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Kaduna State Government has successfully commissioned a solar-powered borehole at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kaduna.

The facility, located at the female corps members’ dormitory, was executed through the State’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

The commissioning ceremony, held at the NYSC camp, was marked by deep appreciation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Kaduna State, which lauded Governor Uba Sani for his proactive leadership and consistent support to the Corps community in the state.

Speaking at the event, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Efeke Murna Dadaza, commended Governor Uba Sani for responding promptly to their request and for creating an enabling environment for corps members serving in Kaduna.

She pledged that the NYSC would ensure the solar-powered borehole is well-maintained and used efficiently to improve the living conditions of corps members, especially female participants.

Director General of RUWASSA, Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan, explained that the project aligns with the agency’s mandate to provide clean and sustainable water solutions across rural communities and key institutions.

He emphasized that the solar-powered borehole reflects the Governor’s broader vision for improved access to potable water and his administration’s focus on infrastructure development that directly impacts lives.

‘Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Uba Sani has been unwavering in his support for RUWASSA’s mission,’ Engr. Ladan noted. ‘This project is yet another step towards fulfilling his promise of prioritizing people-centered development, especially in underserved areas.’

The NYSC community expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the State Government and His Royal Highness, Malam Nuhu Bamalli (CFR), for their steadfast commitment to the safety and welfare of youth corps members.

They also pledged to support the government’s efforts in sustaining this and other similar initiatives across the state.

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an ‘angel sent by God’ to restore and transform Nigeria.

Bello made the remark on Saturday during an endorsement rally for President Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, which was broadcast live on TVC.

‘We will not wait for God to send an angel with wings to fly into Nigeria to fix it. The angel is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Bello said. ‘If you are waiting to see an angel flying with wings to come and fix Nigeria, you will wait forever.’

The former governor praised Tinubu’s administration for implementing key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, the introduction of student loans, and the floating of the naira exchange rate. He said these policies were part of the ‘new Nigeria’ citizens had long demanded.

‘Before 2015, we said we wanted a new Nigeria without oil subsidy, a new Nigeria with student loans, a new Nigeria with a floating exchange rate, and one where there will be more money in the hands of both government and citizens. That is what is happening today,’ Bello stated.

Acknowledging the challenges of governance, Bello noted that the process of rebuilding the nation would take time due to years of systemic decay. He urged Nigerians to support the president’s efforts to deliver on his promises.

‘No government can fix everything at once because of the long years of decay in the system,’ he said. ‘Mr. President is fixing it, and he will fix it. We will support him to fix it.’

Bello also stressed the importance of leadership legacy, urging Nigerians to back Tinubu’s long-term vision for the country.

‘Going into the future, not only the 2027 election, we want a situation where Mr. President will leave behind a lasting legacy,’ he said. ‘Leadership without legacy is zero-it’s as good as never coming to power.’

Reflecting on his own political journey, Bello said he felt fulfilled by the progress made under his watch and his continued support for the current administration.

Bello’s remarks come as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with President Tinubu’s supporters highlighting his economic and governance reforms as evidence of a renewed national direction.

Officials of the Development Control Department of the FCTA Administration who pulled down 11 duplexes said be built under high tension wire have been arrested.

Daily Trust reports that the demolished duplexes, located at Apo-Dutse district of Abuja, belong to the Police Pension Commission.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who visited the site Friday evening expressed disappointment over the conduct of the police, describing it as unfortunate that a government institution would disregard the laws it is meant to uphold.

The minister said, ‘Yesterday, I got a report from the Development Control Department that they had to come here to stop some buildings that were going on under a high-tension line. Unfortunately, these structures belong to the Nigerian Police.’

‘They applied for approval, but the Development Control refused because of the location. You can see where the high-tension line passes, it’s risky. Despite being told to stop, they refused, and when enforcement officers came to ensure compliance, they were arrested by the Police. I had to come and see things for myself.’ He added.

The minister emphasized that the government cannot condone lawlessness, regardless of who is involved.

‘Even if there was no high-tension line here, once Development Control has denied approval, you cannot take the law into your hands because you have force. The government is here to enforce rules, not to break them.”

The director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima provided further details on the situation.

He explained that the location is at Plot 189, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, allocated to the Nigeria Police Force in 2018 for institutional development.

