A Nigerian-born nurse in Australia has lost her professional licence for sleeping on duty.
Tweny-five-year-old Chimzuruoke Okembunachi was found by a tribunal in Australia to have repeatedly slept on duty during night shifts at an aged care home in Sydney.
According to Daily Mail, the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that Okembunachi engaged in professional misconduct while working at Hardi Aged Care in Guildford, western Sydney.
The tribunal noted that she was the only registered nurse on several night shifts in March 2024, overseeing about 100 residents alongside care assistants. She was, however found to have slept on duty on six occasions.
In its ruling, the panel said that on three nights, residents missed doses of prescribed morphine because the nurse was asleep.
On another occasion, an assistant reportedly had to switch on the light to wake her, only for her to turn it off and “return to sleep”.
The tribunal also heard that she asked an assistant-in-nursing to give medication despite the worker not being authorised. And when she was challenged, she allegedly said: “It’s okay sister, just give it to him.”
Ms Okembunachi was then reported to her bosses by two nurses on March 27, and was informed via email the next day that her employment had been suspended and requested a meeting.
Twenty minutes after she received the email, Ms Okembunachi tendered her resignation and declined to attend the meeting.
After a complaint to the Health Care Complaints Commission, which brought the tribunal case against the nurse, her nursing registration was suspended.
While acknowledging her remorse, the tribunal ruled that her conduct had the “potential to endanger the lives of patients” and that deregistration was the only appropriate sanction.
• Kwankwasiyya groups give conditions to dump NNPP
• Yusuf resigned from Kwankwasiya Movement, not NNPP – Founder
The Kano State Government yesterday asked supporters of Governor Abba Yusuf to resist the temptation of making inflammatory remarks or insulting the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, following the dumping of the party by the governor and his allies.
The Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Bature Tofa, warned that any such acts would not be tolerated by the government.
Tofa spoke during the distribution of motorcycles to residents at the Open Space Theatre, Government House.
“We will not accept indiscipline or insults against the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Anybody who engages in such behaviour will face the consequences. We will not accept it,” he said.
He urged supporters of the governor to exercise restraint and maturity, particularly amid heightened political tension following recent political realignments in the state.
Government, he said, remained committed to sustaining peace and unity among its supporters, stressing that political differences should not degenerate into personal attacks or abusive conduct.
The governor’s resignation from the NNPP has sparked a debate within and outside the state with some people supporting his action and some others berating him or Kwankwaso.
The Governor yesterday named a new Political Adviser as he began the process of reengineering his government following his resignation from the NNPP on Friday.
Alhaji Mustapha Buhari Bakwana replaces Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso who declined to follow the governor out of the party.
Yusuf praised Bakwana for his political savvy and support for the administration.
The appointment was announced at the Kano Government House during a ceremony where 800 motorcycles were handed out to journalists and social media influencers.
“His (Sunusi’s) loyalty is still with the leader of the NNPP Rabiu Kwankwaso,” a source told The Nation yesterday.
The governor’s spokesman Sanusi Bature in a statement on his Facebook wall had said “Gov. Yusuf fires Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso and replaced him with Mustapha Bakwana.”
The said Bakwana’s appointment was based on his commitment, loyalty and contributions to the administration’s growth.
He expressed confidence that Bakwana would strengthen government policies and political engagements.
The governor said Bakwana’s loyalty and contributions to the government’s growth will be key to strengthening policies and engagement.
“His experience and commitment earned him the appointment,” Yusuf said.
The motorcycles, distributed to boost media coverage of government activities, were part of Yusuf’s push to partner with journalists and influencers in promoting governance and democratic values.
Governor Yusuf noted the media’s critical partnership in governance, informing the public, and deepening democratic values.
He appealed to beneficiaries to support his administration by objectively projecting its achievements and policies, stressing the importance of collaboration for development goals.
Beneficiaries praised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to supporting media practitioners and social media influencers.
Abubakar Sanusi from Fagge Local Government Area lauded the governor for identifying with social media influencers, saying they would mobilise residents to highlight projects executed by the administration.
Kwankwasiyya groups give conditions to dump NNPP
Some Kwankwasiyya youth groups in Kano State said yesterday that they would support the governor in his latest move only on the condition that he would address alleged marginalisation and lack of youth inclusion in governance.
Representatives of the groups said while they were not against his resignation from the NNPP, they were not impressed by youths’ “exclusion from governance” since his emergence.
