The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has conveyed deep sorrow following the tragic flooding that struck Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, leading to devastating loss of life, destruction of homes, and widespread displacement of local residents. In an official message released on Monday, the Forum Chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, shared heartfelt condolences and acknowledged the severe toll the flood has taken on communities within the affected zones. “The forum is in solidarity with the government and people of Adamawa State, led by His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as they channel resources and emergency efforts to cushion the impact of this disaster,” the statement read. The NGF also extended appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army for their prompt response, especially the deployment of marine rescue teams following a request from the Adamawa State Government. These units played a critical role in aiding residents trapped by rising floodwaters. “We commend the quick intervention of security agencies and their support for the state’s emergency response measures,” the NGF stated. Standing in unity with Governor Fintiri and the people of Adamawa, the forum pledged additional assistance. The NGF affirmed its commitment to supporting both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery initiatives that the state requires to overcome the current humanitarian crisis. “The forum remains fully committed to offering necessary assistance in addition to the support Adamawa State is receiving from other relevant institutions,” the communique added.
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to apply the ‘Nigeria First’ initiative to the refined fuel sector, a suggestion that met immediate opposition from oil marketers and industry professionals on Sunday. While speaking at the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets in Abuja, Dangote argued for a complete ban on the importation of refined petroleum products—including petrol and diesel—claiming that the ongoing influx of imported fuels is sabotaging local refineries and discouraging investment in Nigeria’s oil refining capacity. The Nigeria First policy, implemented in May 2024, restricts all government bodies from importing services or products that are already produced domestically. The directive requires justification and approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement before any foreign procurement can be considered. Referencing this regulation, Dangote maintained that the same protection should extend to local oil refiners, including his $20 billion Dangote Refinery, to limit the inflow of cheaper, often inferior, imported fuels. He further accused fuel importers of flooding Nigeria with substandard, toxic petroleum products, many of which are outlawed in Europe, giving them an unethical advantage and compromising public safety and fuel quality. “To make matters worse,” Dangote remarked, “we are now facing an increased volume of cheap, often harmful petroleum products, many of which are blended to unsafe levels that wouldn’t pass approval in Europe or North America.” Dangote also revealed that some imported fuels—particularly from Russia—are sold at subsidized rates. This undercuts local prices and pressures domestic producers into unsustainable pricing. “With Russian fuel price caps in place, discounted products from or made with Russian crude are now being dumped in African markets, undermining our local refining operations that pay full price for crude oil. This has caused pricing instability across Africa,” he stated. He noted that Nigeria is now selling fuel at about 60 cents per litre, lower than even Saudi Arabia, despite producing and refining oil locally—an indication of the damage caused by rampant dumping. To protect local investments and refine the market structure, Dangote called on African governments to adopt protective economic measures like those used in Canada, the United States, and the European Union to prevent unfair foreign competition. He dismissed accusations that his suggestion was an attempt to monopolize the sector, pointing instead to a lack of domestic commitment by wealthy Nigerians who, according to him, invest abroad but criticize local investors. “Too many Nigerians with the financial means choose to sit on the sidelines and invest their wealth overseas, while we put everything on the line to build at home,” Dangote said. He also emphasized that his refinery has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands. Backing this claim, he disclosed that Nigeria has already become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, having shipped out approximately 1.35 billion litres of petrol within a 50-day period. “Before coming up here, I checked with my team—we’ve exported around 1 million tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between June and July 2025, which is about 1.35 billion litres,” he stated. Oil Marketers Reject Dangote’s Proposal Despite Dangote’s assertions, key stakeholders in the downstream oil sector strongly opposed the proposed import ban. Speaking to The Punch on Sunday, Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), stated that independent marketers would reject any move to outlaw fuel importation. “We, the independent marketers, disagree with that idea. If the government enforces such a ban, it would stoke inflation and create a monopoly since only one refinery currently functions nationwide,” Ukadike warned. He added that Nigeria should maintain both importation and local production options to preserve market balance and consumer affordability. Ukadike also pushed back on Dangote’s argument that importation undermines local businesses. “It’s not true. Importation will enhance local capacity, not destroy it. It challenges refineries to improve. We don’t agree with Dangote’s position.” In the same vein, Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), rejected the call for an import ban, warning against giving any single company a dominant hold over the oil sector. He acknowledged that while banning some foreign goods makes sense, fuel should not be part of that list, especially in a country that depends on diverse energy sources. “We operate a free market economy. No single company should monopolize an entire industry,” Gillis-Harry emphasized. He added: “Importation is not what’s harming the economy. In fact, it stabilizes petroleum supply chains. While products that we can produce locally—like garri, toothpicks, or cassava—should be banned, refined petroleum products should remain open to importation. It ensures supply diversity and energy security.”
