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The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to investigate allegations of fraudulent violations of the NOGICD Act 2010, PIA 2021, and Taxes and Levies Act by all Oil and Gas Companies operating in Imo State and the status of implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts in Imo State.

In a resolution following a motion on notice, the House asked Oil and Gas Companies operating in the state to urgently comply with provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act 2010 regarding indigenous employment, contract awards, and establishment of operational offices.

The House is also insisting on the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and granting unfettered access to officials of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service for the performance of their lawful duties, while also engaging in genuine dialogue with Host community leaders to address grievances and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Leading debate on the motion, Okafor said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, was enacted to promote the utilization of Nigerian human and material resources, and the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry.

He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, provides a robust legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, including specific provisions for host community development, environmental management, and equitable benefit sharing.

He said the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act authorizes State Governments to collect certain taxes and levies from businesses operating within their territories, which is crucial for funding state infrastructure and social services.

Okafor said several International and Indigenous Oil Companies (IOCs) operating oil and gas fields within the oil-producing communities of Imo State, notably in Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and other LGAs, as hosts, namely.

He listed the companies as Seplat Energy Plc: – OML 53, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR): – OML 54, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), WalterSmith Petroman Oil Limited: – OML 16, Associate Oil and Gas Limited/Dansaki Petroleum Limited (A Consortium): Umuseti/Igwe marginal field, Chorus Energy Limited (Formerly Shell Portfolio), TotalEnergies / NNPC Joint Venture, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited

He informed the House of what he described as a persistent outcry and allegations from host communities and the state Government regarding the failure to establish functional operational offices within their areas of operation in Imo State as mandated by Section 3(j) of the NOGICD Act, 2010, thereby denying the state valuable economic activity and employment.

He said there has systematic failure of these companies to prioritize the employment of qualified indigenes of Imo State, in direct violation of Sections 11, 28, and 35 of the NOGICD Act, 2010, and refusal to award contracts to competent Nigerian companies, especially those from the host communities, for goods and services.

Okafor also spoke of obstruction of lawful efforts by the Imo State Government and Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) to access their premises for assessment and collection of legally approved state taxes and levies, and non-compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust provisions under Chapter 3 of the PIA, 2021, leading to a lack of tangible benefits and development in these communities.

He said these acts of non-compliance have led to immense frustration, widespread agitations, and a palpable threat of social unrest within the host communities.

He said further that the continued neglect and infringement of these laws, if not urgently addressed, may lead to violent protests that could threaten national security, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupt production and harm the national economy, and a breakdown of law and order in the oil-producing regions of Imo State.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the result of all the work over the last three years.

There was a lot riding for Bafana before the match after Friday’s goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Durban put their qualifying hopes in doubt.

However, Bafana turned up and blew the Amavubi away with three unanswered goals to claim top spot in Group C ahead of Nigeria, who thrashed Benin 4-0 in the day’s other clash.

‘It feels wonderful. We all knew that we could do it, we believed in ourselves and I think you saw it from the beginning of the game that we wanted to win the game,’ Broos told SABC Sport.

‘The only thing was what happened in Nigeria so Nigeria did what they had to do and we did what we had to do so we’re going to the World Cup fantastic.’

The balance, will-power and overall exuberance of the Bafana team stems from three years of work, identifying the right players and didn’t come together overnight.

‘You know, the age doesn’t matter, it doesn’t. It’s the talent, mentality and this is something also with the young players today – they have the right mentality and have the talent and then you can make a good team and I think we did that in the last three years,’ he added.

‘We changed players and every time it was the right choice, so what happened today was work from three years now, I think the future looks very bright for South African football so let’s do a nice and good AFCON in December and then we go to America.’

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been nominated the consensus candidate by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the June 20, 2026 election.

The party took the decision after the only opponent cleared to contest the primary with him, Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, withdrew from the race.

Two other aspirants – Mr. Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke – were disqualified for failing to meet nomination requirements.

With the latest development, the direct process planned for the October 27 primary, will now become the consensus option.

In this case the governor will need mere voice affirmation to confirm his candidacy.

The ruling party conveyed it decision to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a letter send on Monday to the electoral agency.

