Thursday, April 23

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NCC honours outstanding staff for contributions towards digital economy
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NCC honours outstanding staff for contributions towards digital economy

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rewarded exceptional members of its staff for their contributions to advancing the country’s digital economy. The event brought together top management, board members, and staff of the Commission. The NCC Staff Awards Night is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to promote a culture of excellence, reward productivity, and inspire continuous improvement among its personnel. The award night highlighted the critical role of human capital in achieving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. The NCC noted that the award recipients have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication—qualities considered essential to driving the Federal Government’s vision of a more inclusive and digitally conn...
Retired police officers block villa gate, protest pension scheme
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Retired police officers block villa gate, protest pension scheme

Retired police personnel and their families on Monday blocked one of the gates of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in protest. The retirees under the umbrella of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, are demanding the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The placard carrying retired police officers described their inclusion in the contributory pension scheme as “fraudulent, illegal, inhumane and obnoxious.” Protesters carried placards reading “End CPS,” “If military, DSS were removed from PENCOM, why not police?” while many were chanting, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop.” They said the protest was aimed at urging President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and tran...
Ondo Doctors Issue Eight-day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances, Welfare
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Ondo Doctors Issue Eight-day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances, Welfare

Doctors in Ondo State, under the auspices of the Nigeria Medical Association, have issued a eight day ultimatum to the state government to improve their welfare. The doctors condmend the current working condition, which they said represent suffering. The chairman of the Ondo NMA, Dr Muyiwa Alonge, made the call in a statement on Monday urged the government to implement two key Federal Government circulars that affect their salaries and welfare, as had been done in other states of the federation for almost a year. The statement read, “For months, the Ondo State Government has not implemented two key Federal Government circulars that affect our salaries and welfare – the first is Circular SWC/S/04/S.218/IV/876 of 19th November 2025 on the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries, t...
Police arrest 42 suspected miners over Kwara monarch abduction
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Police arrest 42 suspected miners over Kwara monarch abduction

No fewer than 42 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in Kwara state in respect to the abduction of of Kwara monarch, Oba Salman Aweda, of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr Adekimi Ojo, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on Monday. Ojo said the monarch was abducted by ten fully armed terrorists on Saturday evening after the royalty earlier paid him in the day by the miners. He said that the terrorists broke down the door of his palace, fetched him from one of the rooms and demanded the money the miners gave him earlier in the day. He added that the monarch immediately gave them the money, and he was thereafter taken away with his brother, who was with him. “Immediately we got...
Nigeria, China Deepen Cultural Ties at 2026 International Chinese Language Day Celebration
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Nigeria, China Deepen Cultural Ties at 2026 International Chinese Language Day Celebration

Cultural diplomacy and linguistic exchange took centre stage in Abuja on Monday as language enthusiasts gathered to commemorate the 17th International Chinese Language Day, highlighting the growing significance of Mandarin in strengthening relations between China and Nigeria. Hosted at the China Cultural Centre, the event brought together key stakeholders from government, media, and academia in a celebration that blended tradition, diplomacy, and forward-looking cooperation. Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Yang Jianxing welcomed participants and situated the celebration within the Grain Rain period—one of the 24 traditional solar terms in the Chinese calendar—historically linked to Cangjie. He described the occasion as symbolic of continuity between ancient heritage an...
Alleged results trading: UNIJOS Law faculty backs Amupitan, says he has no integrity crisis
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Alleged results trading: UNIJOS Law faculty backs Amupitan, says he has no integrity crisis

The Faculty of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has dismissed the allegations by a former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung against the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, over the purported commercialisation of the results of 16 "special students" in the 2009/2010 session while he was the Dean. While explaining that nothing of such ever happened in that class, or indeed any other class before or subsequent to it, to the best knowledge of the members of its Board, the Faculty said Dalung spoke as a partisan politician of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A statement by the Dean of UNIJOS Faculty of Law, Prof Francis M. Kwede, debunked the allegation, saying there was no manipulation and trading off ...
NPF Efforts Drive MMA Inclusion in National Sports Festival After 15th BIPOGA Success
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NPF Efforts Drive MMA Inclusion in National Sports Festival After 15th BIPOGA Success

Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc. By Victor Okoye The 15th BIPOGA has recorded its first national sports impact as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debuts at the National Sports Festival (NSF). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inclusion follows an impressive outing at the 15th BIPOGA Games held in Asaba Delta State from the 14th to 21st of February,2026,marking a turning point for Mixed Marital Arts (MMA) recognition. CSP Kalu Chijioke Erem anipr,mipra,board member of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), attributed the development to Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies efforts in strengthening MMA governance nationwide. Chijioke told NAN on Monday that MMA’s rise from obscurity reflects deliberate institutional s...
SSANU plans indefinite strike as April 30 renegotiation deadline approachesStrike
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SSANU plans indefinite strike as April 30 renegotiation deadline approachesStrike

