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The Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent.

The Bill introduces strict penalties for those who break the law while tackling wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.

The Bill, passed by the House of Representatives, has updated existing wildlife laws, increased penalties for wildlife crimes, and provides greater authority to investigators to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence led operations.

It also empowers judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover offender assets while promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties and allowing extradition of offenders.

A statement by the West African Director Wild Africa, Linus Unah, explained the passing of this bill is a huge win for Nigeria and shows, without any doubt, that the government remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting its unique fauna and flora.’

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, who sponsored the bill Hon. Terseer Ugbor said: ‘This shows without doubt, that Nigeria remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking. This also means that with stronger laws, Nigeria’s forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. ‘We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future.

‘In the last decade, Nigeria emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets, the West African country was linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019. Environmental organizations have praised this latest development, saying that the Bill demonstrates Nigeria’s response to tackle serious and organised wildlife trafficking’.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director noted that for too long, traffickers have used Nigeria as a transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, bringing endangered wildlife from all over Africa through the porous borders, ports and airports to export them illegally to Europe and Asia.

He said: ‘The Bill aims to halt this shameful trade which is destroying our environment and ruining Nigeria’s global reputation. We salute the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step which will make Nigeria a global leader with one of the most progressive wildlife laws for the African continent.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara Chapter, says it remains unshaken in spite of defections from the party to All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Mr Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of the party.

While the PDP is the ruling party in the state, APC holds sway at the federal level.

The party was reacting to the defection of Maharazu Faru, representing Maradun II constituency in the State House of Assembly.

Faru, who joined the APC together with PDP executives in the five wards among others, hinged his defection on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s inability to meet his campaign promises.

‘Dauda failed to address challenges ranging from insecurity which is the main reason people voted for him,’ the lawmaker said.

However, the PDP said it was not perturbed by Faru’s excuses for his action.

‘The PDP under the able leadership of Dr Jamil Jibo Magayaki has noted the defection of Hon. Marahazu Faru, member representing Maradun II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘While we respect his personal choice, we are not surprised.

‘History has shown that those who put personal interest above the collective will of the people often find themselves on the wrong side of history.

‘The PDP remains the only party with genuine commitment to the rescue and rebuilding of Zamfara State,’ he said.

He said Gov. Dauda Lawal’s leadership was steadily restoring hope, rebuilding institutions, and securing the lives and livelihoods of the Zamfara people.

‘The ongoing reforms and development initiatives are clear proof that the PDP is the party of progress and compassion.

‘We are confident that Hon. Faru will soon regret his decision, as the people of Zamfara have already made up their minds to stand firmly with the PDP.

‘Come the next elections, our party will win overwhelmingly at all levels -from the wards to the national stage because the PDP remains the true party of the masses.

‘We call on our members and supporters to remain steadfast and proud. No defection can shake our foundation or stop the will of the people.

‘The PDP remains strong, united, and deeply rooted in the hearts of Zamfara people,’ the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP still maintains majority with 14 members while the APC now has 10 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become clearer for Nigeria’s Super Eagles following the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s confirmation of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, as the host for their decisive playoff clash against Gabon on November 13th.

CAF’s announcement ends weeks of speculation over the venue, after initially naming Morocco as host nation earlier in October without specifying the exact city.

The latest update now allows the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles technical crew to intensify preparations with full knowledge of where the all-important encounter will take place.

According to respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat has been selected as the match venue. The stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, is regarded as one of the finest football arenas in Africa.

For Nigeria, this fixture represents another crucial step in their quest to secure one of Africa’s remaining tickets to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Organisers approve Rugby for 27th NUGA Games in Jos

Rugby has been approved among the 22 sporting events for the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), scheduled to take place at the University of Jos, Plateau State, between November 6 and 16/.

According to the organisers, the approved sports include rugby, tennis, table tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, judo, taekwondo, scrabble, swimming, football, volleyball, hockey, boxing, e-sports, rowing and yachting, karate, beach volleyball, and squash.

