Monday, October 26

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Abubakar Tried To Secure MKO Abiola’s Release- Obasanjo
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Abubakar Tried To Secure MKO Abiola’s Release- Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday revealed the role of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty following General Sani Abacha’s death. Obasanjo also disclosed that the former military leader was facilitating the release of the June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, MKO Abiola before his unfortunate death. Chief Obasanjo made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of General Abubakar’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84”, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Obasanjo described General Abubakar as a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker. According to him, Abubakar’s actions — such as relea...
June 12: Democracy Must Be Felt Beyond the Ballot Box — IHRC Nigeria
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June 12: Democracy Must Be Felt Beyond the Ballot Box — IHRC Nigeria

By Fidelis Onakpoma Head of Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Abuja, June 12, 2026 (NAN) – The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Nigeria says democracy must be felt beyond the ballot box through improved security, economic opportunities, human rights protection and better living conditions for citizens. The call is contained in a Democracy Day message by the Head of IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Amb. Duru Hezekiah. He said June 12 should be a period for celebrating political freedom and assessing democracy's impact on citizens' welfare. “Democracy must be felt beyond the ballot box. It must reflect in security, affordable food, economic growth, human rights protection and citizens’ dignity,” Hezekiah said. The commission congratulated Presiden...
Chief Abiola Ogundokun adds more feather to his crown
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Chief Abiola Ogundokun adds more feather to his crown

High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, the Obanla of Iwoland and a veteran publisher of CONSCIENCE International Magazine, was recently bestowed title of the Grand Order of Eburu Iba by His Highness Oba , Prof. Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 , the Royal Majesty of Eburu Iba in Osun State.,for his immense contribution to the community. The event took place at the 10th coronation anniversary of the revered Osun Monarch in Iba, Osun State. The event marked a decade since the monarch—a distinguished computer science professor—ascended the throne on June 4, 2016. The anniversary became a major cultural milestone for the community, drawing respected figures, community leaders, and royal fathers from across Nigeria. The Context of the Celebration of Oba Adekunle Okunoye’s decade-long rei...
Reps Pass State Police Bill
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Reps Pass State Police Bill

The House Representatives have passed the State Police Bill, with 289 lawmakers in favour of state police during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas. This is to pave the way for the decentralisation of the Nigerian policing architecture. The House of Reps Thursday’s plenary was primarily to vote on the State Police Bill following the spike in killings, kidnappings, and banditry across the country. The Speaker took members through the clauses, voices shouting “Point of Order” could be heard, but the presiding officer ignored them. Before the voting began, Abbas announced that the electronic voting system was faulty, noting that the exercise would be conducted based on attendance. Out of the 290 members in attendance, 289 voted in favou...
Text of President Tinubu’s 2026 Democracy Day Address
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Text of President Tinubu’s 2026 Democracy Day Address

Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it. In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, d...
Democracy Day: Mese Urges Nigerians to Uphold Unity, Rule of Law
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Democracy Day: Mese Urges Nigerians to Uphold Unity, Rule of Law

By Victor Okoye Deacon Shola Mese (JP), Chairman/Managing Director of Focus Guard Security Limited/FBI Security, has congratulated Nigerians on the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. Mese said the occasion symbolised the enduring values of freedom, justice, unity, and democratic governance that continue to shape Nigeria's development. He urged citizens to support democratic institutions, promote peace, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through responsible civic engagement. "Democracy flourishes when citizens uphold accountability, inclusiveness, respect for the rule of law and active participation in governance," he said. According to him, Democracy Day offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation's heroes and recommit to national...
EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO For Alleged N13m Cancer Fraud In Lagos
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EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO For Alleged N13m Cancer Fraud In Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka,( a.k.a Blessing CEO) for alleged N13,000,000 (Thirteen Million Naira) Cancer fraud before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The EFCC filed a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining the proceeds to the tune of N13,000,000 against her, following the receipt of several petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society. The petitioners allegedly made donations to the defendant after her social media posts claiming that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and seeking financial support for treatment She was, however, later discovered to...
Dickson Warns Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Against Disparaging NDC
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Dickson Warns Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Against Disparaging NDC

