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PDP Eyes 23 Local Government Wins in Niger State

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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PDP Eyes 23 Local Government Wins in Niger State

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State has expressed confidence in winning 23 out of the 25 local government areas in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for November 1, 2025.

The State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Aliyu Halidu Mohammed, made this known while briefing journalists in his office on the party’s level of preparedness for the polls.

Halidu explained that since assuming office, his main focus has been to restore the PDP’s strength and unity across the state.

He noted that the party currently has no candidate in two local government areas due to technical issues, which he said are being resolved.

He added that party members are fully mobilised and ready to work tirelessly to ensure the PDP regains its position as the strongest political force in Niger State.

APC, A Beacon Of Hope For Benue State- Governor Alia

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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APC, A Beacon Of Hope For Benue State- Governor Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the only beacon of hope for the people of the state.

Speaking during the Extended All Progressive Congress (APC) Caucus Meeting in Makurdi, the governor stressed the importance of collective effort in promoting democracy and securing a prosperous future for the state.

He expressed gratitude to party members for their support and welcomed leaders from various opposition parties who joined the APC.

Governor Alia highlighted the principles of collaboration and leadership to foster competition among the states in Nigeria.

He noted a growing shift towards the APC in Benue, with key political figures from other parties defecting to the APC.

The governor mentioned achievements in reducing insecurity in local areas and the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and education initiatives.

Read Also: APC Chairman Calls for Unity, Renewed Commitment in Enugu Chapter

He also addressed concerns about contractors duping the state in the supply of fertilisers, promising consequences for those involved.

Governor Alia emphasised the importance of quality education and transparent governance, highlighting timely salary payments as evidence of the administration’s dedication to the people.

He urged party members to stay focused and positive, ensuring the APC remains a beacon of hope for Benue State.

The governor thanked the women’s leader for advocating for women’s issues and pledged to prioritise initiatives benefiting women.

He also commended the Central Working Committee for its dedication to strengthening the APC in Benue.

US President Arrives in Israel Ahead of Egypt Summit

Chidimma Anikwenze
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US President Arrives in Israel Ahead of Egypt Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel to meet families of hostages and address lawmakers in the Knesset before travelling to Egypt for a summit on Gaza.

President Donald Trump was greeted at Ben Gurion International Airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He landed in Israel shortly after seven captives released by Hamas militants were handed over to the Israeli army via the Red Cross.

Hamas noted that all 20 living hostages still held in Gaza will be freed in exchange for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on the way over, Trump declared that the war between Israel and Hamas “is over.”

Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi will co-chair a meeting later on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The event aims to consolidate the fragile ceasefire that Trump helped broker and advance long-term peace and stability in the Middle East, according to the Egyptian presidency.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UN Secretary General António Guterres have confirmed their attendance.

 

NAN

Commission Applauds CBN’s 48-Hour ATM Refund Policy

Manomsi Mallum
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Commission Applauds CBN’s 48-Hour ATM Refund Policy

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has applauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for introducing a new directive requiring commercial banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions within 48 hours.

In a statement, the FCCPC described the CBN’s draft guidelines as a welcome response to its Consumer Complaints Data Report, which revealed that between March and August 2025, the banking and fintech sectors recorded the highest volume of consumer grievances in the country.

“More than 3,000 banking-related complaints were recorded, with over ₦10 billion (about USD 6.6 million) recovered for customers across 30 industries,” the statement reads.

The report highlighted persistent issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and delayed refunds — everyday frustrations that millions of Nigerians experience in an increasingly digital economy.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, described the CBN’s proposal as “a timely and long-awaited correction to a persistent consumer challenge.”

“It is consistent with what the FCCPC has been advocating, given the number of complaints we receive about failed transactions. We commend the CBN for this decisive step, which will ease the burden on consumers and rebuild trust in financial services,” Bello said.

Read Also: CBN Governor Leads Nigeria’s Delegation To World Bank Meeting

The FCCPC noted that the proposed regulation aligns with Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Sections 17(g), (h), (l), (s), and (t), which mandate the elimination of unfair practices, promotion of fair dealings, and protection of consumer interests across all sectors.

The Commission urged the swift adoption and enforcement of the new rule, stressing that its implementation would bring immediate relief to consumers and strengthen accountability within the banking sector.

“Timely adoption would also reinforce accountability within the banking sector and demonstrate a shared regulatory commitment to fairness, efficiency, and consumer confidence,” the FCCPC stated.

It further pledged to work closely with the CBN to ensure strict compliance and prompt redress for consumers whenever banks fail to meet the 48-hour refund requirement.

“Closer collaboration among regulators will lead to faster resolutions, prevent recurrence, and strengthen consumer confidence in Nigeria’s growing digital economy,” the Commission added.

Consumers with unresolved ATM or electronic transaction complaints are advised to escalate their cases directly to the FCCPC via its Complaint Portal (complaints.fccpc.gov.ng), email (contact@fccpc.gov.ng), or hotline (0805 600 2020).

