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2026 Will Bring Better Days for Troops — CDS Promises Improved Welfare at AFCRD Social Night

By
Roland Edet
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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that far-reaching reforms aimed at improving their welfare are underway and already receiving backing at the highest levels of government.

General Oluyede gave the assurance while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja, organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS urged troops to remain resolute and hopeful, assuring them that 2026 would usher in tangible improvements in welfare conditions across the Armed Forces.

He noted that the Defence Headquarters was not only focused on the welfare of serving personnel but also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly in the area of sustainable livelihoods after retirement.

With the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the CDS disclosed that the Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at reduced interest rates, aimed at supporting viable businesses, promoting family stability and guaranteeing long-term income for military families.

General Oluyede also revealed ongoing efforts to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, steady sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of service.

Drawing inspiration from Liverpool Football Club’s famous anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the CDS assured troops that the Armed Forces leadership remains firmly committed to standing by both serving and retired personnel.

He commended officers and men for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace. He also paid tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices, patience and prayers sustain the morale of the Armed Forces.

General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening the welfare, morale and operational capacity of the military, while also commending the Service Chiefs for their leadership.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to allow personnel to relax, reflect and celebrate, while also honouring fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire the Armed Forces.

The Social Night formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day and was attended

Aiyedatiwa Marks 61st Birthday with Freedom for 7 Ondo Convicts

By
Saladin Babagana
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday marked his 61st birthday by granting pardon to seven convicts serving various sentences in correctional centres across the state.

The gesture, described as an act of compassion and humane leadership, was carried out through the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy.

The pardon builds on an earlier clemency granted on January 1, 2026, when Aiyedatiwa approved the release of 77 convicts following recommendations by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to the government, the seven beneficiaries were selected after thorough assessments which confirmed genuine remorse, good conduct, commitment to rehabilitation and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.

The latest release, the state said, reflects the governor’s belief in restorative justice, prison decongestion and the importance of offering second chances to reformed offenders.

Commenting on the development, the Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and Attorney-General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the governor for what he described as a thoughtful and progressive decision.

Ajulo said the action reaffirmed the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to balancing justice with mercy, reforming the justice system and fostering a society where redemption remains possible.

Extortion Scandal Rocks Rivers Nursing College, Govt Sets Up Probe Panel

By
Uche Kingsley
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The Rivers State Government has set up an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of extortion, examination malpractice and other sharp practices at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, announced the move during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, describing the allegations as grave and unacceptable.

She said the panel has been mandated to thoroughly investigate the claims and recommend appropriate sanctions against any individual or department found culpable.

Oreh reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing that no one would be shielded, as the exercise is aimed at restoring integrity and public confidence in the institution and other state-owned health training centres.

The allegations include illegal demands for money from students for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, as well as bribery for guaranteed passes.

According to the commissioner, the complaints were taken seriously immediately they were received, prompting the state to brief the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and relevant security agencies.

“These allegations border on extortion of unauthorised payments for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, and bribery for guaranteed passes in what should be professional examinations,” Oreh said.

She announced the suspension of the college’s provost and other officials implicated in the allegations, adding that an acting head would be appointed to ensure smooth academic activities.

“An independent investigative panel has been set up by the Rivers State Ministry of Health to examine all the claims in depth. The panel will work independently and transparently,” she added.

Oreh also disclosed that a forensic audit of the Year Two, second semester examinations would be carried out, while students who volunteer information to the panel would be adequately protected.

She further revealed that a comprehensive review of academic and financial practices in the college would be undertaken.

The commissioner assured that anyone found guilty would be punished in line with existing state and national laws.

Gold, Lithium Boom: Nigeria Emerges Africa’s Mining Powerhouse — Alake

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria is fast rising as Africa’s minerals supply hub with the take-off of lithium processing and gold refining plants across the country, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has declared.

Alake made the bold assertion during talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh.

He revealed that Nigeria’s drive for value addition is already paying off, with a high-purity gold refinery now operating in Lagos, three more gold refineries nearing completion, and a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State set for commissioning.

According to him, these projects are positioning Nigeria as a key global player in minerals critical for the green energy transition.

