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THE HEADLINES NLC declares indefinite strike in FCT over teachers’ promotion, welfare NAF Aircraft Crash: FG must prevent recurrence — Tambuwal Modric urges Portugal to give Ronaldo proper farewell Oil rises, stocks fall as Hormuz worries flare THE DETAILS The Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT Council, has declared an indefinite strike across the Federal Capital Territory over unresolved issues concerning the promotion and welfare of teachers. The strike commenced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following a decision taken at the State Executive Council meeting of the council held on Tuesday at Labour House, Abuja. In a statement signed and released by the NLC FCT Council Chairman, Knabayi S. Adalo, the union directed workers in both the public and private sectors to stay away from their duty posts until further notice. The decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory over the union’s demands concerning teachers in the territory. Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged the Federal Government to take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Tambuwal made the call in a statement posted on his X platform on Wednesday while reacting to the crash, which claimed the lives of personnel and passengers on board. He expressed sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria. Residents of Idogun Community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to extend development to the community, saying it lacks infrastructural development. The residents, who organised a get-together to celebrate their one year of peaceful co-existence, said the community, apart from being peaceful, the community needed development to complement the peace. According to the traditional ruler, the community specifically needed intervention of the state government in the areas of education, farmers’ empowerment, and political appointment for indigenes into the state government service. We will take a short break now stay tuned for foreign and sports news when we return Oil prices rose on Wednesday and stocks fell amid fresh concerns about Middle East supplies following a warning that Iran appeared to be stepping up attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The retreat came as investors brushed off another record day on Wall Street, where the Nasdaq and S&P 500 were boosted by a rush back into the AI trade that saw chip titan Nvidia push towards a $6 trillion market capitalisation. Confidence has been given a boost this week as reports said that exports from the Middle East — excluding Iran — were pushing back towards pre-war levels. Croatia captain Luka Modric has urged Portugal to give Cristiano Ronaldo a proper farewell from international football, describing the forward as the greatest player in the country’s history. Modric said Ronaldo deserved another opportunity to bring his international career to an appropriate conclusion, regardless of whether he decides to retire from the Portugal national team. The captains comments come amid uncertainty over Ronaldo’s future with Portugal, with questions surrounding when and how the veteran forward will end his international career.

THE HEADLINES Kaduna gov pardons 27 inmates to mark 66th Independence anniversary FCT Police arrest suspect for raping, impregnating 12-year-old Protesters across Spain demand action over housing crisis AJ predicts first-round KO against Fury THE DETAILS The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 27 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. The exercise brings to more than 500 the number of inmates who have benefited from the governor’s prerogative of mercy since he assumed office in 2023. The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. According to him, the intervention included the release of eligible inmates and the payment of fines and compensation amounting to over N300m for victims since 2023. He explained that the prerogative of mercy was exercised through established processes, taking into account accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities attached to freedom. The FCT Police Command said on Saturday that its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, had arrested a suspect for raping, impregnating 12-year-old Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had, on several occasions, lured and sexually abused the underaged victim in the said vehicle parked at the same location, with threats to “deal with her” if she reveals the abuse to anyone. “Medical examination also revealed that the victim is about three months pregnant as a result of the abuse. The victim is currently receiving medical care and assessment, while the suspect remains in Police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to arrest the contractor handling a section of the Benin-Abraka Road for allegedly abandoning the project after receiving payment from the previous administration. The road connects Edo and Delta state from that axis. The governor made this threat while speaking to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode local government areas during his ongoing tour to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, the governor said he had taken a decision to address the condition of the road but was constrained by contractual agreements entered into by the previous administration. FOREIGN NEWS Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Spain calling for greater protections for tenants after the government failed to get emergency housing legislation through parliament on Friday. The measures put forward by Pedro Sánchez's leftist coalition government on Friday followed public outcry over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home last month after she was unable to afford a sharp rent increase. Her eviction triggered nationwide protests across Spain with protesters demanding lower rents, an end to evictions, and a ban on investment funds - or "vulture funds" as the government has termed them - buying property. SPORTS NEWS Anthony Joshua has predicted a first-round knockout when he faces Tyson Fury in their long-awaited heavyweight showdown at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 11. Joshua made the prediction after facing Fury in London on Wednesday for the first time since their highly anticipated all-British fight was confirmed. Asked what he expects to happen in the ring, Joshua made his intentions clear. “A knockout, if I am honest with you. Could be in the first round,” he said. Joshua also revealed that he was not prepared to abandon the fight even if his preferred UK venue had not been secured.

Mr Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo is dead. May His soul rest in Peace. Amen.

