Troops of the Joint Task Force Faruruwa rescued an abducted person on the Kano–Katsina border yesterday.
The Army said the victim, Rabiu Halilu, 38, sustained a gunshot wound on his leg during captivity and was evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre, for treatment.
The troops also recovered three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits and many cattle believed to have been rustled by the bandits.
Some of the motorcycles were stained with blood, the Army said.
Soldiers operating around Yankwada, acting on a tip-off about the movement of the bandits from Daurawa, Kira, Katsina State, advanced towards the Kano axis wHere they were engaged in a gunfight.
Spokesman of the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Kano, Major Zubair Babatunde, said the troops got knowledge of the bandits’ movement about 1:00 am yesterday.
“Then the troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Yankwada mobilised a patrol to the fringes of the Kano–Katsina border to intercept the suspected bandits.
“On arrival at Ungwan Dogo/Ungwan Tudu, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle,’’
he said.
“The bandits were overpowered and forced to withdraw in disarray towards Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“During the encounter, one kidnap victim, identified as 38-year-old Rabiu Alhaji Halilu, was rescued by the troops.
“The troops remain on high alert, intensifying patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities and ensure sustained security in border communities,” Babatunde said.
Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the award-winning publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, has honoured Shuaibu Imam Agaka as its 2025 Staff of the Year for developing an innovative software solution that automates complex media-monitoring and press-review operations.
Agaka, a staff writer with Tech Digest, received a ₦250,000 cash prize at the IMPR Annual Staff Retreat in Kano.
The award recognises his development of PRrev, a cross-platform application that curates, structures and analyses media content across print, online, television and social media in real time.
Unveiling the software to staff and industry observers, Agaka said the idea was inspired by the ICT facilities provided by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the PRNigeria Centre. He explained that before PRrev, media intelligence teams relied on labour-intensive manual searches that were slow, error-prone and exhausting.
“Every day, teams had to manually scan hundreds of links across platforms. It was inefficient and led to burnout,” Agaka said. “PRrev automates that process and allows professionals to focus on analysis and strategic insight rather than data gathering.”
The software deploys a rule-based parsing system that automates URL collection, headline and byline extraction, date tagging and summarisation, before organising results into structured, decision-ready reports. The tool has significantly improved turnaround time and accuracy in media intelligence delivery.
Presenting the award, IMPR Board Chairman, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, described press review as a critical pillar of modern public relations and marketing, adding that PRrev represents a major indigenous contribution to the sector. “This innovation will greatly enhance how media coverage is compiled and analysed. We are proud of this home-grown solution,” he said.
IMPR Chief Executive Officer, Yushau Shuaib, said the organisation has deliberately repositioned its workforce through artificial intelligence and advanced ICT training, noting that Agaka personally trained 57 trainees this year on latest digital skills.
Shuaib also highlighted the company’s resilience amid economic headwinds, revealing that the company has diversified into event management, book publishing and high-level capacity building—steps that have helped retain staff across its Abuja, Kano and Ilorin centres.
He listed key 2025 achievements, including the continued success of the Economic Confidential Lecture, PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA), National Spokespersons Awards (NSAwards) and Arewa Stars Awards, alongside new initiatives such as the Kannywood Roundtable on Reputation Management and the formal endorsement of IMPR’s PR events by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
The week-long retreat featured intensive training sessions led by senior media executives, including the Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust, Mallam Hamza Idris, and BusinessDay’s General Manager, Mr. Bashir Hassan, who guided staff on modern editorial standards and market-driven media strategies. The programme also marked the inauguration of a newly built PRNigeria chalet, while participants engaged in team-bonding activities, quizzes and recreational events.
As the retreat concluded, staff across IMPR’s titles—Politics Digest, Spokespersons Digest, Emergency Digest and Arewa Agenda—pledged renewed commitment to innovation and editorial excellence as the organisation positions itself for the 2026 business year.
…Sowore, Agunloye, other run for fitness, preach sport to unite Nigerians
…As plateau state runners emerge winners of N3.5M cash rewards
No fewer than 5,000 runners and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora took part in the second edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon on Sunday in Ondo City, Ondo State.
