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  • Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, others receive MAU’s honorary doctorate degrees

    Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, others receive MAU’s honorary doctorate degrees

    National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State have bagged honorary doctorate degrees from the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola.

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and his Zamfara State counterpart Abdulaziz Yari were the other two prominent personalities who were bestowed similar honour on Saturday when MAU held its 29th and 30th combined convocation.

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    The four were handed the symbols of their recognition just as over 7,000 regular graduands of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions for whom the combined convocation was organised were also awarded their respective undergraduate, postgraduate and academic doctoral degrees.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibrahim Umar, said the four honorary degree recipients were carefully selected for reward in recognition of their exceptional contributions to a better Nigeria.

    He said that since its establishment in 1981, the university has been contributing significantly to the intellectual and moral development of Nigerian youths, but said the university faced certain challenges, including lack of all-round perimeter fencing to fully secure the expansive main campus.

    The Adamawa State governor who personally attended the convocation as a guest announced plans by his government to construct a five-kilometre internal road network within the university.

  • Okiro, Ebute canvas for support for Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Okiro, Ebute canvas for support for Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Former Inspector-General of Police Sir Mike Okiro and a former President of the Senate, Senator Ameh Ebute, have called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Okiro and Ebute spoke in Abuja during the unveiling of the Legacy Support Group for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope for Better Nigeria.

    Okiro, a former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, who was represented by Honourable Marcel Ezenwa, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to change the narratives about the country on all sides, thereby creating an enabling environment for economic development and growth.

    He further said continuous criticisms of the government without evidence would not move the country forward; rather, it would take the nation backward.

    “We are all here, we are all witnesses, many people are confessing. So, based on that, we decided to join hands to support the moving train.

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    “That is actually the picture we want to paint for the whole world; for Nigerians to make up their minds that let Mr President continue with the good job he is already doing,” Okiro also said.

    In his remarks, Ebute said he was extending his support through the legacy group and other support groups in the country to enable the President complete his eight-year tenure.

    Ebute, who was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Hans Royal Homes Limited, Prince Henry Opara, also said his decision was to enable the President complete the good work he has started.

    He has a good mind for Nigeria and we have seen what he has been doing. Despite what people are saying, Rome was not built in a day. So, it is a gradual process,” Ebute said.

    Ebute, a former Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University, further acknowledged the President’s achievements so far, adding that President Tinubu meant well for the country.

    “Anywhere he stops, another person can continue. But he really has a good heart and intention for this country,” Ebute also said.

    Earlier, the National Coordinator of the group, Chief Chima Duru, said President Tinubu has wonderful legacies which will outlive his administration.

  • Metchie hails Kawule’s appointment

    Metchie hails Kawule’s appointment

    The appointment of Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule as the Commander-in-Chief of the Bauchi State Forest Guard has been warmly welcomed by security stakeholders, with glowing commendations pouring in for a leader widely regarded as disciplined, experienced, and mission-focused.

    Leading the tributes is Ambassador Dr. John Metchie, who described Hon. Kawule’s emergence as “a strategic and timely decision that strengthens Bauchi State’s environmental and internal security architecture.”

    Amb. Metchie, himself a passionate security professional, noted that Hon. Kawule brings to the role a rare blend of doggedness, operational intelligence, and administrative depth, shaped by years of public and community service and hands-on leadership.

    According to him, these qualities are critical at a time when forest security, environmental protection, and community safety are increasingly intertwined.

    “Rt. Hon. Kawule is not just another Commander; he is a professional who understands security as a system, rooted in training, discipline, intelligence gathering, and community collaboration,” Amb. Metchie said.

    He particularly commended the new Bauchi Commander-in-Chief’s professional approach to operations and training, stressing that effective forestry security goes beyond enforcement to include capacity building, ethical conduct, and sustained engagement with local communities.

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    Amb. Metchie expressed confidence that under Hon. Kawule’s leadership, the Forest Guard will evolve into a more responsive, intelligence-driven, and professionally trained outfit in Bauchi State, where he is also Commissioner of Housing and Environment.

    Amb. Metchie further described the appointment as a strong signal of the Bauchi State Government’s resolve for security and to protect forest resources in line with the drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, efficiently being delivered by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    This will curb criminality, including kidnapping and banditry, and institutionalise security best practices across the State, especially in forested areas.