 

 

Minister Hails New Guild of Corporate Online Publishers President

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Minister Hails New Guild of Corporate Online Publishers President

The Nigerian Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, has congratulated Mr Danlami Nmodu on his election as President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.

The minister, in a congratulatory message published on his Facebook page, described Mr Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiary Online, as a thorough journalist who has proved his mettle in journalism and is deserving of such commanding heights.”

He commended the past president, Maureen Chigbo, for her contributions to the growth of online journalism in the country.

“I would also like to commend the immediate past President of the GOCOP, Mrs Maureen Chigbo, publisher of RealNews Online. I celebrate her efforts in providing vibrant leadership to more than 100 online publishers and bequeathing a legacy of honour, dignity, credibility and remarkable growth.

“I urge the newly elected GOCOP President and his executive committee to prioritise unity and run an inclusive leadership that guarantees the participation of all GOCOP members in sustaining the collective aspirations of the Guild,” he said.

The minister also urged the Guild to remain vigilant in the face of the challenges of fake news, misinformation and disinformation threatening the credibility of the journalism profession.

He encouraged cooperation in the media to promote its growth and development.

“At Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Nigeria, we will continue to be open to cooperation and collaboration and to champion media and information literacy across the country,” he added.

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers was born out of the growing need to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism in doing their jobs to enhance professionalism and expertise.

 

 

Nasarawa State Reaffirms Commitment To Grassroots Football

Mosunmola Ore
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Nasarawa State Reaffirms Commitment To Grassroots Football

The Nasarawa State Government has reiterated its commitment to the promotion of grassroots football development.

Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, stated this at the commencement of the 9th edition of the Mailafia Peace and Unity Football tournament in the Daddere community of Obi local government area of the state.

The 9th edition of ACP Yakubu Agabi Mailafia comprises 32 teams from two senatorial districts, providing an opportunity for at least 400 local players and technical crew to trade tackles for the coveted trophy within three months.

Defending Champions Thunder FC of Agyaragu took the battle of supremacy to the doorstep of Greater Tomorrow of Lafia with some cutting-edge frills and drills that gave the spectators the excitement of watching classical grassroots football at its best.

READ ALSO: “Nigeria is the greatest asset for football development” -President Buhari

After an intense fight for possession and control, Greater Tomorrow took the lead; however, the defending champions, Thunder FC, capitalised on a silly and suicidal mistake of the goalkeeper of Greater Tomorrow to level up, and at the tail end of the game, Greater Tomorrow scored their second goal, making the game more entertaining as it ended two-one.

Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, extolled the commitment of the sponsor of the tournament and directed the management of Nasarawa United to work closely in selecting future players, just as he assured of government readiness to support such a laudable initiative of investing in sports at the grassroots, with the Commissioner of Lands, Barrister David Sule Moyi, corroborating the submission.

“I commend the organiser for this tremendous effort of bringing youth together by fishing out young talent. What I’ve seen today is highly inspirational; I’m highly moved. I’ve directed the chairman of the United Football Team and the technical officers, both the feeder team and the major team, to come for the talent hunt.

I’m highly confident that before the end of this competition, we’ll have some competent hands that can feed our major team”, Kwant said.

Also speaking, Sangarin Shabu, Umar Mamud Bwalla and the Chairman for the annual Competition, Muhammad Dan Azumi and the Sole Administrator of Daddere affirmed that the essence of staging the competition which peace and unity have been achieved and threw their weight behind Mailafia’s quest to add value to young people by giving them the opportunity to expose themselves through Sports.

For the Sponsor of the tournament, ACP Yakubu Agabi Mailafia, investing in grassroots was a deliberate step to changing the narrative of budding talents, building confidence, resilience, peace and unity of the State and also giving hope through sports.

“All of us here are winners already, just like we always do every year, the first two teams from every team in this group will start winning. The first 16 will win, we have the quarter-finalists and the semi-finalists, and we continue to win
until we reach the final”.

ACP Mailafia further appreciated stakeholders for believing in the projects and encouraged the players to give their best for the sake of their careers, just as he disclosed that this year’s tournament will experience some positive vibes.

 

 

Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Congratulates Equatorial Guinea

Oyenike Oyeniyi
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Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Congratulates Equatorial Guinea

The Nigerian government has conveyed its warmest congratulations to the government and people of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on the auspicious occasion of their Independence Anniversary.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed congratulations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora of Equatorial Guinea, Simeón Angue.

He commended the nation’s resilience, unity, and unwavering progress since independence, portraying Equatorial Guinea’s dedication to national development and stability as a beacon of inspiration to the Central African region and beyond.

Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed the strong and longstanding ties between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and geographical proximity.

He noted that both countries remain key partners in advancing peace, maritime security, and sustainable economic cooperation within the Gulf of Guinea and across the African continent.

The Minister further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration with Equatorial Guinea across strategic sectors such as energy, trade, education, and regional integration through frameworks like the Gulf of Guinea Commission and the African Union.

