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  • Legendary Football Coach Christian Chukwu to be Honored at Service of Songs.

    Legendary Football Coach Christian Chukwu to be Honored at Service of Songs.

    By Doris Ewoh, Enugu

    The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation, has programmed a service of songs in honor of late football icon Christian Chukwu.

    The event, which is to be held on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, will take place at 4:30pm.

    The Service of Songs, being part of a week-long funeral program in celebration of the life and legacy of Christian Chukwu, a revered coach and former captain of the Nigeria National Football Team who passed away recently, is calling on family, friends, football legends, and fans to attend the solemn event featuring hymns, tributes, and reflections on his immense contributions to Nigerian sports.

    Christian Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He captained the national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 and led Enugu Rangers to multiple domestic and continental triumphs in the 1970s. As coach, he managed both Rangers and the Super Eagles, cementing his status as a national sports icon whose leadership, discipline, and passion left an indelible mark on Nigerian football.

    The approved programme of events for the funeral ceremony is as follows:

    *BURIAL PROGRAMME FOR LATE COACH CHRISTIAN CHUKWU (CON)*

    • Sunday, 10th August 2025
    Service of Songs
    Venue: St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu
    Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    • Wednesday, 13th August 2025
    Night of Tributes
    Venue: International Conference Centre, Enugu
    Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Thursday, 14th August 2025
    Colloquium: “Life and Times of Christian Chukwu, the Chairman”
    Venue: Enugu Sports Club, Enugu
    Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    • Friday, 15th August 2025
    Novelty Football Match
    Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
    Time: 9:00 AM

    Christian Wake
    Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State

    • Saturday, 16th August 2025
    Lying-in-State / Burial Ceremony
    Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA
    Time: 9:00 AM Prompt

    • Sunday, 17th August 2025
    Thanksgiving Service
    Venue: St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Obe
    Time: 10:00 AM

    Coach Christian Chukwu’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and Nigerians alike.

  • Appeal Court Upholds EFCC’s Interim Forfeiture Order on 14 Properties Linked to Yahaya Bello

    Appeal Court Upholds EFCC’s Interim Forfeiture Order on 14 Properties Linked to Yahaya Bello

    The Court of Appeal in Lagos has restored the interim forfeiture order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize 14 properties allegedly linked to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    Justice Yargata Nimpar who read the unanimous judgment which was delivered virtually on Wednesday, set aside a Federal High Court ruling that struck out the order and held that the lower court erred in law by relying on Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Section 308 of the Constitution grants immunity to sitting governors from civil and criminal proceedings.

    Justice Nimpar in restoring the preservation order held that immunity does not extend to properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, and such assets can be investigated and preserved pending the outcome of a forfeiture application.

    The other justices of the panel who concurred with decision are Justice Danlami Senchi and Justice Paul Bassi. They directed the EFCC to proceed to a final forfeiture hearing.

    In February 2023, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had granted an interim forfeiture order in favour of the EFCC.

    Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) who argued the ex parte application on behalf of the EFCC had told Justice Oweibo that the assets were suspected to be proceeds of crime.

    The judge granted the order which allowed the anti-graft agency to temporarily seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), which were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

    The court also directed the EFCC to publish the order in two national newspapers, and to invite interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Following the publication, Governor Bello filed a notice of intention to oppose the forfeiture and applied to vacate the interim order.

    Bello argued that the properties were acquired before his election as governor and therefore could not have been purchased with Kogi State funds.

    He invoked Section 308 of the Constitution, which grants immunity to sitting governors from civil and criminal proceedings, contending that the EFCC lacked the authority to institute any action against him while in office.

    His legal team further argued that the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022 could not be applied retrospectively, as the properties were allegedly acquired before the law came into effect.

    They further argued that EFCC’s action violated an order of a Kogi State High Court restraining the agency from investigating state accounts and that the Federal High Court in Lagos lacked jurisdiction, as the properties were located in Abuja, Kogi, and Dubai, while he resides in Lokoja.

    In response, the EFCC counsel asked the court to uphold the interim forfeiture order, arguing that no Nigerian court had barred the commission from carrying out its constitutional duties.

    He maintained that the properties, including a luxury apartment at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity. He also sought the forfeiture of an additional N400 million linked to the same investigation.

    The forfeiture order, which was earlier granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo on February 22, 2023, was subsequently lifted by him on April 26, 2023, on the ground that Section 308 of the Constitution protected a sitting governor from any civil or criminal proceedings.