THE HEADLINES Mock accreditation will test BVAS strength for 2027 poll says Amupitan Edo NEPA, PHCN retirees demand N350bn arrears payment Russian strikes on Ukraine kill two, officials say, a day after deadly attack on mall Arsenal beat Lampard’s Coventry 3-0 in Premier League opener THE DETAILS The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has said the nationwide mock accreditation exercise scheduled for November 2026 will serve as a rigorous field test of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. Amupitan said the commission would draw from the experience to consolidate the gains recorded in the deployment of electoral technology and improve its preparations for the 2027 general election. He also spoke on the need for a voter revalidation exercise, explaining that a significant number of voters, particularly elderly citizens who registered as far back as 2011, would need to have their records validated. Pensioners of the defunct National Electric Power Authority and Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Benin branch, on Friday protested the alleged withholding of their pensions and gratuities for 25 years, lamenting that many of their colleagues were dying amid hardship. Speaking on behalf of the group, Alile Osakioduwa alleged that the funds had been released to PTAD by the Federal Government, but that the retirees were yet to receive their entitlements. Osakioduwa also alleged that the retirees were yet to benefit from recent pension increments approved by the Federal Government, including those approved under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to him, the alleged failure to pay the outstanding entitlements had made it increasingly difficult for many of the retirees to cater for their medical expenses and provide for their families. They further appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the matter and direct PTAD to address the retirees’ grievances. The Young Progressives Party has replaced Anita Zugwai-Chukwu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, naming former Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Agada, as her replacement. Agada’s emergence was formally affirmed at a presidential and vice-presidential substitution primary election held by the party in Abuja on Friday, where he was presented alongside his running mate, Ndidi Keys. Addressing delegates and party leaders at the substitution programme, Agada, who joined the party in June after he was disqualified from the Labour Party’s presidential primary, said the new mandate was not about his personal ambition but about addressing the challenges confronting Nigerians. Agada said he joined the YPP because he believed its platform offered an opportunity to prioritise competence and delivery over political calculations. Agada further promised to transform Nigeria from an agricultural country into a food-producing nation capable of feeding its population, exporting food and generating foreign exchange. The Benue State Police Command has rescued 13 more passengers abducted by suspected armed herdsmen along the Otukpo-Adoka Road while travelling from Enugu to Abuja. The victims were among passengers of an 18-seater bus ambushed on August 14, 2026. Five passengers had earlier been rescued by the police hours after the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, who disclosed this in a statement, said the latest rescue followed five days of sustained search-and-rescue operations by police operatives in collaboration with local security personnel. FOREIGN NEWS: A Russian drone strike on a shopping centre in Ukraine has killed at least 14 people, according to local officials. Another 121 people were injured in the attack. The attack happened in the city of Dobropillia in Ukraine's Donetsk region, with officials saying the shopping centre was hit by Russian drones.m The death toll could rise, as emergency workers continue searching the damaged shopping centre and treating those injured in the strike. Ukrainian authorities have condemned the attack, describing it as another example of Russia targeting civilian areas during its ongoing war against Ukraine. SPORTS NEWS: Arsenal made the perfect start to their Premier League title defence with a stylish 3-0 win against Coventry in the opening game of the season on Friday. Mikel Arteta’s side brushed aside promoted Coventry in emphatic fashion at the Emirates Stadium, underlining their determination to retain the title. Kai Havertz struck early in the first half and Bukayo Saka doubled the lead before Martin Odegaard netted after the interval to complete Arsenal’s masterclass. The Gunners have not successfully defended the English title since the 1930s, but Arteta insisted this week his players are hungry for more silverware.

PICTURE: Seun Olurankise is beaming with smiles as she completes her training Programme at CTBEATS 90.1 FM Akure. Congratulating Seun on successful completion of his training, the Chairman of CTBEATS FM Akure, Sir Charles Titiloye SAN said that the mission of CTBEATS FM is simple, to train and transfer modern digital broadcast technologies to youths and young people, by equipping and empowering them for a brighter future. He further noted that CTBEATS 90.1 FM Akure is here to make a difference in media broadcast in Nigeria by developing the skills of young talented broadcasters.

THE HEADLINES INEC declares Adeleke winner of Osun gov poll Army intercepts courier with 180 explosives in Zamfara Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii with strong winds and torrential rain Coventry City agree deal to sign Taiwo Awoniyi THE DETAILS Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was on Sunday declared elected, having won 19 out of the 30 local government areas in the governorship election held across the state on Saturday. The State Returning Officer, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, declared the result of the poll at about 7:24 am on Sunday. The incumbent Osun governor, who contested the poll on the platform of the Accord, defeated his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who won in 11 LG areas of the state. While the candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the poll, Najeem Salaam, came third in the poll. Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected arms and explosives courier carrying 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives in Zamfara State. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sani Umar, was reportedly transporting the explosives from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State to suspected terrorist elements operating in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. According to a post by the Nigerian Army on X on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said a search of Umar’s vehicle led to the recovery of the explosives. The military said another group of terrorists later attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions but were repelled. The troops reportedly inflicted further casualties on the terrorists, forcing the surviving members to flee the area. The Peoples Democratic Party House of Assembly candidate in Benue State for the 2027 election, Bemgba Iortyom, has called on the Federal Government not to bear the burdens of investing in individual businesses by establishing ranching for herders. Iortyom, who made the call in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists in Makurdi, advised the Federal Government to rather encourage livestock owners to establish ranches by acquiring land legally on their own. The former state publicity secretary of the PDP was reacting to the Federal Government’s plan to select Benue among the five states to implement pilot ranching as a panacea for farmers/herders clashes. FOREIGN NEWS: Strong winds and torrential rain are lashing Hawaii after category one Hurricane Lala skirted Big Island on Saturday. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said Lala got "closest to [Big Island's] South Point area", where a person has died after a car accident. A hurricane warning is however in effect for Big Island, while Hawaii's seven other major islands Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai and Niihau are under tropical storm warnings. SPORTS: Coventry City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to sign Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi on a permanent transfer. The Championship club have agreed a deal with Forest, with Awoniyi now undergoing his medical ahead of completing the move. The transfer will see the experienced forward join Frank Lampard’s Coventry City squad as the club seek to bolster their attacking options.

Breaking: INEC declares Adeleke winner of Osun governorship election The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the incumbent governor of Osun State and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, winner of the state’s governorship election. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 444,815 votes. The returning officer Prof Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole announced the result on Sunday after collation was completed across the state’s 30 local government areas. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.

