TRENDING NOW

Recent Post Recent Post
View More

at

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has yet to receive Certified True Copies (CTCs) of recent Federal High Court rulings concerning African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the submission of President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials.


INEC ​‌‍‍‍⁠​‍⁠⁠‍‍​‍​⁠‌‌⁠‌​Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while speaking at a news conference on the voter register on Monday in Abuja.


Responding to inquiries on the court order invalidating the candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the David Mark-led ADC leadership, Amupitan said that the commission “does not act on social media reports” but strictly on verified legal documents.


“As of today, I have not received a certified true copy of the judgment of the Federal High Court because we don’t just act on the basis of what is on social media.


“I remember one of the judgments of the Supreme Court some time ago where something was posted on social media, trended, and the Supreme Court disowned itself from it, leading to investigations.


“Normally, when we receive a judgment like that, it comes to the commission, first to the chairman, who asks for expert advice from the relevant department before it is taken to the commission for review,” Amupitan said.


On the court ruling ordering him to present Tinubu’s credentials, Amupitan maintained that he would only take necessary legal steps once formally served with the court order.


“I have not received the order. So, when I receive the order, I will look at what the order says and then know what to do accordingly,” he stated.


Addressing the requests for early voting provisions for journalists, security agencies and INEC officials on essential duties, the chairman noted that the proposal remained constrained by existing statutory frameworks.


“INEC initiated the process for early voting as part of the amendment of the Electoral Act, but it did not find support from the National Assembly to make provisions relating to early voting.


“So, this is still not known to our law, but it’s going to still be a process of advocacy to ensure that this is done,” he said.


Amupitan confirmed that the 54 registration officers recently indicted for sabotaging voter registration procedures were full-time staff of the commission, asserting that INEC would not cover up any wrongdoing.


“Yes, I have the list here. They are all staff of INEC, and we are taking steps. We are not covering anything; what I told you today is just the truth,” he added.


Clarifying concerns about AI-generated images detected on the voter register, Amupitan announced immediate technological upgrades to block future vulnerability exploits.


“We have just directed the Director of ICT that our web camera should not be allowed again. Instead, we should have an app camera. It is what is on the app that will take pictures; don’t go and use any URL to begin importing pictures here and there.


“Just today, the commission also approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework to improve on what we used to have, developed in collaboration with IFES and the UK High Commission,” Amupitan said.


He warned that individuals involved in deliberate double registration or digital infractions would face criminal prosecution alongside security agencies’ ongoing investigations.


“For those of our staff and members of the public deliberately involved in acts of crime, where there is a commission of a crime, persons involved will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for necessary prosecution,” Amupitan said. (NAN)


Continue reading

at

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed 1,608,660 invalid registrations from the preliminary register of voters following a nationwide review of entries from the 2025/2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.


The commission also removed 876 records belonging to persons verified to be deceased, while 873 additional records of deceased persons were identified and removed, bringing the total number of deceased persons removed to 1,749.


The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the review of the preliminary register of voters.


He said the commission received 11,088,238 registration records from the three phases of the 2025/2026 CVR exercise.


Amupitan explained that the current National Register of Voters contained records from successive registration and Continuous Voter Registration exercises conducted since 2011, adding that they were captured using different technologies and operational standards.


He said: “It must be noted that the current National Register of Voters evolved through successive registration and Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises since 2011. It therefore contains biometric and demographic data captured under different technologies, operational arrangements and quality standards.


“Although the register has undergone cleansing and biometric comparison at different points, significant historical integrity questions remain since 2011 and require a national, systematic response.”


According to him, INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System initially flagged 1,545,052 records for further examination.


However, Amupitan clarified that being flagged by the automated system did not automatically make a registration invalid, as each case underwent further examination and authorised adjudication.


He said 1,277,052 registrations were confirmed invalid and excluded before the publication of the preliminary register.


Following complaints, claims and objections received during the seven-day display exercise between October 9 and 15, the commission subjected another 268,000 cases to adjudication.


Of these, 217,722 were confirmed invalid and removed, while 50,278 were cleared as valid and retained.


Amupitan said additional screening subsequently identified another 113,886 invalid registrations, bringing the total number of invalid records removed after the review to 331,608.


The 331,608 records were removed in addition to the 1,277,052 registrations previously excluded, bringing the total number of invalid registrations removed to 1,608,660. The 873 additional records of deceased voters were treated as a separate category.


The clean-up exercise followed complaints, claims and objections raised by Nigerians after the preliminary register was displayed nationwide between October 9 and 15, 2026.


Amupitan said the commission was required by law to consider objections and complaints received during the period.


“Pursuant to section 19(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission is required to accept and consider objections, claims and complaints raised by the public to the Preliminary Register of Voters within fourteen (14) days after displaying the Voters Register,” he said.


“After verifying the objections, claims and complaints, the Commission is expected to take corrective action and ensure that the register is cleaned up ahead of the publication of the Final Register.”


The preliminary register attracted criticism after Nigerians and civil society organisations reportedly identified irregularities, including suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs, duplicate registrations, unusual names and entries belonging to deceased persons.


Some of the questionable photographs circulated on social media, prompting concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process and INEC’s verification procedures.


