Author: Nouman Ali

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the claim by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ?1 billion to bandits.

El-Rufai made the allegation during a Channels Television interview, but the government described it as baseless and intended to undermine the state’s ongoing security progress.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said the claim was ‘a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,’ accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public.

The government criticised El-Rufai for ‘recklessly weaponising sensitive security matters for political grandstanding,’ saying such conduct is unbecoming of a former leader.

Shu’aibu stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid ransom to any criminal group.

‘Not one naira. Not one kobo,’ he stated, noting that the Governor has repeatedly clarified this in media engagements and stakeholder meetings.

The statement referenced the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with national security protocols. ONSA has maintained that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.

Outlining its security strategy, the government said it is pursuing a community-focused model anchored on enhanced military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

‘The State engages communities, not bandits,’ the statement emphasised.

Grassroots organisations, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, also rejected El-Rufai’s claim, describing it as misleading and untrue. The group faced some of the state’s toughest security challenges during his tenure.

The government further pointed to past allegations raised by senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration suggesting he used public funds to appease certain groups, calling his current accusations ‘deeply paradoxical.’

Since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising affected communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust across ethnic and religious divides.

The statement challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence-such as bank records, memos, or security correspondence-if he has any. It added that a similar allegation he made in September 2025 ‘collapsed under scrutiny’ after no proof was provided.

The government demanded that El-Rufai withdraw the claim and issue an unreserved public apology within one week, warning that failure to do so may compel the State to pursue legal action ‘to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.’

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by ‘politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.’

A major relief came the way of the 2024/2025 victims of the inferno incidents in Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas of Delta State, as the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Chiedu Ebie, on behalf of the Commission presented financial support and palliatives to them recently.

Organised by the Commission in collaboration with the UsFirst Charity Foundation, the presentation took place at the Vienna Arena Event Centre, Boji Boji Agbor.

Speaking at the event, Ebie stressed that the NDDC Board is pro-people as such would continue to actualise its mandate to the people.

According to him, the Commission’s gesture was part of its renewed drive to respond to the needs of people affected by natural or man-made disasters in the Niger Delta region.

Ebie pointed out that the new leadership and management of NDDC remain committed to serving the greater good of the greater number of Niger Deltans.

‘We are here today to say to the victims, ‘sorry for your loss, wipe your tears.’ This token is our way of identifying with you and easing the pain of your losses. ‘The new NDDC is about people, compassion and accountability,’ he assured.

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has emerged as one of the standout performers in the UEFA Champions League league phase, topping the Player of the Match standings with three awards, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to the latest UEFA data, the Galatasaray striker sits ahead of some of Europe’s biggest names as he continues to deliver decisive performances on the continental stage.

Osimhen claimed his three accolades in Galatasaray’s victories over Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt, and Ajax. His impact has been particularly profound, underscored by a brilliant hat-trick against Ajax and influential goal contributions in earlier fixtures.

His consistency in front of goal has propelled him to the top of the Champions League scoring chart, where he currently leads with six goals.

A group of elite European players follow closely behind with two Player of the Match awards each. Those in pursuit include Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane, Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram, Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes and Pafos defender Derrick Luckassen.

WhyteCleon Limited, a leading HR consulting and outsourcing firm, yesterday staged the Cleon Health Walk 2025, a major fitness and medical awareness campaign aimed at tackling the rising cases of diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) among Nigerians.

The event featured free medical tests, a health lecture, aerobics sessions, and a community fitness walk that recorded an impressive turnout.

Speaking at the event, the company’s General Manager (Operations), Mr. Yakubu Wuyep, said the initiative was designed not only to promote healthy living but also to strengthen unity, encourage employee engagement, and raise public consciousness about preventable health challenges.

‘We aim to achieve a plethora of things with just this one event,’ Wuyep said. ‘We want to promote unity, networking, and most importantly, bring to public awareness the prevailing health issues. This year, from the medical records of our staff, diabetes and high blood pressure have emerged as common ailments. We want people to consciously live healthy lives so these ailments don’t take them by surprise.’

