Sunday, September 13

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Bye-election: PDP rejects APC’s victory in Edo, cites BVAS sabotage
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Bye-election: PDP rejects APC’s victory in Edo, cites BVAS sabotage

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the results of the Saturday senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections. PDP accused INEC of deliberate sabotage, and described the election process as a severe blow to Nigeria’s democratic integrity The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier on Sunday announced the All Progressives Congress candidates as the victors. INEC declared Joseph Ikpea the winner of the Edo Central senatorial district seat and Omosede Igbinedion the winner of the Ovia Federal Constituency. Reacting to the conduct and outcome of the elections in a statement on Sunday, Elections Secretary to the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, said the party rejected the purported results being circulated by INEC ...
Loan App Virulence and Government Silence in Nigeria
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Loan App Virulence and Government Silence in Nigeria

By Márìndọ̀tí Olúdàre There is no gainsaying the obvious: hardship in Nigeria is real. With the rising cost of living, skyrocketing food prices, and no “helper” to send urgent ₦2,000, Nigerians are cornered into desperate measures just to fund their lives. Poor penetration of legitimate consumer credit has left many with little choice but to fall into the hands of loan sharks operating under the guise of mobile apps. These outfits are not only predatory, usurious, and outright illegal, but their continued existence underscores the inefficiency of Nigerian regulators—namely the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeri...
5th Extraordinary Youth Model African Union Summit to Hold in Addis Ababa
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5th Extraordinary Youth Model African Union Summit to Hold in Addis Ababa

On November 12–14, 2025, the halls of the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa will echo with the voices of young Africans, as the 5th Extraordinary Summit of the Youth Model African Union (YMAU) convenes. The announcement, made at a press conference held in Nigeria to commemorate International Youth Day 2025, set the stage for what promises to be a historic gathering. Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with over 70% of its people under the age of 35. Yet, too often, policies, economies, and peace processes overlook this majority. The YMAU Summit seeks to change that by creating a continental platform where young people don’t just discuss leadership—they practice it. In the grand chambers of the AU, youth delegates will step into the roles of Heads of State, ministers, a...
NLNG RA Gymnastics Club shines at South African Championship
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NLNG RA Gymnastics Club shines at South African Championship

By Victor Okoye Nigerian gymnastics took center stage at the Centurion Gymnastics Centre Club Competition in South Africa, with NNLG RA Gymnastics Club emerging as one of the standout Nigerian teams, clinching a memorable gold medal and delivering strong performances that underscored the club’s rising prominence. The international event in Centurion, Pretoria, attracted over 250 gymnasts from clubs across South Africa and Uganda, including renowned clubs such as Klerksdorp, Centurion, Tuks, Visions, Paragon, Bloemfontein, and Jacobsdal. Nigeria was represented by two clubs -TIG International Gymnastics Cluband NNLG RA Gymnastics Club — both showcasing immense talent and discipline. However, NLNG RA’s gymnasts captured attention with their resilience and technical brilliance. ...
Security Forces Have Arrested Top Ansaru Terrorist Leaders,  Says NSA
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Security Forces Have Arrested Top Ansaru Terrorist Leaders, Says NSA

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said on Saturday that security forces recorded a major breakthrough with the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group. Ribadu told newsmen in Abuja that the intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July decapitated the leadership of the Al-Qaeda-linked group and dealt “the most decisive blow against them.” He stated that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and other security stakeholders. Mr Ribadu added that the operation was launched against Ansaru enclaves in and around Kainji National Park, which straddles Niger and Kwara, with links extending into the Benin Republic. He identified one of the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/...
Aiyedatiwa Urges Accountants To Address Nigeria’s Economic Challenges
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Aiyedatiwa Urges Accountants To Address Nigeria’s Economic Challenges

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on accounting officers in both private and public sectors to support the nation’s economic growth. Mr Aiyedatiwa gave the charge on Saturday in Akure at the Award presentation and launching of ANAN Hall, as well as the investiture ceremony of the newly elected executives of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria in Ondo. He said that accounting officers were central to the development of any nation, urging them to be transparent and accountable, while allowing financial discipline to guide their actions. Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Laolu Akindolire, stated that accountants must add value through strategic operations. According to him, accountants must also add value th...
Ogun By-Election: Police Confirm Arrest Of INEC Officials With N2.5 Million Cash
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Ogun By-Election: Police Confirm Arrest Of INEC Officials With N2.5 Million Cash

