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Troops ?????????rescue 7 kidnap victims in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnap victims in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue.

Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer OPWS, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Makurdi.

Zabairu said the operation was conducted as an intelligence-led search and rescue mission.

According to him, the victims were rescued on Sept. 14, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around the Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in the area.

Zubairu said the troops, working with the police and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to the identified areas following the intelligence.

He said the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their victims.

‘However, troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way,’ he said.

Zubaru revealed that a vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation.

The information added that the recovered vehicle was subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.

The OPWS spokesman commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims.

He appreciated the police and local vigilantes for their cooperation and support during the operation.

Zubairu, however, urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

He said such cooperation was necessary to enhance the safety and security of communities, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.

Rivers APC throws weight behind Rainbow Coalition arrangement

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have expressed support for the Rainbow Coalition movement led by Minister Nyesom Wike in the State.

The Rainbow Coalition is an inter-party political movement founded in the State by ex-Governor Wike, aimed at supporting President Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

The APC Governors, in a recent meeting in Abuja, queried the rationale behind the Rainbow Alliance and demanded explanations from the FCT Minister.

However, following a meeting of the State Party Leadership on Tuesday, apparently on the subject, party members said they are comfortable with the Coalition, describing its formation as apt and very necessary in the quest to deliver Mr President’s re-election bid next year, and urged the Governors to learn to promote coalition alliances for the benefits they bring.

‘We enjoin the Progressive Governors Forum to do more in building alliances, massive mobilisations, engagements, etc., with other groups to increase voter turnout and support for the presidential candidates in their states.

‘All politics is local, and you cannot extrapolate a particular style, system, procedure, etc., to parts of the country. Noting also that electioneering processes/outcomes are not determined by the same variables across the federating units.’

The members spoke in a statement by the State Party Chairman, Tony Okocha, and the Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, and transmitted it to the Nation in Port Harcourt yesterday.

The party, in the statement, outlined the importance of the inter-party agreement to deliver Tinubu’s candidacy and other Coalition candidates in the State in the elections.

The people recalled that the Rainbow Coalition arrangement led to the APC’s resounding victory in the State in 2023, and said the victory would be even louder in 2027 with the Coalition.

The group in the statement said, ‘The Chairman, Executive Committee, Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State, wish to further inform the public, particularly our National Leadership, that we are in sync with the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, led by Leader Nyesom Wike.

‘We are working assiduously with other political parties, individuals and groups who have signed into the alliance and shall deliver the votes massively for President Ahmed Tinubu and all other candidates of the Coalition in our State in the 2027 elections.

‘Politics is about contestation between parties and groups in the protection of their interests. Consequently, coalitions, alliances, and partnerships are undertaken to coalesce divergent interests through increases in strength, promotion of unity, peace, development, achieving common goals, reduction of conflict and provision of wider support.’

‘Rivers State, as a sub-national unit in our Federation, is at liberty to forge any alliance/partnership or coalition that will enhance a seamless process that will engender a consummate protection of the interests of the masses of the State.

‘All politics is sharpened by the whims and caprices of the people in the State and must be in tandem with the aspirations of the citizens/residents; accordingly, we shall not succumb to the external pressures of any group/parties outside our domain.’

Furthermore, the Party said, ‘As a party, we want to reiterate that we are very comfortable with our coalition arrangements, as they helped us in no small measure in protecting the interests of the State and its people in the 2023 elections, with the delivery of our votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates, and shall even do better in 2027 with massive votes for the President and other Coalition candidates.’

Anambra Gov’t challenges Obi’s claim of N2.13bn Ecological Fund

The Anambra State Government has challenged former Governor Peter Obi’s claim that he left more than N2.13bn in an ecological fund account before leaving office in 2014, saying the First Bank account he identified was not an ecological fund account and never contained the amount cited.

The state Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, made this known in a statement shared on Wednesday by the Anambra New Media X account titled ‘Gov Peter Obi and Record of Public Debt in Anambra: Facts Beyond Propaganda and Lies.’

Mefor said the state government had obtained a certified printout of First Bank account number 2018779464, which Obi identified as the account where he left the ecological funds.