Reacting to the inclusion of rugby, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, described it as a ‘welcome development’ and a testament to the tireless efforts of stakeholders who have continued to advocate for the sport.

‘This is encouraging and the reward for the consistent efforts of those who keep speaking for rugby in the right places. We must continue to project the sport until it gets the recognition it truly deserves,’ he said.

In his acceptance speech after being sworn in as President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are reiterated his commitment to working closely with NUGA to ensure that rugby continues to gain ground across Nigerian universities.

‘This achievement is part of the result of our continuous collaboration with NUGA to expand the reach of rugby in universities nationwide,’ he said.

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a new phone but couldn’t pay the full price upfront, here’s some good news. You can now walk into a store, pick up the new VIVO Y21d smartphone, and take it home after paying only 20% of the price through a new partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct Checkout.

The offer is the first of its kind from Credit Direct, giving more Nigerians the chance to upgrade their devices without financial strain.

Meet the New VIVO Y21d

The VIVO Y21d is one of the most impressive new phones in Nigeria’s mid-range category. It combines style, power, and affordability.

Key features include:

A 6.68-inch 120Hz display with dual stereo speakers for smooth visuals and clear sound

A 50MP Ultra HD AI camera for detailed and vibrant photos

A 6500mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge, offering fast charging and long battery life

Two colors, Coral Red and Jade Green, both sleek and eye-catching

The phone is available in three variants to fit different budgets:

4GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?199,800

6GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?219,800

6GB RAM + 256GB storage – ?239,800

With these options, you can find the perfect balance between performance and price.

How to Get Your VIVO Y21d with Just 20% Downpayment

Credit Direct Checkout has made the process straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how to get started:

Check Your Credit Limit: Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to see how much financing you qualify for.

Shop Your Way: You can either

Visit an authorized store such as SLOT, POINTEK, FINET, or 3C HUB, or

Go directly to a partner vendor’s website and select Credit Direct Checkout as your payment option at checkout.

Choose Your Device: Pick your preferred VIVO Y21d model and color.

Complete Your Payment:

In stores or via social media pages, you’ll receive a secure payment link to pay your 20 percent downpayment and select your repayment plan.

On partner websites, you simply choose Credit Direct at checkout and pay directly – no link required.

Get Your Phone: Take home your brand-new device or have it delivered and pay the balance in convenient monthly installments.

For example, the VIVO Y21d (4GB RAM + 128GB) priced at ?199,800 can be yours with just ?39,960 upfront. The remaining ?159,840 is spread across flexible repayment options.

Why Nigerians Are Excited About This Offer

The biggest advantage of this offer is flexibility. Instead of saving for months or borrowing at high interest rates, you can now buy your phone immediately and pay gradually.

There is no collateral, no hidden fees, and no complicated paperwork. Everything happens digitally, right at the point of purchase.

For many working Nigerians who manage tight monthly budgets, this offer makes owning a modern smartphone easier and more realistic.

A Smarter Way to Buy Tech

Beyond affordability, the partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct shows how technology and finance can work together to improve lives. By lowering the downpayment requirement to 20%, Credit Direct is helping people access the latest devices while encouraging disciplined, structured payment habits.

This approach, often called Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), is becoming more common in Nigeria. It is especially useful for young professionals and entrepreneurs who rely on smartphones for work, education, and communication.

Final Word

The VIVO × Credit Direct Checkout offer is not just about buying a phone. It’s about giving people the freedom to own the technology they need without financial stress.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your device, this is a great opportunity. Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to check your eligibility and locate a participating store.

With only 20% downpayment, you can walk away with a new, powerful VIVO Y21d and pay the rest over time – simply and affordably.

Cameroon’s opposition leaders rejected presidential election results that extended President Paul Biya’s rule for another seven years, saying the outcome did not reflect the will of the people in a country already battling a separatist conflict.

The central African nation’s constitutional council on Monday declared Biya, 92, as the winner of the disputed vote with over 53% of the ballots, triggering violent protests in several cities in the oil- and cocoa-producing nation.