Organised by Prince Adewole Adebayo and his wife, Queen Lillian Adebayo, the event included a Health Walk and covered a scenic 15-kilometre route through the city’s major landmarks, including markets, historic sites, and residential areas.
According to reports, the marathon is a festive community fitness programme designed to promote healthy living, unity, and endurance.
Speaking at the event, Prince Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, said the marathon aims to give participants purpose, build stamina, and foster collective discipline.
He added that the initiative extends beyond running, reflecting his broader interest in sports development, including football, basketball, boxing, wrestling, and swimming.
“A marathon is a project. You have to prepare for it, compete with others, and endure. These are the same qualities needed to succeed individually and collectively as a country, and just as individuals are running their races, countries are also running their races. Development itself is a marathon
“Today is for marathon. Other days are for other sports. What we want is to instil sportsmanship – discipline, purpose, and endurance. A country of sports people will be an active country. Sports is the foundation of good health, strong character, and even national strength,” Adebayo stated.
According to him, encouraging young people to train consistently for long-term goals, such as preparing for a marathon a year ahead, helps to build character, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Prince Adebayo also highlighted Ondo City’s favourable topography for long-distance running, noting that its elevation compares well with many renowned marathon regions globally.
He said plans are underway to grow the marathon into an internationally recognised event.
“The goal is to put it firmly on the calendar so people can plan for it every year. Consistency is key. This year, the organisers improved on the route mapping, distance, and certification.
“Over time, we want it to become an internationally acclaimed marathon, just like those in other countries,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate added that marathon running attracts professionals from all walks of life – including doctors, lawyers and business leaders.
He further noted that special attention is being given to youth participation, as younger runners often require more support and encouragement.
“Marathon running is not for beginners. It is for experienced and determined runners. You don’t start your running career with a marathon, but it is a sport that rewards discipline, focus, and endurance,” Adebayo said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, lauded Prince and Queen Lillian Adebayo for introducing the initiative, describing it as an annual, inclusive fitness and community-building event.
Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, urged governments at all levels to embrace sporting activities, particularly marathon races, as tools for national unity.
“We have had a bigger and better road race in Ondo. Let me thank Prince and Queen Lillian for introducing the health walk today. And I’m the only person who participated in both events, both the head walk and the race.
“If Nigeria could do this in 774 local governments, there would probably not be room for Boko Haram because everybody will be running marathons.
“They won’t have time to become terrorists but you know, Nigerians don’t even have leaders that think the way they should think, and that is what all of us on this podium hope to change.
“By the time we are doing this race next year, in 2026 December, we’ll be just a few weeks to the general election, and you’ll feel it here,” Sowore added.
Also speaking, former Minister of Power and Steel and former Minister of State for Defence (Navy), Dr Olu Agunloye, who served as National Commissioner of the Planning Committee, commended the organisers for sustaining an initiative that blends health, unity and youth empowerment.
At the end of the race, 17-year-old Gang James Boyi emerged winner in the men’s category, followed by Francis James (18) and Musa Bala (19), all from Plateau State.
In the women’s category, Blessing Solomon Shambor (23), also from Plateau State, clinched first place, while Agofure Charity (27) from Ondo State came second and Akanbi Aderonke (21) from Ogun State finished third.
The winner received N2 million, the runner-up N1 million, while the third-place finisher got N500,000. Other participants received N100,000 each.
A former Managing Director of Dasr Communication and Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm, Don Pedro Obaseki, has reportedly been attacked and stripped naked by suspected thugs in Benin, Edo State.
Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was said to have featured prominently in several “meet and greet” sessions organised by the former governor across Europe.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred at Uwa Primary School, where Pedro Obaseki had gone to play football before he was allegedly attacked and beaten by the assailants.
A viral video seen by our reporter showed Obaseki kneeling at the gate of the Oba of Benin’s Palace to pay allegiance to the monarch, Oba Ewuare II.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspected thugs had forced their way into the palace after allegedly telling palace guards that they had brought in an “Oghion,” loosely described as an enemy of the Oba.