‘We have obtained a certified printout of the account from inception to date. The account is an Internally Generated Revenue Consolidated Revenue Account, not an ecological fund account,’ he said.

‘From 2011, when the account was opened, until date, there has never been any such amount, whether as inflow or balance, in the account.’

The commissioner consequently challenged Obi to explain where the N2.13bn he claimed to have left for his successor was kept.

The latest response followed Obi’s statement on Tuesday rejecting claims by the Anambra Government that his administration left behind inherited debts, including a N2bn ecological loan, contractor liabilities and unpaid salaries, gratuities and pensions.

Obi had said his administration systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to more than N35bn.

‘At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did we owe anything to any contractor for projects duly executed and certified,’ he said.

On the disputed ecological fund, Obi said the money was released barely three months before the end of his tenure to address the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis.

He said that despite pressure to spend the money, he refused and insisted it should be left for his successor because ‘government is a continuum’ and the funds were tied to a specific project.

Obi further claimed that the money was left ‘100 per cent intact’ in First Bank, with the account balance standing at more than N2.13bn.

Mefor, however, said the certified printout the state government obtained did not support Obi’s description of the account or the amount he claimed was held in it.

Mefor also addressed the wider issue of debts allegedly inherited by the current administration, saying eight external borrowings remained after Obi left office on March 17, 2014.

According to the commissioner, ‘as of June 30, 2026, the total balance of these loans stood at N127.4 billion at the official exchange rate.’

The loans listed by the government included the Malaria Control Booster Project, Third National Fadama Development Project, Health System Development Project II, State Education Programme Investment Project, Community and Social Development Project, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project and Value Chain Development Project.

Mefor also disputed Obi’s claim that his administration left office without owing salaries, gratuities or pensions.

He said the Soludo administration had cleared about N22bn in inherited gratuity arrears but added that ‘legacy arrears remain from Obi and earlier administrations.’

According to him, the outstanding liabilities included arrears for retired teachers and Water Corporation staff.

On the Water Corporation workers, Mefor said, ‘salary arrears lingered through the Obi administration and were eventually settled under the Soludo administration, with the first two of three instalments already paid.’

He further claimed that Obi’s administration verified and certified 16 months of salary arrears for primary school teachers but paid only five months.

‘The Obi administration verified/certified 16 months of salary arrears for primary school teachers but paid only five months,’ Mefor said.

The commissioner also rejected Obi’s claim that his administration left more than N75bn in savings.

‘We will not engage in nebulous creative accounting. If there were N75 billion in savings, as claimed, where are the records?’ Mefor said.

The government’s response came after Obi rejected the debt claims and challenged anyone who could establish that his account of the ecological fund was false.

‘If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,’ Obi said.

Tinubu directs MDAs, states to implement new plan against child labour

President Bola Tinubu has directed federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the 36 state governments to ensure full implementation of a new national action plan to eliminate child labour, declaring the menace a national development challenge with implications for education, economic growth and national security.

The President said the Federal Government would intensify measures to tackle poverty, unemployment, inadequate access to quality education and social exclusion, which he identified among the underlying factors forcing children into exploitative labour.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Advancing the Implementation of Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan (2026-2030), where he launched the National Child Labour Survey (Labour Force Survey) 2024 Report as well as the National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030).

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President said the fight against child labour could no longer be treated merely as a labour matter because of its wider consequences for the country’s development.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President said ‘every nation is judged by how well it protects its children. A child who is forced into labour instead of attending school loses more than an education. That child loses opportunities, confidence, health and the chance to fully contribute to national development.

‘For this reason, the Federal Government considers the elimination of child labour not merely as a labour issue, but as a national development priority. It is linked to education, social protection, economic growth, poverty reduction, food security, human capital development and national security’, Tinubu said.

The President said his administration would continue strengthening labour administration and inspection systems as well as child protection mechanisms while expanding interventions targeted at the economic and social conditions that expose children to exploitation.

According to him, the theme of the 2026 commemoration, ‘Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults’, reflects Nigeria’s determination to reject every form of exploitation of children.

Tinubu identified education as one of the strongest safeguards against child labour, saying his administration was implementing reforms targeted at reducing the number of out-of-school children, improving education data, developing teachers and expanding skills acquisition.

