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Dr Amina Kundiri, Director-General of the National All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG), has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill currently before it.

This was contained in a statement issued by NAWA-ORG’s National Publicity Secretary, Evelyn Onyilo, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill proposes the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

Specifically, it calls for 37 new Senate seats-one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory-and 37 additional seats in the House of Representatives.

According to the statement, Kundiri made the appeal during a roundtable dialogue held in Abuja.

She said the passage of the bill would significantly increase the number of women in parliament and promote equity, fairness, and justice.

Kundiri noted that the organisation would continue to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, both locally and globally, to break down barriers and promote inclusiveness.

‘If passed and signed into law, the bill will increase the number of women in parliament, thereby bridging the gender gaps and disparities in governance.

‘It will also enhance women’s participation in governance and make their voices heard,’ she stated.

Kundiri commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their ongoing support of gender equity in governance.

Similarly, the President of the Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, Attahiru Ibrahim, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the inclusion of women and youth in all spheres of national development.

Attahiru noted that women have long been marginalised in Nigeria’s political and governance landscape.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Youth Group, Dr Hadiza Jamilu, cautioned young people against being used as political thugs and urged them to desist from drug abuse.

Onyilo emphasised that women must rise to change the narrative of marginalisation by participating more actively in politics.

She also called on the government to appoint more women and youth into leadership positions.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed activist Omoyele Sowore over his plan to stage a protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement on Friday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, described Sowore’s planned protest as ‘a shallow bid for attention’ and ‘a mockery of the Igbo struggle.’

Oladejo said it was ‘both baffling and laughable’ that Sowore, who has ‘no cultural or political ties to the Southeast,’ now presents himself as ‘the rallying point for Ndigbo.’

‘Why is Sowore weeping more than the bereaved?’ Oladejo queried. ‘Why is he pontificating on a matter already before a court of competent jurisdiction? Is this about justice or just another desperate audition for relevance?’

The APC spokesman accused the Sahara Reporters publisher of hypocrisy, saying that while he preaches democracy and rule of law, his actions ‘openly undermine both.’

He added that Sowore’s activism had become ‘a theatre of convenience – noisy, shallow, and opportunistic.’

‘Ndigbo do not need a political wanderer in borrowed robes to define their interests or struggles,’ Oladejo said. ‘They know their leaders, they understand their challenges, and they can engage the system with wisdom and dignity – not with Sowore’s brand of social media dramatics.’

Oladejo maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to the rule of law, stressing that ‘cases before the courts should not be tried on the streets or debated in live streams.’

‘Sowore’s latest antics only expose his restlessness and craving for relevance,’ he added. ‘The more he forces himself into every national conversation, the more obvious it becomes that he stands for nothing beyond his own noise.’

He urged Nigerians to ‘ignore his circus,’ describing the activist as ‘a town crier of a village that never sent him on any errand.’

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to make poverty eradication the central focus of governance, warning that millions of citizens are now trapped in deep economic hardship.

Obi made the appeal in a statement on Saturday to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, describing the occasion as a ‘solemn reminder’ of Nigeria’s worsening poverty crisis.

He expressed concern that Nigeria currently ranks as the country with the highest number of people living in poverty globally, citing recent World Bank data indicating that over 139 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line – more than half of the nation’s population.

‘This figure reflects not only deep economic hardship but also years of failed leadership, misplaced priorities, systemic corruption, policy failures, and an absence of compassionate governance,’ Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor urged government officials to adopt policies that prioritize human capital development through education, healthcare, job creation, and support for small businesses, which he said are essential for sustainable economic recovery.

‘I call on leaders at all levels to make poverty eradication the core of our governance priorities,’ he said. ‘We must now, more than ever, restore productivity, reduce waste, and cut the cost of governance if we are truly committed to the fight against poverty.’

Obi stressed that true national progress should be measured not by the wealth of a few individuals but by the well-being of all citizens.

‘A nation cannot be truly great when the majority of its citizens live in poverty. Together, we can make poverty history and restore hope to millions who have been left in despair,’ he stated.

Reaffirming his optimism for a better future, Obi concluded with his familiar message: ‘A New Nigeria is Possible.’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has President Bola Tinubu never promised to solve all Nigeria’s problems but is focused on placing the nation on a sustainable path of progress.

Wike said this while inaugurating the construction of Collector Road C01 in the Institution and Research District of the FCT on Friday.

Speaking while inauguration construction of the road that links the Body of Benchers complex to the Nile University and Baze University areas of the city, Wike however, noted that Tinubu is already putting Nigeria on the path of positive development.

