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Climate-resilient infrastructure

For those of us living in Mega Manila, we have been fortunate that in the past seven months we have been spared by at least two powerful typhoons that has instead wreaked havoc and caused major flooding in China.

The current El Niño weather pattern has also played a part in keeping Mega Manila relatively dry so far this year.

I myself experienced the devastating effect of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and once again by Typhoon Carina that was aggravated by the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Ondoy was the first time I experienced having my house flooded up to the ground floor, something I thought would never happen since the area where I live had never been flooded in the decades that we have been there. Thankfully, the flooding only reached the ground floor, but our car was also affected.

That event traumatized me and since then, I have become fearful whenever there is a big storm headed toward Luzon.

Unfortunately, Typhoon Carina in 2025, which was not predicted to be as strong as Ondoy, unluckily was aggravated by the southwest monsoon, bringing more rain that resulted in another unexpected flooding that matched the level of flooding caused by Ondoy.

However, that time around, the flooding caused by Carina, it turned out, was a failure of flawed flood control projects that eventually revealed the massive corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The current government is now more serious about working with other countries that have planned ahead and have built climate-resilient infrastructure.

In fact, in a recent Stormwater Summit, Singapore’s National Water Agency – PUB – shared how they manage all aspects of water. The water agency’s mandate is to supply water, reclaim used water, tame stormwater and resist rising seas.

Ryan Yuen, managing director of PUB Consultants Pte. Ltd., talked about their own strategy in managing their water resources, not so much because they are prone to typhoons like our country, but more because they have limited water resources as an island nation, and are dependent on their neighbor Malaysia for most of their freshwater needs, and on rainfall which they have to efficiently collect, store and allocate.

In his presentation, Mr. Yuen explained that because Singapore is low-lying, it is vulnerable to flooding, and since it is an island state, it is affected by conditions in the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait, as well as by the South China Sea.

Because of its small land size of just 730 kilometers and a high population density that requires a constant and reliable source of freshwater, the island nation has to make every drop of water counts, and has thus built up an extensive water catchment network of about 6,000 kilometers of drains, canals and river that is collected and stored in 17 reservoirs.

However, Singapore has low-lying areas that are prone to flooding from intense rainfall and by the sea level and storm surges. Because the island nation is well developed, there is increased surface runoff.

In the past, Singapore experienced widespread flooding. Fortunately, it has addressed its flooding problems through drainage system improvements so that less than 30 hectares of the country now experience flooding.

For his part, DPWH Undersecretary Charles Calima cited the stormwater catchment design of Bonifacio Global City, as well as other projects in the provinces that now focus on catching the rainwater and storing them in some containment areas.

Unfortunately, Usec. Calima was not able to elaborate more extensively on other plans and specific projects of the DPWH, but he assured that President Marcos has ordered the agency to ensure that flood control projects should work to the benefit of those who are most affected – those living in these flood-prone areas. The President, he said, emphasized that ‘there should be no ghost or substandard projects.’

He also cited the Oplan Kontra Baha program that aims to mitigate severe, heavy flooding in low lying areas, in partnership with local government units and the private sector.

He called for a stronger collaboration with LGUs, civil society and the private sector, arguing that ‘this is not a problem of one agency alone. The intervention is not another structure, the intervention is coordination.’

Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of strengthening preparedness to mitigate potential problems.

She noted that ‘in our region, communities are confronting risks of increasing scale and complexity – extreme weather, rapid urbanization and environmental pressures are placing greater demands on the systems that support everyday life. Their effect extends far beyond demands, damage to infrastructure, for they disrupt livelihoods, interrupt economic activity and place pressure on essential services as well, affecting the daily lives of millions of Filipinos, that is why protecting communities is not only about responding after destruction, it’s about reducing risks before it becomes a crisis, strengthening preparedness and creating conditions for sustainable development to endure despite increasingly complex challenges.’