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Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed from Abuja on Sunday, en route to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to officially represent Nigeria at the second edition of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS). The summit is scheduled to hold from July 27 to 29, and is expected to convene world leaders to evaluate ongoing progress since the maiden event held in 2021. This high-level global summit will serve as a platform for countries to intensify efforts and coordinate initiatives aimed at building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems that benefit all nations. Leaders will focus on accelerating reforms and sharing strategic models for food security in alignment with global sustainability goals. A statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), confirmed Vice President Shettima’s participation. According to the statement, he is set to feature in multiple strategic events, most notably a dialogue session centered on transforming the global coffee value chain. Additionally, Shettima will attend ministerial-level roundtable discussions that will address critical themes such as: Beyond formal sessions, the summit will also include side events such as field excursions, networking engagements, and interactive knowledge-sharing forums, designed to promote collaboration among stakeholders. Nkwocha emphasized that Nigeria’s goals for attending the summit are three-pronged: The United Nations is organizing the event in collaboration with the governments of Ethiopia and Italy, alongside a coalition of development partners under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria upon conclusion of his official engagements in Addis Ababa.
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In a renewed effort to address rising security concerns, the Bauchi State Government has revealed plans to construct a state-of-the-art Divisional Police Station in Duguri, the hometown of Governor Bala Mohammed. This initiative is aimed at strengthening the overall internal security framework within the state. The announcement was made over the weekend during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new police facility in Duguri. Speaking on behalf of the governor at the event, Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau emphasized the critical importance of security collaboration between the government and law enforcement agencies. Alongside the new development in Duguri, the government also disclosed plans to carry out extensive renovations at the Futuk Divisional Police Headquarters, while simultaneously upgrading the operational base in Mansur. These improvements are part of a broader mission to enhance the reach and responsiveness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) across the state. Deputy Governor Jatau reiterated that partnerships with security agencies, particularly the Police, are essential in driving sustainable progress and safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens. He extended gratitude to the Bauchi State Police Command, led by Commissioner Aliyu Sani-Omolori, for its unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to public safety. Governor Bala Mohammed, through his deputy, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to bolstering law enforcement by investing in modern security infrastructure and operational tools. He noted that these efforts reflect a deliberate strategic move by the Bauchi administration to ensure that police personnel are fully prepared to meet evolving security threats across various communities. Speaking at the event, Police Commissioner Aliyu Sani-Omolori lauded Governor Bala Mohammed for his continued support of the Nigeria Police. He described the Duguri project and accompanying renovations as significant milestones in boosting the Police Force’s operational efficiency. The commissioner stressed that the modern facility will enhance the Police’s capacity to react swiftly to incidents, ensure officer safety, and ultimately increase public confidence in the Force. According to Sani-Omolori, such infrastructural upgrades are critical in equipping officers with the necessary tools to effectively perform their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, especially amid the increasing security challenges facing Nigeria today.
