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The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions to dismiss, after due investigation, any student involved in kidnapping or related crimes.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia, yesterday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said: ‘Any student found culpable, after due investigation, of planning or participating in the kidnapping of fellow students has no place in our tertiary institutions. Such individuals must be dismissed. Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements.’

He said Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education were largely safe, but recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses showed the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Alausa reiterated that no public institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that doing so would encourage criminality. He directed governing councils to establish internal intelligence mechanisms, saying he had met the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative nationwide.

On infrastructure, the minister said the Federal Government would fund security upgrades, including perimeter fencing, in tertiary institutions through TETFund’s 2027 intervention programme, and urged eligible institutions to apply early. He also reaffirmed plans to expand the Energising Education Programme with the Federal Ministry of Power for institutions needing more electricity capacity.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Dr Adebimpe Adebajo, commended the Federal Government’s support to the institution but identified inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply to its second campus and insecurity as major challenges. She said some students were suspected of involvement in off-campus kidnapping activities, adding that the university opposed ransom payment because it would embolden criminals.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, commended the minister’s reforms and appealed for the Energising Education Programme to be extended to the university’s second campus, along with additional office space and staff. Alausa advised the university to submit formal requests for consideration under the relevant programmes.

TikTok couple Peller and Jarvis have responded to critics of their recent traditional wedding, urging them to focus on their own lives rather than express jealousy.

The couple tied the knot on Saturday in a ceremony that sparked widespread reactions on social media.

In a video posted online, the pair appeared cheerful as they danced and sang, mocking those who questioned their decision to marry young.

‘Na we dey love, na them dey cry. Go and make it. No dey jealous. Na we dey buy car. You will run mad. Stop thinking,’ they sang in the now-trending clip.

The Nation reports that Peller and Jarvis’ wedding became one of the most talked-about events on Nigerian social media over the weekend.

The ceremony drew congratulatory messages from fans and fellow content creators.

However, it also attracted criticism from some Nigerians who argued that the couple was too young to be getting married.

Both Peller and Jarvis are prominent TikTok creators with millions of followers.

They have been open about their relationship on social media and frequently share content together.

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has described the August 15 Osun governorship election as critical to the state’s future, urging party members to brace up for the task ahead.

In a statement issued on Tuesday after a high-level strategic meeting at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, Basiru called on party leaders to intensify mobilisation efforts, remain united, and work tirelessly to secure victory for the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

He charged party faithful and supporters to stay focused, law-abiding, and committed to democratic values, while encouraging eligible voters to participate peacefully in the poll.

According to the statement, party leaders at the meeting reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the APC and expressed confidence in its growing acceptance across the state. They stressed that their collective experience, capacity, and resolve would be fully deployed to ensure a successful, issue-based, and peaceful campaign.

The meeting also reviewed the party’s preparedness for the election, deliberating on strategies to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, enhance voter engagement, consolidate party unity, and ensure a coordinated campaign across all local government areas and wards in the state.

Basiru expressed optimism that Osun is poised for a new era of purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, sustainable development, and shared prosperity under Oyebamiji.

He concluded by reminding members that the election is not just about winning power but about shaping the future of Osun State, urging them to redouble their efforts to deliver victory for the APC.

The Made in China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria (MICGTAN) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s vast bamboo resources as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon pollution and unlock new economic opportunities.

Its National President, Oluwole Adigun Samuel, made the appeal in Abuja while outlining the association’s plans to convene a national stakeholders’ conference on bamboo development and its role in climate change mitigation.

Adigun, in a statement, said bamboo has enormous environmental and economic potential that remains largely untapped in Nigeria despite growing global recognition of the plant as a renewable resource capable of absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and supporting green industrial growth.

According to him, deliberate government policies aimed at promoting bamboo cultivation, processing and value-chain development would not only contribute to cleaner air but also create employment opportunities, stimulate local industries and support the country’s climate commitments.

He stressed that countries across Asia have successfully leveraged bamboo as a sustainable raw material for furniture production, construction, paper manufacturing, textiles and renewable energy, noting that Nigeria stands to benefit from similar investments.

‘We believe bamboo is one of Nigeria’s most under-utilised natural resources. Beyond its environmental benefits, it can drive industrial growth, generate jobs and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s transition to a green economy,’ Adigun said.

The MICGTAN president appealed to relevant ministries, agencies, development partners, research institutions and private sector organisations to collaborate with the association in organising a national stakeholders’ conference that would bring together policymakers, investors, environmental experts and industry players to develop practical strategies for expanding bamboo utilisation across the country.

He noted that the proposed conference would serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, investment promotion and policy dialogue aimed at positioning bamboo as a strategic resource for sustainable national growth.

Adigun also urged the Federal Ministries responsible for environment, agriculture, industry and trade to work together in developing policies that encourage commercial bamboo plantations, value addition and local manufacturing.

The association also expressed profound appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR), the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR), and China Aid for providing the opportunity to participate in the recently concluded international conference on ‘Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative’ held in Beijing, China.

The international conference brought together 45 participants from eight countries: Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, South Africa, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia and Moldova, providing a platform for cross-country collaboration, knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices on bamboo development and sustainable alternatives to plastic.

The Nigerian delegation comprised Akinyemi Akanji, Olusehinde Olatunji, Olorunfemi Olusola and Sowande Olusiji, all from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), as well as Oluwole Adigun Samuel and Ayobami T. Oladahunsi of the Made in China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria (MICGTAN).

