Category: News

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant vying for the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency seat in Bauchi State, Godfrey Manasseh Marti, has dismissed the results of the party’s primary election conducted on Sunday, asserting that no credible process occurred in the constituency.

During a press conference on Monday, Marti responded to the results announced by Ali Ibrahim, the chairman of the electoral committee. He stated that he was unfairly excluded despite meeting every requirement to participate.

Speaking under the banner “Unlawful Denial of Right to Participate in the PDP Primary for Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency,” Marti emphasized that he purchased the necessary nomination and expression of interest forms, submitted all required documents, and paid the fees within the stipulated period. However, his name was mysteriously removed from the list of cleared aspirants without any justification.

“I satisfied all constitutional and party prerequisites to contest. Yet my name was arbitrarily struck off the final list of cleared aspirants,” he stated.

Marti also alleged that no screening report was provided to explain his exclusion, calling it a violation of the PDP Constitution, the party’s electoral guidelines, and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to political participation.

He argued that this incident reflects a deeper pattern of exclusion within the constituency and urged for reforms to enhance fairness and internal democracy. The aspirant demanded an immediate reinstatement as a cleared contestant and called on the PDP National Working Committee to conduct an independent investigation into the screening and clearance process for the constituency.

Marti appealed to the party’s national leadership, including the National Working Committee (NWC), the Bauchi State PDP leadership, and the Board of Trustees, to intervene urgently, warning that unresolved issues could erode confidence in the party’s internal processes.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stressing that his actions were intended to strengthen the party, not weaken it. “This is not a fight against the party, but for the party. If we abandon our own rules, we lose the moral authority to lead,” he added.

Political gatherings in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area recently culminated in the endorsement of Senator Wasiu Eshilokun by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as their consensus choice for the Lagos Central Senatorial District in the upcoming 2027 elections.

During the party’s senatorial primary election held at Evans Square in Ebute Metta, Eshilokun, who currently holds the senate seat for Lagos Central, received the affirmation from party members. The event witnessed a robust turnout of supporters and security forces ensuring a calm and orderly proceeding.

Adisa Gbangbala, the APC Electoral Officer for Lagos Mainland, addressed attendees, commending the peaceful demeanor exhibited. He explained that Eshilokun’s selection came after thorough discussions and unanimous consent among key party figures and local government stakeholders.

Gbangbala also underscored the party’s dedication to inclusive governance and persistent democratic advancement for the community.

Kazeem Omolaja, the APC candidate for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, speaking at the event, highlighted that the overwhelming show of support for Eshilokun underscores his widespread approval and appeal within the party ranks.

Omolaja, who secured victory in the House of Representatives primary on Saturday, expressed gratitude to party members for their enduring confidence in APC’s leadership.

He stated his pleasure in demonstrating solidarity with Senator Eshilokun and the people of Lagos Mainland for entrusting the party with their electoral mandate.

The senatorial primary concluded without incident, with party leaders and supporters voicing confidence in APC’s strategic preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has delivered a fiery ultimatum to his political mentor turned rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, threatening to expose damaging secrets if the verbal attacks persist. In a widely shared video, the governor expressed exasperation with Kwankwaso’s repeated references to him as a ‘boy,’ a term he finds deeply disrespectful given their ages—Yusuf is 63, while Kwankwaso is 69.

Yusuf stated emphatically, ‘Tell them that they are talking too much. Enough is enough. If they don’t stop, I will open my mouth and it will smell like hell.’ This marks a significant shift for the governor, who had previously urged restraint among his supporters when it came to attacking his former godfather on social media. Since defecting to the All Progressives Congress, Yusuf had maintained a policy of silence regarding Kwankwaso.

The governor’s outburst signals an escalation in the ongoing political rift in Kano, which could intensify as both men vie for influence. The ‘boy’ remarks have clearly struck a nerve, and Yusuf’s warning suggests he is ready to retaliate if provoked further. Observers view this as a sign of more intense political maneuvering ahead.

Students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife have been instructed to return to campus and resume their studies starting Tuesday, May 19, 2026. This decision was confirmed through an internal memo issued by I. B. Aronkola, the Principal Assistant Registrar of the Senate Division, which was sent to all Faculty Deans.