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In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s natural gas distribution infrastructure, the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) has announced a new joint venture agreement with Zuid Energies Limited. This strategic collaboration focuses on constructing a 6 million standard cubic feet per day Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant alongside a 40 MMSCFD (Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. This major announcement was made public in a statement released on Friday by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The initiative is part of a wider vision to extend gas marketing and improve access to energy solutions across the country. Strategic Collaboration Unveiled at Industry Event The formal signing of the partnership agreement took place during the Mobility-CNG Stakeholders Workshop held in Abuja. The event, themed “Deepening Industry Alignment for a Sustainable Mobility-CNG Sub-Sector,” brought together top regulators, industry stakeholders, and gas ecosystem players. NNPCL emphasized that this partnership reflects NGML’s ongoing strategy to work with private sector players, particularly in providing innovative Virtual Pipeline Solutions. These solutions aim to improve gas supply to off-grid communities and regions with insufficient energy access. Broader Energy Investment in Kogi State This recent development aligns with earlier reports highlighting NNPCL’s commitment to expanding its energy footprint in Kogi State. LMSINT MEDIA previously reported on January 31, 2025, that NNPCL launched the construction of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, with a total daily capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet. According to the national oil giant, these LNG projects are being developed in partnership with various private firms to enhance domestic gas utilization, particularly for household cooking, power generation, and automotive mobility. Details of the LNG Project Line-up As outlined in an earlier statement by Olufemi Soneye, the former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, the following five LNG projects are currently under construction: Soneye described this initiative as a “groundbreaking collaboration” that reflects the government’s commitment to energy self-reliance, boosting off-grid industrial operations, and reducing carbon emissions through clean fuel alternatives. Harnessing Kogi’s Natural Gas Potential These ongoing developments will tap into the abundant natural gas reserves in Kogi State, especially via the Ajaokuta-Obajana pipeline, to strengthen the national supply of LNG and CNG. These resources are expected to fuel power stations, cooking gas outlets, and vehicles, thereby expanding Nigeria’s energy access and reducing dependency on imported fuels. Additionally, this initiative supports the Federal Government’s 10-for-10 Campaign, which aims to transition 10,000 commercial vehicles to CNG fuel within 10 weeks, promoting cleaner transportation alternatives.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday at Trump’s renowned Turnberry golf resort in western Scotland, where both leaders are expected to discuss key issues, including the UK-US trade agreement and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Earlier this year, Starmer and Trump convened at the White House’s Oval Office in Washington, alongside UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President JD Vance. Their next engagement promises to be equally significant. Fresh off his major trade announcement with the European Union on Sunday, Trump expressed optimism about the meeting, suggesting that Starmer would find the developments encouraging. “Even though he wasn’t part of the deal, the UK Prime Minister will likely be pleased,” Trump stated. “This creates a kind of unity as well. He’ll be very glad about what we’ve accomplished.” Despite Starmer’s hopes to address the longstanding issue of US-imposed tariffs on UK steel and aluminum, Trump made it clear that the 50% tariffs on EU imports would remain unchanged and that the UK-US trade deal has been finalized. Their meeting will reportedly span both of Trump’s Scottish estates, starting from Turnberry and then proceeding to his eastern estate near Aberdeen. Meanwhile, Starmer arrived in Scotland following a celebratory visit to Switzerland, where England clinched victory in the Women’s European Championship final on Sunday. However, the escalating Gaza conflict looms over the diplomatic event. The deteriorating situation, marked by widespread famine and destruction, has captured global concern. Harrowing images of starving civilians have intensified international scrutiny. In response, Starmer has summoned his cabinet ministers back from summer recess for an emergency meeting, according to a UK government insider. The likely topic of discussion: the escalating pressure to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Last Friday, Starmer emphasized that Britain would only acknowledge a Palestinian state as part of a broader peace negotiation, a stance that sparked discontent within his own Labour Party. Many party members have urged him to follow France’s lead, which has proposed recognizing Palestine unilaterally. On the other side, Trump publicly rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition plan, echoing the Israeli government’s condemnation. This comes in the wake of similar decisions by Spain, Norway, and Ireland last year, which also drew criticism from Israeli officials. Trump acknowledged that Starmer intended to raise the Israel-Gaza issue, noting that while the US would expand its humanitarian assistance to Gaza, it expects other international actors to share the burden. They are also expected to deliberate on the war in Ukraine. The Gaza war, triggered on October 7, 2023, began when Hamas fighters launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 Israelis, most of whom were civilians. Additionally, 251 hostages were reportedly taken back to Gaza, based on Israeli records. Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has reportedly led to the deaths of nearly 60,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians, as per Gaza health authorities. Entire neighborhoods have been devastated, and almost the entire population of the strip has been displaced.