While I have seen extensive work being done, and some already completed along Araneta Boulevard in Quezon City, it remains to be seen if the said projects and those still being completed, have been built to the required specifications.

Likewise, it also remains to be seen if the massive garbage problem that aggravates the floods during heavy downpours has likewise been addressed.

In the past seven months, the weather has been mostly hot and dry. While there has been some strong rains recently, it has been intermittent and has resulted in brief flash floods. Thus, the true test, despite Usec. Calima’s positive presentation still has to be proven.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Tinubu flags off Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road

President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled a key campaign pledge with the official groundbreaking of the 122-kilometre Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road reconstruction project in Kaduna State.

Tinubu, represented by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, spoke on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road.

The President recalled visiting Birnin Gwari in December 2022 during the presidential campaign in spite of security warnings that the area was unsafe due to banditry and kidnappings.

‘At that meeting in Birnin Gwari, I promised to reconstruct the road from Mando, Kaduna, to Birnin Gwari.

‘I also promised to do everything possible to restore security and normalcy to Birnin Gwari. Today, both promises have been fulfilled,’ he said.

Tinubu described the road as a strategic national asset linking the North-West to the South-West through several states up to Lagos.

He said the Federal Executive Council approved ?178.12 billion for the reconstruction project.

Governor Sani commended Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for securing approval and funding for the project.

He said the Kaduna State Government was also constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

According to him, the projects are evidence of the peace and stability gradually returning to the area.

Sani also highlighted other federal projects approved for Kaduna State, including the Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about 865 million dollars.

He added that work was progressing on the Western Bypass and other critical infrastructure projects across the state.

The governor argued that Northern Nigeria was currently witnessing unprecedented federal infrastructure investment.

‘We thank President Tinubu for his love for the North, for humanity and for progress.

‘We are grateful that he recognises Kaduna as the heart of Northern Nigeria,’ he said.

Sani pledged continued political support for Tinubu, expressing confidence in the President’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Public trust is strengthened when promises are matched by practical action,’ he said.

Earlier, Umahi described Tinubu as ‘a promise keeper’ committed to equitable infrastructure development across the country.

He said the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road would improve security, reduce travel time and boost agriculture and commercial activities along the corridor.

Umahi noted that: ‘This road is not just about transportation.

‘It is about restoring economic life, improving security, promoting agriculture and connecting millions of Nigerians to greater opportunities.’

The minister said construction would start simultaneously from both ends of the road project.

He added that the road would feature solar-powered street lighting and extensive tree planting to enhance safety and environmental sustainability.

Umahi praised Sani for persistently advocating the reconstruction of the road because of its strategic importance.

He noted that several inherited highway projects, including sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, were nearing completion.

According to him, improved road infrastructure has contributed to reduced insecurity along major transport corridors.

Umahi urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on tangible infrastructure projects and ongoing reforms.

He said: ‘Democracy is about choices. Those criticising us should do so constructively and offer alternatives.

‘Within these three years, the President has done extremely well. Give him another four years and we will take this country to greater heights.’

I inherited FHA with assets worth N10trn that couldn’t pay salaries -Oyetunde

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, on Wednesday said he inherited an agency with property assets valued at over N10 trillion but one that could not pay workers’ salaries due to a debt burden exceeding N12 billion.

Hon. Ojo made the disclosure in Abuja after receiving an Award of Excellence from the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for his contributions to institutional reforms and the fight against corruption.

According to him, the agency was in a dire financial situation when he assumed office two years ago alongside members of the executive management team, with accumulated debts backed by a Supreme Court judgment, as well as unpaid staff salaries and allowances.

‘We met over N12 billion deficit. We could not pay salary. That’s the truth. The first month, we didn’t even know where we were to pay salaries from,’ he said, adding that the management resolved to revive the organisation without relying on Federal Government subventions.

Hon. Ojo, who observed that the turning point came after the management embraced transparency, staff engagement, and digital reforms, said the reforms began yielding results within three months, leading to revenue surpluses that enabled the agency to clear the N12 billion debt within one year.