He explained that diabetes and hypertension were specifically selected for the campaign due to their growing frequency among the company’s workforce.

‘Many of our people have been visiting hospitals, and the results kept pointing to these two conditions. So we felt the need to create awareness, asking people to watch what they eat and be intentional about healthy living,’ he said.

More than 2,000 participants-including staff, partners, and friends of the company-took part in the awareness event.

On arrival, participants received free blood pressure and blood glucose checks before engaging in the fitness activities. The programme also featured a health talk by medical practitioner Dr. Kolade Faleke, who stressed the dangers of inactivity and the increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Nigeria.

‘Hypertension is highly prevalent in Nigeria,’ Dr. Faleke explained. ‘One major cause is inactivity. Many of us spend long hours at work with little physical exercise. Scientific studies have shown that exercise helps curb and manage both hypertension and diabetes. This walk is a good start, but the key is to make exercise a continuous lifestyle.’

The health walk commenced at 10:29 a.m. from Bendel Close, moving through Bishop Aboyade Street to Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Akin Adesola Street, Muri Okunola Park, Adeola Hopewell Street, Akinogun Savage Street, and back to Adetokunbo Ademola to finish at Bendel Close at 11:42 a.m.

Security was fully coordinated, with support from LASTMA and the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring crowd control, orderly movement, and safety throughout the walk.

Cleon Health Walk is a biannual initiative, and according to Wuyep, this year marks its third edition in the current biannual cycle. Whyte Cleon has hosted the event since 2015, further cementing the company’s commitment to corporate wellness and employee engagement.

‘We want people to network, bond, and realize that the company truly cares for them,’ Wuyep added. ‘This is also an employee engagement activity. After today, we hope people become more conscious about healthy diets, regular exercise, and general well-being.’

Wuyep also encouraged staff members who could not attend to make a strong effort to participate in future editions.

‘There will always be a few who can’t make it, but our advice is that they join next time to benefit from the essence of the programme.’

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that 50 pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, have escaped from their abductors and reunited with their parents.

Reverend Yohanna, who is the Proprietor of the school, disclosed that the students escaped between Friday and Saturday but were unable to return to the school.

The development came to light when some parents informed the school of their children’s safe return, while school staff discovered others during visits to families.

Providing an update on the school’s population, Yohanna said the primary section has 430 pupils, including 377 boarders and 53 non-boarders.

The total number of secondary students is still being verified, as many records were destroyed during the abduction.

‘Currently, aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and returned home, 141 pupils were not taken. As it stands, 236 pupils remain in captivity, along with three children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 members of staff,’ Yohanna stated.

It was previously reported by the Principal, Rev. Sr. Felicia Gyang, that the bandits initially targeted the primary school dormitory. To protect other students, the principal and fellow sisters guided secondary school pupils into nearby bushes to evade the abductors.

Yohanna, who also serves as Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for prayers for the safe and speedy release of the remaining abducted children and adults.

‘As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims. I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.’

However, in a related development, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the incident as more of a scare and of missing people rather than a kidnapping, stressing that it was quick to conclude that it was a case of abduction and for any figures to have been revealed.

‘Yes, there was a scare, sporadic gunshots, and the children ran because they were targeted. And from the Google imagery, there was no mass movement of people, but people running up and down’, he said.

He, however, confirmed that some of the children have been found and reunited with their families, adding that efforts are being intensified to find the rest soon.

Speaking on TVC News Live at 10 pm on Saturday, the Governor sought calm from all residents of the state over the incident, assuring that security agencies are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure the children are rescued unhurt.

He also stressed that the incident was avoidable, stating that it is not the time for a blame game but to correct all mistakes, get the children back, reunite them with their families, and forge ahead.

He again applauded the federal government for tremendous support, especially in terms of personnel and equipment to aid in surveillance and rescue operations.

There is a need for unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa to foster cultural preservation, economic empowerment, social cohesion and national integration, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, has said.