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In what appears to be a strategic blueprint for securing electoral dominance in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated his unmatched mastery in Nigeria’s political chess game. Through the recent appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a technocrat from Plateau State, as the new national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu is not just ticking boxes — he is laying foundations. The president, known for his behind-the-scenes influence dating back to his days at Mobil Oil, has steadily risen as one of Nigeria’s most prominent political tacticians. His journey from technocratic roles to orchestrating power structures became evident during the military regime’s handover program under General Ibrahim Babangida. His involvement in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) laid the groundwork for what would become a long-lasting political legacy. While older political actors like Lateef Kayode Jakande sought to maintain the Lagos political order, Tinubu empowered a younger faction known as PRIMROSE — a coalition aimed at redefining governance in Lagos. Despite losing the 1991 Lagos State gubernatorial election due to internal conflict within SDP, PRIMROSE’s ideas influenced state governance well into the 2000s, long after Tinubu’s tenure ended. By 2012, a debate emerged between Tinubu’s political mentees — Tunji Bello and Opeyemi Bamidele — about how best to define his leadership style. While Bello likened him to philosophical greats such as Plato or Machiavelli, Bamidele characterized Tinubu as a deeply rooted ideologue with insight into mass mobilization, structured policy alternatives, and the capacity to connect with grassroots. That ideological and strategic blend was again evident on July 24, 2025, when Tinubu officially backed Professor Nentawe Yilwatda — a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner and a 2023 gubernatorial aspirant in Plateau — as APC national chairman. This decision wasn’t accidental. Insiders familiar with APC’s evolving playbook revealed that Tinubu wanted someone with both intellectual strength and electoral tact. Yilwatda fits that profile. His past with INEC, coupled with firsthand campaign experience, offers a dual advantage: he understands election machinery and voter behavior, particularly in the North. While critics insinuate that Yilwatda was appointed to manipulate electoral outcomes from within the INEC network, the strategy has deeper roots. Plateau State reportedly returned over one million votes for Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections before technical disruptions occurred. Tinubu, aware of the region’s voting potential and Christian majority, calculated that Yilwatda’s candidacy could deliver numerical strength and religious balance. Sources close to the presidency confirmed that during Tinubu’s brief international engagement in Rio de Janeiro, a confidential team submitted strategic proposals emphasizing inclusivity — religion, regional spread, and youth representation. Tinubu reportedly adopted the committee’s advice, leading to the choice of Yilwatda over other contenders like Senator Sani Musa (Niger) and Senator Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), both Muslims from the North Central zone. The appointment was not just about the party chair. Other major changes are underway. There is speculation that President Tinubu may alter his 2023 vice-presidential running mate, with Kano — a vote-rich Northern state — being considered for a new nominee. Names being floated include Senator Barau Jibrin (Deputy Senate President), Governor Dikko Radda (Katsina), and Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna). This move has been interpreted as part of a broader plan to counter Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who has placed heavy demands — including a written agreement to hand over the APC structure in 2031 — before rejoining the ruling party. To sidestep Kwankwaso’s leverage, Tinubu is allegedly building an alternate power structure around Senator Kawu Sumaila and Barau Jibrin to siphon off Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano. Senator Jibrin, who defeated Kwankwaso’s party in Kano Central in 2023, recently urged party loyalists to stop speculating on the VP slot, emphasizing that supporting President Tinubu’s policies should be the current focus. Meanwhile, internal sources from the presidency confirmed that more reforms are coming under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” These will center around empowering women and youth and will soon reflect in cabinet appointments and ambassadorial nominations. Some current ministers from Delta, Enugu, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Jigawa may be dropped to accommodate this reshuffle. As part of this realignment, Muhammad Babangida — son of former military President Ibrahim Babangida — was appointed Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). His influence among Northern youth, especially in Niger State, positions him as a strategic asset in Tinubu’s broader northern youth outreach. However, political tension followed. Opposition leaders, including Senator Kwankwaso, criticized Tinubu’s Southern focus in developmental spending. In retaliation, a forged letter surfaced online claiming that Muhammad Babangida had rejected his appointment. The APC promptly debunked the misinformation, with Babangida releasing a statement confirming his acceptance and appreciation to President Tinubu. As the North braces for 2027, opposition elements have begun to coalesce. On July 26, the Northern Political Consultative Group convened to chart a path forward. Their strategy includes using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to rally support across all geopolitical zones, hoping to unseat the APC. Despite these challenges, Tinubu’s APC is already tightening its internal mechanisms. The recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was held at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall to ensure order, especially after a previously unruly gathering in Gombe. Tinubu’s political structure — from PRIMROSE to APC’s current leadership — is being recalibrated for 2027. With the North now in focus through calculated appointments, the Southern base already secured, and the inclusion of youth and religious balance in party leadership, President Tinubu appears to be preparing for a re-election campaign backed by layered alliances and strategic foresight.