The commission subsequently reviewed the register to investigate the complaints and remove entries found to be invalid.


Amupitan said the findings had raised serious questions about the integrity of the registration process and the conduct of some personnel involved in voter registration.


He disclosed that the commission’s technical assessment uncovered instances of deliberate circumvention of established registration procedures, including the misuse of provisions intended for exceptional registration circumstances, particularly those relating to persons with disabilities.


He said the affected records had been identified and subjected to verification and remediation, while personnel allegedly connected with the infractions had been identified for further administrative investigation.


“Fifty-four persons across ten states have been identified as complicit, and necessary disciplinary action will be taken against them, including possible prosecution,” he said.


The INEC chairman, however, warned that the exercise had not completely resolved the integrity concerns surrounding the national voters’ register, as significant irregularities predated the latest registration exercise.


He said most of the complaints involving multiple registrations and suspicious photographs circulating on social media related to historical records captured between 2011 and 2023.


According to him, the commission’s decision to defer the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 elections did not suspend its existing mechanisms for identifying and removing invalid registrations.


Amupitan said the commission, at its meeting on Monday, resolved to address outstanding duplications in the historical register, directing that records already flagged through public complaints and obvious cases identified internally should be removed after proper verification.


INEC said it would publish the cleaned-up register of voters in December, ahead of the 2027 general elections

Continue reading

at

A technology solution firm, Naning Group has unveiled a mobile payment platform, Smartpay, which is now available for download on the Google Play Store, with a promise to revolutionise digital payment and settlement services through the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technologies.


The group says Smartpay is not just another addition to the growing number of digital payment solutions in the market, but a carefully designed platform aimed at making everyday financial transactions easier, faster and more convenient for users.


Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Chief Executive Officer of Naning Group, Uchenna Simon, said the platform allows users to carry out various transactions directly from their mobile devices without unnecessary complications.


According to him, users can conveniently pay utility bills, including satellite television subscriptions, electricity bills, airtime and other services, all within the application. 


Simon explained that the platform was developed with a strong emphasis on security, convenience and ease of use, noting that its user-friendly interface makes navigation simple, even for people who may not be particularly familiar with digital payment applications.


He further highlighted the platform's AI-powered detection and transaction confirmation mechanisms, explaining that the technology is designed to strengthen transaction monitoring, improve accuracy and provide additional layers of security during payment processes.


"Our goal is to make digital payments as seamless and secure as possible. We understand that people want a payment solution they can trust, one that saves them time and gives them confidence whenever they carry out transactions.


"Smartpay brings convenience closer to users by allowing them to handle different payment needs from one application. Beyond making payments, we are leveraging artificial intelligence to improve transaction detection and confirmation, while strengthening the overall security of the platform," he said.


The Naning Group CEO added that the company is committed to continually improving the platform in response to users' needs, assuring prospective customers that their experience and confidence remain central to its operations.


He noted that as digital financial services continue to gain acceptance, there is a growing need for solutions that combine technology, security and simplicity, adding that Smartpay is positioned to contribute to this evolving digital payment landscape.


Simon therefore encouraged members of the public to download the application from the Google Play Store and explore its features, expressing optimism that the platform would offer users a more convenient way to manage their everyday payment needs.





Continue reading

at

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, on Monday, questioned officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) over unresolved financial discrepancies involving about ₦12.91bn, warning that agencies found wanting in the management of public funds would face appropriate sanctions.


The committee raised concerns over the Corporation’s handling of public funds following the examination of audit queries contained in the 2023 Auditor-General for the Federation’s report.


At an investigative hearing on Monday, the committee, chaired by its Deputy Chairman, Jeremiah Umaru, scrutinised the NRC’s responses to three major audit queries involving unaccounted transfers to its outstations, discrepancies in internally generated revenue and alleged under-remittance of revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.


The NRC’s Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, represented the Corporation at the hearing.


The committee expressed dissatisfaction with some of the explanations and supporting documents presented by the railway authorities, and set up reconciliation committees to establish the actual financial position of the Corporation.


It also requested additional documents to determine the extent of the alleged financial infractions and the outstanding liabilities, where applicable.


On the reported ₦6.62bn in transfers to the Corporation’s outstations, the committee examined the NRC’s explanation, particularly the utilisation of ₦5.16bn reportedly transferred to various districts.


Although the Corporation presented evidence of diesel purchases, lawmakers demanded further clarification on the outstanding transactions.


The committee subsequently constituted a reconciliation committee to scrutinise the records and establish how the funds were utilised.


A similar concern arose over a reported ₦2.86bn discrepancy between revenue captured in treasury receipt booklets and the amount recognised in the Corporation’s audited accounts.


The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation offered by the NRC and directed a reconciliation of the figures to resolve the discrepancies.


The lawmakers also examined an audit query involving the alleged under-remittance of ₦1.71bn in internally generated revenue.


Following the Corporation’s presentation, the committee requested additional supporting documents to establish the actual amount remitted and determine whether any liability remained outstanding.


The audit findings also raised questions about the Corporation’s compliance with financial regulations in the award of contracts, management of investment income, expenditure on official travel, and the retirement of cash advances.