By Joan Nwagwu The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) says it will embark on an indefinite strike as the April 30 deadline for the conclusion of its renegotiation with the Federal Government approaches. Its National President, Mr Muhammad Ibrahim, said this in a communiqué issued at the end of a Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SSANU had on March 30 issued the Federal Government a 30-day ultimatum to resolve welfare and agreement issues reached with university-based unions. Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, said the renegotiation process remained ongoing and had not been concluded. He expressed concern over dela...
2027:  Ododo’s aide Tiamiyu pledges effective representation for Lokoja 1 Constituency
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2027:  Ododo’s aide Tiamiyu pledges effective representation for Lokoja 1 Constituency

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Mr Jimoh Tiamiyu, the Special Adviser on Corporate Affairs to Gov Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has promised to provide effective representation for Lokoja 1 Constituency in the state assembly in 2027.Tiamiyu made the promise when he formally declared his intention to contest for the seat at the Kogi House of Assembly in 2027 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).This is contained in a declaration letter of intent presented to party leaders and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.“I write to formally declare my intent to contest for the position of Member, Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Lokoja 1 Constituency.“This decision comes after careful reflection, wide consultation, and a deep conviction to effe...
Rafiu Yusuf Emerges Ondo All Stars Veterans President,Vows to Reposition Association
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Rafiu Yusuf Emerges Ondo All Stars Veterans President,Vows to Reposition Association

By Kanu Samuel New Ondo Veterans President Promises Unity and Welfare FocusYusuf Targets Revival of Ondo All Stars Veterans Association‘Retired but Not Tired’: Yusuf Outlines Vision for Ondo VeteransEdited Story (British English) The President of Ondo State All Stars Veterans, Rafiu Yusuf, has assured members of the association that their welfare will be a top priority under his leadership. The former Sunshine Stars player disclosed that he would work to bring all members onto the same page for the overall development of the association. Yusuf made this known following he was declared as the President of the Ondo State All Stars Veterans at the State Sports Complex in Akure on Saturday. He described the association as a significant platform that has been underutilised o...
Yòmí Oyékàn convener of Akure Outsiders and Stanfield Attorneys Lead Move to Secure Release of 50 Inmates in Ondo
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Yòmí Oyékàn convener of Akure Outsiders and Stanfield Attorneys Lead Move to Secure Release of 50 Inmates in Ondo

A media and community development advocate, Yòmí Oyékàn, has led his platform, Akure Outsiders, into a strategic partnership with Stanfield Attorneys, spearheaded by E. D. Elabi Esq., Managing Partner, to facilitate the release of 50 inmates from maximum correctional facilities across Ondo State. The initiative, described as a humanitarian and justice-driven intervention, is targeted at inmates eligible for release due to minor offences, prolonged detention without trial, or fulfillment of legal conditions for freedom. Speaking on the development, Oyékàn noted that the effort reflects a commitment to social justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration, emphasizing the need to decongest correctional centres while giving deserving individuals a second chance at life. E. D. Elabi ...
56 inmates to bag NOUN degree at 15th convocation
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56 inmates to bag NOUN degree at 15th convocation

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding education beyond boundaries, just as 56 inmates from correctional centres nationwide prepare to graduate at its 15th convocation ceremony. The Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Uduma Uduma, said this during a pre-convocation news conference on Tuesday in Abuja. Uduma described the initiative as a deliberate policy focused on inclusion, second chances, and fostering meaningful national transformation through education. The convocation, scheduled for April 18, would be conducted across NOUN multiple study centres nationwide. “The inmates are among the 24,575 students graduating at the ceremony, reflecting the university’s broad reach and inclusive approach to learning, which ensures that educati...
Court ruling affirms party autonomy, strengthens democracy— ADC diasporaADC
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Court ruling affirms party autonomy, strengthens democracy— ADC diasporaADC

By Victor Okoye Abuja, April 16, 2026 (NAN) Dr Safiyanu Maibiyar, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, has described a recent court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute as a victory for democracy and internal party discipline. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ADC has been facing a leadership crisis involving factions within its executive. A High Court in the Dutsin-Ma Judicial Division of Katsina State struck out a suit challenging the party’s leadership, ruling that the matter is an internal affair beyond the court’s jurisdiction. The judgment, delivered on April 14 by Justice A.K. Tukur also vacated an earlier ex parte interim order and dismissed the case for want of jurisdiction. The suit was filed by Alhaji Mus...
INEC Concludes CVR Phase II, Moves to Nationwide Claims and Objections Exercise
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INEC Concludes CVR Phase II, Moves to Nationwide Claims and Objections Exercise

