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Oyo PDP Faction Elects New Executive Members

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Oyo PDP Faction Elects New Executive Members

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has elected its executive members.

During a congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, in Ibadan, an academic from the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, emerged as the chairman of the faction of the party in the state.

Other officers elected at the congress include Dr Abiola Olaonipekun (Secretary), Alhaja Latifah Latifu (Woman Leader), and Mr A. Adeleke (Youth Leader), alongside 38 other executive members.

The congress, which attracted party stakeholders, was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other security agencies.

The election was supervised by an Electoral Committee chaired by Prince Diran Odeyemi, with members including Awoniyi Tolulope, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Queen Stepheine Oyechere, Alhaji Yusuf Abidakun, and Mr Olumide Aguda, while Dr Phillips Adeniyi served as Secretary.

The congress, which was held amidst a heavy security presence, started around 12:30 PM and was rounded off in less than three hours, as all the Executive members emerged through affirmation.

Akinoso’s emergence, as gathered, revealed the lingering divisions within the PDP in Oyo State, where competing tendencies have continued to shape the party’s internal structure, and the formation of parallel factions loyal to different national power blocs reflects broader struggles within the party in the aftermath of the 2023 elections.

In his inaugural remarks, Akinoso declared that the immediate focus of the faction and the new executives is to reposition the party for the 2027 General Elections, urging party members to set aside internal differences and concentrate on strengthening the party through unity and membership mobilisation.

Noting that unity among members was essential for the growth and electoral success of the party, he emphasised the importance of the party’s upcoming e-membership registration exercise, which is expected to expand the PDP’s grassroots base across the state.

Akinoso said: “Our immediate assignment is to key into the timetable for the 2027 General Elections as released by INEC. As directed by the National Caretaker Committee of the party, our e-membership registration will commence next week, and we must fully participate in the membership drive.”

Akinoso affirmed that a political party remains relevant only when it wins elections, urging members to prioritise collective interest over internal disagreements.

“We must set aside intra-party differences and concentrate our resources on promoting the party. Through consultations and dialogue, we will work together to achieve victory in future elections,” he stated.

Nigerian Navy Foils Illegal Crude Oil Storage

Rita Obiora
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Nigerian Navy Foils Illegal Crude Oil Storage

The Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site within the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny Area of Operations in Rivers State as part of intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that the operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, underscores the Navy’s renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources and dismantling criminal networks involved in oil theft.

According to him, the unit, leveraging the Nigerian Navy’s maritime surveillance technology, uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation within creeks in the Opotumbi general area.

“FOB BONNY elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered 4 x dug-out pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil,” he said.

He noted that the recovered products were subsequently destroyed in accordance with extant operational guidelines.

He added that “this move demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s renewed momentum in combating crude oil theft and maritime crimes, emphasising continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and Nigeria’s economic interests in Nigeria’s maritime environment.”

Achievements of President Bola Tinubu in The Economic and Security Sectors

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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Achievements of President Bola Tinubu in The Economic and Security Sectors

When President Bola Tinubu assumed the leadership of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, he didn’t mince words in stating his economic and security objectives for the country.

In his inaugural speech, President Tinubu out rightly declared that ‘fuel subsidy is gone!’ Many didn’t take the declaration serious because fuel subsidy had hitherto been the exclusive reserve of perceived powerful members of the society, who used it as a conduit pipe through which they syphoned the money meant for the payment of subsidy, amounting to trillions of naira.

Though this group of people were untouchable, the President dared the lion’s tail by declaring an end to their selfish agenda thus, liberating the nation’s economy from the shackles of these perceived untouchable big wigs.

He quickly followed that with the introduction of bold and ambitious economic reforms, including foreign exchange unification, tax reforms, financial autonomy to the third tier of government also known as the local governments and aggressive non-oil revenue generation among others, all with the aim of resetting the country’s economy.

These reforms had since started yielding the desired results as can be seen in a major boost in revenue generation, with the three tiers of government now having more funds at their disposal for developmental purposes, increased confidence in the economy by both foreign and domestic investors showing their willingness to do business in Nigeria, students getting loans to pay for their study expenses, as well as the appreciation of the country’s currency, the naira in the foreign exchange market.