Their spokesman, Aminu Abdullahi, popularly known as Alhaji Warkal, said they would move with the governor “if the government genuinely carries the youths along and gives them a sense of belonging.”
Abdullahi claimed that many young people who worked for the success of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP during the 2023 elections were abandoned after victory was achieved.
He said: “These youths sacrificed their time, energy and resources to bring the government into power. But after that, they were not involved in programmes, consultations or opportunities that concern them.
“You don’t expect young people to follow blindly when they are not embedded in governance. Youth engagement is key to reducing crime and social tension.”
Yusuf resigned from Kwankwasiya Movement, not NNPP – Founder
Founder of NNPP, Dr Boniface Aniebonam said Governor Yusuf did not resign from the party but from the Kwankwasiya Movement, led by Dr. Kwankwaso.
Aniebonam in a statement said the resignation letter from the governor was not addressed to the NNPP authentic National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr Major Agbo nor the state chairman or the ward secretary but to a member of the Kwankwasiya movement in Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area of the state.
“The NNPP NWC does not recognise the Kwankwasiya movement’s ward chairman as chairman of the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kano state governor was said to have resigned from the NNPP, alongside 21 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen in the state.
The resignation was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.
Yusuf, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, formally communicated his decision to leave the party with effect from Friday, January 23.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Friday, 23rd January, 2026,” the governor stated.
Aniebonam, however, stated that the resignation of Yusuf and other political office holders of the party was not known to him as NNPP leader, founder and Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
“The NNPP lifted the governor’s suspension from its membership and directed that he took responsibility of its leadership, being the highest elected officer of the party.
“You will recall that the Abia State High Court and Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment directed INEC to recognise and handover NNPP administration to the Aniebonam led board of trustees of the party.
The Federal capital territory high court equally issued an enrolment order, restraining INEC from dealing and transacting any business with the Kwankwasiya movement.
“The NNPP is a registered political party whereas the Kwankwasiya movement was a pressure group in the party, and the Memorandum of Association with it was terminated, and the entire defunct NWC, led by Dr Ahmed Ajuji expelled for anti patty activities after the 2023 presidential elections.
“Yusuf and others in the legislative arm of Kano State won elections under the platform of NNPP with Logo of Basket of Fruits and not Kwankwasiya insignia of book and red colour.”
Aniebonam described the delay by INEC to update its records and upload Dr Agbo Major and Mr Oginni Olaposi led NWC as mere administrative lapses.
“This has nothing to do with judgments of the courts which must be obeyed. Accordingly, the ongoing judicial review at the FCT High Court is to compel INEC to update its records.
“The reasons for Yusuf’s resignation are noted, but what is certain is that the NNPP has no issues with the governor and personal decisions he wishes to make.
“We blame the tragedy of members in Kano wanting to opt out on the high handedness of Kwankwaso, which is highly regretted.”
Aniebonam urged members in Kano State and nationwide to remain calm and more committed as the party looked forward to more wins in the 2027 elections.
Yusuf pulled out of the NNPP with eight members of the House of Representatives, 21 members of the State House of Assembly and 44 local government chairmen.
Their destination is the All Progressives Congress (APC).
•Says protection of Christians, Muslims, others non-negotiable
•Nigeria, U.S. join forces against insecurity
The federal government will, henceforth, take a tougher position against religiously motivated violence, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has warned.
Ribadu says any such violence will be treated as a direct attack on the nation.
The NSA spoke at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja on Thursday to address the recent designation of Nigeria by Washington as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens — Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs — is non-negotiable,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Ribadu as saying on his verified X handle.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” the NSA added.
Government’s approach to insecurity, according to him, encompasses the use of force, integration of security operations with the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication, ensuring that progress recorded on the ground translates into public confidence and stronger social cohesion.
“Our response integrates security operations, rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication, ensuring that operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion,” he said.
The Joint Working Group was established to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to promote an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practise their faith without fear of attacks by terrorists, separatists, bandits or criminal militias.
The Nigerian delegation to the meeting was led by Ribadu and comprised representatives of 10 ministries and agencies, while the United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight U.S. federal agencies.
The joint statement said discussions focused on areas where U.S.–Nigeria cooperation could improve religious freedom and strengthen security across the country.
Both sides acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two countries, founded on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law and sovereignty.
The U.S. delegation welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states, while both governments reiterated their commitment to upholding religious freedom and protecting the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief in line with Nigeria’s constitution.