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially concluded the second phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, marking a significant milestone in preparations for the 2027 General Election. According to the commission’s weekly update released on Friday, April 17, 2026, a total of 3,748,704 completed registrations were recorded during the second phase of the exercise. The figure reflects a combination of successful online pre-registrations and in-person completions at designated centres across the country, underscoring sustained public engagement in the electoral process. A detailed breakdown of the figures shows that 2,259,288 Nigerians completed their registration through INEC’s online pre-registration portal, while 1,489,416 registra...
Top APC Contender Oyedele Hakeem Alao To Declare Oyo Governorship Bid On April 21st
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Top APC Contender Oyedele Hakeem Alao To Declare Oyo Governorship Bid On April 21st

Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and philanthropist in Oyo State, will formally declare his governorship on 21 April 2025, at the Emmanuel Alayande Teachers Resource Centre in Samonda, Ibadan, his campaign team announced on Friday. The event, set for 10 a.m., marks Alao's official entry into the race for the APC's gubernatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Alao, a cerebral and international engineer with decades of experience in infrastructure development and a foundation focused on education and youth empowerment, has been positioning himself as a homegrown solution to Oyo's challenges in security, education, and economic and others. "Oyo State deserves leadership that builds on its potential," Alao said in a statement. ...
INEC Moves Osun Campaign Cut-Off Date
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INEC Moves Osun Campaign Cut-Off Date

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a consequential adjustment to the campaign timeline for the upcoming Osun State governorship election, following an earlier shift in the election date. In a press statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. on Thursday, the Commission recalled that it had, on February 26, 2026, released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election. As part of that revision, the Osun governorship poll was moved forward by one week—from August 8 to August 15, 2026. INEC stated that the adjustment necessitates a corresponding change in the campaign deadline. Political parties are now required to conclude all campaign activi...
Nigerian Tax Laws Will Create Opportunities And Prosperity, Says Tinubu
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Nigerian Tax Laws Will Create Opportunities And Prosperity, Says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday said colonial-era tax laws impoverished Nigerians through fragmentation, multiplicity, and inconsistencies. Tinubu, however, assured Nigerians that the new reforms will deliver greater prosperity and inclusivity. He emphasised that the new tax system is designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly, thereby advancing the nation’s development goals. The President made these remarks at the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were in attendance, along with ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives, private-sector leaders, and the governors of Kwara, Imo, Borno, Kogi, Plateau, and ...
Police Kill Three Kidnappers, Arrest Nine Suspects In Abia
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Police Kill Three Kidnappers, Arrest Nine Suspects In Abia

The Police has neutralised three fleeing kidnappers and arrested nine others over various crimes in Abaia State. The police also recovered various exhibits between 1st and 14th of April. Briefing newsmen on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, described the feat as “continuous strides in fulfilling its (Police) constitutional mandate”. He said, “From 1st April to date, the Command has recorded the following achievements through intelligence-led operations: Ten (10) AK-47 rifles recovered, Two (2) locally made pistols, Three (3) single-barrel guns, One (1) pump-action gun, Forty-four (44) rounds of live ammunition, and Three (3) vehicles recovered. “Other exhibits recovered include a wallet containing twelve thousand, six hundred and fifty naira, Two (2) phones...
Abia compresses six years primary education into three
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Abia compresses six years primary education into three

The Abia State Government announced it has compressed six years of primary education into three years. The programme, which is being implemented by the state Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, is targeted at individuals who were unable to complete their basic education. The initiative it said aimed at accelerating Basic Education Programme as part of efforts to expand access to learning for adults and out-of-school residents, The State Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu, announced this to journalists at Government House Umuahia Monday evening after the state executive council weekly meeting which the state governor Dr Alex Otti presided over. Commissioner Kanu also disclosed that Abia State has been selected as one of the beneficiary states of...
Governor Sule Rewards Excellence with ₦44 Million as NSUK Graduates 32,884 Students at Historic 8th Convocation Ceremony & Silver Jubilee Anniversary
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Governor Sule Rewards Excellence with ₦44 Million as NSUK Graduates 32,884 Students at Historic 8th Convocation Ceremony & Silver Jubilee Anniversary

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) recorded a landmark moment in its history from 8th–11th April, 2026, as it held its 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony alongside its Silver Jubilee Anniversary, marking 25 years of academic excellence and institutional growth. The four-day celebration transformed the university into a vibrant hub of intellectual engagement and cultural prestige, attracting top government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers, alumni, and development partners. The milestone event celebrated the university’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 2001. This has reaffirmed NSUK’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading state-owned institutions. The convocation ceremony, held on Saturday, 11th April, witnessed the graduation of 32,884 students across three...