‘When they applied for approval, we visited the site and saw that the buildings were directly under a high-tension line. We declined approval and communicated this to them. Despite our warning and several notices, they went ahead with excavation and construction.’ Galadima said.

He added that the Department of Engineering had also notified Development Control that the site was needed for a flood-control bridge.

The director said, ‘We had to act because, in case of any disaster, we would be held responsible. Unfortunately, during the enforcement, some of our officers were detained by the Police. I had to report to the Minister, who intervened immediately.”

OPay Nigeria has unveiled a new security feature known as Location Guard, designed to enhance user protection and prevent unauthorized access to customer accounts.

The announcement was made during the grand finale of the OPay Security Vote Challenge held on Friday at the company’s Lagos office, where four winners received ?1 million each.

Speaking at the event, OPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, said the new feature adds an extra layer of protection by requiring facial verification for transfers carried out outside a user’s regular or home location. She said the feature was developed in response to customer feedback and becomes OPay’s eighth security innovation.

According to her, the Location Guard ensures that only verified users can initiate transactions, even if their phones are stolen or used in unfamiliar locations. ‘If someone takes your phone and tries to use it in another city, the Location Guard feature locks it immediately. Only your Face ID can unlock and authorize transactions,’ she said.

Wang added that security remains a top priority for the company, noting that OPay has a dedicated team of 35 engineers working daily to develop and improve its security systems. She assured customers that the company would continue to invest heavily in technology to safeguard users’ funds and build trust across its platforms.

Four social media users, Adegoke Oluwatoyin Adewunmi from Facebook, Oyinye Mercy Ekeogu from Instagram, Ezeonwuka Greatness from Twitter (X), and Charles Chinaemere Lhugba from TikTok, emerged as winners in the Security Vote Challenge. Other participants also received ?50,000 each as consolation prizes.

The event was attended by OPay brand influencers including Funke Akindele, Brain Jotter, Broda Shaggi, and Layi Wasabi, who have supported the campaign to promote digital safety and awareness among users.

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force has donated the sum of Twenty Three Million Naira (?23,000,000) to the victims of the September 14 airstrike that killed 8 people and injured 30 in the Buhari community in Yunusari the Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, said the jet was targeting ISWAP members when the village was mistakenly attacked.

Represented by the Air Component Commander, Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commondore Umar U Idris, said the NAF Headquarters expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident and commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones and others who sustained various degrees of injuries.

Donating the gesture to the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff distributed ?1,000,000 (One million Naira) each to the families of eight deceased persons and ?500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each to the Thirty (30) injured persons.

He further said the NAF has embarked on quick-impact projects in the Buhari Community, including the installation of a solar-powered borehole to provide potable water to the community.

He added that additional projects are underway to support and provide livelihood opportunities to the affected community.

In his remark, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, commended the NAF for its efforts and pledged the state government’s commitments to achieve the objectives of its operations.

The governor, represented by his Special Advisor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (Rtd), said the incident was not intentional, noting that it was a mistake while targeting a Boko Haram enclave.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described poverty as the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known.

In a statement on his X handle commemorating the International Day for Poverty Eradication, Atiku noted that it is sad that Nigeria is among the nations hardest hit by poverty.

He described poverty as a major factor breeding diseases, ignorance and insecurity, urging government and all stakeholders to join hands in the fight against the scourge.

Atiku, a leading opposition figure in Nigeria, wrote: ‘Poverty is the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known. Wherever it takes root, whether in the life of an individual or across a society, it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness.

‘The declaration of this day as the International Day for Poverty Eradication is a timely reminder and a call to action. It urges governments, civil society, and every stakeholder to join hands in the fight against poverty in all its forms.

‘In Nigeria, we have sadly earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty. That is why my advocacy for deliberate, people-centred solutions to end poverty remains strong and consistent.

‘At both government and community levels, we must take the fight against poverty to every home, every community, and every school so that the ordinary Nigerian becomes part of the solution.

‘As a wise Nigerian proverb says, ‘When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside.’ When poverty is defeated, the freedom and dignity of every man and woman will find true meaning. -AA’

Presidential candidate of the National Salvation Front (FSNC), Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has claimed that ministers and members of government have reached out to congratulate him following his declaration of victory in the just-concluded presidential election in Cameroon.