Among the other queries were the award of 26 contracts valued at ₦858.6m without appropriate authorisation; non-remittance of ₦410m in investment income to the CRF; and expenditure of ₦19.6m on a chartered flight without sufficient evidence of utilisation.


The report further identified ₦221.8m in expenditure “on store items without ledger charges, ₦136.3m spent on residential buildings without corresponding rental income, and ₦39.45m in unretired cash advances.”


Other flagged transactions included “₦28.13m spent on foreign trips without the required approvals and ₦4.64m in training fees paid in violation of the Federal Government’s e-payment policy.”


The committee warned that it would not “hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on any agency found wanting in the discharge of its financial responsibilities.”


The warning underscores the House’s efforts to strengthen accountability in the management of public resources, particularly through the examination of annual audit reports submitted by the Auditor-General of the Federation.


The Public Accounts Committee, chaired by the member representing Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State, Mr Bamidele Salam, is constitutionally empowered to examine accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by the National Assembly and the reports of the Auditor-General, with a view to ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for.


The NRC, a major public institution responsible for railway operations and infrastructure, is expected to provide satisfactory explanations for the flagged transactions and demonstrate compliance with applicable financial regulations.


The reconciliation committees are expected to establish the actual figures and provide a basis for the committee’s further decisions on the outstanding audit queries.


Since its inauguration, the Salam-led Committee has recovered revenue for the Federal Government in both local and foreign currencies, particularly from oil companies and government-owned enterprises.


Continue reading

at

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan to produce President Bola Tinubu’s nomination documents for the 1999 Lagos governorship and 2023 presidential elections in Omoyele Sowore’s criminal trial.


The court directed Amupitan to produce the documents and testify in the trial of Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his social media posts about Tinubu.


The subpoena, issued in charge number FHC/CR/484/2025, specifically requested Tinubu’s INEC Form CF001, including the affidavit relating to lost certificates, which he submitted as a candidate in the 1999 Lagos governorship election.


It also requested the president’s Form CF001 submitted to INEC for the 2023 presidential election.


The document, titled “Subpoena Duces Tecum”, was addressed to Amupitan and signed by the presiding judge, Mohammed Umar.


The development followed the court’s decision on Monday to grant the defence’s request to subpoena the INEC chairman and Joe Igbokwe, a former publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, as witnesses.


At the proceedings on Monday, Ruben Adakole, counsel to Sowore, informed the court that the defence intended to call the two individuals as witnesses.


The judge granted the request and directed that subpoenas be issued to them.


In another ruling, the court dismissed Sowore’s application seeking to compel Akinlolu Kehinde, lead counsel to the DSS, to testify as a defence witness.


The judge set aside the subpoena earlier issued to Kehinde, holding that lawyers owe their clients a duty of confidentiality and cannot ordinarily be compelled to disclose communications relating to legal representation.


He said a legal practitioner could only be compelled to testify in limited circumstances, particularly where the evidence sought concerns an uncontested matter or would not prejudice the client’s interests.


He also agreed with the prosecution that the application against Kehinde was intended to delay the trial and had been brought in bad faith.


The court adjourned the case until November 11 for the appearance of the subpoenaed defence witnesses.


Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”.


Continue reading

at

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, of hypocrisy.


Earlier Monday, Obi accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of barring him from greeting members of the Flamingos, Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, when they returned to Nigeria after the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory in Morocco.


He said he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he sighted the team, which had just returned to the country.


However, Keyamo, in a post on his X platform on Monday, questioned why Obi was eager to associate with what he described as a success story of the country and the present administration despite his frequent criticisms of Nigeria.


He insinuated that Obi’s intention was merely to seek publicity through photographs with the victorious players of the under-17 women’s national football team.


Keyamo wrote, “Mr Peter Obi, in all your public vituperations, you often say things akin to the fact that ‘Nigeria is finished’. So, why are you now so anxious to associate with a success story of the country or this government? Just for photo ops? You see the hypocrisy?”


Continue reading

at

Joseph Tegbe, minister of power, says the federal government will begin replacing infrastructure across the national grid within the next one to two months.


Tegbe spoke on Monday during a TVC television programme monitored by TheCable.


“So in the next one or two months, we will commence infrastructure replacement across our grid…. President Tinubu is extremely supportive of what we are doing,” he said.


The minister identified transmission as the biggest constraint in the power sector, noting that some of the country’s transmission lines have been in operation for as long as 50 years.


Tegbe said the ministry is conducting a technical audit of the power sector to identify the infrastructure requiring repairs or replacement and ensure that funds are allocated to the right areas.


“I’m a systems person. So do a technical audit of the entire power sector. And today, we’ve gone about one month into the technical audit. We’ve seen some of the results,” he said.


The minister said the audit also identified faults at several facilities.


“There are places where it is towers that have issues. There are places where it’s insulators. There are places where it’s a conductor relay,” he said.


“What you don’t want to do is start spending money on insulators when you are meant to fix a conductor relay. Now we’re getting a clear picture.”


Furthermore, Tegbe said Nigeria has sufficient gas to generate electricity, but constraints in the gas supply chain, including debts owed to electricity generation companies (GenCos), are limiting supply.