The directive follows the conclusion of a three-week mid-semester break that was earlier approved by the university’s Senate. According to the memo, the break was put in place to allow the administration to resolve issues stemming from a recently introduced transportation system on campus.

During a special Senate meeting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Senate reviewed the situation that led to the suspension of academic activities. It was noted that the three-week pause was necessary to give the university leadership sufficient time to address the concerns raised by the new transport arrangement.

The Senate further acknowledged that all matters linked to the transportation issues had been satisfactorily resolved following discussions with key stakeholders. This development prompted the decision to resume academic activities immediately after the break.

In the memo, it was stated: “Senate agreed that students should resume on Tuesday, 19th May, 2026, and all academic activities would commence immediately.” The university community is now expected to return to normal operations as scheduled.

Daniel Bwala, an aide to President Bola Tinubu, has indicated that the recent elimination of a high-profile ISIS figure marks the beginning of a series of coordinated operations between the United States and Nigeria. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Bwala stated that increased military activities involving both nations are expected in the near future. He emphasized that such missions will become more frequent as the countries deepen their security collaboration.

The operation targeted Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). US President Donald Trump confirmed the killing on Friday, revealing that al-Minuki had been hiding in Nigeria. Bwala lauded the success, attributing it to the robust intelligence-sharing framework between the two countries. He noted that local intelligence forms the bedrock of such operations, while American military assets complement Nigeria’s capabilities.

When asked about the specific roles of US and Nigerian forces, Bwala explained that the partnership thrives on mutual strengths. “The foundation for intelligence is local,” he said, “but the US provides hardware that we currently lack. Our discussions have focused on leveraging these resources to combat terrorism effectively.” He added that the collaboration is expected to yield more victories against terrorist elements.

The interview has drawn attention to the growing security alliance between Washington and Abuja, with many analysts viewing it as a model for counterterrorism efforts in the region. Bwala’s comments come amid heightened vigilance against insurgent groups operating in the Sahel and West Africa. He reiterated that the government remains committed to rooting out terrorism through both national efforts and international partnerships.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has firmly announced that it will enforce the federal government’s policy requiring all prospective corps members to present a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). This directive was reiterated by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, during his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop in Abuja, themed ‘Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery.’

General Nafiu called on Corps Producing Institutions to adequately educate their students and ensure strict adherence to this requirement. He stressed that mobilization is not solely the NYSC’s responsibility and urged regulatory bodies, security agencies, and relevant ministries to provide support through policy guidance, capacity building, and enforcement of compliance standards.

The director-general stated, ‘When we work together, we make the transition from student to national service smoother, transparent, and credible for our prospective corps members. We must boldly confront obstacles and creatively devise lasting solutions to build a more accountable and efficient mobilization process.’

Earlier, NYSC Director of Corps Mobilization, Mrs. Rachel Ideawor, described the workshop as a crucial platform for collaboration between the scheme, producing institutions, and stakeholders. She acknowledged progress made in enhancing mobilization but stressed the need for further optimization across the entire value chain. Ideawor urged Student Affairs Officers to handle their duties with diligence and integrity, ensuring accurate information about prospective corps members.

Attendees included representatives from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Federal Ministry of Education, NERD, SIDMACH Technologies, and 266 Student Affairs Officers from various institutions nationwide.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) recently conducted a workshop for 31 academic staff at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State. The program focused on equipping lecturers with practical skills in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and digital research tools.

This one-day capacity-building event took place at the college campus and was designed to enhance academic research, transparency, and the verification of knowledge through modern technological approaches. Participants gained hands-on experience in using AI for scholarly work, managing data with digital tools, and understanding blockchain applications in higher education settings.

During the opening session, CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, who was represented by Communication Officer Ali Sabo, emphasized that the initiative aims to close the widening knowledge gap in emerging technologies within tertiary institutions across Northern Nigeria. He noted that the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, is the fourth institution to host the program, following Bayero University Kano, KHAIRUN University, and Baba Ahmed University.