    As felicitations continue to pour in, observers say Rt. Hon. Kawule’s leadership is expected to set a new tone for forestry and environmental security in Bauchi, one defined by discipline, professionalism, and good results.

  • Academy to bridge knowledge, skill gaps in livestock value chain

    Academy to bridge knowledge, skill gaps in livestock value chain

    The ABIS Livestock Academy will bridge critical knowledge and skill gaps within the livestock work force, enhance productivity and value chain efficiency. It will also enhance food safety, support regulatory compliance and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on livestock-related imports by modernising production and processing systems.

    Speaking during the Technical Expert Validation session of the Curriculum of the Academy at NIRSAL auditorium, the Co-Founder of ABIS Group, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki said at the heart of the Academy’s mandate is a national development objective – to produce a competent, compliant and commercially viable livestock workforce capable of strengthening food security, promoting inclusive rural development, improving public health outcomes and positioning Nigeria as a credible participant in regional and global livestock, halal and agribusiness markets.

    This is in line with the aspirations of ABIS Group Founder & Chairman, Ambassador Emmanuel Nelson Usman who at the earlier unveiling of the Academy said it is a national platform dedicated to technical training, certification, and institutional knowledge transfer in the livestock value chain.

    “The Academy will equip young Nigerians, extension workers, and industry professionals with the skills required for primary production, processing, market development, research, and sustainability,” he added.

    Expounding on the curriculum under validation, Gashinbaki explained that it adopts a tiered, competency-based approach rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

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    “The curriculum progresses from foundational learning to advanced professional specialisation. It provides foundational skills for smallholders and new entrants through short entry-level courses, applied training certificate programmes for supervisors and enterprise operators and at its highest level, professional certification programmes for senior managers, policymakers, and consultants. Across all levels, the curriculum emphasises hands-on learning and aligns with national and international standards in animal health, food safety, quality assurance and agribusiness development.”

    Developing the curriculum under review took a tortuous but necessary process.

    Experts were assembled to examine all the key areas of the Livestock value chain before embarking on the design. The draft then went through sectorial reviews at different stages as well as peer reviews among sector experts. The draft curriculum was then produced for validation.

    The next step after the validation would be to approach the regulators to present what has been done and the quality of the output.  It is at this point that discussions on certifications can begin.

    To ensure relevance and impact, the Technical Expert Validation Session brought together specialists from veterinary and public health, food safety and certification agencies, agribusiness finance, livestock processing, digital agriculture, academia, and key policy and development partners.

    The day-long session featured lively discussions from participants who made quality inputs to deepen the curriculum drawn from the following agencies: National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); Nigerian Institute of Animal Science; Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS); Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD); Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN; Veterinary Council of Nigeria; Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI); Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria; Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO); Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association;); L-PRES; UN Consult;; Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI); Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ); Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee; Tati Tech; Nasrun Nig Ltd; Dan Al Halal; Dr. Winnie Lai-Solarin; ARCN  and NIRSAL.

  • Police arrests suspected mastermind of deadly Old Oyo National Park attack, others

    Police arrests suspected mastermind of deadly Old Oyo National Park attack, others

    Operatives of the Oyo Police Command have arrested seven members of the dreaded 10-man banditry gang, including the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack that led to the death of some forest rangers and operatives of the Old Oyo National Park.

    The bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, had reportedly stormed the park on motorcycles and launched a deadly attack on forest rangers and other personnel on January 6, leaving five people dead.

    The spokesman of the Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement, said upon receipt of the report of the attack, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, immediately directed deployment of necessary operational assets to the affected area and ordered that the Command Monitoring Unit take over the investigation.

    According to him, the directive marked the commencement of an intensive, intelligence-driven operation, which led to the initial arrest of three (3) suspects, followed by the subsequent arrest of four (4) additional suspects.

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    He said: “The suspects were apprehended at their various hideouts across different locations in the country through painstaking, intelligence-led investigation.

    “Flowing from the arrests, the three suspects initially apprehended were identified as Mohammed Dangi – Male, 52 years; Abubakar Abdullahi – Male, adult, and Sheu Usman – Male, adult

    “During sustained interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and provided detailed accounts of how ten (10) members of their armed banditry group, riding on five motorcycles, carried out the attack. Crucially, investigations revealed that the primary intention of the assailants was to forcefully free members of their armed banditry syndicate who had earlier been arrested and were in the custody of forest guards for various criminal activities within the National Park and adjoining communities, which they successfully did during the attack.

