158 already completed; 14,283 PHCs, representing more than half of all PHCs in Nigeria, are now functional.

“More than 102 million children vaccinated against Measles-Rubella, and 17.1 million girls protected against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.

“Seventy-eight thousand and fifty-four frontline health workers trained, and 20,000 health professionals recruited into our Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

“Five hundred and three health infrastructure projects delivered nationwide, alongside the development of three world-class cancer centres,” Tinubu stated.

According to him, the reforms are aimed at saving lives while building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system for future generations.

“These reforms are about saving lives today while building a stronger, more resilient health system for generations to come.

The Nigeria Health Sector Impact Report below highlights some of the major milestones recorded so far under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

“I encourage you to read it. A healthier Nigeria is central to our Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous nation, one reform, one community and one life at a time.

“Our work continues. The best days of Nigerian healthcare are still ahead of us,” the President added.

Backing the President’s claims, the Presidency also released a detailed healthcare impact report on X, highlighting improvements recorded under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative since its launch in December 2023.

According to the data, “maternal mortality reduced by 17 per cent in 2025 compared to 2023 across the 172 MAMII LGAs, while newborn mortality reduced by 10 per cent over the same period.”

The report also stated that “more than 40,000 women received free Caesarean Sections reimbursed through the National Health Insurance Authority between 2024 and 2026, while more than 4,000 women received free Vesico-Vaginal Fistula repairs through Federal Government support.”

On primary healthcare, the Presidency said “revitalisation commenced in 4,161 Primary Healthcare Centres, with 3,158 completed, 1,002 ongoing and one yet to commence, while 14,283 PHCs, representing 53 per cent of Nigeria’s 27,003 PHCs, are now functional

The report further noted that “more than 102 million children aged nine months to 14 years have been vaccinated against Measles-Rubella, 17,146,987 adolescent girls protected through HPV vaccination, more than 174 million polio vaccinations delivered, 18.3 million diphtheria vaccinations administered, and more than 39,000 people vaccinated against Mpox across 12 states, making Nigeria the first African country to deploy the vaccine.”

On health workforce development, it said “78,054 frontline health workers have been trained towards the 120,000 four-year target, while 20,000 health professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and midwives, have been recruited into Federal Tertiary Hospitals between 2024 and 2026.”

The Presidency added that “503 health infrastructure projects have been implemented nationwide, 20 Federal Tertiary Hospitals upgraded or expanded, three new world-class cancer centres are under development, while the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment has been established.”

It also highlighted investments in Nigeria’s healthcare economy, saying “47 companies are already benefiting from the Presidential Executive Order signed to promote medical industrialisation, ₦26 billion in concessions have been granted, while financing has been mobilised to support more than 90 projects within a $5 billion healthcare investment pipeline.”

The report said the reforms were designed to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes and position Nigeria as a major hub for healthcare investment and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The Kogi State House of Assembly has commenced the process of overhauling the state’s tenancy laws with a public hearing on a bill designed to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions and exploitation by landlords and property agents.

The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 2007 and replace it with a new Kogi State Tenancy Law, 2027, aimed at reflecting present-day economic realities and strengthening the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants and property agents.

The bill, sponsored by the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Lawal Akus, comes amid widespread complaints over escalating house rents and excessive agency charges across the state, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship.

Speaking at the public hearing, Akus said the proposed law was conceived to establish a fair, transparent and balanced legal framework governing tenancy relationships in Kogi State.

According to him, the legislation seeks to address arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, excessive charges by property agents, prolonged tenancy disputes, abuse by both landlords and tenants, and delays in the administration of justice.

“This public hearing represents our modest but significant effort at promoting participatory democracy by ensuring that stakeholders and members of the public contribute meaningfully to the law-making process,” he said.

Akus noted that while landlords deserve legitimate returns on their investments, tenants equally deserve protection from exploitation.

The relationship between landlords and tenants is an important aspect of our social and economic existence. Unfortunately, experience has shown that this relationship is often characterised by numerous challenges.

“Against this backdrop, I was motivated to sponsor this bill to provide a comprehensive legal regime that safeguards the interests of both landlords and tenants while promoting harmony, certainty and access to justice in tenancy matters across Kogi State.”

He added that increasing urbanisation across the state had intensified housing challenges, making a comprehensive tenancy law imperative.

According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation will clearly define the rights and obligations of landlords, tenants and property agents, regulate tenancy agreements, establish lawful procedures for the recovery of premises, prohibit unlawful evictions and harassment, provide effective dispute resolution mechanisms, promote transparency in tenancy transactions, and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders.

He assured participants that every memorandum and recommendation submitted during the hearing would receive careful legislative consideration.

“Legislation is most effective when it is participatory, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people it is intended to serve. Every contribution made here today will enrich the final law,” Akus said.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has warned oil marketers against profiteering and arbitrary increases in the pump prices of petroleum products.

It insisted that prices must be cost-reflective in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The warning comes barely two days after the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri,  at the 2026 NMDPRA General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum, directed the authority to intensify surveillance across the downstream sector and ensure that Nigerians benefit from the recent decline in global crude oil prices.

The regulator, in a statement issued on Wednesday, by its Head of Media and Public Relations, George Ene-Ita, said it had commenced monitoring activities at depots and retail outlets across the country and would not hesitate to sanction marketers found engaging in price gouging.

The statement, titled, ‘Pump Prices of Petroleum Products Must Be Cost Reflective’, noted that the authority had taken cognisance of the downward movement in international crude prices and was committed to ensuring that the benefits of market realities are reflected in domestic petroleum product prices.

It stated, “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority notes the global drop in crude oil prices and wishes to assure the Nigerian public that pump prices of petroleum products must be cost-reflective, in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (2021).

“Oil Marketing Companies have been cautioned against price gouging and profiteering. Depots and retail outlets are being monitored, and regulatory sanctions will be applied where applicable.

The Authority is working with security agencies and other critical stakeholders, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, to guarantee consumer protection.

“NMDPRA reassures the public of its commitment to monitoring the midstream and downstream sector and ensuring adequate and reliable supply of petroleum products nationwide.”

The latest warning by the regulator follows concerns by consumers and industry stakeholders that despite a sustained decline in crude oil prices in the international market, retail fuel prices in some parts of the country have remained elevated.

On Monday, Lokpobiri had directed the NMDPRA to strengthen its oversight functions and ensure that no operator exploits Nigerians through unjustifiable pricing practices.

The minister said the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector was not intended to create opportunities for excessive profiteering but rather to encourage competition, efficiency and fair pricing.

He had also stressed that while government would not fix prices under the deregulated regime, market operators must act responsibly and ensure that price adjustments accurately reflect changes in international oil prices and foreign exchange conditions.

He said, “Pricing is also another issue, and I think that is one issue that I want this forum to deal with today. As part of the requirements of deregulation, prices have to be determined by market forces. When an NMDPRA has a unique responsibility, compounded by the PIA, to ensure not only that products are available but also that unnecessary profiteering is stopped. Yes, the market is definitely deregulated, but that doesn’t limit deregulation. I listen to discussions on television every day.

They are calling me out. Mr. Lokpobiri should come and speak up. But I am not engaged in any press war with anybody. What is important is the reality of the situation in the industry. Primarily, market forces have to determine prices.

“But we also have a responsibility as a government all over the world to ensure that there is no profiteering. The PIA specifically vested government institutions, including the NMDPRA.”

The reports that decline in global crude prices should ordinarily translate to lower ex-depot and retail prices of petroleum products, particularly as the country now relies significantly on local refining and a more liberalised downstream market.

The Petroleum Industry Act, signed into law in 2021, provides for a deregulated downstream petroleum sector where prices are determined by market fundamentals rather than government subsidies.

However, the law also empowers regulators to protect consumers against anti-competitive practices and market abuses.

The renewed intervention by the NMDPRA is expected to increase pressure on marketers to align pump prices with prevailing market conditions and could lead to fresh adjustments in fuel prices if the decline in crude oil prices persists.

A former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Wednesday arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Security sources said Nnaji was apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday while attempting to board a private jet bound for Abuja.

According to the sources, the arrest was carried out by the DSS at the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which is investigating the former minister over some allegations.

The sources disclosed that following his arrest, Nnaji was handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

The DSS acted on the request of the ICPC. He was arrested at the Enugu airport while preparing to board a private jet to Abuja and has since been handed over to the commission,” one of the sources said.

The sources further revealed that the anti-graft agency had previously invited the former minister on several occasions in connection with petitions alleging irregularities in the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology during his tenure.

“They had extended several invitations to him following petitions relating to the management of the ministry. When he failed to honour the invitations, the ICPC sought the assistance of the DSS to effect his arrest,” another source disclosed.

Nnaji resigned as Minister of Science and Technology in October last year under circumstances that generated public attention.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had issued an official statement on the arrest, while the former minister had yet to comment on the allegations.

Calls to the ICPC’s spokesman, John Odeh, were not picked up as of the time of filing this report.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, said his administration had completed over 300 kilometres of intra city roads across the state since coming on board.

The governor disclosed this in Osogbo, Osun State at the official commissioning of the Lameco Flyover Bridge, a project executed by his administration.

Adeleke, who commended the residents for the patience they exhibited during the period of construction due to disruption in traffic flow, also lauded contractors and workers that handled the project for delivering quality infrastructure on schedule.

He further said the flyover and other mega projects, were implemented in accordance with due process, transparency and without mortgaging the further of the state

“The high quality of this flyover confirms the workability of our local content model. We have proven to the whole world that our local engineers can perform to world class standards. The Lameco Flyover is proof that when resources and people are well managed, good governance is the outcome.

“I am glad to bring to our attention that our administration has completed over 27km length of intracity roads in Osogbo. Across the state, we have executed over 300 kilometres of roads. We have over 10 mega projects completed and ready for commissioning.

“We positively touch all major towns under our motto of equity and fairness in infrastructure innovation,” the governor said.

He charged the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and community stakeholders to protect the infrastructure, saying there should be no street trading on the bridge or underpass.

He added, “There should be no vandalisation of railing or light. Let us own it, keep it clean and maintain it for the next generation.
Our drivers and commuters must drive responsibly. This bridge was built to save lives, not to endanger them.”

In his goodwill message, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, described the project as strategic, saying it will not only ease human and vehicular movement within Osogbo metropolis,  but will further enhance socio-economic activities of the town.

The PUNCH reports that the State Government, announced the temporary closure of all roads leading to the newly constructed Lameco Flyover Bridge in Osogbo ahead of the official commissioning of the project on Wednesday.

The announcement was contained in a public notice issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Bashir Bello.

“This temporary road closure is to ensure orderliness, public safety, and smooth coordination during the official commissioning ceremony of landmark projects executed by Governor Ademola Adeleke, with the event headlined by the commissioning of the five-span Lameco Overhead Bridge,” the statement read.

Nigerian sprinter Godson Oghenebrume has been sentenced to 27 months in a United States federal prison by US Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm while on an F-1 student visa.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Tuesday, noting that Oghenebrume, who was admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant F-1 student visa, is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence.

“A Nigerian national residing in Baton Rouge was convicted for possession of a firearm by an alien admitted under a non-immigrant visa. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence,” the statement partly read.

“Based on the complaint that preceded the indictment, on the night of February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume was in his apartment when an ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, arrived at the apartment with the baby.

“Oghenebrume, who had been in the apartment with another young woman, went outside, and an argument ensued between him and the mother of his child. During this argument, and while the baby was present, Oghenebrume discharged the firearm,” the statement added.

The statement continued, revealing that Oghenebrume went back into his apartment, after which his ex-girlfriend opened his apartment door, observed him and the other young woman in the living room, and began arguing with him.

The argument reportedly spilt out of the apartment, and Oghenebrume discharged the firearm multiple times as the mother of his child fled. Multiple bullet strikes were said to have been observed in the walls of the apartment complex.

Oghenebrume smashed his ex-girlfriend’s phone and took the baby, who had been present throughout the incident. Oghenebrume’s ex-girlfriend then approached the other woman, who was attempting to leave, and asked her for help getting the baby. She agreed to help and was able to get the child from Oghenebrume.

“When East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the apartment complex, Oghenebrume walked away from them, ignoring their commands, and discarded the Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol into some shrubs.

Oghenebrume was detained soon thereafter. Deputies spoke to Oghenebrume’s neighbor, who confirmed hearing shots and stated his ears had been ringing,” the statement added.

This development has sparked mixed reactions online. Many Nigerians expressed disappointment over the talented athlete’s fall from grace. “You never gain ground; you wan dey form gangsta?” #iam_Tosin01 tweeted. Another user, #FablosJanny, wrote, “Over two years, Godson don buy market.”

#toondeeh offered a note of caution, saying, “A lesson for everyone: know and respect the laws of the country you’re in.” While #BigDowat wondered, “Abi them set am up ni, if not he foolish gan oo.”

Some reactions highlighted the risks of carrying firearms abroad. “How will you be on student visa and possess fire arm? That’s a risky game,” #AbuYusro0x posted. Others focused on the consequences for his career, with #Recruitmentupd1 noting, “Ohh my God, this is not good. His visa will most likely be revoked after this.”

News had earlier reported oghenebrume’s guilty plea in December 2025, when he faced a potential maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

The sentencing marks a significant setback for the young sprinter, who rose through the ranks from Onoriede International School in Nigeria to become a standout collegiate athlete at LSU. His achievements included anchoring relay teams to national titles and contributing to Nigeria’s athletics profile on the global stage.

As Oghenebrume begins his prison term, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. The case serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of U.S. gun laws, particularly for non-immigrants on student visas.

This incident marks a setback for the young sprinter’s professional career as one of Nigeria’s fastest sprinters with a personal best of 9.90 seconds in the 100m. He previously represented the country as an alternate in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics and won silver at the 2023 NCAA Championships as part of the LSU team that set an NCAA record in the 4x100m relay.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the call on Wednesday, while receiving the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Amupitan described the visit as more than a routine engagement, saying both institutions share a constitutional responsibility to educate Nigerians on democratic values and electoral participation.

He said, “To me, this is not a routine visit; it is a vital meeting of minds and a reunion of two institutions constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of educating Nigerians on democratic culture.”

The INEC chairman stressed that technological improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process would only achieve their intended impact if citizens understood and trusted the system.

He said, “INEC cannot build a robust democracy in isolation. We can purchase the finest Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines, we can optimise the INEC Result Viewing Portal to international standards, and we can map out the most logistical routes for material deployment. But all of these technological and administrative triumphs mean nothing if the citizens remain detached, uninformed, cynical, or completely uneducated about the power of their votes.”

Amupitan urged both agencies to develop a grassroots voter education campaign that would explain not only when Nigerians should vote but also why their votes matter and how recent legal and technological reforms protect electoral outcomes.

He said, “We need to co-create a decentralized, grassroots voter education campaign that goes beyond simply telling people when to vote. We need to teach them why their vote matters and how our new legal and technological safeguards protect their choices.”

According to him, Nigerians must also be reassured that electoral reforms have significantly strengthened the integrity of elections.

He said, “We must look the rural farmer, the marketplace woman, and the disillusioned urban youth in the eye and explain to them, in the language they understand, that because of the current technological infrastructure, the era of snatching ballot boxes or rewriting results manually is gone.”

The INEC chairman cited the February 21 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election as evidence of improvements in election administration.

He noted that both elections recorded over 90 per cent early opening of polling units, successful biometric accreditation through BVAS and rapid uploads of polling unit results to the IReV portal.

However, he said the elections also exposed persistent voter apathy and confusion among many voters over polling unit changes and registration transfers.

Amupitan said, “Despite our operational precision, both the FCT and Ekiti polls revealed a persistent, deeply concerning undercurrent of voter apathy, alongside widespread confusion among urban newcomers regarding local polling unit splits and registration transfers.

This is a loud diagnostic signal that far more needs to be done in the area of intensive, deep-rooted voter education, and it proves that we cannot afford to wait until the eve of the 2027 polls to start talking to our people.”

Describing voter apathy and misinformation as major threats to Nigeria’s democracy, the INEC chairman said both agencies must work together to reverse the trend.

He said, “We must be honest with ourselves. We are battling a silent, dangerous enemy in our electoral ecosystem: voter apathy and deep-seated cynicism.”

“We also see a sophisticated, orchestrated wave of fake news and disinformation designed to make the ordinary Nigerian believe their vote will not count. Together, INEC and the NOA must rewrite this narrative.”

Amupitan said preparations for the 2027 elections must begin immediately, revealing that the presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

He called for institutional collaboration between INEC’s Voter Education Department and NOA’s communication teams to combat vote-buying and misinformation.

He said, “Let us build joint campaigns against the toxic menace of vote-buying and misinformation, which threaten to contaminate our democracy.”

The INEC chairman assured the NOA of the commission’s full support, saying, “We are ready to pool our resources, share our data, and give your teams all the institutional support required to make this collaboration a resounding success.”

The Federal Government on Wednesday urged Nigerians to begin immediate preparations for possible flooding as the rainy season intensifies, warning that climate change has significantly altered the country’s rainfall patterns and heightened flood risks across several states.