The minister praised Saudi Arabia for using the FMF to foster partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, stressing that Nigeria is eager to deepen cooperation with the Kingdom in solid minerals development.

“We want structured partnerships that will deliver capacity building, training, technology transfer and advanced exploration. Saudi Arabia has expertise in some areas, while Nigeria has strong advantages in others,” Alake said.

He noted that Nigeria’s vast landmass is richly endowed with critical minerals and rare earth elements needed by the global economy, adding that partnerships must be based on fairness, equity and mutual benefit.

Alake also disclosed that a joint working group involving Nigeria and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, set up after FMF 2025, has been active over the past year and will present its report at the current forum.

He identified mineral traceability, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and mine-pit remediation as key areas for collaboration, stressing that traceability boosts investor confidence.

In his response, Al-Khorayef reaffirmed Nigeria as a trusted ally of Saudi Arabia and called for a practical, result-driven agreement on solid minerals development. He proposed the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for possible signing on the sidelines of the forum.

The Saudi minister also urged Nigeria to showcase its mining investment opportunities to Saudi investors, noting that the country could benefit from Saudi Arabia’s advanced mining technologies.

By
Roland Edet
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Political tension rose in Kano on Monday evening after authorities at the Government House removed several flags of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), triggering fresh speculation that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Although no official confirmation has been issued, a visit to the seat of power in Kano State revealed a striking shift in political symbolism. The NNPP flags, which had previously flown alongside the Nigerian national flag, were noticeably absent from the Government House premises.

Checks showed that only the Nigerian flag was displayed at strategic locations within the Government House complex in Nassarawa GRA, marking a clear departure from the practice since the NNPP took over the state administration in 2023.

Sources told this newspaper that the removal of the party’s insignia could signal an impending change in political alignment at the highest level of the state government.

Inside the corridors of power, the change was equally evident. Offices, halls and other public-facing areas that once reflected the identity of the ruling party now appeared politically neutral, with no party symbols on display.

Adding to the speculation, supporters were sighted around the Government House wearing red caps associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that has further fueled public debate.

While some residents dismissed the sightings as routine political activity, others described them as a calculated move to prepare the ground for a major political announcement.

Despite the growing rumours, the Kano State Government has remained silent on the issue, with neither the governor’s office nor the NNPP leadership offering any explanation for the removal of the party flags.

The continued silence has only heightened curiosity and speculation across Kano and beyond.

APC E-Registration Drive Records 2m Sign-Ups in One Week, Targets 9m by Next Assessment

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major boost in its ongoing electronic membership registration, enrolling over two million new members within just one week of the exercise.

The party disclosed that with the pace of registration accelerating nationwide, it expects its digitally verified membership to rise to between eight and nine million by the next assessment scheduled for next week.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the e-registration exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all states of the federation.

Basiru explained that the party aims to ensure that all its members are digitally captured before the end of January, stressing that accurate data is critical to the operational efficiency of any modern political organisation.

“Before the end of January, we want all our members to be digitally identified. Data is very important to the operational efficiency of any organisation, particularly a political party that thrives on mobilisation, organisation and consultation,” he said.

He added that the APC National Chairman has directed state coordinators to ensure that the exercise is in full swing across their states before the end of the week, warning that underperforming coordinators could be replaced.

“Any state found to be lacking, the National Working Committee has the latitude to change the status of state coordinators if the exercise is not ongoing. We also have the mandate to review the state-by-state status of the membership registration,” Basiru said.

According to him, more than two million Nigerians have already been digitally verified as APC members within one week, with their National Identification Numbers (NIN) and voter identification numbers captured, even as many states are yet to commence the exercise at full scale.

“We envisage that in the coming days, particularly when we make another assessment next week, the figure should be in the region of eight to nine million members,” he added.

Basiru urged party stakeholders at all levels to take the exercise seriously, commending state leaders for committing time, energy and resources to mobilise members for the success of the registration.

He noted that challenges encountered in some areas have been identified and solutions proffered, including manual data capture in locations affected by insecurity or limited internet access.

“Data of intending members in such areas will be manually taken and uploaded where access is available. All members of our party, irrespective of their location or security challenges, will be accommodated in this exercise,” he said.