“Nigeria Commends Equatorial Guinea for its continued contributions to regional peace and economic development. We look forward to deepening our partnership in pursuit of shared goals of stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in Africa,” the statement concluded.

 

 

Super Eagles Return For World Cup Qualifier

Mosunmola Ore
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Super Eagles Return For World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has successfully coordinated the safe and timely return of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, from Luanda, Angola, to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the intervention followed an unexpected incident in Luanda, where the team’s aircraft was grounded due to a cracked windscreen during a refuelling stop.

He noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, directed the Nigerian Mission in Angola to immediately activate diplomatic channels to facilitate a replacement aircraft and secure necessary flight clearances.

Mr Ebienfa added that through coordinated diplomatic outreach, the Nigerian Mission obtained critical overflight and landing permits across five countries — Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola.

This decisive effort, he said, ensured that the replacement aircraft operated seamlessly, enabling the Super Eagles to depart Luanda without further delay.

“Ambassador Tuggar personally directed the mission to work closely with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; and aviation and diplomatic authorities in the region to expedite the process.

“Our priority was clear — to ensure that our national team returned home safely and in time to prepare for their World Cup qualifier,” a senior ministry source confirmed.

Mr Ebienfa said the Ministry’s swift action has been widely praised as a model of proactive diplomacy in the service of national interest, highlighting how coordinated international engagement can resolve unforeseen challenges efficiently.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s national team has already arrived in Uyo, setting the stage for a decisive encounter on Tuesday.

With Nigeria’s squad now expected to land safely following the Ministry’s intervention, national focus will return to the pitch, where the Super Eagles aim to sustain their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes.

 

 

 

Mali Enforces Visa Bond Requirement for U.S. Nationals

Oyenike Oyeniyi
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Mali Enforces Visa Bond Requirement for U.S. Nationals

Mali has declared that U.S. nationals will be obligated to post bonds of up to $10,000 for business and tourist visas, following the Trump administration’s decision to include the West African nation in its visa bond program.

The U.S. embassy in Mali said it will require bonds of up to $10,000 for tourist and business visas under the pilot programme, effective October 23.

The funds will be returned to travellers if they depart in accordance with the terms of their visas, according to a U.S. government notice.

In a statement, Mali’s foreign ministry said the government “deplores the unilateral decision by the U.S. government“, adding that it undermines an earlier bilateral agreement on long-stay multiple-entry visas.

“In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, Mali has decided to introduce an identical visa program, imposing the same conditions and requirements on U.S. nationals as those applied to Malian citizens,” the statement said.

U.S. State Department figures for the period 2015-2024 show that fewer than 3,000 non-immigrant U.S. visas are issued to Malians each year.

Figures for the number of visas issued by Mali to U.S. citizens were not immediately available.

President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a focus of his presidency, boosting resources to secure the border and arresting people in the U.S. illegally.

The State Department said in August that visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi will be required to pay bonds up to $15,000. Zambia’s government voiced concern about the “unnecessary financial strain” this would cause.

 

Team Nigeria Wins 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships

Mosunmola Ore
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Team Nigeria Wins 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships

Team Nigeria has emerged the overall winner of the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships with 36 medals, including 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze, as the competition ended on Sunday in Umuahia, Abia.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya came second with 11 medals, comprising four gold, two silver and five bronze.

Egypt rounded off the top three with eight medals, including three gold, one silver and four bronze.

The Republic of Benin came fourth with one gold, two silver and two bronze medals, while  Congo Democratic came fifth with one gold and two bronze medals.

READ ALSO: Paralympic Medalist Bolaji, Others Set for Abia Championship

Tunisia occupied the sixth position with one silver and one bronze, as  Cameroon got six bronze medals to occupy seventh position.

Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda round off the top 10 with two bronze medals each as Mauritius completed the medal table with one bronze.

Only Mozambique failed to win any medal among the 12 countries that participated in 19 events of the tournament that started on October 7.

Meanwhile, the African queen of para badminton,  Eniola Bolaji,  Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Gomanand Bello Tukur were among Nigeria’s gold medalists.

The trio of Bolaji, Nnanna and Nathan had won gold medals in their categories at the just-concluded First Abia Para Badminton International held between September 30 and October 5, at the same venue.

Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan and Nendimwa Monday and others also won silver for Nigeria on Sunday.

In his closing ceremony speech, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia extended gratitude to all the athletes and officials, describing the event as an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.

Otti, represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said that the experience has been a priceless classroom for Nigeria.

“We have learned, improved and been inspired.

“Let me assure you that Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will offer an experience that will surpass this pioneering effort,” he said.

In a goodwill message, President Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said that the para athletes had demonstrated that sport is a powerful expression of ability, resilience and human dignity.

He thanked the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa for their guidance, presence and unrelenting commitment to the advancement of para badminton in Africa.

Orbih also expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government, saying, “You have not only provided a world-class environment for competition, but you have also created a home for friendship and unity among others.”

 

 

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