The call was made by the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Kelani, who said recent flooding in Lagos and other parts of the country should serve as a wake-up call for governments, communities and citizens to prioritise disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Kelani said climate change was no longer a future environmental concern but a present-day national development challenge requiring coordinated action at all levels.

He said, “Climate change has altered the frequency, duration and intensity of rainfall across many regions of the country. Instead of moderate rainfall spread over several days, communities increasingly experience short-duration but extremely heavy downpours that overwhelm drainage infrastructure, flood rivers, destroy roads and displace entire communities.”

According to him, scientific evidence has shown that rising global temperatures are increasing atmospheric moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall and more frequent flooding, coastal erosion, desertification and prolonged droughts in different parts of Nigeria.

Kelani said the recent floods, which submerged roads, disrupted businesses and damaged homes in Lagos and other locations, underscored the growing vulnerability of urban centres to climate-related disasters.

“Every flood is ultimately a human tragedy before it becomes an environmental statistic,” he said, noting that thousands of Nigerians had suffered losses of property, livelihoods and productivity.

The presidential aide warned that flood risks extend beyond Lagos, stressing that communities along the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as states in the North-Central, South-South, South-East, parts of the North-West and coastal regions, remain highly vulnerable.

“As we move further into the rainy season, Nigerians living in flood-prone communities should begin preparations immediately. Waiting until floodwaters arrive is waiting too late,” he said.

He urged state governments, local government councils, traditional institutions, religious organisations and community associations to strengthen public awareness campaigns, inspect drainage infrastructure and activate emergency response plans before the peak of the rainy season.

Kelani also called on Nigerians to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including regular clearing of drainage channels, proper waste disposal, tree planting, and adherence to weather forecasts and flood advisories.

Climate resilience begins with environmental responsibility,” he stated.

Drawing lessons from countries such as the Netherlands, Japan, Bangladesh, Kenya and Pakistan, he said Nigeria must increase investment in modern drainage infrastructure, flood forecasting and early warning systems, sustainable urban planning, wetland restoration and other climate adaptation measures.

“Floods cannot always be prevented, but disasters can be significantly minimised through planning, preparedness, engineering, public awareness and strong institutions,” he added.

Kelani further identified climate education as a critical tool for reducing disaster risks, arguing that many Nigerians still see flooding merely as heavy rainfall rather than the combined effect of climate change, poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems and environmental degradation.

“Climate literacy should become part of everyday public education. An informed population is a resilient population,” he said.

He added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to implementing the Climate Change Act, the Energy Transition Plan and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions to strengthen climate resilience.

However, he stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient.

“Government efforts can only succeed when matched by responsible citizen action. Climate change is no longer tomorrow’s problem. It is today’s reality. The actions we take today will determine whether future generations inherit safer, more resilient communities or continue to face recurring climate disasters,” Kelani said.

Nigeria experiences widespread flooding almost every rainy season, with climate change, rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal worsening the impact of heavy rainfall.

The devastating 2022 floods, regarded as one of the country’s worst in decades, affected more than 30 states, killed over 600 people, displaced about 1.4 million residents, and destroyed thousands of homes, schools, roads and farmlands.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have consistently warned that above-normal rainfall and rising water levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, underscoring the need for early preparedness, improved infrastructure and stronger climate adaptation measures to minimise the impact on lives and livelihoods.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, sacked the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun and replaced her with Faosat Sanni with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, in Ibadan, the state capital.

Olarenwaju said, “The governor has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, which saw the redeployment of Faosat Sanni to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion. Sanni takes over from Toyin Balogun, who has been relieved of her appointment.

“The new redeployment takes immediate effect,” the statement added.

Makinde, while thanking Balogun for her contributions to the development of the state, wished her success in her future endeavour.

The PUNCH reports that Sanni, who had earlier served as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion from 2019 to 2023, was moved to the Ministry of Special Duties in 2023 before being recently redeployed to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative.

It will also be recalled that Makinde had, on Tuesday, forwarded the name of the Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Olabode Ladipo, to the Oyo State House of Assembly, as a commissioner-nominee.

The governor also appointed Ifeoluwa Akande as the Chairman, Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee; Isola Adekunle as Executive Adviser, Intra-Party Affairs; and Oladejo Oladokun as Part-Time member, Local Government Service Commission.

According to a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, the appointments take effect from July 1, 2026. Governor Makinde, while congratulating the newly-appointed individuals, urged them to discharge their duties with dedication, loyalty and commitment.

The governor had also, in January, 2026, announced a cabinet reshuffle.

Makinde, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, relieved the Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, of her appointment with immediate effect.

He said, “Musibau Babatunde has been appointed as the new Secretary to the State Government.

“Barrister Temilolu Ashamu has been moved from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.”

The governor also announced his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate.

The statement also announced the appointment of Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security and Kolawole Elijah Akanmu as Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for ending what he described as the era of abandoned road projects in Abuja.

The commendation follows the commissioning of the full-scope development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street in Gaduwa District.

The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated the road project comprising Important Local Streets (ILS) 16, 18 and 19, saying Wike had transformed infrastructure delivery in the nation’s capital by ensuring projects were completed rather than abandoned.

Tinubu said the minister acted decisively after reviewing files on the neglected project, returning contractors to site, setting timelines and ensuring adequate funding.

This was contained in a statement issued by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka.

“When the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, reviewed the files and saw the neglect, he did not issue another memo. He brought contractors back to site, set clear targets, and backed them with funding. Under this administration, there is no excuse of ‘no money,'” the president said.

He praised Wike’s approach to project execution, saying it had changed the culture of service delivery in the FCT.

Minister Wike, let me put it on record. You have changed the delivery culture in the FCT. You ended the era of mobilisation without movement. You ended the era of abandoned inner roads while major highways took all the attention.

“You are taking development from the city centre into the districts and the satellite towns, street by street, so that no resident is left behind. That is leadership.

“You inspect, you correct, you finish. Minister, you have my confidence, you have my commendation, and the FCT has your results. Well done to you and to your team,” Tinubu said.

He noted that residents of Gaduwa had endured years without a motorable access road despite building homes in the district, adding that the completed project would improve mobility, increase property values and reduce travel time and vehicle damage.

The President also urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drainage channels and vandalism of streetlights and other road facilities.

Do not dump refuse in the drains. Do not vandalize the streetlights or road furniture. Report damage early. A street built by government and maintained by its community becomes permanent. That is the partnership I am asking for,” he said.

At the event, Wike warned the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, against renaming roads constructed by the Federal Government without approval.

The minister said while local government councils have the statutory responsibility for street naming, they must obtain federal approval before naming roads built by the Federal Government.

“Let me also warn the Chairman of AMAC: do not wait for us to construct roads to put your name on them. There are people here who have no street named after them. You wake up in the morning to see streets named after individuals, yet it is the Federal Government that constructed them.

“Do not use our projects to collect revenue. Use your own money to construct roads and then name those streets after whomever you wish. I do not want a situation where we come here tomorrow and see someone’s name on a street we built. Chairman AMAC, I hope you have heard us,” Wike said.

He recalled serving as a local government chairman and acknowledged that street naming falls under local councils but stressed that roads built with federal funds remain subject to federal approval.

“I am aware of the argument that naming streets is the sole responsibility of local government councils. I was once a council chairman myself, so I understand that. However, if it is the Federal Government that constructed the roads within the city, permission must be obtained from the Federal Government before you name those streets,” he said.

Wike said the commissioning marked the 16th day of a 31-day project inauguration programme organised to commemorate the administration’s third anniversary.

According to him, President Tinubu had directed that infrastructure development should extend beyond the city centre to every district and satellite town in the FCT.

He said several districts, including Kwali, Jahi-Gwarinpa, Katampe and Guzape, had already benefited from the administration’s infrastructure drive, citing the recent commissioning of the 13.3-kilometre Gomani-Bafa-Yangoje Road in Kwali Area Council.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the completion of the Gaduwa road project as another milestone in the administration’s efforts to transform the capital city under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustained infrastructure development across the FCT.

The Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this during a visit by a delegation from the Republic of the Congo’s national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

This was disclosed in a statement Wednesday by the Dangote Group.

Edwin said the expansion would raise the group’s total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day, comprising 1.4 million barrels per day in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 barrels per day refining complex in Kenya to serve East African markets.

He also disclosed plans by the group to invest an additional $46bn between 2026 and 2028 across its refining, cement and fertiliser businesses as part of its drive to accelerate industrialisation across Africa.

The visit formed part of discussions between SNPC and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Republic of the Congo’s supply of refined petroleum products while advancing regional energy cooperation and industrial integration across Africa.

Leading the Congolese delegation, SNPC Managing Director, Maixent Raoul Ominga, described the refinery as a strategic asset for Africa and expressed the national oil company’s interest in developing a long-term partnership with Dangote.

We have visited this remarkable refinery, which represents a major industrial achievement for Africa. The Republic of the Congo has refining capacity, and we are keen to explore strategic cooperation that will help strengthen the supply of refined petroleum products while creating value for both organisations,” Ominga said.

According to him, discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in refining, petroleum product supply, energy security, industrial development and knowledge sharing.

He praised the Dangote Group for demonstrating that Africa can successfully finance, build and operate world-class industrial infrastructure, describing the refinery as an important milestone in the continent’s industrial transformation.

Ominga also commended the group’s investments in the Republic of the Congo, particularly in the cement sector, noting that they have strengthened local industrial capacity, expanded production and improved access to construction materials.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Africa’s industrialisation through value addition, regional partnerships and investment across the continent.

“We are for Africa, not just Nigeria. Tell us what you need, and we will see how we can work together,” Dangote said.

He noted that the refinery has established a new benchmark for fuel quality in Africa by producing petroleum products that meet the highest international specifications while improving access to cleaner fuels and reducing the continent’s dependence on imported refined products from outside Africa.

The engagement underscored the shared commitment of SNPC and Dangote Industries to deepen African energy cooperation, strengthen regional value chains and promote greater self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products as the continent advances towards enhanced energy security and increased intra-African trade.

Also present at the meeting were the Group Executive Director, Commercial, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Dangote; the Adviser to the President of the Republic of the Congo, Peggy Ndongo; and advisers to the SNPC Managing Director, Aymar Ebiou and Norbert Mabiala.

Scores of people were reportedly killed in an early morning attack on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to sources from the affected community, the assailants invaded the community at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday and killed several residents.

One of the residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity in a telephone interview with journalists, said several bodies had been recovered, while many injured victims had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.

“Some armed herders invaded Sai Community around 2 a.m. They moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into the bush for safety.

As we returned to the community at daybreak, youths had recovered 10 bodies of the victims, while several others had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment,” the source said.

The Benue State Police Command had yet to respond to the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered.

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack on Sai Community and urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the area.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia said the prompt deployment of security personnel would help prevent further attacks.

The statement read in part, “Deploy additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen

Launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law.

“Ensure the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, guaranteeing that no further disruption to agricultural activities occurs.

“The unfortunate incident, which occurred in the early hours of the first day of July, left scores dead, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. It was allegedly carried out by terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”

Describing the attack as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens,” the governor added:

“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly coming at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers, who have returned to their ancestral lands, are cultivating their farms.

These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”

The governor extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attack, as well as to victims receiving medical treatment. He urged residents of Katsina-Ala and the state not to be discouraged and assured them of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.

Katsina-Ala Local Government Area is one of the flashpoints of violent attacks in Benue State and has frequently been affected by attacks attributed to armed herders and local bandits.

The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo threatens tens of thousands of jobs and could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion, the United Nations warned.

The UN Development Programme said the epidemic was “sparking a far-reaching socioeconomic crisis which could push 985,000 more people into poverty”.

“The Ebola crisis also risks eliminating tens of thousands of jobs, disrupting education and healthcare services, and costing African economies up to $3.6 billion if broader regional and global shocks intensify,” UNDP said in a statement on Tuesday.

The poverty shock — which would disproportionately affect women — would primarily impact the DR Congo and its neighbours, notably Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

While the immediate public health threat is severe and requires containment measures such as quarantines, some of the broader restrictions on travel and trade are inadvertently devastating local economies and informal livelihoods,” UNDP warned.

In the DRC, there have been 1,333 cases and 399 deaths confirmed, while 189 people have recovered from the virus, according to figures from the World Health Organization.

“Ebola does not stop at the hospital gate,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP’s Africa regional director.

It affects livelihoods, education, food security, trade, public finances and trust. If we treat this Ebola outbreak solely as a health challenge, we risk missing the much larger development emergency unfolding around it.”

UNDP said that even under a baseline scenario where the virus is successfully contained in the DRC and Uganda — which has seen 20 confirmed cases — the economic damage would be “severe”.

The DRC is projected to see “real GDP losses exceeding $1 billion and the loss of 55,000 jobs”, it said.

“Trade disruptions, border restrictions, transport delays, declining consumer confidence and interruptions to informal markets could reduce continental GDP by US$2.37 billion, even if transmission remains largely contained,” the agency warned.

UNDP recommended direct cash transfers to the most vulnerable, shifting from border closures to targeted screening, and setting up emergency financing mechanisms to ensure maternal, reproductive and infant healthcare services can continue during the crisis.

The conflict-hit northeastern Ituri province is the epicentre of the DRC’s latest outbreak of Ebola.

This epidemic of the viral haemorrhagic fever is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment.

AFP

The Nigerian Air Force has released the list of successful candidates for interview into Junior Secondary School 1 of the Air Force Military School, Air Force Girls’ Military School, Jos, and other Air Force Secondary Schools for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The NAF announced this in a statement published on its official website on Wednesday.

According to the statement, candidates can check the lists at NAF Secondary Schools or through the Nigerian Air Force’s official websites.

It stated that the list is available on the Nigerian Air Force website, www.airforce.mil.ng, and the Nigerian Air Force Education Command website

The Air Force also said sample interview letters are available for download on the portal.

It said the interview for the Air Force Military School and Air Force Girls’ Military School, Jos, would be conducted in two batches.

“Interview for Air Force Military School and Air Force Girls’ Military School, Jos, is scheduled from August 3, 2026, for Batch A and August 7, 2026, for Batch B.

And the one for other Air Force Secondary Schools will hold from August 18, 2026,” the statement read.

The Air Force also advised candidates to use the result checker on the portal to verify their examination results.

Former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Ibrahim Olarewaju, has dismissed claims that he failed to resign his appointment before contesting for the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat in May.

Olarewaju’s Media Office also said the former member of the House of Representatives emerged victorious in the APC primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II as a “reward for years of grassroots engagement, accessibility and unwavering commitment to the people through a transparent and democratic process conducted in accordance with APC rules.”

A statement by Moses Owoyemi, on behalf of the media team and made available in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, stated that the former lawmaker “fully complied with all constitutional, legal and party requirements before participating in the primary election.”

Owoyemi said, “His (Olarewaju’s) resignation as SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters took effect on March 31, 2026, in compliance with the directive issued to political appointees seeking elective office. It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that Olarewaju’s participation in the primary election violated any provision of the law. Allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, do not amount evidence

The media office, reacting to reports and claims that the former presidential aide did not resign, stated: “This (his resignation) is a matter of public record and can be independently verified through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as well as media reports.

“Olarewaju’s record in legal practice and public service reflects integrity, transparency and strict adherence to the law. Those who know him understand that he has never pursued public office by circumventing established legal processes.

The outcome of the APC primary election reflected the freely expressed will of accredited delegates across Moba, Ilejemeje and Ido-Osi Local Government Areas. Hon. Olarewaju emerged victorious.

We commend party leaders, delegates and members who conducted themselves peacefully throughout the primary election and appreciate the aspirants who have demonstrated political maturity by accepting the outcome of the exercise in the overall interest of party unity.”

According to the media office, “Hon. Olarewaju remains focused on the bigger task of uniting all stakeholders within the APC and preparing for victory in the 2027 general election. He believes that politics should be driven by ideas, service and respect for democratic processes, not by misinformation or attempts to delegitimise the clear choice of party delegates.

“We, therefore, urge members of the public to disregard speculative claims that are unsupported by verifiable evidence. Our confidence remains in the internal democratic processes of the APC and in the ability of the appropriate party organs to address any legitimate concerns fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.

“The APC in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II is bigger than the ambition of any individual. Now is the time to close ranks, strengthen party unity and work collectively towards delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.”

The media office, while noting that it was not unusual for disappointed aspirants or their supporters to express grievances after an election, advised that “such grievances should be pursued through the internal mechanisms provided by the party and, where necessary, the appropriate legal channels, rather than through media campaigns capable of creating unnecessary division within the APC

A student of Osun State University, identified simply as Ademola, has narrated how she was assaulted after some some soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo  invaded the halls of residence of students of the university.

Ademola, in a video shared by OsunDefenderNG, said the incident occurred while she was alone in her room preparing a meal.

According to her, she initially noticed the presence of soldiers around the area, but believed the situation had calmed down before the officers allegedly returned.

Recall that on Monday evening, some soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo, invaded halls of residence occupied by students of Osun State University, assaulted several students and carted away more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.

