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  • Lagos seals Ladipo spare parts market over environmental violations

    Lagos seals Ladipo spare parts market over environmental violations

    The Lagos State Government on Sunday sealed the Ladipo Spare Parts Market along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over alleged repeated environmental infractions.

    The closure was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, in a post shared on X.

     According to him, the action followed persistent violations, including indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians and highways, as well as illegal street trading.

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    “Lagos State government, this morning, sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over repeated environmental infractions; indiscriminate refuse disposal on the median/highway and illegal street trading,” he said.

    The Ladipo spare parts market, a major hub for automobile spare parts in Mushin, was shut as part of the state’s ongoing enforcement drive aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental laws and maintaining public order.

    Officials said the move underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental degradation, improper waste management and activities that obstruct traffic and endanger public safety.

    The state government has repeatedly warned traders and residents against street trading and unlawful waste disposal, stressing that enforcement actions would continue against defaulters across the metropolis.

  • Ganduje’s wife commends minister over Kano mega empowerment programme

    Ganduje’s wife commends minister over Kano mega empowerment programme

    Former First Lady of Kano State, Prof. Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, has commended the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, for launching the Kano Mega Empowerment Programme.

    She described the initiative as a practical and sustainable effort aimed at addressing the economic needs of women and vulnerable citizens.

    Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the unveiling of the programme, Prof. Ganduje praised Mahmoud’s foresight, noting that the initiative reflected the empowerment ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The programme exemplifies empowerment that is people-focused and designed to combat poverty, strengthen families and promote social stability,” she said.

    Prof. Ganduje also used the occasion to call for peace among political leaders in the state. She urged former governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to set aside their differences in the interest of Kano.

    She appealed to both leaders to support the incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in the overall interest of the state.

    She expressed satisfaction that the programme targeted APC women leaders alongside other vulnerable groups, noting that it would improve livelihoods and strengthen grassroots engagement.

    Prof. Ganduje congratulated the minister and other partners involved in the initiative, stating that responsive leadership combined with empathy could positively impact lives.

    Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the FCT Minister of State had demonstrated commitment to people-focused policies, in line with the human capital development priorities of President Bola Tinubu.

    She urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items provided to enhance their self-reliance and support their families.

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    On behalf of the beneficiaries, the APC women leader in the state, Hajiya Fatima Dala, thanked the minister for the initiative, commending what she described as a transparent process that ensured the support reached the intended recipients.

    “We have had ministers from Kano State, but we have never seen such an empowerment programme in the history of Kano State.

    “The Minister has demonstrated concern for women and the vulnerable by ensuring that only those who deserve these items actually benefit from it.

    “I urge other beneficiaries to please make good use of these items to be self-reliant. Let me also use this opportunity to call on other politicians to emulate the minister by empowering more women because we have the bulk vote”.

    Empowerment items distributed include cars, motorcycles, fertilizers, rice, and sewing machines.

    Others include tricycles, wheel chairs, spaghetti making machines, grinding machines, and financial empowerment.

  • Defence Minister Musa commissions renovated quarters for corporals in Sokoto

    Defence Minister Musa commissions renovated quarters for corporals in Sokoto

    The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.) has commissioned two newly renovated and remodelled Corporal and Below Quarters at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State.

    The project is aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, particularly non-commissioned officers.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of troops, describing non-commissioned officers as the backbone of the Armed Forces.

    “These men and women deserve a living environment that reflects their daily sacrifices in their professional duties and family lives,” he said.

    He also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for driving infrastructure development across formations and cantonments nationwide, noting that such efforts are essential for enhancing professionalism and combat readiness.

    The newly remodelled quarters, designed for corporals and lower ranks and their families, feature modern amenities, including well-ventilated residential units intended to provide improved comfort and security.

    The upgrades are expected to ease accommodation pressures within the cantonment and improve the overall quality of life for service personnel.

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    In his vote of thanks, Commander of the 8 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Abdumalik Muhammed, expressed appreciation to the minister for his support and presence at the event.