On November 5, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) attributed the lower power generation partly to limited gas availability and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric stations.


However, on November 7, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited said its gas transportation network has no operational constraints responsible for the recent decline in electricity generation.


Commenting on the conflicting positions, the minister said his priority is to give Nigerians access to electricity, asking both parties to forget the argument on whether gas is available or not and whether the grid is collapsing.


The minister said his role is to ensure all agencies work together.


“We have gas as a nation. However, sometimes, that liquidity issue becomes a constraint,” Tegbe said.


The minister dismissed concerns about gas availability, insisting that Nigeria has sufficient reserves to support power generation but faces constraints within the supply chain.


“There’s availability of gas for us as a nation. It’s a comparative advantage. However, within the gas supply chain, there are constraints,” he said.


The minister said one of the constraints is the inability of generating companies to purchase gas due to outstanding debts owed to them.


He put the debt at N3.3 trillion, adding that the federal government, with the support of President Bola Tinubu, had begun settling the outstanding obligations.


“In the last few months, we’ve paid down N1.23 trillion. We only have N2 trillion left. That N2 trillion, hopefully next year,” the minister said.


Tegbe also identified the age of some power plants as another challenge affecting electricity generation, noting that the government is replacing some of the ageing facilities with newer ones.


He said addressing the constraints across the gas supply chain and improving generation infrastructure would help strengthen power supply.


Continue reading

at

The Federal Government is considering the introduction of an assessment test for Nigerians who obtain degrees from foreign institutions, particularly in African countries.


Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, disclosed this at the 37th meeting of the National Standing Committee (NSC) on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications in Abuja on Monday.


Olatunji-David said the assessment test was necessary before their qualifications would be evaluated for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).


She said the proposal was aimed at ensuring that foreign qualifications presented by Nigerians reflected genuine learning achievements and met the required academic standards.


She explained that the measure was particularly important given the increasing number of Nigerians studying in foreign higher institutions, especially in West Africa.


“We must ensure that the standard of education in Nigeria is not lowered by allowing all manner of foreign qualifications that are not recognised, to be paraded by Nigerians without the corresponding learning achievement.


“In as much as we want to encourage global socialisation, education, and the rest of them because the world is a global village now, we want to maintain standards.


“We want to ensure that, yes, for every certificate given, they are earned, and they can produce people that can contribute positively to our national development.


“I therefore invite this committee once again to consider, if necessary, an assessment test before such graduates are evaluated for NYSC,” she said.


Olatunji-David described the committee as central to efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s education system by ensuring that only genuine and duly accredited foreign qualifications were recognised.


She expressed concern over the rising cases of forgery of Nigerian and foreign degree certificates, saying the ministry was taking steps to address the menace.


The acting permanent secretary commended members of the committee for decisions reached at their previous meeting, describing them as important steps towards improving the evaluation and accreditation of foreign qualifications.


She said the ministry had recorded progress in confirming the accreditation status of foreign institutions, issuing clearance letters for NYSC mobilisation, authenticating certificates and issuing no-objection letters.


According to her, the ministry also issues eligibility and proficiency letters to Nigerians travelling abroad for employment or further studies.


“Since the beginning of this year, the evaluation of foreign certificates and authentication of Nigerian certificates have been automated and digitalised, making the process seamless.


“The fees accruing are remitted into government accounts, thereby increasing the ministry’s revenue generation,” Olatunji-David said.


She said the committee would deliberate on five key issues, including guidelines for issuing no-objection letters required for registering proposed institutions with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).


Others, she said, included compliance by foreign-curriculum secondary schools operating in Nigeria with the country’s education policy on public examinations.


She stressed that such schools must prepare their students for examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) or National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), as applicable.


According to her, students must sit for at least one of the recognised examinations before graduating from such schools, irrespective of where they intend to pursue higher education.


She said the committee would also consider the recognition of foreign secondary school qualifications, including the Higher School Diploma issued in the United States and Canada, and the Baccalaureate certificates issued by French schools.


She listed other issues for consideration including establishing mechanisms for monitoring Nigerians studying in African institutions through institutional visits and recognising foreign regulatory bodies responsible for transmitting information on accredited institutions through diplomatic channels.


Earlier, the Director of Education Support Services in the ministry, Mr Gabriel Amudipe, said the committee’s work was critical to improving learning outcomes, institutional performance and quality assurance across the education sector.


Amudipe said the ministry remained committed to evidence-based planning, effective monitoring and transparent evaluation of foreign qualifications.


He urged members to be objective, fair and firm in their deliberations to ensure that genuine qualifications were cleared while cases that fell short of the required standards were appropriately addressed.


“The design and committee on evaluation remains one of the most critical structures for ensuring that our policies, programmes, and interventions are achieved.


“Your work directly influences the improvement of learning outcomes, the strengthening of institutional performance, and the advancement of quality assurance mechanisms at all levels of education,” Amudipe said. (NAN)


Continue reading

at

The Federal Government has filed a fresh 36-count amended charge against the embattled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeyemi Adeniyi, and four others over alleged forgery, false representation and fraud.


Adeniyi appeared alongside his co-defendants before Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday.