According to CITAD’s research, fewer than ten percent of universities in the region currently offer courses related to blockchain or financial technology. Ya’u remarked, “Lagos is already gaining recognition as Africa’s innovation hub, while Northern Nigeria is still catching up. Through this program, we are bringing innovation directly to universities, helping them integrate these technologies into their curricula and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.”

Ali Sabo further explained that blockchain goes beyond financial transactions; institutions can use it to manage student records, monitor academic progress, and improve examination integrity. A facilitator and data analyst, Yusuf Babagana, pointed out that misconceptions about cryptocurrency have hindered awareness of blockchain among academics. “Some lecturers still view cryptocurrency as a scam, which stifles innovation. This workshop aims to dispel those myths and demonstrate how blockchain and fintech can drive societal development,” he said.

The college provost, Bashir Sabo Abubakar, declared the workshop open and lauded its importance in preparing lecturers for a technology-driven future. He described the event as more than just a training session—it is a strategic effort to build staff capacity and show how technology can transform teaching, research, and institutional administration.

Speaking on behalf of participants, Ali Abubakar Ali, president of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) FCE (T) Bichi chapter, commended CITAD for organizing the program, calling it timely and impactful. Several participants urged higher institutions across Northern Nigeria to prioritize digital innovation training to ensure that lecturers and students remain globally competitive in the evolving knowledge economy.

The Lagos State Government has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni as the new Medical Director of General Hospital, Gbagada. This move is part of the government’s ongoing strategy to enhance healthcare services in its public health facilities.

Dr. Oseni takes over from Dr. Babafemi Olusegun, who recently retired. The transition was marked by a formal welcome from the hospital’s management and staff, who expressed optimism about the new leadership.

Before this role, Dr. Oseni served at General Hospital, Isolo, where he was praised for his professionalism, administrative skills, and commitment to high-quality patient care. His track record in Isolo positioned him as a strong candidate to lead Gbagada General Hospital.

The hospital management described Dr. Oseni as well-equipped to continue the progress made by his predecessor. They highlighted his capability to drive the hospital’s mission of providing efficient, accessible, and patient-centered care to the community.

Staff and stakeholders have pledged their full support, assuring the public that the institution remains dedicated to delivering excellent healthcare under the new medical director.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has expressed outrage over remarks made by his former political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who referred to him as a ‘small boy.’ During a public address in Kano, Yusuf warned that he would start making statements Kwankwaso may not appreciate unless the former governor checks his tongue.

The dispute stems from an interview where Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate and ex-governor, accused Yusuf of betraying him and threatened to unseat him in the 2027 gubernatorial election. Yusuf, visibly annoyed, questioned the logic of a 69-year-old man calling a 63-year-old a boy. He noted that he had remained quiet out of respect but would not hesitate to speak up if provoked further.

Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of peace in Kano State but warned that continuous provocation would force him to respond. It is worth recalling that Yusuf initially won the 2023 election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern advisory urging residents to steer clear of purchasing or consuming decaying tomatoes, often referred to locally as ‘Ata Esha’, due to the significant health risks linked to mold-infested produce.

In a statement released by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), the agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, emphasized that tomatoes exhibiting white, green, or black fungal growth should be avoided entirely. These fungi can generate harmful substances like aflatoxins, which are known to cause severe liver damage and other critical health conditions.

Solebo clarified that the toxins present in spoiled tomatoes remain hazardous even after the fruit has been cooked, boiled, or fried, as heat does not necessarily neutralize them. ‘A person’s health is largely shaped by their dietary choices,’ Solebo remarked, urging consumers not to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of lower prices on compromised goods.

The agency further advised shoppers to thoroughly inspect food items before making purchases and to discard any visibly contaminated produce. Residents are also encouraged to report vendors selling unsafe, expired, or tainted products to the appropriate regulatory bodies responsible for public health, environmental safety, and consumer protection.

Solebo highlighted that consumers have both rights and duties, including the right to accurate product information, the responsibility to oppose unfair commercial practices, and the obligation to make environmentally conscious decisions. He disclosed that LASCOPA has deployed monitoring and enforcement teams across markets in Lagos State to apprehend traders involved in the sale of hazardous food items.