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The Agege Local Government Community Development Committee (CDC) has commended acting council chairman, Vinod Obasa, for the ongoing recruitment of 600 additional street sweepers to enhance environmental sanitation across the community.

According to the CDC, the first phase of the employment drive has already commenced, with 225 new sweepers engaged to clean various streets and inner roads within the council area.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, CDC Chairman, Mr. Morufu Omodele, praised Obasa’s administration for initiating development projects that positively impact residents.

‘In the last three months of his administration, we have experienced tremendous improvements in security, environment, health, and education,’ Omodele said. ‘We appreciate the ongoing employment of 600 street sweepers. This initiative will benefit many residents and improve environmental sanitation in our council.’

He urged residents and stakeholders to continue supporting the council chairman to enable the community to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

‘He has been doing wonderfully well, and we believe that in a year, Agege will witness significant transformation,’ Omodele added.

Also, a resident, Mr. Moses Adepoju, lauded the chairman for his developmental initiatives, describing the ongoing employment and empowerment efforts as unprecedented.

‘This administration clearly has the people in mind – from poverty alleviation and empowerment to environmental sanitation, security, and education,’ Adepoju said. ‘We are encouraged to support the chairman to maintain a safer and cleaner environment and to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse.’

Adepoju noted that the chairman also distributed books to primary school pupils and inaugurated a security committee to complement existing security agencies in safeguarding the community.

Ogoni indigenes in the United States of America (USA) have criticized the Federal Government (FG) plans to resume oil production in Ogoniland.

The group also slammed the authorities of Hydrocarbon pollution, Remediation project (HYPREP), for allegedly prioritising profits and publicity stunts over lives of Ogoni people.

The people reportedly spoke at an emergency Ogoni stakeholders congress in Chicago in the U S A recently.

In a outcome transmitted to the Nation in Port Harcourt Nigeria, by the President Ogoni Business Owners in America, Chief Anthony Waada, and Gbenemene Legbo, the Leaders expressed outrage that environmental devastation in area has remained untouched despite billions of naira released for the Clean-Up Programme.

The people in the statement alleged that ‘lifesaving infrastructure promised to the people has instead turned into abandoned shells, rusting pipes and water systems that supply nothing but empty promises.’

Furthermore, they claimed that ‘even the recently commissioned water projects in Bodo, Uegwere-Boue, Taabaa and Eteo across Gokana, Khana and Eleme LGAs are not functioning, yet HYPREP continues parading failure as success.’

According to them, commissioning ceremonies for projects that do not work are insulting to communities still living with poisoned streams, total blackout due to lack of electricity, and zero access to functioning healthcare.

‘Our people are still drinking poison,’ Waadah stressed. ‘Our villages remain covered in darkness with no electricity. Women give birth in agony because there are no hospitals. Yet the government claims progress by cutting ribbons on dead projects. That is not cleanup. That is deliberate cruelty.’

The reaction may not be unconnected with President Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement for the return of oil extraction in Ogoniland, directing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to collaborate with the NNPCL and selected stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.

Tinubu also posthumously honoured four Ogoni leaders who died during the struggle for justice. Those gestures, according to the diaspora, ring hollow when the environmental and humanitarian crisis that defined the Ogoni struggle remains unaddressed.

‘They want to honour the dead while destroying what they died for,’ Waadah said. ‘Ken Saro-Wiwa and our heroes laid down their lives for justice, not for the government to smuggle oil rigs into Ogoni soil through the backdoor.’

He insisted that the UNEP Environmental Assessment Report remains the only legitimate roadmap to healing the land. More than a decade after its release, he said none of its critical recommendations – including access to clean water, remediation of polluted lands, functional healthcare, and livelihood support – have been meaningfully delivered.

Life expectancy in Ogoniland hovers around 50 years, which Waadah described as ‘evidence of ongoing environmental genocide.’

Waadah argued that the billions released for the cleanup could have transformed the region into a model for environmental renewal but instead have ‘exacerbated suffering and fattened private pockets,’ he demanded a full-scale probe into HYPREP’s operations and spending, insisting that no new project should be commissioned until independent auditors verify the functionality of those already inaugurated.

The Chicago congress resolved that oil development in Ogoniland is completely off the table until the Federal Government fully implements the UNEP Report, ensures transparency, negotiates directly with true community representatives, and complies with Local Content laws guaranteeing training and employment for Ogoni youths, adding that any oil company interested in Ogoni oil must relocate its operational headquarters to the region and demonstrate real development commitments instead of ‘business as usual exploitation.’