Some female students were also reportedly stripped naked and forced to dance unclad by the soldiers, who were said to be among personnel that participated in the Army Depot’s passing-out parade held last Saturday.

Recounting the incident, she said, “My name is Ademola…, a student of Osun State University. I was in my hostel room cooking when I noticed they (soldiers) were around. After a while everything died down. However, later, we started hearing noise again.

“They started pointing their touch to my room and asked who was there and what were they doing this for. The next thing, they asked me to open my door and I opened the door.

So, one of them asked how many of us was inside the room and I told him two. I also told him my roommate wasn’t around.”

While her emotions betrayed her, Ademola alleged that one of the soldiers then became physically aggressive.

“Then, he pinned me to my bathroom door, told me I would like it. He also told me not to shout. So, I begged him.

“I had to look for a way to get out of his hold and moved to the door. On moving to the door, I told him to move out. He asked if I wanted him to move out,” she added.

She further alleged that another soldier entered the room and attempted to restrain her.

She narrated, “While on that, his colleague came in and also told me to calm down, that I would love it and that I shouldn’t shout.

So, when they started moving, I shouted and screamed. After shouting, they both moved out and I had to use force to close the door.”

According to the student, one of her hostel mates later came to check on her after hearing the commotion.

“After closing the door, one of my hostel mates that was there came to knock on my door to check up on me and he left,” she said.

Following the incident, the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, on Tuesday,announced that it had commenced an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some of its personnel after receiving a complaint from the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D.

The Army said the investigation was intended to establish the facts surrounding the incident and assured that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

Six victims abducted by suspected bandits in Katsina State have regained their freedom after troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, rescued them during a routine patrol in Faskari Local Government Area of the State.

The victims, comprising four women and two young boys, were intercepted by troops deployed at Unguwan Doka on Monday, June 29, 2026, while wandering through the bush after escaping from their captors.

According to a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt Abayomi Adisa, the rescued victims were identified as Mrs Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 16; Safiya Isiaku, 15; Ramatu Suleiman, 30; Muhammad Shehu, 4; and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2.

The Army disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the victims had been abducted by bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area on June 22, 2026.

The statement said the victims managed to escape from their abductors before they were found by soldiers during a routine foot patrol.

“Troops deployed at Unguwan Doka, while on a routine foot patrol, intercepted six kidnapped victims comprising four women and two male children wandering in the bush after escaping from their abductors,” the statement noted.

The Army added that immediately after the rescue, the victims received first aid, food and other essential support before they were reunited with their families.

The statement further noted, “Following their rescue, the troops administered first aid, provided food and other immediate necessities before reuniting them with their families.”

Reacting to the development, the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brig Gen Ishaya Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Army’s determination to sustain ongoing operations against criminal elements operating within the state.

He said, “The Brigade remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements while ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across its Area of Responsibility.”

The rescue is part of ongoing military operations aimed at tackling banditry and other security threats across Katsina State and the North-West region.

The Lagos State Health Management Agency has won the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award for State Government Health Insurance of the Year 2026, marking the third time the agency has received the recognition for its contributions to health insurance delivery in Nigeria.

LASHMA emerged the winner of the category at the 12th Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with organisers recognising the agency’s efforts in expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare services across Lagos State.

The award was presented to the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, by the former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Femi Olugbile, the state government announced on Monday via its Facebook page.

Olugbile congratulated LASHMA for emerging as the winner among five nominees in the category, urging the agency to continue developing innovations that would support the Lagos State Government’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

With this award, more work is required from the agency to ensure that Lagos residents have unhindered access to affordable, quality and equitable healthcare services,” Olugbile said.

The Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr Anthony Omolola, said the award was established in 2014 to recognise excellence, leadership and outstanding performance across Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Omolola explained that recipients were selected through a rigorous process involving research, public voting and independent evaluation by the advisory board.

Every nomination is based on credibility,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the 2026 edition, “Innovation, Local Manufacturing and Digital Transformation in Healthcare,” Omolola said the healthcare sector had evolved beyond traditional approaches, with technology, partnerships, artificial intelligence, local production and sustainable financing becoming key drivers of modern healthcare delivery.

“Healthcare is not the way it used to be several years ago. It is now driven by ideas, partnership, artificial intelligence, local production of devices and sustainable financing,” he said.

Responding after receiving the award, Zamba thanked the organisers for recognising LASHMA’s contribution to the health insurance sector and appreciated stakeholders who supported the agency’s efforts.

She acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, members of the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, partners and other stakeholders.

Zamba also appreciated Lagos residents and individuals who voted for the agency, promising that LASHMA would continue working towards expanding access to healthcare services regardless of residents’ socio-economic backgrounds.

“We will continue to do our best to ensure that residents in the state have access to affordable, quality and equitable healthcare services,” she said.

The latest recognition adds to LASHMA’s previous achievements at the NHEA, having won the State Government Health Insurance of the Year award in 2023, shared the award with Katsina State in 2025, and emerged as the winner again in 2026.

The Federal Government on Tuesday announced plans to abolish the long-standing policy separating junior secondary schools from senior secondary schools after revealing that more than 20 million pupils are dropping out before reaching senior secondary education.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the policy, introduced to separate junior and senior secondary education into distinct administrative structures, had failed to achieve its objective and had instead worsened access to education across the country.

Alausa disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.

He said the decision followed evidence showing a huge gap between the number of primary schools and junior secondary schools nationwide, leaving millions of children unable to progress in their education.

“We have 20 million dropouts from primary school to junior secondary school. Where are those students? We also found we have 80,000 public primary schools and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools. That’s a one-to-eight ratio,” he said.

According to him, the shortage of junior secondary schools resulted in severe overcrowding while many senior secondary schools remained underutilised.

The JSS-SSS structure was introduced in 1982 as part of the National Policy on Education (often referred to as the 6-3-3-4 system), which was initially formulated in 1977.

The minister said, “This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out. We can’t create positions because we want to create a director-level position for people while we harm our education system. It’s about doing what is best for every Nigerian child,” he added.

Alausa said the proposal to scrap the policy would be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for approval.

The minister said the reform forms part of broader efforts to improve access to education and raise learning outcomes.

“This government will not fail. We are fixing it,” he said.

The announcement came as the minister raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s deepening learning crisis, revealing that about three out of every four children at the basic education level are unable to read and understand an age-appropriate text by the age of 10.

Speaking later at the Federal Ministry of Education and Universal Basic Education Commission Roundtable Convening Meeting on Digital Resources Available to Achieve Learning Outcomes, Alausa described the country’s learning poverty rate as alarming.

“Learning poverty means that by the age of 10, a child cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text.

In Nigeria today, three out of every four children are learning poor. That is simply unacceptable,” Alausa added.

He said the statistics underscored the need to urgently transform teaching and learning through digital technology.

“We don’t have a choice. We have to use technology. It is no longer feasible to continue to do things manually. Digital learning is the future, and we must deploy it to every part of the country, including the most rural communities,” he said.

The minister urged state governments to maximise the use of digital learning platforms already developed by the Federal Government, including the Nigeria Learning Passport, Inspire, Ignite, EduRevamp, E-Learn, the Greenfield Learning Management System and virtual classroom solutions.

According to him, the platforms provide curriculum-aligned lessons taught by some of the country’s best teachers and can help address shortages of qualified teachers in subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics and Chemistry.

He explained that schools without subject teachers could connect learners to live or recorded virtual classes while allowing students to interact with teachers online.

Despite the investments, Alausa lamented that adoption of the platforms remained very low.

He disclosed that although the Nigeria Learning Passport currently has about 2.3 million users, the figure represents only a fraction of Nigeria’s estimated 67 million learners in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.

“This is still extremely low. We have invested significant resources in these platforms. If they are not used, then it becomes a wasted investment. We cannot continue to suffer in the midst of plenty,” the minister added.

He commended the United Nations Children’s Fund for supporting the development of the Nigeria Learning Passport, noting that it sustained learning during the coronavirus pandemic and later supported children affected by insecurity and school closures.

The minister also inaugurated a ministerial implementation and monitoring committee chaired by Prof Rashid Aderinoye to oversee Universal Basic Education Commission-funded smart schools, bilingual schools and alternative schools across the country.

The committee is expected to ensure that the projects are completed, handed over to state governments and opened for learning.

Alausa lamented that despite huge public investment, many of the schools remain uncompleted or have yet to admit learners, describing the situation as an unacceptable waste of public resources.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr Aisha Garba, said technology had become indispensable for building an inclusive, resilient and future-ready education system.

She said the commission had established digital learning centres in primary and junior secondary schools, deployed smart interactive boards, strengthened education data systems and introduced digital monitoring and evaluation platforms.

Garba added that the commission had inaugurated Digital Champions to drive digital transformation and support state governments in implementing education technology initiatives.

According to her, technology alone cannot transform education without effective coordination, strong partnerships, sustained capacity building and the willingness of stakeholders to embrace innovation.

She expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission, state governments and development partners would accelerate the adoption of digital learning resources and improve learning outcomes nationwide.

Nigeria has one of the largest populations of out-of-school children in the world, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural, poor and conflict-affected communities still unable to access or complete basic education.

Education experts have long argued that weak transition rates from primary to junior secondary school, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages and insecurity continue to fuel the crisis.

The separation of junior secondary schools from senior secondary schools was introduced as part of reforms to the nation’s basic education system.

However, education stakeholders have repeatedly criticised the policy for creating administrative bottlenecks and limiting the progression of pupils, especially in areas where junior secondary schools are insufficient.

The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved scholarships for more than 760 beneficiaries under the state’s 2025/2026 Local Scholarship Scheme.

The initiative is part of efforts to expand access to education and strengthen human capital development.

The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board, Chukwuemeka Mbah, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.

He said the beneficiaries, drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state and across various fields of study, comprise of 500 undergraduate students, 100 postgraduate students and 160 public sector teachers.

According to him, successful applicants who passed the Computer-Based Test have begun receiving text messages and emails for verification and documentation on local government-by-local government basis.

Mbah said the scholarship scheme reflects the governor’s commitment to investing in education, empowering young people and equipping the state’s workforce with the knowledge and skills required to drive its development agenda.

He urged successful candidates to respond promptly to the notifications sent to them to facilitate the verification process.

More beneficiaries will be captured in the next phase of the scholarship programme. It’s open to the people of Enugu State, and I want to urge our people to continue to apply.

“This is not the time to say you’re unable to get quality education because of funding. The governor has made it easy for our people to access free, quality education,” the statement added.

Twenty-two days after he was abducted by gunmen in Ora, Osun State, the Vice Chairman of the Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state, Mr Debo Farounbi, is yet to regain freedom.

The reports that Farounbi was abducted in Ora, a boundary community along the Osun/Kwara boundary, around 10 pm on Tuesday, June 9, by gunmen suspected to be bandits, alongside three other people.

But sources in the community said the military men and local volunteers stationed in the town put up a strong resistance, forcing the perpetrators to abandon three of those abducted and flee with Farounbi amid a heavy gunfight.

A close family source who preferred anonymity since he was not authorised to comment on the incident said on Tuesday that the abductors established contact with the family of the victim and demanded a sum of N200m for his release a few days after he was abducted.

Another family source, who does not want to be named in the print, however, said the abductors’ demand has been reduced to N50m after days of intense negotiation.

“It is true that they (abductors) demanded N200m. They used his mobile phone to call his family.

“But after days of negotiating, the amount has been reduced to N50m, but his family are still running around to raise the money.

There was a day the abductors took pictures of him and sent them to his relatives to put pressure on them. There is growing concern over his state of health.

“But as of 7pm today (Tuesday), he has not been released. I don’t even think there are any search and rescue efforts again from the security agencies,” the family source said.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the command was still working towards a safe rescue of the victim.

He also said the command was unaware of any negotiation for ransom between the family of the victim and the perpetrators of the crime.

Ojelabi, who said that after the abduction, two people were arrested in the forest, added that two suspects had been arraigned and remanded in a correctional centre.

“We are still working within the information available to us to see to the safe rescue of the victim.

“Two people were arrested inside the forest after the abduction, and after our investigation, we charged them in court.

“The court has since remanded them to the correctional centre. We are working hard to rescue the victim,” Ojelabi said.

Floodwaters swept through several communities in Lagos State on Tuesday following hours of heavy rainfall, submerging homes and roads, disrupting movement and knocking out electricity in parts of the state after critical transmission facilities were affected.

Videos obtained by PUNCH Metro showed flooded streets in FESTAC, Gbagada, Evans, Olushi, Anikantamo and Adeniji Adele on the Lagos Island, with residents wading through waterlogged roads and motorists struggling to navigate submerged streets.

Correspondents who monitored the situation in Ikeja observed that floodwaters entered several homes and shops, forcing some residents to temporarily relocate over fears of worsening conditions.

The flooding, worsened by blocked drains filled with plastic waste and inadequate drainage infrastructure, left many roads submerged in knee-deep water.

A resident of Ikeja, Abidemi Raji, blamed the flooding on the poor road design and blocked drainage channels.

“The way the road was constructed contributes to the flooding. Although there is a drainage channel, it usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour after the rain stops before the water recedes because of the volume of water,” he said.

Raji alleged that a drainage channel linking the area to another street had been blocked after a hotel was built.

There is supposed to be a channel connecting this compound to the next street, but the back passage was blocked after the hotel was built. That has worsened the flooding,” he added.

The downpour also submerged several streets in the Festac area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, disrupting movement and leaving residents and motorists stranded.

A video shared by Lagos Reporters on X showed floodwaters covering major roads and inner streets, forcing pedestrians to wade through water while motorists struggled to move.

A resident, Okeke Mmesoma, described the flooding as a recurring challenge.

“Anytime it rains heavily, this place gets flooded. It is usually after the rain stops that the water begins to clear. My shoes were soaked this morning on my way to work,” she said.

She added that many motorists avoided the flooded roads to prevent their vehicles from breaking down, while commuters stayed away to avoid getting drenched.

Flooding was also reported in Ajah, while roads around Adeniji Adele, Evans, Olushi and Anikantamo on Lagos Island were inundated.

The heavy rainfall also caused electricity outages after floodwaters damaged facilities at the Oworo 132/33kV Transmission Station.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, Ikeja Electric said severe flooding at the station affected two power transformers and several 33kV feeders.

The affected feeders include Oworo Injection Substations 1 and 2, serving Ladilak, Bariga, Araromi, Oworo, Pedro, GTB, Alapere, Agboyi, Araba, Hospital and Gbagada.

The electricity distribution company said it was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to restore supply as soon as the damaged facilities were returned to service.

The flooding also affected neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Gloryland Estate in Ibafo appealed to the state government to urgently intervene.

Residents said the flooding had damaged buildings, disrupted movement and forced some families to temporarily vacate their homes during the rainy season.

A member of the Community Development Association, Oladipupo Awoyemi, blamed the flooding on blocked drainage channels linked to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Whenever it rains continuously for two or three days, the whole community becomes flooded. We have reported the blocked drainage channels several times, but the problem remains unresolved,” he said.

Awoyemi added that indiscriminate construction and refuse dumping had further obstructed waterways.

“Years ago, the flooding was not this severe because water flowed freely. Today, many canals have been blocked by buildings and factories, while refuse dumped into the drains has made the situation worse,” he said.

According to him, the annual flooding has damaged buildings, disrupted economic activities and exposed residents to health risks.

“It affects everybody. People cannot use the roads freely, vehicles are forced to take longer routes, and some residents have to leave their homes whenever the flooding becomes severe,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels to improve flood control across the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.

Wahab described Tuesday’s downpour as an extreme weather event that overwhelmed drainage infrastructure, resulting in temporary flooding in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other communities.

He explained that Lagos’ unique coastal geography, with its network of lagoons, rivers and tidal water bodies, naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea during high tide, making temporary flooding inevitable after exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The commissioner assured residents that the government was closely monitoring drainage infrastructure and flood-prone locations while emergency response agencies remained on the ground to support affected communities.

He also urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, desist from illegal reclamation of wetlands and avoid building on drainage alignments, warning that such practices worsen flooding.

Wahab advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to comply with weather advisories and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within Nigerian cities rose to N1,431.25 per trip in May 2026, highlighting continued pressure on transportation costs despite signs of easing inflation in other sectors of the economy.

This was contained in the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Transport Fare Watch report, released on Tuesday.

According to the report, the average intra-city bus fare increased 2.43 per cent from N1,397.27 recorded in April 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose 38.63 per cent from N1,032.46 paid in May 2025.

The report also showed that transport costs increased across other major categories, including intercity bus travel, domestic air transport, motorcycle (okada) rides, and water transportation during the review period 

The NBS noted that transport fares continued to rise across virtually all categories in May, with motorcycle transportation recording the highest annual increase.

According to the data, the average fare for intercity bus travel increased to N9,699.55 in May, up 0.96 per cent from N9,607.41 in April. Compared with May 2025, the fare rose 21.89 per cent from N7,957.41.

