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Fire has razed a section of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) House located in Marina, Lagos.


The fire incident occurred on Monday night, with multiple videos on social media showing a section of the 20-storey building in flames as passers-by raised an alarm for rescue operation.


Some minutes later, firefighters arrived at the scene to put out the fire.


Confirming the incident, Shakiru Amodu, head of public education of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, told TheCable that the inferno was quickly curtailed.


“Nothing serious, more like a fire scare as it was curtailed in good time. Just the inverter battery section,” Amodu said.


In September 2025, fire engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street in Lagos Island, a multiple storey building that houses offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc (UCAP), a branch of UBA, and other financial institutions.


Four staff members of FIRS and six employees of United Capital died during the fire incident.


The fire was said to have started in the inverter room located in the basement of the storey building.


(TheCable)


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The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, will resume work at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday following the suspension of the nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).


ARD UCH President Dr Uthman Adedeji disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, confirming compliance with the national directive.


NAN reports that NARD had earlier directed its members nationwide to embark on an indefinite strike over the federal government’s failure to address its demands.


The demands include immediate reversal of the revised Professional Allowance, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and prompt disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), among others.


Adedeji said the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, during which NARD directed members nationwide, including those at UCH, to resume duties at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.


He explained that the decision followed the federal government’s reversal of its stance on the revised professional allowance and a commitment to address other outstanding issues raised by the association.


He said that no new patients would be admitted at UCH until Wednesday morning, as doctors would use the period to properly hand over patients currently on admission to consultants.


According to him, patients who are stable will be discharged, while no new cases, including emergencies, will be accepted until full services resume at the scheduled time.


Adedeji added that some doctors might be granted additional time to manage critically ill patients beyond the handover window, subject to approval from the association’s leadership.


He reiterated the association’s commitment to patient care and urged the federal government to urgently address the demands of NARD to prevent further disruption in the health sector. (NAN)


 


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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said that relationship influencer Blessing Okoro, known as “Blessing CEO,” deceived the public by circulating a forged breast cancer diagnosis that originally belonged to another patient, Mbara Deborah, in order to solicit donations.


The Delta State chapter of NMA said in a statement that it conducted an investigation and discovered that the histology report Okoro presented as her own was issued on May 9, 2025 by Xinus Medical Diagnostics in Asaba, Delta State and not Enugu, as Okoro claimed, for a patient referred by a private hospital doctor.


The NMA said the report was never issued to Okoro at any point.


The proprietor of Xinus Medical Diagnostics and a member of the NMA Delta State chapter, Dr. O. A. Odigwe, approached the association to clarify the matter and confirmed that the original result which belongs to Mbara Deborah was the same document being circulated online by law firm Allen Juris Law, and that Okoro had no connection to it.


When confronted with this information, Okoro acknowledged receiving donations from the public but refused to apologise, claiming she had  genuine personal health fears.


‎In its official statement, signed by chairman Dr. Israel  Adaigho and secretary Dr. Usamah Hannah, the NMA said the integrity of the association and its members “is very paramount and should not be taken for granted.”


The association urged authorities to act to protect the public from further exploitation.


The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to an online histology report purportedly issued to one Blessing Okoro, AKA Blessing CEO, by XINUS MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS allegedly located in Enugu State. The said histology report was also alleged to have been signed by Dr O. A. Odigwe, a consultant pathologist.


‎”The proprietor of Xinus Medical Diagnostics, Dr O.A. Odigwe who is also a member of the Nigeria Medical Association, Delta State Chapter has reached us and has offered the following information to clear the air on the true position of the result as follows: That Xinus Medical Diagnostics is located in Asaba, Delta State and did not at anytime issue any report to BLESSING OKORO.


‎”That Xinus Medical Diagnostics was actually contacted in May 2025 by a doctor from a private hospital in Asaba to do a confirmatory test on a possible case of breast cancer for his patient, Mbara Deborah. That the test was done and the result issued to the referring doctor as a case of Breast Cancer on the 9th of May, 2025.


“That a copy of that result is the one being circulated online by the Law firm- Allen Juris Law, with the name Mbara Deborah as the patient. That the result online from the law firm is the original version issued to the patient through her hospital.


‎”This clarification is deemed necessary in view of what the altered report being paraded by Blessing Okoro is now being used for. The members of the public should therefore be guided accordingly.


