Author: Gabby

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has unveiled plans for a month-long series of project inaugurations in Abuja. The initiative is designed to mark the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. During a political gathering in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike detailed the accomplishments of his administration, attributing the rapid infrastructure development to the President’s backing.

The commissioning spree will cover various roads, public amenities, and urban renewal projects that aim to reshape the nation’s capital. Wike dismissed critics by emphasizing the magnitude and excellence of the work done in the FCT. He declared, “In this third year of Mr. President, we will spend 31 days launching new projects in Abuja. This is not about boreholes; I challenge anyone to dispute this.” He attributed the swift progress in Abuja to decisive governance.

Wike also took a conciliatory stance towards political rivals in Rivers State, offering a blanket pardon. “I want to use this opportunity to say I have forgiven everyone,” he stated, stressing that ongoing political conflicts are counterproductive. He urged former allies and opponents to set aside egos and reunite, saying, “I sincerely want you to come back. We have been involved in politics and have hurt each other; now is the time to return.”

Despite the olive branch, Wike asserted the strength of his political coalition, describing it as an unbeatable “rainbow coalition.” He warned external forces against interfering in Rivers State’s affairs: “Anyone from another state trying to harm Rivers will face consequences. Put your hand in, you get burned.” He claimed his coalition has already secured future electoral victories, noting, “If you’re talking about the governorship election in this state, forget it; it’s over. If you think a miracle will change things, that’s not true.” He reassured supporters of their vigilance, stating they are always ready and willing to collaborate with everyone, as they are not selfish.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly shared his long battle with a chronic health issue, revealing that he has been managing diabetes for more than 40 years. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Lagos to the World’ expedition, an initiative promoting cancer awareness and African unity, Obasanjo stressed that while the disease remains incurable, disciplined lifestyle choices have allowed him to thrive.

He highlighted the importance of diet, regular exercise, sufficient rest, and consistent medical checkups. ‘I play squash three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—when I am home. I monitor my food intake carefully. A pleasurable diet is fine, but poor eating leads to negative consequences,’ Obasanjo explained.

The former president introduced his personal wellness formula called DREMS: Diet, Rest, Exercise, and Medical care. He urged Nigerians to prioritize routine health screenings, noting that early detection significantly improves outcomes. The event also featured Erik Nwagwu, the founder of the expedition, who lost his mother and sister to cancer. Nwagwu emphasized the need for free prostate cancer screenings, particularly for African men, and the importance of changing negative narratives about Nigeria through positive actions.

In response to the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards. This move is part of a broader security initiative aimed at preventing future incidents. The announcement was made on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, via an official statement.

The decision follows a visit by a federal delegation to the affected communities—Esiele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area—where pupils and teachers were taken from three schools on May 15, 2026. The delegation, headed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.

During the visit, the team communicated the President’s deep concern and his determination to ensure the safe return of all victims. Additionally, President Tinubu ordered the creation of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to ramp up efforts to free the abducted individuals.

The statement also noted that the delegation promised to relay the community’s request for a military base to the President for further action. The recruitment of forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, highlighting a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity in the region.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially designated Commandant Offor Kenneth Onyeso as the new State Commander for its Rivers State Command.

A native of Ogida in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Onyeso assumed office as the 27th commander of the unit on May 20, 2026.

He earned degrees in Education Administration and Accountancy from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and began his career with the NDLEA as a cadet officer on November 1, 1994.

Throughout his tenure, he has held various key positions, including Deputy State Commander in Ebonyi State and Deputy Zonal Commander for Zone 12 based in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement released on Friday, the agency highlighted his extensive experience, professionalism, and commitment to duty as factors leading to his selection.

Upon resuming his role, Onyeso vowed to enhance the command’s effectiveness through intelligence-driven enforcement and ongoing prevention programs.

He stated, “I am dedicated to upholding the agency’s core values via robust enforcement, intelligence-led operations, and consistent public awareness and prevention campaigns.”

The new commander also called on stakeholders, traditional leaders, media outlets, and the general public to collaborate with the agency in its mission to eliminate illicit drugs and related offenses in Rivers State.

The Iranian government has strongly refuted claims that President Masoud Pezeshkian offered to step down, branding the reports as part of a disinformation campaign by foreign outlets. Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, a senior communications official in the presidency, took to X to denounce what he described as a continuation of baseless media fabrications.

Tabatabaei emphasized that Pezeshkian remains committed to serving the nation and will not abandon his post, regardless of mounting pressures. He accused those spreading the rumors of projecting their own desires onto the Iranian people, asserting that their attempts to undermine national unity will fail.

The Tasnim News Agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also contradicted reports from Iran International claiming that Pezeshkian had formally resigned due to IRGC overreach. According to Tasnim, a government insider dismissed the resignation story as entirely false.

Iran International had earlier alleged that Pezeshkian submitted a resignation letter to the Supreme Leader’s office, citing frustrations over being sidelined by hardline IRGC factions in key decision-making processes. The report suggested that the president told Mojtaba Khamenei he could no longer govern effectively under such conditions.

The IRGC has increasingly asserted control over state affairs, limiting presidential authority and influencing negotiations with the United States. Iran has indicated it will demand modifications to any draft agreement if US President Donald Trump proposes changes, signaling Tehran’s readiness to walk away if terms are unfavorable.