Monday, October 26

News

U.S. Deports Nigerian After Domestic Violence, Other Convictions
News

U.S. Deports Nigerian After Domestic Violence, Other Convictions

The United States has deported a Nigerian national, Ayodeji Ajayi, following multiple criminal convictions, including domestic violence, as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, saying Ajayi had remained in the country illegally after entering on a student visa nearly two decades ago. According to the agency, “Ayodeji Olamide Ajayi, of Nigeria, entered the United States in 2007 on a student visa and eventually left school, but failed to leave the country.” ICE said instead of departing the US after leaving school, Ajayi accumulated a lengthy criminal record The agency stated, “Instead, he stayed in the US and got to work on a lengthy rap shee...
Wiretapping: El-Rufai To File No-case Submission As DSS Closes Case
News

Wiretapping: El-Rufai To File No-case Submission As DSS Closes Case

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to file a no-case submission in his alleged wiretapping trial.The Department of State Services closed its case against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. El-Rufai is standing trial for allegedly wiretapping calls of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.The DSS is prosecuting El-Rufai on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. According to the charges, the former Kaduna State governor had claimed on Arise Television during a live interview in February that he had intercepted a telephone conversation involving Ribadu, which allegedly revealed plans by security operatives to arrest him, an offence the agency said wa...
UK Deputy Defence Chief Visits Borno To Deepen Military Cooperation with Nigeria
News

UK Deputy Defence Chief Visits Borno To Deepen Military Cooperation with Nigeria

The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of efforts to  deepen defence cooperation between the UK and Nigeria. The visit, announced by the British Defence Staff West Africa today Tuesday 23rd June, 2026 via its official X account, was aimed at assessing ongoing military collaboration and reinforcing support for Nigeria-led security initiatives. According to the UK military, the engagement highlighted Britain’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency and other security threats while promoting regional stability across West Africa. “Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO),” the British Defence Staff We...
President Tinubu Transmits State Police Bill, 2026 To the Nigerian Senate for consideration as they resumes plenary Wednesday 24th June, 2026
News

President Tinubu Transmits State Police Bill, 2026 To the Nigerian Senate for consideration as they resumes plenary Wednesday 24th June, 2026

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, to the Senate for consideration. The correspondence, dated June 15, 2026, was read on the floor of the Red Chamber on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In the letter, Tinubu said the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services across the country. “I am delighted to present to the Senate for consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create a constitutional pathway for the establishment of state p...
ITUC-Africa urges ratification of convention on workplace violence
News

ITUC-Africa urges ratification of convention on workplace violence

By Joan Nwagwu The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called on African governments to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 to strengthen protection against workplace violence and harassment. This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Akhator-Joel Odigie, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206. Odigie said the adoption of the convention in June 2019 marked a historic milestone, providing the first legally binding international instrument dedicated exclusively to addressing violence and harassment in the workplace. According to him, the convention emerged after yea...
Nigeria, Korea partner to boost entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystem
News

Nigeria, Korea partner to boost entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystem

By Lucy Ogalue The Federal Government and South Korea have inaugurated a new initiative aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation across Nigeria. The initiative is being implemented through the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE) project, a partnership between SMEDAN and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The KOICA Nigeria Country Director, Eunsub Kim, at the inauguration of the programme in Abuja on Monday, described the project as a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. Kim said the project would establish a world-class entrepreneurship and innovation centre to support Nigerian youths, startups and micro, small and medium enterprises. He said ACE would provide entrepreneurship education, incubation services, innovation-drive...
ITUC-Africa Lauds Reparations, Debt Relief for Africa
News

ITUC-Africa Lauds Reparations, Debt Relief for Africa

By Joan Nwagwu The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has commended growing international support for reparations and debt relief to address historical injustices against Africa. This is contained in a statement by the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Mr Akhator-Joel Odigie, on Monday in Abuja. The commendation followed the adoption of the Global Framework for Reparatory Justice at the High-Level ‘Next Steps’ Conference held recently in Accra, Ghana. Odigie described the framework as a historic milestone in the long struggle for justice, dignity and redress for slavery, colonialism, apartheid and the continued exploitation of Africa. He said the adoption of the 19-point framework reflected growing global recogniti...
Okowa Spotted at EFCC Lagos Office Amid N1.3trn Investigation
News