‎”The integrity of our association and its members is very paramount and should not therefore be taken for granted. We call on the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order to do the needful and save the unsuspecting members of the public from being taken undue advantage of.”


(TheSun)


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Grief quickly gave way to anger in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, on Tuesday as a funeral for victims of the recent attack turned into a protest over what residents describe as a widening gap between violence and justice in Plateau State.


Women and youths gathered outside the church, disrupting proceedings and demanding accountability, insisting that those earlier arrested were not responsible for the killings.


The demonstration reflected a deeper frustration, one rooted in repeated attacks and what many see as a slow, ineffective response from authorities.


As tensions rose, the state government confirmed the death toll had climbed to 33 after more victims died in the hospital.


Chief of Staff Jeremiah Satmak said efforts are ongoing to uncover those behind the attack and restore calm.


“Government is working tirelessly to unravel the motive behind these killings and bring an end to the violence on the Plateau. This attack was meant to break our unity, but it will not succeed,” he said.


He urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, while also confirming the release of three youths earlier detained in connection with the incident, one of the key demands of the protesters.


Religious leaders warned that without justice, peace would remain elusive. Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, struck a firm note.


“There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return,” he said.


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The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NIRSAL, and SMEDAN to restructure the repayment system for recovery of the COVID-19 loans from Nigerians who took the facility.


It also wants the interest rates reduced, as well as extension of the repayment time, and make the process more flexible so that small businesses do not collapse.


The House made the call recently following public outcry by Nigerians who complained that their accounts were being emptied.


The lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Finance to suspend all forceful recoveries and even consider waiving the loans for low-income earners and small business owners.


According to Rep. Saidu Abdullahi who moved the motion, many people genuinely cannot repay these loans because of the current economic hardship.


Following complaints by people who took out loans that their accounts were being emptied, some stakeholders have urged the CBN and NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) to furnish Nigerians with the records of the COVID-19 loans.


They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.


NAN reports that in 2020, the Federal Government had established a Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) to cushion the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians and small businesses.


The stakeholders claimed that the total amount given out in loans and the amount recovered had been shrouded in secrecy.


Findings revealed that the TCF was created by the CBN and disbursed by NMFB, which is affiliated to the apex bank.


Available records show that a total sum of about N419.42 billion was disbursed to 792,936 beneficiaries, consisting of households and small businesses.


Some beneficiaries of the loans had, however, complained that their bank savings were being eroded without authorisation.


According to an economist, Bola Adeola, COVID-19 loan recovery statistics are still unavailable.


Adeola said that many beneficiaries defaulted in the repayment of the loans.


“Auto-debits only began recently for COVID-19 loans. Accountability remains a myth,” he said.


A policy analyst, Mr Seidu Yusuf, said that many people just noticed money being taken from their bank accounts by NFMB, and it had caused a lot of confusion.


“Most of these deductions are for COVID‑19 intervention loans under the TCF.


“Some people thought this money is a free grant, but it is actually a loan that must be paid back.


“If the loan is not fully repaid on time, NIRSAL can automatically take money from any account linked to your BVN.”


Emannuel Owen, a banker, said that many people collected the COVID-19 and NIRSAL loans without having real plans for the money.


According to him, they spent it anyhow, without thinking about repayment. Now, for years, their accounts have been debited, and they are angry and frustrated.


An official of the CBN, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that NIRSAL was in charge of the disbursement and recovery of the loans.


According to him, it is difficult to know exactly how much has been recovered, but they are recovering.


He said that 62 per cent of the N419 billion total sum that was disbursed under the TFC was underperforming,


He said that ₦ 41 billion had been repaid, while ₦261 billion remains in default as non-performing loans.


“N116 billion is still in the system, being paid or restructured.


“The only thing they need is your BVN to enable them to access all your bank accounts. A lot of the beneficiaries thought that they would not pay back the loans,” he said. (NAN)


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Two love birds who have found reasons to be with each other in a marital union, Chidinma Umezugha and Chidi Amechi, the Chairman of Moorex Group will be traditionally joined as husband and wife in a colourful ceremony on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. 

The bride and his groom, both of whom are from Nnewi South local government area of Anambra State will traditionally tie the knot at the bride's home — Ichie John Umezugha (Eziokwu Bu Ndu compound), near Unubi High School. 