The partly reads: ‘Two aspirants were cleared to contest the primary election scheduled to be held on 27th October 2025 through the Direct Primary mode. The cleared aspirants are Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

‘The party has, however, received a letter from Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, conveying her voluntary decision to withdraw from the contest.

‘In her letter, Mrs. Omolayo expressed her endorsement of Governor Biodun Abeyomi Oyebanji as the consensus Candidate and affirmed her support for any consensus arrangement adopted by the party in nominating as flag bearer, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘Consequently, in view of Mrs. Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal and the endorsement of a consensus arrangement, the party is compelled by law with Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act to change the mode of the Primary Election from Direct Primary to Consensus.’

The party then said that in pursuant to Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, the nomination congress has been scheduled to hold by 10 a m on Monday, 27th October 2026 at Ekiti State Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti to ratify the only remaining cleared aspirant.

The party in the letter also announced an amended schedule of activities and timetable for ratification of the consensus candidate and invited the electoral body to monitor the relevant activities as required by law.

A group, Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), has called for integrity among the citizens, saying the image of the country is shaped not by slogans or policies alone, but by the conduct, integrity, and values of the citizens.

According to a statement from the group endorsed by its Chairman, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya to commemorate the inaugural edition of Nigeria Reputation Day today, he said rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation, therefore, is not only about fixing systems, it is about restoring trust, strengthening character, and living with integrity.

Badejo-Okusanya said Nigerians have shown, time and again, that the citizens are creative, resilient, and unbreakable in spirit, adding that to fully harness these gifts, honesty and accountability are crucial.

‘Every act of fairness, every promise kept, and every truth spoken is a quiet brick with which we build a stronger, more respected Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the country’s challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable, adding that across the world, ‘and within our borders, we have seen communities revived and nations renewed when people chose to act differently, persistently, and together’.

‘Today marks a defining chapter in our nation’s story, the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Day. It is a day for reflection and renewal; a day to recognise one of our greatest national assets: our name.

‘The theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘Better Reputation, Better Nigeria,’ carries a truth that speaks to all of us, that the image of our country is shaped not by slogans or policies alone, but by the conduct, integrity, and values of each Nigerian.

‘Our reputation is not merely perception; it is power. It determines how the world receives us, how investors trust our markets, how our youth are treated abroad, and how proudly our children identify with their homeland.

‘Rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation, therefore, is not only about fixing systems, it is about restoring trust, strengthening character, and living with integrity.

‘Nigerians have shown, time and again, that we are creative, resilient, and unbreakable in spirit. ‘Yet to fully harness these gifts, we must anchor them in honesty and accountability. Every act of fairness, every promise kept, and every truth spoken is a quiet brick with which we build a stronger, more respected Nigeria.

‘Yes, our challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable. Around the world, and within our borders, we have seen communities revived and nations renewed when people chose to act differently, persistently, and together,’ he said.

Badejo-Okusanya said to guide the nation’s collective journey, the NRMG identified five pillars for building and sustaining Nigeria’s reputation. The pillars include Consistency – Acting with integrity not occasionally, but always; Transparency – Being open in our decisions and accountable for outcomes; and Responsibility – Owning our actions and correcting our missteps.

Others are Respect – Treating our people, institutions, laws, and environment with dignity; and Excellence – Rejecting mediocrity and striving for higher standards in all things.

‘On this first Nigeria Reputation Day, we call on every Nigerian, at home and abroad, to take up the #BetterReputationBetterNigeria# challenge: commit one act of integrity, live it daily, inspire others to do the same, and carry Nigeria’s name with honour,’ Badejo-Okusanya said.

He said the M-Factor is the country’s cultural power grid

According to him, the nation’s reputation is not built by policies alone, it is expressed daily through creativity, culture, and the people. ‘Across the world, Nigeria’s image is shaped by what we call ‘The M-Factor’, our five engines of soft power: music, movies, media, minds, and fashion.

These five dimensions, he said are the pulse of the Nigerian story, vibrant, expressive, and deeply human.

He said music – the rhythm of resilience, turning challenges into chants and hope into harmony;

movies – the nation’s mirror and megaphone, projecting truth, humour, and courage with global reach while media – the voice that frames perception, building or breaking trust depending on how it is used.

‘Minds – our thinkers, innovators, and reformers – the conscience behind our creativity; fashion – the fabric of our identity, where culture meets confidence and design meets dignity,’ he added.