Basiru said the briefing followed a meeting of the National Working Committee with state coordinators under the leadership of the party’s National Chairman.

Awujale Succession Race Opens as Fusengbuwa Ruling House Fields 95 Aspirants, KWAM 1 Absent

By
Udehi Alambo
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The race for the vacant Awujale stool of Ijebu land formally took off on Monday as the Fusengbuwa ruling house nominated 95 contenders—94 princes and one princess—for the revered throne, with popular Fuji musician Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) conspicuously absent.

The aspirants emerged during a family meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, marking a major step in the process to select the next Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

The nomination exercise was conducted by the leadership of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and observed by officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, in line with traditional and administrative procedures.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. The Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Abiodun Oke, and other council officials were present as observers.

Among those nominated are Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, husband of former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Dr. Kunle Hassan, an ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital; and Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction.

The sole female aspirant is Oluwakemi Onanuga, a legal practitioner.

Each aspirant was represented at the meeting by two relatives—one to propose and another to second the nomination—after which the ruling house formally registered the candidates.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign.

Speaking after the exercise, Otunba Owoyemi commended members of the ruling house for a peaceful and orderly nomination process, noting that extensive traditional consultations preceded the meeting.

“We have successfully and harmoniously nominated 95 candidates. It is now left for the kingmakers to conscientiously select one of them as the next Awujale,” he said.

Owoyemi expressed optimism that a new monarch would emerge within one month and disclosed that all contestants had signed undertakings to accept the outcome of the process and refrain from litigation.

The nominations come amid earlier controversy over claims by Fuji star Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) to the throne. The Fusengbuwa ruling house, however, had declared that the musician is not a member of the family and therefore ineligible.

Ayinde was neither present at the meeting nor nominated by any family, effectively excluding him from the succession race.

FCT Health Sector Gets Data, Manpower Boost as Fasawe Calls for More National Health Fellows

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, has commended the National Health Fellows Programme for significantly strengthening healthcare delivery in the territory, citing improved data management, manpower support and better grassroots services.

Fasawe spoke on Monday in Abuja during interviews for the second cohort of the National Health Fellows, noting that the fellows have, over the past year, enhanced health planning through efficient data collection, transmission and use.

According to her, the fellows have become critical to project implementation across the FCT health sector.

“Health fellows have helped us tremendously in all our projects. They have made data collection, uploading, transmission and feedback more fluid and more efficient in the FCT,” she said.

She explained that the programme has also promoted effective task shifting, with fellows now handling responsibilities previously reserved for doctors, matrons and senior supervisors.

“We now know what more they can do. Some of the tasks we used to wait for doctors or senior officers to do are now being allocated to the fellows,” Fasawe added.

The mandate secretary noted that the fellows undergo intensive training and are selected from the communities where they serve, a strategy she said has improved acceptance, communication and overall impact.

“They understand the terrain, speak the language and know the health-seeking behaviour of the people, and that has helped us achieve better results,” she said.

Expressing concern over the shortage of health workers, Fasawe called for an expansion of the programme in 2026 to support primary healthcare delivery, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Health and the FCT Minister for their support.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Babagana Adam, said the programme has started yielding results but stressed that the current number of fellows is inadequate.

“The FCT is disadvantaged with only six fellows, one per area council. Abuja Municipal Area Council alone is vast in both landmass and population. Six fellows cannot effectively cover our 62 wards,” Adam said.

He disclosed that the FCT is advocating for an increase to at least 18 fellows to improve coverage and impact across the territory.

Adam also revealed progress in the upgrade of primary healthcare centres, noting that over 300 PHCs exist across the six area councils, with improvements ongoing under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

On health insurance coverage, he said the FCT exceeded its target by enrolling over 36,000 residents, surpassing the projected 25,000.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Team Lead for Health Systems and Services, Dr. Mary Brentwell, described the National Health Fellows selection process as transparent and credible.

“We are here as observers. The panel is balanced, the questions are fair and the candidates possess diverse skill sets that can meaningfully contribute to the health sector,” she said.