They further assured Ogoni residents that the diaspora stands ready to defend the land through international diplomacy and legal avenues. ‘If oppression returns wearing a new suit, our resistance will rise wearing the armour of truth,’ he declared, noting they are prepared to escalate the matter to the United Nations and African Union if necessary.

The group however called for peace and unity among Ogonis worldwide, maintaining that non violence remains the strength of their struggle. ‘We are peaceful, but not passive. We are wounded, but unbroken. Ogoni oil will only flow when justice flows first.’he insisted.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted threats by United States President Donald Trump to launch a war against Nigeria over its security challenges, warning that any form of external military intervention would be counterproductive and harmful to the nation’s democracy.

While the party acknowledged and shared Trump’s concerns, it urged that such concerns should instead translate into genuine support for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and enhancing the country’s capacity to develop homegrown solutions to its challenges.

In a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the U.S. President’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern reflected the growing international alarm about the scale of violence and human rights violations in the country.

It, however, noted that the concerns should be channelled toward helping Nigeria strengthen its democracy and rebuild its capacity to address its internal challenges.

Deploying or threatening military action, it warned, would only deepen the crisis and threaten the nation’s unity and stability.

‘We appreciate the American President and other world leaders for their concern about the security situation in our country.

‘We will however urge that such concerns should be translated into supporting Nigeria to grow her democracy and develop its capacity to solve its own problems.

‘We believe that mobilising armed troops or even a mere threat of doing so would do more harm than good and ultimately prove counter-productive to our democratic aspiration and the long-term unity and stability of our country,’ the party stressed.

The ADC outlined a five-point roadmap it believes could rescue the country from deepening insecurity and economic decline.

It called for a total overhaul of the national security architecture, including an independent audit of its leadership and operations; the immediate appointment of qualified ambassadors to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility; a foreign policy reset anchored on national interest; economic reforms focused on price stability and social welfare; and an end to the personalization of public institutions in favour of citizen-driven governance.

According to the party, the U.S. action serves as a stark reminder that the dignity of nations is no longer measured by economic strength alone but by their ability and willingness to protect human life.

The party also decried Nigeria’s declining diplomatic influence, blaming the government’s failure to appoint ambassadors and its ‘personalised foreign policy’ for the loss of regional leadership and fractured relations within ECOWAS.

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has strongly criticised President of United States, Donald Trump, over his claim that Christians are being killed in Nigeria.

Akiolu described the comment as incorrect and capable of creating unnecessary tension, insisting such remarks misrepresent Nigeria’s reality and unfairly portray the nation.

Speaking on Sunday in his palace after marking his 82nd birthday, the traditional ruler said Nigerians of different faiths had co-existed peacefully for decades.

He noted that both Christians and Muslims have shared communities, celebrations, and challenges, reinforcing unity in spite of occasional security issues.

According to him, criminal activities and terrorism in parts of the country are not directed at any religion but are acts of misguided individuals and groups.

He appealed to international leaders to verify information before issuing official statements, stressing that careless comments can damage Nigeria’s global image.

The traditional ruler said national unity remains essential, warning that Nigeria cannot afford internal division at a sensitive period of economic and security reforms.

He urged Nigerians to maintain peaceful coexistence and avoid allowing religion, ethnicity, or politics to create unnecessary conflict.

Akiolu also renewed his longstanding call for Lagos to be granted special recognition because of its huge population and central role in Nigeria’s economy.

He said the city had served as an economic powerhouse since the colonial era and continues to shoulder national responsibilities that demand federal support.

The Oba encouraged government-led urban renewal on Lagos Island but cautioned that original residents must not be displaced during redevelopment efforts.

He expressed concern about the growing decline in sanitation across Lagos and called for a revival of regular house-to-house environmental inspections.

Akiolu said such inspections existed in the past and promoted discipline, hygiene, and civic responsibility among residents.

He advised political office holders to avoid greed and misuse of public funds, warning they will answer to God and future generations.

The traditional ruler emphasised that honesty, discipline, transparency, and accountability are necessary virtues for meaningful national progress.

He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying signs of the Renewed Hope Agenda are beginning to emerge.

Akiolu also expressed hope that future generations will uphold values of kindness, integrity, truthfulness, and fairness, which he considers central to leadership and humanity.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled ruling for November 13 on a no-case submission filed by a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), Anamekwe Nwabuoku.