According to him, when the M-Factor aligns with integrity, Nigeria becomes unstoppable.

‘Let our music carry messages of dignity as much as rhythm; Let our films uplift as much as they entertain; Let our media amplify truth, not toxicity; Let our fashion express pride anchored in purpose; And let our minds lead with clarity, conscience, and courage.

‘This is how a nation earns respect, when culture and character move in the same direction.

‘Our national image will not be defined by headlines alone, but by the quiet consistency of millions choosing what is right. Let this day be a turning point, a reminder that the reputation we desire begins with each of us.

‘From now on, Nigeria Reputation Day will be marked annually on October 15 as a national reminder that integrity and reputation are the foundations of progress. Each year, we will renew our shared commitment to honour, trust, and uphold the values that make Nigeria great.

‘Together, we can build a nation that commands respect, attracts opportunity, and reflects the greatness that lies within us all. The Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) stands ready to lead, support, and collaborate with every Nigerian in restoring and protecting our national character,’ he said.

No fewer than 1,000 children and teenagers have been trained in digital skills by the Glow Foundation for Children Empowerment and Development, as part of its annual outreach programme to equip young people with tools for the future.

The conference, tagged ‘1000 2.0,’ held in FESTAC Town, Lagos, featured a range of activities, including digital literacy classes, tech empowerment sessions, awards and scholarships, exclusive mentorship slots, spiritual upliftment and blessings, as well as games.

The children, aged between six and 18, were exposed to practical training in digital marketing, graphic design, and data analytics, while selected participants will enjoy full scholarships for advanced learning with partner organisations.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Glow Foundation, Opeyemi Deborah Idowu, said the project stemmed from her desire to ‘do something beyond herself’ and help children, particularly those from marginalised communities.

‘I started in 2018 by visiting orphanages on my birthdays instead of hosting parties. The joy I felt convinced me that I couldn’t stop. Today, Glow Foundation is reaching thousands of children and giving them hope,’ she said.

She explained that the foundation, which was officially registered in 2022, has, in three years, impacted thousands of children through skills acquisition and empowerment. Last year alone, it reached more than 7,000 children across 44 coastal communities in Ibeju-Lekki, teaching them vocational skills such as hairdressing, baking, soap making, and craft work.

‘This year, we decided to move beyond the slums to focus on digital empowerment. We are preparing children for the digital future. Beyond this training, we will be enrolling some of them on scholarships and working with partners to provide laptops and digital devices,’ Idowu added.

Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at the foundation, Kehinde Adelakin, said the initiative has grown steadily from 1,000 children in 2021 to over 7,000 in 2023, thanks to collaborations with schools, NGOs, churches, and community groups.

He stressed that the mentorship element introduced this year will sustain the training.

‘I personally mentored four participants in data analytics. Other facilitators are mentoring children in digital marketing and graphic design. We also distributed books, school bags, and other learning materials donated by our partners,’ he said.

According to him, the foundation enjoys the support of more than 50 partners and sponsors, including OASIS International and Nobunga Security, who have consistently backed the programmes.

The foundation also announced plans to establish a tuition-free secondary school in Lagos, targeted at children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Idowu maintained that funding challenges will not deter the vision:

‘With God’s love driving us, and with consistent partnerships, we can only grow bigger and better. Our mission is to help children see beyond their limitations and believe in the greatness within them,’ she said.

Digital marketing expert Martins Nkemakolam urged children to embrace digital marketing skills early in life to prepare them for the future of work and enable them to earn income even while in school.

Speaking on the importance of the topic, he explained that digital marketing has become one of the most vital skills in today’s world, stressing that early exposure will empower young people to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

‘The world is becoming digital, and every day there’s something new to learn. Digital marketing has come to stay. You don’t need to go out to sell your products anymore – you can do it from the comfort of your home,’ he said.

He added that many business owners now rely on skilled marketers to manage their online presence, noting that if young people begin to learn these skills early, they can start earning while still in school.

‘If they have this knowledge at a young age, by the time they get into the university, they’ll already be grounded. They can earn extra income while studying, and by the time they graduate, they’ll be professionals who can impact others. This will create a cycle of empowerment,’ he stated.

Explaining his approach to engaging the children, Nkemakolam said he intends to simplify his teaching so that even younger participants can understand and share what they learn with their peers and parents.