    He described the project as a significant boost to troop welfare and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of soldiers at all levels.

    The commissioning came as the Nigerian Army intensified operations against banditry and insurgency in the North-West region. Giginya Cantonment, which houses the 8 Division, plays a key role in these operations, making the welfare of its personnel a priority.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the official unveiling of the facility, a guided tour of the accommodation blocks led by the minister and senior officers, the symbolic handover of keys to beneficiaries and a group photograph to mark the occasion.

  • APC chieftain hails Tunji-Ojo’s role as Ondo marks 50th anniversary

    APC chieftain hails Tunji-Ojo’s role as Ondo marks 50th anniversary

    As Ondo State celebrates its golden jubilee, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Agboola Kelly, has highlighted what he described as the contributions of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the state’s growing national and international profile.

    Kelly, who is the Coordinator of the Ondo APC Elders Movement for Tinubu 2027, in a statement, described Tunji-Ojo as an illustrious son of the state whose performance in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet has drawn attention within and outside the country.

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    Kelly said the minister has distinguished himself in the Renewed Hope administration, particularly through reforms in the Ministry of Interior.

    According to him, Tunji-Ojo has introduced innovations, digital reforms and improved efficiency in key services, including passport processing.

    He added that the minister’s approach to leadership has attracted recognition and reflected positively on the state.

    Kelly urged the people of Ondo State and Nigerians generally to continue supporting the minister, expressing confidence that his leadership would deliver further benefits.

  • Radda chairs PPP capacity workshop for Katsina executive council

    Radda chairs PPP capacity workshop for Katsina executive council

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State on Saturday chaired a one-day capacity-building workshop on Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) for members of the State Executive Council.

    The workshop, organised by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), was aimed at strengthening policy-level understanding and leadership oversight of PPPs as a strategic tool for infrastructure development, improved service delivery and sustainable economic growth in the state.

    Declaring the workshop open, Radda said PPPs have become an essential instrument for governments seeking to bridge infrastructure gaps while ensuring fiscal discipline and value for money.

    He urged members of the Executive Council to fully understand and internalise the principles, processes and governance requirements of PPP arrangements in order to deliver tangible benefits to the people of the state.

    According to him, the workshop builds on reforms already undertaken by the state government to institutionalise PPPs.

    The governor highlighted the creation of a dedicated PPP portal to enhance transparency and investor engagement, as well as provisions in the current state budget for PPP project preparation and facilitation. He said the measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to moving from policy formulation to implementation.

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    In his welcome address, the Director-General of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Jikamshi, said the workshop forms part of a structured capacity-building programme designed to deepen knowledge of PPP frameworks among top government officials.

    Jikamshi recalled that the agency organised both an appreciation workshop and an intermediary-level workshop in the previous year for officers of key ministries, departments and agencies across the state. He said the sessions were aimed at building foundational understanding of PPP concepts and processes.

    He added that members of the State Executive Council–led PPP Project Facilitation Committee would participate in a follow-up workshop focused on the governance and management structure of the Project Facilitation Fund.

    According to him, the next phase is expected to strengthen coordination, oversight and leadership in managing resources for PPP project development in the state.

  • Ex-Don urges fair pipeline surveillance contracts to avert Niger Delta crisis

    Ex-Don urges fair pipeline surveillance contracts to avert Niger Delta crisis

    A former university lecturer, Dr. Youpele Banigo, has called for a more equitable distribution of oil and gas pipeline surveillance contracts to prevent what he described as a looming conflict in the Niger Delta.

    Banigo said the current pipeline surveillance arrangement was heavily imbalanced and could fuel resentment and disillusionment among oil-producing communities that bear the brunt of exploration activities.

    The scholar, who once served on the Presidential Technical Committee on the Niger Delta, recalled that the committee’s 2008 report strongly recommended meaningful participation of host communities in protecting critical national oil assets.

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    “Our vision at the time was for broad, inclusive participation by all producing communities,” Banigo said.