‘When he finishes, another person will come and continue from there,’ Wike said.

He added that challenges would always arise, stressing that no leader could solve every problem within a single tenure or administration.

‘What matters is that, when you have an opportunity, you make your own contribution.

‘History will record what you did while in office, and that is what truly counts,’ he said.

Wike said his administration in the FCT would continue to deliver projects that meet citizens’ needs within available time and resources.

He explained that the greatest beneficiaries of the new road would not be the Body of Benchers, but the two private universities in the area.

‘I hope these private institutions, which benefit from this road, will acknowledge what the Tinubu administration is doing.

‘If you recognise such efforts, you become a good citizen, and that is the duty of every good citizen,’ Wike said.

Recall that Nyesom Wike had also during the the commissioning of the Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, in Abuja earlier in the week heaped praises on Tinubu.

Wike maintained that he works for President Tinubu and that his delivery of projects in the FCT has silenced the critics.

‘I work for Mr President. Mr President’s judgment, as far as I’m concerned, in this country has always been how to put this country in the right perspective.

‘Be focused. When you start delivering, the achievement will silence all critics. Today they have nothing again to say,’ he said.

Wike also commended President Tinubu for providing the right leadership, which according to him paved way for the achievements made by the FCT Administration.

‘I have always said, when you have the right leadership, you can achieve the expected results. President Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has shown the right leadership.

‘People are talking about the achievements we have made. It is because we have the right leadership. When you have the right leadership, you get things right,’ he said.(NAN)

Police have confirmed killing of two of their officers by suspected bandits in Zonkwa community, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Zonkwa, Headquarters of Zangon Kataf LGA.

According to sources, the bandits stormed the police station in an attempt to free suspected vandals earlier arrested in Kachia Local Government Area.

However, it was later gathered that the suspects were not being held at the station.

Spokesperson for Kaduna Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the tragic incident on Saturday.

Hassan said investigation was already underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing of the two police officers.

Supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidient Movement have vowed to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process during the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship elections.

To achieve this, the group said it has successfully deployed its full structures across 5,720 polling units in Anambra state

National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, who stated this in a statement on Friday in Abuja said this involved deployment of Polling Unit Commanders across all the polling units.

He added that the Obidient family had also built a strong grassroots network from Awka to Nnewi and beyond ahead of the election.

Tanko spoke at a news conference held at the campaign office of George Moghalu, the candidate of Labour Party for the election in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

‘Our structures are alive, active and alert. We have also established digital monitoring systems to prevent electoral malpractice. The era when results were written in back rooms is over,’ he said.

Tanko reaffirmed the group’s commitment to safeguarding the people’s will, stressing that the movement was fully prepared, coordinated and resolute.

‘There is no faction, no confusion. We stand together under one vision; the vision of a New Nigeria that begins from our polling units,’ he said.

The national coordinator called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and professional, while urging security agencies to guarantee the safety of voters during the election.

‘To every Anambra citizen, we say: your vote is your power; protect it and use it wisely.

‘The world is watching. Nigeria is watching. And we, the Obidients, are ready.

‘A new Anambra is possible, and together, we will make it happen,’ Tanko said.

Recall that Peter Obi, also a former governor of Anambra State, has been campaigning for Moghalu, the LP candidate in the election.

Charles Soludo, the incumbent governor is seeking a second term ticket in the November 8 governorship election.

As anticipation builds ahead of the forthcoming National Sports Federations elections, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has restated its unwavering commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible, and fair process across all federations in the country.

Speaking exclusively interview, a senior NSC official emphasized that the Commission remains resolute in upholding integrity and due process despite what was described as ‘desperate attempts by certain individuals to manipulate outcomes.’

‘No amount of intimidation or blackmail will deter us from doing what is right – not just for a few individuals but for all federations,’ the official said with conviction.

He further reaffirmed that the rules and regulations guiding each association, in line with the NSC’s election guidelines and national laws, would be strictly enforced to preserve credibility and restore trust in sports administration.

RESTORING FAITH IN NIGERIAN SPORTS

For the NSC, the upcoming elections represent more than a bureaucratic exercise they are an opportunity to give Nigerian sports a new lease of life.

Transparency, accountability, and institutional reform are the Commission’s guiding principles as it seeks to strengthen governance within the various federations.

According to the official, past elections conducted under NSC supervision ‘stood the test of fairness and credibility.’ Any attempt to subvert due process this time, he warned, would meet with firm resistance.