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In a significant legal development, a High Court sitting in Minna, Niger State, has granted an interim injunction against Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and five other named parties, preventing them from gaining access to a farmland currently under litigation. The disputed land is owned by one Bello Wakili and nine other members of his family, and the case has become a contentious matter of public interest. The ruling, delivered under suit number NSHC/MN/215/2025, will stay in force until the court concludes the substantive legal matter. This order seeks to maintain the status quo and protect the property rights of the plaintiffs pending the final decision. The plaintiffs, represented by legal counsel Barrister Solomon Ogbeche, brought the matter before the court to safeguard their ancestral farmland, which is located near Tagwai Dam in the Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. According to their submissions, the farmland has been in their family for generations and is now at risk of illegal encroachment. Niger State Government, Ministries and Agency Named as Defendants The six defendants in the lawsuit include: In the ruling, Justice Mohammed Mohammed ordered the defendants to immediately cease any form of activity or development on the disputed property. The court emphasized that no party must interfere with the land until a final determination is made regarding ownership and legal rights. However, serious concerns have since been raised regarding alleged defiance of the court’s interim injunction. Despite the binding nature of the order, the plaintiffs claim that the defendants have continued to trespass and carry out work on the contested farmland. Contempt Charges Filed Against Governor Bago and Other Defendants In response to the alleged violation, Barrister Ogbeche has filed a contempt proceeding against the Governor and the other defendants. The motion seeks to hold them in correctional custody for willfully disobeying the court’s lawful order. This legal action is aimed at compelling respect for the rule of law and reinforcing judicial authority. The contempt motion hearing has been scheduled for October 6, 2025, where the court will deliberate further on the accusations of disobedience and the next legal steps. This development underscores the rising tension between private landowners and government-backed interests in Nigeria, especially in regions where resource control and farmland ownership are growing issues.
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The newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Board for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has firmly committed to revamping Nigeria’s basic education sector. He expressed his determination to leave behind a legacy that would stand the test of time. Al-Makura, who once served as the Governor of Nasarawa State, revealed this during his formal assumption of office at UBEC headquarters in Abuja. His remarks were conveyed through a press release issued by UBEC’s Public Relations Officer, David Apeh, on Sunday. As a long-standing advocate for accessible and quality education, Senator Al-Makura declared that his tenure would focus on overhauling foundational education in Nigeria. He emphasized his readiness to apply his lifelong experience in the education sector to revitalize learning at the grassroots level. Appointed recently by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Al-Makura was officially inaugurated by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, as the new Chairman of the UBEC Governing Board. Speaking about his professional background, Al-Makura said, “This four-year appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is something I value greatly. I’m a trained educator with a Grade II Certificate, a National Certificate in Education (NCE), and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Social Studies.” He elaborated further, “I dedicated my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year to teaching before transitioning into the civil service, private entrepreneurship, and eventually politics.” Highlighting his previous contributions, he added, “As the Governor of Nasarawa State, I offered robust support to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Additionally, during my tenure in the Senate, I served on the UBEC committee. This makes me a stakeholder in delivering quality education at various levels.” Senator Al-Makura also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing Hajiya Aisha Garba as the Executive Secretary of UBEC. He recalled their earlier professional encounter when she worked on a World Bank project during his governorship in Nasarawa. Recognizing her efforts since taking office in January, Al-Makura affirmed his full support for Garba, stating that she needs continuous encouragement to fulfill the Commission’s goals effectively. “Her efforts are commendable. However, she will require consistent backing to successfully fulfill UBEC’s mandate to transform both basic and extended levels of education,” he stated. In her response, Executive Secretary Hajiya Aisha Garba warmly welcomed the appointment of Senator Al-Makura, whom she described as her mentor and a committed educationist. “I am pleased to have my mentor as the UBEC Chairman. We’ve worked together in the past while I was with the World Bank and he was Governor. When I was appointed, the President instructed me to fix UBEC. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and even more thankful for being paired with someone deeply rooted in educational development,” she said. Garba reiterated her commitment to working hand-in-hand with Senator Al-Makura to ensure their contributions endure long after their tenures. “Together, we aim to establish a legacy that will outlast our time in office,” she concluded.