Participants also emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.
Ms Hooker said the United States recognised Nigeria’s diversity and the complexity of its security challenges, noting that sustained cooperation is essential to protecting civilians and upholding freedom of religion.
She added that the Working Group provides a platform to move beyond expressions of concern to practical actions that deter violence, strengthen investigations and ensure accountability.
Ribadu, according to the report by Mr. Onanuga, said Nigeria’s partnership with international allies, including the United States, is already yielding tangible results through improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating across the country.
“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working; that it is delivering tangible gains, and that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive gains,” the NSA said.
Both delegations agreed that engagements under the Joint Working Group would continue, with the next meeting scheduled for the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.
Ribadu, leading other top government officials, had previously engaged senior US officials, including Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The allegations of “egregious, ongoing, and systematic” violations of religious freedom, specifically targeting the persecution of Christians by violent groups formed the basis of the October 31, 2025 designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Trump.
The Nigerian government rejected the allegations in their entirety.
It dismissed the claims as inaccurate, noting that insecurity impacts both Christians and Muslims across the country.
Following the first round of engagements by both sides, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
The Federal Government affirmed its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.
Flowing from the talks, the US in a collaborative operation with Nigeria launched a missile attack on terrorists’ camps in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed at the time that 16 Tomahawk missiles were deployed for the operation that targeted areas close to the border with Niger Republic, where a branch of ISIS called the Islamic State-Sahel had been attacking government forces and civilians.
He said intelligence confirmed that those locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within the Nigerian territory.
“The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff,” he said.
IGP, US officials meet in Abuja, review security strategy
The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has held a crucial meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Washington, Ms Maggie Nardi, on internal security development.
The meeting was held during a courtesy visit by the US delegation to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The delegation, which comprised Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, reviewed with the Nigeria Police Force ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues for strengthening institutional engagement in policing and internal security development.
During the meeting, Ms. Nardi reaffirmed the INL’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through expanded specialised training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment.
She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in building institutional capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support of the INL, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP highlighted the positive impact of INL-supported training initiatives on the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.
Egbetokun further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with the INL and other international partners, while adopting global best practices aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a safer Nigeria.
A new book by community leader, Chief Monday Keme, has intensified controversy over the Warri Federal Constituency, reopening old fault lines and fuelling fresh debate over the implementation of a landmark Supreme Court judgement on electoral delineation.
The 108-page book, Warri Federal Constituency Delineation: Itsekiri and the Challenge of Sustaining the Burden of Lies, is a rebuttal to INEC and Corrupt Practices: The Siamese Twins and Warri Federal Constituency by Robinson Ariyo Esq. and Jolone Ikomi, Esq., which Keme supported by the Niger Delta Scholars, accused of advancing a distorted and ethnocentric narrative of Warri’s political history.
Reviewed by Professor Benedict Binebai Ebimotimi, at the weekend, at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun in Delta state, the book is described as an “intertextual” response to the earlier publication, confronting its claims with court judgements, colonial records, gazettes, traditional edicts and oral histories.
According to the reviewer, the work argued that Warri Federal Constituency is a shared geopolitical space of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people, and that claims of exclusive ownership by any single group collapsed under legal and historical scrutiny.
A stakeholder, Hon Friday Dengha, who spoke in place of the Chairman and Ijaw National Congress President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said the occasion was “to correct impressions already made. If a lie is perpetually told, it would be assumed to be true. The purpose is to straighten the minds of the young ones who would make analysis.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the book’s presentation, Keme who is the Principal Secretary to HRM Monbene III, the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, said the work was prompted by recent developments following the Supreme Court judgement that ordered a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas which was carried out in July 2024, with the field report presented to stakeholders on April 4, 2025.
He stressed that his intervention was grounded in decades of scholarship, stating: “I have spent about 40 years as a documentary scholar and made my first publication about Warri 20 years ago. So if I am speaking on the Warri issue, I am speaking from a very sound intellectual background.”
Keme maintained that the Supreme Court judgement was delivered on December 2, 2022, in an appeal brought by Hon. George Timini and nine others against INEC, left no room for ambiguity.
According to him, the controversy of the past months stemmed from attempts to reinterpret or delay the clear outcome of that ruling.
“The Supreme Court resolved the issues against the appellants and went further to make a consequential order directing INEC to carry out fresh delineation in all the electoral wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North for the purpose of future elections.