In the security sector, President Tinubu stated from his first day in office that terrorism would be a thing of the past. He immediately matched his words with action, by ensuring that the nation’s Armed Forces get enough funding, as well as platforms for the fight against terrorists and bandits.

Beyond funding, the Tinubu administration had since approved a harmonised salary increase for the nation’s Armed Forces and other security personnel.

The administration also gave approval for annual recruitment in the security sector, to guarantee enough manpower as the nation fights hard to address security challenges.

Little wonder, world super power, the United States wasted no time in granting support to Nigeria in its bid to scuttle terrorism and ensure safety of lives and property of citizens in all parts of Nigeria.

With this strong collaboration between Nigeria and the US, the country is reclaiming its lost grounds and gradually winning the fight against terrorism.

A lot has been achieved by President Tinubu in his first three years in office and it is expected that Nigeria will continue to soar in the economic, security and other fronts due to the political will exhibited by the Nigerian leader to tackle the challenges confronting the nation.

All that the citizens need to do is to rally round their leader, to ensure he succeeds in his quest to better their lot.

Humanity First Nigeria Supports Vulnerable Communities with Aid

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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Humanity First Nigeria Supports Vulnerable Communities with Aid

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Humanity First Nigeria, has received 1,765 Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLITNs) to enhance its emergency preparedness and humanitarian response capacity nationwide.

The mosquito nets received from Humanity First International constitute the first batch of the donation, which will be stored and deployed during emergencies and health-related interventions where protection against mosquito-borne diseases is required.

The items were received at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Orange Estate by the Head of the Jama’at, with support from the Secretary of the Disaster Relief Team Lagos II, Mr. Dere.

Speaking during a brief reception ceremony, the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Orange Estate, who represented the Chairman of Humanity First Nigeria, Dr. Habeeb, expressed appreciation to Humanity First International for the donation.

He noted that the mosquito nets would significantly enhance the organisation’s disaster relief preparedness and response efforts.

According to him, the organisation remains committed to ensuring that the items are properly preserved and utilised judiciously whenever the need arises during humanitarian emergencies.

Clothing Distribution in Rivers and Oyo

Meanwhile, the Humanity First Clothes Bank in Rivers State and Oyo State has also carried out clothing donation exercises aimed at supporting vulnerable members of the community ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr and Easter celebrations.

Residents of Ogabkiri Village in Rivers State and Ibadan were among the beneficiaries of the clothing distributions organised by the Clothes Bank.

The clothing items were distributed to less privileged members of the communities as part of the organisation’s ongoing social welfare initiative on March 8 and March 13, 2026, respectively.

The Rivers State Coordinator of the Disaster Relief Team, Mr. Brahim, said the initiative reflects Humanity First Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not left out during festive periods.

Similarly, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Humanity First Clothes Bank, Mr. Salawdeen Abdul Rahman, expressed appreciation to donors for their contributions.

He noted that the Clothes Bank team ensures that all donated clothing items are properly washed and prepared before distribution.

According to him, the process guarantees that beneficiaries receive clean, hygienic, and quality clothing items.

More than 200 clothing items were distributed across the two locations as part of the outreach programme.

Humanity First Nigeria is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to providing disaster relief, health services, education, and social welfare support to vulnerable communities across the country.

Nigeria’s Progress Rests on Merit, Competence – Anambra Governor

Rita Obiora
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Nigeria’s Progress Rests on Merit, Competence – Anambra Governor

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has said Nigeria’s long-term progress depends on merit, competence and shared civic values rather than ethnic or religious identity.

Speaking at an interdenominational thanksgiving service marking the completion of his first four-year term in office, Soludo said sustainable national development requires judging citizens by their capacity to contribute to governance and nation-building.

The service was held at the Anambra International Conference Centre in Awka, southeast Nigeria.

“We cannot develop this nation or Anambra State by seeing one another through the lens of how we worship,” Soludo said. “What matters are the values we bring and the capacity we have to serve the state and the country.”