He said the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme would also help improve school attendance while tackling hunger and nutritional challenges among children from vulnerable households.

The President said the government was strengthening social protection and household resilience through programmes including the NG-CARES Additional Financing Programme and the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme.

He explained that the interventions were intended to expand economic opportunities and enable parents and caregivers to earn decent livelihoods, thereby reducing circumstances in which children are compelled to work for their families’ survival.

Tinubu recalled that his administration launched the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria (2024-2030) in 2025 and had continued to advocate stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other child protection laws.

He added that the government was taking steps to improve safety in schools, particularly those located in vulnerable and high-risk areas.

‘As an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country, Nigeria accepts both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead by example. I am pleased that the National Child Labour Policy and the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030), which we are launching today, provide a practical roadmap for translating our international commitments into measurable national action’, the President said.

Tinubu specifically called on state governments to give full support to implementation of the National Action Plan and urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum to champion child protection initiatives across the country.

He also charged employers to ensure their supply chains remain free of child labour, while calling on workers’ organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, communities, parents and guardians to support the campaign.

The President subsequently launched the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report and the National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030), directing MDAs, state governments, employers, workers’ organisations, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure their full implementation.

Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, International Labour Organisation (ILO), ECOWAS, European Union, Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, United States Department of Labor, World Bank, National Bureau of Statistics and members of the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour for supporting the country’s efforts.

He said Nigeria must now move ‘beyond commitment to action’ to guarantee every Nigerian child access to education, protection and a childhood free from exploitation.

Museveni tells judicial officers to stand firm on Constitution

President Museveni has asked judicial officers to remain courageous and make firm decisions based on the Constitution, the law and evidence, even when their rulings may be unpopular.

The President said judges and magistrates should be able to discharge their duties without intimidation, arbitrary interference or fear of personal repercussions.

He made the remarks on Wednesday in a speech read by Vice President Jessica Alupo at the 9th Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture in Kampala.

‘The person who goes to court must know that the judicial officer deciding his or her case can reach a firm and constitutionally grounded decision without looking over his or her shoulder to ask what personal consequences may follow from that decision,’ Mr Museveni said.

He said while courage is necessary for judicial officers, the country must also strengthen institutions and safeguards that enable them to exercise their responsibilities independently.

‘The answer to the tragedies of the past is not simply to tell judicial officers to be courageous. Yes, courage is necessary,’ he said.

‘A judicial officer must be free to make a decision that is firm even when that decision may be unpopular, provided it is grounded in the Constitution, the law, and the evidence,’ he added.

Mr Museveni said the government would continue supporting the Judiciary through the recruitment and retention of skilled personnel, improvement of infrastructure and digital transformation if it is to achieve this agenda.

He also pledged continued support for institutional safeguards that enable judicial officers to make decisions independently.

‘That is why I supported the increase in salaries for Judges and Magistrates some years ago,’ he said.

The President said Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka’s story remains a reminder of a period in Uganda’s history when institutional weaknesses exposed even senior judicial officers to severe personal consequences.

‘Would you be prepared to make such a sacrifice?’ he asked, reflecting on the circumstances surrounding Justice Kiwanuka’s disappearance.

Justice for all

Chief Justice Flavian Zeija said the annual memorial lecture should prompt Ugandans to reflect on whether the country is carrying forward Justice Kiwanuka’s vision.

‘We remember him because he stood for principles that remain fundamental to a democratic society. He believed in the Rule of Law. He believed that all persons, institutions and entities, including the State, are subject to the law,’ Justice Zeija said.

He said Justice Kiwanuka also believed in the protection of human rights and freedoms and in the independence and integrity of the Judiciary.

The Chief Justice said access to justice requires more than merely having courts physically present.

‘Justice for all therefore requires more than the physical presence of Courts. It requires accessibility to all courts, requires procedures that are understandable, requires timely determination of cases, requires judicial officers who are independent, impartial and courageous,’ he said.

He added that advocates must uphold professional ethics while investigators and prosecutors should conduct their work professionally and fairly.

Former Chief Justice Dollo honoured

Former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo was honoured with the Benedicto Kiwanuka Chief Justice Award 2026.