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A tragic accident occurred at the Lagos-Ogun State border community of Ita Oluwo, where a high-speed truck reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into another truck, leading to the death of a woman who was trapped between both vehicles. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the heartbreaking incident through an official statement released by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment. According to the report, the collision involved two Iveco trucks transporting iron rods, identified by registration numbers QX 189 KSF and YA 701 AAA. One of the trucks, while allegedly speeding, experienced sudden brake failure and crashed into a stationary vehicle, causing a devastating impact that tragically claimed the life of a woman caught between them. Emergency Response and Aftermath Rescue teams responded swiftly to the scene. The victim was carefully retrieved from the wreckage and transported to the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) morgue in Sagamu, where her body was officially deposited. The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the incident and pointed to mechanical negligence and reckless driving as the leading cause. He expressed deep concern over the avoidable nature of the tragedy and stressed the dangers posed by poorly maintained articulated trucks transporting heavy and dangerous loads. “This devastating occurrence underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to road safety standards, especially for articulated vehicle operators handling heavy-duty cargo,” Bakare-Oki stated. He criticized the recurring pattern of fatal crashes caused by vehicle defects and lack of driver discipline, urging for stringent measures from the haulage and logistics sector. LASTMA Urges Strict Safety Compliance for Articulated Trucks Bakare-Oki also called on truck owners and haulage firms to implement regular mechanical checks and ensure their drivers undergo proper certification and health assessments before operating on public highways. “Failure to maintain roadworthiness and enforce basic safety compliance puts innocent lives at risk. Safety protocols must never be optional,” he emphasized. Multi-Agency Rescue Effort The emergency operation was carried out through a collaborative effort involving: Their timely intervention helped in preventing further casualties and ensured a proper response to the tragic scene. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of road safety and vehicle maintenance, especially in densely populated transit corridors like the Lagos-Ogun border where high commercial activity increases accident risks.
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Ayekooto Akindele, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has confidently declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will achieve a landslide victory in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, predicting a win by 12 noon on election day. In a series of posts shared via his verified Facebook account, Ayekooto expressed strong certainty that Tinubu would not need to campaign extensively. Instead, he suggested that the electorate’s support for the president would be so overwhelming that INEC would have no choice but to declare the winner before midday. “Tinubu’s vote count will be overflowing in 2027,” he wrote. “He won’t even need to run a race; he’ll simply walk into his renewed mandate. By noon, his victory will be officially confirmed.” Ayekooto did not stop there. He leveled serious allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of electoral malpractice during the Adamawa governorship election. He implied that Atiku attempted to manipulate the process not just against Tinubu’s interests but also to undermine the candidacy of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. “It’s now obvious,” Ayekooto stated, “that the former Waziri orchestrated election irregularities in Adamawa to favor his own ambition over President Tinubu. He even tried to sabotage Fintiri’s win, but the plan failed and the compromised INEC official was caught red-handed. Let it be known—2027 will not allow such manipulation to repeat itself.“ Ayekooto also addressed criticism surrounding APC’s newly appointed National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje Yilwatda, with some political commentators dismissing him as an obscure figure in Nigerian politics. Drawing a parallel to Tinubu’s 2015 nomination of Yemi Osinbajo, a then little-known academic and lawyer, Ayekooto praised the president for his unique ability to recognize and elevate emerging talents. “Critics keep saying the new APC Chairman is an unfamiliar name,” he commented. “But ask yourselves, how many people even knew Professor Osinbajo when Tinubu presented him as vice president? Even former President Buhari mistakenly called him ‘Osunbade’. Yet today, Osinbajo is globally respected. Now, watch Tinubu do it again—he has discovered another rising political figure from the Plateau hills. Truly, Jagaban is a fisher of men.” These bold claims by Ayekooto have sparked debate online, especially among opposition supporters. However, within APC circles, his comments are seen as a strong rallying call ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