THE HEADLINES Police release Osun commissioner arrested over violence Aggrieved NDC members reject Utomi, Galadima reconciliation committee Netanyahu rejects US Gaza plan, vows no pullout until Hamas disarms Morocco to face winner of Super Falcons’ clash with Cameroon THE DETAILS The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the release of the State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr Moyowa Adejoorin, who was arrested following a shooting incident at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Ilesa The police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said Adejoorin was arrested after the scene was cordoned off, adding that his vehicle was stopped at the scene with an Amotekun personnel who was allegedly involved in the shooting. Speaking on Sunday Ojelabi confirmed that Adejoorin had been released but said he could not provide an update on the Amotekun personnel arrested alongside him. Aggrieved members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo South Senatorial District have rejected the party’s national reconciliation committee, describing it as a charade that cannot heal the wounds of injustice caused by its leaders. A statement issued by Agbonaye Osazee Ofo on behalf of the aggrieved members said the disputed election cannot be wished away. The members contended that the committee’s main objective is to persuade aggrieved members to accept an unfair outcome. He further urged the NDC leadership to understand that political parties do not become stronger by suppressing legitimate grievances. MTN Nigeria has warned subscribers against fraudulent platforms and links offering fake 25GB anniversary giveaways, even as the telecommunications company confirmed that the 25GB data reward is genuine. The warning followed the circulation of messages and links on social media and other online platforms claiming to offer subscribers free 25GB data to mark MTN’s 25th anniversary. In a scam alert, MTN urged customers to disregard such offers unless they were accessed through its authorised platforms. The telecom operator said the official MTN 25GB Anniversary Giveaway was available only through the MyMTN NG App and MTN eShop. Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for a fundamental shake-up of Nigeria’s energy sector, saying the country’s current energy model has failed to deliver energy security and is instead leaving Nigerians to pay for persistent power shortages. The National Coordinator of the NLC’s Climate Change, Green Jobs, and Just Transition Programme, Eche Asuzu, spoke on the sidelines of the just-concluded New Energy for Africa II Convening: African Workers’ Contributions to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialisation, and a Common African Position for COP31, held in Nairobi, Kenya, and organised by the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa. He said Nigeria must move away from a top-down approach to energy policy and adopt a people-centred system that treats energy as a public good rather than a commodity driven primarily by profit. Azuzu also called for greater government involvement in the sector, the democratisation of energy policy and urgent measures to address energy poverty. FOREIGN NEWS Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected a Gaza plan hailed by US President Donald Trump, vowing no military pullout until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, who according to polls is in a tight race to stay in power, has faced calls from his far-right allies to hold a new cabinet vote and end the Gaza plan. Netanyahu also said that Israel was speaking with the United States about its objections. “They have ideas; some of them are acceptable to us, and some are not, and we know how to stand our ground on these matters,” he said. He added that Hamas must give up all of its weapons, a goal that Board of Peace members say is not realistically achievable. SPORTS Morocco will face either Nigeria or Cameroon in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 2-1 victory over South Africa on Saturday night. The Atlas Lionesses advanced to the last four after overcoming the reigning African champions in a closely contested quarter-final. Morocco will be aiming to go one step further on home soil this time as they pursue their first WAFCON title. The semi-final place has also guaranteed Morocco qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

EVENING NEWS. Headlines Police to deploy four officers per polling unit in Osun – IG Enugu gov approves land for ITF’s digital fabrication centre NYSC postpones camp opening in Sokoto, Niger Nigerian man jailed 13 months for dangerous driving in UK I think my son will be bigger than me — Ronaldo The Details The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has disclosed that the police will deploy a minimum of four officers to every polling unit for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election. Disu described the exercise as one of the largest security deployments the state has witnessed. Speaking at a meeting with civil society organisations in Abuja on Friday, the IG said Osun has 30 local governments, 332 wards, and 3,673 polling units, making it a significantly larger operation than the last election held in Anambra State, which he described as peaceful and largely free of complaints. He said the police intend to have no fewer than four officers stationed at each of the polling units, in addition to personnel from other security agencies expected to support the police at the same locations. The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has approved the allocation of a parcel of land in Enugu, the state capital, for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication Centre by the Industrial Training Fund. Mbah announced this while receiving a delegation from the Industrial Training Fund on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu. The ITF disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor. According to the statement, Mbah described the proposed project as timely and aligned with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for investment, innovation and technology-driven industrial development. The National Youth Service Corps has extended the commencement date for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course in Sokoto and Niger states due to ongoing renovation works at the orientation camps. In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, on NYSC’s X handle on Friday, the NYSC Management said the decision followed the continued rehabilitation of the camps by the respective state governments. Under the revised schedule, the orientation course will now commence on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while the cut-off and swearing-in ceremony will take place on Friday, August 14. The closing ceremony has been fixed for Tuesday, September 1, 2026. On foreign news A Nigerian man, Michael Chiedu Nwanze, has been sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment in the United Kingdom after leading police on a high-speed chase through Northampton in a bid to evade arrest. Nwanze, 23, was jailed by Northampton Crown Court after admitting to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and failing to stop for police. According to a statement released by Northamptonshire Police on Thursday, officers had attempted to stop Nwanze on March 10 after the vehicle he was driving was flagged as uninsured. On sports news Cristiano Ronaldo has predicted that his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., will grow to become bigger than him, saying the teenager is already stronger than he was at the same age. The Portugal captain remarked in a video shared by Netflix Sports on Thursday while watching Cristiano Jr. train with the Al Nassr youth team. Speaking about his 16-year-old son, Ronaldo said, “He’s a good kid. The other ones are tougher, the ones at home, the small ones. This one is no problem. “When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me.”

FAKE AGENCY PROBE, ICPC SAYS PRESIDENT DID NOT ISSUE LETTER OF APPOINTMENT TO ADENIYI ADEYEMI MATHEW. Below is the highlight of the report of the Probe published by Presidency spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. The fake appointment letter of Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew did not originate from the presidency: ICPC chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN At a press conference in Abuja today, ICPC chairman reveals the findings of the agency probe of Adeyemi Matthew, the fake DG of fictitious PFIPC: “Recall the President on 7th July, 2026 gave ICPC 30 days to investigate into the fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council and today is exactly 30 days. I have just submitted the interim report and briefed Mr. President accordingly. 2. The president took the right decision in the spirit of transparency and accountability and directed me to address the media for the benefit of Nigerians. 3. Flowing from the interim report a. It has been established that Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew was never appointed by the Federal Government or any authority of the government. b. The PFIPC was never established by any law or executive order or other valid instrument of government. c. The appointment letter presented by Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew was completely forged alongside similar documents used to perpetuate the illegal activities of the fake agency. d. The PFIPC cannibalized the former Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and illegally appropriated offices and instruments of operation. e. False projection, false representation, wide spread impersonation and a wide range of illegal activities were perpetrated by the fake DG of the fake agency Adeniyi Adeyemi. f. The interim report found that weaknesses in verification, interagency oversight and government processes was exploited by Adeyemi Adeniyi with some level of negligence and connivance. g. Our investigation found that no fund of the Federal Government was approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC/PEAC 4. That no weaknesses were found in the systems of the State House or CBN and the processes are above board. 5. The fake appointment letter of Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew did not originate from the presidency; 6. The ICPC discovered Adeyemi Adeniyi created two additional fictitious government agencies namely:- (a) FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIFA) (b) Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (FIFA-PPP) To facilitate their creation he forged legislative instrument styled as Enabling Acts and used them to support the opening of Bank Accounts. Some of the recommendations 1. He should be fully prosecuted 2. Administrative sanctions be imposed on public officers whose acts of omission and negligence facilitated the illegal operations of PFIPC/PEAC. 3. Institutional reforms have been recommended by the ICPC. There is an ongoing investigation into all activities, bank accounts of PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi Adeyemi and his collaborators. “