Similarly, the average airfare for specified domestic routes stood at N157,552.19, reflecting a 0.12 per cent month-on-month increase and a 20.86 per cent rise from N130,361.85 recorded in May 2025.

Motorcycle transport recorded the sharpest increase among all transport categories, with the average fare rising to N1,072.51. This represented a 3.56 per cent increase from April and a 52.45 per cent year-on-year increase.

Water transport fares also increased to N2,276.48 during the month, up by 2.41 per cent from April and 30.88 per cent higher than the N1,739.32 recorded in May last year.

The bureau said the figures showed that transport costs remained elevated nationwide despite relatively modest monthly increases.

State-by-state analysis showed wide disparities in transport fares across the country.

Ondo State recorded the highest average intercity bus fare at N11,080, followed by Abia State at N11,066.13, while Kwara and Edo states posted the lowest average fares.

For intra-city bus transportation, Zamfara State recorded the highest average fare at N1,878.80, followed by Taraba State at N1,771.96. Abia and Adamawa states recorded the lowest city bus fares.

The report further showed that Kano State posted the highest average domestic airfare at N184,139.29, ahead of Lagos State at N176,971.65, while Gombe and Nasarawa states recorded the lowest airfares.

Kaduna State recorded the highest average fare for motorcycle transportation at N1,720.76, while Rivers State posted the highest average water transport fare at N6,893.55.

At the regional level, the South-West recorded the highest average fares for city bus services, intercity buses, and motorcycle transportation, while the South-South recorded the highest average water transport fares.

A total of 1,271 offenders are currently serving various non-custodial sentences across Nigeria, according to the latest statistics released by the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The figures, obtained from the NCoS on Tuesday, showed that 1,137 of those serving non-custodial measures are males, while 134 are females.

The data indicated that community service remains the most widely used non-custodial measure, accounting for 1,038 offenders nationwide.

Of those on community service, 992 are males, while 46 are females.

The statistics further revealed that 12 offenders are currently on parole, comprising nine males and three females.

Similarly, 34 persons are serving probation sentences, including 30 males and four females.

“Non-Custodial Statistics Summary Summary Of Inmates Population By Convict And Awaiting Trial Persons As At 29th June 2026

Total: 1,271. Total Male: 1,137. Total Female: 134: Community Service: 1,038. Male: 992 and Female: 46

“Parole: 12, Male: nine and Female: three,” the data read.

The NCoS data also showed that 162 offenders are undergoing restorative justice programmes. The category consists of 84 males and 78 females.

In addition, 25 offenders fall under other non-custodial measures, with 22 males and three females.

Overall, the figures show that males account for about 89 per cent of the total non-custodial population, while females make up the remaining 11 per cent.

The non-custodial service, introduced under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, is designed to decongest custodial centres by providing alternative sentencing options such as community service, probation, parole and restorative justice for eligible offenders.

Nigeria formally introduced the Non-Custodial Service with the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, replacing the old Nigerian Prisons Service framework.

The reform established alternatives to imprisonment—including community service, probation, parole and restorative justice—to reduce overcrowding in custodial centres, promote offender rehabilitation and improve the administration of criminal justice.

The initiative also aligns with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Implementation began in phases, with the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos among the first jurisdictions to adopt community service and other non-custodial measures, before the programme gradually expanded to other states.

In recent years, awareness and implementation have grown in states including Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos and Plateau, while the Nigerian Correctional Service has continued to encourage wider adoption by state judiciaries as part of efforts to decongest custodial centres nationwide.

The Federal Government has set a target of generating ₦2.5 trillion in independent revenue in 2026.

The acting Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Charles Abana, disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting between the Commission’s management and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in Abuja.

A statement by the spokesman for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Abana said the target followed the commission’s monitoring of approximately ₦1.84 trillion in independent revenue generated by Ministries, Departments and Agencies as of September 2025.

He said, “Through enhanced monitoring of operating surplus from Government-Owned Enterprises and independent revenue generated by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Commission recorded approximately ₦1.84 trillion in monitored independent revenue as at September 2025 and has set an ambitious target of ₦2.5 trillion in independent revenue for 2026.”

He explained that the commission was intensifying efforts to improve transparency in revenue reporting, ensure timely remittance of operating surpluses into the Consolidated Revenue Fund and eliminate revenue leakages across public institutions.

According to him, the commission has also reviewed and upgraded its Operating Surplus Calculation Template, first developed in 2016, to align with current fiscal realities and the provisions of the Finance Act 2020.

“The template has now been fully automated to improve efficiency, accuracy and transparency in revenue computation and compliance monitoring,” Abana added.

Speaking during the meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, called for stronger collaboration among fiscal and oversight institutions to deepen transparency, accountability and prudent management of public finances.

Akume urged the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Debt Management Office and other oversight agencies.

“I want to urge deeper collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General and the Federal Debt Management Office and other oversight institutions to eliminate duplication and strengthen fiscal governance,” he said.

The SGF described the Fiscal Responsibility Commission as a critical institution in Nigeria’s fiscal governance framework, noting that prudent management of public resources remains essential for economic stability.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission occupies a strategic position in strengthening public financial management and ensuring that government resources are managed with discipline, transparency and accountability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akume said.

He added that fiscal responsibility was fundamental to sustaining macroeconomic stability, boosting investor confidence, ensuring debt sustainability and promoting the efficient utilisation of public resources across all tiers of government.

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to boost non-oil revenue and improve fiscal discipline as it seeks to strengthen public finances amid growing expenditure demands.

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission monitors the independent revenue and operating surpluses of Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Government-Owned Enterprises to ensure compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the award of the contract for the construction of the Oyo Circular Road from Ijawaya–FGGC–Sabo–Ilora to Akinmorin in Oyo Federal Constituency.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the monarch’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Alaafin noted that, for decades, the poor condition of roads in Oyo metropolis had posed severe socio-economic challenges for residents, adding that the Tinubu administration’s prompt attention to the critical infrastructure would bring immense relief.

The reports that the monarch, during a recent visit to the President at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, called for the urgent provision of critical infrastructure in the metropolis to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.

Speaking through the statement, Owoade said the newly approved circular road, when completed, would transform residents’ daily lives and empower the metropolis by boosting the local economy, as farmers and traders would have faster access to major markets, while reducing travel time and crop spoilage and encouraging new business investments.

He said, “It will also improve healthcare and emergency access, as residents, particularly pregnant women and the elderly, can now easily access nearby hospitals and emergency services without delays caused by poor road conditions.

This will also enhance safety and connectivity through the smooth, well-paved surface that will drastically reduce vehicular wear and tear, make daily commuting safer, and connect our communities to neighbouring towns.

This landmark project stands as a testament to your (Tinubu) commitment to grassroots development and the dividends of democracy. We see your dedication to the infrastructural transformation of our nation, and we remain fully supportive of your administration’s continued efforts to bring progress to our metropolis.

“A massive thank you to our dear President Tinubu for his outstanding support and investment in our metropolis infrastructure. These landmark projects align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda—creating jobs, connecting producers to markets, and uplifting lives.

“Your Excellency, President Tinubu, the good people of Oyo metropolis send our deepest gratitude for your visionary leadership and unwavering support.

“We pray for continued wisdom, good health and success as you pilot the affairs of our great nation. Thank you once again for listening to our plea and for remembering our metropolis,” the Alaafin said.

The paramount ruler also commended some illustrious sons of the ancient city, including Idris Adegboyega, Wasiu Adebisi and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacheus Adelabu, for their commitment and supportive roles in the development of the metropolis.

The Osun State Government has announced the temporary closure of all roads leading to the newly constructed Lameco Flyover Bridge in Osogbo ahead of the official commissioning of the project on Wednesday.

The announcement was contained in a public notice issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Bashir Bello.

“This temporary road closure is to ensure orderliness, public safety, and smooth coordination during the official commissioning ceremony of landmark projects executed by Governor Ademola Adeleke, with the event headlined by the commissioning of the five-span Lameco Overhead Bridge,” the statement read

The government advised motorists, commuters, transport operators, residents and other road users to plan their movements accordingly and use alternative routes throughout the duration of the event.

It added that security agencies and traffic management officials would be deployed to manage traffic and maintain public order around the venue.

“The government appreciates the understanding, patience, and cooperation of members of the public as Osun State continues to advance infrastructure development for the benefit of all,” the statement said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 7 for the hearing of all pending applications and the substantive suit filed by the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Kabir Turaki-led interim National Working Committee of the party.

Justice Salim Ibrahim fixed the date on Tuesday after parties agreed to file and exchange all outstanding processes before the next adjourned date.

The judge directed all parties to file and serve their processes on or before July 6 and warned that no further delay would be entertained when the matter comes up for hearing.

Online reports that the court had, on June 19, ordered an accelerated hearing of the suit after counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Gordy Uche (SAN), argued that the case was time-sensitive in view of INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The plaintiffs, including Wabara, former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof. Jerry Gana, Chief Olabode George and the PDP, are asking the court to direct INEC to recognise the Turaki-led interim NWC and update the party’s leadership records on its official website.

They also want the commission to accept all communications from the interim leadership, which they said was forwarded to INEC through letters dated May 4.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Uche urged the court to hear all pending joinder applications alongside the substantive suit to save judicial time and enable his clients to comply with INEC’s electoral timetable.

He said, “The commission has reiterated that its July 11 for the submission of names of candidates is sacrosanct.

“They said the submission started yesterday and parties have been given access code and we also need the access code too.”

Describing the request as “a passionate appeal,” Uche urged other counsel not to oppose the application.

Counsel for the PDP, Sunday Ameh (SAN), counsel for INEC, O.A. Adeyemi, Chief Fedinard Orbih (SAN), representing parties seeking to be joined, and Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), appearing for another set of applicants, raised no objection.

Justice Ibrahim thereafter adjourned the case until July 7 for hearing of all pending applications and the substantive suit.

The PUNCH reports that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN).

The plaintiffs are seeking declarations that INEC is constitutionally bound to give effect to judgments of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which they contend invalidated the PDP’s November 2025 national convention and upheld the suspension of key party officials.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Aliyu alleged that former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and three other party officials were suspended by the PDP National Working Committee on November 1, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct, anti-party activities and insubordination.

He further claimed that subsequent decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court affirmed the suspension of the affected officials and nullified the party’s November 15 and 16, 2025 national convention.

According to him, following those judgments, the PDP Board of Trustees constituted an interim National Working Committee led by Turaki, pending the conduct of a fresh national convention, and formally notified INEC of the development through letters dated May 4 and May 15.

Aliyu alleged that despite receiving the correspondence, the electoral commission failed to update its records or recognise the interim leadership.

He described INEC’s refusal as “a grave affront to the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution,” urging the court to compel the commission to comply with what he described as subsisting appellate court judgments.

The new Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, on Tuesday unveiled a six-year roadmap to reposition the university with a vow to pursue academic excellence, digital transformation, research innovation and financial sustainability that will place the university ahead of its peers.

Prof Oladipo made the declaration in his address at his investiture as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, where he pledged to provide transformational leadership anchored on accountability, innovation and service.

Addressing a gathering that included the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Rahamon A. Bello, members of the Governing Council, principal officers, Senate members, traditional rulers, security chiefs, academics, students and other dignitaries, the new Vice-Chancellor described his appointment as both “a profound honour” and “a deep responsibility.”

Oladipo said that “It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at this historic moment, my investiture as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education.

“I am honoured to lead an institution founded on noble ideals, a legacy of excellence, and a steadfast commitment to education and societal progress”

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university, established in 2005 before its transition to a Federal University in 2025, had demonstrated resilience and was now poised for greater national and international relevance.

He unveiled the university’s strategic framework, tagged the S.T.A.R.-W.I.N. agenda, which, according to him, would drive sustainable development through Sustainable Funding and Smart Governance, Technology and Digital Campus, Academic Excellence and Innovation, Research Productivity and Global Ranking, Welfare and Wellbeing, Infrastructural Development, and National Alumni and International Relations.

Our bold yet attainable vision is to position TASFUED among Nigeria’s top 25 universities and within the top 3,000 globally by 2031.

” This aspirational goal is rooted in our unwavering belief that academic excellence, impactful research, inclusive infrastructure and digital innovation, coupled with a steadfast commitment to integrity and societal service, will be our guiding light,” Oladipo said.

To achieve the target, the Vice-Chancellor said the administration would prioritise financial sustainability through innovative revenue generation, stronger commercial ventures, professional programmes and expanded international collaborations.

He also pledged to accelerate the university’s digital transformation through improved internet connectivity, smart classrooms and technology-driven teaching, learning and administration.

Oladipo promised comprehensive curriculum reviews, expansion of academic programmes, pursuit of international accreditation and the establishment of a vibrant research ecosystem capable of improving the institution’s global visibility.

The Vice-Chancellor equally assured staff and students of improved welfare, promising investments in infrastructure, staff and student housing, transportation, healthcare and other welfare initiatives to create a more conducive learning environment.

He further disclosed that the administration would embark on the construction of modern academic facilities, upgrade laboratories and improve accessibility across the campus.

Beyond physical development, Oladipo said the university would strengthen collaborations with industries, alumni, local communities and international institutions to boost research, innovation and global competitiveness.

He stressed that the success of the administration’s vision would depend on collective commitment from all stakeholders.

“This vision calls for deliberate, accountable and transformational leadership, values I am committed to uphold. I invite every member of our community, staff, students, alumni, partners and stakeholders, to join hands in realising the immense potential of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education,” he said.

Oladipo equally paid glowing tribute to the late educationist and social critic, Dr Tai Solarin whom the institution was named after, describing the late educationist as a symbol of integrity, resilience and selfless service.

He said that Solarin’s unwavering commitment to education and national development remains the moral compass upon which the university would continue to build its future.

Speaking during the investiture, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Prof Rahmon Bello, said that Professor Oladipo emerged as the VC of the university after a diligent, rigorous, transparent, and merit-based selection process that reflected the Council’s unwavering commitment to excellence, fairness, and institutional integrity.

Bello said that the new Vice-Chancellor’s track record within the university and beyond speaks eloquently of his dedication to academic excellence, institutional development, staff welfare, student success, and community engagement.

The Council Chairman said that he has a strong belief that the new VC has what it takes to further take the university to higher height and has therefore called on the staff and the students to extend their support and cooperation to the new leadership and further advance the university’s mission of producing competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has sympathised with residents affected by flooding in Lagos State.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern over the impact of the flooding on families, commuters, motorists and business owners.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the people of Lagos who have been affected by the ongoing flooding. My thoughts are with the families, motorists, commuters, business owners and everyone whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by this unfortunate event,” he said.

The former vice president said the incident underscored the need for solidarity during difficult times.

He also prayed for the safety of those affected and a quick return to normalcy.

“At moments like this, we are reminded of the strength of our shared humanity and the importance of standing together in support of one another.

“I pray for the safety of all, for a swift return to normalcy,” Atiku added.

The message comes as part of Lagos including areas such as Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, experienced flash flooding from torrential rains that began on Sunday.

The flooding extended to sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway, worsening traffic congestion across the state.

Authorities have linked the disruption to overwhelmed drainage systems amid seasonal downpours.

A former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has begun high-level consultations in the United States with Nigerians in the diaspora on strategies to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

The consultations, held in collaboration with former Action Congress vice-presidential candidate, Senator Ben Obi, cut across party lines and are aimed at mobilising progressive Nigerians at home and abroad to defend the country’s democratic institutions, preserve political pluralism and resist any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party system.

Speaking in a telephone interview with journalists in Umuahia on Tuesday, Wabara said the meetings focused on growing concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the shrinking democratic space and the urgent need for patriotic forces to unite in defence of constitutional governance.

He disclosed that participants expressed deep concern over what they described as “increasing pressure on opposition parties, the erosion of public confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the danger of weakening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.”

According to him, the consultations also focused on “building a broad national consensus on how to rescue Nigeria from state capture and restore confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

According to him, the consultations also focused on “building a broad national consensus on how to rescue Nigeria from state capture and restore confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The common objective of these consultations is to rescue Nigeria from state capture, free up the democratic space and ensure that the will of the people, not the will of a few powerful individuals, prevails in 2027,” he said.

Wabara warned that “Nigeria’s democracy is facing one of its most critical moments since the return to civil rule.”

He also urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise before the July 10 deadline, stressing that “active citizen participation remains the strongest safeguard against electoral manipulation.”

The consultations in the United States followed similar high-level engagements Wabara held in London a few weeks ago with former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat.

According to the statement, the Director of Public Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, made the disclosure during the Kwara State Malaria Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation Quarterly Meeting and the inauguration of the State Malaria ACSM Working Group in Ilorin.

Represented by the State Malaria Control Coordinator, Dr Kazeem Oladapo, Fakayode said environmental conditions remained a major driver of malaria transmission despite the progress recorded in reducing the disease burden.

“Environmental conditions account for nearly 60 per cent of malaria transmission,” he said.

He added, “More than half of malaria cases in Nigeria can be traced to poor sanitation, stagnant water and other conditions that encourage mosquito breeding.”

Fakayode urged policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to eliminate malaria, stressing that environmental management must complement other preventive measures.