    “Building on these confessions and intelligence disclosures, further discreet investigation led to the arrest of four (4) additional members of the syndicate on 25th January, 2026. They are: Toro Malami – Male, 43 years; Usman Alhaji Ummaru – Male, adult; Laolo Muhammadu – Male, 22 years and Usman Alhaji Isah – Male, 32 years.

    “Significantly, the arrested suspects, including the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack, have continued to provide credible and actionable intelligence, thereby strengthening ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

    “Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to ensure that all remaining suspects are tracked down and brought to justice.”

  • Ogun transportation commissioner seeks urgent action urban mobility

    Ogun transportation commissioner seeks urgent action urban mobility

    Commissioner for Transportation, Ogun State and Chairman of the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners Forum (NTCF), Mr. Gbenga Dairo, has urged all states to fast-track urban mobility projects following the National Urban Mobility Program (NUMP) stakeholder forum held in Abuja at the weekend.

     Dairo explained that the need for action was against the backdrop of Nigeria’s urban population projected to more than double to 264 million by 2050, placing enormous pressure on transport systems.

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     “Commuters in major cities are losing up to four hours daily to congestion, while low-income households spend an unsustainable portion of their earnings on transport,” he said.

    The forum brought together state commissioners, federal officials, and development partners, including the World Bank, whose Country Director, Mathew Vergis, reaffirmed support through funding, technical expertise, and advisory services. Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, stressed the need for clarity on financing, long-term maintenance, and coordination to ensure smooth project delivery.

  • Troops neutralise terrorists in Kwara

    Troops neutralise terrorists in Kwara

    Troops of the Nigeria Army (NA) have successfully neutralised scores of terrorists in Kwara State, Captain Maureen Ogbuka, in a statement on behalf of the Deputy Director 2 Division, Army Public Relations, has said.

    The troops were drawn from the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army with massive support from Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

    According to the statement, some of the terrorists escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

    “Their (terrorists) hideouts and camps were destroyed,d leaving the brigands dislodged.”

    ‎ The successes, according to the statement, were recorded between 23 and 29 January 2026.

    ‎The statement reads: “In the engagements, troops, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted fighting patrols in several bandit enclaves.

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    ‎”Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the decimation of the bandits’ logistics bases and supply system.

    ‎”Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability.

    ‎”Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement. “Troops also intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits.

    “The operations also resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.

    ‎”Observations from the operations indicate that bandits received support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations.

    “The successes recorded underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of the division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara state.”

    The army called on members of the “public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance ongoing operations.

    “The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.”

  • ALGON lauds Osun High Court for granting order to quash criminal charges against UBA

    ALGON lauds Osun High Court for granting order to quash criminal charges against UBA

    • Arrest warrant against bank staff dead on arrival—APC

    The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State, has commended the State High Court for granting an order to quash a criminal charge filed against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and three staff.

    Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola on Friday in Suit Hos/M4/2026, granted an order in a Motion Ex parte to quash criminal proceedings against UBA and its staff at the Magistrate Court.

    Earlier, the Magistrate A. A. Adeyeba, who is a party in the suit, had issued a bench warrant against some officials of the UBA despite the pending High Court matter, which prayed the court to quash the proceedings in the matter before the Magistrate.

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    Reacting to the development, the Osun ALGON Chairman, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodu,n lauded the High Court decision, saying the Leave granted to the UBA officials is an affirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law.

    Abiodun who described the issuance of Bench Warrant against official of UBA as ‘bizarre’, saying: “It beats the imagination of any right-thinking member of the public in the fact that a whole Magistrate who is expected to uphold the rule of law would snub the same law and descend on innocent officials of the bank who have chosen to be law abiding by approaching the State High Court to vent their grievances over the Illegality being arranged at the Magistrate court.”

    He therefore advised members of the public to remain calm and be law-abiding while the Illegality is being lawfully fought in the court of law.

    Also, APC, through its Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement on Saturday, said the bench warrant against UBA staff is dead on arrival and lauded the judiciary for granting leave to quash the criminal case at the magistrate’s court.