    The judge concluded that the court lacked jurisdiction and struck out the case.

    Dissatisfied with the decision, the EFCC appealed, asking the Court of Appeal to restore the interim forfeiture order.

    In its judgment, delivered virtually, the appellate court agreed with the EFCC that such assets can be investigated and preserved pending the outcome of a forfeiture application.

    “The trial court erred in striking out the case rather than proceeding to determine whether the properties should be finally forfeited,” the court ruled.

    The Court of Appeal dismissed Bello’s preliminary objection as lacking merit, reinstated the interim forfeiture order, and directed the EFCC to proceed with the final forfeiture hearing. Channels TV

  • Remi Tinubu, Nonye Soludo Empower 1,000 Women in Anambra

    Remi Tinubu, Nonye Soludo Empower 1,000 Women in Anambra

    Wives of the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Anambra State Governor, Prof. ChukwumaSoludo; Senator OluremiTinubu and Dr. NonyeSoludo, respectively have jointly empowered 1,000 women in Anambra State.

    The empowerment came courtesy of the nationwide flag off of Renewed Hope Initiative and Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Empowerment Programme by Mrs. RemiTinubu.

    While Senator Tinubu had slated 500 women to benefit from the small business recapitalization grant in each state of the federation, Mrs. NonyeSoludo mapped out funds for additional 500 women in the state.

    The funds disbursement which took place at the new Government House, Light House, Awka, yesterday, witnessed massive attendance from indigent women who were empowered with N50,000 each as seed fund for their businesses.

    While disbursing the fund, Mrs. Soludo thanked the wife of the president for being diligent in helping and empowering indigent women around the country.

    She said: “It is a notable fact that when you empower a woman, you have empowered a family. I want to thank the wife of the president of Nigeria, Senator OluremiTinubu for constantly thinking of how to help women across Nigeria.

    “The money you are getting today is not for you to make new pot of soup but for you to put it in your businesses, and my belief is that God will bless it and it would cause your businesses to blossom.”

    She shared the story of an indigent women she had been earlier empowered to sell pap, and she expanded and added bean cake to her business and today she is effortlessly feeding her family.

    She also added additional N7,000 to all the beneficiaries for their transport, saying the additional money will aid them to transport themselves home without touching the seed fund which is meant to support their businesses.

    Speaking with journalists after the event, Mrs. Soludo said the beneficiaries were picked from various communities in the state, and that the target were mainly indigent women. ThisDay

  • Enugu Police Arraign Levi Obieze, Two Others Over Alleged Serial Kidnappings, Ritual Killings in Ezeagu

    Enugu Police Arraign Levi Obieze, Two Others Over Alleged Serial Kidnappings, Ritual Killings in Ezeagu

    The Police, on Wednesday, arraigned Mr. Obi Levi Obieze and two other suspects on a seven-count charge involving several incidents of kidnapping and murder in Umumba Ndiagu and environ in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State.

    The suspects were arraigned before His Worship, Osondu Chukwuani, Court 1, Enugu North, in Enugu, the state capital.

    Recall that Obieze, alias E dey play e dey show, was napped at the Badagry-Seme border area

    Through the concerted and collaborative efforts of the police, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other sister security agencies, while trying to flee Nigeria, following alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping and ritual killing that rocked the Umumba Ndiagu community in May this year.

    The charge sheet marked MEN/473c/2025 signed by the Prosecutor and Head of the Legal Team, Enugu State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Justice Attah Esq, read, “That you, Obi Levi Obieze, a.k.a Ozo Ezeani/E dey play e dey show (male), Sabastine Emeka Offor (male), Odinwamkpa Ejike (male), and others now at large, between the month of April, 2025 to 26th day of May, 2025, at about 1800hours at along Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Village, Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: kidnapping and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

    “That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Ukamaka, female, aged 13 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

    “That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Chimaobi Ezi, male, aged 15 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

    “That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Joy Miracle Udokamma , female, aged 31 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

    “That you… on or before the 21st day of May, 2025, at Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Village, Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

    “That you… on the same day, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Chimaobi Ezi, male, aged 15 years and thereby an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

    “That you… on the same day, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Joy Miracle Udokamma, female, aged 31 years and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge, following which the Magistrate ruled that the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, review their charges, and through the Enugu State Jurisdiction, recommend a higher court since Magistrate Courts had no jurisdiction to try such capital offences.

