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Ogun police bust trailer-stealing syndicate’s shop

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a fleeing trailer driver and four other suspects over the alleged theft and dismantling of a stolen trailer, uncovering what police described as a suspected syndicate which specialises in stripping stolen trailers and selling their parts.

The suspects, identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47; Segun Suleiman, 27; Haruna Olaogun, 49; Jimoh Wasiu, 42; and Quazzim Suleiman, 49, were arrested by detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Headquarters for alleged conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, the arrests followed a complaint by the owner of the trailer that his driver had disappeared with the vehicle on June 6, this year.

Babaseyi said detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Olabisi Kamorudeen, tracked the fleeing driver and arrested him in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

He said the suspect allegedly provided information that led investigators to other members of the criminal network.

Police operatives also arrested four additional suspects in Ijebu Ode for their alleged involvement in the theft and dismantling of the trailer.

Police said parts of the stolen trailer, including the trailer head, have been recovered, while photographs of the dismantled vehicle have been documented as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their efforts, noting that the operation represents a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft.

He urged transport operators, fleet owners, logistics companies and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the police, assuring residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to protect lives and property.

Police said investigations were ongoing and that suspects found culpable would be arraigned.

FG empowers 500 farmers with skills in leafy vegetable cultivation

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), recently trained 500 farmers, including men and women on leafy vegetable (Amaranth, Celosia, Corchorus) production at Abigi town hall, Ogun waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State.

The training, also included the provision of agricultural equipment (knapsack sprayers, rainboots, farm coats, plastic crates) and starter pack (cash) for the participants to kick start the production of vegetables in their various communities.

The exercise focused on vegetables such as Amaranth, Celosia and Corchorus production. Furthermore, economics of production of the selected leafy vegetables, marketing, as well as record keeping were considered during the training.

The aim of the event was to build the capacity of these farmers on production of the selected leafy vegetables to encourage diversification into horticultural crops production, especially the production of vegetables which are short duration crops and serve as a viable means of income.

The CEO/Executive Director of NIHORT, Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, represented by the Training Coordinator, Hort Consultancy Ventures Limited, Dr Joel Akindele Akinfasoye, stressed the economic importance of Amaranth, Celosia and Corchorus, as they are highly demanded by Nigerians and possess high nutritional, medicinal as well as industrial and commercial values.

He also brought to the knowledge of the participants, the high prospect in production of the leafy vegetables, and noted that it is imperative to create awareness of the farmers on improved production techniques of these vegetables.

The Executive Director implored participants to pay critical attention to all the modules to be taught in order to make the best use of this golden opportunity.

Honourable Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, represented by Rev. Banji Williams appreciated the participants for making out time to attend the capacity-building programme, encouraged them to make good use of the knowledge gained to their economic and health benefit.

Two of the participants: Mrs Oseni Musidat and Mr Bakare John, expressed gladness in being part of the training and empowerment programme. Mr John observed that the selected areas of training, leafy vegetable production was timely, due to the fact that cassava which is a prominent crop among them is experiencing low pricing due to glut.

Zamboanga del Sur town warns residents of spillway flooding

The municipal government of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, has urged residents to exercise caution at the Dipaya spillway, warning against crossing whenever floodwaters rise and submerge the roadway.

The reminder stemmed from a concerned netizen who posted on social media the situation in Barangay Dipaya, with residents crossing the spillway over the weekend while the province was experiencing heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon or habagat.

In a statement, Labangan Mayor John Raymon Yu said the local government has already allocated P1.8 million for the construction of a suspension footbridge as an immediate intervention, while a permanent P80-million bridge project funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is in the pipeline.

‘These projects are being prepared in accordance with engineering requirements and procurement law. Implementation will proceed as soon as all legal processes are completed,’ Yu said.

The municipal government acknowledged the recurring difficulties faced by commuters, students, teachers, farmers, and residents whenever the river becomes impassable.

Authorities have tapped the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) to monitor the area and enforce safety protocols.

‘For your safety, do not cross the bridge when the water is high. Follow the warnings and advisories of our authorities at all times. No destination is worth risking your life,’ Yu said.

He assured constituents that the municipal government remains committed to delivering the projects ‘as quickly as the law allows.’

‘We sincerely ask for your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work toward a safer and more resilient crossing for the people of Dipaya,’ he added.

Sara Duterte on Sona: I have no plans to watch it, it’s a waste of time

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday said she has no plans to watch or even read about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth state of the nation address (Sona) as she simply saw it as a ‘waste of time.’