Adams explained that such unity would also help with economic and political empowerment, as a united Yoruba community in South Africa can better advocate for its interests, access resources, and participate effectively in socio-political and economic activities both locally and in relation to Nigeria.

Adams made the call while speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), South African chapter.

He stressed that unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa will help safeguard and promote Yoruba cultural practices, language, festivals, and traditions in the diaspora.

Such collective effort, he noted, will ensure that Yoruba heritage remained vibrant and is passed down to future generations despite being away from the homeland.

‘Unity fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among Yoruba people in South Africa. It facilitates mutual support, cooperation, and collective action in addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by the diaspora community,’ Adams said.

Speaking on the essence of teaching children of Nigerians in the diaspora their indigenous language, Adams said the importance was multifaceted and deeply significant culturally and educationally. He encouraged the Yoruba communities in South Africa not to fail in this parental responsibility.

‘Teaching Yoruba to children of Nigerians abroad helps preserve their cultural identity and heritage. It connects them to their roots, traditions, values, and history, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in their Nigerian and Yoruba ancestry,’ he added.

In his address, the host and National Coordinator, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) South Africa, Chief Kayode Orenisi, said the 10th year anniversary celebration of OPU South Africa was a celebration of a decade of impact, unity, and progress.

‘This is a celebration of 10 years of carrying the torch of Yoruba heritage, 10 years of promoting our values, and 10 years of standing together as one big family in the diaspora.

‘When we began this journey, our goal was simple but powerful: to preserve our culture, uplift one another, and represent the Yoruba nation with dignity and pride anywhere we find ourselves. Today, by God’s grace, we can proudly say we have stayed true to that vision,’ he added.

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development while advocating for energy security and industrialisation.

Speaking at the University of Ibadan’s alumni homecoming over the weekend, Managing Director and CEO of Renaissance, Tony Attah, emphasised that Nigeria’s economic growth hinges on addressing energy poverty and effectively leveraging the country’s oil and gas resources.

Attah, who delivered the university’s Distinguished Alumni Lecture titled ‘Energy, Security and Economic Sustainability: The Role of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector in National Development,’ described energy and economic growth as inseparable.

He highlighted that energy security would create economic opportunities capable of transforming millions of lives.

According to Attah, Renaissance emerged as a company born out of necessity, aiming to lead the way in positioning Nigeria at the forefront of African industrialisation and development.

He said, ‘With Renaissance, it’s a new beginning in Nigeria and we are focused on just what we need to do to rally the necessary support from private and government stakeholders to frontally address energy poverty that has plagued us for decades’.

Attah was earlier received at the Faculty of Technology by the Dean, Prof. Isaac Bamgboye, and other principal officers of the faculty.

The homecoming event witnessed the inauguration of a state-of-the-art synthetic mini football pitch donated by Renaissance and its joint venture partners – NNPC Limited, TotalEnergies, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources.

Attah described the pitch, named ‘Renaissance JV Arena’, as a lasting ‘symbol of excellence, vision, and commitment to youth and community development within the university,’ by the joint venture partners.

On a personal level, Attah sponsored the renovation of the university’s Independence Hall reading rooms, where he had spent some time as a young undergraduate. He also teamed up to support the ‘Light Up U.I. Project’, a solar-powered streetlights scheme donated by the Renaissance U.I. Alumni.

One of the highlights of the Friday event was the conferment of an Award of Excellence on Attah, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the oil and gas industry, leadership in sustainable energy development, and commitment to education and community empowerment.

The Gombe State Police Command has described as false reports of an attack on the ECWA Church, Kashere, in the Akko Local Government Area.

Spokesman for the command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, dismissed the report in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the police, upon seeing the claim, reached out to an elder of the church who dismissed the reported attack as a total falsehood.

Abdullahi said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Pindiga and the Officer in Charge of the Kashere Police Outstation were the ones who immediately reached out to one of the church elders.