Justice Dollo, who retired earlier this year after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70, said the commemoration should serve as a reminder of the responsibility bestowed on anyone holding judicial office.

He said honouring the legacy of Justice Kiwanuka should also prompt judicial officers to reflect on the ‘sacred responsibility’ imposed on them by law.

Justice Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first Black Chief Justice, served from June 27, 1971, until he was abducted from his chambers at the High Court on September 21, 1972, by soldiers during the regime of former President Idi Amin. He was never seen alive again.

He is remembered for his commitment to truth, justice, impartiality, judicial independence, the rule of law, and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

One of his most cited cases involved British businessman Daniel Stewart, who had been detained without trial. Justice Kiwanuka granted a writ of habeas corpus despite opposition from the government, affirming the Judiciary’s authority to scrutinise executive action.

The annual commemoration is ordinarily associated with September 21, the anniversary of Justice Kiwanuka’s abduction. This year’s memorial lecture was held on September 16 under the theme: ‘Justice for All: Carrying Forward Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka’s Vision.’

Olu Jacobs was a shining light – Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, describing him as a giant whose exit leaves an irreplaceable void in the global film industry.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his campaign’s Head of Communications, Comrade Mark Adebayo, Prince Adebayo paid glowing tributes to the late icon.

He emphasized that the veteran actor was not just a master of his craft, but a shining light who transformed Nigerian cinema.

Prince Adebayo stated that ‘Olu Jacobs defined the golden era of Nigerian entertainment with absolute discipline. He treated every role with dignity and respect. He set a golden standard for acting across Africa and beyond. His iconic voice and commanding stage presence inspired millions.’

The statement highlighted how the late actor used his talents to shape culture and mentor younger generations.

‘He paved the way for Nollywood to gain international respect.His stories touched the hearts of both old and young film lovers. His life’s work will continue to teach and inspire future filmmakers.’

Prince Adebayo extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, especially his devoted wife, Joke Silva, and the entire entertainment industry.

‘Nigeria has lost a national treasure,’ Adebayo said.

‘Olu Jacobs was a professional to the core who positively impacted his generation and beyond. He did not just act stories; he shaped our collective history. We weep because he is gone, but we celebrate because his light will never truly go out.’

Manufacturing, services PMI improves in August

The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in August have expanded, as per the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), its compiler the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

The Manufacturing PMI registered an index value of 53 in August, reflecting an increase in manufacturing activities at a slower rate compared to 55.6 in July 2026.

The CBSL said all the sub-indices, except for Production, remained above the neutral threshold in August.

The New Orders sub-index remained at the neutral threshold in August, indicating broadly unchanged levels of new business activities.

Meanwhile, the moderation in the Production sub-index was driven by the manufacture of textiles and the wearing apparel sector.

It added that both the Employment and Quantity of Purchases sub-indices increased in August, reflecting continued hiring and a gradual build-up of inventories in preparation for year-end seasonal production.

However, Suppliers’ Delivery Times sub-index lengthened further in August, reflecting persistent supply disruptions.

The CBSL said the outlook remains positive, albeit moderated by near-term challenges, mainly due to the expected year-end seasonal upturn.

The Services PMI registered an index value of 65.6 in August, indicating a higher expansion in services activities compared to 61.4 in July 2026.

The CBSL noted that the business activity in the service sector grew at a faster pace in August 2026, supported by the improvements observed across many sectors.

‘This growth was primarily driven by the strong performance in transportation, wholesale and retail trade, and professional services sub-sectors, while financial and other personal services sub-sectors also contributed notably,’ it added.

New businesses increased in August 2026, primarily due to the expansions observed in wholesale and retail trade, financial and other personal services sub-sectors. The professional services sub-sector also contributed positively to this increase.

Employment increased in August 2026, supported by new recruitments. Meanwhile, Backlogs of Work declined in August 2026, reversing the increase recorded in the previous month.

The CBSL said expectations for Business Activity for the upcoming quarter remained positive in August 2026, supported by anticipated economic improvements and expected growth in tourist arrivals.

‘However, broader global economic uncertainties continued to pose downside risks to the outlook,’ it noted.