    He adjourned the matter to 20th of August and ordered that the accused by remanded in prison custody.

    The arraignment is in line with Governor Peter Mbah Administration’s zero tolerance for crime in the state and the governor’s vow to ensure that justice prevails in the matter.

    It is also recalled that the Administration had earlier demolished Levi Obieze’s country home earlier in May in line with the extant laws of Enugu State regarding any property linked to kidnapping.

    In June, Governor Mbah equally transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly to checkmate criminal activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related persons in the state.

    The proposed legislation entitled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order”, also outlaws money rituals otherwise known as ‘okite’ and criminal bulletproof charms, otherwise known as ‘odeshi.’

  • Mbah Flags Off Enugu Sustainable Food Distribution to the Vulnerable

    Mbah Flags Off Enugu Sustainable Food Distribution to the Vulnerable

    …Beneficiaries Laud Initiative

    The governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has flagged off the state’s Sustainable Food Distribution Programme, an intervention aimed at providing locally produced food items to vulnerable households for 12 consecutive months.

    Performing the flag-off at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Tuesday, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the programme, one of the bold initiatives of the Enugu State Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Office, would start with 500 households, which will be expanded to fight hunger and improve nutrition among the poor in the state.

    He, however, said his administration was aware that sustainable food security could not be achieved through seasonal interventions, hence the government’s long-term systems through huge investments in agriculture, empowering small-scale farmers through training, provision of agro-inputs, agricultural grants, and investing in systems that mitigate the effects of climate change.

    He added that food insecurity was one of the most stubborn contemporary challenges, which affected over 735 million people worldwide in 2020, according to the United Nations.

    “But as a responsible and responsive government, we believe that no citizen of the state should go to bed hungry. This is not just a political obligation; it is a moral one.

    “So, the Sustainable Food Distribution Programme is more than just a palliative measure. It is a structured, strategic, and sustainable response to food insecurity,” he said.

    “We are empowering rural farmers and food producers by integrating them into our supply chain, partnering with communities, community leaders, clergy, civil society organisations, and private sector actors to ensure transparency, equity, and efficiency in distribution; and most importantly, we are aligning this intervention with the SDGs, specifically Goal 2, which speaks to zero hunger; Goal 1, which speaks to no poverty; Goal 10, to reduced inequality; and finally Goal 17, which talks about partnership for these goals,” he explained.

    He commended the Enugu State SDGs Office, led by the SDG Focal Person and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma; private sector partners, Sapphire Ceramics Nigeria Limited, Jenew Homes Nig. Ltd., Enugu East LG Council, among others, for making the event a reality.

    In her address, Engr. Akubuilo-Okpalanma said the food distribution programme was “deeply symbolic of the collective commitment to ending hunger, promoting inclusive wellbeing, and improving nutrition among our vulnerable.”

    She thanked Governor Mbah for his support for the SDGs in policy and in practice.

    Highlights of the event were the distribution of rice, beans, potatoes, groundnut oil, salt, soap, and other condiments to the beneficiaries.

    The beneficiaries, who received the items, prayed that God would continue to guide the Governor to realise his vision of eradicating poverty and hunger from the state in eight years.

    A beneficiary, Mrs. Ngozi Uzo, said, “It is only somebody who goes to the market to buy food that will understand what the Governor has done for us. And we will be coming every month to collect free food items for another 11 months. It is not a small thing that he has done for us. I am happy, and God will bless him and the people that organised it.”

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Cordelia Chidiobe, thanked Governor Mbah for his good work in Enugu State, praying God to “bless him and give him more wisdom to continue doing good for us in Enugu State.”

    Mrs. Susan Ezeh also thanked Governor Mbah and prayed that God would help him to do more good works in the state.

    Goodwill messages were presented by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Beloved Anike, represented by Dr. Mrs. Happiness Obi-Anike; the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Prof Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli (represented), and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by Dr. Mrs. Ify Nnamchi-Ukaegbu.

  • Anambra LP Guber Candidate, Moghalu, Congratulates Fr. Ebube Muonso on His 14th Priestly Anniversary

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    The Anambra State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, George Moghalu, has congratulated Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chibuzor Obimma ( Ebube Muonso), on the occasion of his 14th priestly anniversary.

    In a statement personally signed by Moghalu and made available to newsmen, he lauded the priest for speaking truth to power.

    Moghalu noted that the priest had become a moral compass and wished him well.