The quarterly meeting was convened to coordinate ACSM activities across the state, promote community participation and ownership of malaria prevention efforts, as well as increase the uptake of malaria interventions, particularly in health facilities,” he said.

Also speaking, the Data Analyst for the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego) STOP Antimicrobial Drug Resistance Project, Jeremiah Ngutor-Ulaa, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and improving existing health systems to support malaria elimination.

“Nigeria can prevent widespread antimalarial drug resistance through the appropriate use of combination therapies and strengthened collaboration among partners,” Ngutor-Ulaa said.

He added that Jhpiego would continue to leverage existing structures while promoting demand creation and accountability mechanisms to support malaria control interventions.

Earlier, the state’s ACSM Desk Officer, Yemisi Ajala, identified climate, environmental, behavioural and social factors as the major drivers of malaria transmission in Kwara.

She lamented the inconsistent use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) by many households but commended the state government for sustaining malaria control interventions, including the mass distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention for children, community sanitation campaigns, and the implementation of the “Test, Treat, Track” policy to strengthen malaria diagnosis, treatment and surveillance.

Five states will receive a combined $15 million in performance-based incentives under the World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme after emerging as the best-performing states in the implementation of key education and healthcare reforms.

The National Coordinator of the HOPE Governance Programme, Assad Hassan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a retreat for commissioners, permanent secretaries and directors of budget and planning from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Communications Officer of the HOPE Governance Programme, Joe Mutah.

The programme, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, approved a total of $27 million in incentives for states that successfully achieved the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Results under the programme.

The incentives are based on the findings and recommendations of the Interim Independent Verification Agent, which assessed states’ performance in meeting the programme’s Disbursement-Linked Indicators.

The statement read, “The World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is set to disburse $27 million as performance-based incentives to states that successfully achieved the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Results.”

A breakdown of the incentives showed that Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe states emerged as the biggest beneficiaries.

The five states will receive $1.5 million each for meeting the requirements under Disbursement-Linked Result (DLR) 2.1, which focuses on the adoption of comprehensive guidelines for the preparation and submission of consolidated work plans for state basic education budgets.

The same five states also qualified for another $1.5 million each under Disbursement-Linked Result (DLR) 2.2, which measures the adoption of comprehensive guidelines for the preparation and submission of consolidated work plans for state primary healthcare budgets.

Together, the five states are expected to receive $15 million from the two indicators alone.

Under Disbursement-Linked Result (DLR) 2.3, which centres on the adoption of harmonised budget guidelines and a chart of accounts by local governments, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kano, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe states qualified for incentives of $500,000 each.

Similarly, under Disbursement-Linked Result (DLR) 4.1, which focuses on the publication of the 2025 Citizens Budget for basic education and primary healthcare by February 28, 2025, 15 states qualified for incentives.

The states are Abia, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau and Yobe.

Each of the states will receive $500,000.

Explaining the basis for the disbursement, Hassan said only states that met the stipulated conditions within the specified timelines qualified for the incentives.

The statement noted: “The incentives are based on the findings and recommendations of the Interim Independent Verification Agent, which carried out a rigorous assessment of states’ performances against the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Indicators.

For DLR 2.1 and DLR 2.2, Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe states met all the requirements and are therefore eligible to receive $1.5 million each for both indicators.

“For DLR 2.3, nine states successfully adopted harmonised budget guidelines and a chart of accounts for local governments and will receive $500,000 each.

“Also, under DLR 4.1, 15 states met the conditions relating to the publication of the Financial Year 2025 Citizens Budget for basic education and primary healthcare and will equally receive $500,000 each.”

He added that many participating states failed to qualify for the incentives because they either missed the stipulated deadlines or failed to meet the programme’s requirements.

“Other participating states were not eligible for the incentives because they either published the required guidelines after the March 31, 2025 deadline, failed to meet most of the stipulated criteria, or did not publish the required results on their official state websites,” he said.

The coordinator identified weak institutional coordination as one of the major factors responsible for the poor performance recorded by some states.

According to him, “One of the key challenges observed is the inability of many states to establish effective institutional coordination mechanisms. This has undermined institutional ownership of the reforms and threatens their sustainability.

“States need to strengthen coordination among ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that these reforms are not treated as one-off activities but become institutionalised governance practices.”

Hassan disclosed that the Interim Independent Verification Agent was already working to conclude the second phase of verification for Year Zero results by July 2026.

He also said the programme had begun implementing a capacity-building action plan to provide technical support to states and improve their ability to achieve future programme targets.

“The programme has commenced preparations for the implementation of a robust capacity-building action plan that will provide hands-on technical support to states. The objective is to help states improve their systems and successfully achieve subsequent programme results,” he added.

According to him, the overall objectives of the HOPE Governance Programme are to maximise the utilisation of federal and state funds at the facility level for primary healthcare and basic education, promote transparency in intergovernmental transfers and expenditure, strengthen accountability, and improve staffing in both sectors.

“The programme seeks to strengthen the execution of coordinated annual plans for primary healthcare and basic education, improve accountability in public expenditure, and close staffing gaps through the recruitment and deployment of teachers and priority healthcare workers across the states,” he said.

The  reports that the HOPE Governance Programme is a $500 million World Bank-supported initiative designed to improve the availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The programme also seeks to promote transparency and accountability in public spending on the two sectors while supporting improvements in the recruitment, deployment and performance management of teachers and primary healthcare workers by the federal, state and local governments.

The latest $27 million incentive package represents one of the first major reward mechanisms under the programme and underscores the growing use of performance-based financing to drive reforms in Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors.

Speaking under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Ibadan Zone comprising University of Ibadan, Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Osun State University, Osogbo, Kwara State University, Malete and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, met at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo in Oyo State where they maintained that the non-implementation by the two states puts the lives of their members in danger of meeting their personal and family needs under the excruciating Nigerian economy.

While commending the roles of the Governing Councils of the state universities, ASUU noted that her members are being treated unjustly by the governors who, “have failed to provide financial backing required for full implementation of the signed agreement.

“It is provocative and unjust. Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the Governors and Visitors of Oyo and Kwara States, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for full implementation of the signed agreement.

However, the role of Governing Councils of these State Universities must be commended for their efforts to address the implementation of the agreement,” it said.

Speaking through its zonal coordinator, Prof Biodun Olaniran, the Ibadan Zone of ASUU noted that the patience of its members has been exhausted after waiting patiently for the governors to act and have “commenced full mobilisation for a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, in response to the persistent failure of the State Governments involved to honour the Agreement.”

The Ibadan Zone ASUU leader stated that the zone views the continued refusal to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement at these three Universities with serious concern and demanded that.

“The next salary of our members in these universities must reflect the CATA component and all other allowances stipulated in the Agreement; All accrued arrears from January 2026 must be paid in full, without delay. We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failure or further prevarication by the State Governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action,” he said.

ASUU appealed to the Governors of Oyo and Kwara States to act now, before “our universities are shut down”, noting that “the only path to lasting harmony is the immediate and full implementation of the Agreement.”

ASUU sympathised with the Oyo State Government, parents, and families of all citizens affected by insecurity across the state and nation, calling for greater review of security systems and ensuring safety of vulnerable communities, adding that “education thrives best in an atmosphere of peace and security.”

Gunmen shot and killed two policemen while another officer sustained severe bullet wounds along the Obiri-Kwere axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night.

It was gathered that the three policemen were attached to the Aluu Division in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

They were said to be on a routine stop-and-search operation at a security checkpoint along the Mbodo/Aluu axis of Obiri-Kwerre Road when the assailants opened fire at about 9 pm.

The gunmen immediately zoomed off in their vehicle after committing the act.

The incident came barely 24 hours after the Rivers State Police Command said it arrested a suspected high-profile criminal identified as Austine Emenike, who goes by the nickname “Oyibo,” and recovered one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges.

The State Police spokesperson, in a statement on Monday, also said the arrested suspect, Emenike, is linked to a wider criminal network.

In the latest incident, a video circulating on social media shows the lifeless bodies of the officers still in their uniforms lying in pools of their own blood at the scene.

From the video seen by our correspondent, a voice from the background said the gunmen were robbing in the area before opening fire on the operatives and immediately took to their heels.

He stated, “You can see, it happened now. Armed robbers came here and robbed everybody. They killed these policemen. Look at their bodies.”

When contacted for her reaction on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident, saying that the investigation is ongoing.

Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, also said the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene on Tuesday morning alongside his management team for an on-the-spot assessment.

She stated, “Yes, I can confirm. Two of our men died, and the other one was injured and is receiving treatment in the Hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police, with other members of the command’s management team, visited the scene of the incident this morning to assess the situation, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects worth about N286bn aimed at modernising the country’s ports, improving navigational safety and unlocking the economic potential of the sector.

The approval came barely weeks after Online highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to bridge the gap between its ambitious blue economy agenda and weak maritime infrastructure.

The approvals, granted at the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, cover the procurement of marine pollution control vessels, pilot cutter boats, firefighting vessels and the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s strategy to improve port efficiency, strengthen navigational safety and align Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure with international standards.

According to him, the council approved the procurement of two state-of-the-art marine pollution control vessels valued at about N59.05bn to combat plastic pollution, oil spills and other marine waste across Nigeria’s territorial waters, creeks and inland waterways.

He said the vessels would enhance environmental protection efforts while improving navigational safety within the country’s maritime domain.

The council also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about N80.03bn to facilitate the safe movement of marine pilots to and from vessels entering Nigerian ports.

Lawal explained that the boats would improve pilotage services, support vessel navigation through port channels and enhance operational efficiency in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority.

To strengthen emergency response capacity, the council equally approved the procurement of two firefighting boats valued at about N34.06bn, equivalent to approximately $16.46m.

According to the minister, the specialised vessels would improve Nigeria’s ability to respond swiftly to fires involving ships, oil terminals, jetties and other critical maritime infrastructure, thereby reducing risks to lives, property and the marine environment.

The largest approval was for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel at a cost of N112.85bn under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators.

Lawal said the dredging project would improve navigational access to the channel by removing silt and other obstructions, maintaining critical navigational aids and strengthening marine pollution surveillance.

He added that the project was expected to improve vessel turnaround time, increase port efficiency and reinforce Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime and shipping hub in West Africa.

Describing the four projects as strategic investments, the minister said they would deepen maritime safety, protect Nigeria’s coastal ecosystem and stimulate trade and investment within the country’s expanding blue economy.

“The approvals underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to building a modern, safe and environmentally sustainable maritime sector capable of supporting economic growth, facilitating international trade and creating new opportunities across the blue economy value chain,” he said.

The approvals come shortly after PUNCH Online reported from the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, that environmental experts had warned Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions could be undermined by weak ocean governance, deteriorating coastal ecosystems and inadequate maritime infrastructure.

The newspaper also reported Tinubu’s commitment to creating five million ocean-based jobs through investments in the blue economy and stronger maritime governance.

Echono gave the charge in Abuja during the presentation of the outcomes of a TETFund-sponsored Mega Research Project on Lassa Fever conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.

Speaking after receiving the findings, Echono said the research had reinforced the need for Nigeria to move beyond generating scientific evidence to developing practical interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens.

He urged the research team to prioritise vaccine development, stressing that immunisation remains the most effective strategy for controlling infectious diseases.

He said, “What is the shortest route towards developing a vaccine? How can we ensure that the burden on our people is reduced? Every year, thousands of Nigerians die from Lassa fever. How can we reduce this burden?

“I know a vaccine is usually the most effective mode of disease control. You vaccinate people, and they become almost immune. What is the fastest path, and how can TETFund support that drive so that we can achieve direct benefits and direct impact on the lives of Nigerians?”

The TETFund boss assured the researchers that the intervention agency would work with relevant government institutions to ensure the findings translate into national health policies and interventions.

We will escalate these findings to the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Ministry of Health. If we receive the validation we expect, it will strengthen our case for establishing a vaccine development centre in Nigeria,” he said.

He commended the researchers for producing findings capable of improving healthcare delivery, adding that defeating diseases such as Lassa fever would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Francis Uba, described the project as one of the institution’s most significant research investments.

According to him, TETFund demonstrated remarkable foresight about four years ago by awarding the university a N250 million Mega Research Grant to investigate Lassa fever.

“This significant investment was not merely financial support; it was an expression of confidence in the capacity of Nigerian scientists and institutions to generate evidence-based solutions to one of our nation’s most persistent public health challenges,” he said.

Uba noted that recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever continue to impose heavy medical, social and economic costs on Nigeria and other West African countries by claiming lives, overstretching health facilities and threatening national health security.

He added that the project had generated valuable evidence on the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and control of the disease while strengthening the university’s research infrastructure, laboratory capacity and collaborations with local and international partners.

The vice-chancellor appealed to TETFund and the Federal Government to designate the institution as a National Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases Research to consolidate the gains of the project and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious diseases.

In one of the study’s key findings, Okopi said the widely held belief that eating rodents is the major predictor of Lassa fever infection was not supported by the evidence.

“We discovered that the commonly held belief that eating rodents is the major predictor of infection was not supported by our findings. Rodent consumption was not an independent predictor of Lassa fever infection,” he said.

Also presenting the clinical findings, Audu Onyemocho said 1,266 participants were enrolled in the study, while 392 suspected cases were investigated across Benue and Kogi states.

He said 43 cases were confirmed through real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, with Benue accounting for 25 confirmed infections and Kogi recording 18.

According to him, bleeding, older age and seizures emerged as the strongest predictors of death among confirmed Lassa fever patients.

Speaking on future research priorities, John Idoko emphasised that developing an effective vaccine should remain the country’s ultimate objective.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus and is endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries. The disease is primarily transmitted through exposure to food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected multimammate rats, although human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings.

Nigeria experiences seasonal outbreaks almost every year, with the disease placing enormous pressure on the country’s health system. Despite decades of research, there is currently no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever, making early diagnosis, prompt treatment and preventive measures the main strategies for reducing deaths.

The latest TETFund-backed research is expected to provide new evidence to guide public health interventions and strengthen the country’s quest to develop its first indigenous Lassa fever vaccine.

Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy will stand trial after one of his dogs allegedly attacked a teenager and two other dogs after escaping from his property, according to Spanish reports on Tuesday.

The private prosecution is asking for a six-month prison sentence to be issued for causing injury by gross negligence, as well as fines, a Madrid court said in a document dated January 7 and seen by AFP.

The public prosecutor’s office is requesting fines for a minor offence of causing injury.

Spanish media said the events took place in January 2023, after four dogs owned by Mendy escaped from his property in the affluent Madrid suburb of Alcobendas when the gate was left open after a vehicle entered.

The reports said one of the dogs bit another woman’s dog, which was injured and later needed to be euthanised, before a 17-year-old boy tried to intervene and was bitten himself, along with a relative’s dog that he was walking.

Left-back Mendy, 31, signed for Real Madrid in 2019 from French side Lyon but several injuries have disrupted his career.

AFP

A total of 102,025 new HIV infections were recorded across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025, with Lagos State accounting for the highest number of new cases at 10,430, according to data obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025.

The report, obtained by our correspondent, provides a state-by-state breakdown of newly recorded HIV infections and highlights the geographical distribution of the epidemic despite years of intensified prevention efforts by the Federal Government and its partners.

The data showed that Lagos recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in 2025 with 10,430 cases.

Rivers State followed with 6,287 new infections, while Kano recorded 6,106 cases

Akwa Ibom reported 5,413 new infections, Taraba had 4,854, Benue recorded 4,804, and Anambra accounted for 4,468 cases. Kaduna registered 3,659 new infections, while Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory recorded 2,989 and 2,764 cases, respectively, completing the list of the 10 states with the highest number of new HIV infections during the year.

Other states recording more than 2,000 new infections included Sokoto (2,592), Cross River (2,595), Abia (2,546), Imo (2,537), Delta (2,469), Borno (2,311), Ogun (2,107), Plateau (2,084), Niger (2,020) and Ebonyi (2,015).

At the lower end of the scale were Ekiti with 462 new infections, Bayelsa with 982, Gombe with 1,083, Osun with 1,093, Kwara with 1,371, Enugu with 1,429, Yobe with 1,483, Katsina with 1,541 and Kebbi with 1,572

The figures underscore that HIV remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria despite years of progress in expanding access to treatment and reducing AIDS-related deaths.

Nigeria is home to one of the largest HIV treatment programmes in the world, with millions of people living with the virus receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy through government-supported facilities and donor-funded interventions.

However, public health experts have consistently warned that reducing new infections remains one of the country’s greatest challenges, particularly among young people, adolescent girls and young women, infants exposed to HIV, and key populations.

In recent years, the Federal Government, working through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of HIV by expanding free HIV testing services, increasing access to antiretroviral medicines, scaling up Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission programmes, promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk groups, strengthening community awareness campaigns and improving surveillance through digital health information systems.

The government has also adopted the global 95-95-95 targets, aimed at ensuring that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

Health authorities say achieving these targets is essential to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Global AIDS Update on July 10, 2025, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned that while the world has made remarkable gains in reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, progress remains fragile.