However, their arraignment on the fresh charges could not proceed due to the absence of the fourth defendant, Florence Omemah, who was reportedly ill.


Prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, informed the court that Ms Omemah was receiving treatment at a hospital in Abuja.


He subsequently requested a seven-day adjournment to enable her to recover and appear in court to take her plea.


Counsel to Mr Adeniyi, Ibrahim Angulu, however, urged the court to grant a shorter adjournment to allow him to pursue bail for his client. He also told the court that Mr Adeniyi had been in detention for more than 200 days.


In a brief ruling, Justice Yusuf adjourned the case until November 18 for the arraignment of all the defendants.


The judge further ordered that Mr Adeniyi be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while the other defendants should remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).


The case centres on allegations that Adeniyi established a fictitious federal agency known as the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council and falsely presented himself as its director-general.


Investigators alleged that the agency had no legal backing and that Mr Adeniyi forged appointment letters and signatures attributed to the Chief of Staff to the President to legitimise his purported position.


According to investigators, he occupied offices previously used by the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and allegedly held unauthorised meetings with foreign diplomats.


He was also accused of seeking official visa documentation for United States visas and operating 34 bank accounts.


Investigators further alleged that he exploited loopholes in the civil service system to secure a proposed allocation of ₦1.302 billion for the fictitious agency in the 2026 budget.


Following an interim report presented to President Bola Tinubu, the ICPC reportedly uncovered two other allegedly fictitious agencies linked to Mr Adeniyi: the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency.


The commission also recommended disciplinary action against some public officials suspected of assisting the alleged scheme.


In October 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the initial eight-count charge after jurisdictional concerns prompted the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw the case.


The ICPC subsequently filed a fresh 36-count amended charge, bringing additional defendants into the case over their alleged involvement in the scheme.


Mr Adeniyi has pleaded not guilty to the allegations of fraud, forgery and impersonation. He remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre as the case proceeds.



Continue reading

at

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from felicitating the country’s Under-17 women’s football team at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday.


PlatinumPost reports that the team’s players and officials arrived in Nigeria via Abuja in the early hours of Monday after their Women’s U-17 World Cup triumph in Morocco.


Obi, in a statement on Monday, said the NFF officials kept him at bay for fear of losing their jobs.


He described the incident as a “new dimension of toxic politics” which he said has festered since 2015.


“I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town,” he said.


“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.


“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand.


“Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded.


“It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected.”


The former Anambra governor called for politics without bitterness or animosity.


“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.


“It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences.”


Continue reading

at

The growing political momentum around the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has received fresh attention following the massive receptions that greeted his recent visits to Sokoto and Kebbi states.


The gatherings, according to supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, went beyond routine political receptions, reflecting growing enthusiasm, mobilisation and renewed interest in the 2027 presidential contest.


The former National Youth Leader of the ADC and a lawyer, Maurice Ebam, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said that the size of the crowds and the energy witnessed on the streets have generated significant discussions, particularly on social media, where pictures and videos from the visits have continued to circulate.


For supporters of Atiku, the scenes in Sokoto and Kebbi represent an indication of a broader political movement that they believe could extend beyond the northern region to other parts of the country as the 2027 elections approach.


They claim that more than 28.6 million Nigerians are prepared to support Atiku, campaign for him and participate actively in efforts to protect their votes during the election.


The growing demand for political alternatives, they argue, is being driven by concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power and dissatisfaction with governance.


Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria who served from 1999 to 2007, according to Ebam, is a veteran of the country’s political landscape. His supporters point to his extensive experience in government and his longstanding advocacy for economic reforms and restructuring as key elements of his presidential campaign.


With the 2027 election approaching, they contend that Atiku’s candidacy under the ADC provides an opportunity for Nigerians seeking a strong opposition platform to make a choice on the direction of the country.


The supporters further argue that a well-organised opposition is essential to democratic accountability, particularly in scrutinising government policies, challenging alleged abuses of power and providing voters with credible alternatives at the polls.


For the 28.6 million supporters they claim to represent, the task ahead is therefore not merely to mobilise voters but to build a nationwide political structure capable of reaching communities, educating voters and encouraging peaceful participation in the electoral process.


They insist that political complacency must give way to greater vigilance, organisation and commitment to democratic principles.


The supporters also warned against any attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process, stressing that Nigerians have a constitutional right to participate in credible elections, protect their votes and demand that the outcome reflects the genuine will of the electorate. They, however, emphasised that such vigilance must remain peaceful and within the framework of the law.


According to them, the momentum witnessed in Sokoto and Kebbi will be translated into grassroots mobilisation, issue-based campaigns, youth participation, voter education and peaceful electoral engagement ahead of the 2027 polls.


From Sokoto to Kebbi, and from the North to the South, the emerging political contest, they said, should ultimately be about the Nigerian people, their welfare, freedom and constitutional right to choose their leaders.

Continue reading

at

Mararaba, Nasarawa State – In a bid to guide and counsel the boy child into becoming responsible men in society, a youth-focused initiative, Traintheboychild, is set to embark on a targeted school visitation program in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.


Initially slated for the 13th and 20th of this month, the organizers have announced a change in schedule. The first school visitation will now hold on the 20th, while the second will take place on the 27th.