"With joyful hearts, we invite you to celebrate our Traditional Marriage Ceremony as we begin this beautiful journey of love, culture, and family", the couple said in their official invitation to well wishers in a viral message. 

"Come share in the joy, laughter, culture, music, and blessings as two families become one. We look forward to celebrating this memorable day with you", the stated further. 

Prominent personalities are expected at the occasion which comes ahead of a church wedding taking place later this year.








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Iconic International Holdings is proud to officially announce all is now set  for the highly anticipated 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2026 Awards a prestigious event dedicated to honoring exceptional leaders, innovators, and influential figures shaping Africa’s future and impacting the global community.

The landmark event will take place on 10 April 2026 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos, bringing together distinguished guests, global leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from across Africa for an evening of recognition, celebration, and inspiration.


The 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year Awards serves as a powerful platform that recognizes excellence, celebrates transformational leadership, and promotes innovation, unity, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond. 

The initiative continues to reflect the organization’s commitment to empowering individuals whose contributions drive meaningful change and progress within society.

Speaking on the development , the Chief Executive Officer of Iconic International Holdings Tinotenda Michelle Chavundura reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to building a legacy of excellence and advancing global recognition of impactful leadership.

Tinotenda noted that “The 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year Awards is more than a celebration — it is a movement that honors greatness, inspires future leaders, and strengthens our collective vision for Africa’s growth and global influence.”

Iconic International Holdings looks forward to welcoming partners, stakeholders, and honorees to this historic gathering as the organization continues to set the standard for global recognition and leadership excellence said Malaika Lobengula the Executive Director of the organization. 

According to Amb. Dr. Temisan O. Louis President/Founder of the Iconic International Holdings Group, This year’s edition in Lagos Nigeria will include a Business & Leadership Summit beginning from 11am to 2pm and the Dinner Award event which will Honor and celebrate 100 Iconic Personalities from diverse industries across Africa and diaspora. 

He noted delegates are arriving from over 35 countries into Lagos beginning from Wednesday 8th April 2026 ahead of the event. 

In the same vein, the Executive Global Vice President of Iconic International Holdings Amb. Apphia Nyasha Musavengana stated that As Per our  mandate to position Iconic International Holdings as the Africa’s most reputable recognition platform, the event will Honor only thoroughly vetted and qualified individuals and organizations who have contributed immensely towards societal development and advancement over the years.

The Event will feature Keynote Presentations By Prof. Eze Chidi Nwauba Vice Chancellor I-Fatoss University Benin Republic, Amb. Dr. Olamide Junaid founder of OJ Initiatives, Dr. Chinweoke Amarachi Okuwobi Founder Talented Women Network and Fire Side Chat Session from Global Talent Star Chief Dr. Alibaba and Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene Founder GMYT Group alongside other Notable Panelists Speakers like Dr. Kaffy, Rugged Man, Simply_Tacha amongst others. 

The Event will further cement Iconic International Holdings as the Premiere and most reputable Recognition Brand in Africa and Diaspora.

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A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed claims that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, have been rescued by the Nigerian Army.


The community described the reports as false and misleading.


The rebuttal follows earlier reports suggesting that troops had successfully freed victims kidnapped during a coordinated attack on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.


Recall that suspected bandits had invaded Ariko in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers and abducting scores of others into the bush, an incident that sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.


However, in a statement dated April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, said contrary to the rescue claims, all abducted persons remain in captivity.


“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons abducted during the Easter service in Ariko. We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and misleading,” the statement read.


According to him, families of the victims are still in contact with the abductors, who have reportedly confirmed that the victims are alive and currently held at their camp.


“This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation,” he added.


The community leader expressed concern over the circulation of what he described as inaccurate information, warning that such reports could create confusion, give false hope to grieving families, and erode public trust in official communication.


While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies to address insecurity, he urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is released, particularly on sensitive matters involving lives.


“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority. We call on all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement added.


The association also expressed solidarity with affected families and assured that updates would be communicated as credible information becomes available.


The Nigerian Army has yet to officially respond to the denial as of the time of filing this report.


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Amnesty International Nigeria said Katsina State is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster following persistent attacks by bandits on rural communities in the state.


The human rights group made this known in a Monday statement shared on Facebook.