The court’s ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed, signals a potentially prolonged post-election standoff.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary , Biya’s main challenger, had earlier declared victory and warned he would not accept any other outcome. His supporters have angrily taken to the streets, clashing with riot police and blocking roads in the commercial capital Douala with burning tires and debris.

The protests killed at least four people over the weekend and two others on Monday, according to the opposition.

There were scattered celebrations in Biya’s strongholds and government ministers held a party. The usually bustling streets of Douala remained quiet yesterday as rain and riot police kept protesters away.

The European Union expressed ‘deep concern’ about the recent violent repression of protests and called on authorities to tackle the excessive use of force. It also urged leaders to engage in dialogue to preserve national stability.

There was a drama in the National Assembly on Wednesday when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies during an investigative hearing.

The drama unfolded when the Committee, chaired by Hon. Oboku Oforji, convened a session to examine JAMB’s 2023-2024 budget performance, implementation, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements.

The Committee had invited the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to appear in person and present the documents.

However, the Registrar sent a Director, Mr. Muftar Bello, to represent him.

The atmosphere became tense shortly after the session began. When it was time for introductions, the JAMB representative insisted that members of the press should leave the meeting, claiming that the documents he was to present contained ‘sensitive information.’

The committee, however, objected to the demand, maintaining that its proceedings were public and that it was within its constitutional powers to determine how its sittings were conducted.

The JAMB official became visibly agitated and, in an unexpected turn, stood up, directed his team to follow and walked out of the session, leaving members of the committee stunned.

Angered by the action, the committee immediately directed the Clerk to summon the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative but he had already left the premises.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, described the walkout as ‘unfortunate and unacceptable,’ stressing that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to obstruct its oversight duties.

‘We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar of JAMB requesting these documents. To our surprise, the Registrar failed to appear, and instead sent a former Director of Finance and Accounts, who claimed the committee was out to embarrass them. That is very unfortunate,’ Oforji said.

He added that the committee’s intention was not to witch-hunt any government agency but to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

‘Our responsibility is to make sure that all agencies under our watch are accountable to Nigerians. We have no intention whatsoever to witch-hunt anyone,’ he stated.

The committee has given JAMB until next Tuesday for the Registrar to appear in person with his management team to present the requested documents.

‘Failure to do so will compel the committee to take necessary actions in line with the powers vested in us under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ the chairman warned.

Other members of the committee also reacted angrily to the development, describing JAMB’s conduct as a blatant show of disrespect to the National Assembly and, by extension, to the Nigerian people.

Member representing Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante said the walkout amounted to contempt of Parliament. He described the incident as ‘most unfortunate,’ warning that it set a dangerous precedent for accountability in governance.

‘If JAMB can walk out on a committee of the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is a constitutional duty. When an agency refuses to answer questions about public funds, Nigerians have every reason to suspect something is wrong,’ Abiante said.

The lawmaker added that JAMB’s posture raised doubts about the transparency of its financial dealings, recalling previous controversies over unremitted or missing funds in public offices.

‘We have heard of instances where snake or something swallowed money. So probably a bigger swallow may have happened, and they have not prepared themselves for the autopsy. It’s unfortunate. And if this is what we call democracy, I do not understand where we are headed. We have institutions that have chosen not to be responsible to other arms of government, especially one that is constitutionally mandated to ensure public resources are not wasted,’ he added.

Member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, also faulted JAMB’s request for a closed-door session, insisting that it contradicted the principles of transparency expected of public institutions.

‘Public funds must be accounted for in the open. It is not JAMB’s right to dictate that a parliamentary session be held behind closed doors. This is how agencies get lawmakers into trouble. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent,’ he said.

The member representing Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the identity of the official who led JAMB’s delegation, expressing dismay that the Registrar failed to attend the hearing in person.

She maintained that as a major revenue-generating agency, JAMB must be held accountable for its finances and operations, noting that the committee expected the Registrar to appear personally at the next session.