The first leg of the outreach will see the team visit Aso B Secondary School in Mararaba. The second visitation is scheduled for the 27th at Achievers Primary and Secondary School, also in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.


According to a flyer released by the organization, the vision of the program is to reach boys at a formative stage of life. The ultimate goal is to help them develop the character, clarity, confidence, and values needed to become responsible men in the future.


The visitations will focus on critical developmental areas. The main focus areas for the students include Character and Value, Peer Pressure, Academic and Purpose, as well as Relationship and Sexuality.


The association has outlined a robust set of aims and objectives driving this initiative. Primarily, Traintheboychild seeks to empower the boy child through mentorship, character development, and life-skills educational programs.


Furthermore, the initiative aims to shape the lives of young boys by equipping them to become confident individuals, responsible men, good husbands, and committed fathers who will positively impact their families and the broader society.


The organizers are urging schools and parents to key into this transformative program. Under the banner of "The Boy Child. With The Pilot," the initiative is open for enrollment. Interested parties can contact the organization via email at [email protected] for more information.


The upcoming visitations are anticipated to be a pivotal step in nurturing the next generation of male leaders in Nasarawa State.



Continue reading

at

Kano State  Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf,  will present the 2027 budget before the State House of Assembly on Wednesday.


Gov Yusuf urged the members of the State Executive Council to actively contribute to the review and successful presentation of the proposed 2027 budget, emphasizing the core principles of collective responsibility, transparency, and effective governance.


​Governor Yusuf made the call during a special meeting of the State Executive Council on Sunday.


This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad.


The Governor emphasized that freely expressing views and thoroughly examining the budget components proposed for their respective ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals would ensure a robust and all-inclusive fiscal plan.


​He directed the Commissioner for Planning and Budget to lead the budget discussions, while tasking all other commissioners with reviewing their respective portfolio proposals to make meaningful contributions toward a comprehensive presentation.


During the meeting, Governor Yusuf formally welcomed the newly sworn-in commissioners into the State Executive Council.


He assured them of the administration’s full support and urged existing cabinet members to extend hands of friendship, understanding, and cooperation to foster strong teamwork and enhance service delivery across the state.


Consolidating Achievements for Greater Development


Reflecting on the milestones recorded under the 2026 fiscal year, Governor Yusuf expressed strong optimism that the 2027 budget will deliver even greater results.


He described the upcoming budget as a vital instrument to consolidate existing achievements and accelerate sustainable development across Kano State.


He also expressed appreciation to members of the press for their continued support, professionalism, and partnership with his administration.


Governor Yusuf concluded by expressing confidence that, through collective commitment, unity, and divine guidance, his administration will continue to fulfill its development objectives for the betterment of the good people of Kano State.


Continue reading

at

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Kano State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, for successfully rescuing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Rogo Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Alasan Beli, popularly known as Abdullahi Fanka, after 68 days in captivity.


PlatinumPost reports that Hon. Abdullahi Fanka was reportedly abducted by armed men from his residence in Beli Community, Rogo Local Government Area in September.


This was contained in a statement issued by Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday.


‘’Recounting his ordeal, the rescued APC chairman disclosed that his abductors moved him through several locations, including Danja, Ikara and Giwa in Kaduna State, as well as parts of Zamfara State, ‘’the statement said.


CP Adamu Bakori disclosed the successful rescue operation while briefing Governor Yusuf at the Government House, Kano.


He explained that the operation was coordinated through tactical security measures, which eventually led to the victim’s freedom.


The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to intensifying efforts towards tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.


In his response, Governor Yusuf commended CP Adamu Bakori and the entire Police Command for their efforts in securing the release of the APC chairman.


The Governor particularly acknowledged the contributions of the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, CSP Aliyu Muhammad Auwal; CSP Ado Muhammad Audi; and the State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, for their roles in the successful operation.


Governor Yusuf further directed the State Commissioner for Health to ensure that the rescued victim receives comprehensive medical attention and psychosocial rehabilitation at the expense of the state government.


The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property and ensure the safety of residents across Kano State.


Continue reading

at

US President Donald Trump said that his mass deportation of undocumented immigrants was “too tough,” according to an excerpt of an interview with CBS aired Sunday.


Asked about his deportation policy, Trump told CBS’ “60 Minutes”: “I think it was too tough…I think it might be too tough.”


The excerpt was published by CBS on X ahead of a broadcast of the interview on network TV later Sunday. It was recorded after the Republican Party’s heavy loss in midterm elections on Tuesday.


While Trump has won some domestic support for securing the US southern border, his administration’s aggressive push to deport millions of undocumented migrants has drawn widespread criticism.


However, Trump on Friday appointed the architect of that hardline policy, Stephen Miller, as his chief of staff on Friday, signaling a bare-knuckle fightback after the Republican election loss.


Miller has been synonymous with scenes of masked immigration agents committing violence after he backed federal agents who shot and killed two Americans early this year.


Vangaurd


Continue reading

at

The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday announced a major shake-up of its senior leadership that involves fresh appointments and postings across its operational commands, strategic institutions and Defence Headquarters.


