Adeleke relaxes curfew in Osun warring communities
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has relaxed the hitherto 7pm to 7am curfew imposed on the Ifon and Ilobu communities in the state. The governor on January 16, 2025, imposed a 7pm to 7am curfew on Ifon and Ilobu due to an outbreak of crisis between the communities occasioned by boundary disputes. But having observed
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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has relaxed the hitherto 7pm to 7am curfew imposed on the Ifon and Ilobu communities in the state. The governor on January 16, 2025, imposed a 7pm to 7am curfew on Ifon and Ilobu due to an outbreak of crisis between the communities occasioned by boundary disputes. But having observed
MBF condemns school closure during Ramadan in Kebbi, Bauchi
The Middle Belt Forum has condemned the closure of public and private schools in certain Sharia-practicing states of Kebbi and Southern Bauchi, which it claimed are bona fide parts of the Middle Belt in northern Nigeria. The MBF described the development as “a stark confirmation of the long-standing fears among non-Muslims in these states—that the
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The Middle Belt Forum has condemned the closure of public and private schools in certain Sharia-practicing states of Kebbi and Southern Bauchi, which it claimed are bona fide parts of the Middle Belt in northern Nigeria. The MBF described the development as “a stark confirmation of the long-standing fears among non-Muslims in these states—that the
FG begins ₦80bn reconstruction of alau dam in Borno
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially launched the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Alau Dam, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, emphasized that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed
FG begins ₦80bn reconstruction of alau dam in Borno
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially launched the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Alau Dam, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, emphasized that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public safety and welfare.
He recalled the devastating floods of September 10, 2024, which severely impacted Maiduguri and nearby communities, prompting urgent intervention from the Federal Government.
Following a detailed assessment by a high-level Technical Committee on Dam Evaluation, President Tinubu approved ₦80 billion for the dam’s comprehensive reconstruction and upgrade.
The project will be carried out in two phases over 24 months.
According to him, the first phase, aimed at immediate flood mitigation, is scheduled from March 2025 to September 2025.
“The second phase, focusing on extensive desilting and structural reinforcements for long-term sustainability, will take place from October 2025 to March 2027.”
During the ceremony, Minister Utsev assured Borno residents that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation would provide continuous support for the project’s successful implementation.
He urged contractors and engineers to adhere to the highest quality and safety standards, emphasizing that the dam’s reconstruction is crucial for security and stability in the state.
In his remarks, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritizing the state’s infrastructural needs.
He outlined the dam’s potential benefits, including improved access to clean water, expanded irrigation, flood prevention, and hydroelectric power generation.
Governor Zulum stated: “This project is not just about repairing a dam—it is about restoring hope and economic prosperity for our people. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony reaffirms the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to Borno, not only in infrastructure but also in rebuilding lives and communities.”
He pledged the full cooperation of the Borno State Government to facilitate smooth execution of the project and urged that both phases be implemented simultaneously to accelerate the desilting of critical waterways.
FG begins ₦80bn reconstruction of alau dam in Borno
Niger Delta: Otuaro meets ex-agitators, says reforms will give Presidential Amnesty Programme human face
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, has said that his ongoing reforms are aimed at giving the scheme a human face and helping to develop the people of the Niger Delta for a better future. He explained that this objective informed his resolve to add value to the programme beyond the N65,000
Niger Delta: Otuaro meets ex-agitators, says reforms will give Presidential Amnesty Programme human face
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, has said that his ongoing reforms are aimed at giving the scheme a human face and helping to develop the people of the Niger Delta for a better future.
He explained that this objective informed his resolve to add value to the programme beyond the N65,000 monthly stipends paid to the ex-agitators.
A statement released by the Special Assistant to the PAP Administrator on Media, Igoniko Oduma, said Otuaro stated this at a closed-door meeting in Yenagoa on Saturday with the leaders of ex-agitators from Bayelsa State, led by His Royal Highness Selky Kile Torughedi, alias General Young Shall Grow.
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, was also at the meeting.
Otuaro said his determination was boosted by the strong support of President Bola Tinubu, who understands the challenges of the region and is ready to do more for the programme.
However, he said the Ijaw and other people of the Niger Delta must be united and encourage the President to create more opportunities for growth and development in the region.