She noted that approximately 1.3 million people acquired HIV globally in 2024, stressing that sustained investments in prevention, testing and treatment are critical to keeping the epidemic under control.

Earlier, at a Multistakeholder Consultation on the Global AIDS Strategy on April 28, 2025, Byanyima cautioned that HIV “is not over,” urging governments to strengthen domestic financing and maintain prevention programmes to avoid a resurgence of infections.

Similarly, NACA Director-General, Dr Temitope Ilori, has repeatedly stressed the need for stronger domestic financing and community-led interventions to sustain Nigeria’s HIV response.

Speaking at various engagements in 2025, she said Nigeria was committed to reducing new HIV infections through improved access to testing, treatment and prevention services while strengthening the country’s health systems.

Public health experts have also warned that declining international donor funding could undermine decades of progress if governments fail to increase domestic investment in HIV programmes.

According to UNAIDS, interruptions in prevention services could lead to a rise in new infections, particularly in countries with high HIV burdens such as Nigeria.

Although Nigeria has made significant progress compared to previous decades, the 102,025 new infections recorded in 2025 illustrate that the epidemic remains far from over.

The latest data suggest that the country’s HIV burden continues to be concentrated in a handful of states, with Lagos, Rivers and Kano accounting for a substantial proportion of newly reported cases.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday admitted activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to fresh bail in the sum of N200 million, weeks after revoking his earlier bail over his failure to appear for trial.

Justice Muhammad Umar, in a ruling, directed Sowore to provide two sureties before the bail could take effect.

One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the second must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court registrar pending the determination of the case.

After granting the application, Justice Umar handed Sowore over to his lawyers and adjourned further proceedings until Monday, July 6, when the defendant is expected to open his defence.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services on allegations bordering on cybercrime, following social media posts in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

The court revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16 and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to attend proceedings.

Sowore had explained that he was unable to appear because of a prior engagement in Lagos and sought an adjournment, but the prosecution, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), opposed the request, urging the court to proceed with the trial.

Following the revocation of his bail, Sowore challenged the bench warrant and sought the trial judge’s recusal.

The application was dismissed, after which he was remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his fresh bail application.

Delivering Tuesday’s ruling, Justice Umar restored the defendant’s bail on fresh terms, requiring him to meet the N200 million bail bond and fulfil the conditions attached before regaining his freedom.

Reacting shortly after the ruling, Sowore described the bail conditions as part of the authorities’ continued efforts against him but insisted they would not deter his movement.

He said, “There is no bus on earth that can stop this revolution. We warned them, but they would not listen. But now, it appears a little bit of common sense is returning to them, and as a result, I was granted bail, requiring a traditional ruler, somebody with property in Abuja, and N200m and my international passport.

They have always been after the passport. So nobody can come after our movement. Nobody can stop the movement. Nobody can stop the idea whose time has come.

“What I want to tell Nigerians is that it is not about my freedom; it is about the liberation of the Nigerian people.”

The APC Governorship Candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), on Tuesday continued his statewide consultations with party leaders and stakeholders, holding separate strategic meetings with APC leaders from Ewekoro, Odeda and Abeokuta South Local Government Areas at H3 Events Centre, Abeokuta.

The meetings formed part of his ongoing engagements across the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State to strengthen party unity, assess the APC’s performance in previous elections and consolidate grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing stakeholders, Senator Yayi emphasised the need for reconciliation, inclusiveness and stronger grassroots mobilisation, stressing that the party must always place its collective interest above individual ambitions. He warned against anti-party activities and internal divisions, assuring members that efforts were underway to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders and accommodate both former aspirants and new entrants into the party.

He also unveiled plans to strengthen the APC’s ward structures through a collegiate leadership system, noting that greater responsibility would be placed on ward leaders to coordinate mobilisation, deepen stakeholder engagement and improve the party’s electoral performance across the state.

While expressing concern over the party’s previous electoral performances in Ewekoro and Abeokuta South, Senator Yayi urged stakeholders to address the factors responsible for the setbacks and work together to secure decisive victories in 2027. He, however, commended Odeda Local Government for its impressive performance in the last election, while challenging party leaders to surpass that achievement by delivering even more votes for the APC.

The meetings featured robust contributions from stakeholders across the three local government areas, with participants reaffirming their commitment to party unity, grassroots engagement and the success of the APC. They also advocated greater inclusiveness, sustained reconciliation, stronger collaboration among party leaders and continued support for party structures at the ward level.

In his closing remarks, Senator Yayi reiterated his commitment to building a united and formidable APC across Ogun State, expressing confidence that with sustained unity, effective grassroots mobilisation and the collective commitment of party members, the APC would record overwhelming victories in the 2027 general elections.
The meetings were attended by APC leaders including 
Chief Yemi Sanusi, Ogun State APC chairman, Rt Hon Daisi Elemide, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Senator Shuaib Salisu(APC, Ogun Central),Hon Olumide Osoba,(APC, Obafemi Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda Federal Constituency)
Hon Kayode Jelili Amusan, former APC Governor aspirant, Chief Derin Adebiyi, former Ogun State APC chairman, Hon Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland, Prince Segun Adesegun and 
Alhaja Salmot Badru, both former deputy governors, Rt.Hon. Titi Oseni and Rt.Hon. Suraj Adekunmbi, both former Speaker of Ogun state House of Assembly, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, APC Senatorial candidate for Ogun West, Hon. Olaolu Olabimtan, Ogun State Commissioner for Budget, Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Health and Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Ogun State Commisioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs among others.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her earlier comments on small-scale businesses, saying the Federal Government’s empowerment programmes extend beyond akara sellers to include traders in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain.

Tinubu spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, according to a video aired by TVC News.

Her remarks come days after comments she made about akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing her of trivialising the country’s economic hardship.

Addressing the criticism directly, the First Lady said the Federal Government had donated N100m to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state.

Because of the atmosphere, what is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we’ve already given, donated about 100 million to her to use to empower 2,000 petty traders.

“And I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara, we also have tomato sellers. We have boole, and those also selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market.

“We will continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable. So that is what we are doing,” she said.

Tinubu said the beneficiaries would each receive N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.

“We continue to carry the capacity. We have the amount of 2,000 women who are already in small businesses. They will recapitalise their businesses with the N50,000 each. We’ve already given the N100 million,” she added.

She maintained that the criticism trailing her earlier remarks would not deter the government from its empowerment programmes.

“I know all those people who are affected, they do appreciate it. And we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. But we are forging ahead and making sure that our people, you know, are well cared for,” Mrs Tinubu said.

The First Lady also spoke about Nigeria’s untapped resources, citing an orange orchard she visited in Benue State, and expressed hope that young Nigerians would explore opportunities beyond oil.

“Nigeria is a really blessed country. I’ve been ttravelling, and I pray that our young people will see the resources we have in this nation. We have not even gone to explore yet because we are thinking it’s oil. But there are so many things,” she said.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to act before Muslims ‘run out of patience’, saying the community’s continued restraint amid what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation should not be mistaken for weakness.

The council said Muslims had deliberately responded with restraint despite what it described as repeated provocation, while calling for swift justice over recent killings in Kaduna and Benue states and investigations into alleged police misconduct.

The warning was contained in a statement by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalization,” the council said.

The NSCIA also called on the government to ensure that those responsible for what it described as heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue states were brought to justice without delay.

“The NSCIA hereby calls on government to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue States are brought to justice, without delay and according to the laws of the land. Anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy,” the statement said.

The council urged the authorities to rein in what it described as persistent attacks on Islam and Muslims in public spaces, saying that was essential to preserving peace and national cohesion.

“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” the statement added.

It also demanded a thorough investigation into allegations that divisional police officers handed over a female Muslim scholar for burning, as well as claims that the officer who allegedly invited the slain Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, should be investigated and brought to justice.

According to the council, Muslims had remained committed to Nigeria’s unity despite feeling increasingly marginalised and unfairly portrayed as oppressors.

The commitment necessitates silence and restraint despite unwarranted provocation, assault, and baseless profiling of Islam and the Muslims in the country. It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance,” it said.

The body also faulted remarks it attributed to a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, during a recent live television programme, describing the comments as reckless, and arguing that the programme should have attracted sanctions from the appropriate government agencies.

The statement added that if a Muslim leader had made similar remarks, he would likely have been invited for questioning by the police and other security agencies.

The NSCIA also rejected claims by some Christian leaders linking Muslims and Fulani communities to recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, saying those arrested in connection with the incidents bore names suggesting otherwise and that the suspect arrested over the kidnap and murder in Oriire Local Government Area was not only a ‘Christian’ but also a pastor.

It further accused Arise Television of applying double standards in its coverage of the incident, alleging that the station dismissed it as unrelated to religion but would have taken a different position had the suspect been identified as a Muslim.

The council also cited the killing of Benue State Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Mallam Yakubu Isah, after a peace meeting, alleging that it formed part of what it described as a systematic attempt to provoke Muslims into retaliation.

Beyond security concerns, the council also alleged that Muslims were being sidelined in public appointments, particularly in southern Nigeria, arguing that when Muslim office holders left office they were often replaced by non-Muslims. It cited Mr Adebayo Adelabu as an example.

The statement further criticised opposition to Muslim-Muslim political tickets, arguing that similar objections were not raised when Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo sought the presidency with Christian running mates, or when General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) appointed Awolowo Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.

Even so, the council reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity, while urging the government, security agencies and the media to act responsibly to prevent religious tensions from escalating.

Culled from vanguard

LAGOS — The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to ensure petroleum marketers do not exploit Nigerians through excessive pricing under the deregulated downstream petroleum market.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, gave the directive in Abuja yesterday while delivering the keynote address at the NMDPRA General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum.

The two-day forum has as its theme: “Beyond Compliance: Driving Regulatory Certainty and Investment Confidence in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector.”

Lokpobiri said although the downstream sector had been fully deregulated, the regulator must ensure that deregulation does not become an avenue for profiteering at the expense of consumers.

According to him, following de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and decline in global crude prices, Nigerians expected corresponding reductions in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol.

However, this is yet to happen, as refiners and marketers have continued to sell petrol at elevated pump prices despite the significant decline in crude oil prices from a peak of $120 per barrel to about $72 per barrel last week.

He said: “Following de-escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, we expected to see a commensurate downward adjustment in the prices of PMS and other petroleum products. However, that has not yet happened.

While we believe that market forces will eventually restore equilibrium, the regulator also has a statutory responsibility to ensure that deregulation does not become an avenue for profiteering. This must be done in line with the extant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.”

The minister also charged the agency to intensify monitoring to ensure consumers receive the correct quantity of fuel purchased at filling stations.

‘What is the regulator doing?’ Lokpobiri asks

He said: “Beyond allowing prices to be determined by market forces, the question is: what is the regulator doing to ensure that consumers receive the correct quantity of product? When someone pays for 10 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, they should receive exactly 10 litres, not less.”

Lokpobiri noted that despite recent geo-political tensions arising from the conflict involving the United States and Iran, Nigeria did not experience fuel shortages, attributing the stability to  deregulation of the downstream sector and  operationalisation of domestic refineries.

He described the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, as the foundation for transforming Nigeria’s petroleum industry but stressed that building investor confidence now depends on consistent and predictable regulation.

He said: “The PIA gave us the architecture. What we must now build is the culture, the institutional habits, the interpretive discipline and the regulatory character that make the law’s objectives real for every investor evaluating Nigeria against any other destination in the world.”

The minister urged legal advisers and general counsel in the petroleum industry to serve as strategic partners in promoting investment, rather than becoming obstacles through unnecessary regulatory bottlenecks.

According to him, “we will not be judged by the number of regulations we produce or the volume of guidelines we issue. We will be judged by the investments we attract, the businesses we enable, the jobs we create and the value we leave behind for future generations.”

Earlier, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mallam Rabiu Umar, said the petroleum industry has reached a stage where regulatory certainty, transparency and investor confidence has become more important than mere compliance with regulations.

Umar said implementation of the PIA shifted focus from what the law provided to how it is being implemented and whether it is delivering the certainty required by investors.

He said: “Compliance remains the foundation. The broader objective is to create a petroleum industry characterised by certainty, predictability, transparency and confidence.”

In his presentation,  Secretary and Legal Adviser, NMDPRA, Dr Joseph Tolorunse, explained that regulatory certainty had ensured  stability of fiscal rules throughout the lifespan of projects and prevented policy reversals.

Tolorunse noted that the law has made Nigeria’s oil and gas industry more competitive, adding that increased competitiveness will attract investment, with “investment leading to growth.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector continued to record marginal movements in petrol prices across major depots in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri yesterday, reflecting continued market adjustments among petroleum marketers and depot operators.

The latest mid-day market data showed that PMS depot prices remained largely stable, with most locations recording slight reductions of between N1 and N6 per litre, while a few depots maintained unchanged prices.

In Lagos, one of Nigeria’s major petroleum trading hubs, PMS prices across several terminals recorded downward adjustments. African Terminal reduced its PMS price from N1,125 to N1,122 per litre, representing a N3 decline, while AIPEC adjusted its price from N1,125 to N1,124 per litre.

Other Lagos-based facilities, including AITEO, BONO, EMADEB and TECHNO OIL, also recorded marginal reductions. EMADEB posted the biggest decline among Lagos terminals, cutting price from N1,125 to N1,119 per litre, a reduction of N6.

The Lagos market continues to reflect the impact of increased domestic refining capacity and stronger competition among suppliers, particularly following the growing role of local refiners in meeting national fuel demand.

In Port Harcourt, depot prices also recorded mixed movements. Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, witnessed notable changes, with some terminals increasing prices. African Terminal’s AGO price rose from N1,435 to N1,503 per litre, representing an increase of N68. 

Duport also increased its price from N1,435 to N1,503 per litre, while Menj and Wosbab recorded similar increases of N63 per litre.

However, some operators reduced diesel prices. Matrix and Sigmund depots lowered AGO prices by N20 per litre, reducing them from N1,505 to N1,485 and from N1,503 to N1,483, respectively.

For PMS in Port Harcourt, prices remained relatively stable, with several depots trading within the N1,120–N1,126 per litre range.

The Calabar market also recorded modest adjustments. Fynfield reduced its PMS price from N1,145 to 1,140 per litre, while Soroman maintained its price at N1,140 per litre.

In Warri, PMS prices remained largely stable with slight downward adjustments. Matrix reduced price from N1,135 to N1,133 per litre, while Nepal adjusted from N1,133 to N1,132 per litre. Prudent also cut price from N1,135 to N1,133 per litre.

The latest depot price trends indicate a relatively stable downstream market, with PMS prices showing signs of moderation in several locations despite ongoing fluctuations in diesel prices.

Dangote Refinery determines price changes — Marketers

Managing Director of 11 Plc, Osagie Ogedegbe, said Dangote Refinery currently plays a dominant role in determining petrol prices in the country. He said: “Everybody gets petrol from Dangote and sells at the price it advises. This is the outcome of a country having just one refinery.

“However, the price will soon begin to decline because there has been stability in the country’s exchange rate. Despite the Middle East crisis, which is not yet fully resolved, there is hope that with the steady decline in crude oil prices in the international market, the price of petrol will gradually nosedive.

“I am very optimistic that the price will be reviewed downward between now and next week if the exchange rate remains stable and crude oil prices continue to fall.”

Also speaking, an energy expert and Lead Strategic Consultant at Acepontis Ltd, Atiemoria Ebhodaghe, said: “Nigerian pump prices remain high despite falling global crude oil prices largely because of the ‘rockets and feathers’ market phenomenon, where marketers are quick to raise prices when crude oil prices increase but deliberately delay passing savings on to consumers when prices fall until old, expensive inventory has been exhausted.

“We should also understand that while Dangote Refinery now purchases local crude in naira, the valuation of that crude remains pegged to the global dollar market, meaning that the depreciation of the naira continues to inflate baseline production costs.

“However, the decline in international crude oil prices indicates that relief is structurally on the way, as evidenced by recent cuts in wholesale gantry prices and NNPC’s reduction of its retail price to roughly N1,210 per litre in Abuja.

“Ultimately, until the naira strengthens and stricter regulatory compliance compels independent marketers to align with the new landing costs, the average Nigerian consumer will continue to experience delays in price reductions and pay high prices at filling stations.”

Also speaking, an operator in the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN, who pleaded anonymity, said pump prices  are expected to decline gradually because marketers are still recovering losses incurred over the past 18 months.

The price is expected to go down slowly because marketers are trying to recover their losses. Marketers have recorded very significant losses over the last 18 months.

“Losses occur throughout the supply chain every time prices fall. Marketers therefore reduce prices as gradually as possible in order to recover as much as they can. When prices increase, marketers enter the new price into their Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, system, which immediately reflects the value of the stock available before they begin selling. The reverse happens whenever prices fall.

“This is standard practice in every trading business. What Dangote Refinery can do is try as much as possible to keep costs low, but it is not going to absorb your losses, neither will Dangote subsidise them,’’ he said.