“I have followed events as they unfold, and I have watched with dismay. In the given circumstance, I cannot stand aloof. I had to put the facts in proper perspective for those who wish to know the truth about Warri Federal Constituency. That is the spirit behind this book,” Keme said.
The author criticised the resistance to the delineation exercise, noting that the Warri local governments occupy a unique place in Nigeria’s electoral history.
“Out of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, the three Warri LGAs happened to be the first that were democratically delineated. What existed before was inherited from a military system—wards and polling units created by military fiat. This is the first real opportunity for democratic delineation, and anybody who is against it does not mean well for the people,” Keme stated.
He called on authorities to maintain neutrality and support INEC in completing the process, describing delineation as a foundational step in democratic practice.
The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NSR), Dr. Zach Adedeji, Acting Executive Director, Government and Large Taxpayers Directorate, Dr (Mrs) Stella Okhagbuzo and other members of staff penned a glowing tribute as they joined families, friends and well-wishers at the three-day Fidau prayer of the late Tajudeen Abiola Durosinmi.
The deceased, who passed on last Wednesday after a brief illness, has since being buried according to Islamic rites.
In a statement signed on behalf of the entire staff of NSR by Dr (Mrs) Stella Okhagbuzo, Ag. Director LTD (Oil & Gas), the Service expressed its heartfelt condolences to the deceased family.
In the statement which reads in part, it said, “We the NSR family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tajudeen Abiola Durosinmi, please accept our sincere condolences during this very difficult time. Please know that our thoughts are with you as we all navigate through the period of grief.
“We had the privilege of working with Tajudeen Abiola Durosinmi and he will be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and the positive presence he brought to those around him. His contributions and character made a lasting impression on all of us. Our thoughts are with you and your families as you grieve this loss. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and in the support of friends and loved ones. Wishing you strength, peace, and healing in the days ahead.”
Speaking earlier during the Utbah (sermon) tagged “Who’s Next?” Khalifa Musidiq Azeez the Imam Saidina Hamzat Yusuf mosque, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, who led other Muslim clerics to the event, delivered a deeply reflective sermon titled “Who’s Next?” a message that resonated strongly among mourners.
The clerics explained that the sermon was not meant to instil fear but to awaken spiritual consciousness, reminding believers of the words of Allah: “Every soul shall taste death, and to Us shall you all be returned.”
Imam Azeez, who also doubles as the Secretary of the League of Imams in Ijeshatedo, noted that death does not send invitations nor recognise age, wealth, status or position, stressing that the young and old, rich and poor, healthy and sick are all subject to Allah’s decree.
According to him, the rhetorical question “Who’s next?” is not directed at others but serves as a reminder for every believer to examine his or her life and prepare adequately for the Hereafter.
The clerics urged Muslims to remain steadfast in Ṣalāh, uphold taqwa, maintain honesty in dealings, show compassion to humanity and remain conscious of the day each soul will stand alone before Allah.
Reflecting on the life of the deceased, they noted that good character, charity and service to humanity are among the deeds that continue to benefit a believer even after death, in line with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “When a person dies, all his deeds end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous child who prays for him.”
The prayer session concluded with supplications that Allah forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, illuminate his grave with light and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, while also granting patience and strength to his family.
Beyond his family circle, Durosinmi was widely described as a people-oriented individual who continued to touch lives even while battling illness.
Many beneficiaries of his kindness have since testified to his generosity, noting that his benevolence extended to both those he met personally and others who would continue to benefit from his goodwill.
Friends, colleagues and associates have remained inconsolable since his passing, a development the family said reflects the depth of love he inspired while alive.
Family members described him as a rare gem whose life was defined by humility, kindness, generosity and unwavering support for those around him.
•As Nikzar Hospital launches state of the art equipment
An Ibadan Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Olusegun Ajisefinni has called on the Federal government to invest more on primary health care institution, and ensure standard health care infrastructure and medical personnel across the country.
Dr. Ajisefinni, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nikzar Hospital, Ibadan also bemoaned a situation where accident victims in Nigeria are conveyed on okada, Keke Maruwa, and commerce buses for urgent medical attention, instead of well equipped, functional medical transportation.
Dr. Ajisefinni, who expressed concern over the derth of medical infrastructure in the country, spoke yesterday at the annual hosting of medical consultants, birth attendants and healthcare partners, organised by Nitzar Hospital management held at Apata, Ibadan, charged the federal government to overhaul primary healthcare institutions for average Nigerians to access good health care delivery.