Some palace chiefs who spoke during the incident said it coincided with the festive period, noting that the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Church for a thanksgiving service.
One of the chiefs was quoted as saying, “Today is Thanksgiving Day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody who considers himself an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”
Despite protests from the suspected thugs, the chiefs later intervened and took Pedro Obaseki into the palace.
Three persons have been confirmed dead as the rescuers continue to search for bodies trapped inside the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House, Lagos, which was razed on Christmas Eve.
According to the spokesperson of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nosa Okunboron, in a statement on Saturday, the bodies recovered included an adult female extricated from the collapsed structure and a decapitated man with severed limbs. Another body was also recovered.
LASEMA said that eight people with varying degrees of injuries, including a fireman, were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The agency added that three males and two females, who sustained minor injuries in the fire, received first aid at the scene and were later discharged.
He said that search and rescue efforts by LASEMA’s response teams, NEMA, Red Cross, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were ongoing.
The agency assured that further updates would be provided as operations progressed.
Seven persons from Lawanti Village in Akko Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State have lost their lives in a tragic motor accident on Saturday along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the deceased, identified as Gambo Abbo (35), Umalkhairi (18), Rabiu Abubakar (28), Fatuma Hassan (28), Amal Abubakar (3), Adamu Bello (4) and Zara’u Alhaji (27), were reportedly on their way to Maiduguri, Borno State, to attend a wedding ceremony.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described it as a painful and devastating loss, not only to the affected families but also to the entire Lawanti community in Akko LGA and the state at large.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor said the untimely death of such precious souls had deeply touched the hearts of all, adding that no words could adequately console families who had lost loved ones under such tragic circumstances.
Yahaya commiserated with the families of the victims, particularly the District Head of Jalingo, Bello Hassan Babangida, who lost his sister and niece; Idris Lawanti Maigari, who lost his daughter; and Idris A. Isah Lawanti, the councillor representing Akko Ward, who also lost close relatives.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has commissioned key development projects executed by Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation (DAM), in Kogi Central, as part of efforts to advance education, strengthen community development and promote economic empowerment.
Mustapha is the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
The projects, unveiled at a ceremony held at Kahal Hall, Inoziomi, in Adavi Local Government Area, included a modern hostel facility in Eika Adagu, Okehi Local Government Area, and the DAM Civic Centre at Ebegogo in Adavi LGA.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo commended Mustapha for his commitment to grassroots development and described the projects as a demonstration of genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
He urged other well-meaning individuals and organisations to support government efforts by investing in people-centred projects capable of improving living standards across the state.
The newly commissioned hostel facility is designed to provide safe and conducive accommodation, particularly for students and young people, while the DAM Civic Centre is expected to serve as a hub for sports, civic engagement, cultural activities and community interactions, aimed at fostering unity and talent development at the grassroots.
In addition to the infrastructure projects, the DAM Foundation carried out a wide-ranging empowerment programme for residents across Kogi Central.
Items including bags of rice and beans, sewing machines, solar panels, solar streetlights, solar-powered televisions, writing materials, laptops and tools for artisans such as bricklayers and welders were distributed, while start-up funds were also provided to widows, motorcycle riders and market women, alongside food condiments to support vulnerable households.
In his remarks, Dr. Mustapha, founder of the DAM Foundation, said the projects were intended to go beyond physical structures, describing them as investments in hope, opportunity and long-term development.
He noted that the empowerment initiative was targeted at promoting economic inclusion, especially among youths and small-scale entrepreneurs, by providing them with tools, skills and financial support to build sustainable livelihoods.
Ikeja Dynamic (Model) Lions Club on Christmas Eve carried out its hunger relief programme, distributing foodstuff, and ingredients to residents of Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
The club’s first vice president, Lion Osunremi Temitayo, said the gesture was their token of love for the people and their way of putting smile on the face of the people this yuletide season.
“We’re here to give our token of love to the people of Agidingbi community. As we all know, we are in the festive period, which is Christmas and end of the year, when people like to celebrate, so we’re here to put smile on their faces this season.