    He berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for the display of ignorance over the controversial bench warrant order issued by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

    Olabisi said; “We commend the judiciary for granting the leave to quash the criminal charges against the financial institution UBA. One would have expected Magistrate Adeyeba to await the decision of the superior court over the determination of the validity of charge No. MOS/601c/2025, once the leave had been granted, but he refused to honour the ruling and went ahead to issue a bench warrant, which, in the eyes of the law, amounts to an academic exercise.

    “It was disheartening that Adeleke’s government could needlessly resort to celebrating failure when it is obvious even to a layman that the order of the Magistrate Court was dead on arrival.

    “We, as a party, are expressing displeasure over the negligence of the Magistrate to have ignored the pendency of Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/19/2026, in which the Magistrate is also a defendant, as instituted by the reinstated chairmen and councilors to challenge the illegality being perpetrated at the Magistrate Court over the purported charge.

    “For clarity and avoidance of doubt, the ruling of the State High Court sitting in Osogbo has nullified whatever the decision that might have been taken by the Magistrate Court, which, by implication, is a nullity and mere academic exercise.”

  • Ondo APC chieftain hails Gov Yusuf’s defection to party

    Ondo APC chieftain hails Gov Yusuf’s defection to party

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Adeboro Onibalusi, has hailed the decision of Kano state governor, ABBA Yusuf, to defect to the ruling party.

    Onibalusi, a longtime ally of Yusuf, in a statement he tagged as a ‘personal note to Governor Abba Yusuf, expressed profound excitement and optimism on the future of the governor following his defection to the APC.

    He described Yusuf’s decision to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as being more than a political shift, maintaining that it is a statement of his commitment to his people.

    “As I write this, I am filled with a profound sense of optimism and excitement for the future. Your decision to transition from the NNPP to the APC is more than just a political shift; it is a powerful statement of your unwavering commitment to the people of Kano State,” Onibalusi stated.

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    “I have always believed in your leadership and the transformative vision you bring. Your dedication to the welfare of Kano’s citizens and your commitment to good governance have always been evident. This move to the APC is a bold step that will undoubtedly open new doors for your state and its people,” he added.

    As I write this, I am filled with a profound sense of optimism and excitement for the future. Your decision to transition from the NNPP to the APC is more than just a political shift; it is a powerful statement of your unwavering commitment to the people of Kano State.

    I have always believed in your leadership and the transformative vision you bring. Your dedication to the welfare of Kano’s citizens and your commitment to good governance have always been evident. This move to the APC is a bold step that will undoubtedly open new doors for your state and its people.

    According to him, Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC will give him the opportunity to ensure that the voice of his people is heard at the national level.

    “Kano is a key player in Nigeria’s political landscape, and your leadership at the center of the APC will ensure that Kano’s voice is not just heard but is instrumental in shaping the nation’s future.

    “This alignment is not just about politics; it’s about creating real, tangible progress and ensuring that the people of Kano benefit from a government that is responsive and forward-thinking.”

    Onibalusi expresses confidence that the governor’s move will strengthen the APC and, at the same time, secure a better future for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    “I am confident that this strategic move will not only strengthen the APC but also secure a brighter future for Kano and Nigeria as a whole. Your leadership, now more than ever, will be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for progress.

    “As we move forward, I want you to know that I stand with you, and I am excited for the positive changes you will bring to Kano state and our nation.”

  • Automobile firm restrategises at retreat

    Automobile firm restrategises at retreat

    The Board of Directors of Origin Automobile Works (OAW) has recently completed its strategic retreat, aimed at setting goals to enhance its operations and performance in 2026. 

    The three-day retreat was held at Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate Resort, Lagos, with the theme: “Building Institutional Strength to Accelerate Growth” focused on strengthening governance, assessing the organisation’s impact, and establishing key priorities for the future.

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    The retreat provided an opportunity for board members to move beyond routine agendas, focusing deeply on long-term sustainability, risk management, and the enhancement of operational efficiencies. The board, in collaboration with executive leadership, examined the achievements of the previous fiscal year in the context of the OAW 5-year Strategic Plan (2020 – 2025) and established the foundational goals for the future strategic plan to span between 2026 and 2030.

    “This retreat was a pivotal moment for our organisation. By aligning our board roles with the current needs of our organization, we have reaffirmed our commitment to sustaining the contributions towards the enhancement of productivity in the Agro-mechanisation and food systems space while also focusing on the launch of the new technology. We are leaving this session with renewed passion and a concrete plan to drive OAW and our customers’ businesses forward,” said Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group.