This comes after a fresh attack on Sayaya village in Matazu local government area of the state on Sunday.


The bandits said to be more than 100 reportedly killed a policeman and two others and attacked a police station.


The assailants also razed a health centre and other buildings in the community.


Amnesty lamented that bandits have sustained attacks on rural communities despite a peace deal with the state government.


The group said bandits have killed no fewer than 1591 people in Katsina between 2021 and 2025 and warned that the state is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.


Amnesty said, “Despite so-called peace deal gunmen and bandits continue to raze entire villages, kill people and abduct women and girls.


“The latest atrocity was at Sayaya village of Matazu local government area.


“Gunmen attacked the village and set all cars and motorbikes on fire. Then they went from house to house setting fire to everything they can find. After the bandits left the entire village was in ashes.


“The bandits that invaded the village were said to be over 100 on motorbikes carrying sophisticated weapons.


“Rural communities in Katsina state continue in constant fear of attacks by bandits.


“Katsina state government continues to fail the people, while bandits are having a field day, killing and abducting people almost daily.


“In what appears to be disdain for the pain of the people affected by banditry, in January Katsina state government approved the release of 70 notorious bandits in what was described bizarrely as ‘a peace deal.’ Between 2021 and 2025 bandits have killed at least 1,591 people.


“Some victims of the recent attacks across Katsina state told Amnesty International that security forces were absent during most of the attacks, arriving only hours or a day after the attackers had left.


“Katsina state is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.”


The group argued that the spate of these killings is an evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.


“Inability of authorities to bring attackers to justice is fueling impunity,” it stressed.


(TheSun)

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ADC Chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the incarceration of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, led to his mother’s death.


The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had earlier detained El-Rufai for alleged corruption during his tenure as governor.


He was then charged before the Kaduna State High Court and later granted bail.


El-Rufai’s mother died while he was in detention, and he was subsequently given administrative bail to attend her funeral.


Reacting to the incident, Okonkwo said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to use the judiciary.


In an interview with Symponi TV, Okonkwo said: “APC wants to use the lawyers and the judiciary; why am I saying that they want to use the judiciary?


“I give you a good example of what happened in El-Rufai’s case; as far as I’m concerned, it’s the incarceration of El-Rufai that killed his mother.


“You know when mothers get to that age, they are so sentimental, they become so emotional.


“Let me tell you, somebody told my mother that thieves stole from the houses of some of her children. She felt so bad that they had to call preachers to come and start preaching to her that nothing is wrong.


“Then you can imagine an aged woman of 90 years, and you are telling her that they arrested her son, some people might tell her that her son has died, that is what killed her, in my own opinion.


“When the woman died, that is when they remembered that they would release El-Rufai without a court order, meaning that they are the ones using the judiciary, because you can’t disobey the order of the court.”


(TheSun)

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has decried what he called Nigeria’s failure in leadership, linking it to the recent Easter killings in Plateau and Nasarawa states.


Speaking via his official X handle, Obi stated that Nigerians are paying for the federal government’s failure in leadership with their lives.


The former governor called the killings a national emergency while pointing out that the nation is bleeding as the situation continues to worsen.


“Less than 24 hours after President Tinubu stood at the Jos Plateau State airport on April 2, 2026, and promised the grieving Nigerian citizens, “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” another brutal attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA, resulting in the deaths of several innocent citizens.


“Since then, and only a week following that reassuring promise from the President, Nasarawa State has been plunged into grief as the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities fled for their lives after gunmen killed at least 11 people.


“Many homes were reduced to ashes, and numerous families remain missing. In Zamfara State, 150 innocent Nigerians were abducted from the Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji communities in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent times.


“On the same day of the Zamfara kidnappings, terrorists in Borno State stormed Chibok, killing four officers and burning down homes.


READ ALSO: 9 killed as suspected herders attack Benue communities


“Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, Benue State was rocked by violence again, with over 17 Nigerians massacred, entire communities left in ruins, and many individuals still unaccounted for.


“Today, in Kaduna State, several innocent citizens were killed by terrorists inside churches, with many others abducted in the Ariko community of Kachia LGA. Yet we were told, “This experience will not repeat itself.”


“This represents a failure of leadership and responsibility, and sadly, Nigerians are paying for it with their lives. These attackers are not ghostly figures; our inaction emboldens them.