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has moved to instill discipline in the party. The leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson Wedneday warned supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, against disparaging the platform and running it down. Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, Dickson dismissed rumors of an internal crisis, asserting that the party is doing the candidates a favor by granting them a platform, not the other way around. Addressing overzealous supporters, Dickson emphasised the foundational sacrifices made by the party’s leadership before the political heavyweights joined the fold. “The NDC leadership is intact and there is no crisis whatsoever,” Dickson stated. “Pete...
Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Best Path to Unity, Development, Says Fubara
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Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Best Path to Unity, Development, Says Fubara

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his belief that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, stressing that it provides the strongest framework for managing the country’s diverse ethnic, religious and cultural identities while promoting national unity, progress and prosperity. In a goodwill message marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and a symbol of the sacrifices made by patriots who fought for democratic governance and the rights of citizens. The governor said the annual commemoration goes beyond a historical remembrance, representing the collective struggle, resilience and aspirations of Nigerians for freedom, justice and represe...
FG saves ₦61.6bn from early fertiliser procurement
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FG saves ₦61.6bn from early fertiliser procurement

Early procurement of fertiliser by the Federal Government has saved the country an estimated ₦61.58 billion ahead of the wet farming season, NewsSpecng learnt. The Federal Government Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), early preparation also saved the country from global shock. Currently, several African countries are facing mounting fertilizer shortages and escalating input costs caused by renewed tensions affecting major international shipping routes. The disruptions have led to increased freight charges and sharp rises in the prices of critical fertiliser raw materials, creating uncertainty for farmers across the continent ahead of the planting season. However, the Federal Government's proactive procurement approach has enabled it to avoid the worst effects of the...
Outrage as Abuja Residents Allege Repeated Abuse of 13-Year-Old Girl by Guardian
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Outrage as Abuja Residents Allege Repeated Abuse of 13-Year-Old Girl by Guardian

A Residents of Dutse Makaranta New Site in Abuja have called for urgent intervention by authorities following allegations of repeated physical abuse against a 13-year-old girl identified as Precious. Community members claim the teenager has endured prolonged maltreatment at the hands of her guardian, prompting growing concern among residents and child rights advocates in the area. According to accounts from residents, the latest incident occurred on Wednesday when the girl was allegedly subjected to severe flogging over accusations that she stole ₦400. Witnesses further alleged that despite sustaining visible injuries, she was made to carry out domestic chores, including fetching water. Residents also claimed that after returning from a police station, the guardian allegedly ...
Ekiti Poll: INEC Identifies High-Risk Areas, Deploys Special Security Measures Against Violence, Vote-Buying
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Ekiti Poll: INEC Identifies High-Risk Areas, Deploys Special Security Measures Against Violence, Vote-Buying

Nine days before the Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has unveiled an extensive security and risk-management strategy aimed at preventing electoral violence, vote-buying, and other threats capable of undermining the June 20 poll. The disclosure came during a series of engagements with election stakeholders and traditional rulers in Ado-Ekiti, where the Commission detailed the outcome of its pre-election threat assessment and outlined measures being implemented to safeguard voters, election officials, and electoral materials. At the centre of the Commission’s preparations is a comprehensive risk-mapping exercise that identified several local government areas as potential flashpoints for...
WPRF 2026: NIPR partners NTDA to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential
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WPRF 2026: NIPR partners NTDA to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is to collaborate with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) to showcase tourism potential of the country during the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF). The President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, gave the assurance when the Director-General of NTDA, Dr Ola Awakan and his team paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.Neliaku further described tourism as a soft power of influence. He explained that the Forum would serve as a great platform for Nigeria to showcase its rich tourism potentials, stressing that it will also bring together professionals from over 126 countries into Abuja, Nigeria. He added that the collaboration would give NIPR the  opportuni...
3 police officers, 1 army captain get community impact award
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3 police officers, 1 army captain get community impact award

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Three police officers and one army captain have received the prestigious Community Impact Award for professionalism and humility in the line of duty from the Youth Initiative for Fitness and Impact (YIFI). The awardees are Capt. Ishaq Abdulhamid, Officer Commanding (OC), Forward Operational Base (FOB) Bwari, and DCP Toyin Sulyman, Deputy Commissioner, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja. Others are ACP Michael Tarfa, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Homicide, FCID, and CSP Ajaegbu Onyeka, Area Crime Officer, Karu Area Command. Speaking at the award presentation, the National President of YIFI, Kenneth Chima, said the awards were part of activities to mark Global Wellness Day (GWD) coming up on June 13. According to him, the...
AACT: LGAN Seeks Farm City Partnership, Support; Decorates Carew as Ambassador
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AACT: LGAN Seeks Farm City Partnership, Support; Decorates Carew as Ambassador