He added that the authority remitted N3 billion to the Federation Account in July and expects the figure to rise to N6 billion by December.

While speaking on the reforms initiated under his watch, Hon. Ojo said: ‘from 1977 to 2003, when we were de-listed from the budget revenue, I said over N500 billion have been invested into the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria. I said, if it was your father’s business, and your father has put in N500 billion into an investment, will you watch it die? No.

‘Now, let’s go back and let’s see a situation where we will now be making profit for the Nigerian government and we say this is return on investment. Initially, it was like a joke. Even some of my Executive Directors did not believe me. But thank God I’ve been in politics, I’ve been in business, I’ve been in academics. So, I have a lot of combinations.

‘We realised the staff must be well taken care of. We decided there will be no department that will not function. When I came, SERVICOM, ACTU never existed. I said, for government to have created an agency or created a department, there must be a reason. I called on the former GM SERVICOM ACTU. I said, ACTU, you are the policeman of this organisation. This organisation has gone so down.

‘We will now start doing the police work. You and I will be moving from one office to another. Thank God I have the energy, files, everything. Because we’re about to now start digitalisation. Over a year before, it used to be the analogue style.

I said there’s wastage of revenue. We have to digitalise all our property files, both land and housing. And these are property files that are today in our custody, worth over N10 trillion. That’s the truth. Gwarinpa and Lugbe are enough for you to do the analysis.

‘We collect ground rents. We collect building approvals. And somebody who is in custody of over N10 trillion cannot pay salary? Something is wrong somewhere. We started digitalisation. We met with resistance, serious resistance. You know, when change is coming, that’s the most difficult thing. We stood our ground. So digitalisation process could not be achieved until we came.’

Hon. Ojo stressed that the administration adopted a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, arguing that responsive leadership and improved staff welfare are critical to eliminating unethical practices.

Presenting the award, the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, described Ojo as an intellectually sound administrator whose leadership had transformed the operational environment at the FHA while demonstrating a strong commitment to integrity and institutional reforms.

Ibrahim said the academy found the FHA chief deserving of the honour because of his resolve to partner with the ICPC and ACAN in strengthening ethics and accountability within the authority. ‘He has showcased a vibrant knowledge as well as resolve to partner with the ICPC and the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria to mitigate corrupt practices, especially within the Federal Housing Authority,’ he said.

He added that the recognition was also in appreciation of Ojo’s support for staff capacity building and his contribution to Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, national ethics, and integrity policy. ‘Today, we come to honour Honourable Oyetunde Ojo for his contributions, not only to ICPC and ACAN, but to Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, as well as national ethics and integrity policy, which advocates for human dignity, patriotism and professionalism,’ Ibrahim stated.

Atiku faults $4.5bn oil-backed loan refinancing

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the approval by the National Economic Council (NEC) of a $4.5 billion refinancing of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s oil-backed loan.

Speaking on Wednesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described it as further proof that the Tinubu administration has mortgaged Nigeria’s future to sustain its reckless fiscal habits.

Atiku said every new oil-backed obligation pushes Nigeria deeper into a vicious cycle in which tomorrow’s wealth is sacrificed to finance today’s policy failures.

He recalled that only a few days ago, the Presidency issued a statement in response to his revelation of an unexplained ?17 trillion crude oil windfall, claiming that Nigeria was unable to fully benefit from soaring international crude oil prices because future crude earnings had already been committed to oil-backed foreign loans.

‘That explanation should have embarrassed any responsible government. Instead, this administration has chosen to double down on the very scandal it sought to justify by approving yet another $4.5 billion refinancing. Rather than breaking free from the chains of oil-backed indebtedness, it is tightening them.’

‘What kind of government inherits a nation blessed with abundant oil resources, removes fuel subsidy, imposes multiple taxes, records unprecedented crude oil windfalls, borrows aggressively at home, and still finds it necessary to refinance billions of dollars secured against the country’s future oil production?