The event which attracted scores of healthcare providers across Oyo State capital, also has in attendance members of different associations and stakeholders with initiatives to promote and improve maternal health, including the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Traditional Birth Attendants.
Leaders of the associations were also conducted round the Nikzar Hospital, Apata, Ibadan to access the state- of- the -art equipment available in the hospital aimed at providing quality and affordable healthcare delivery for the people.
Fielding questions from journalists, the CEO of Nikzar Hospital, Ibadan while commending various initiatives by government to improve quality healthcare delivery, said Nigeria is still not there in terms of investment in primary health care institutions.
Dr Ajisefinni also urged the federal government to urgently address challenges of medical transportation and continued exodus of medical personnel, adding that it is only when there is appropriate renumeration and needed medical infrastructure in the country, that many medical professionals will be encouraged to stay and work in Nigeria.
He said “the best thing is for the government to spend more on small small health care institutions they have around where an average person can quickly get the help that they need.
“Those health care centres have to be well equipped as much as the tertiary health care institutions because there is no point in having an emergency where you can only refer that person to a tertiary hospital in a country where there is no good medical and health care transportation.
“At the end of the day, it is not all the patients that made it to that tertiary institution. So, what are we doing. For example, government should pay more attention to primary health care institutions, put all the necessary resources, and personnel there.
“Nigerians are good, Nigerians know what they are doing, but we are lacking in the necessary equipment. So, these personnel will be able to do their best at resuscitating these patients, making patients stable and then, everybody will be comfortable referring that patient to any tertiary hospital, knowing that that patient will make it there .For example, when you have an accident in Nigeria, you will depend on Okada, Keke Maruwa , buses and cars to transport that patient to the nearest hospital. Only few people will make it compare to when there is a standby connected ambulance that people could easily call and you get the help you need even right there on the accident spot, you get your IV line if you need one.”
While calling for functional medical transportation in Nigeria, Dr Ajisefinni who cited the case of the world boxing champion, British -Nigerian professional boxer, Anthony Joshua, wondered why government could not provide well equipped medical transportation services across nation’s expressways.
“During transportation, you get all the help you need with a very equipped ambulance. Now, even in some places that have ambulance in Nigeria, that I have seen myself, you will see the ambulance is empty, is more like having a bed, a gony, that’s where you put patients on to transport.
“So, that ambulance, for me is like having a gony and you and I are pushing the patient on that gony to the place, we have every space so we can push the patient on that gony.
“Our ambulance is especially well equipped, to the fact that I have the courage to use it to transport my own mother, with necessary oxygen, electrical outlets, that you can plug in suctioning machine if you have a patient that needs them while transporting them either to nearby hospital or tertiary hospital, to resuscitate the patient, from shock and all those things. So, we are not there at all.
The government needs to do better.
“They need to consider the average person, the low income, like i said, again this affect the rich too. Because your money won’t carry you from that accident spot, it is an ambulance. You may be lucky that your bullet proof car is not damaged. Like the one that we recently saw. The boxer, that’s Anthony Joshua. Even, that bullet proof car, if it can transport you to hospital, it will only serve as bed for you. You know, there is nothing in it that can be used to help you to breathe before you get to the hospital”, he stated.
Confirming the incident in a short statement on Saturday, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters were already on the ground battling the blaze and working to bring the situation under control.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to a Fire outbreak at Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, Mile 2, Lagos.
“We’re assuring the public that we’re currently on top of the situation as the public need not to excersice fear.”
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has held a crucial meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Washington, Ms Maggie Nardi on internal security development.
The meeting was held during a courtesy visit by the US delegation to the Force headquarters, Abuja.
The delegation, which comprised of Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, reviewed with the Nigeria Police Force ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues for strengthening institutional engagement in policing and internal security development.
During the meeting, Nardi reaffirmed the INL’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through expanded specialized training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment.
She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in building institutional capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support of the INL, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development.
According to a statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP, highlighted the positive impact of INL-supported training initiatives on the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.
Egbetokun further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with the INL and other international partners, while adopting global best practices aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a safer and more Nigeria.
Disbursement of a N300 million bursary to students across Kogi State has commenced under the Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation (SSKEF), working with the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), marking the expansion of the scheme beyond Kogi West to cover all three senatorial districts.
The programme, funded by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, is the second edition of the bursary initiative.
The maiden edition in 2024 covered students largely from Kogi West Senatorial District, with N100 million disbursed among 1,390 beneficiaries across the district’s seven local government areas.