By Victor Okoye The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has sought partnership and sponsorship support from Farm City for the successful hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT). LGAN President, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed made the appeal when she led members of her delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Farm City, Hon. Olanrewaju Carew, in Abuja. Ahmed described the AACT as Africa’s premier women’s golf championship, sanctioned by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). She recalled that Nigeria previously hosted the championship in Lagos in 1996 and Abuja in 2010. “Hosting the championship again is a vote of confidence in Nigeria and in the capacity of Nigerian women to deliver a world-class continental event,” s...
Democracy Day: Senator Alli Praises Tinubu, Assures Oyo Residents Ahead 2027
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Democracy Day: Senator Alli Praises Tinubu, Assures Oyo Residents Ahead 2027

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli has congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day, describing June 12 as symbolising sacrifice, resilience, freedom and democratic perseverance nationwide. Alli, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating courageous leadership through policies and reforms aimed at rebuilding Nigeria’s economy, strengthening democracy and national stability. He stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration had continued laying foundations for sustainable growth, improved security, economic recovery and better opportunities for millions of hardworking Nigerians across states. The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District urged Nige...
LGAN Decorates Mese as AACT Ambassador, Seeks Support for 2026 Championship
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LGAN Decorates Mese as AACT Ambassador, Seeks Support for 2026 Championship

By Victor Okoye The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has decorated Deacon Shola Mese (JP) as an All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Ambassador. Mese, Vice Captain of Ogunu Golf Club in Warri, Delta State and founder of the Shola Mese Foundation, received the honour during a courtesy visit by the LGAN President, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed and her team to his office in Abuja. LGAN President Lami Ahmed led the delegation and described the AACT as a platform for promoting women's golf across Africa. Ahmed said the 2026 AACT would hold in Abuja from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7, attracting participants from more than 30 African countries. According to her, the championship will boost tourism, encourage youth participation, and strengthen Nigeria's profile in international golf. She ...
Bye-election : Maku aises alarm over alleged plot by State Govt to rig, altering security architecture
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Bye-election : Maku aises alarm over alleged plot by State Govt to rig, altering security architecture

"••••Tasks Security agencies, INEC on neutrality••••" Mr Labaran Maku , the Labour Party candidate for the Nasarawa North bye- election, has alleged that the Nasarawa State Government has planned to rig the bye election slated for June 20, 2026. Maku, a former Minister of Information, made the allegation at a press conference on Wednesday in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the State. He also called on security agencies, INEC, and civil society groups to remain neutral and ensure the bye-election is conducted transparently. " Our votes must count and the security agencies and INEC must ensure that the election is free and fair as well as peaceful," he said. The former deputy governor of Nasarawa State alleged that 9 wards were identified for rigging by th...
Heavy rain, windstorm kill grandmother, granddaughter in Bauchi
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Heavy rain, windstorm kill grandmother, granddaughter in Bauchi

A Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds has claimed the lives of a grandmother and her granddaughter in Bauchi State.The rainstorm also destroyed several houses and property in Bara community, Kirfi Local Government Area of the state. The victims, identified as 50-year-old Aisha Sagir and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu, both residents of Unguwar Katsinawa in Bara Village. The Police confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Bauchi Police state Command spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib. According to the statement, the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday following a downpour accompanied by a severe windstorm. “Preliminary reports indicate that on June 10, 2026, Kirfi Local Government Area experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong win...
PVC: Donli Urges Bayelsa Residents to Register Ahead of 2027 Polls
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PVC: Donli Urges Bayelsa Residents to Register Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Victor Okoye The Coordinator, Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), Bayelsa Chapter, Dame Julie Donli, OON has urged eligible Nigerians to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Donli made the appeal on Tuesday, stressing the importance of participating in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. She described the PVC as a constitutional right and a vital tool for democratic participation. “Your PVC is more than a card. It is your voice and your power to influence leadership and national development,” she said. According to her, every vote counts in shaping Nigeria’s future and strengthening democratic institutions. “By obtaining your PVC, you are taking an active step toward building a stronger, more prosperous and united Nigeria,” Donli ...