    He noted that the report also anticipated the need to build capacity among local stakeholders, stressing that although such a process might pose initial challenges, it could be addressed through a structured and inclusive framework.

    Banigo urged relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to propose a model that would guarantee every oil-producing community a fair opportunity to participate in pipeline surveillance activities.

    According to him, the most practical step would be to unbundle the existing arrangement and restructure it in a way that ensures equitable and participatory involvement across oil-producing areas.

    He warned that failure to adopt a more inclusive model could heighten tensions in the region, with negative implications for security and crude oil production.

  • IRARA, refugees commission, NOA hold dialogue on migration

    IRARA, refugees commission, NOA hold dialogue on migration

    The International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA), in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and National Orientation Agency (NOA)  on Friday held a  Dialogue on Migration, Reintegration and Community Development to strengthen coordinated, development-oriented approaches to migration governance and reintegration in Nigeria.

     The dialogue held at NECA House, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos State laid emphasis on community engagement, institutional collaboration, and effective linkages between return and reintegration programming and the national migration policy framework.

     Speaking, the  Country Director, IRARA Nigeria, Mr Roland Nwoha said the dialogue “forms part of our collective efforts to strengthen cooperation among institutions and communities, and to ensure that migration and reintegration processes contribute meaningfully to national and local development outcomes.

    Lagos State, as a major migration hub and economic centre, plays a critical role in shaping migration realities, reintegration pathways, and community-level responses, making this engagement both timely and strategic.”

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    He noted that the  dialogue was convened under the ARRIVES Project, a reintegration initiative funded by the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and jointly implemented by IRARA, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Social Impact (SI), adding that through this partnership, the project supports the sustainable reintegration of Nigerian returnees from Germany by promoting dignified livelihoods and economic self-reliance.

    “Under ARRIVES, returnees are supported through wage employment opportunities, entrepreneurship development, vocational pathways, and individualized, tailored coaching. The objective is not only economic reintegration, but social inclusion—ensuring that returnees are empowered to rebuild their lives, contribute productively to their communities, and regain a sense of agency and dignity.”

    A central feature of the dialogue was the evidence-informed exchange with ARRIVES participants themselves—men and women who have successfully reintegrated into the Nigerian economy through employment and business creation. “Their lived experiences provide valuable insights into what works, the challenges encountered, and the conditions needed for reintegration to be truly sustainable. These voices are essential to shaping responsive policies, improving referral mechanisms, and strengthening reintegration programming at scale.”

    Beyond individual outcomes, the country director said “today’s engagement deepened understanding of migration realities in Nigeria and raise awareness of existing reintegration support frameworks. It also highlights the critical role of institutional actors—government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and community leaders—in improving information dissemination, strengthening community-level engagement, and fostering linkages with diaspora and migrant networks.

    “Reintegration cannot succeed in isolation. It requires coordination across institutions, alignment with national migration policy frameworks, and meaningful engagement at the community level. When reintegration is well-linked to local development priorities, it reduces vulnerability, counters misinformation about migration, and transforms return into an opportunity for growth rather than a point of rupture.”

     While appreciating IRARA for its continued support towards effective migration governance in Nigeria, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of NCFRMI, Alex Oturu, said the gathering was both timely and necessary, adding that migration remains a defining issue of our time. “It shapes economies, transforms communities, connects nations, and unfortunately, when poorly managed, exposes our citizens to significant vulnerabilities. As a country of origin, transit and destination, Nigeria understands deeply the complexity of migration dynamics and the responsibility we bear to manage migration in a manner that is humane, orderly and beneficial for all. This outreach event reflects our commitment to community-level engagement. Migration governance cannot exist only at the federal level. It must be rooted in our communities. It must involve local actors, diaspora networks, civil society organisations, and most importantly, migrants themselves.”