TAKE STEPS TO VACATE COURT ORDERS FREEZING OSUN GOVT. ACCOUNTS -- TINUBU DIRECTS EFCC. President Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crime Commission To vacate the Court Order Freezing Osun Government Account In a statement issued on Thursday regarding the freezing of the Osun state Government account President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said It has come to his notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a Court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. The President said he feels deeply embarrassed by the timing of the agency's action. He said every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to him, as the President, even when he is not aware. He said that since assuming office, he has consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference. The President has therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative agency because he believes that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law. Tinubu said “As President, I am committed to allowing institutions of State to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for any prior approval.” He said Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election. He thereafter gave a directive on the issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process. The President directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard.

12 PM. NEWS BULLETIN 5 / 8 / 20 26 FIRST THE HEADLINES Air Peace Begins Scheduled Lagos–Conakry–Bamako Service. Despite Heavy Downpours, LSPWC Commits to Repairing Damaged Lagos Roads. Akpanudom charges officers to uphold professionalism, human rights court jails illegal forex dealer two months in Lagos state. Canada's Ontario Unveils New Permanent Residence Programme for Skilled Foreign Workers. From Madrid to England: 15 Real Madrid Stars Who Joined Premier League Clubs. NOW THE DETAILS Air Peace said it has expanded its regional network with the commencement of scheduled flight operations on the Lagos-Conakry-Bamako route, a move which the company said is expected to boost trade, tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria, Guinea and Mali. the inaugural flight departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, on Saturday, in continuation of the airline’s drive to strengthen intra-African connectivity and provide travellers with easier access to destinations across West and Central Africa. The airline said the new route reflects its commitment to bridging African cities while creating seamless travel opportunities for business people, tourists and families across the continent. The Air Peace delegation, led by the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, and Director of Flight Operations, Augustine Kamano, received a delegation led by Guinea’s Minister of Transport, Ousmane Diallo; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea, Umaru Kamfu; Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Thiam Sekou; and members of the Nigerian community resident in Guinea. .. The Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) has pledged sustained road maintenance efforts, despite persistent rainfall disrupting infrastructure across the state. The corporation said that although weeks of relentless rain have left many roads riddled with potholes and stagnant waters, its engineers have remained on the ground, carrying out emergency repairs to keep roads safe and motorable. The General Manager of the LSPWC, Tokunbo Ajanaku, an engineer, said the agency has remained committed to its mandate despite the operational challenges posed by the prolonged rains, which have accelerated the deterioration of road infrastructure across the state. .. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, Simeon U. Akpanudom, has charged officers and men of the formation to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, discipline, and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their duties. the AIG directed supervisory officers to prioritise the welfare of personnel, especially officers who are ill or off duty. The AIG also cautioned officers against the indiscriminate transfer of case files, unlawful arrests, unnecessary detention of suspects, and the criminalisation of purely civil disputes. He urged detectives to carry out investigations with fairness, diligence, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law. .. A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced a bureau de change operator, Dabo Malam Ardi, to two months’ imprisonment for engaging in illegal foreign exchange transactions. According to the anti-graft agency, Ardi was arraigned before Justice F. N. Ogazi by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a one-count charge bordering on illegal foreign exchange transactions. The charge read, “That you, Dabo Malam Ardi, sometime in 2026 in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in a foreign exchange transaction other than through the official foreign exchange market and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (Establishment, etc.) Act, 1994, and punishable under Section 11(2) of the same Act.” Following the guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, S. I. Suleiman, reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. ON FOREIGN NEWS A province in Canada, Ontario has opened the application process for its new Workforce Priority Stream, giving eligible foreign workers a new pathway to permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. The province announced that, effective August 4, 2026, eligible foreign nationals can now register an Expression of Interest through Ontario’s e-Filing Portal, linked to a qualifying job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. Ontario said candidates with active EOIs will be ranked under a points-based scoring system introduced on July 20, 2026, with invitations to apply issued through periodic draws. ON SPORTS Fulham’s summer signings of two players from Real Madrid have revived a long-standing transfer route between the Spanish giants and the Premier League, with several high-profile players making the switch over the past three decades. From Premier League title winners to players whose English careers fell short of expectations, the moves have produced some of the competition’s most memorable success stories, a 13 man list on the EPL website on Tuesday disclosed this. Ahead of the 2026/27 football season in the EPL, Fulham have strengthened their squad by signing two players from Real Madrid—22-year-old striker Gonzalo García and 21-year-old attacking midfielder César Palacios.