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Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has officially relocated to the recently completed Anambra State Government House, marking a historic moment in the state’s political and infrastructural development. The new government house complex, located in Awka, consists of more than 36 distinct buildings. These include the official residences of the governor and deputy governor, administrative blocks, and housing for critical support personnel. Widely praised by observers, the complex has been described by many as the most impressive state government facility in Nigeria. Some political analysts and commentators have compared the architectural design and functionality of the complex to Aso Rock Villa, Nigeria’s presidential seat of power in Abuja. Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a respected elder statesman and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, hailed the new site as a “mini-city”, underscoring its scale and modern amenities. Soludo Confirms Full Relocation from Makeshift Lodge Speaking at a rally held by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra Central over the weekend, where party members gathered to endorse his bid for a second term, Governor Soludo announced that he has permanently vacated the Amawbia temporary lodge and now resides in the new government quarters. He confirmed that the new government house, recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been officially named Light House Awka — a symbolic name reflecting a beacon of progress and centralized leadership. For nearly three decades, Anambra State operated its administrative duties from a temporary government house. The former setup saw a disconnect where the governor resided in Amawbia, while the main government office was situated in Awka. Soludo had frequently criticized this as inefficient and unbefitting for a state of Anambra’s stature. With the completion of the Light House project, that long-standing anomaly has finally been corrected. Soludo now both resides and governs from a unified, modern complex in Awka. A Milestone Two Decades in the Making The development of the new Anambra Government House was first conceptualized during the tenure of late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. However, successive administrations — including those of Chris Ngige, Peter Obi, and Willie Obiano — postponed the project, citing various challenges. It wasn’t until Governor Soludo assumed office that real action was taken. Demonstrating political will and a vision for administrative efficiency, he moved quickly to complete the long-abandoned project, making it one of the major infrastructural achievements of his tenure. During the rally at Alex Ekwueme Square, the governor shared his personal excitement with supporters, stating: “Let me inform you that I have officially moved into the Anambra Light House City – our new Government House. I relocated yesterday and spent my first night there. This morning, I woke up refreshed and simply walked to this venue.” This announcement drew applause from the crowd, many of whom view the governor’s bold infrastructural reforms as part of a broader plan to modernize Anambra State’s governance and economy.
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In a decisive move aimed at restoring order and discipline in schools, the Yobe State Government has officially banned the popular ‘Marker Day’ celebrations in both public and private schools throughout the state. This directive stems from growing concerns over the erosion of moral values and increased acts of student misconduct linked to the event. The ban was made public through an official statement signed by Dr. Bukar Aji Bukar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. He emphasized that while the tradition was initially considered a fun and harmless way for students to commemorate the end of their school journey, it has now devolved into disruptive conduct that threatens public order and contradicts core educational values. “The celebrations have strayed far from acceptable school practices to now pose serious threats to discipline and security within the learning environment,” the statement read. Dr. Bukar instructed all school heads and principals across the state to adhere strictly to the new directive. He cautioned that any institution caught organizing or permitting Marker Day activities would face disciplinary sanctions as outlined by the Ministry. Traditionally, Marker Day occurs at the end of final examinations, where graduating students use colorful markers to write farewell messages and signatures on each other’s uniforms. Although intended as a symbolic gesture of unity and shared memories, the Yobe State government now considers it a breeding ground for social disorder and distractions within the school setting.