The exercise, which was approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, was aimed at strengthening command effectiveness, enhancing institutional capacity and sustaining operational readiness.


The spokesman of NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, an Air Commodore, said in a statement that the appointments covered service headquarters, operational commands, training institutions and other strategic establishments.


“All affected officers are expected to assume their new appointments and complete the necessary handover and takeover formalities on or before November 13, 2026,” the statement said.


At the NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal AK Ademuwagun was appointed Chief of Transformation and Innovation, while AVM IV Ajiboye became Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation.


Other appointments include AVM PN Amadi as Chief of Air Intelligence; AVM NN Ananaba as Chief of Operations; AVM AH Bakari as Air Provost Marshal; AVM EE Efiom as Chief of Training; and AVM AJ Laoye as Chief of Aircraft Engineering.


The Air Force also appointed AVM NI Ilo as Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command; AVM BR Mamman as AOC, Mobility Command; AVM OS Ogunsina as AOC, Logistics Command; AVM MN Onyebashi as AOC, Special Operations Command; and AVM FCS Nwakara as AOC, Ground Training Command.


At the institutional level, AVM PB Philips was appointed Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while AVM MC Ekwueme became Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre.


Similarly, AVM AO Akinbunwa was appointed Commandant of the Air Force War College, while AVM OC Ubadike became Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology.


Other appointments include AVM AI Sambo as Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force College of Logistics and Management and AVM M Yusuf as Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.


At the Defence Headquarters, AVM UK Abdullahi was appointed Director of Defence Operations, while AVM EOE Ebiowe was posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser as Deputy Coordinator, National Intelligence.


Also, AVM DDG Pwajok was appointed Director of Technical Services at the Defence Intelligence Agency, while AVM I Sani became Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence.


Other senior officers were posted to various directorates at the Defence Headquarters, including operations, military strategy, cyber operations, civil-military relations, search and rescue, special duties and joint warfare doctrine.


The appointments also affected the Defence Space Administration, where AVM AA Suleh was named Deputy Chief, while AVM OA Oyename and AVM SS Lazarus were appointed Directors of Earth Observation and Launch Vehicles and Space Operations, respectively.


Furthermore, AVM GI Jibia was appointed Deputy Force Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, while AVM JI Ukeh became Commander of the Nigerian Air Defence Corps.


Continue reading

at

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the refund of billions of naira donated to a church project after the funds were traced to proceeds of crime.


Olukoyede said Adeboye directed the immediate return of the money within 24 hours after the church was alerted to its illicit source.


The EFCC chairman disclosed this while addressing workers of the RCCG in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, during a meeting organised by the church ahead of its annual Holy Ghost Congress.


According to Church Times Nigeria, which reported the development on Saturday, Adeboye had “invited Olukoyede to address the workers on financial propriety and the need for churches to maintain transparent financial records.”


Recounting the incident, Olukoyede said “a church member had donated billions of naira towards an RCCG project, but investigations later revealed that the money was proceeds of financial crime.”


He commended “Adeboye for ordering the refund shortly after the church was alerted.”


According to the report, Olukoyede did not disclose the identity of the donor, the specific RCCG project or the exact amount involved, but said the billions of naira donated were later discovered to be proceeds of crime.


The EFCC boss, who is also an ordained pastor, expressed concern over the increasing number of cases involving church leaders implicated in financial crimes, as well as allegations relating to contracts for church projects.


He warned “church workers against accepting suspicious donations and pursuing money through questionable means.”


Another church in ponzi scheme


Olukoyede also recalled a separate case involving “another church allegedly implicated in a Ponzi scheme, saying its leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.”


Names and details about the church and said ponzi scheme were also withheld.


He warned that the “commission would not spare anyone involved in financial crimes, regardless of their religious position or affiliation.”


The EFCC chairman further “cautioned church members against materialism, unhealthy competition and leadership struggles, saying such tendencies could expose religious institutions to financial misconduct.”


He also raised concerns about reports of individuals allegedly bribing their way into leadership positions within the RCCG.


Olukoyede urged pastors to investigate the sources of donations before accepting them, stressing the need to ensure that contributions to church projects were not proceeds of criminal activities.


Responding, Adeboye said the “RCCG would not protect anyone found to be involved in financial wrongdoing.”


He also urged “pastors in the church to maintain clean financial records” and ensure that their activities were free from corruption.

Continue reading

at

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, convened by prominent Niger Delta leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is expanding its nationwide mobilisation campaign, with plans to visit eight additional states between November 9 and 14 to consolidate grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.


The movement’s next phase of mobilisation will cover Enugu, Cross River, Bayelsa, Zamfara, Jigawa, Anambra, Kebbi and Abia states, extending its activities across the South-East, South-South and North-West regions.


According to the programme released by the movement, the exercise will begin on Monday, November 9, with separate engagements in Enugu and Cross River states.


The Enugu event is scheduled for 10am at Okpara Square, while the Cross River engagement will take place at 2pm at the Calabar Municipal Field.


The mobilisation team will move to Bayelsa State on Wednesday, November 11, for an event scheduled to hold at 10am at the Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.


On Thursday, November 12, the movement will visit Zamfara State for an 11am engagement before proceeding to Jigawa State for another programme scheduled for 2pm.