Justice James Omotosho chose the date on Monday after Nwabuoku’s lawyer, Harrison Quakers (SAN), and prosecuting lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) made their final submissions.

Nwabuoku is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial; Crimes Commission (EFCC) on money laundering related charges, involving about N868 million.

In his submission, Quakers argued that all the evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits it tendered are insufficient to establish a prima facie case against his client.

Quakers urged the court to uphold Nwabuoku’s no-case submission and acquit him.

Iheanacho argued otherwise and prayed the court to dimiss Nwabuoku’s no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence.

He stated that the evidence led so far by the prosecution, through the nine witnesses, and exhibits tendered, have sufficiently established a prima facie case against the defendant to warrant him to enter a defence.

Nwabuoku is listed as the sole defendant in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024 on which he is being prosecuted by the EFCC.

The EFCC alleged, in count one, that Nnabuoku, alongside Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited (at large), Turge Global Investment Limited (at large), Laptev Bridge Limited, Arafura Transnational Afro Limited (at large) and other persons (all at large) conspired to convert funds, said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The anti-graft agency said the offence was contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as (amended by Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Nwabuoku was alleged to have committed the offence while he served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence, between 2019 and 2021.

Nineteen bandits were feared dead following a gun duel between troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

Two soldiers and a local vigilante also died during the operation, which was led by 3 Brigade Nigerian Army on Saturday night.

An Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu in a statement on Monday disclosed that the encounter followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Unguwan Tidu, Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of the state at about 5 pm on November 1, 2025.

‘Following a tip-off on movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State at about 5:00pm on 1 November 2025, the troops of 3 Brigade supported by other security agencies raided the bandits and pushed them out of Shanono resulting in a heavy fire fight. It was further confirmed that the bandits who sustained several casualties arrived on motorcycles.

‘The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits’ movements in the area. Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits which led to exchange of fire where own troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the criminals. It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralized during the encounter. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice.

‘Additionally, further operations are ongoing in the general area as efforts are made to protect vulnerable communities who have been prone to cattle rustling from the bandits. The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

‘The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the security agencies for prompt response.

‘The Commander 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assures law-abiding citizens of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State, while working together with the sister services and security agencies,’ the statement reads.

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja division, will hear the suit instituted by Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib challenging his withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, assigned the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1329/2025, and approved December 8, 2025, as the commencement date for hearing on the plaintiff’s grievances.

Represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yunus Abdulsalam, the publisher of PRNigeria is seeking a court order to set aside his withdrawal from the SEC 47 and have him reinstated with full rights, benefits, and privileges.

Shuaib is suing NIPSS for ?1 billion in damages over emotional and reputational harm, plus ?100 million in litigation costs, alleging the institute ignored a pre-action notice sent to its Director General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo.

In a 40-paragraph affidavit, the media expert, nominated for the course by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), detailed the sequence of events he claims constitute harassment, cyberbullying and arbitrary disciplinary actions.

Shuaib recalled how he was queried over a PRNigeria news article titled ‘NIPSS Goes Digital.’ which he insisted he neither authored nor edited, and an opinion article about the country’s ‘Blue Economy,’ without any reference to the institute.

The plaintiff, who claimed that the queries were unfounded and not supported by the institute’s Code of Conduct, stated that his withdrawal letter, dated June 2, 2025, was not officially served on him but only addressed to the NIPR.

In the originating summons, he raised eight issues for determination, arguing that NIPSS’s actions were non licet and discriminatory. He said the alleged access of his email without consent violated the right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

Furthermore, Shuaib contends that the punitive action taken against him for professional opinions expressed in a published article that had nothing to do with NIPSS breached his guaranteed freedom of expression under Section 39(1).

He faulted his suspension and withdrawal from the course, saying it was based on the alleged ‘externalisation of the subject’ as he had no opportunity of explanation, in violation of constitutional right to a fair hearing under Section 36(1).

Shuaib, who fully paid the ?18.3 million course fees, maintained that denying him participation in the international study tour amounted to both a breach of contract and discrimination.

The publisher also informed the court that the decision to bar other participants from interacting with him and removing him from official platforms amounted to harassment, cyberbullying, and forced isolation.

The plaintiff is seeking declarations that NIPSS had no authority to penalise him for content put out by an independent platform and that his withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course 47 was entirely unlawful.