“How can a President make such a categorical promise and, mere hours later, the nation continues to count the dead across multiple states?


“The primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property; however, this responsibility is failing today.


“Nigerians are being slaughtered in their homes, in their communities, and in the very places they should feel safest.


“Even the President did not enter these communities, so who is truly safe in Nigeria? This is a national emergency. Nigeria is bleeding, and the situation is worsening and increasingly helpless,” the social media post reads.


(TheSun)

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the current economic hardships are temporary, promising brighter days under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.


In a message reflecting on Easter’s theme of sacrifice, resurrection and triumph, Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to peace, economic recovery and lasting prosperity. He urged citizens to embrace collective resolve amid ongoing challenges.


In the message, the Vice President said, “Easter is a reminder that history often bends in favour of those who refuse to surrender to despair. It is the story of light piercing through darkness, of hope rising from the shadows of pain and of faith prevailing over fear.”


He acknowledged Nigeria’s recent trials but expressed unwavering optimism. “I remain confident that by our collective will, shared sacrifice and abiding faith in the promise of this nation, we shall triumph over whatever challenges beset us momentarily.”


He called for unity, rejecting division and celebrating Nigeria’s diversity as a core strength. He urged patience with the administration’s reforms, noting that national renewal demands endurance and shared purpose.


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Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has detailed how the Federal Government leveraged technology to eliminate massive payroll fraud, revealing that the integration of the Bank Verification Number led to the discovery of 45,000 ‘ghost workers.’


Speaking at the Citadel School of Government  Dialogue series in Lagos, Adeosun explained that before the intervention, the federal payroll was the government’s single largest expenditure, riddled with inefficiencies that traditional biometric efforts had failed to solve.


She noted that previous attempts at cleaning the payroll through biometrics had frequently stalled, particularly due to resistance from paramilitary groups such as the Police and Army, who refused to cooperate with centralised systems.


To solve this, her team bypassed the need for new biometrics by using the existing BVN database.


“The payroll was our biggest cost,” Adeosun stated. “Previous biometric efforts had stalled because paramilitary groups refused to cooperate. We bypassed this by using BVN data. We ran the federal payroll against the BVN database, and the result was staggering: we found 45,000 ‘ghost workers.’”


Clarifying the nature of the fraud, the former Minister noted that the term ‘ghost worker’ often masked simpler forms of systemic failure and individual greed rather than complex criminal syndicates.


“In many cases, it wasn’t a ‘ghost,’ but one person’s BVN linked to seven different salaries,” she explained.


“It wasn’t always a ‘cartel.’ Sometimes it was just inefficiency, people who had died or transferred but were still being paid,” Adeosun added.


To ensure the reform stuck, she introduced a layer of human accountability to complement the technology. By requiring Permanent Secretaries to personally sign off on their respective payrolls, the ministry created a trail of responsibility that made it difficult to hide fraudulent entries.


Adeosun used the success of the BVN integration to emphasise a broader lesson for public officials: the importance of empirical evidence in policy defence.


“If you just shout, you’re just a ‘clanging cymbal.’ If you come armed with data and graphs, you can take on anybody. Data is hard to argue with,” she remarked.


The dialogue, which also featured Pastor Tunde Bakare and Professor Mike Adebamowo, highlighted the need for leaders to embrace modern tools to fix age-old problems. Adeosun urged current and emerging leaders to “fall in love with AI and data tools” while maintaining the discipline to execute reforms.


“If you can’t explain your policy, you shouldn’t be doing it,” Adeosun asserted, adding that while technology provides the “bullets,” it takes resilient leadership to “fire the cannonballs” necessary for national transformation.


The event concluded with a consensus that while the 45,000 discovered ghost workers represented a major win for the treasury, such reforms must be backed by law to ensure they are not reversed by future administrations.


Bakare praised the former minister’s resilience, noting that her ability to return to the public sphere with her integrity intact was a victory for governance.


He remarked, “If Adeosun had not won her case, the stigma would have trailed her. It is highly commendable that she came out as minister and no houses or stolen funds were traced to her.”


The event served as a stark reminder that while technology such as AI and BVN provides the tools for reform, only the courage of leaders and the permanence of law can ensure those reforms survive the test of time.


 


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The Federal Government, FG, has announced plans to establish a national cybersecurity coordination council to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to fight growing cyber threats.