16/7/2026 FIRST THE HEADLINES Tinubu Confirms Participation in September UN General Assembly. Court Grants Final Forfeiture Order on 48 Assets Associated with Malami. Deadly Gas Truck Blast at Kogi Army Checkpoint Leaves Six Dead Sanwo-Olu Visits Flood-Affected Communities, Promises Immediate Action. UK Economy Strengthens While Nation Awaits New Leadership. Argentina Capitalised on England’s Doubts, Says Scaloni After Semi-Final Win. NOW THE DETAILS Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb Jimoh Ibrahim, on Wednesday, said President Bola Tinubu has confirmed his attendance at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, scheduled for September. The President has generously agreed to attend the UNGA meeting of the United Nations. “It is significant because Mr President has a speech to give to the whole world about the reform success in Nigeria, and that has been slated for September. Tinubu’s address was scheduled for around 10:45 a.m. New York time, approximately 3:45 p.m. Nigeria time, a scheduling he said meant Nigerians would be able to watch the address live in their waking hours. .. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 assets linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The court had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order in respect of 57 assets, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged were unlawfully acquired by Malami and others. Malami was Attorney-General and Minister of Justice during the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The assets identified by the EFCC include Rayhaan University buildings, agro-allied factory buildings and machinery, hotels, a pharmacy, a supermarket, primary and secondary schools, oil and gas filling stations, shops and other buildings. No fewer than six people were killed on Tuesday night after a gas-laden truck exploded at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State. The explosion reportedly occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chikara Division, triggering an emergency response by police officers, personnel of the Motor Traffic Division, and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps. the truck, which was conveying gas cylinders, exploded as it approached the Army checkpoint, igniting a massive fire that spread to other vehicles. The fire also engulfed three other trucks, killing their drivers and motor boys. In all, six people lost their lives in the incident,” the eyewitness said. .. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, waded through floodwaters in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, as he led a high-powered government delegation on an inspection tour of flood-prone communities affected by recent heavy rainfall across the Lekki corridor, pledging that government would take action to prevent a future incident. The governor visited Awoyaya, Ogombo, Sangotedo and the Chevron axis of Lekki and Ajah to assess the impact of flooding and evaluate the effectiveness of drainage channels and waterways in the area. He said that the state government would continue dredging, clearing and expanding drainage infrastructure to ensure free flow of water, particularly in rapidly developing areas of the state. The governor warned that the rainy season was still ongoing and advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to relocate temporarily to safer locations whenever necessary. ON FOREIGN NEWS Britain’s economy rebounded slightly in May with growth of 0.1 percent thanks to expansion in the services sector, official data showed Thursday as Britain awaits a new prime minister. Gross domestic product (GDP) had contracted by 0.1 percent in April as the US-Iran war pushed up inflation after oil prices soared. The data comes as Andy Burnham prepares to take over as prime minister on Monday. The OECD grouping of industrialised nations on Wednesday forecast that the UK economy was expected to slow to growth of 0.9 percent this year from 1.4 percent in 2025, before GDP output picks up to 1.1 percent next year. ON SPORTS Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his side sensed England had lost belief after taking the lead in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final clash. he insisted that the defending champions capitalised on the momentum shift to secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory and book a second consecutive appearance in the final. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also said Argentina noticed England becoming increasingly defensive after taking the lead. the defending champion Argentina will face off with the 2010 winners Spain on Sunday.

At CTBEATS 90.1 FM Broadcasting is interesting and simple.

HEADLINES APC to unveil Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate Police arrest two for aiding kidnappers in Kwara One dead as police foil Abuja kidnapping operation, rescue four Eight charged over plot to attack Trump’s White House UFC event Rice, Odegaard set for Arsenal reunion as England, Norway clash in World Cup quarter-final NOW THE DETAILS The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside top party leaders, is currently meeting at the Continental Hotel in Abuja to formally present Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The development comes amid months of speculation that President Tinubu might replace Shettima with a northern Christian as his vice-presidential candidate ahead of the election. The Kwara State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly aiding kidnappers in the abduction of three persons in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, identified as Sauni Shehu and Auwalu Bala, were apprehended following intelligence-led investigations that linked them to the kidnapping of three victims at Ogele Fulani Camp, via Igbaja, in the local government area. The Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement released in Ilorin on Friday. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued four residents abducted during a kidnapping attack in the Yellow House area of Mpape, Abuja, following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in the Jikoko Hills. The Command, however, confirmed that one resident was killed during the attack, while another who sustained a gunshot wound is responding to treatment in hospital. The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday. FOREIGN NEWS Eight men accused in an alleged plot to attack a White House mixed martial arts fight hosted by President Donald Trump in June have been indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges, the Department of Justice said. The suspects, ranging in age from 19 to 32, were accused of planning to used armed drones to attack the event on the White House South Lawn, with snipers firing on “high value targets” in the chaos, prosecutors have said. Law enforcement officials said they foiled the plot in the lead-up to the June 14 “UFC Freedom 250” event, which coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday and ultimately took place without incident. SPORTS NEWS Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will put their club partnership aside when England face Norway in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final in what promises to be one of the key individual battles of the last-eight clash. Both midfielders played pivotal roles in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, helping the London club win the English league for the first time in 22 years. They also reached the UEFA Champions League final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

Tinubu Picks Shettima As Vice President Again, APC Completes INEC Nomination Process • party predicts landslide victory at the poll The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday formalised its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate. Displaying absolute confidence ahead of the polls, party leadership declared that its victory is already “assured,” citing a rock-solid foundation of over 12 million registered members and the visible milestones of the current administration. The duly completed nomination forms for both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were submitted to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at a colourful ceremony at the Ladi Kwaki International Conference Centre of Abuja Continental Hotel for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, submitted the documents on the President’s behalf. The high-profile ceremony drew heavyweights from across the party, including members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, representatives from the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and state party chairmen. Welcoming dignitaries to the brief but solemn ceremony, APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu noted that the event was the natural climax of a highly transparent internal process. “The presidential flag bearer emerged through a thoroughly transparent primary process,” Argungu said, while praising President Tinubu’s “positive strides” and urging party faithful to remain united, prayerful, and steadfast. The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the completed nomination forms for the President and his running mate by the Presidential Adviser, Masari, who was accompanied by all the governors in attendance, members of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Reinforcing the governors’ total commitment to the ticket, PGF Chairman Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that the transparent nature of the primaries had made marketing the candidates seamless. “We are delighted that this event is coming after a well-organised and thoroughly supervised primary process,” Uzodimma said. “We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting President Tinubu and the party.” Uzodimma described the APC as a beacon of internal democracy and inclusiveness, promising that the governors would spearhead a total clean sweep at the polls. “We will continue to support him in the larger interest of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights. Together, we are going to deliver victory for President Tinubu and ensure the party wins all elective positions, including the National and State Assemblies,” Uzodimma added. Receiving the nomination forms, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stated that the revalidation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represents the authentic heartbeat of the party’s grassroots. “Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million members of our party who supported the President’s candidature,” Yilwatda remarked. “We are proud of the support already in the kitty of President Tinubu, and we are convinced that many more Nigerians will vote for him.” Yilwatda pointed to key initiatives such as the student loan scheme—which he noted has already benefited over 1.5 million students—alongside targeted agricultural interventions and nationwide infrastructure projects as verifiable proof of performance. He urged party members to return to their local communities armed with facts rather than rhetoric to dismantle opposition narratives. “While others are busy spreading propaganda, let us counter them with facts. Nigerians have seen governance that touches lives across the six geopolitical zones,” Yilwatda stated. The National Chairman emphasised that the APC holds a distinct institutional advantage over its rivals, being the only political platform in the country backed by a fully digitalised and verified membership database. “We already have about 12 million verified members. We are going round the country to mobilise support for the President. I am also confident that our governors will compete among themselves to deliver the highest number of votes,” Yilwatda said. Sending a clear message to the President, the APC Chairman told Masari: “Go and tell the leader of our party (President Tinubu) that our members and Nigerians will vote for him to continue the excellent work he is doing. As a party, we are proud to be presenting the best candidate. There is no shaking at all. Come 2027, our victory is assured.” Asked on the sidelines of the ceremony to confirm the party’s presidential running mate, as no name was mentioned throughout the ceremony, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said, “The presidential candidate of the party is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our Vice Presidential candidate is Senator Kashim Shetima.”