Duterte said this in a chance interview at The Hague, Netherlands, amid an ongoing overseas trip until July 31.

‘I am not watching Sona like last year, and I have no plans to read the content of Sona or even a summary because I truly believe it is a waste of time for the Filipino people,’ said Duterte, speaking in Filipino.

She, however, dismissed one of the highlights of Marcos’ Sona this year, particularly his announcement that the Office of the Ombudsman would soon file cases against his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Asked about this particular pronouncement of Marcos in his Sona, Duterte said the public should not expect anything out of it.

‘Didn’t he also say last year that before December someone would be imprisoned? Has anyone been imprisoned? No,’ said Duterte.

‘So don’t expect the former Speaker or members of the House of Representatives to go to jail,’ she added

Mimaropa cops recover ?2.49M in illegal logs, arrest 86

The Mimaropa police have seized an estimated ?2.49 million worth of illegally sourced forest products and arrested 86 violators in a series of operations conducted across the region since the start of the year.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Regional Operations and Management Division (ROMD) said law enforcers confiscated 38,826 board feet of lumber and 2,000 flitches, with a combined estimated value of ?2,492,092.00.

The operations enforced Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, which bans the unauthorized cutting, possession, transport, and sale of forest products without proper permits.

MIMAROPA Regional Police Director Brigadier General Christopher R. Dela Cruz, in a statement, said: ‘Illegal logging does not only destroy our forests-it also threatens our environment, our communities, and the future of the next generation, which is why we will continue to pursue those who violate our environmental laws while strengthening partnerships that help protect and conserve our natural resources.’

Complementing its enforcement drive, the regional police also advanced environmental restoration through PROJECT T.R.E.E. (Take Responsibility for the Enhancement of the Environment) by planting a total of 26,307 tree seedlings across the region in collaboration with government agencies, local governments, and community volunteers.

Mimaropa or Region IV-B is composed of the provinces of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan

Ignored warning signs end in disaster as two-storey building collapses in Ogun, many feared dead

A two-storey building that occupants reportedly knew was developing dangerous structural cracks collapsed on Monday in the Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, raising fresh concerns over Nigeria’s recurring building safety failures and the costly consequences of ignoring early warning signs.

The building, located on Baale Street and comprising residential apartments and shops, caved in during heavy rainfall, triggering a multi-agency rescue operation involving federal and state emergency responders. As of Monday evening, authorities had yet to confirm the number of casualties or whether people remained trapped beneath the rubble, while rescue teams continued searching through the debris.

The collapse sent residents into panic, eyewitnesses describing scenes of confusion as neighbours rushed to assist before emergency personnel arrived. Security officials later cordoned off the area to allow rescue workers and heavy equipment access to the site.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ogun State emergency authorities and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were mobilised to the scene. Ajuwon, where the incident occurred, is a densely populated border community connecting Ogun and Lagos states, making coordinated emergency response critical.

Speaking to Channels Television at the scene, Akiode Saheed, South-West Zonal Director of NEMA, disclosed that occupants of the building had noticed visible structural cracks before the collapse but failed to report the defects to the appropriate authorities.

According to Saheed, the building had shown signs of distress that could have prompted an official structural assessment and possible evacuation had they been reported in time. He urged residents to treat visible cracks and other signs of structural weakness as emergencies rather than waiting for buildings to fail.

In a statement, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that the agency joined the rescue effort after receiving a request for assistance from the Ogun State Government.

He said LASEMA deployed its emergency response team alongside heavy-duty rescue equipment to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations at the collapsed structure.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of building collapses recorded across Nigeria, many of which have been linked to structural defects, poor maintenance, substandard construction practices and weak enforcement of building regulations. Urban planning experts have repeatedly warned that early reporting of structural defects, regular integrity tests and stricter compliance with building standards are essential to preventing avoidable disasters.

Authorities are expected to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse after rescue operations are completed, while residents await confirmation of the number of victims and the full extent of the damage.

Coalition to FG: Expand parental leave, boost women’s representation

The Women in Leadership (WIL) Coalition has called on the Federal Government to introduce stronger family-friendly workplace policies and increase women’s representation in leadership, arguing that both reforms are critical to accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

The coalition made the call during a strategic advocacy visit to the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, urging the Presidency to champion reforms that would remove barriers to women’s participation and advancement in the workforce.