    The full statement reads:

    Today, I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chibuzor Obimma ( Ebube Muonso), as he marks 14 glorious years of priestly service and unshakable devotion in the vineyard of the Most High.

    For over a decade, you have remained a steadfast soldier of Christ lifting the banner of faith, hope, and salvation high. Yours is a voice that echoes across the land fearless, bold, and uncompromising in the face of evil.

    You speak truth to power. You comfort the afflicted. You are the voice of the voiceless, the defender of the poor, and a lighthouse for the broken and forgotten. Your ministry is a testament to divine purpose, and your life, a symbol of spiritual courage in a time that desperately needs it.

    On this special anniversary, I thank you personally—for your wise counsel, your fervent prayers, and your unrelenting spiritual support. You have remained a moral compass and a spiritual shield to many, including myself.

    As you celebrate this sacred milestone, may heaven continue to fortify your mission, deepen your anointing, and expand your impact. May your voice never grow faint, and may your altar never lack fire.

    Happy 14th Priestly Anniversary, Ebube Muonso. May God’s grace continue to overshadow you.

    — Dr. George Moghalu
    Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Anambra State

  • Notorious Bandit Kingpin,Turji Bello, Reportedly Frees 32 Hostages

    The notorious bandit kingpin terrorising the North-west zone, Bello Turji, has finally reached a truce with cleric mediators, Asadus-Sunnah, and released no fewer than 32 hostages in his custody.

    The bandit leader also surrendered some of his arms to mediators and reportedly pledged to halt attacks on farmers in the zone. The surrendering of arms by the bandit kingpin followed a series of peace talks led by Islamic clerics, known as Asadus-Sunnah. This development  has raised hopes of calmness and peace in a region long plagued by deadly violence and mass abductions.

    Sheikh Yusuf, leader of the clerical delegation, revealed this during a religious gathering held on Monday in Kaduna State.

    According to him, the engagement with Turji took place during  three separate meetings in July, deep within the Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

    He stressed that his delegation was invited by residents of Shinkafi who were desperate to access their farmlands without fear of violence.

    The clerics met with Turji and other key terrorist figures in the area, including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila.

    Meanwhile, contrary to earlier rumours, Yusuf confirmed that Dan Bakkolo is alive.

    According to him, “These are the men responsible for terrorising the Shinkafi axis. They all agreed to the peace proposal, one of which required them to surrender part of their weapons to demonstrate commitment.”

    The disarmament process reportedly happened in three phases, and in exchange, residents were granted safe passage to their farmlands in and around the forest.

    The deal also included an agreement to ensure that Fulani people could safely enter towns without fear of reprisals from local vigilance groups.

    Turji freed 32 kidnap victims, many of whom had been held for about four months. According to Yusuf, some of the female hostages gave birth in captivity, while one victim suffered a snake bite before being released.

    A video clip shown during the gathering revealed the difficult terrain the victims crossed to reach safety.

    Yusuf said the peace initiative had already produced tangible results, with relative calm returning to the Shinkafi axis.

    Farmers,  who for months were unable to access their fields, are now cultivating crops without fear of abduction.

    Explaining why the bandit leader was not prevailed upon to surrender all weapons in his armories, Yusuf noted that the effort is still a work in progress as the clerics deliberately stopped short of asking Turji to surrender all his weapons, adding that doing so could make him vulnerable to rival armed groups that are not part of the current peace process.

    Yusuf said: “This is a gradual process. Our aim is lasting peace, but we must move with wisdom.”

    He also cautioned fellow Islamic clerics against making inflammatory remarks about Turji on social media, warning that such actions could sabotage the fragile peace initiative.

    Acknowledging that Turji’s agreement alone would not end all terrorist activities in Zamfara, the cleric stressed that the communities under his control are already experiencing a level of safety that had been absent for years.

    He also applauded President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Shehu Buba (Senator) for backing non-military strategies to resolve the crisis.

    In a separate video message, Turji reiterated his call for an end to attacks on Fulani communities by both security forces and local vigilance groups.

    He asserted that “Peace will remain elusive in Zamfara until the killings of our people stops.” ThisDay

  • Nkanu West Council Chairman Receives NDE Officials, Leads Enrollment Drive For Vocational, Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition

    Nkanu West Council Chairman Receives NDE Officials, Leads Enrollment Drive For Vocational, Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition

    The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has called on the people of Nkanu West to enroll as beneficiaries in the vocational and entrepreneurial skills program of the National Directorate of Employment.

