Author: Gabby

The Lagos State government has announced a month-long Ministerial Press Briefing set to commence on Monday, May 11, 2026. This initiative will see members of the State Executive Council present detailed reports on their activities and accomplishments under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration over the past year.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, made the announcement on May 9, 2026. He explained that the briefing, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, aims to give Lagos residents comprehensive updates on projects, policies, and programs executed across various sectors.

According to the government, this annual event allows Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to showcase Facts and Figures regarding achievements under the THEMES+ Agenda’s pillars. The government also noted that the engagement will enable citizens to evaluate ongoing efforts to enhance residents’ welfare statewide.

The statement emphasized that this year’s edition is especially important as it comes before the general elections. It will allow the public to evaluate the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat administration’s performance, acknowledge milestones, and gain insights into future plans for a Greater Lagos. The government added that the briefing will further promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

The administration’s achievements, the statement noted, reflect purposeful leadership and responsible governance. All sessions will be live-streamed on the state’s social media platforms.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to collaborating with Mutual Commitment Company Ltd, a Chinese enterprise, to build a massive cement complex capable of producing three million tonnes annually. This initiative aims to drive economic transformation by converting local limestone into cement.

During a visit from the company’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Liu Long, along with his management team, the governor expressed his commitment through a statement released on Sunday by his media aide. The visit was a courtesy call to discuss the partnership.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Yobe’s industrialization strategy, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. The project will be managed by the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited (YMDCL), which will enhance local value addition, support infrastructure, attract further investments, and establish the state as an emerging hub for cement manufacturing in Nigeria.

Mr. Liu Long praised the state’s proactive governance and political will, which he said provide a solid foundation for the company’s operations. He expressed confidence that the partnership would achieve mutually beneficial and sustainable development objectives.

In a heartwarming milestone, a dozen young women who were once among the abducted Chibok schoolgirls have achieved a significant academic feat. These 12 individuals successfully completed their degree programs at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, marking a powerful turn in their life stories. The news was met with joy by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who shared his elation on Saturday over their graduation.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also lauded the accomplishment, emphasizing that hardship does not define one’s destiny when proper measures are implemented. These women were part of the group seized from their school in Chibok over a decade ago, but after regaining their freedom, they were enrolled at AUN with support from the Federal Government.

During AUN’s 17th convocation ceremony for the Class of 2026, Vice President Shettima, through his representative Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, acknowledged that the Chibok abduction remains a painful national memory. However, he noted that the graduation of these 12 girls offers a measure of redemption. He praised AUN, founded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for maintaining rigorous academic expectations for these students.

Shettima assured the graduates that the nation’s commitment to them continues. Similarly, the Minister of Women Affairs pledged ongoing government support, stating that significant investments have been made since the girls’ recovery and will persist. Although hundreds of students graduated, the spotlight naturally fell on the Chibok survivors, two of whom expressed their delight in interviews.

Professor DeWayne Frazier, President (Vice Chancellor) of AUN, described the moment as sacred—a triumph of courage over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over adversity. These 12 graduates walked across the stage in a powerful display of victory, silencing the forces that once sought to destroy their futures.

In a somber development for intending pilgrims from Taraba State, six individuals who were set to embark on the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage have passed away before their planned departure. This revelation was made by Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, the acting head of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, during a ceremony held in Jalingo to bid farewell to the departing faithful.

According to Tanko, the state is preparing to transport 716 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Sunday to perform the annual religious rites. He noted that while 738 people initially showed interest, only 716 successfully paid their Hajj fees within the stipulated timeframe, making them eligible for travel.

The board secretary further disclosed that although 723 visas were obtained for the state, seven were rescinded. This cancellation was due to the deaths of six applicants—four from natural causes and two from road accidents—and the disqualification of a pregnant woman who was found unfit for the journey.

Tanko advised the pilgrims to manage their Basic Travel Allowance judiciously to circumvent financial difficulties during their stay in the holy land. He also acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas for his moral and financial backing, which has been pivotal in facilitating the Hajj operations.

Governor Kefas, represented by the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mohammed Al’amin Ibrahim, urged the pilgrims to exhibit discipline and conduct themselves honorably throughout their pilgrimage. He reminded them of the core tenets of Islam and emphasized fulfilling religious duties with devotion to Allah.

The governor also warned against any behavior that could bring disrepute to Taraba State and Nigeria. He highlighted his administration’s equal commitment to both Muslim and Christian pilgrimages, underlining the government’s dedication to supporting religious endeavors across the state. Additionally, he called on the pilgrims to offer prayers for peace, unity, and the consolidation of democracy in Taraba and Nigeria during this transitional period.