Consumers yet to benefit from recent market adjustments — Petroleumprice.ng

Despite the significant decline in global crude oil prices and the reduction in petroleum product prices at depots across Nigeria, petrol prices at filling stations have remained largely unchanged, raising concerns among industry stakeholders over slow response of downstream operators.

The observation was made by Petroleumprice.ng, which noted that consumers are yet to benefit from recent market adjustments.

Commenting on the situation, Managing Director of Petroleumprice.ng, Mr Olitide Jeremiah, said the industry is still awaiting a corresponding response from downstream operators.

He said: “Despite the significant drop in crude oil prices and depot prices across Nigeria, the prices of petrol and other petroleum products have remained high at filling stations. We are still waiting to see how downstream operators will respond to developments in the global market and at the depots.”

Marketers slown to adjust prices — OGSPAN

The National President of the Oil and Gas Services Providers Association of Nigeria, OGSPAN, Mazi Colman Obasi, attributed the slow adjustment of pump prices to the absence of a fully responsive deregulated downstream petroleum market.

According to him, price adjustments in Nigeria’s petroleum market have historically been quicker when prices rise than when they decline.

He said:  “We don’t have a very dynamic downstream market yet. Once prices go up in Nigeria, it is not always easy to bring them down and stabilise the market.”

NLC blames govt for fuel price standoff

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has blamed the Federal Government for the apparent refusal of marketers to reduce the pump price of petrol, despite sustained decline in crude oil prices in the international market.

Reacting yesterday, an NLC official, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said Nigerians should hold the Federal Government accountable for what the Congress described as excessive powers being exercised by marketers in the downstream petroleum sector.

The official said: “We warned government against creating a monopoly in the downstream petroleum industry. Unfortunately, our fears have now been confirmed. 

‘’We are not surprised by the greed being displayed by the marketers because it was the government that empowered them. Nigerians should hold government responsible for the excessive powers that marketers are exerting in the downstream petroleum sector.”

The NLC argued that genuine deregulation can only exist where there is healthy competition, transparency and effective regulation, not where a few dominant players are allowed to dictate prices without regard to prevailing market realities.

“How can anyone claim that the sector has been deregulated without first creating a conducive environment for competition? What we have today is not a competitive market but a monopoly that has been allowed to thrive unchecked.  The government has allowed a monopoly to grow out of control in the sector, and ordinary Nigerians are paying the price,’’ the Congress said.

The labour centre noted that, with decline in global crude oil prices and improvements in other market indicators, Nigerians should ordinarily be benefiting from lower fuel prices.

According to NLC, the continued refusal by marketers to reduce pump prices raises serious concerns about  effectiveness of the current deregulation framework and whether it is serving the interests of consumers or a privileged few.

The Congress recalled that it had consistently warned against policies that concentrate excessive market power in the hands of a few operators, stressing that such an arrangement would inevitably lead to price manipulation and profiteering at the expense of the public.

The NLC urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to dismantle monopolistic practices in the downstream petroleum sector, promote genuine competition and strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure that Nigerians benefit from favourable developments in the international oil market.

Former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and healthcare stakeholders have called for the adoption of innovative financing mechanisms to address funding challenges confronting healthcare systems in Africa.

They made the call at a high-level roundtable on Innovative Financing Models for Africa’s Healthcare Systems, organised by Future Perspectives, a platform founded by Osinbajo, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, in Lagos.

The roundtable held earlier this month brought together government officials, development finance institutions, investors, financial sector leaders and healthcare executives to examine ways of mobilising sustainable capital for healthcare delivery amid persistent funding gaps.

Speaking at the event, Osinbajo said government funding alone could not meet the growing demands of healthcare systems, stressing the need for alternative financing models that would expand access and reduce dependence on direct payments by patients.

Government spending alone can never address the scale of the challenge,” Osinbajo said.

He noted that many Nigerians still relied heavily on out-of-pocket healthcare payments, adding that the objective of the dialogue was to identify “practical ways to finance healthcare through innovative and sustainable mechanisms.”

The former Vice President said stronger collaboration between government, private investors, financial institutions and development partners was necessary to build resilient healthcare systems capable of serving Africa’s growing population.

The session was moderated by the Executive Director for Africa at ONE, Serah Makka, who is also a member of the Future Perspectives Board.

The meeting was attended by representatives from healthcare organisations, financial institutions, investment firms and development agencies, including the Nigeria Exchange Group, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, World Bank, International Finance Corporation and other sector stakeholders.

Representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Pate, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr Abdu Mukhtar, said limited insurance coverage remained one of the major barriers to healthcare access in Nigeria.

Mukhtar said only about 10 to 12 per cent of Nigerians currently had health insurance coverage, adding that expanding access would require significant investment and stronger partnerships.

He said ongoing collaborations with institutions, including Afreximbank and the European Investment Bank, were aimed at unlocking large-scale financing opportunities for the healthcare sector.

He, however, noted that smaller healthcare providers continued to face difficulties accessing growth capital.

“There is a missing middle. Many businesses need just $2m to $5m to grow, but struggle to access capital,” he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MedServe, Dr Tolulope Adewole, who represented the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said affordability remained a major challenge affecting healthcare demand.

According to him, sustainable healthcare financing requires collaboration among stakeholders.

The bigger problem sits on the demand side,” Adewole said, noting that many Nigerians lacked the financial capacity to access available healthcare services.

“Collaboration is what will take us out of this challenge,” he added.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AfyA Care, Dapo Akisanya, said healthcare could become a profitable and scalable sector if supported with disciplined financing structures and coordinated investments.

Akisanya advocated increased impact investing and blended financing models to support businesses operating across the healthcare value chain.

The Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun, said private capital would be critical in closing the healthcare financing gap, arguing that government resources alone were insufficient

Government funding is wholly inadequate, and private capital is essential,” Balogun said.

He added that healthcare investments required patient, long-term financing, which could be provided through capital markets.

A Senior Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation, Chishamiso Mawoyo, stressed the importance of financing healthcare providers in local currencies, noting that providers served communities whose economic realities differed from international markets.

“Healthcare providers serve local populations, so financing must reflect that reality,” Mawoyo said.

The Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, Ekenem Isichei, said financing models must focus on measurable outcomes, ensuring that resources are translated into improved health outcomes and better livelihoods.

“Financing must translate to real impact,” Isichei said, adding that philanthropy should help unlock wider sources of capital through blended financing approaches.

A Senior Health Financing Specialist at the World Bank, Dr Olumide Okunola, emphasised the importance of strengthening public financing systems, warning that private investments alone could not replace government responsibility.

Without strong public financing, everything else is limited,” Okunola said.

In his closing remarks, the Co-Founder of Future Perspectives, Yemi Asekun, said the next step was to transform discussions from the roundtable into practical financing solutions that could support healthcare development.

“Capital always follows capacity and management,” Asekun said, adding that stakeholders would continue exploring structures that could support a national healthcare investment platform.

They stated this at the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on June 23, according to a press release signed by the President of Save Nigeria Group USA, Stephen Osemwegie.

Adeboye urged the United States and its allies to intensify support for Nigeria in its fight against insecurity, and he made a direct appeal for more international support.

“If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us,” the cleric emphasised.

Thank God for Trump. He means business,” he added, commending U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance against terrorism, although he noted he did not agree with all of his positions.

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf, Oyedepo painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria, describing the country as being “virtually at the brink of collapse” due to unrelenting terrorist attacks and violence.

“My heart bleeds,” he said, while expressing support for proposed U.S legislation aimed at strengthening accountability for terrorism-related atrocities in Nigeria

Former U.S Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, warned that Nigeria risked violent civil unrest if urgent steps were not taken.

“Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest,” he noted.

Human rights advocate Dr Katrina Swett also called for increased U.S. involvement in protecting religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence.

“The future is in the hands of Nigerians, but America has powerful leverage to do more,” she added.

The President of Save Nigeria Group USA, Osemwegie, urged the U.S. Congress to pass the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, noting that it would strengthen accountability for terrorism-related crimes.

The event, themed “Thank You, America,” marked the end of a week-long advocacy campaign that included engagements with U.S. lawmakers aimed at boosting international cooperation against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Trump was honoured at the event with the 2026 Faith Defender Award for what organisers described as his administration’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and combating terrorism globally.

The Federal Government on Monday approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps since its establishment in 1973, replacing military leadership with a civilian Director-General.

It also restructured the one-year scheme into 11 specialised skills-based streams, redesigned the orientation camp programme and uniform, and directed the amendment of the NYSC Act to give immediate legal effect to the changes.

This followed Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

It is the first in three months since March 4, 2026, when the President swore in Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu.

Also on Monday, the Federal Government approved the establishment of a National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State.

It also approved N128.29bn across five health and aviation projects, including the procurement of tuberculosis commodities worth N62bn, reproductive health drugs worth N25bn, 10 blood donation vans worth N6.9bn, and the construction of the Gboko airstrip in Benue State at N34.39bn.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, said the reform process for the NYSC began in 2025 when a committee was constituted to carry out a full review of the scheme, adding that the outcome represented a fundamental repositioning of the NYSC from a mobilisation exercise into a platform for skills development, job creation, productivity and national growth.

He explained, “The NYSC was created in 1973 to promote national unity after the civil war. For 53 years, it has helped bring together Nigerian graduates and strengthen national unity. But today, our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of NYSC to also change.

“Our review found a number of challenges with NYSC, outdated laws, weak links between education and jobs, and concerns about the safety and welfare of corps members, among others.”

The minister noted that the Ministries of Youth Development and Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination worked together to develop the reform framework, adding that the council was invited to ratify the framework, the new organisational structure, and the directive to begin amending the NYSC Act and related regulations.

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, who has oversight of the reform implementation, described the move as the first holistic reform of the scheme in its 53-year history and linked the overhaul to the administration’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.

She said, “One of the important things on the basis of which we decided to embark on this reform process is that there is a need for us to intervene to build the present ambition of a $1tn economy by repositioning NYSC as a civilian-led, skill-oriented, productivity-driven and youth-empowering national institution.

“Indeed, as mentioned, the NYSC has been in existence for 53 years, and this is the first time there has been a holistic reform.

“The reform areas speak to all the strategic aspects of NYSC, starting from the area of the main area of deployment, how you are registering, what modality is being used to post you to several states, how we are recognising the areas where we have security challenges.”

She said the reform now segments the NYSC into 11 distinct core streams, which every corps member will be required to select upon registration based on academic background and personal skills profile.

The streams are the Agriculture Core, the Medical Core, the Education Core, the Technology and Digital Core, the Legal Core, the Public Service Core, the Infrastructure Core, the Green Core, the Enterprise Core, the Creative Economy Core, and the Paramilitary and Security Core.

“When you come in as a youth corps member, you will now pick which stream you want to participate in. Once you have uploaded and been recognised and accepted as a corps member, you are required to pick one of those cores, and once you register in that, certain trainings will be given for each of those cores within the two weeks,” Usman explained.

The orientation camp programme, she revealed further, will be redesigned from its current format into a structured six-week curriculum divided into three distinct two-week phases.

“The first two weeks speak to laying a foundation on civic responsibility, you will be made aware of what civic duties mean, our national values and leadership development,

“The next two weeks will look at career mapping, basic accounting literacy skills, business planning and access to finance, how do we access finance and then we intend to introduce a structured career day programme to enable corps members to engage directly with the public.

“The final two weeks, we intend to have focused corps-stream-specific training aligned with the corps member’s designated stream based on his choice, his academic background and skills profile,” Usman said.

She noted that for streams requiring longer certification periods, such as the Digital Core, where relevant certifications may span three to six months, corps members would remain in structured training rather than being posted to primary assignment locations.

“We want them to have skills that will enable them to be self-employed,” she said.

The new management structure will be headed by a civilian Director-General, supported by three Executive Directors and a security directorate to be led by a military or paramilitary officer, she revealed.

Responding to questions on the security implications of removing military operational leadership, Usman argued that the arrangement will preserve the military’s core protective function while transferring administrative authority to civilian professionals.

She noted, “We recognise that NYSC is spread across the whole country, and security is a core aspect of ensuring the safety of our corps members.

“The safety aspect still remains with the military, but the operational leadership of NYSC will be civilian-led, while security will continue to be anchored and implemented by the Nigerian military.”

She also noted that the Passing-Out Parade will be redesigned and renamed as a graduation ceremony.

The NYSC uniform, she added, would also be overhauled to reflect a more professional identity while preserving its distinctive character.

Usman confirmed that the Attorney-General of the Federation, working with the Ministry of Youth Development, has been directed to amend the NYSC Act and related regulations to give immediate legal backing to the approved changes.

On brain drain, the Japa wave driving thousands of NYSC-age graduates abroad each year, she said the reform was designed to turn the challenge into an asset rather than simply try to stem the outflow.

According to her, “Brain drain is something that we cannot stop as a country. We’re looking to see how we can produce more graduates that will enable us to have more,  and actually export and earn foreign exchange from the brain drain.

“What happened in India: they left, and now they are back to promote and support various areas within the tech industry; this is the model. The more we produce, the more we are able to retain and channel brain drain back into Nigeria’s development.”

Also briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said the council considered four critical health items, beginning with the upgrade of the existing snakebite treatment facility in Kaltungo into a comprehensive research and medical institution with an expanded mandate for clinical services, research and training.

Pate explained, “The Federal Executive Council today considered four important items related to the health of Nigerian people.

First was the upgrade of the snake bite treatment centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, into the National Snake Bite Research and Medical Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, with an expanded mandate for clinical services, research, and training to respond to the need that exists in our country for adequate attention to snake bites and snake envenomation.

“Snakebite remains a significant yet neglected public health challenge, particularly in our rural communities here in Nigeria, in the savannah regions, but also across the sub-region, and is especially hard on vulnerable populations, farmers, herders, hunters, women and children, whose livelihoods and daily activities expose them to encounters with snakes.

“We do have a large burden. Over 43,000 snakebites annually occur, many of which result in death, disfigurement, disability and psychological trauma with severe socioeconomic impact.

“This new centre will be an important new institution that will address the challenge, particularly in the Northeast, the Northwest and the North Central geopolitical zones of Nigeria, where the issue is most dire.”

He said the new centre would provide comprehensive, specialised care for snakebite and related envenomations, undertake research on snakebite epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and ensure sustainable access and supply of quality anti-snake venom through a full clinical and medical department.

“It will also partner with international institutions. This is a major step that brings an institution that will be the first of its kind in this country, but also in our sub-region,” Pate added.

On the second approval, Pate said the council approved the procurement of 10 units of compressed natural gas-powered blood donation medical clinic vans for the National Blood Service Agency’s zonal activities, at a cost of N6.9bn.

Approximately, we require 1.8 million units of blood donations annually. At the current rate, we only get about 25 to 30 per cent.

“These blood donation vehicles can be deployed to mobilise donors so that we enhance the collection of blood that is critical for pregnant women who may require caesarean sections, for trauma victims, for patients undergoing surgery, but also for those being treated for cancers who require repeated transfusions.

“It is part of the effort to build infrastructure comprehensively for emergency medical services dealing with maternal health,” the minister explained.

The third approval, Pate revealed, was for the procurement of tuberculosis commodities.

He argued that the item reflected a deliberate pivot away from decades of dependence on external actors for the country’s TB treatment supply chain.

He said, “Nigeria is among the countries that have the highest burden of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a socially determined disease, a disease of those who are poor, vulnerable, a disease of poverty, malnutrition, comorbidities and poor housing.

“Until now, most of the treatment for tuberculosis depended on external actors. Now the Nigerian government is stepping in to procure those commodities and put us on a path to manufacture them locally.

“We don’t manufacture those at the moment, so the effort to procure by the Federal Government will ultimately lead to the manufacturing of anti-tuberculosis drugs, both the first line and the second line.”

The health minister said the fourth approval, worth N25bn, covered reproductive health drugs and commodities to be procured through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and distributed through primary health care centres nationwide.

According to him, “The procurement is to provide family planning commodities and maternal health commodities for those who choose to use them for birth spacing,  essentially allowing women to exercise their wish, if they so wish, to use family planning.

“This is also with a view to getting us on a path to manufacturing those commodities in Nigeria.”

For his part, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the council also approved the construction and development of the Gboko airstrip in Benue State, awarded to MESSRS CCECC Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of N34.39bn.

“The Gboko area, in particular, serves as an important hub for agricultural activities around the Middle Belt, and also, in particular, for security agencies who have had to look for airstrips and bases to confront the challenges we are facing around that axis,” Keyamo said.

He added, “It will also be a base for humanitarian activities and services and emergency medical services. That is how important that area is, and we thought it was important to put an airstrip there to confront and address these challenges of government.”

Households across parts of the country are beginning to experience relief as retail prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas, decline following improved product supply and softer depot prices, The PUNCH reports.

The latest market update from gas marketers showed that retail LPG prices have started easing in major cities after weeks of elevated prices, although the reductions have not been uniform because of varying transportation costs, distance from supply depots and retailer margins.

Checks by marketers indicated that cooking gas is now selling for between N1,100 and N1,350 per kilogramme in Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta, while consumers in Benin City, Port Harcourt and Warri are paying between N1,150 and N1,400/kg.