    Ogbodo made the call when he received the officials of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, led by the Enugu State Coordinator, Mr. Oluka Godwin, during a courtesy visit to him at the council headquarters.

    Speaking during the courtesy visit, the State Coordinator, Oluka Godwin, stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally inform the Executive Chairman of the ongoing registration exercise for individuals interested in acquiring vocational and entrepreneurial skills under the agency’s training programmes.

    Oluka explained that the registration was targeted at locals within the Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency who were willing to be trained in various skill areas as part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance among citizens.

    He stated that in the past, similar interventions had been carried out and the participants resettled after the training.

    Noting that the challenge of unemployment could only be solved through a partnership among the Federal, State and Local governments, Oluka sought the support and participation of the local government to ensure its success.

    Responding, the Council Chairman welcomed the NDE team and assured them of the council’s support in ensuring a smooth and successful registration and training process.

    He also commended the initiative as a step in the right direction toward youth empowerment and economic development in the local government, noting that it was in line with the target of the Dr. Peter Mbah led administration of Enugu State, to achieve a zero poverty headcount, a target he stressed that his local government administration had already keyed into.

    Ogbodo also recalled other human capacity interventions which had been undertaken by his administration since he assumed office, reminding that the latest was a capacity hands-on training involving a collaboration with Potters Wheel and the Enugu State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

    Those present during the visit were the Local Government Secretary, Prince Barr. Onochie Igwesi and an Aide to Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji (Member Representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency), Mike Udo.

    The registration exercise is scheduled as follows:

    DAY 1:Thursday, August 7, 2025

    Wards: Akegbe Ugwu 1, Akegbe Ugwu 2, Agbani, Akpugo 2, Amurri, Umueze and Ozalla.

    DAY 2: Friday, August 8, 2025

    Wards: Obuoffia, Akpugo 1, Akpugo 3, Akpugo 4, Akpugo 5, Amodu and Obe.

    Venue: Nkanu West Local Government Headquarters

    Time: 9:00 AM Daily

     

  • Kano: Commissioner resigns over controversy on drug baron’s bail

    Kano: Commissioner resigns over controversy on drug baron’s bail

    The Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Namadi, has resigned from his position just hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the report of the investigative committee probing his involvement in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.

    It will be recalled that Namadi bailed the suspected drug baron and was also accused of receiving a substantial amount of US dollars.

    However, in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Commissioner explained that his decision to resign was made in the overriding public interest and the light of the sensitive nature of the matter.

    It was added that, “This development is regarded as a significant step in the administration’s ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency, and public accountability.

    “As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sales and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step, painful as it may be.
    ‎
    ‎”While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built.”
    ‎
    Namadi, after his resignation, expressed his appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, reaffirming his dedication to the principles of good governance and responsible leadership.
    ‎
    Kano Transportation Commissioner further stated that” I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state. I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office.”
    ‎
    The statement read: “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has graciously accepted the resignation and wished the former Commissioner success in his future endeavours.

    “He also reiterated his administration’s unwavering stance on justice, discipline, and the fight against drug-related crimes and social vices affecting the youth and the broader society.

    “The Governor, therefore, stressed the need for all political appointees to always reason with caution on sensitive matters and obtain permission from the higher authority anytime they are about to engage themselves on issues of public interest.” Tribune

  • Tinubu Assents to Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill 2025

    Tinubu Assents to Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill 2025

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill, 2025—a landmark legislation to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector and accelerate the nation’s march toward a $1 trillion economy.

    The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 repeals and consolidates several outdated insurance laws into a single, modern legal framework. The new Act provides for comprehensive regulation and supervision of all insurance and reinsurance businesses operating within Nigeria.

    This development reaffirms the administration’s commitment to financial stability, economic development, and inclusive growth.

    The NIIRA Act 2025 ushers in a new era of transparency, innovation, and global competitiveness for the insurance industry. It aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy.

    As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Insurance Sector, the Act introduces critical measures such as:

    1. Stringent capital requirements to ensure the financial soundness of operators;

    2. Enforcement of compulsory insurance policies to enhance consumer protection;

    3. Digitisation of the insurance market to improve access and efficiency;

    4. Zero tolerance for delays in claims settlement;

    5. Creation of dedicated policyholder protection funds, especially in cases of insolvency;

    6. Expanded participation in regional insurance schemes, including the ECOWAS Brown Card System.

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is mandated to administer and implement the provisions of the NIIRA 2025 in a manner that unlocks the industry’s full potential and significantly improves insurance penetration across the country.