In a statement the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy said the proposed council will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform to enhance coordination, information sharing, and collaboration across public and private sector institutions.


The ministry said the initiative, being championed by the Communications Minister, Mr Bosun Tijani, is aimed at improving Nigeria’s ability to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber incidents that have disrupted operations across key sectors.


According to the statement, the council will be a non-statutory body bringing together chief information security officers (CISOs), cybersecurity professionals, technology firms, law enforcement agencies, and relevant government institutions.


“The proposed council is envisioned as a non-statutory, multi-stakeholder coordination platform, designed to convene key actors and strengthen partnerships that support efficient coordination, trusted information sharing, and sustained cooperation among institutions responsible for advancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture,” the ministry said.


It added that the platform will also provide advisory support to the federal government on strategies and frameworks needed to strengthen national cyber resilience.


It also said the move follows recent cyber incidents that posed risks to customers and disrupted operations across major private institutions and public systems, highlighting the “increasingly coordinated and sophisticated nature of cyber threats”.


It further said it will work with stakeholders, including the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), to promote structured partnerships and improve cyber defence frameworks across sectors.


“The approach reflects the government’s recognition that modern cyber threats demand collective defence models, trusted threat intelligence sharing, and multi-stakeholder coordination,” the statement added.


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Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the alleged reckless use of firearms by military personnel that led to the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno state.


This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the rights organization.


It said the secondary school student was killed on Saturday, April 4, after she was hit by a stray bullet inside her home.


Amnesty International said the shot was reportedly fired by military personnel engaged in celebratory gunfire during a wedding ceremony at a nearby event centre.


A family friend of the victim said the teenager had been preparing to attend a wedding celebration when the incident occurred.


“She lived in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred,” a source was quoted to have said.


“She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day.”


The organisation described the killing as preventable and urged authorities to ensure accountability.


Amnesty International said the victim was buried on Sunday at the Maiduguri graveyard, adding that her family and friends are “left seeking answers for a death that was entirely preventable.”


The group called for a “transparent, impartial and effective investigation” into the incident to safeguard lives and ensure justice.


The military and police authorities are yet to comment on the issue


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The federal government has announced that two firms have secured a combined N9 billion financing for mini-grid deployment in four states.


The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.


According to REA, the firms got N7.95 billion and N1.056 billion for mini grid projects across different areas in Taraba, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states.


These allocations follow REA’s recent announcements of N7.4 billion and N3.2 billion in financing for two power firms.


The facility is backed by the Federal Government’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program’s Performance-Based Grant (PBG) of N100 billion in financing funding with a Nigerian bank.


READ ALSO : Tinubu rolls out N3.3tn bailout to stabilise Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector


Commenting on the development, REA Managing Director, Malam Abba Aliyu, lauded the consistent capital injection into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.


“What is particularly encouraging here is the consistency; this is not a one-off. It is a pattern of capital being deployed, projects moving forward, and confidence in the system continuing to grow.


“For developers, this means access to the equipment and financing needed to deliver. For communities, it means faster timelines for reliable power. And for the market, it reinforces the point that local financing is stepping up in a significant way.


“This is exactly the kind of energy we hoped to unlock, where Nigerian financial institutions take the lead in powering Nigeria’s renewable infrastructure, backed by strong, performance-based frameworks. We are building momentum, and it is beginning to show,” Aliyu stated.


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A prominent figure in Abuja’s real estate sector and MD/ CEO of Baye Homes, Zubeidah Abdulrahman, is set to tie the knot with her heartthrob, Jimoh Momoh, in a grand Wedding Fatiha scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Kogi State.

The much-anticipated ceremony is expected to attract high-profile guests, including friends, business associates, and colleagues from within and outside the real estate industry, reflecting the bride’s strong influence and network across Abuja’s property market.

The wedding rites commenced with the private payment of the bride’s dowry at her family home in Kogi State, bringing together relatives from both families in a symbolic and culturally significant gathering.

A lineup of activities has been arranged to herald the Wedding Fatiha. The celebrations will begin with a Henna Day on Wednesday, April 8, at De Vila Hotel Hall, Okene, followed by a novelty football match on Thursday, April 9, at the Okene Mini Stadium. 
Later that evening, a Zikir Night will hold at No. 10, behind Nagazi Hotel. The engagement ceremony is slated for Friday, April 10, at Osoma Field Family House in Adavi, ahead of the grand finale, the Wedding Fatiha scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Saturday at Ansarudeen Mosque, Osoma.