“Today we have given out about 200 different items to 200 people – rice, garri, food, seasoning, salt and cooking ingredients. This is in line with one of our core activities of hunger relief. We have decided to do it this December to usher in the New Year and make it a joyous one for our people.”
Asked how they are able to do so much, he said the club is a group of young professionals who grew together from Leo Club and who have been carrying out the same gesture for about ten years.
Lion Adenekan Sherrif, the service chairperson of the club, said though January is normally Lions Club Month for Hunger Relief, they chose December because of the situation of the country and the need to make people happy in the festive period.
Some of the beneficiaries spoken to expressed their joy and appreciation for the gesture.
The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has emphasised the importance of active participation from the citizens of Asaba, Delta State, in driving economic development.
The monarch spoke yesterday at the Asaba Economic Summit 2025, wherein he urged the community to take initiative rather than solely relying on the government for development solutions.
This message was conveyed during an event organised by the Sub-Committee on Summit/Exhibition, led by former Commissioner for Information, Ogbueshi (Barr.) Chike Ogeah. The summit, backed by the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, took place at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, highlighting the collective responsibility of the community in fostering economic progress.
He stated, “The question, action plan that is where I want to challenge Oganihu Asaba. A lot has been said, but let this not be a talk show. Let us walk the talk; let us distil all the salient points to see how we can breath life and vitality to some of those major points.
”Investment is very crucial to us. As I always say, the population of Asaba is youthful; almost 70% youthful population. If we don’t find a way of engaging them, then we are in trouble, and the trouble is already there.
“So, whatever we can do; and let us not think that government will do everything for us. I have always said that you don’t expect government to do everything for you.
“There are certain things we must do for ourselves, and I’m happy that we are already doing so much for ourselves and we should be proud of the much we have been doing, including this summit, because it has been a resounding success.
“I have already started looking ahead. Early 2026, I have already put together the concept paper where I want to engage with Corporate Nigeria in Lagos, titled, ‘Asagba Ahaba: An Evening with Corporate Nigeria’, and it’s for purposes of investment.
“We must speak to who is who, it has never happened anywhere. But these are the kind of things I like doing; I will dare and it’s going to succeed.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, Chief Afam Obiago, said the event was the visionary initiative of the incumbent Asagba which took place on the heels of the 2025 Asaba Day.
Chief Obiago who holds the title of Oganihu recalled that the 26-man committee was set up early this year by the monarch with a charge to attract investments to Asaba.
He said the Asagba had to break down the terms of reference into workable and actionable mandates, including to ensure that Asaba is investment-friendly and that existing investors are doing business in Asaba without unnecessary bottlenecks.
He added that Sub-Committees populated by subject specialists were created to take charge of Data and Research, Infrastructure and Urban Council, Land Bank, Liaison with Government Agencies, Summit/Exhibition, as well as Finance and Banking.
Obiago said the four subject specialists who made presentations were chosen to navigate the audience through various topical issues of our time.
Obiago, a renowned economist and economic consultant to the Delta State Government commended the Asagba for his vision of making Asaba an investment destination and assured him and the people that the Committee under his watch would deliver on its mandate.
The DAM Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has unveiled three transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening education, community development and economic empowerment in Kogi State, with a strong focus on youths and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The unveiling, which took place recently in Okene, was marked by a flurry of activities and attracted key stakeholders, including the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.
Also unveiled was the DAM Civic Centre, a state-of-the-art facility envisioned as a hub for sports, community engagement, dialogue and cultural activities.
Beyond infrastructure development, the DAM Foundation launched a comprehensive empowerment programme targeted at equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs with practical skills, resources and financial support to enhance their economic prospects.
Speaking at the event, representatives of the Foundation described the initiatives as more than physical projects, noting that they represent hope, opportunity and a long-term commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant future for Kogi State and its surrounding communities.
The event also underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private philanthropic organisations in achieving sustainable development goals, with stakeholders calling for stronger partnerships to accelerate inclusive growth and community development in the state.
It further highlighted the Foundation’s growing influence in advancing people-centred development and redefining socio-economic progress across the state.
A major highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of a modern hostel facility designed to promote social welfare and provide dignified living conditions.