In June 2025, SSKEF announced that the bursary would be extended to Kogi Central and Kogi East. Applications were subsequently opened to students from the three senatorial districts, targeting 1,390 beneficiaries in Kogi West, 610 in Kogi Central and 1,000 in Kogi East, bringing the total number of beneficiaries statewide to 3,000.
Karimi’s media team, in a statement, said the 2026 disbursement began on Tuesday, 20 January, with successful applicants receiving N100,000 each.
“This year’s edition of the bursary awards is an improvement on the maiden edition in 2024 when 1,000 students benefitted, limited to students from Kogi West alone.
Originally, the Kogi West yearly scheme was designed to last the four-year tenure of the lawmaker in the 10th Senate,” the statement said.
According to the media team, the bursary application portal opened on 1 August 2025 and closed on 31 August 2025, with eligibility limited to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education.
It said beneficiaries of the 2024 bursary were excluded, along with students of private institutions and final-year students.
“Any student who failed to upload or complete all required information in the application forms was not considered. Any student who applied before 1st August was automatically disqualified. Only those who applied online through the link provided were considered,” the statement added.
The foundation said all applicants were subjected to the same screening process.
“However, those recommended by the local government subcommittee will all receive their payment. We have beneficiaries from the College of Education Technical, Mopa, who do not have JAMB numbers or registration,” it said.
The statement also quoted Senator Karimi as saying the scheme reflects his commitment to education and transparency.
“Senator Sunday Steve Karimi remains committed to empowering students through financial assistance, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the overall development of Kogi State. The seamless disbursement of this year’s bursary fulfils Senator Karimi’s earlier promise of a transparent, fair, efficient, and equitable process for all applicants,” it said.
During a parley with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja in June 2025, Karimi had disclosed plans to disburse N300 million as bursary across the state.
“Last year (2024), I gave a bursary of N100m to Kogi West students, but today, with the 96 wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them. In Kogi Central, where we have 57 wards, I will give N61m as bursary, while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in the names of the Tinubu Support Group and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation. This amounts to a total of N300m. That is what we are going to do, and it has already started,” he said.
Beneficiary students and parents poured out their appreciation to SSKEF and TSG for the gesture.
Hassan Abdulbashir, from Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi Central Senatorial District, said the bursary support has made a significant impact on his life.
Atakolo Onalo, a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, thanked the foundation for the bursary awarded to his daughter, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“This is the first major support from a political cycle in Kogi State, and my family and I do not take this for granted. Thank you, Distinguished Senator Sunday Karimi. We are grateful,” he said.
Muhammad Munir, a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Kotonkarfe, said the support eased immediate financial pressure.
“To be honest, my landlord has been on my neck over rent, and I was already losing sleep, not knowing where the next solution would come from.
This bursary lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders and gave me hope when things were overwhelming,” he said.
Another beneficiary, James Jibrin Nelson, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from Olamaboro Local Government Area, said the bursary would support his academic work.
“My heart is full of gratitude to SSKEF for the generous financial support of N100,000 awarded to me. Thank you for having students at heart,” he said, adding that the funds would help him acquire a laptop for his research.
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party in Osun State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s youth wing kicked off a door-to-door awareness and mobilisation of 10 local government areas of Osun West Senatorial District.
The youth wing intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election to ensure emergence of its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji.
The grassroots mobilisation led by the party’s Senatorial Youth Leader, Hon. Imran Majeed Adekunle, across ten local government area of the district was joined by a senatorial aspirant for Osun West, Chief Peter Ogundejii alongside party chairmen.
A statement by Chief Ogundejii described the APC governorship candidate as credible and people-focused, urging party members to sustain grassroots engagement and ownership of the campaign.
He commended the youth leadership for initiating what he described as a people-driven mobilisation.
The Isokan engagement also witnessed the defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party to the APC, citing renewed confidence in the party’s leadership and direction.
He emphasised the decisive role of youths in elections and called for collective efforts to deliver overwhelming support for the APC as a mark of appreciation for the confidence reposed in Osun West Senatorial District.
He urged party members to deepen grassroots engagement and actively participate in the party’s membership e-registration and voter registration exercises, stressing that sustained, youth-driven mobilisation would be central to the APC’s success in 2026.
After the tour, APC leadership inaugurated Door-to-Door Campaign Committees across the ten local governments visited and prayed for the success of the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