Azerbaijani table tennis players set for Belgian Open 2026

Azerbaijani table tennis players are set to compete at the Belgian Open 2026.

The country will be represented at the tournament by Rustam Hajili, Adil Ahmadzada, Onur Guluzada, Laman Abdulhamidova, Zemfira Mikayilova, Marziya Nurmatova, Aylin Asgarova and Khadija Abilzada.

The athletes will compete under the guidance of national team head coaches Farhad Ismayilov and Mikhail Timofeyev.

The Belgian Open is an international table tennis tournament held in Belgium and included in the European Table Tennis Union’s Ranking Sanctioned Events calendar.

The 2026 edition will take place from September 17 to 20 in Pepinster.

The tournament has a long history in international table tennis and returned to the ETTU calendar in 2025, with the competition again being held in Pepinster.

Nigerians ask me to slow down after getting 18 hours of electricity – Tegbe

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has revealed that some Nigerians are now asking him to ‘slow down’ after improvements in electricity supply saw some areas receive as much as 18 hours of power daily.

Tegbe disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at the commissioning of a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.

The minister said the improved supply had generated feedback from electricity consumers, including some who were concerned that their freezers were now running continuously.

He said some areas that previously went for months without electricity were now recording significantly longer periods of supply.

‘Places that didn’t have light at all for three months are now having 18 hours light. Some areas called me to say, look, I should slow down, that everything in their freezer is freezing.

‘That is what freezer is meant to do. Let it freeze the food that needs to be frozen,’ Tegbe said.

Tegbe recalled that he had told senators during his screening that Nigerians would begin to notice changes in electricity supply within three to six months.

However, he acknowledged that the Federal Government still had substantial work to do in the power sector, particularly with ageing infrastructure.

According to him, some electricity facilities across the country have been in use for more than four decades and are being replaced gradually.

‘Some of the infrastructure we have in the electricity and power sector are more than 40 years old. We’re systematically replacing them, phasing them out and bringing new ones,’ he said.

The minister also expressed concern over the continued destruction of electricity infrastructure by vandals.

He disclosed that three transmission towers in Birnin Kebbi had recently been pulled down, affecting infrastructure serving Kebbi State and extending towards Niger Republic.

Tegbe explained that the vandals reportedly weakened the foundations of the towers before bringing them down and removing portions of the structures for sale as scrap.

To tackle the problem, he said the government had constituted a joint committee involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The committee, he said, would focus on protecting critical national electricity infrastructure.

‘You will not believe how many towers get pulled down by vandals,’ the minister said.

He added that efforts were underway to ensure that the destruction of critical power infrastructure attracted serious criminal consequences

Int’l Mugham Center opens new season with night of traditional music

The new concert season at the International Mugham Center has opened with an evening of Azerbaijani mugham, featuring performances by well-known khanandas and instrumentalists.

The first “Mugham Evening” concert of the season featured Honored Artists Elnur Zeynalov and Sevinj Sariyeva, as well as soloists Elgiz Aliyev, Konul Khalilzada, Huseyn Malikov and Zumrud Mammadova.

The khanandas were accompanied by Rashad Ibrahimov on tar, Elnur Mammadov on kamancha, Mehta Mahammadalizada on kanun, Huseyn Alakbarli on balaban, Amil Mustafayev on naghara and Vasif Yusublu on oud.

The programme included the “Segah”, “Dashti”, “Rast”, “Dilkash”, “Chahargah” and “Shur” tasnifs.

The concert gave listeners an opportunity to hear different mugham traditions and styles of performance. The combination of vocals and traditional instruments also reflected the characteristic sound of Azerbaijani mugham.

“Mugham Evening” is a regular project of the International Mugham Center. The project is dedicated to promoting mugham, preserving its performance traditions and introducing audiences to different mugham schools and professional performers.

The International Mugham Center is one of the country’s leading cultural landmarks.

The venue was established on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008.

The design of the building was based on the elements and shapes of the tar, an Azerbaijani musical instrument used in performing mugham. The center was built with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In 2024, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by legislation.

The Center regularly organizes large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

It also takes important steps towards bolstering cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art, including “Evening of Mugham Music”, aimed at preserving, developing, and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich classical and spiritual musical heritage.