Zubeidah Abdulrahman, fondly referred to as Princess Zubeida, has built a solid reputation in Nigeria’s real estate landscape. 

As the founder of Baye Homes, a company established in 2024, she has championed affordable housing solutions targeted at middle- and low-income earners in Abuja.

With her proven track record, including outstanding performance during her time at Besitz Group where she earned multiple staff recognition awards, Zubeidah Abdulrahman continues to stand out as a leading voice in Nigeria’s evolving real estate sector.
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A socio-political group, Nigeria Youths In Politics (NYIP) has condemned in strong terms the killing of 28 people in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attack as “barbaric, senseless, and a grave affront to humanity.”

The group says the tragic loss of lives and damage of properties across communities in the country must be brought to an end, urging relevant authorities to move beyond “periodic reassurances” and “temporary measures,” to a more proactive way of preventing mass slaughter of vulnerable locals. 

At a press conference in Abuja, the Chairman NWC, Hon. Felix Idowu expressed deep sadness over the Palm Sunday killings, saying escalations and violent aggression on communities are unacceptable. 


The group proposed the Community Resilience Against Terrorism (C-RAT) Initiative, a framework positioning communities as the first line of defence through early warning systems, local vigilance structures, and real-time communication channels with security agencies.

The group extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the affected communities, and the people of Plateau State.
It expresses concern that the continued wave of killings is eroding peace, coexistence, and national unity, while also weakening public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

"The tragic loss of lives in this manner underscores the urgent need for improved security measures across our nation. We are calling on our security agencies to adopt a proactive stance in safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerians. it is vital that they move beyond reactive responses and employ strategic preventive actions to protect our community."

It called for a united national response to insecurity, urging community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with security agencies in promoting peace and vigilance.

NYIP reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, supporting victims of violence, and contributing to national efforts aimed at building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.

Regarding the 2027 general elections, the group urged INEC to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a hitch free process and increased public confidence in the electoral system. 

Those in attendance at the conference include, Hon.  Blessing Oyefeso, President Nigeria Youths in Politics, Hon. Felix Idowu, Chairman NWC, Comrade Doyin Omoleye, National publicity Secretary; Amb. Duke Alanboye, National Secretary; Barr. Maurice Ebam, National legal advisoler; Member of the committee, Princess Bunmi Alli (Queen Mother of NYIP), Juliet Ogenyi, member.




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Nigeria’s award-winning music icon Wizkid, and South Africa’s global music sensation Tyla are among prominent Africans set to be honoured at the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit 2026.

Project Director, Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, Amb Kingsley Amafibe, disclosed that the high-level continental gathering, scheduled for June 19th to 21st, 2026, in Marrakech, Morocco, will bring together policymakers, political institutions diplomats, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities and strengthen cross-border collaboration. Morocco is an amazing country. 

He noted that preparations for the summit gained traction following high-level engagements at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.


According to Amafibe, 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit is dedicated to African leaders who have demonstrated excellence in advocating for peace and economic reforms, humanitarian service, youth empowerment, diplomacy, and community development. 

He added that the recognition strengthens recipients’ credibility among governments, institutions, and international organisations, while also fostering collaboration across borders.


“Being listed among the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa signifies leadership, credibility, continental relevance, and an enduring legacy that actively contributes to peace, unity, and sustainable development across Africa,” he said.


Speaking about the schedule of events, Amafibe said guests would arrive on June 17th, followed by a networking and meet-and-greet session on June 18th, while the summit and exhibition would take place on June 19th.


He added that the event will feature the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa Honours, one of its major highlights scheduled for June 20th to celebrate individuals whose leadership and contributions continue to advance governance, transparency, humanitarian services, education, agriculture, infrastructure development, innovation, and economic transformation across Africa.