‘This administration has turned Nigeria into a nation permanently living on credit. Instead of using increased revenues to reduce debt and build fiscal resilience, it continues to mortgage the future of generations yet unborn.

‘The tragedy is not merely the refinancing itself. The tragedy is that Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardship in the name of economic reforms, yet the borrowing never stops. The pain is permanent, but the promised gains remain invisible.

‘When reforms look like eating away the future to finance today’s consumption, no one can be in doubt that what we have is profligacy without moral restraint.’

The Waziri of Adamawa said President Tinubu promised renewed hope, but what Nigerians received instead was renewed debt, renewed hardship, and renewed uncertainty.

He said under his watch, debt has become policy, borrowing has become governance, and mortgaging the future has become the defining philosophy of his administration.

‘Tinubu has become the weapon fashioned against Nigeria’s economy. Nigeria deserves leadership that preserves national assets, not one that continually pledges them to finance an endless cycle of waste, opacity and fiscal irresponsibility.’

Atiku called on the Tinubu administration to immediately publish the full details of the refinancing arrangement, including its terms, repayment obligations, and the volume of crude oil committed under the deal.

He said Nigerians deserve transparency, accountability, and a government that protects-not mortgages-the nation’s future.

FG targets mid-August to pay workers’ wage award

The Federal Government says federal public servants waiting for the payment of the outstanding wage award will begin receiving their money before the middle of August, as efforts have also been stepped up to clear outstanding promotion arrears owed to workers.

The assurance came on Wednesday after a meeting between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and leaders of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on unresolved welfare issues affecting federal workers, including unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, salary relativity for health workers and other outstanding allowances.

Speaking during the meeting, Oyedele said the Tinubu administration remains determined to fulfil agreements reached with organised labour, explaining that work on several of the issues raised by the union had already begun before its latest formal presentation.

He said government understood the importance of meeting its obligations to workers and would continue to provide realistic timelines for implementing outstanding commitments instead of making promises it could not keep.

‘When government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented,’ the minister said.

According to him, the final administrative processes required for releasing the outstanding wage award are almost complete, paving the way for eligible workers to receive the payment before the middle of this month.

He also disclosed that the payment of promotion arrears was progressing, with the remaining batches already receiving attention under the approved government procedures.

To hasten implementation, the minister directed officials of the Ministry of Finance to work with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to resolve every outstanding issue brought before the government by the labour representatives.

Oyedele admitted that delays in implementing some labour agreements had created concerns among workers but said the government intended to strengthen confidence through regular engagement, openness and timely action.

He added, ‘Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once government gives its word, it will honour that commitment.’

The labour delegation, led by JPSNC National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, welcomed the engagement with the minister but appealed for faster action on unresolved welfare matters affecting public servants.

Minjibir said workers were particularly concerned about the outstanding wage award, unpaid promotion arrears, salary relativity affecting health workers and other pending entitlements, noting that resolving them quickly would improve industrial relations and boost workers’ confidence in government.

Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi said the ministry would continue working with organised labour and other government institutions to ensure approved workers’ benefits were processed without unnecessary delays.

The Permanent Secretary Special Duties in the ministry, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, disclosed that Batch Seven promotion arrears, which had been omitted during an earlier payment exercise, were now being processed together with Batch Nine. He said the government was equally working with the relevant agencies to resolve issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other pending labour matters.

Also speaking, Director of Cash Management Christiana Osho said reconciliation of the outstanding wage award had been completed and that only the final release of funds was outstanding before payments commence.

She added that work on the outstanding promotion arrears was continuing in line with the approved payment schedule.

The meeting ended with both government and organised labour agreeing to sustain consultations as part of efforts to resolve outstanding welfare issues and maintain industrial peace across the Federal Public Service.

172 residents evacuated in Zambales due to Maymay

At least 172 residents in this province have been evacuated from their homes as Tropical Storm ‘Maymay’ (international name: Kujira) and the enhanced southwest monsoon continue to bring inclement weather to the province on Wednesday.

Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) showed that 156 individuals were staying in evacuation centers, while 16 individuals were taking shelter outside designated evacuation facilities.

The evacuees came from Barangay San Vicente in Palauig, Barangays Malabon and Pamibian in Candelaria, and Barangays Canaynayan and San Fernando in Sta. Cruz.

Meanwhile, authorities also reported one partially damaged house in Barangay Pamonoran, Sta. Cruz after a tree fell on the structure on Wednesday.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Maymay was moving northward over the sea west of La Union with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remained in effect over northern Zambales particularly the towns of Candelaria, Sta. Cruz, Masinloc, and Palauig.

Pagasa also warned that the periphery of Maymay and the southwest monsoon would continue to bring strong to gale-force winds and hazardous sea conditions.

The weather bureau forecast rough seas of up to 3.5 meters along the northern coast of Zambales and advised mariners of small seacraft, including motor bancas, not to venture out to sea

Two Caged For ‘Killing’ Suspected Burglar

Two young men have been remanded into prison custody for allegedly murdering an 18-year-old suspected burglar at Wenchi in the Bono Region.

Mufatawu Seidu, 18, an electrician, and Salifu Abubakar, 22, a sprayer, were hauled before the Wenchi Magistrate for allegedly assaulting Ibrahim Abu to death after accusing him of stealing a mobile phone, GNA reported.

According to the report, the accused will reappear before the court, presided over by His Worship Abdul Issah Wahab, on August 17, 2026, while police continue a manhunt for other alleged accomplices.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector John Agyare told the court that on July 31, 2026, at about 1100 hours, the complainant, Hawa Seidu, a trader, accompanied by one Sadia Yusif, reported the matter at the Wenchi Police Station.

He said the complainant stated that on July 22, 2026, the deceased, who was her son, returned home and informed her that a group of about 15 young men, led by a suspect known only as ‘Achimota’, had severely assaulted him after accusing him of stealing a mobile phone.

Chief Insp. Agyare told the court that the suspect known as ‘Achimota’, who remains at large, allegedly used a taser to repeatedly shock the deceased, who later complained of severe bodily pains.

The prosecutor said that on July 31, 2026, at about 0900 hours, nine days after the alleged assault, Ibrahim Abu fell unconscious and was rushed to the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Chief Inspector Agyare said police officers proceeded to the hospital and found the body of the deceased on a stretcher in front of the mortuary, covered with a bed sheet.

He said the body had since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while police had intensified efforts to arrest the suspect known as ‘Achimota’ and other alleged accomplices who remain at large.

Why Tinubu approved N50bn fresh disbursement to NELFUND, Creditcorps – Olukoyede

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved N50 billion from the Commission’s Proceeds of Crime Account for disbursement to the Consumer Credit Corporation, Creditcorps and Nigeria Education Loan Scheme, NELFUND.

He made the disclosure on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, when the managing director of the Consumer Credit Corporation, Creditcorps, Uzoma Nwagba led his top management team on a courtesy visit to EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

According to him, the disbursement was in recognition of the successes achieved by both agencies in the execution of their mandates

‘I believe that you must have received the money now, because it has been taken away from our account. If you have not, follow up with CBN,’ he said.

Speaking at the event Olukoyede argued that policy reforms are the most result-oriented approach to fighting corruption, economic and financial crimes.

‘Being part of the system, I did a bit of analytical presentation on how we can effectively curb corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria and we have come to the conclusion that it is not just the work of law enforcement agencies alone. As a matter of fact, law enforcement agencies should be at the lowest rung of the ladder in the fight against corruption and economic crimes. Policy reform is the best approach in the fight against corruption all over the world. It is when that fails that enforcement comes in,’ he said.