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has explained why his administration is fixing failed federal roads in the State.

Okpebholo said he would continue to reconstruct and repair damaged federal highways to ease sufferings of the people because he would approach the Federal Government for reimbursement of funds spent.

The Governor, who spoke when he visited the Ogheghe-Ologbo axis of the Benin-Sapele highway, said he could not allow the daily carnage on major federal highways which his predecessor refused to handle.

According to him: ‘You can see for yourself how terrible this place is. This place looks as if there has never been a government here ever. The PDP government, to me, is going to be blamed for this. On Saturday, a trailer fell and got burnt here. A lot of people lost their properties around here as a result of that. So today, I have come to see for myself what actually happened. The road is terribly bad.

‘I think the best way to go is the way we are going now; to fix this road by ourselves and later revert to the Federal Government for reimbursement. What we are doing is to keep this place safe for our people to ply. The contractor is working despite today being Sunday.’

Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Williams Bello, said the 10.15 kilometres section was recently handed over to the Edo State Government by the Federal Ministry of Works when the Minister of Works visited the State.

Bello said: ‘You can see that our Governor is being proactive. The contractor, who was already handling 23.2 kilometres of the project, is now extending work to this newly conceded section. In the middle of the road, they are already excavating for the drains.

‘This area has unsuitable materials that cannot absorb water. So, a major drainage channel, about 7.5 metres wide is being constructed to carry stormwater towards the bypass where there will be a discharge point. Since we are now in the dry season, the contractor will be able to build up the road profile and lay the stone base.’

Two young men were reportedly killed on Saturday night in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State in a suspected cult-related attack allegedly carried out by members of a rival cult group.

Sources in the area said the assailants, believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity, stormed the area around nightfall and fatally attacked two men identified as Ifeanyi and Emmanuel.

Ifeanyi, a barber and and alleged to be a member of Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye, was reportedly the main target.

It was gathered his assailants had allegedly being on his trail for a while for allegedly playing a role in the killing of a senior Vikings leader, a claim that sparked the reprisal.

However, confusion surrounds the killing of the second victim, Emmanuel, who locals described as a tricycle operator and not a cultist.

Sources in the community noted that Emmanuel may have been a victim of the attack simply for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, having stopped by the barber shop for haircut when the attackers struck.

Residents lamented that cult violence has been on the rise in the community and called on government and security agencies to intervene.

Police spokesperson confirmed the killings.

He gave the names of the victims as

Ogele Ifeanyi, a the barber who was killed at his shop and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a Keke rider.

‘The incident occurred on 1st November 2025 around 10pm.

The command is investigating the incident,’ he said.

The Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Akure Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Borokini, has described as ‘exaggerated’ the recent claim by United States President Donald Trump, alleging the widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Borokini, who faulted President Trump’s claim, said the insecurity in Nigeria affects both the Christians and Muslims alike.

Last Friday, President Trump announced the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) following global calls for action against what he described as the ‘mass slaughter’ of Christians in the West African nation.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that Christians in Nigeria face an ‘existential threat,’ blaming ‘radical Islamists’ for the killings.

‘Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,’ Trump wrote.

‘Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern – but that is the least of it.’

The U.S. President’s comments have since sparked widespread reactions locally and internationally.

Speaking with The Nation in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Monday, Bishop Borokini said contrary to Trump’s claim there is no ongoing ‘genocide’ of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the North.

According to him, attacks by Boko Haram insurgents and armed herdsmen have affected both Christians and Muslims.

‘Well, I would say it’s been exaggerated because it is not only Christians that are being killed – both Christians and Muslims are victims.

‘These Boko Haram and herder attacks target not only Christians. I think what Trump is saying is an exaggeration. I don’t see it as genocide. It’s not Christians alone that are being persecuted or killed,’ Bishop Borokini.

The Anglican Bishop condemned all forms of violence in the country, saying his faith does not support the killing of anyone, regardless of religion.

He urged the government to take decisive action against those perpetrating violence and to further strengthen national security.

‘The government should do something about security. I condemn every form of killing – whether of Christians or Muslims,’ he stated.

‘President Tinubu has been trying in the past year, and some measures have been taken, but there is still room for improvement. Lives and property must be protected, and the government should remain conscious of this responsibility.’

Borokini also charged Christians and Muslims to hold firmly to their faiths, remain vigilant, and support government efforts to restore peace across the country.