The governor said his administration has consistently prioritised merit and competence in public appointments and recruitment, regardless of religion, ethnicity or geographical origin.

Soludo cited the recent recruitment of more than 1,800 teachers and healthcare workers as an example of what he described as a merit-based approach to governance.

“The employment of these teachers and healthcare workers was based strictly on the value they can add to public service, not their place of origin or religious affiliation,” he said.

He also emphasised his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance and inclusion, noting that he recently joined members of the Muslim community in the state for a Ramadan fast-breaking event, which he said reflected the importance of interfaith harmony.

The Thanksgiving service itself, he added, demonstrated the government’s support for ecumenism, cooperation among different Christian denominations.

The gathering brought together Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal leaders and worshippers, following earlier engagements with Pentecostal groups at the Government House.

Soludo said the display of unity among the Christian denominations was deeply moving and symbolised the shared purpose required to advance the state.

Reflecting on his entry into politics, the governor said he sought divine guidance before asking for the mandate of the people of Anambra.

“I prayed to God for wisdom to do what is right, irrespective of how people might perceive my decisions,” he said, expressing gratitude for what he described as divine mercy and grace throughout his first term.

The event brought together religious leaders, government officials and residents in what organisers described as a symbolic show of unity as Soludo prepares to begin a second term leading the southeastern Nigerian state.

SDP Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Progress

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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SDP Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Progress

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, says it remains united and committed to a reliable manifesto capable of fostering the progress and transformation of Nigeria.

In a statement by the Chairman of SDP States Chairmen’s Forum, Mr. Femi Olaniyi, the party said with them, Nigerians have a credible alternative.

“SDP stands as the only party in Nigeria that is stable.”

The statement also congratulated the SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, State Chairmen, and other members of the party’s National Working Committee.

“We also commend the national working committees for their resilience and dedication in elevating the party to its current esteemed status,” Olaniyi said.

All the party leaders and stakeholders were commended, including the SDP’s former presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, for his moral and financial support in the party’s progress.

 

Akwa Ibom Governor to Commission Agric Equipment Leasing Company

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Akwa Ibom Governor to Commission Agric Equipment Leasing Company

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno says his administration is taking practical steps to boost full-scale mechanised farming through the establishment of an Agric Equipment Leasing Company, which will soon be commissioned.

Governor Eno made this known shortly after inspecting the progress of work at the facility located at Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo, the state capital.

He noted that the initiative forms part of efforts by his administration to strengthen the agricultural sector, improve food production and support farmers with access to modern farming equipment.

The Governor commended the contractor for the level of progress recorded at the project site.

He said; “There is a lot of improvement on the work done here to get the company kick-started in earnest. The contractor in fact has given her word that the project will soon be inaugurated, and I hold her to that.”

According to Governor Eno, the project is aimed at encouraging farmers to embrace large-scale farming in order to improve productivity, earnings and ensure food sufficiency in the state.

“The farming season is here again, and we are putting everything in place for this project to function optimally. There are over 25 tractors with tracking devices, and two low-beds in readiness for the agriculture programme.

“What we intend to do here is to lease these equipment to our farmers across the State at subsidized rates so that they can make use of them for improved farming productivity in the State. These farming equipment range from ploughs, harvesters, to lots of others that will help them improve,” he said.

Governor Eno explained that his administration is focused on mechanising farming methods in the state to achieve large-scale crop production and increased profits for farmers.

On the government’s tree-crop revolution programme, the Governor assured the people that the initiative would commence once the rainy season sets in.

He said; “The nursery of the palm tree crop seedlings has been put in place; the necessary enumeration of farmers has been done throughout the State, and in the next two weeks, the seedlings will be distributed to farmers for appropriate planting across the State.”

Governor Eno urged farmers to take advantage of the various agricultural programmes introduced by the government to enhance large-scale farming and economic growth.

Governor Eno was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga; Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Imo-Abasi Jacob; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric Business, Pastor Godwin Ukwat, among other government officials.