Alhaji Hammanadama Tukur, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pilgrims’ Affairs, mentioned that the intending pilgrims have been thoroughly educated on the guidelines and expectations for the Hajj. He stated that uniforms have been provided to the pilgrims to facilitate easy identification and minimize instances of missing persons during the pilgrimage.

Tukur expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his unwavering support and assured that the board is dedicated to ensuring a seamless Hajj experience. Meanwhile, board chairman Gambo Alhaji Malami appealed to the state government to augment the number of seats allocated to board members and technical staff, describing the current allocation as insufficient. He expressed hope that the government would adopt the National Hajj Commission’s standard of 44 pilgrims per official, aligning with practices in other states.

This unfortunate event cast a shadow over the farewell ceremony in Jalingo, as the community grapples with the loss of these pilgrims who had prepared for a spiritual journey.

Dr. Bayo Olugbemi, a prominent figure on the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has called on Christians to seize the potential offered by digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Regional Men’s Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Mount Zion Cathedral in Ibadan, he emphasized that these technologies provide pathways to financial independence and stability.

According to Olugbemi, there is a wealth of opportunities both within and outside church communities that believers can leverage for economic empowerment. He argued that embracing digital tools and AI could significantly reduce poverty rates if people actively pursue them.

“The digital space and artificial intelligence are brimming with possibilities,” Olugbemi stated. “We must not hesitate. Procrastination is a dream killer. Act now, today, because life demands risk-taking for survival and success.” He encouraged the audience to combine knowledge with decisive action, seek only genuine professionals for guidance, and put their whole hearts into their endeavors to inspire their generation.

Another speaker, social scientist Pastor Taiwo Babatope, emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare. “Don’t wait until you fall ill to see a doctor. Prevention is cheaper and better than cure,” he told the gathering, urging proactive health management.

Amnesty International has initiated a public investigation into the rising tide of gang violence and politically motivated thuggery in Kano State. This move comes after deadly assaults on May 5, 2026, which left at least five people dead in Kano and Gwarzo.

The organization, in a statement released on Saturday, confirmed that the probe is part of a broader effort to uncover those responsible for the attacks and to identify the politicians believed to be funding the violent groups commonly known as ‘Yan daba.

Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized that armed gangs linked to influential politicians and government officials are now a major threat to peace and human rights in the region. “The recent incidents of armed gangs working for certain prominent politicians and officials endanger the peace and fundamental rights of all Kano residents. The climate of fear is unacceptable,” Sanusi declared.

Amnesty International is calling on the public, civil society organizations, and families of victims to submit information through secure channels to aid the investigation and ensure accountability. Those found to be sponsoring or engaging in political violence should face consequences under both Nigerian and international law.

The group also urged Nigerian authorities, political parties, and politicians to consistently uphold the rule of law and protect lives and property before, during, and after political events. “The authorities and political actors must respect the rule of law at all times and ensure that lives and property are not endangered,” Sanusi added.

Looking ahead to future elections, Amnesty International called on politicians and parties to publicly distance themselves from the violent gangs that are terrorizing residents and undermining democratic processes. The organization warned that the escalating violence in Kano is eroding citizens’ ability to participate freely in social and political activities, and demanded urgent action to reverse this trend.

Sevilla manager Luis García Plaza expressed immense pride in Nigerian striker Akor Adams after his decisive contribution off the substitutes’ bench secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. The Super Eagles forward netted a stunning stoppage-time winner, sending the home crowd into raptures and lifting the club’s survival hopes in LaLiga.

Adams entered the fray during the second half and proved to be the game-changer, curling a magnificent shot into the bottom corner deep into added time to complete the comeback. The goal marked his ninth of the season, underlining his growing importance to Sevilla’s attack.

Earlier, Espanyol had taken the lead through Tyrhys Dolan after a defensive lapse from the hosts. However, Sevilla increased the pressure as the match wore on, forcing Espanyol to retreat. Their persistence paid off when Castrin leveled the score, setting the stage for Adams’ heroics.

In his post-match comments, García Plaza revealed his emotional reaction to the late winner. “I truly celebrated Akor’s goal. Although I have only been here for six games, I feel a strong connection with the team,” the Sevilla coach stated via the club’s official website. “The bench erupted in celebration, which is very significant. One must never stop believing. It was a testament to that.”

The victory provides a massive boost for Sevilla as they battle to distance themselves from the relegation zone in the final stretch of the campaign. Adams’ impactful display has further endeared him to supporters and demonstrated his knack for delivering in crucial moments.

García Plaza also highlighted the collective spirit shown by his side, noting that the team’s refusal to give up was key to securing the three points. The win moves Sevilla closer to safety, with Adams emerging as a pivotal figure in their fight for survival.