‘We are determined to meet international standards in this process,’ the source stressed. ‘No individual or group will be considered too powerful to operate outside the established rules.’

The NSC also made clear that, after the elections, all federations are expected to run their affairs independently and professionally, free from external influence a core pillar of the Commission’s broader reform agenda.

JUDOKA GBAYI COMMENDS NSC’s INTERVENTION IN FEDERATION CRISIS

‘If not for their timely action, Judo would have fallen into chaos,’ he says.

In another development, the Ogun State Judo Association Chairman, Honourable Omoba Segun Gbayi, has thrown his weight behind the NSC’s intervention in the lingering Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) leadership crisis, calling it ‘timely, lawful, and necessary.’

Reacting to recent accusations by the ousted NJF President, Dr. Musa Oshodi, Gbayi dismissed the claims as ‘mischief and blackmail’ intended to mislead both the public and the international judo community.

‘Dr. Oshodi is only trying to remain relevant after losing influence,’ Gbayi told First Zealmediacast. ‘His claims against the NSC and its Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, are baseless and dead on arrival.’

A DISPUTED ELECTION AND A BREACH OF TRUST

According to Gbayi, Dr. Oshodi had unilaterally organized an election and sworn in new board members before the expiration of the existing board’s tenure a clear violation of NJF statutes and democratic norms.

He explained that the NSC had earlier invited Oshodi to resolve issues arising from a self-authored and unapproved constitution, but the former president ignored reconciliation efforts and went ahead with a controversial election held on September 11, 2025.

‘That election excluded key stakeholders from NAWIS and NAPHER-SD to AFFAN, military and paramilitary representatives, sponsors, and even the international delegate,’ Gbayi noted. ‘It was a deliberate move to entrench himself in power and violated every principle of fair play.’

REPUTATION AT STAKE

Gbayi went further to accuse Dr. Oshodi of acts that allegedly tarnished the federation’s image, including visa racketeering and administrative irregularities that, he said, had damaged Nigeria’s standing within the global judo community.

He condemned Oshodi’s calls for presidential intervention and attempts to undermine the NSC’s authority, describing them as ‘acts of desperation.’

‘The leadership of the NSC should be praised, not vilified,’ Gbayi concluded. ‘If not for their timely intervention, the Nigeria Judo Federation would have descended into chaos and anarchy.’

A DEFINING MOMENT FOR NIGERIAN SPORTS

As the countdown to the elections continues, the NSC’s resolve to enforce discipline, transparency, and fairness will be tested.

For many observers, these elections represent a defining moment – one that could reshape the governance and credibility of Nigeria’s sports federations for years to come.

Nigerian government has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos back into their home countries. The deportation of the 51 nationals brings the repatriation of the 192 foreigners involved in the crimes to a successful close.

The deportation of the foreign nationals was carried out by anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures.

The deportation exercise followed the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The deportation exercise, which began on Friday, August 15, 2025, followed the conviction of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations.

Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September.

The final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on October 16, 2025, bringing the total number of repatriated foreigners to 192.

All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

The operation , based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.

Evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court.

A young Nigerian entrepreneur and corporate strategist, Olubisi Allen-Alebiosu, is gaining attention for her growing influence across human resources, marketing, and renewable energy ventures.

Allen-Alebiosu, a member of the Social Media Centre Marketing (SMC) team, works alongside the firm’s founder, Solomon Sanusi, on TIELLE, a new travel fintech application designed to simplify travel financing and savings for Nigerians and international travellers.

The project, she said, reflects her drive to merge technology with lifestyle solutions.

Beyond her role at SMC, she has carved a niche in human resources and recruitment, helping organisations identify and nurture talent aligned with their long-term vision.

Her work, colleagues say, is marked by strategic thinking and a strong people-oriented approach that balances performance with workplace harmony.

Allen-Alebiosu also leads Bisme Solar Solution, a renewable energy start-up that has, within a year, built a network of distributors and installers providing high-quality solar panels and batteries sourced directly from China.

Her goal, she noted, is to promote affordable clean energy and reduce dependence on costly traditional power sources.

In addition, she runs a professional cleaning company that has operated successfully for three years, offering residential and post-construction cleaning services to clients across Lagos.

Speaking on her motivation, Allen-Alebiosu said her ventures are driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

‘For me, every business must solve a problem and improve people’s lives,’ she said.