He further disclosed that the Creditcorps scheme was one of the greatest legacies the government of President Tinubu was going to leave for Nigerians, adding that any country without an effective credit transaction system creates conditions that encourage corruption. According to Olukoyede, access to affordable consumer credit significantly reduces the incentive for public servants to engage in fraudulent practices. ‘Any country that does not have a credit transactional system cannot fight financial crimes because the lack of it creates the propensity for the people to commit financial crimes.’

He recalled having stated on the floor of the Senate during his confirmation that the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes would be much easier if the country could implement a credit system and expressed joy that ‘eventually, the president came up with the idea.’

The EFCC boss linked the rising wave of cybercrime among young Nigerians to poverty and limited educational opportunities, necessitating the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND. He revealed that the country lost more than $500 million to cybercriminals in 2022 alone.

‘I begged for two things, one, consumer credit scheme and the issue of NELFund because of the issue of internet fraud in our country. In 2022 alone we lost over $500 million to the activities of cyber criminals, most of whom are young people who are supposed to be in school. ‘We are not just interested in sending them to jail. When we interrogate some of them, they tell us, ‘We want to go to school. We want to graduate with certificates but cannot afford it. That was how the idea of NELFund came and we said that we needed to support the Fund.’

In praising the students’ loan programme, he disclosed that it has already supported about 1.5 million students, thus reducing the number of young people vulnerable to financial crimes. ‘Effectively, that has taken about 1.5 million out of my docket of people who have the potential to commit financial crimes. It has done about 1.5 million students, paying their tuition fee and giving them N20,000 per month to support themselves. That is how to fight corruption,’ he said.

On Creditcorps, Olukoyede observed that many public servants resort to corrupt practices because their earnings cannot adequately meet their basic needs, including housing, transportation, education and feeding for their children. He explained that if workers could access affordable mortgages and consumer loans repayable over a long period, the pressure to acquire wealth through illicit means would be greatly reduced.

‘If an average public servant believes that after working for 35 years, he can access credit to own a home and pay over a long period, that will reduce the propensity on their part to commit financial crimes,’ he said.

While commending the performance of the Creditcorps, he urged the leadership to maintain a high level of transparency and ensure that the recovered public funds are used solely for the benefit of Nigerians.

‘The money is not EFCC money; it belongs to Nigerians. Please use it to benefit Nigerians, particularly public servants and civil servants. If a civil servant has access to credit, he probably will not steal. Again, I will plead with you not to give out the proceeds of crime that we are giving you beyond a single digit interest rate, and do not repeat the mistakes of past intervention programmes,’ he said.

He urged the Creditcorps boss to be circumspect so as to avoid pitfalls. ‘Check those who are working with you. When they bring anything before you to approve, make sure you read it between the lines because you are the chief accounting officer. If anything happens, you are the one that will hold accountable,’ he said.

Nwagba in his introductory remarks disclosed that the visit was to express the gratitude of the Corporation to the EFCC for its financial support, noting that his agency has disbursed about N47 billion in consumer credit to more than 301,000 Nigerians in just two years, while maintaining a 100 per cent repayment rate with no non-performing loans.

‘The biggest message we have here today, is to say thank you for remembering us,’ he said, adding that his agency has set a target of 1000 people to be assisted with new credit in 2026.

He noted that expanding access to credit serves as an anti-corruption tool by reducing the pressures that often drive people to engage in illicit financial activities.

Speaking further, he stated that increased consumer credit also stimulates national economic growth because with more purchasing power, Nigerians will buy available locally produced goods and services, enabling businesses to expand and create jobs.

He explained that the corporation is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop a robust national credit infrastructure that will link borrowing records to the National Identification Number (NIN), allowing lenders to instantly verify applicants’ credit history before granting loans.

He also disclosed that the scheme was expanding targeted programmes for youths, women, pensioners and persons with disabilities and has financed 10,000 women to become first-time owners of commercial tricycles, describing the initiative as part of efforts to promote economic inclusion.

He thanked Olukoyede for supporting the corporation, noting EFCC’s encouragement had strengthened its resolve to expand access to consumer credit to more Nigerians.