Adigun gave special recognition to Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, for her exceptional support and kindness in facilitating the Nigerian delegation’s participation at the conference. He described the experience as invaluable, noting that it exposed participants to global best practices and innovative strategies for promoting bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic.

‘We are sincerely grateful to the Chinese Government, China Aid, INBAR and ICBR for organising and supporting this important global initiative. We are particularly indebted to Mrs. Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of China in Lagos, whose goodwill and support made it possible for us to be part of this landmark conference in Beijing. The knowledge gained will greatly contribute to our efforts to promote bamboo development and environmental sustainability in Nigeria,’ Adigun stated.

He maintained that with increasing global concerns over climate change and carbon emissions, Nigeria cannot afford to overlook the opportunities presented by bamboo as a renewable resource capable of improving environmental quality while supporting economic diversification.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmentally friendly initiatives and expressed its readiness to partner with government institutions, development agencies and other stakeholders to advance the sustainable development of Nigeria’s bamboo industry.

Afrobeat star David Adedeji, popularly known as Davido, has declared that no amount of political intimidation-what he described as ‘political rascality’-will prevent Governor Ademola Adeleke from securing re-election in the August 15 governorship election.

Davido, who serves as Chairman of the Imole Youth Campaign Council, expressed confidence that the electorate would return his nephew, the incumbent governor, for a second term.

Speaking at the inauguration of Imole Youth Canvassers in Osogbo Federal Constituency yesterday at Adeleke’s campaign office, he charged youths to mobilise new and undecided voters to support Adeleke, citing the governor’s massive infrastructure projects across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Kayode Olododo, Davido said:

‘Let us be courageous, not minding the current political rascality by some bad losers. Our message is clear to the people of Osun State. We need to tell them what Adeleke has achieved in such a short time. Osogbo Federal Constituency has benefited from this administration in infrastructure and other areas. The youths are better represented in his government than in the previous administration. You are young and useful, so I urge you not to fight anyone but to win the hearts of undecided voters.’

He urged the newly inaugurated mobilisers to take the campaign to the grassroots, engage young voters, and ensure that Adeleke’s achievements are effectively communicated to the electorate.

Earlier, the Director of Operations of the Campaign Council, Dr Musthofa Adebayo, highlighted the role of the canvassers, saying:

‘We are the engine room of this campaign. We are the force that will carry the Imole message to every doorstep and ensure no vote is left behind.’

He added: ‘The Osogbo Federal Constituency youths are ready to deliver victory for Imole, to continue good governance in unity and prosperity for our dear state.’

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) yesterday vowed to continue preaching in commercial vehicles across the country despite a controversial provision in the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, prescribing a ?50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching in commercial buses.

Declaring that the church would not be intimidated, PFN President Bishop Wale Oke said Christians were prepared to face arrest and imprisonment rather than abandon what he described as their divine mandate to preach the gospel.

The proposed amendment has triggered nationwide debate, with religious organisations, lawyers and other stakeholders divided over whether the provision is a legitimate road safety measure or an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of religion.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Oke insisted that no legislation could override the biblical command for Christians to evangelise.

‘We will preach in buses. If they want to imprison us, let them come and arrest us. We are coming. We will preach in buses; they cannot stop us,’ he said.

The cleric, who also leads Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, said preaching in public places, including commercial buses, remains one of the church’s most effective means of reaching people.

According to him, Christians would continue to proclaim the gospel irrespective of the consequences.

Defending comments he made in a viral video, Oke declared: ‘Make all the stadiums in Nigeria become a prison if you want to enforce that law. We are coming. We will preach in buses; we will preach everywhere.’

He described the proposed provision as an attack on the Christian faith rather than a genuine road safety initiative.

According to him, Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and gives every citizen the right to profess, practise and propagate his or her faith.

The PFN president urged lawmakers to delete the controversial provision before the bill is passed.

However, the Senate has rejected claims that the amendment seeks to outlaw Christian preaching.

In a statement, the Upper Chamber explained that the provision is not new, noting that similar restrictions have existed since the enactment of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007.

According to the Senate, the prohibition appeared as Item 36 of the Second Schedule to the 2007 Act and has merely been retained as Item 49 in the amendment bill currently before the National Assembly.

It also cited Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which contains similar provisions regulating activities considered unsafe inside commercial vehicles.

The Senate maintained that the objective of the amendment is to improve road safety by discouraging activities capable of distracting drivers, obstructing passengers or creating avoidable risks during transit.

It stressed that the legislation is not intended to prohibit street preaching, open-air crusades, evangelism in markets or any other lawful religious activity outside commercial vehicles.

The Senate also clarified that the bill did not originate from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, explaining that it was passed by the House of Representatives and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

It urged religious bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to take advantage of the legislative process by presenting their views before the bill is finally considered.

The controversy has continued to elicit mixed reactions across the country.

While some religious leaders insist that preaching should not be criminalised under any guise, supporters of the amendment argue that commercial vehicles are confined spaces where passengers should not be subjected to unsolicited religious messages or activities capable of distracting drivers.

Legal practitioners have also urged lawmakers to ensure that any restriction imposed in the interest of public safety is narrowly tailored and consistent with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of movement.

Observers say the debate underscores the delicate balance lawmakers must strike between protecting the rights of citizens to freely practise their religion and ensuring the safety and comfort of commuters on Nigerian roads.

With the Senate still considering the bill, attention is expected to shift to public hearings where religious organisations, transport operators, legal experts and road safety stakeholders are likely to canvass divergent positions before the legislation is finalised.