In a statement released Saturday, Bakary expressed gratitude to those who have shown support, describing the moment as one of national significance.

‘I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the ministers and members of government who have personally called me in recent days to express their support.

‘The time is no longer for pretenses or calculations: when the stakes for our country and for national peace are this crucial, everyone must choose their side, and many have already done so.’ Bakary also claimed that some members of the military high command had pledged their loyalty to the people, rather than to privilege or power.

‘I also thank certain members of the High Command and our Armed Forces who, with responsibility and clarity, have made me aware of their determination not to betray their primary mission: protecting the people.

‘I hope that others will follow in the coming days, because history will remember those who chose the people rather than privileges.’

Addressing the media, Bakary urged journalists to resist becoming tools of misinformation, warning against compromising their role in shaping public opinion.

‘To our brothers and sisters in the press, I also make this appeal: do not allow yourselves to be turned into instruments of disinformation for the sake of favors or positions.

‘You carry a great responsibility toward the youth of this country, who look up to you as models. Do not become enemies of the people.’

Bakary added with a call for unity and vigilance, saying, ‘The times are grave, but hope is stronger. Together, let us remain standing, united, and vigilant. The future is in our hands.’

However, the official results of the presidential election are yet to be confirmed by Cameroon’s electoral commission.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after participating in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level Meeting in Rome, Italy.

The Aqaba Process, a counter-terrorism initiative launched by His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015, and co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy.

The Rome edition focused on strengthening regional and international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with particular attention to West Africa.

The high-level meeting held on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome.

Many heads of State and Government attended, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House, delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, special envoys, and security experts were also in attendance.

The meeting held behind closed doors.

On the sidelines of the event, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos.

President Tinubu also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to discuss religious harmony in Nigeria.

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the meeting addressed the widespread disinformation campaigns that falsely portray the country as intolerant of religious diversity.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 meetings at various levels, from Heads of State summits to technical expert sessions. It is built on three core pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a report alleging that the cancellation of activities marking the Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The DHQ described the report as false and a deliberate attempt to stir tension in the country.

It specifically clarified that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow the President to attend some key functions outside the country and had nothing to do with any coup attempt.

In a statement on Saturday, the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military urged members of the public to disregard the report, describing it as falsehood being circulated by the enemies of Nigeria.

The statement read, ‘The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.

‘The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace. The decision regarding the cancellellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.’

The DHQ stated that the ongoing investigation involving its officers was a routine internal process aimed at promoting discipline and professionalism, noting that a panel had already been constituted to investigate the matter.

‘Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.’

The military further urged Nigerians to continue to support security operatives in the fight against insecurity in the country.

While reaffirming its commitment to operating within the confines of the Nigerian constitution, the DHQ emphasised that democracy has come to stay in the country.

‘The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever.

‘The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.’

The United States Special Envoy for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has refuted claims of an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria, stating that terrorist attacks in the country have affected both Christians and Muslims.

Boulos, who serves as a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, made the remarks during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, on Friday.

His comments come amid growing calls by some American lawmakers urging the U.S. government to designate Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

The White House has not issued any official response on the matter.

Addressing journalists after his meeting with President Tinubu, Boulos said acts of terrorism in Nigeria cut across ethnic and religious lines.

‘Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe,’ he said.

‘People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts. Boko Haram and ISIS have actually killed more Muslims than Christians. People are suffering from all backgrounds. This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other.’

The U.S. envoy added that Nigeria’s Middle Belt region had experienced violent clashes between farmers and herders, which sometimes involved Christian farming communities, but stressed that the conflict was not rooted in religion.

‘It’s not something that can be said to target any particular religious group,’ he said.

Describing Nigeria as a nation of diverse ethnic and religious groups, Boulos said both faiths share nearly equal population strength and have coexisted for decades.

‘This has never been a serious religious issue and should not be,’ he noted.

Boulos also commended President Tinubu’s administration for recent security initiatives, which he said were beginning to yield positive results.

The Christian genocide narrative gained traction after the address of Vice- President Kashim Shettima at the last United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shettima had said the situation in Gaza was ‘heart-wrenching’ and demanded an immediate ceasefire that will birth Palestinians independence and a home of their own on territories already recognised by the UN and international law.

He said a two-state solution remains the most viable path to peace and warned that continued neglect of international law only fuelled propaganda and undermined global stability.