JUST IN: Actress Temitope Osoba dies at 40 after cancer battle

Actress Temitope Osoba has died at the age of 40, months after celebrating her cancer survival.

Her colleague, actor Alesh Sanni, confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram tribute on Wednesday.

‘Couldn’t sleep last night; it is well. Rest in peace, my dearest sister. Temitope Osoba. We had an amazing time and good memories together. Till we meet again. I really dunno what to say, mehn, again. Gosh,’ Sanni wrote.

Actress Bimpe Akintunde also wrote: ‘What a Wednesday. Rip Kofoworola Temitope Oshoba. This one got devastated, shattered and heartbroken. You are all my WCW today; you all fought a good battle. It’s sad you lost it to death! Oluwa a ba mi shey iku ni Isinmi fun yin. I am so sad right now. This death toll is too much!’ Ha! I will be off Social media for the rest of this week. My vendors and lovers pls bear with me’.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of Osoba’s death had not yet been disclosed.

Osoba was widely known for her roles in Ile Owo, Omo Iya Kan, Gucci Girls, and other Yoruba films.

In late 2024, she revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38.

She said doctors told her the medication would affect her ability to conceive for five years, a prognosis she described as ‘devastating’.

She underwent two surgeries and radiation therapy, receiving fundraising support from colleagues including Foluke Daramola and Alesh Sanni.

Despite the battle, Osoba made a comeback to the industry in 2025.

She used her experience to advocate for cancer awareness and early detection.

In December 2025, she marked her 40th birthday as a survivor, writing: ‘Today, I turn 40, a milestone that once felt so far out of reach. I’ve walked through fear, pain, uncertainty, and nights that felt endless… but I’m still here. Stronger. Softer. Wiser. And incredibly grateful.’

She added that surviving cancer taught her ‘the fragility and value of life’ and gave her new strength.

Following the announcement, tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues who described Osoba as talented, resilient, and generous.

Troops rescue 16 kidnapped victims, nab terror collaborators

The Nigerian Army says troops rescued 16 kidnapped victims, recovered 281 rustled livestock and apprehended suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in coordinated operations across Borno, Sokoto State, Zamfara and Plateau.

An operational report made available to newsmen on Wednesday revealed that the operations were carried out in the last 24 hours.

The army said the operations also led to the interception of suspected Boko Haram family members, recovery of suspected hard drugs, mobile phones and other items linked to terrorist activities.

In the North-East, it revealed troops of 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of Boko Haram insurgents comprising nine women, two men and nine children along the Gezuwa axis in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

According to the army, the suspects said they escaped from the Gezuwa terrorist camp following an attack by rival ISWAP fighters and were handed over to military authorities for further profiling.

‘Troops also arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Geidam, Yobe State, who allegedly supplied hard drugs to terrorists. Items recovered included substances suspected to be cannabis, 11 mobile phones and ?14,530,’ the statement reads.

In Monguno, troops apprehended two suspected logistics suppliers to ISWAP terrorists.

‘The suspects allegedly confessed to conveying food items to terrorists in Kukawa and were found with mobile phones, an assault knife, an ISWAP gate pass and ?6,600. Troops also rescued a woman kidnapped by terrorists since November 2025 in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno and reunited her with her family after medical attention,’ the army said.

The army also revealed that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued 14 kidnapped victims, recovered 281 rustled livestock and two motorcycles after engaging terrorists in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

It added that separate operations in Sabon Birni, Sokoto, and Zurmi, Zamfara, also forced terrorists to abandon two kidnapped victims, one of whom sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to hospital.

The military said that troops also apprehended a suspect linked to attacks in Southern Kaduna during operations in Plateau.

‘In Mangu, troops rescued injured farmers attacked by suspected herders, confiscated 27 cattle from fleeing attackers and arrested 19 suspects during follow-up raids in Riyom after two soldiers were killed in an ambush,’ the army added.