‘It’s even more embarrassing that the man who walked out was not the Registrar. We don’t even know who he is. We simply asked them to introduce themselves and they refused. For all we know, he could have been impersonated. Nigerians want to know what JAMB is doing with their money. The Registrar must appear before this committee by Tuesday to explain,’ Ebikake said.

Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has inaugurated its women’s wing in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with a call for unity, mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The state Women Coordinator of AMG and former commissioner, Yetunde Adeyanju, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the group and hailed the women for their steadfastness and courage despite intimidation and harassment.

She said the purpose of the gathering was to sensitise women across the state on the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasising that Ondo State women must take the lead in mobilising massive support for his victory.

Adeyanju lauded President Tinubu for his developmental projects in Ondo State and across the country, as well as his empowerment initiatives that had positively impacted women through federal schemes.

She also commended the Minister of Interior and convener of AMG, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his people-oriented leadership and continuous support for women in Ondo State.

She described him as ‘a minister with a human face, ever willing to listen and always ready to help.’

She said his stabilising role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State could not be overemphasised.

The women offered prayers for the minister’s continued success in office and in all his endeavours.

Adeyanju reaffirms that as the AMG state women coordinator, her mandate is to ensure every woman in Ondo State votes for the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

She said AMG women’s wing would intensify its campaigns across the nooks and crannies of the state, with ward-level meetings and grassroots engagements to guarantee overwhelming victory for the President.

The women’s gathering unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, pledging total commitment to the cause.

In their remarks, several speakers praised the Minister of Interior for his steadfastness in strengthening APC in Ondo State, noting that through his influence and grassroots connections, many individuals from opposition parties had joined APC.

The Director General of AMG, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, hailed the state women coordinator and the entire women’s structure for their passion and loyalty to the AMG movement. He conveyed greetings from the convener, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, reiterating that AMG was birthed to propagate the achievements of President Tinubu and ensure his overwhelming re-election victory in 2027.

The event was attended by prominent members of the AMG, including the Chairman, Leaders Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa; Ondo State Commissioner at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase; Deputy DG, Ondo South, Afolabi Iwalewa and AMG Secretary, Corporal Nanaopri, among others.

The House of Representatives is to investigate the activities and accounts of the Nigerian Football Federation from 2015 to date, while resolving to take appropriate action aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability of NFF, with a view to restoring national and international confidence.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Dr Adedayo Samuel Adesola (APC, Lagos and Nwaeke Felix Uche (PDP, Rivers), the House asked the leadership of NFF to appear before the House Committee on Sports with records of activities, receipts and disbursements of funds from 2015 to date.

Leading debate on the motion, Adesola recall recent lamentation of former Super Eagles Captain Sunday Oliseh, accusing the NFF of undermining the growth of soccer in Nigeria through misappropriation of grants from FIFA and CAF, citing the questionable handling of USD 1.0 Million NFF got from FIFA to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2002 World Cup.

He said between 2015 and 2025, NFF allegedly received development funds in excess of USD 25 Million from FIFA and CAF with nothing tangible on ground to justify the huge capital inflow from these soccer bodies.

He said ‘in December 2016, FIFA sent an audit query over the mishandling of US$1.1 development grant to NFF and reported that USS802,000 lacked proper documentation; prompting Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung to order an independent audit and asked NFF to account for receipts and disbursements.

According to him, between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials (including the then President, Amaju Pinnick) faced public criticism and were subject of EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship monies. One of these monies, US$1.2 Million is the subject of a news item currently trending on the social media which NFF allegedly used to construct the Birnin Kebbi Stadium.

He said a physical inspection of the Stadium In Birnin Kebbi showed a substandard facility in terms of quality and quantity which cannot justify the sum of US$1.2 claimed to have spent on the project by the NFF,whereas Kenyan Football Federation used the same amount of grant to develop a standard and well-equipped facility, to further raise eye brows on the profligacy in NFF F.

He said with another African Cup of Nation round the corner and the World Cup play off, both involving the Super. Eagles of Nigeria, there is need to take decisive action on further misuse of public funds by the leadership of NFF.