The WIL Coalition is an alliance comprising the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), and Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR).

The coalition identified inadequate parental leave policies and low female representation in decision-making positions as major obstacles to women’s economic participation, noting that Nigerian women shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care work valued at an estimated $111 billion annually.

It observed that Nigeria’s labour laws currently provide only 12 weeks of maternity leave at 50 per cent pay, while offering no paid paternity leave in the private sector, a situation it said forces many women to return to work before fully recovering or to abandon their careers altogether.

According to the coalition, strengthening parental leave policies by extending maternity leave and introducing paid paternity leave would improve talent retention, promote shared caregiving responsibilities, and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership pipeline.

Chairperson and Founder of the Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Amina Oyagbola, said gender inclusion should be viewed as an economic strategy rather than merely a social issue.

‘Gender inclusivity is not just a social issue. It is an economic imperative for Nigeria’s socio-economic development,’ she said.

The coalition also advocated a minimum of 35 per cent representation for women on corporate boards and in the executive management of listed companies, as well as in federal and state cabinets.

Speaking during the meeting, Hauwa Haliru pointed to Kwara State as evidence that the target is achievable.

‘Kwara State has already exceeded the 35% women in political leadership benchmark, demonstrating that meaningful progress is achievable through deliberate political commitment and leadership,’ she said.

Also speaking, Anthonia Emetarom of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) stressed the importance of supporting families to enable women to contribute fully to national development.

‘When families are supported, women can contribute fully to the economy, businesses thrive, and the economy grows,’ she said.

Highlighting the role of solidarity among women, Oyagbola referenced the recent Nigerian Bar Association election.

‘During the NBA election, women came together and voted for a female president, and she won. If women actively support each other, they would be able to move the needle themselves,’ she said.

To improve women’s participation in the economy, the coalition proposed three priority reforms: introducing a national minimum of 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and 14 days of paid paternity leave; ensuring at least 35 per cent female representation on corporate boards and in the executive management of listed companies; and guaranteeing at least 35 per cent female representation in federal and state cabinets.

The coalition said the proposals were both practical and achievable, citing the Federal Capital Territory’s parental leave policy and family-friendly workplace practices already adopted by some private-sector organisations.

Executive Director of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Mrs. Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, urged the government to encourage wider private-sector adoption of enhanced parental leave policies.

‘To accelerate the implementation of these policies, the government can deploy executive incentives to encourage private-sector adoption of enhanced family-friendly workplace practices, including 16 weeks of maternity leave and 14 days of paternity leave,’ she said.

Responding, Bala Usman reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to advancing gender equality, noting that the Federal Public Service already provides five months and two weeks of fully paid maternity leave, as well as two weeks of paid paternity leave.

She, however, acknowledged that such provisions are not consistently available in the private sector and encouraged sustained advocacy to promote broader adoption of family-friendly workplace policies.

On women’s representation, Bala Usman pledged to engage relevant federal agencies to clarify the applicability of the Public Service Rules across government institutions and to compile data on federal parastatals and agencies to support evidence-based recommendations to the President on increasing the number of women appointed to leadership positions.

The coalition maintained that family-friendly workplace policies and greater representation of women in leadership should be treated as national economic priorities, insisting that they are essential to improving productivity, retaining skilled talent and strengthening Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness.

Donald Trump highlights Congressman Hamadeh’s visit to Azerbaijan

U.S. President Donald Trump has shared a Newsmax article on his social media platform, Truth Social, highlighting the recent visit of U.S. Congressman Abraham (Abe) Hamadeh to Azerbaijan and underscoring the country’s growing strategic importance to the United States, AzerNEWS reports.

The article focuses on Hamadeh’s meetings in Baku with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other senior officials, during which the two sides discussed U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, energy security, strategic cooperation, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening ties between Washington and Baku in line with President Trump’s “America First” foreign policy agenda.

According to the Newsmax report, although Azerbaijan does not always dominate political headlines in Washington, it occupies one of the world’s most strategically significant positions. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and sharing borders with both Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan has become an increasingly important energy producer, transportation hub, and security partner for the West.

The publication notes that Azerbaijan is playing a growing role in enhancing Europe’s energy security, expanding regional trade corridors, and promoting stability in the South Caucasus, making closer cooperation with the United States strategically valuable.

The article also points to the progress made by Armenia and Azerbaijan toward achieving a lasting peace under President Trump’s leadership. It argues that this diplomatic breakthrough has created new opportunities for economic development, regional stability, and long-term prosperity, while stressing that the peace process will require sustained international engagement and support to ensure its success.