“As soon as my leadership came on board, we started our reforms to add value to the programme beyond the monthly N65,000 stipends paid to the ex-agitators. If we don’t add value to the programme, then we will not be developing the future of our people.
“My concern is that we must give the programme a human face so that tomorrow, it will actually be seen to have made an impact on the people and helped them.
“We must ensure that we develop our people, especially now that we have a President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who understands our problems and has been supporting the programme massively. The President will do more if we are united. We must be united, but if we are not, nobody will take us seriously,” he said.
The administrator informed the stakeholders that the PAP office, in 2024, trained 98 beneficiaries for maritime skills acquisition, while four pilot trainees graduated from training in South Africa. He also revealed that 45 persons deployed for aviation engineering training in Lagos would graduate in March 2025.
According to him, beneficiaries of the scholarships for the 2024/2025 academic session were selected through a thorough and transparent process.
Noting that the number of beneficiaries increased from the initial 1,700 to 2,500 for the academic session, he vowed that he would not allow the scheme to be hijacked.
In the same vein, Otuaro announced that the Presidential Amnesty Programme is planning an economic empowerment programme for women of the Niger Delta, as well as leadership training for ex-agitators and other critical stakeholders.
Stressing that he is in office to render service to the people of the region, the PAP administrator appealed for support and cooperation from all stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting, leaders of the ex-agitators—Paul Eris, alias General Ogunboss, and Bony Ayah, alias General Don Inikio, who is a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly—and IYC leader Jonathan Lokpobiri lauded Otuaro for restoring the programme to the people and called on stakeholders to support him.
They also extolled the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, noting that his commitment to the liberation of the Niger Delta was unmatched.
Other ex-agitators at the meeting included General Africa Ukparasia, General Pius, General Darikoro, Elaye Slabo, Iziri Lucky, alias General Lucky 7, and Hon. Gibson, among others.
Oyo, Osun customs, EFCC partner to tackle wildlife smuggling
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have joined forces to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking, a growing threat with significant economic and environmental consequences. This agreement was reached over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Oyo/Osun Command’s Controller, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja, to the EFCC’s
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The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have joined forces to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking, a growing threat with significant economic and environmental consequences. This agreement was reached over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Oyo/Osun Command’s Controller, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja, to the EFCC’s
Russia-Ukraine war: Your choice is cruel, inhumane – Elon Musk hits Zelenskyy
A close adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, has described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “cruel and inhumane.” In a post on X on Sunday, Musk insisted that Zelenskyy has decided against seeking peace to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, adding that he wants severe loss of life for no
Russia-Ukraine war: Your choice is cruel, inhumane – Elon Musk hits Zelenskyy
A close adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, has described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “cruel and inhumane.”
In a post on X on Sunday, Musk insisted that Zelenskyy has decided against seeking peace to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, adding that he wants severe loss of life for no gains.
Musk, who is the leader of the United States Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, wrote:
“What I said over two years ago was that Ukraine should seek peace or suffer severe loss of life for no gains.
“The latter was Zelenskyy’s choice.
“Now, he wants to do that again. This is cruel and inhumane.”
This comes less than three days after Zelenskyy had a heated argument with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Trump had accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for the United States’ support in Ukraine’s battle against the Russian invasion three years ago.
Meanwhile, Britain, France, and Ukraine have agreed to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States after Zelenskyy’s tense discussion with Trump.
Russia-Ukraine war: Your choice is cruel, inhumane – Elon Musk hits Zelenskyy
FRSC warns Kogi residents, drivers against fuel scooping
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned residents and motorists in Kogi State about the dangers of fuel scooping and mixed loading, highlighting their catastrophic consequences. Speaking during a town hall meeting in Lokoja, Deputy Corps Commander Odogiyon Moses recalled a recent tragedy that claimed nine lives and left 60 others injured. He stressed
FRSC warns Kogi residents, drivers against fuel scooping
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned residents and motorists in Kogi State about the dangers of fuel scooping and mixed loading, highlighting their catastrophic consequences.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Lokoja, Deputy Corps Commander Odogiyon Moses recalled a recent tragedy that claimed nine lives and left 60 others injured.