Okowa Spotted at EFCC Lagos Office Amid N1.3trn Investigation

Former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was sighted on Monday at the Lagos Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. According to top sources within the commission, Okowa’s visit is connected to the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023. The former governor was first arrested on Nov. 4, 2024 and detained for questioning at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate. At the Lagos office, sources say Okowa was making frantic efforts to secure the release of his intern...
Years Of Neglect: Cross River Communities Of 500,000 Cry Out for Power Restoration
News

Years Of Neglect: Cross River Communities Of 500,000 Cry Out for Power Restoration

By Gami Tadanyigbe Over 500,000 residents of Yache communities in Yala LGA, Cross River State, have raised alarm over years of infrastructure neglect, calling on the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to urgently restore electricity to the area. The appeal was contained in a formal letter addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a copy of which was obtained by journalists. The letter, signed by the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen A. Odey, painted a grim picture of life in the agrarian communities, saying the absence of electricity, good roads and potable water has crippled development and left residents isolated despite their significant contrib...
World Public Summit Debuts in Africa, Holds in Ethiopia July 29
News

World Public Summit Debuts in Africa, Holds in Ethiopia July 29

By Victor Okoye The World Public Summit will hold in Africa for the first time on July 29-30, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit, themed “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future,” will bring together global leaders, experts and change-makers. Organised by the World Peoples Assembly and African partners, it will attract diplomats, academics, youth leaders, business representatives, media professionals, and civil society groups. The event builds on discussions from the First World Public Assembly, held in Moscow in September 2025. It also serves as a preparatory milestone for the Second World Public Assembly scheduled for Moscow on Sept. 18-19, 2026. Organisers said Africa's demographic growth, entrepreneurship, regional integration, and cultural heritag...
Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His 19-Year Football Career
News

Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His 19-Year Football Career

By Victor Okoye Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has credited renowned football scout Marcelo Houseman with launching his professional football career. Ighalo told newsmen that Houseman discovered him and fellow Nigerian player Kim Ojo before creating opportunities that exposed them to European football. “Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players,” he said. Ighalo said Houseman's commitment extended beyond scouting, as he invested time, resources, and personal support in nurturing young talents. “Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman stood by both of us. He believed we deserved equal opportunities and rejected offers he considered inadequate,” he said. Ighalo said ...
Iyalode of Lagos pledges support for Business Women of Influence.
News

Iyalode of Lagos pledges support for Business Women of Influence.

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Iyalode of Lagos, Mrs  Bintu-Fatima Tinubu has pledged to support the mandate of Business Women of Influence for Rewed Hope Agenda to advance the course of women in Nigeria. She made the pledge during the inauguration of the group in Abuja. Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, who is also Matron of the initiative noted that Nigeria today stands at a time every citizen has a role to play in nation building, adding that women in particular occupy a unique and strategic position. She commended the wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu whom she described as a woman of grace, compassio and exceptional service. “I am particularly passionate about the empowerment of women at the grassroots level. The resilience and determination of our women in the grassroots des...
COAS CHARGES NEW SOLDIERS: BE DECISIVE AGAINST THREATS, PROFESSIONAL IN CONDUCT
News

COAS CHARGES NEW SOLDIERS: BE DECISIVE AGAINST THREATS, PROFESSIONAL IN CONDUCT

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the newly trained soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake to be decisive in confronting terrorists and criminal elements while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights. The directive was given on Saturday, 20 June 2026, during the Passing Out Parade at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna state. The Army Chief underscored the critical role the new soldiers will play in ongoing operations to safeguard national security. He stated that following rigorous military training, including Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency operations, the troops are fully prepared to take the fight to all threats confronting the nation. General Shaibu emphasized that while the Nigerian...
ITUC calls for urgent action on workers’ protection, climate goals
News

ITUC calls for urgent action on workers’ protection, climate goals

By Joan Nwagwu The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called for accelerated global action on climate goals and a just transition framework to protect workers and vulnerable communities. This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by Ms Boitumelo Molete, Social Development Policy Coordinator of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), who spoke on behalf of the ITUC. Molete disclosed this at the conclusion of the 64th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) climate negotiations held in Bonn, Germany, ahead of COP31. She expressed concerns over the outcomes of the meeting, saying workers and trade unions were disappointed by the pace of progress toward implementing the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Molete said delegates had failed t...
KWALI AREA COUNCIL CHAIRMAN PRESENTS APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO NEWLY APPOINTED AIDES
News