Kidnapped Teachers and Pupils in Orire, Oyo State released

THE HEADLINES Oyo pupils: Rescue operation ongoing says Army chief Anambra agency destroys ₦50m illicit drugs, arrests suspects Iran envoy says friendly nations to get ‘special’ Hormuz fee treatment France break Paraguay resistance 1-0 to earn quarter-final berth THE DETAILS The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress towards the rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State. Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families. The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad, on Saturday, destroyed illicit drugs estimated at N50m during raids on various locations in Awka, the state capital and its environs. Speaking during the operation, the Managing Director of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, said that those arrested in connection with the illegal business had been handed over to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Nwokoye added that the raids followed credible intelligence, underscoring the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on illicit drug abuse and touting activities in the state. He warned individuals involved in the sale or consumption of illicit substances to desist or risk facing strict legal consequences. Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved the reconstitution of the Imole Campaign Council (TICC) to accommodate prominent former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who recently defected to the Accord in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The development was announced in a statement issued by the Media and Publicity Committee of the Imole Campaign Council and signed by its Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam. According to the statement, the reconstitution is aimed at integrating the new entrants into the campaign structure to enable them play active roles in the party’s electioneering activities. The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, following the release of the Eda Oniyo kidnap victims, has directed the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, to provide comprehensive medical screening and treatment for the victims. The governor, according to a statement in Ado Ekiti by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, on Saturday, also instructed the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to take full responsibility for overseeing the welfare and wellbeing of the victims, with the State Government covering all medical expenses incurred during their treatment. Oyebode stated that the freed persons, currently receiving care at the teaching hospital, “will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit for reintegration with their families”. He also commended heads of all security agencies in the state, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda Oniyo community, and the State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, along with other stakeholders, for their roles in securing the victims’ release. FOREIGN NEWS: Iran’s ambassador to China insisted on Saturday that new fees would be charged to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz — an idea rejected by Washington — while assuring that “friendly” nations would receive special treatment. The initial deal struck between Iran and the United States to end their war stipulated that commercial ships would transit the strait free of charge for 60 days, but it remains unclear what will be in place after that period. These new arrangements will be concerning guaranteeing the security of passage through the Straits of Hormuz, supervision of the passage of the vessels… and also guaranteeing and dealing with the environmental consequences of the massive number of ships,” he said. We will definitely consider special treatment for the countries that were friendly to us and specially stood by us during the hard times,” he added SPORT NEWS France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals after a disciplined and patient performance. he encounter was expected to test France’s attacking quality against Paraguay’s resilience. France started brightly and controlled much of the possession in the opening exchanges, moving the ball confidently across the pitch and searching for spaces in Paraguay’s defence.

HEADLINES Compensate Lagos flood victims, probe coastal road, Doherty tells govt UNIOSUN probes student’s death, announces overhaul of campus health services Oyebanji advocates practical reforms to strengthen LG finances Trump hails Supreme Court ruling on transgender sports bans Real Madrid’s Mendy to stand trial after dog attacked teenager NOW THE DETAILS The Lagos State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Funso Doherty, has called on the Lagos State Government to compensate residents and business owners affected by the recent flooding across the state, urging an independent investigation into whether environmental failures linked to major infrastructure projects contributed to the disaster. Doherty made the call in a post on X on Tuesday, following widespread flooding triggered by heavy rainfall that submerged roads, stranded motorists and disrupted commercial activities across Lagos. He argued that while indiscriminate waste disposal may have contributed to the flooding, it did not fully explain the scale of the devastation witnessed across the state. The management of Osun State University has constituted a committee to review the circumstances surrounding the death of a 400-level student, Osunlakin Grace, while announcing sweeping reforms to healthcare services across its campuses following a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D. The resolutions disclosed in a statement by NANS Southwest Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah on Tuesday, were reached during a meeting between the university management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Adeboye, and the NANS Southwest leadership over the death of the Criminology and Security Studies student and other welfare concerns affecting students. Speaking during the engagement, NANS Southwest Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, said, “The welfare, safety, and well-being of students across the Southwest remain the foremost priority of the NANS Southwest leadership.” Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advocated practical reforms that will strengthen the financial health of the local government councils. Oyebanji, who stressed his administration’s commitment to strengthening local government administration as a catalyst for grassroots transformation, said, “We firmly believe that meaningful development must begin from the grassroots. The local government system remains the closest tier of government to our people and serves as the first point of call for many citizens seeking government services”. The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, spoke in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during the opening of a three-day workshop on ‘Fiscal administrative due process and enhanced internal revenue generation’ organised by the state Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with Hibad Strategic Solutions Limited for relevant officials of local governments in Ekiti State FOREIGN NEWS US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed a “big win” after the Supreme Court upheld state laws barring transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s school sports. Reacting to the ruling on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The United States Supreme Court just ruled against men playing in women’s sports. Wow! That takes that ridiculous situation off the table!!!” The US Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, delivering a major victory to conservatives in one of the country’s most fiercely contested culture-war battles. SPORTS NEWS Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy will stand trial after one of his dogs allegedly attacked a teenager and two other dogs after escaping from his property, according to Spanish reports on Tuesday. The private prosecution is asking for a six-month prison sentence to be issued for causing injury by gross negligence, as well as fines, a Madrid court said in a document dated January 7. The public prosecutor’s office is requesting fines for a minor offence of causing injury.