Earlier, the Acting Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics and FCT SWAP Desk Officer, Dr. Teresa Ekaete Nwachukwu, said the programme was designed to groom young leaders for primary healthcare and is driven strictly by merit.

She explained that the selection process is seamless and free of political influence, noting that for each local government, one fellow will eventually be selected.

“In the FCT, we have six area councils, so six fellows will emerge from 18 shortlisted candidates,” Nwachukwu said, adding that the fellows will help identify gaps in primary healthcare delivery and link community challenges with relevant authorities.

One of the candidates, Saidu Bello Karshi from Abuja Municipal Area Council, described the interview process as seamless and expressed optimism about being selected.

The Abuja interviews form part of a nationwide exercise to select the second batch of National Health Fellows aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the country.

Argungu Fishing Festival 2026: Emir Launches 21 Sub-Committees to Boost Global Celebration

By
Shehu Danladi
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The Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, has officially inaugurated 21 sub-committees to kickstart preparations for the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (AIF&CF 2026), signalling a major step toward a world-class celebration.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Emir tasked committee members with producing detailed proposals and realistic budgets promptly, stressing that their selection was based on proven experience, dedication, and past contributions to the Argungu Emirate and Kebbi State.

“I am confident that each of you will deliver on your mandates while upholding the rich cultural heritage of Argungu,” the monarch said, urging collaboration, discipline, and transparency across all committees.

The 21 sub-committees cover every aspect of the festival, including:

Local Organising Committee (LOC): Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Kwaido

Grand Fishing Committee: Alhaji Murtala Umar Galadiman

Weighing Committee: Alhaji Aminu Musa

Fisherman Control Committee: Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman

Kabanchi Display Committee: Alhaji Aminu Musa

Accommodation Committee: Alhaji Salisu Nagare

Boxing & Wrestling Committee: Alhaji Bello Muhammad Dantani

Archery & Catapulting Committee: Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mera

Kanta Museum Committee: Alhaji Garba Tungar Marina

Durbar Committee: Alhaji Murtala Umar Galadiman

Camel & Donkey Race Committee: Chairman to be assigned

Contact Committee: Ambassador Usman Baraya

Sanitation Committee: Alhaji Sani Aliyu

Sitting Arrangement & Protocol Committee: Alhaji Samaila Baba Augie

Motor & Bicycle Race Committee: Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Jarman

Agricultural Show Committee: Alhaji Abdullahi Mai Gandu

Security Committee: Retired Commissioner of Police, Madawaki

Finance & General Purpose Committee: Kundudan Kabi

Essay Writing & Quiz Committee: Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa

Emergency Response Committee: ABM Sani

Publicity Sub-Committee: Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu Argungu

The Emir emphasised that AIF&CF 2026 should surpass previous editions in organisation, cultural display, and international recognition, calling on all committees to uphold discipline and commit fully to making the festival a globally celebrated event.

The Argungu International Fishing Festival remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural showcases, attracting tourists, dignitaries, and fishing enthusiasts from across the world.

FG Urges Ban on Wooden Boats, Calls for Fibre and Aluminium Vessels to Stem Waterway Deaths

By
Saladin Babagana
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0

 

Abuja – The Federal Government has renewed its call on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial transport, warning that continued reliance on rickety vessels is driving deadly accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.

The warning came from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who urged states to invest in modern fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats, citing their durability, stability, and safety features.

Speaking through his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister sympathised with families affected by recent boat disasters and emphasised that passengers must take personal responsibility for their safety.

“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats. No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travels, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else,” Oyetola warned.

The Minister highlighted that wooden boats deteriorate quickly, lack stability, and often operate without proper regulation, making them highly prone to accidents. In contrast, modern fibre and aluminium vessels offer better buoyancy, balance, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment, he said.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Oyetola recalled that 35,000 life jackets were distributed to riverine states in 2025, but stressed that recurring tragedies persist because unsafe boats remain in operation.

“Despite our interventions, we continue to witness accidents. State governments must complement federal efforts by investing in modern boats and providing standard life jackets for passengers,” he said.

The Minister concluded by calling for collective action and political will at all levels, stressing that water transportation is vital for Nigeria’s blue economy but must be safe, regulated, and sustainable to protect lives.

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