Among those listed for recognition are: Prof Dr GD Singh, Chairman, Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His Royal Highness Vho-Midiavhathu; Prince Kennedy Tshivhase; Head, Tshivhase Traditional Council and the Paramount Ruler of the Tshivhase Dynasty, South Africa; High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, Chairman, Diamond Leeds Limited;Nigeria, Amb. Dr Lawrence Oloche (MON), CEO, Promiseland Estate;Nigeria, Paul T. Tungwarara, Presidential Investment Advisor, Zimbabwe; Kudakwashe Tagwirei, CEO, Sakunda Holdings;Zimbabwe, 


Also to receive Honours are Dr Asu Kunemofa, Director of Finance and Accounts, NDDC, Nigeria; Dr Sindiswa Mzamo, Global President, Circle of Global Business Women, Lesotho; Dr Tendai Mhizha, Group CEO, Research Bureau International and Integra Africa;Zimbabwe, Levi Maluvele, Founder and Creative Director, Fancy Africa, Mozambique; Dr Shem J. Ochuodho, Global Chairman, Kenya Diaspora Alliance; Dr Nimi Briggs, CEO, NIMPAT Group, Nigeria.

Other honourees include Janet Osei-Boadi (Ghana); Hon Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda; Abbas Devjani (Comoros); Manasseh Amb Mutfwang;Nigeria, Manji Obadiah;Nigeria, Faith Morrey; Hope Igwe; and Chimuenya Henry Umejuru.

Others expected at the summit are Dr Dominic Oduro Antwi, Ghana, Dibi Cophi Yao Arnaud (Ghana); Yassin El Moussi (Morocco); Dr Emmanuel Musa (Nigeria); Israel Agimor Eshanekpe (Nigeria), and Mohammed Tijjani Sabiu (Nigeria). From Southern Africa: Dr Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun (Namibia): Dr Chichi Lion (Founder, Chichi Lion Global Impact) South Africa, Zarinah Tlale (Uganda).


The honours list also features distinguished continental figures such as: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Juma Jux, Tanzania; Don Jazzy, Nigeria.

Also to be recognised are Funke Akindele, Nigeria; Shola Akinlade, Nigerian tech entrepreneur; Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe. Nigeria; Emmanuel A. Fundira (Zimbabwe); Gideon Chidiebere Osi. Nigeria; Benedict Oramah, Former President of Afreximbank, Nigeria; Reginald Max, Kenya; and Ijeoma Orji, Nigerian development advocate, Engr Samuel Alabi, Nigeria, High Chief Seinye Lulu Briggs. Nigeria, and International Vaccine Institute
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Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have strongly opposed an alleged move to alter the outcome of the party’s recent congress, where Hon. Maria Ejielo emerged as the State Women Leader.

In a petition addressed to the state chairman of the party, the aggrieved members described the purported plan to substitute Ejielo’s name with that of Mrs. Ify Okonkwo, who had earlier withdrawn from the race as unacceptable and a violation of democratic principles.

According to the stakeholders, the office of the State Women Leader, alongside that of the Zonal Legal Adviser, had been duly zoned to Idemili North Local Government Area by the Anambra State Congress Committee. 

They noted that delegates and party faithful from the area participated fully in the congress held at the Anambra Central venue, where the elections were conducted transparently and without bias.

The petition detailed how interested candidates openly declared their intentions before party members. 

For the position of State Women Leader, Hon. Maria Ejielo and Mrs. Ify Okonkwo indicated interest, while Hon. Chuma Chukwurah and Mr. Basil Ugwu contested for the office of Zonal Legal Adviser.

The stakeholders recounted that during the process, Mrs. Okonkwo reportedly displayed limited familiarity with the party’s local structure, a development that drew reactions from attendees. 
Subsequently, upon observing the overwhelming support for Ejielo, Okonkwo voluntarily stepped down from the contest, paving the way for Ejielo’s emergence as the consensus winner.

Similarly, in the contest for Zonal Legal Adviser, Mr. Basil Ugwu withdrew after recognizing the strong backing for Hon. Chukwurah, who was thereafter declared winner.

The petition emphasized that the entire process was conducted in an open and credible manner, with video evidence available to attest to the transparency and compliance with democratic standards.

“It is therefore unfathomable to be informed that the results of the congress could be altered to favour individuals who neither participated meaningfully in the process nor demonstrated commitment to the party’s growth in Idemili North,” the statement read.

The stakeholders warned against any attempt to undermine the will of party members, insisting that such actions could destabilize the party’s unity and credibility at the grassroots level.

They reaffirmed their collective resolve to resist any imposition or manipulation of the congress outcomes, urging the party leadership to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.

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