Observers in Nigeria’s business community have described her as part of a new wave of multi-skilled professionals redefining success through creativity, resilience and ethical leadership.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has revealed that strangulation of logistics strategy of Boko Haram and ISWAP was a turning point in the fight against the terrorists.

Abubakar said this while hile highlighting some of the key achievements of the operations which, according to him, has led to significant improvement in security situation in North East.

The military commander who added that the security situation in the region has improved significantly following sustained counter-terrorism operations and renewed synergy among security agencies said this in an interview on Saturday in Maiduguri.

‘By cutting off their supply chains, we have effectively crippled their capacity to sustain prolonged engagements. Several IED-making factories have been discovered and destroyed, and we have recorded tremendous successes in intercepting their logistics convoys,’ he said.

Abubakar said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) maintained the operational initiative across the theatre, denying terrorists the freedom of movements and access to logistics that once fueled their campaigns of terror.

He said the lingering insecurity in North-East was not an isolated phenomenon rather closely linked to broader regional and global developments, including instability in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

‘Since November last year, we have observed an increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by the terrorists. These trends are direct consequences of global technological proliferation linked to conflicts elsewhere.

‘However, our forces continue to retain the initiative. The goal of the armed forces remains to flush out the terrorists from their remaining strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, the Tumbuns and the Lake Chad Islands (LCI),’ he said.

Abubakar highlighted that coordinated operations aimed at achieving this strategic objective was yielding remarkable results.

He said, ‘in the last two months alone, about 26 key terrorist commanders have been neutralised, with substantial recoveries of arms, ammunition and vehicles. Many insurgent camps have been cleared and destroyed, forcing remnants of the groups into isolated pockets.

‘Socio-economic activities have resumed in most areas previously under terrorist influence. Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads that were once unsafe now experience daily movement of goods and people. That is a major milestone for us as a nation.’

The commander said sustained pressure by the Nigerian Army troops had restored confidence among the citizens, leading to increased voluntary returns to ancestral homes under the Borno State Government’s resettlement framework.

Abubakar cited the July 2025 operation in Dikwa, where troops recovered over 50 lethal Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as an example of how intelligence-led missions disrupted enemy capabilities.

He said the troops neutralised more than 257 terrorists in coordinated ground and air offensives, with many others surrendered along with their families between July and September, 2025.

‘The terrorists’ employment of drones has also been curtailed through the deployment of advanced anti-drone technology and improved air dominance made possible by the unwavering support of the Military High Command.

‘Recoveries of weapons have increased significantly, and our sustained offensive operations have continued to shrink the battle space for the terrorists,’ he said.

‘Most of these attacks are confined to remote border settlements, reflecting desperation rather than strength. Kirawa was previously under the security framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), but we have now made adequate deployments to strengthen control and forestall further incursions,’ Abubakar said.

To stem the attacks, Abubakar said the military command had deployed additional troops and logistics assets to the Kirawa axis, including quick response teams, armoured vehicles and surveillance units to ensure rapid response to any threat.

‘OPHK covers about 130,000 square kilometres, so the terrain is vast. But we have improved our deployment posture and enhanced coordination with the MNJTF and local security volunteers to ensure that no area remains vulnerable. Kirawa is now fully secured with boots on ground,’ he assured.

Abubakar reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to achieve lasting peace in the region, stressing that the troops remain motivated and focused in their missions.

He urged the residents to continue cooperating with the military by providing credible intelligence as well as deny logistics support to the terrorists.

‘Citizens must collaborate with the military in fishing out bad elements. This is a whole-of-society approach to asymmetric warfare. Denial of logistics and timely passage of information by communities remain crucial for our collective success.’

The commander also commended the gallantry of officers and men of the OPHK, who demonstrated courage, resilience and sacrifice in defence of the nation.

‘Our troops are highly motivated and determined. The North-East is steadily regaining its stability, and we remain fully committed to consolidating these gains until peace is completely restored,’ the commander said.

Some of the community leaders in the affected areas commended the Nigerian military for its swift response and decisive actions to protect the citizens.

Alhaji Bukar Modu, a community elder in Gwoza, said the increased military presence in Kirawa and adjourning communities had restored public confidence.

‘Before now, we used to hear gunshots almost every week. But since the troops came in numbers, the situation changed. We now sleep peacefully and even attend markets in Pulka and Gwoza without fear,’ he said.

Also, Mrs Falmata Bakura, who recently returned from an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri, described the soldiers’ conduct as professional and reassuring.

‘Their presence alone gives us hope. We can see the soldiers patrolling day and night. Our children have resumed school and we now farm without fear,’ she said.