‘The elder, who was physically present in the church during the second segment of the Hausa service, confirmed that no such incident occurred. He also acknowledged that police officers were at the church premises throughout the day, protecting part of the routine security coverage.

‘The command views the circulation of such false information as irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary panic among the public. The source of this misinformation will be thoroughly investigated with a view to taking appropriate action.

‘Members of the public are advised to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Gombe State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state,’ said Abdullahi.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, describing his leadership as an inspiration to Nigerians as the revered monarch marks his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary.

President Tinubu spoke on Sunday at the celebration of the dual milestones of Oba Adejugbe’s 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his coronation, in Ado-Ekiti.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the celebration, President Tinubu said the twin milestones were a moment of pride not only for Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State, but for the entire nation, which holds the monarch in deep respect for his wisdom, dignity, and service.

According to a statement issued by special adviser to the SGF on media and publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President noted that the Ewi stool, one of the oldest and most respected traditional thrones in Yorubaland, embodies centuries of guardianship, order, and cultural continuity.

He added that Oba Adejugbe has upheld and elevated these values with ‘uncommon grace and distinction’ throughout his 35 years on the throne.

‘For more than three decades, Oba Adejugbe has embodied these sacred responsibilities with distinction. Under his reign, Ado-Ekiti has witnessed sociocultural renewal, strengthened communal harmony, and closer engagement with government institutions,’ the President said.

Tinubu lauded the monarch’s advocacy for education, youth empowerment, peace-building, and the preservation of Ekiti’s moral and cultural heritage, noting that these qualities had earned him admiration far beyond the state.

Describing the 80th birthday as ‘a remarkable milestone’ marked by memories of service and dignity, President Tinubu said it offered a moment to honour a royal father whose influence had strengthened national unity and enriched Nigeria’s cultural fabric.

‘His Imperial Majesty has not only preserved the prestige of the Ewi stool, he has elevated it, demonstrating the highest ideals of integrity, humility, courage, and patriotic commitment,’ he said.

Ahead of the grand finale of celebrations on November 23, 2025, the President, through the SGF, prayed for God to grant the monarch renewed strength and long life.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s deep respect for the Ewi’s contributions to peace, unity, and national development.

Senator Akume also extended congratulations to the royal family, the Ado-Ekiti Traditional Council, and the people of Ekiti, describing Oba Adejugbe as a monarch whose life ‘continues to illuminate the path of justice, wisdom, and communal progress.’

‘We celebrate not just the age of 80, but a reign that has deepened the cultural dignity of Ekiti and captured the admiration of a grateful nation,’ he said.

The initiative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has empowered 1,000 market women in four Local Government Areas of Osun State with business grants to tackle poverty and improve small-scale trading.

The initiative, tagged Ilerioluwa, which is sponsored by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus, is the fifth edition in the series.

Badmus said, ‘For this fifth edition, over 1,000 women have benefited from Oyetola’s empowerment initiative. We have other strata of the empowerment scheme, which we target: admission seekers, youths, women, the aged, and the vulnerable in our society.

‘As one of the mentees of the Minister, I have learnt that he prioritises people’s welfare even when he was the governor of Osun State. He used to feed thousands of households monthly. From what he has taught us, I commenced the initiative after the government in his name.’

He explained that, ‘The major aim of this programme is to give back to society. It is organised for residents of Osun State across the federal constituency, which comprises four councils, to encourage women involved in small-scale businesses by providing grants to support their ventures.

‘This is the fifth edition, and over 1,000 individuals are benefiting from the initiative. Plans are underway to increase the number.’

The NPA boss, speaking, boasted that the unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State, will not be threatened after the December 13th, 2025, governorship primary among the aspirants.

He said, ‘APC has its own mechanism to maintain the unity of the party. I am confident that the party leadership is working diligently to ensure that all gubernatorial aspirants are united before, during, and after the primary.’

The pioneer Field Commander of Osun State Amotekun, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, said, ‘Since Oyetola left government in 2022, his organisation, Ilerioluwa, is the only political group that attends to the needs and welfare of the people of the state individually.’