KWALI AREA COUNCIL CHAIRMAN PRESENTS APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO NEWLY APPOINTED AIDES

By Gami Tadanyigbe The Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali, has officially presented appointment letters to his newly appointed Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Chief of Staff, Personal Assistants, and Protocol Officers, charging them to remain dedicated and committed to the service of the people. The presentation ceremony, which took place on Friday at the Chairman's office, marked another step in strengthening the administrative structure of the Council to enhance effective governance and service delivery.The newly appointed officials are: Dogara Etsu – Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Special DutiesDanlami Damabi – Chief of StaffHaruna Munzeye – Personal AssistantNasiru Suleiman – Personal Assistant IEzekiel Elisha – Chief Protocol OfficerMustapha H...
Kuje Area Council Chairman Launches Aggressive Sanitation Drive, Orders Waste Evacuation 
News

Kuje Area Council Chairman Launches Aggressive Sanitation Drive, Orders Waste Evacuation 

By Gami Tadanyigbe The Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has directed the Department of Environmental Health to immediately commence the evacuation of illegal refuse dumpsites across Kuje and its surrounding communities as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation and public health. Hon. Shekwolo issued the directive during an inspection tour of several illegal waste disposal sites within the Area Council, where he expressed concern over the growing menace of indiscriminate waste dumping. The Chairman described the illegal dumpsites as serious environmental hazards that pose significant health risks to residents and undermine the aesthetic appeal of the Council area. He reiterated the commitment of his administration to creat...
Prof. Yunusa Charges Contractor on Quality, Timely Delivery of UATH Infectious Disease Centre
News

Prof. Yunusa Charges Contractor on Quality, Timely Delivery of UATH Infectious Disease Centre

By Public Relations Unit The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Professor Thairu Yunusa, has charged the contractor handling the renovation and upgrade of the hospital's Infectious Disease Centre to ensure the timely completion of the project while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Professor Yunusa gave the directive during an inspection visit to assess the progress of work at the facility in Abuja. According to a statement issued by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Mallam Sani Suleiman, the CMD emphasized the strategic importance of the project in strengthening Nigeria's preparedness for future public health emergencies. He noted that the ongoing renovation is in line with the Federal Government'...
Madugun Lapai title will spur me to do more for humanity – Ndarani
News

Madugun Lapai title will spur me to do more for humanity – Ndarani

By Ebere Agozie A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mohammed Ndarani says the traditional title Madugun Lapai conferred on him by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umaru Bako III, the Etsu Lapai will spur him to do more for humanity. Ndarani said this when he received a delegation of Lapai Emirate Council that paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja. ``I didn’t expect this title, but I’m so happy to have been awarded this prestigious honour of Madugun Lapai. ``There is nothing as good as being honoured in one’s community. It’s the best honour anyone could wish for. ``This would encourage me to serve my people, state and Nigeria as a whole even more.’’ He added that people have known him to be a straightforward person, but that he would not deviate from upholding truth a...
Marcelo Houseman Set for Nigeria, Ghana Talent Hunt After Signing Ghanaian Teen Sensation
News

Marcelo Houseman Set for Nigeria, Ghana Talent Hunt After Signing Ghanaian Teen Sensation

By Victor Okoye Renowned Argentine football scout, Marcelo Houseman, will arrive in Africa in two weeks to continue his search for emerging talents in Nigeria and Ghana. Houseman, celebrated for discovering several African football stars, recently secured the signature of Ghana’s highly-rated 18-year-old prospect, Kelvin Nhrumah. The veteran scout said Africa remains a fertile ground for football talents waiting for opportunities to showcase their abilities on the global stage. “There are so many undiscovered talents across Africa. The continent is blessed with gifted footballers who only need the right opportunities,” Houseman said. He noted that his passion for grassroots football had driven him to various African countries in search of players capable of excelling at the...
Donli Condemns Brutal Assault of 10-Year-Old Boy in Anambra
News

Donli Condemns Brutal Assault of 10-Year-Old Boy in Anambra

Executive Chairman of Roost Foundation and former Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Donli, has condemned the brutal assault of a 10-year-old boy in Anambra State. Donli described the incident as cruel, inhuman, and unacceptable, urging authorities to ensure justice for the victim and protection for vulnerable children. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the boy, whose identity was withheld, was allegedly assaulted by his guardians in Awada, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area. The Anambra State Government said the child was receiving treatment and protection under its care following the incident. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Awka on Monday. The police in An...