The campaign will continue on Friday, November 13, with engagements in Anambra and Kebbi states at 10am and 2pm respectively. The tour will conclude in Abia State on Saturday, November 14, with an engagement scheduled for 10am.


However, venues for the programmes in Zamfara, Jigawa, Anambra, Kebbi and Abia states are yet to be made public.


The latest exercise is part of the movement’s broader strategy to build a nationwide grassroots mobilisation structure capable of reaching Nigerians at the ward, local government and community levels.


The group said it had extended its activities to about 20 states of the federation, distributing more than 500 vehicles to support its operations and enhance the effectiveness of its coordinators nationwide.


According to the movement, the vehicles are expected to strengthen logistics, improve coordination and enable its representatives to reach communities, markets, neighbourhoods and other grassroots locations with the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.


The initiative builds on previous mobilisation activities through which the movement has sought to establish an extensive political network beyond conventional campaign rallies.


Its operational structure is anchored on state, local government and ward coordinators, who are expected to engage residents directly, communicate the President’s agenda and gather feedback from communities.


The movement is also focusing on publicising the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, particularly its economic reforms, infrastructure development, education initiatives, local government autonomy and other government interventions.


The National Coordinator of the movement, Sunday Asuku, has consistently stressed the importance of effective grassroots mobilisation, community engagement and feedback, urging coordinators at the state and local government levels to extend their activities to every ward and polling unit.


Continue reading

at

The President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, has declared his intention to seek re-election for a second term, expressing confidence in his leadership experience and commitment to the growth and unity of the association.


Ngelzarma made his re-election ambition known through a campaign poster that has gone viral among members and supporters of the association, in which he presented his candidacy around the values of experience, unity, service and progress.


The MACBAN president, who is regarded as an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is appealing to members of the association to renew their confidence in his leadership by voting for him in the forthcoming election.


His declaration has attracted solidarity messages and expressions of support from members and stakeholders who believe in his leadership and are rooting for his return for another term.


The election, scheduled for November 14, 2026, is expected to produce the next set of national executives who will steer the affairs of the association and represent the interests of cattle breeders across the country.


Ngelzarma's re-election bid comes at a time when the livestock sector continues to attract national attention, particularly around issues of pastoralism, livestock development, farmer-herder relations, security and the need for sustainable approaches to animal husbandry.


As the election draws closer, attention will be on the candidates and the plans they present to members, especially on how they intend to strengthen the association, promote the welfare of cattle breeders and contribute to efforts aimed at addressing challenges confronting the livestock industry.


For Ngelzarma, the November 14 election presents an opportunity to secure another mandate and continue the leadership journey he began as president of the association.

Continue reading

at

Abuja’s retail and small business economy receives a major boost as the 2026 edition of the Women in Business (WIB) Trade Fair kicks off, starting from November 5th to   November 8th  at the Eagles Square, Abuja 


The annual fair, organised by OKADS Seafood and More, under the leadership of Ebiere Empere, its CEO, has grown into one of Abuja’s largest business exhibitions, attracting hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of buyers.


This year's edition brought together over 165 vendors and thousands of customers from within and outside Abuja, providing women entrepreneurs with a platform to expand their market reach, build life changing networks, boost sales, and gain visibility.


Last year’s edition, hosted at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, was described as a “beehive of activity,” with exhibitors recording strong patronage and increased profits.

This year, organisers say the move to the Eagles Square venue was deliberate and strategic, accommodating the rising interest from vendors and visitors within Abuja and its environs.


Speaking at the opening ceremony, the CEO of Okads Foods and More and the Convener of the Fair, Mrs  Ebiere Empere (ACA), said the fair is expected to be one of the largest trade expos in Abuja in recent times;


“Exhibitors are coming not just from Abuja but from neighbouring states, creating fresh markets and networks for their brands. We are ready to match the energy we saw last year, and more.”


In a bid to support grassroots businesses, at least 50 local market women were given stands at no cost, ensuring wider participation and inclusivity.


The event also features a mix of attractions, including a shopping extravaganza, a traditional village market, a service centre, an entertainment hub, and a dedicated kiddies’ zone.


Organisers also highlighted that the fair is strategically timed to give consumers a chance to make bulk purchases before year-end price increases, a common trend in the Nigerian market.


Declaring the trade fair Open, the special guest of honor and the Director,  Niger- Delta Development Commission laison office, Abuja, Mrs. Mary Naweke Efekhoba, said 

Women in business drive global and local economies, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with active networks and organizations, shaping growth across regions like Nigeria and globally.

She urged the vendors and buyers to take full advantage of the trade fair as it offers opportunities for Showcasing new products, clear out inventory, and offer exclusive, discounted deals directly to interested buyers.


Notable Personalities at the opening ceremony include; Dr. Pabraebiowei Empere, husband of the Convener, Mrs. Evening Eyong; creative Director,

Representatives of sponsors and partners such as; United Nigeria Airlines, Lapo Microfinance Bank, Nigeria revenue service, Maltina, Regent MFB, etc.


This year's edition celebrates the power of collective strength, highlighting how women can empower each other on a shared journey to success.


Continue reading
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)