In Onitsha and Enugu, retail prices range from N1,200 to N1,450/kg, while consumers in Abuja pay between N1,250 and 1500/kg

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Edu Inyang, told our correspondent that northern cities, including Kano and Kaduna, currently record prices of N1,300 to N1,550/kg, while consumers in Maiduguri and parts of the North-East still pay the highest prices, ranging from N1,350 to N1,650/kg, reflecting the additional logistics costs of transporting products to the region.

Overall, Inyang said the national retail price range now stands at approximately N1,100 to N1,650 per kilogramme, although some neighbourhood retailers continue to charge above the range where transportation and distribution costs remain elevated.

The improvement marks a reversal from the sharp increases witnessed from May, when supply tightness and rising depot prices pushed cooking gas costs significantly higher across several parts of the country.

According to the NALPGAM president, the latest decline follows improved product availability from both domestic production and imports, as well as lower depot prices. He also attributed the easing to increased competition among marketers and the disappearance of panic buying that had briefly tightened supplies.

“Following reports of improved LPG supply and softer depot prices in late June 2026, retail cooking gas prices have started easing in some markets, although the reduction has not been uniform across Nigeria. Transport costs, distance from depots, and retailer margins still create noticeable differences between cities.

“Overall, the national retail range is roughly N1,100 to N1,650 per kilogramme, with some neighbourhood retailers charging slightly above this range where logistics costs remain high. The recent easing reflects lower depot prices as supply improved, increased product availability from domestic sources and imports, reduced panic buying and hoarding after government market interventions, and more competition among marketers in major cities,” Inyang said.

The development is expected to provide some relief to households grappling with rising living costs, although industry players noted that prices may continue to differ from one location to another depending on local distribution expenses.

Based on the prevailing retail prices, a 5kg cylinder refill now costs between N5,500 and N8,250, while a 6kg refill ranges from N6,600 to N9,900. Inyang said consumers refilling a standard 12.5kg cylinder are expected to pay between N13,750 and N20,625, depending on location and retailer.

Despite the improvement, marketers cautioned that retail prices are yet to stabilise nationwide, noting that communities located farther from major LPG depots may continue to experience relatively higher prices because of transportation costs.

Industry operators expressed optimism that sustained product availability from local producers, alongside steady imports, would further moderate prices in the coming weeks, provided there were no major disruptions to supply or logistics.

Also, the National Chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Ayobami Olarinoye, told our correspondent that normalcy was gradually returning to the sector.

However, Olarinoye, whose members sell gas in neighbourhood shops, said they currently sell to consumers at prices ranging from N1,600 to N1,800/kg. “The inflow and supply are gradually getting back to normal. There is more availability.

“The price is also coming down gradually. As of today (Monday), we buy from between N1,300 and N1,500 per kg from the marketers (plant operators), depending on the locations, while we sell between N1,600 and N1,800 per kg to consumers. This also depends on the location and associated logistics.”

The PUNCH earlier reported that as cooking gas prices rose by about 140 per cent in many locations across the country, marketers finalised plans to import the product on a large scale to improve affordability and availability.

Cooking gas prices rose from an average of N1,000 per kilogramme in January and February this year to as high as N2,400 between May and June. Consequently, the regulator began issuing licences for the importation of LPG. This followed the inability of local LPG producers to meet domestic demand, according to industry operators.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, intervened, warning operators against hoarding and profiteering.

Medical doctors have called for the public ranking of governors and states based on health outcomes, saying such a system would promote accountability and encourage greater investment in healthcare delivery.

The physicians argued that assessing state governments using indicators such as maternal and child mortality, immunisation coverage, primary healthcare performance and disease control would provide a clearer picture of their commitment to improving citizens’ health.

They noted that making the rankings public could foster healthy competition among states and drive evidence-based policymaking.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the President of the Nigeria Medical Association, Prof. Afekhide Omoti, said healthcare failure should not primarily be that of the Federal Government alone.

He said the country must strengthen the state and local governments’ responsibility in financing healthcare.

“Healthcare failure is not only a federal problem. Many primary healthcare centres are under the state and local governments, but remain abandoned.

“States should match federal healthcare interventions, local governments should begin publishing PHC spending reports, governors should be assessed publicly on health outcomes, while federal allocations for health should be tied to measurable performance. Nigeria cannot centralise all blame in Abuja while states neglect frontline healthcare,” he said.

He urged relevant government agencies and health institutions to develop transparent performance assessment frameworks and publish regular scorecards on state health outcomes.

Omoti stressed that measuring and publicising progress is essential to improving health systems and accelerating Nigeria’s journey towards universal health coverage.

Omoti, who spoke on the effect of shrinking donor funding and poor release of budgetary allocation to health, said it was time for states and local governments to fully contribute to the healthcare of their residents.

The NMA president also said that the government should enforce full and timely budget releases to the healthcare sector.

“One major problem is that ministries and hospitals receive partial releases long after budgets are passed. We have observed that the problem is no longer only about budget allocation; it is now fundamentally about budget credibility, release efficiency, and accountability.

“Nigeria can decide to announce ambitious health budgets every year, but if funds are not fully released, poorly utilized, or diverted through bureaucratic bottlenecks, the health sector will continue to deteriorate,” he said.

According to him, the government must move from symbolic budgeting to enforceable health financing reforms.

“Critical healthcare funding should be treated like debt servicing and national security obligations. This means that certain health expenditures, especially primary healthcare, immunization, emergency response, and salaries, should receive automatic statutory releases,” he said.

He said that releases for healthcare funding should not depend on political discretion or quarterly cash-flow politics.

“Healthcare cannot remain the first victim whenever revenue falls short,” he said.

The NMA president said Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil revenues to fund public services has made healthcare financing unstable.

He called for increased diversification of health financing through increased domestic resource mobilisation and expanded health insurance coverage, among others.

Although the FG finances healthcare through a combination of direct budgetary allocations, mandatory health insurance, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and tax-based revenue, donor funding is still used for some health services.

But the funding cuts by the Donald Trump administration in January 2025 are affecting many health services largely funded by donors in Nigeria.

In the wake of the funding crisis, PUNCH Healthwise reported that experts warned Nigeria’s heavy reliance on donor support could trigger a rise in HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria infections, urging the immediate mobilisation of domestic resources.

In August 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund stated that it faced a $160 million funding gap for crucial humanitarian aid in Nigeria.

But speaking on what the country can do, the NMA president said Nigeria can expand health financing beyond oil revenue.

He listed public-private partnerships, diaspora health investment bonds, among others, to support revenue from oil in financing healthcare in Nigeria.

“Depending heavily on oil revenues makes health financing unstable. Nigeria should diversify health funding through expanded health insurance contributions, sin taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks dedicated specifically to health, public-private partnerships, diaspora health investment bonds, and special intervention funds for health infrastructure,” he said

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, declaring that defeating terrorism and other forms of criminality requires collective action.

The governor made the appeal in a statewide broadcast to mark the launch of the “Unite Against Terror” campaign, stressing that security is the responsibility of every citizen and not the government alone.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. The government and security agencies cannot do it alone. If you see something, say something. If you notice any suspicious movement, unusual gathering or activities that threaten the peace and security of your community, report them promptly to the appropriate security agencies,” Yahaya said.

He described insecurity as the greatest threat confronting Northern Nigeria, warning that sustainable development would remain impossible without peace and stability.

Insecurity remains the single most significant threat to the stability and development of Northern Nigeria. There is a direct and undeniable nexus between security and development. Without security, there can be no development, and without development, there can be no lasting peace,” he said.

The governor commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property.

“Day and night, in the face of grave danger, you stand guard over our communities. We salute your courage and pay special tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” he said.

Highlighting his administration’s security initiatives since assuming office in 2019, Yahaya said Gombe had remained one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states despite its proximity to insurgency-ravaged parts of the North-East.

According to him, the state established the Ministry of Internal Security and Internal Affairs, created the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps, launched Operation Hattara, strengthened local vigilante groups, equipped security agencies with operational vehicles and logistics, and set up local peace committees to resolve communal and farmer-herder conflicts before they escalated.

He added that two security summits organised by the state had improved intelligence sharing, community participation and rapid response to security threats.

As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Yahaya said he had championed the establishment of the Northern States Security Trust Fund to enable states to pool resources in tackling insecurity.

“We cannot confront these challenges in isolation because of our porous borders, which allow criminals to move freely across state lines. If we are to succeed, no state can achieve peace in isolation,” he said.

The governor urged security agencies to embrace modern technology alongside community-based intelligence gathering while ensuring respect for human rights during operations.

“The threats we face are evolving, and we must evolve with them. Community engagement, intelligence-led operations and respect for human rights must remain the guiding principles of your work,” he said.

He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations and community associations to sustain their support for peace-building efforts.

Yahaya further appealed to residents to reject terrorism, violence, hate and other forms of criminality, saying criminals thrive where communities are divided.

“Criminals and terrorists thrive where there is division; they fail where communities are united and vigilant,” he said.

The governor expressed support for the Federal Government’s anti-terrorism efforts under President Bola Tinubu, urging residents to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure the success of the national campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

He urged citizens to embrace the spirit of the “Unite Against Terror” campaign and continue praying for security personnel, leaders, and the peace, unity and prosperity of Gombe State and Nigeria.

Warns that withdrawal of Federal Government funding would  compromise the standard of the airport

ENUGU -Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), a group of prominent Igbo intellectuals, traditional rulers and stakeholders, has totally rejected the transfer of the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, (AIIA) Enugu to a private company by the Federal Government.

ILT described the action of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as “another grave act of injustice against Ndigbo in Nigeria and further escalation of the prolonged marginalisation of the South-East region in the affairs of the nation.”

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) had last Thursday handed over the Enugu International Airport to the concessionaire, Aero Alliance Limited, following the completion of all the necessary documentation.

Under the 30-year Public-Private partnership arrangement, facilitated by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mba, the company will undertake the financing, rehabilitation, expansion, operation and management of the airport.

However, in a strong worded statement on Monday, ILT totally rejected the transfer of the airport to the concessionaire, warning that the withdrawal of Federal Government funding would definitely compromise the standard of the airport, including safety infrastructure, operational efficiency and passenger experience.

The group recalled that when the Federal Government commenced the process for the concession of the airport, it sparked significant controversy and backlash, revolving around issues of transparency, inadequate consultation, labour rights, contract duration and the sustainability of private funding for such a critical national asset.

It regretted that while the issues surrounding the concession were still pending, the Federal Government went ahead to concession Enugu International Airport to a company without any visible record of managing an airport of such magnitude within Nigeria or overseas.

The implication is that out of the six international airports in Nigeria, Enugu International Airport is the only one to be financed, operated and managed by a private company, while the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation, continues to fund the remaining five.

“The Enugu Airport was established in the 1950s by the Government of Old Eastern Region as an aerodrome, before the Obasanjo military regime in the late 1970s upgraded it to a regular airport. The government of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua later upgraded it to international status in 2007 and after major refurbishment, it was eventually opened to international flights in 2013, and was renamed Akanu Ibiam International Airport by the Goodluck Jonathan government. It cost the Federal Government N14 billion to upgrade the airport under both the Yar’Adua and Jonathan governments.

“In October 2019, Tinubu’s predecessor, President Muhammmadu Buhari (now late), approved a N10 billion special intervention fund for a comprehensive upgrade and rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, focusing on rehabilitating the degraded runway, fixing the airfield lighting and installing proper perimeter fencing”, ILT noted   in the statement signed Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, the
President and Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, the
Secretary.

According to them, this major upgrade, which gave the airport a facelift, was officially inaugurated in August 2020 with fanfare in the South East when Hadi Sirika was the Minister of Aviation.

It regretted that the Tinubu government has reversed all the gains by handing Enugu airport over to a private company, while the Federal Government will continue funding and managing the remaining five international airports in the country.

As of today, there is currently no active private concessionaire operating any of the other five international airports in Nigeria, namely, Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Malam Aminu Kanu International Airport Kano, Port Harcourt International Airport and Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. Why should the case of Enugu International Airport, the only international airport in the South East be different?

Curiously, the same Tinubu government that handed over Enugu International Airport to a private company, earlier cancelled the concession bidding programme for the international terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, and opted for a ₦712 billion structural rebuild, through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

“Festus Keyamo claimed during the handover ceremony that there are bidders for the other five international airports. Why did he not wait for the bidding processes to be concluded, so that all the six international airports would be handed over to concessionaires the same time? Why the haste in handing over Enugu International Airport?

“When President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he described his government as a continuation of Buhari government, meaning that he would continue the programmes and projects of his predecessor. Unfortunately, Tinubu changed his policy in the case of Enugu International Airport, by handing it over to a private company, rather than approve more intervention funds for the airport, like he did for the Lagos International Airport.

“This is another grave injustice to Ndigbo and further escalation of the marginalisation of the South-East in the affairs of the nation. We will not allow this injustice to Ndigbo by the Tinubu Government to stand”, they said, and vowed to use every lawful means possible  to challenge the concession of Enugu International Airport.

ILT regretted that the Federal Government proceeded to hand over the Enugu Airport to the company in spite of the reservations expressed by aviation unions about the opaque nature of the concession programme, including possible ties between the concessionaire and state officials

The group maintained that the concession would retard the growth and development of the only international airport in the South East

“Based on our findings, none of the six international airports in Nigeria is profitable. What it means is that they are all relying on government funding to operate. If the federal government stops funding Enugu International Airport, even if for one day, the facilities will go down.

“If the airports are not profitable, where will the concessionaire get the money to maintain the airport for the next 30 years? So, the handover of Enugu Airport is injustice to the South East. The government should fund Enugu airport like other international airports in the country,” ILT stated.

Women and youth members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Thursday staged a protest, blocking the busy Ilesha-Owo Expressway over the National Assembly candidates’ list released by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Respect the Will of Party Members,” “No to Candidate Substitution,” “Restore Our Mandates,” “Justice for APC Aspirants,” and “NWC, Reverse the List Now,” disrupted traffic for several hours, leaving motorists and commuters stranded.

They demanded the withdrawal of the list and the reinstatement of what they described as the authentic candidates who emerged from the party’s May primaries.

The demonstrators accused the party leadership of replacing candidates who won the primaries, alleging that the list released by the NWC did not reflect the outcome of the ward and local government elections conducted across the state’s 203 wards.

The protest also caused a traffic gridlock that temporarily delayed the convoy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was returning from Osogbo, Osun State.

Addressing the protesters, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, described the demonstration as a peaceful rejection of what she called a “fake list” circulating online.

“We know those we voted for and those who won the elections. What is being circulated does not reflect the people’s mandate.

“This is a peaceful protest. We say no to mago-mago appeal, no to fake appeal and no to corner-corner appeal. People’s votes should count,” she said.

Osamaye expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would ensure justice prevailed.

We know President Tinubu is a man who listens and believes in justice. What we are demanding is simple: let the people’s votes count,” she added.

She also urged the APC National Working Committee to publicly explain the appeal process that allegedly resulted in changes to the candidates’ list.

“Let Nigerians know the appeal that overturned the will of party members,” she said.

The APC State Women Leader, Princess Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, maintained that credible primaries were conducted across the state’s 18 local government areas, insisting that the names released by the NWC did not reflect the actual results.

“This is a slap on the APC in Ondo State and a direct affront to our leader, Governor Aiyedatiwa,” she alleged.

According to her, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, had visited the party’s national secretariat several times without resolving the issue.

“We have authentic results from ward, local government and state levels. We want candidates chosen by members, not imposed ones,” she said, warning that more protests could follow if the party failed to address their grievances.

A youth leader of the party, Bright Ojo, described the development as a threat to internal democracy.

“The people voted and the results reflected their wishes, but suddenly names were changed. We will resist every attempt to subvert the mandate of our members because nobody can suppress the will of the people,” he said.

Security personnel were deployed to the scene to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the protest and to restore normalcy, while efforts were made by officials to persuade the demonstrators to reopen the highway.

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the first operation followed a distress report that armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they attacked residents and abducted two children.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga ordered an immediate rescue operation involving police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The statement said, “Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest.

“On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.”

Police said one suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested, while three mobile phones were recovered at the scene.

The command added, “In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, described by police as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.

According to the statement, “The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.”

The police confirmed that the victims were rescued alive and reunited with their family.

“The two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family.”

In a separate operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit acted on intelligence indicating that a wanted robbery kingpin was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State with members of his gang.

The police said, “The intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State alongside members of his criminal syndicate.”

Although the suspects escaped upon sighting the operatives, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of several weapons.

The statement listed the recovered exhibits as:

“Two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011; One Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357; One English-made revolver pistol; and Thirty-six (36) live cartridges.”

Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The recovery of these sophisticated firearms underscores the dangerous capability of the criminal network and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crimes and dismantle organised criminal groups.”

The command described the operations as evidence of its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration with other security agencies.

“These operational successes reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing, prompt operational response, and effective inter-agency collaboration.”

The police also commended the contributions of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public, noting that their cooperation played a significant role in the success of both operations.

Investigations are continuing, while all suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, the release noted.