PROF. FADUYILE OF APC DECLARED WINNER OF SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF ONDO STATE BY ELECTION. The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Prof. Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election held on Saturday. INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Gbenga Solomon-Ibileye, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, announced the result on Sunday at the collation centre in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. Solomon-Ibileye said Faduyile polled the highest votes with 68,474 to emerge winner. He said Adeolu Akinwunmi of the Allied People’s Movement came second with 1,411 votes, while Adesanya Olaoluwa of the Action Peoples Party and Clement Funso-Nejo of the Boot Party scored 213 and 70 votes respectively.

GOV. BIODUN OYEBANJI DECLARED WINNER OF EKITI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION BY INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election. The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the result in the early hours of Sunday at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti after the completion of collation from the 16 local government areas of the state. Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to secure a resounding victory over his closest challengers. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, garnered 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 12,872 votes. Professor Oladiji stated that having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes cast, Biodun Oyebanji was duly returned elected as Governor of Ekiti State for a second term. The election, conducted across the state's 16 local government areas on Saturday, witnessed the APC candidate dominating the polls with victories recorded in all local government areas.

HEADLINES Ekiti election: Police deploy officers to all polling units NANS engages FUOYE VC over SUG president’s suspension Ogun court sentences eight to community service Ruswsia receives Nigeria’s new ambassador, pledges stronger bilateral ties TV presenter resigns after wrongly announcing death of Lionel Messi’s father NOW THE DETAILS The Nigeria Police Force on Friday said it has completed security deployments across all 2,545 polling units in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Security, CP Shogule Abayomi said a multi-layered security architecture had been adopted to guarantee a peaceful, credible and hitch-free election. He said security personnel and operational assets had been strategically positioned across polling units and other designated locations to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers and sensitive electoral materials throughout the exercise. The National Association of Nigerian Students has engaged the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, over the suspension of the institution’s Students’ Union Government President, James Adio. The NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, disclosed this in a statement on Friday on X, saying he held an extensive discussion with the vice-chancellor following the union’s earlier condemnation of the suspension. According to Babatunde, the national leadership of NANS expressed strong opposition to what it described as the “unjust suspension” and “persecution” of the student leader. An Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has convicted and sentenced eight individuals for indiscriminate waste disposal within the Abeokuta metropolis. In a statement by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority on Friday, the offenders were arrested and prosecuted on a two-count charge by the Medical Officer of Health of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, Kehinde Ogunsola. Ogunsola told the court that, “The defendants were apprehended between 6:15 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. while allegedly dumping refuse on public roads at Isale-Igbein, Car-Wash and Abiola Way within the Abeokuta Magisterial District.” FOREIGN NEWS Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Borisenko Evgenievich, has received Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Russia, Joseph Iji, in Moscow. The meeting, held on Thursday, was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Ms. Daria Senyushina, Communications Officer at the Russian Embassy in Nigeria. Senyushina said Ambassador Iji presented copies of his credentials during the engagement. According to her, both sides discussed issues aimed at strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Nigeria and Russia. SPORT NEWS Argentine television presenter Florencia Peña has resigned following a major on-air blunder in which she announced the death of Jorge Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi. According to a report by L’Equipe on Friday, the incident occurred during the programme “El Show del Verano” on Luzu TV. Peña was reportedly fed the false information through her earpiece by the production team. The erroneous announcement quickly spread before it was debunked by members of the Messi family. Jorge Messi is alive and has been reported to be recovering from health issues.

THE HEADLINES Oyo govt warns opposition against politicising Oriire kidnapping ILO sets September deadline for Nigeria on trade union freedom concerns Switzerland offers to host signing of US, Iran peace deal Canada draw 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina THE DETAILS The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has warned politicians in the opposition to stop politicising the recent kidnapping incident in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state. Oyelade gave the warning in a statement he issued on Friday in Ibadan while reacting to claims that linked casualties in the Amotekun Corps to the Oriire incident. He advised the opposition to view the incident from an apolitical perspective and avoid statements that could further endanger the lives of children and teachers. The International Labour Organisation has given Nigeria until September 2026 to report on steps taken to address concerns over workers’ rights, trade union freedoms, and compliance with international labour standards. The development was disclosed by the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Nuhu Toro, during a briefing on the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday. According to Toro, the deadline follows complaints regarding alleged violations of workers’ rights, particularly issues relating to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the implementation of key labour conventions ratified by Nigeria. He explained that the timeline allows Nigerian authorities and relevant stakeholders to demonstrate progress in addressing concerns raised by labour groups Toro further reaffirmed the commitment of the Trade Union Congress to protecting workers’ interests and ensuring compliance with international labour obligations, expressing confidence that Nigeria would use the period before the deadline to address the concerns raised by the ILO. The re-election bid of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received a boost as the Ife-based group, Village People Movement, has endorsed him for a second term in office. Speaking at the event, Awosunle said the movement comprises members from Ife East, Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South local government areas, all of whom unanimously resol He said the decision followed the governor’s performance in governance, including prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and the execution of developmental projects across the state. The Ondo State Government has declared its readiness for the establishment of state police, saying existing security structures are already positioned to support the initiative once it receives federal approval. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made the declaration at the Democracy Day anniversary lecture in Akure on Friday, where he described insecurity as one of the most serious threats to Nigeria’s democratic stability. He said the state had already built a foundation that could easily transition into a state policing system, while calling for additional support in equipment and logistics. The governor also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s existing security framework, including the Amotekun Corps, which operates across the South-West region FOREIGN NEWS Switzerland has offered to host the possible signing of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran A senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration said on Friday that the United States was “80 to 85 percent” confident of inking an accord with Tehran to end the war in the coming days. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan who has acted as mediator in efforts to end the war also said on Friday that an agreement on the text of a peace deal had been reached. In response the Swiss foreign ministry said it was playing an active role “to support efforts toward a Memorandum of Understanding intended to consolidate the truce and pave the way for de-escalation in the context of the conflict between Iran and the USA”. In addition, the ministry said it “has proposed Switzerland as the venue for a possible signing, should the parties agree to it” SPORTS NEWS Co-hosts Canada grabbed a second-half equaliser to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in the first World Cup finals game ever played on Canadian soil. Cyle Larin got Canada’s goal after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead with a header in the 21st minute in Toronto. The result gave Canada its first point in World Cup history.