    On his part, the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Nigeria Immigration Service Lagos State,

    Charles Osarenmwinda said a coordinated approach among stakeholders is crucial for improving outcomes for returnees in Nigeria and “strengthening the return migration infrastructure,ultimately fostering a more effective management framework that supports the reintegration of returnees into society.”

     The high point of the event was when a returnee took the stage of how the ARRIVES project helped him to return to Nigeria in a dignified way and also supported him to resettle.

    His story of how the ARRIVES project assisted him drew applause from the stakeholders who vowed to spread the message learnt during the dialogue in their various communities.

  • NUPRC to enforce PIA 2021 for host community development

    NUPRC to enforce PIA 2021 for host community development

    The Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyeso, has said the commission will ensure oil companies comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to promote sustainable development in host communities.

    Mrs. Eyeso made the statement at a sensitization programme in Owerri, Imo State, where she explained that the PIA 2021 mandates oil companies to contribute 3% of their annual operating costs to Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) for community development projects.

     “The funds will be used for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment,” she said.

    Eyesan, who was represented by Atama Daniel, said the commission would facilitate a smooth implementation process and ensure compliance by oil companies.

    She, however, urged oil-producing communities to protect oil facilities in their areas and stop all illegal oil exploration activities within their communities.

     The chief executive also disclosed that the NUPRC has established Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres to resolve disputes between oil companies and host communities.

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    The National President of the HOSTCOM, Dr. Benjamin Tamarenebi in his remarks at the occasion earlier advised the host communities to always embark on sustainable development projects rather than frivolous projects.

     He warned traditional rulers against bidding for contracts for execution of projects approved for their communities in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.”

    He stated that monarchs as heads of Host Communities Board of Trustees have the responsibility of supervising the awarding and execution of projects approved for the communities and ensuring accountability, adding that awarding contracts to themselves will lead to compromise.

     The HOSTCOM president said funds disbursed to the communities are now higher than before and urged the communities to take good advantage of it.

     “They can build schools ,and other sustainable projects. Think of something that will be a more economical variable in the community, if this is done there would be economic activities and development . In order not to waste the funds, manpower ,train your children with the funds , give them scholarships instead of buying vehicles or renting apartments in the city.”

    In his remarks, the Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Johnson Abiye said regulators should ensure smooth implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act as it relates to the oil producing communities.

    Abiye noted that many communities that were supposed to be part of HOSTCOM were omitted and called for the situation to be redressed.

  • Three killed, priest, 10 others abducted in fresh Kaduna attack

    Three killed, priest, 10 others abducted in fresh Kaduna attack

    Tragedy struck in Karku community, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State again as gunmen killed three residents and kidnapped a Catholic priest and 10 others during a night raid yesterday.

    The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, who was seized alongside 10 villagers in the early hours of the day.

    Security sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said operatives had launched a manhunt for the attackers, believed to be operating within the Kauru axis.

    In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, announced the incident with “profound sadness,” saying the priest and others were taken at about 3:20 am from the priest’s residence.

    He described the attack as “an invasion by a group of terrorists,” adding that the incident left three people dead.

    The deceased victims were identified as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura and Alhaji Kusari.

    Shanet called on priests, the Christian faithful and “men and women of goodwill” to pray for the safe return of the abducted and for the repose of the souls of those killed.

    “The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of these evildoers,” he added.

    Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the incident as distressing and lamented the persistence of kidnappings in the region.

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    “This is a sad story. The kidnapping is getting too much,” Hayab said.

    “It is sad that the kidnapping of Christian priests and other citizens is unabated despite efforts to stop this evil.”

    He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to stem the growing tide of abductions and killings.

    Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.

    However, a police source disclosed that security personnel, including the military and armed police, engaged the attackers in a gun duel during the operation.

    “We believe the bandits are still within the area. We are hopeful they will be apprehended,” the source said.

  • Tinubu: Fani-Kayode disowns Sowore in criminal defamation case

    Tinubu: Fani-Kayode disowns Sowore in criminal defamation case

    • Says he never said President killed Funso Williams

    Ambassador-Designate and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, yesterday distanced himself from a claim allegedly made by the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, that he (Fani-Kayode) once said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was responsible for the death of former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Chief Funso Williams, in 2023.