    The reform introduced by the new law is expected to catalyse new investments, boost consumer confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading insurance hub in Africa.

  • Nwifuru Lifts Suspension of 81 Government Officials

    Nwifuru Lifts Suspension of 81 Government Officials

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State
    The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has lifted the suspension of 81 government officials.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Monday Uzor, the governor directed the commissioners, senior special assistants, special assistants, and permanent secretaries who were suspended on the 28th of July, 2025, to resume official duties immediately.

    Governor Nwifuru last month suspended the government officials.

    Among those affected in the wave of suspension are the Attorney General, 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, including 14 senior special assistants, and 24 special assistants.

    The officials had failed to attend an important government function. The commissioners and other political appointees were asked to proceed on a one-month working suspension with immediate effect, without salary payment.

    The suspended commissioners were: Attorney General, Works, Finance, Information, Rural Development, Education, Agriculture, Water Resources, Commerce and Industry, Environment, Health, Arts and Culture, among others.

    Governor Nwifuru also directed that the affected commissioners and other political appointees are prohibited from signing any official document within one month of their working suspension.

  • Tinubu okays N4.2bn grant for 158 research projects in universities

    Tinubu okays N4.2bn grant for 158 research projects in universities

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the award of N4,249,626,817.69 grant for the funding of 158 research projects under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) 2024 Grant Cycle.

    The approval followed the report of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) which recommended the funding of the 158 research proposals after a rigorous screening exercise which commenced with the receipt of 6,944 Concept Notes from various researchers.

    Director, Public Affairs, TETFund, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, conveyed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    A breakdown of the approval indicated that the sum of N2,349,951,630.43 was approved for the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group; N1,028,966,204.32 for Humanities and Social Science (HSS), while Cross Cutting (CC) received N870,708,982.94.

    According to the statement, the beneficiary institutions with the highest number of awards include the Federal University of Technology, Minna with a total of 15 awards amounting to N400,035,708.51; Ahmadu Bello University with 13 awards totaling N359,809,744.18, and Federal University of Technology, Akure with 12 awards at N341,608,592.80. Others are Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11 awards at N256,350,698.80; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi with 10 awards at N273,406,318.80 and University of Ilorin with 8 awards totaling N220,538,834.12.

    Oniyangi added that the approved research works include Development of Sustainable Eco-Friendly Walling System for Low-Cost Housing in the Rural Communities of Nigeria; Development of hybrid cubic fertilizer using plant based binders for efficient nutrient release and utilization; Development of an Intelligent Aerial Robotics System for Efficient Weed and Disease Management in Maize-Cowpea Farmland in Nigeria; Development of an Artificial Intelligence-Enable Internet of Medical Things for Military Physiological Monitoring and Activity Recognition System at War Zone, and Development of a Novel Intelligent Electrical Energy Management Metering among others

    The National Research Fund (NRF) Grant was introduced by TETFund to encourage cutting-edge research which explore research areas relevant to societal needs of Nigeria such as power and energy, health, security, agriculture, employment and wealth creation etc., in line with its mandate.

    The intervention has received additional impetus under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a veritable tool to grow the economy and improve the standards of living of the Nigerian people.

    Similarly, the Federal Government has approved the award of contracts for the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in TETFund Beneficiary Institutions across the six geo-political zones of the country in the 2024 Intervention of the Fund.

    The Hubs would provide Core Labs/Workstation to cover Electronic Lab, 3D Printing Lab, Laser Technology Lab, Product Design Lab, Robotics and Coding, Artificial Intelligence, among others.

    Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi explained that the project is intended to facilitate and accelerate the uptake of promising research output, providing solution-driven and multidisciplinary hubs tailored towards the needs of Beneficiary Institutions where ideas and research findings can be domesticated and transformed into solutions for the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.

    “Still in support of the creation of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres, the Federal Government has also approved the allocation of funds under the 2025 Intervention to 15 TETFund Beneficiary Institutions. The institutions are Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo and University of Ibadan with an allocation of N1 billion each.

    “Others are Federal Polytechnic Bida; Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo; Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola; Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru; Kano State Polytechnic, Kano; Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi; Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aliebiri; Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, College of Education (Technical) Kabba and Enugu State College of Education (Technical) Enugu with allocations of N750 million each,” he stated.