POWA President Seeks Stronger Partnerships to Empower Women

Rita Obiora
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POWA President Seeks Stronger Partnerships to Empower Women

The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria, Mrs Olufunmilola Disu, has called for stronger community-based partnerships to advance women’s inclusion and empowerment.

Mrs Disu made the call on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the Handshake Summit and Awards held at the UN Church Centre in New York.

In a keynote address titled “From Intention to Alliance: The Architecture of the Global Handshake,” Disu emphasised the need for global gender partnerships to translate into visible community development.

“POWA’s work is rooted in compassion, service, and community development,” she said.

“My vision is to strengthen our impact by expanding partnerships, supporting initiatives that uplift women economically, and contributing meaningfully to national and global conversations around gender equity and community resilience.

“The handshakes made in rooms like this must translate into tangible support for the families and communities we serve on the ground,” she added.

She also highlighted the importance of aligning international innovation with domestic realities, particularly at the grassroots level, where community women face poverty and insecurity.

The summit was described as a practical response to calls made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, focusing on turning advocacy into measurable action.

The summit, themed “Advancing Women’s Influence in a Changing World,” was organised by the Semaform Foundation and ConcordeApp and attracted participants including government officials, global leaders, innovators, technology entrepreneurs, and gender-equity advocates.

Esperance Beats Al Ahly In CAF Champions League

Omolara Blessing
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Esperance Beats Al Ahly In CAF Champions League

Esperance Sportive de Tunis secured a 1–0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them a slender advantage ahead of the decisive return match.

The encounter at the packed Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades lived up to expectations as two of Africa’s most successful clubs battled in a tense and highly tactical contest.

Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot midway through the second half, ending Esperance’s long run without scoring against Al Ahly.

The result handed the Tunisian side a crucial result before next week’s second leg.

Despite the defeat, the Egyptian champions remain firmly in contention with the return leg scheduled at Cairo International Stadium, where they will attempt to overturn the deficit and keep their continental ambitions alive.

Although Esperance will travel to Egypt with a narrow lead, the tie remains far from settled given Al Ahly’s formidable home record in continental competitions.

The return leg on Saturday at Cairo International Stadium promises another intense chapter in one of African football’s most storied rivalries, with a place in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.

Anambra Governor Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity at Ramadan

Rita Obiora
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Anambra Governor Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity at Ramadan

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo has called for unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians during the Ramadan period, saying the values of the holy month should strengthen bonds across faiths and communities

Professor Soludo made the call while hosting members of the Muslim community from the state’s three senatorial zones at the 2026 Ramadan Iftar held at the Government House in Awka, South-East Nigeria.

He said; “the holy month of Ramadan offers an opportunity for reflection, compassion and renewed commitment to peaceful living among people of different religious backgrounds.”

The event brought together Muslim leaders, faithful and top government officials in an atmosphere of fellowship and reflection as Muslims observe the sacred period of fasting and prayer.

Governor Soludo joined the Muslim community in breaking the day’s fast and described the occasion as ‘a demonstration of mutual respect and harmony among people of different religious backgrounds living in Anambra State.’

Addressing the gathering, the Governor thanked members of the Muslim community for their support during the last governorship election, noting that his administration secured about 73 per cent of the votes cast.

He said; “the shared Iftar symbolised the strength that comes from unity and reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Anambra for all residents, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.”

Soludo also noted that the core values of Ramadan; compassion, charity, sacrifice and self-discipline, are universal principles that should guide governance and everyday life.

Reaffirming his administration’s inclusive policy, the Governor stressed that every Nigerian living in Anambra enjoys equal rights and protection under the law.

“Once you are resident here, you have equal rights with everyone,” he said, adding that Nigerians should be free to live and pursue opportunities anywhere in the country without fear of discrimination.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of the Anambra State Muslim Council, Sanni Ejoh, congratulated the Governor on his electoral victory and described his administration as ‘eventful, challenging and result-driven.’

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Fulani Community in the state, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, commended the Governor for promoting religious harmony in the state.

He noted that the Iftar gathering reinforced a sense of belonging and strengthened relations between the Muslim community and the state government.

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