Sir: The recent inauguration of 13 new Emirates by the Bauchi State governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has once again drawn public attention – and criticism – over the government’s misplaced priorities. While palaces are rising and traditional titles multiplying, the essential pillars of society – education and health – are collapsing in silence.

Across the state, schools are falling apart. Children sit on bare floors; many classrooms have broken roofs and no learning materials. Some teachers go months without proper teaching aids. In many rural areas, pupils still learn under trees. In the same state, hospitals are struggling. Patients sleep without proper attention, drugs are scarce, and healthcare workers operate under poor conditions. Yet, huge sums of money are being spent on building palaces, buying luxury vehicles, and hosting ceremonies for newly appointed Emirs.

The painful truth is that Bauchi State has lost its sense of priority. Instead of investing in classrooms and hospitals – the real engines of human progress – the government appears focused on showy projects that do not improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Development is not about how many palaces, flyovers, or investment summits a state can boast of. True development is about people – about children who can read and write, mothers who can give birth safely, and youths who can find meaningful opportunities to work and dream.

Bauchi’s government has spent billions on projects that have little or no direct impact on the common man. The creation of new emirates, the establishment of BAROTA, and the organization of investment summits may look impressive on paper, but they fail to address the deep problems facing education and healthcare in the state.

When schools are weak and hospitals are sick, no amount of ceremony can cure the pain of the people. The citizens of Bauchi deserve better – they deserve policies that place human development at the centre of governance.

Leadership is not about titles or thrones; it is about service. A true leader is a servant of his people – one who listens, understands, and acts in their best interest. Sadly, the current administration has repeatedly placed prestige over purpose.

The essence of democracy is simple: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. When government actions stop reflecting the needs of the people, democracy loses its meaning.

As the next election approaches, the people of Bauchi must think deeply about their choices. We need leaders who will prioritize human welfare over political glory – leaders who will invest in books before crowns, and hospitals before ceremonies.

Our state does not need more Emirs; it needs more educated minds, more healthy families, and more opportunities for its youth. Bauchi can only rise again when our classrooms are alive with learning, our hospitals are centres of healing, and our leaders remember that power belongs to the people.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwunmi Owoade, made a significant courtesy visit to High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, the Akosin of Yorubaland on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

This meeting took place at High Chief Okunola’s private residence in Lekki, Lagos, and underscored the intention to strengthen collaboration between the Alaafin and his chiefs, with the aim of fostering development in Yorubaland.

During the visit, High Chief Okunola reflected on the historical significance of the occasion, noting that the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had also paid him a visit while offering prayers and counsel.

He expressed gratitude for the new Alaafin’s visit, seeing it as a pivotal moment that heralds a fresh chapter in the partnership between himself and the Alaafin throne. ‘I consider myself fortunate to have received this visit,’ he stated. ‘The implications of this meeting extend beyond mere formality; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to foster development and empowerment for the people of Oyo and, indeed, all of Yorubaland.’

High Chief Okunola emphasized that he shares a vision aligned with the Alaafin’s mandate for the advancement and prosperity of Yoruba land. His long-standing efforts through the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, dedicated to community development and empowerment, will be invigorated by the discussions held during this visit. ‘This engagement strengthens my resolve to work toward the greater good of our community,’ he added.

In response, Alaafin Owoade articulated the importance of the visit, highlighting that Chief Habeeb has been a steadfast supporter since his accession to the throne. ‘My visit to Chief Habeeb’s residence is one that brings me immense joy. His insights have been invaluable to me, and our discussions have addressed critical issues facing our communities. This meeting is an opportunity to deepen our bond and enhance collaboration aimed at promoting development throughout Yoruba land,’ he added.

As a gesture of respect and tradition, the Alaafin offered prayers to his ancestors by breaking kolanuts, bitter cola, and alligator pepper, seeking divine blessings for peace, growth, and prosperity across Yoruba land.

This visit is poised to mark a new era of partnership between the throne of Alaafin and its chiefs, signaling a mutual dedication to uplifting the Yoruba people and fostering a progressive future for their rich cultural heritage.