The police command in Ogun has confirmed the arrest of two individuals identified as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, along with others, for alleged electoral offences. The confirmation came via a statement on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola. It stated that the officials were arrested in Iperu Remo during the Remo Federal constituency by-election. It noted that at 12:45 a.m., a police patrol team attached to the Iperu Remo Division intercepted a Mitsubishi Space Wagon, with registration number AKD 887 HT, carrying three occupants. The command added that the INEC officials were arrested, along with their driver.Odutola stated that a search on the vehicle led to the recovery of N2.5 million cash from one of the officials. “D...
Versity capital empowers UNILAG students for global impactEmpowerment
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Versity capital empowers UNILAG students for global impactEmpowerment

The University of Lagos came alive as Versity Capital engaged students during the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall Week to prepare them for leadership and innovation. Versity Capital, founded by talent strategist and investor, Mr Seun Johnson, works to bridge “the often-ignored gap between academic learning and real-world earning” for African undergraduates. In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Johnson said the programme was designed to raise students’ value systems, improve financial literacy, and inspire self-reliance before graduation. “We’re here to raise the value system, sharpen financial literacy, and inspire self-reliance before graduation. “With funding, mentorship, and access to networks, Versity Capital is equipping undergraduates to co...
INEC announces final preparations for bye-elections, resumption CVR, and FCT Council candidates
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INEC announces final preparations for bye-elections, resumption CVR, and FCT Council candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has concluded arrangements for Saturday’s bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states. The commission also outlined plans for the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the publication of candidates’ particulars for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election. In a statement issued after its weekly meeting on Thursday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, mni, confirmed that the bye-elections—caused by the resignation or death of serving lawmakers—will take place in two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo States; five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States; and nine stat...
Tinubu orders FIRS, Customs to review revenue deductions
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Tinubu orders FIRS, Customs to review revenue deductions

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday directed a review of deductions and revenue retention by government major revenue-generating agencies.This is in a bid to boost public savings, improve spending efficiency, and unlock resources for growth.The agencies include the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.Tinubu gave the directive during the Federal Executive Council meeting.The President’s directive was disclosed to journalists by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.According to Edun, President Tinubu specifically called for a reassessment of NNPC’s 30 per cent manageme...
Police arrest Pastor, two others over alleged rape, murder in Imo
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Police arrest Pastor, two others over alleged rape, murder in Imo

The Police has arrested one Ikenna Emmanuel, a pastor and one Franklin Chizoba for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman in Orlu, Imo State.Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, in a statement on Wednesday night, said the suspects lured the victim to the pastor’s residence on June 30, 2025, under the guise of offering prayers for her. Upon arrival, she was allegedly given a drink that made her dizzy before both men reportedly assaulted her.The suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation, according to the police, and were charged to court on August 12, 2025, before being remanded at the Correctional Facility, Owerri.In a separate case, police arrested 39-year-old Ifeanyi Odinka of Amaifeke Orlu for allegedly stabbing his 75-year-old father, Denius Odinka, to death during a dispute over ...
FG Pledges Inclusive Development, Says No Region Will Be Left Behind
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FG Pledges Inclusive Development, Says No Region Will Be Left Behind

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all regions of the country benefit equitably from national development initiatives. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also affirmed that no part of Nigeria will be sidelined in the drive toward economic growth and improved living standards. The Minister, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim made the pledge on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as part of a two-day Citizens’ Engagement Series and Federal Government Projects Tour in the South East. Idris, who led a federal delegation to inspect and showcase development projects in the region, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ...
NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’s by-election
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NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’s by-election

No fewer than 20,850 personnel have been deployed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for this Saturday's by-election across 16 constituencies in 12 states. The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, assured the public of the Corps' readiness to ensure the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, secure election materials, safeguard officials and monitor the whole election process in synergy with the Nigeria Police who is the lead agency in Election Duty Operations. Audi gave the assurance that the conduct of the by-election would be under adequate security and without hitch. He urged the eligible voters to come out massively and vote for the candidates of their choice as a symbol of their franchise and fundamental rights. The ...
Otu assents ₦104bn supplementary Budget into Law, approves roads, electricity, counterpart funds bills
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Otu assents ₦104bn supplementary Budget into Law, approves roads, electricity, counterpart funds bills

Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has assented into law the Cross River State Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, injecting an additional ₦104 billion into the state’s budget and raising the total 2025 fiscal outlay from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion. Speaking during the signing ceremony at the State Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar, Otu described the supplementary budget as a “strategic and deliberate intervention” to respond to shifting macroeconomic realities and seize new investment opportunities in critical sectors. According to him, the new allocation will be deployed to fast-track the completion of key infrastructure projects, enhance agricultural value chains, strengthen healthcare and education, bolster security, and drive job creation through targete...
Nasarawa Speaker, Lawmakers attend CPA conference in Gambia as President Barrow underscores inputs of legislators in strengthening democracy.
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Nasarawa Speaker, Lawmakers attend CPA conference in Gambia as President Barrow underscores inputs of legislators in strengthening democracy.

"…with over 300 parliamentarians from 19 commonwealth countries attending the conference…" The 54th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA, for African Region has opened in the Republic of Gambia. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA, Conference in Republic of Gambia opens today Wednesday. The Conference had in attendance the President of Republic of Gambia, His Excellency President Adama Barrow who declared the event opened. The Conference has its theme "Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa : Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks and Climate Risks" The Conference which brought together over 300 Parliamentarians from 19 Commonwealth Countries of Africa had in attendance members of the Nasarawa State House of Assem...
Centre calls for impactful leadership, reforms in Africa
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Centre calls for impactful leadership, reforms in Africa

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development (CeProd) has advised governments in Africa to implement good governance  that will open doors of  opportunities and accelerate economic development in the continent. The Director-General of CeProg, Dr Chris Egbu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. According to Egbu, impactful leadership is fundamental to make Nigeria and other countries  in Africa enjoy accelerated  developments. He added that positive reforms for the welfare of citizens would equip Africans for future roles in developing the continent. Egbu said the recent CeProg’s leadership summit attracted impressive  scholars, policymakers and business leader...
FG withdraws criminal complaints against KWAM1, Emmanson
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FG withdraws criminal complaints against KWAM1, Emmanson

Criminal charges against musician KWAM I and female passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson, have been withdrawn.Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo who disclosed this on Wednesday cited wide consultations with critical industry stakeholders for the leniency.Keyamo said recent events in the industry concerning unruly behaviour of certain individuals are unfortunate, regrettably, the minister declared that valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocols.Keyamo said the lessons have been well highlighted for the travelling public.He said :” If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last t...
2027: Nationwide CRV to hold in three phases- INEC
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2027: Nationwide CRV to hold in three phases- INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will be in three phases. The exercise according to INEC resumes on Monday, August 18, 2025 ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC says it has identified about 811 registration centres spread across all states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure the process is accessible to millions of eligible Nigerians. Unlike previous cycles, this registration period will combine both online and in-person opportunities. From August 18, citizens can begin pre-registering via the commission’s dedicated portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, ahead of physical registration, which starts on August 25. The commission said “Physical registration will be conducted at l...
New national industrial policy not to criminalise strikes – FG
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New national industrial policy not to criminalise strikes – FG

By Joan Nwagwu The Federal Government has reaffirmed that the new National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) does not criminalise workers’ embarking on strikes to press home their demands. Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, said this during a media chat with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the new NIRP 2025, was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). NAN reports that the organised labour and its affiliates have continued to express their dissatisfaction and rejection of the new policy. Dingyadi, however, said that, contrary to the position of labour, the NIRP will facilitate uninterrupted workflow, foster effective social dialogue, and promote tripartite cooperation among government, emp...
NSDC, operators partner to slash sugar imports, target 400,000MT local production
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NSDC, operators partner to slash sugar imports, target 400,000MT local production

By Lucy Ogalue The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) on Monday signed agreements with four operators to develop new sugar estates expected to collectively produce 400,000 metric tonnes annually. The NSDC Executive Secretary, Mr Kamar Bakrin, said that the agreements were part of efforts by the council to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on sugar imports. He said that the agreements would see Brent Sugar in Oyo State, Niger Foods in Niger State, Legacy Sugar in Adamawa State and UMZA in Bauchi State each develop 100,000-tonne capacity facilities. The NCDC boss said that the initiative marked a major step in the council’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production and conserve foreign exchange spent on imports. “The geographic spread from Nigeria’s Southwest to No...