     Sowore is currently facing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja for criminal defamation, having been dragged to court by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) for allegedly calling President Tinubu a criminal in posts he made on his X and Facebook accounts.

     Media activist and ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, had also recently distanced himself from claims made by Sowore and his lawyer in court that the former’s description of President Tinubu as a criminal was predicated on the fact that Omokri had previously made the same claim against the President.

     In a statement titled ‘Sowore’s Obsession with President Tinubu, Reno Omokri and I’, which he issued yesterday, Chief Fani-Kayode said Sowore’s decision to drag his name into the case by digging up statements he (Fani-Kayode) made 11 years ago but has since retracted was a measure of desperation.

     Fani-Kayode said: I was informed that Omoyele Sowore made references to things I allegedly said against President Bola Tinubu 11 years ago to somehow exonerate himself in the criminal case that he is facing for defamation.

     “He claimed that I said that President Tinubu killed Chief Funso Williams in 2003. This is false. I never said that President Tinubu killed Funso Williams.

     “What I said was “I am not Funso Williams: I cannot be killed like a chicken.”

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     “Those were my exact words: nothing more & nothing less.

     “I said them 11 years ago, and I have long since retracted them and accepted the fact that they were not only inappropriate but that they might have also been misconstrued!

     “It is a measure of how desperate Sowore is that he should be dragging up statements that I made 11 years ago about President Tinubu during the 2015 presidential election campaign, which I have long since retracted and withdrawn in an attempt to help fight his case in court.

    “History records that I was in the opposition PDP at the time (2015) and was the Director of Media and Publicity in President Jonathan’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, and a lot of ugly things were said by both sides against one another’s candidates and party leaders during the heat of battle.

     “That is the nature of Presidential campaigns  everywhere in the world.

     “For the record, I left the PDP six years ago and joined the APC in 2021.

     “Since that time, I have supported the party selflessly and perhaps more relevantly I played a key role as Director of New Media & Special Operations in President Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2023.

     “Throughout that campaign, the record shows that morning, day and night, both myself & the Directorate of 250 people that I headed spoke and fought for the President and contributed to his victory.

    “Outside of that, for the last two years since he was sworn in as President, I have been unwavering in my support for him and have sought to defend him and his government vigorously.

     “If I had any misgivings about him, I doubt I would have done all that.

     “For Sowore to try to rope me or @renoomokri into his matter to justify his despicable behaviour is absurd.

    “Reno may have opposed the election of President Tinubu in 2023, but after the President emerged victorious, he has not only retracted all he said about him but he has also fought for him gallantly and defended his policies.

     “That is what any decent and well brought up person would do when faced with the truth and after he sees the light.

    “Instead of trying to get us involved in his mess, I would advise Sowore to do the honorable thing and retract his statements about the President or prepare for jail.”

     “Whichever way, it makes no difference to me and I could not care less. Reno, myself and millions of others have taken a stance for Tinubu, and no matter how many times he brings up our names in court to justify his asinine comments, it will not help him.

     “I advise him to face his case with decency and decorum and plug his mouth. That is the only way he will escape the net he has found himself in.

     “Reno and I found the right path and walked it. We also had the decency to accept the fact that comments we made years ago against the President were not only inappropriate but also wrong. It takes courage to do that.

     “I believe Sowore should cultivate that courage and accept that what he said about the President was also wrong and totally unacceptable.

     “If he refuses to do so, he should be ready to prove his case in court or face the consequences of his words and actions.

     “I conclude by mentioning the fact that it is a reflection of President Tinubu’s decency and humanity that he can welcome into his ranks those that once fought against him and opposed him.

     “He has been magnanimous, and that is a mark of a leader.

     “That is also why we stand with him and shall continue to do so regardless of the words of nauseating and inconsequential little distractions and obnoxious irritants like Omoyele Sowore.”