It should be noted that Hamadeh visited Baku on June 17, 2026, where he held talks with President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and other Azerbaijani officials.

NDLEA nabs 2, seizes 1,359kg cannabis in Edo raid

Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two suspected drug traffickers and recovered 1,359kg of cannabis and cannabis seeds in a raid on a warehouse in Illushi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

The state NDLEA Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Benin.

Ofoyeju said the seizure followed a joint intelligence-led operation by NDLEA operatives and personnel of the Nigerian Army in the Illushi community.

He said the operation targeted a four-bedroom bungalow allegedly converted into a warehouse for storing large quantities of cannabis.

According to him, operatives recovered 52 giant bags of cannabis, three gallons of cannabis seeds and an additional bag containing cannabis seeds.

He said the seizure comprised 1,273kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds, bringing the total quantity recovered to 1,359kg.

Ofoyeju identified the suspects as Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30.

The commander alleged that the suspects were found in possession of 60kg and 13kg of cannabis respectively.

Ofoyeju expressed concern over the increasing use of residential buildings as warehouses for illicit drugs, describing the trend as a serious threat to public safety.

‘The use of residential houses in stockpiling illicit drugs is dangerous and must be vehemently confronted by citizens.

‘These enemies of the state must not be allowed to destroy our communities,’ he said.

‘We are pleased with the operational successes recorded because the quantity is massive and impressive,’ Ofoyeju said.

He described the raid as evidence of the agency’s determination to dismantle criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking.

‘This raid is a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle the networks that seek to undermine our collective peace and safety,’ he said.

Ofoyeju said investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the drug network and uncover possible accomplices.

He said the agency would continue collaborating with stakeholders, including community leaders, to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across Edo.

‘This fight is not just for NDLEA; it is a collective responsibility,’ he said.

Ofoyeju commended the Nigerian Army for its support and urged residents to actively support the campaign against drug abuse.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring those involved in trafficking and distributing illicit substances were brought to justice.

‘Together, we can build a safer and healthier environment for current and future generations,’ he said. (NAN)

DFCC Bank breaks barriers with Sri Lanka’s first eight-language ATMs, CRMs

DFCC Bank has introduced Sri Lanka’s first ATMs and Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs) offering transactions in eight languages, enabling international visitors and local customers to withdraw or deposit cash in the language most familiar to them.

Now available in the arrivals area of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and at DFCC Bank locations in Hiriketiya, Ella, and Arugam Bay, the service offers English, Sinhala, Tamil, French, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and German, with a wider rollout across the bank’s countrywide network.

The facility removes a practical barrier that can make even a simple transaction difficult. Foreign visitors navigating an unfamiliar country can withdraw cash without having to interpret banking instructions in another language, while Sri Lankan customers can use self-service banking in Sinhala, Tamil, or English.

At BIA, the multilingual facility may be one of a visitor’s first experiences of service in Sri Lanka.

DFCC…

Making that interaction clear and familiar extends the country’s welcome into an essential everyday service. By introducing the facility across the island, including key tourist destinations such as Hiriketiya, Ella, and Arugam Bay, DFCC Bank is carrying that experience into local destinations that attract travellers from around the world.

The initiative comes as tourism continues to play an important role in Sri Lanka’s economy. The country welcomed 2.36 million visitors in 2025, followed by a further 1.15 million during the first six months of 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). As Sri Lanka attracts more visitors, the services they rely on must become easier to access across languages and nationalities.

Users select their preferred language at the beginning of the transaction and follow the on-screen instructions in that language. DFCC Bank ATMs facilitate cash withdrawals, while CRMs enable customers to both deposit and withdraw cash.

DFCC Bank CEO Thimal Perera said: ‘Banking cannot be truly accessible if language remains a barrier. Service beyond borders begins with understanding who is using the service and removing the barriers they face, whether that is an international visitor looking for a familiar language or a Sri Lankan who prefers to bank in English, Sinhala, or Tamil. A choice of language on a screen may seem small, but it signals a much bigger shift. The customer no longer has to adapt to the technology. The technology adapts to the customer. That is real progress. It removes difficulty, widens access, and gives more people the confidence to transact independently.’

DFCC Bank has expanded the facility progressively across its ATM and CRM network, prioritising tourism destinations, points of arrival, and other locations where multilingual access can make the greatest practical difference.