THE HEADLINES DLA gives FG 14-day ultimatum to tackle worsening kidnapping crisis Reps demand probe, relief for victims of deadly Bauchi community clash Bill Gates arrives for questioning in US Congress over Epstein ties Flamingos to resume camp ahead of Benin W/Cup qualifier showdown THE DETAILS The Democratic Leadership Alliance has issued a 14-day notice to the Federal Government to unveil concrete measures to tackle the worsening wave of kidnappings across the country, warning that Nigerians are increasingly living in fear while criminal gangs continue to operate with alarming impunity. In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Judith Aguenu, the party expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in many parts of the country, describing kidnapping as a national crisis that now threatens lives, economic activities and social stability. Calling on President Bola Tinubu to take more decisive action, the party urged the Federal Government to formally declare the kidnapping crisis a national emergency. The party subsequently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to demonstrate measurable progress in addressing the menace. The House of Representatives has called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for a deadly farmers-herders clash in Lanzai and neighbouring Dosho communities in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State, which claimed nine lives and left scores displaced. The call followed the consideration of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Mansur Manu Soro, at plenary on Wednesday. Presenting the motion, Soro drew the attention of the House to the violent confrontation that occurred last Wednesday, resulting in deaths, injuries and widespread destruction of property in the affected communities. The lawmaker informed the House that the clash led to the loss of nine lives, while dozens of residential structures and means of livelihood were destroyed. To address the root causes of the recurring conflict, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to accelerate the implementation of sustainable livestock management policies, grazing control measures, ranching initiatives and dispute resolution frameworks in the area. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has restated its determination to drive voluntary tax compliance in the country through seamless access to tax services using technology. The NRS stated this on Wednesday at the official unveiling of Rev360, its next-generation digital tax administration platform designed to deliver a more integrated, intelligent, and taxpayer-centric tax administration experience. Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, described Rev360 as a transformational platform that supports the Service’s transition to Tax Administration 3.0 by improving service delivery, strengthening compliance management, enhancing transparency, and simplifying taxpayer interactions. According to him, Rev360 represents a significant step towards building a more modern, efficient, and responsive tax administration system that aligns with global best practices and the evolving needs of taxpayers and businesses. FOREIGN NEWS Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates arrived on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning for questioning from US lawmakers over his relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose network of wealthy and powerful associates has fueled years of scrutiny and conspiracy theories. Gates, one of the world’s richest men and a leading philanthropist, was appearing before the House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview about the disgraced financier, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking The panel asked Gates to appear after documents released by the Justice Department raised new questions about his contacts with Epstein. Several other high-profile figures have also appeared before the committee, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnic SPORT NEWS Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will return to camp on June 14 as preparations intensify for their decisive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic Coached by Hakeem Busari, the Flamingos booked their place in the final round in emphatic fashion, thrashing Guinea 11-0 on aggregate. The Nigerian side secured a commanding 5-0 victory away from home in the first leg before completing the job with a 6-0 win in the return fixture. The team will now resume training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne following a short break after their dominant performance against Guinea in the previous qualifying round.

THE HEADLINES CAN urges FG to declare state of emergency on insecurity NANS begins nationwide probe of abandoned TETFund projects Catholic bishop shot dead in Mozambique Super Eagles defender, Igoh Ogbu ruled out of Portugal friendly THE DETAILS The Christian Association of Nigeria, South-West region, has decried the spate of insecurity in many parts of the country, calling on governments and other stakeholders to act decisively on the matter. To this end, the group called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the country. This was contained in a statement issued by the CAN Chairman in the South-West, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya. According to the statement, the group expressed profound concern and deep anguish over the alarming escalation of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes across Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and several other parts of Nigeria. The Christian group also urged the Federal Government to seek strategic technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary, noting that “national security should transcend pride, politics, and bureaucracy. The National Association of Nigerian Students has launched a 90-day nationwide review of Tertiary Education Trust Fund projects following growing concerns over alleged project abandonment, poor execution and delayed delivery of interventions in tertiary institutions across the country. In a statement issued on Sunday, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, said the decision was informed by persistent complaints about the quality and completion of some TETFund-funded projects in beneficiary institutions. According to the association, while the Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in the education sector through TETFund interventions, concerns remain over whether the projects are being delivered as approved and whether students are deriving the intended benefits. The association noted that the committee would embark on a nationwide tour of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to independently verify the status of TETFund projects and assess their impact on teaching, learning and student welfare. The former Kano deputy governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party during the 2023 general elections, Yusuf Dambatta, has defected to the All Progressives Congress. Dambatta, who announced his exit from the PDP in a statement released on Sunday, said his decision to join the APC was taken after careful consideration and wide consultations with his leaders, political associates, supporters, and stakeholders. He expressed optimism that the APC will provide a more suitable platform for him to contribute effectively to the advancement of the Kano people and the development of the state and the country at large. He also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the service of the people, the promotion of unity, and the pursuit of policies and programmes that will enhance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. FOREIGN NEWS A Catholic bishop appointed to a central region of Mozambique by Pope Leo XIV was shot dead at home Saturday in what the country’s epsicopal body called “mysterious circumstances”. Bishop Osorio Citora Afonso, 54, was shot in the chest “probably with a single bullet”, a spokesman for the criminal investigations bureau, Maximino Amilcar, told reporters outside the senior clergyman’s residence in Quelimane. Mozambique’s president, Daniel Chapo, issued a statement expressing his “deep sadness” at Afonso’s death, calling it “an irreparable loss for Mozambican society SPORTS NEWS Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu has been ruled out of Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal after suffering an injury during training on Saturday evening. According to information released by the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, the centre-back sustained what has been described as a suspected rupture of his left Achilles tendon. The injury occurred during the team’s training session ahead of the highly anticipated friendly encounter against the European side. The Super Eagles will now have to make do without the defender as they continue their preparations for upcoming international assignments.