He stressed the need for heightened caution and urged drivers to avoid night travel, citing the limited availability of emergency response services during late hours.
The Kogi State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Danladi Aliyu, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to enhancing road safety.
He acknowledged the significance of the discussion, particularly given the state’s poor road conditions.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed appreciation for the engagement, highlighting its role in raising awareness and addressing critical safety concerns among road users.
FRSC warns Kogi residents, drivers against fuel scooping
EU educates Nigerian students on study opportunities in Europe
The European Union through its ‘Study in Europe Fair,’ has provided Nigerian students with direct access to information about studying in Europe, offering opportunities to explore a diverse range of academic programmes and disciplines. The ‘2025 EU Study in Europe Fair’ is a collaborative initiative led by the EU Delegation in Nigeria with active participation
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The European Union through its ‘Study in Europe Fair,’ has provided Nigerian students with direct access to information about studying in Europe, offering opportunities to explore a diverse range of academic programmes and disciplines. The ‘2025 EU Study in Europe Fair’ is a collaborative initiative led by the EU Delegation in Nigeria with active participation
Gov Uba Sani warns politicians against politicising security challenges in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has warned politicians who politicise security matters in the name of opposition to desist from doing so, saying that their antics are jeopardising the lives of innocent people. The governor made the observation and vowed to deal with such politicians who derive joy from the escalation of insecurity to
Gov Uba Sani warns politicians against politicising security challenges in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has warned politicians who politicise security matters in the name of opposition to desist from doing so, saying that their antics are jeopardising the lives of innocent people.
The governor made the observation and vowed to deal with such politicians who derive joy from the escalation of insecurity to further their political interests.
Speaking at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, when he received 58 kidnapped victims who were released by security forces and handed over to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, he said, “The merchants of insecurity will not be happy with the release of these innocent souls because they are benefiting from insecurity.”
“As an elected governor, I swore to protect the lives and property of the people of Kaduna State and have been doing my best to fulfill this obligation,” he added.
He explained, “Through our Kaduna Peace Model, which emphasises the use of a non-kinetic approach, Birnin Gwari, which used to be ‘a no-go area’ for most people, has become peaceful.
“Bandits have laid down their arms, and markets that had been closed for over 10 years have now been reopened. Business activities have started booming in Birnin Gwari and parts of Giwa Local Government, which were previously ravaged by insecurity.”
Governor Uba Sani promised that the people of Kauru, Kajuru, and parts of Kachia, who are experiencing pockets of bandit attacks, would soon be able to sleep with both eyes closed, assuring that security forces are on top of the situation.
According to the governor, “The success that the non-kinetic approach has yielded is a source of anger to some people who don’t have the welfare or well-being of their people at heart,” lamenting that they only go on social media to express their frustration.
He said that he does not mind if political opponents insult him on social media but promised to deal with those whose pastime is to spread lies and politicise insecurity in the state.
He emphasised that politicising insecurity is not genuine opposition, stating that the elites engaging in such acts on social media do not genuinely care about the masses but are merely posting messages to further their political interests.
The governor noted that the 58 released kidnapped victims were given psycho-social therapy and treatment by the Kaduna State Government for 11 days, adding that one of them is still undergoing treatment.
He promised that his administration would support the victims in getting back on their feet by providing them with grants to continue their businesses and farming activities.
Speaking earlier, Pastor Danlami Mutane commended the government for taking good care of them and thanked the National Security Adviser for facilitating their release.
Similarly, Malama Raliya Ibrahim thanked Governor Uba Sani and the Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, for the support extended to them.
Gov Uba Sani warns politicians against politicising security challenges in Kaduna
Man jailed over ₦1.1m debt freed after public donations
A Nigerian man, Jonathan Biodun, who was incarcerated over a ₦1,137,000 debt, has regained his freedom after compassionate individuals rallied together to clear his debt. In a heartfelt video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach on Friday, Jonathan expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to his release. The case
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A Nigerian man, Jonathan Biodun, who was incarcerated over a ₦1,137,000 debt, has regained his freedom after compassionate individuals rallied together to clear his debt. In a heartfelt video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach on Friday, Jonathan expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to his release. The case