‘I’ll break it down in a way that even a six or seven-year-old can understand. Though it’s not primarily for that age group, I want them to grasp the basics and be able to talk about it with others,’ he said.

Drawing from personal experience, he revealed that he began his journey into digital marketing at 17, during his school days, and believes that with the availability of modern tools, it’s now even easier for young learners to acquire these skills.

Nkemakolam also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) taking over human jobs, emphasizing that technology still depends on human control and innovation.

‘People say AI will take your job – but AI cannot just take your job; you have to program it. You must build yourself too. When you get to that point, AI will still be answerable to you because it is humans who automate and give commands,’ he said.

He encouraged the children to view technology as an opportunity rather than a threat and to position themselves as creators and innovators in the digital space.

‘The key lesson I want them to take home,’ he concluded, ‘is that as the world evolves, they too must evolve. Learn the skills, stay relevant, and be ready to lead the change.’

At the end of the training, Idowu delivered an inspiring message to the children, urging them to stay focused, avoid negative influences, choose their friends wisely, and strive to be responsible citizens.

As we celebrate the girl-child and remember the Chibok Girls, now women, held in captivity, we must ensure that all qualified girls register for the next election. It is their right and required to help right any wrong done them when growing up. New INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, please empower the millions of 2019-2027 14-18-year-olds who will have matured to voting age by 2027.

Education is facing a tsunami change in information dissemination strategies with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, AI. Unfortunately, too many Nigerian students, now adults were cheated of library books throughout school life. Millions including teachers have never held a novel, encyclopaedia or a proper dictionary.

Now the Federal Ministry of Education, UBEC and other government education agencies are jumping the void of no books and no libraries and no grants to buy books across the school spectrum. Just like with the cell phone, our education system appears to at last be going digital. Hurray and can one go without the other or should they go together- a good library system and a good computer, IT/AI system?

Digitalisation of public schools with integration of Interactive Smart Boards spearheaded by the minister, Tunji Alausa is the way forward. The education tsunami is not partisan. Our children are not partisan; they are entitled to education, period!

Just last week Governor Seyi Makinde launched a program to train 18,000 teachers on the use of teaching materials including tablets. Hopefully the teachers will receive their tablets and the tablets will not be stolen by criminals or taken back or diverted by supervising civil servant. We need regular weekly inventory checks. If this tech/AI project works and materializes along with other programmes nationwide, perhaps our youth will also leap onto the present wave of computer-powered knowledge sweeping the world. AI is being taught to kindergarten (KG) students in villages across China and even Vietnam with emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, and AI. PhD graduates teach KG and primary school in many Western countries. Many of our KG and primary school teachers are not fit for purpose. Nigeria and its officials must take such giant leaps in education to catch up.

As we stand on the brink of opportunity to leap into the new world of AI, it is worth remembering a similar time in history. In 1998 at Educare Trust at Brick House we set up the first Educare Trust Youth Exhibition Centre and put the first public access computer in the hands of the children of Ibadan with a computer then donated by Tunji Adepeju of Project Link. It was amazing then to see those children, now 35-45-year adults, gather around in wonder to navigate the new beast of technology presented to them. They cautiously typed their name and their faces lit up in huge smiles of wonder as they were surprised to see the letters appear on the computer screen. The rest they say is history. But it was never enough and government did not jump on the bandwagon to make its army of students in public schools computer literate then or even at this time -30+ years later. As years went by, we trained over 8,000 youth in IT and many others indirectly. Nigerians are still waiting for the youth centres so desperately needed in each ward nationwide. Hopefully they will be part of the Ward Development Strategy promised by the Tinubu government.

There is a security and a power problem in most schools and these problems must be addressed if IT tablets and smart white boards are to replace or complement chalk and blackboards in public schools. Solar is the solution. Education strategies cost money and great moral willpower often lacking in politicians and governance structures. Government must pursue this effort to its logical end- the empowerment of our teaming youth trapped in schools which are too often not fit-for-purpose.

Every youth in, or out of school, is the child of a mother with went through the agony of ‘The Labour War-d’, risking and giving their lives, so that the child would live to today. For tomorrow, the child needs good modern education today. Yet today we as government and private sector provide too little, too late support for those youth in unfortunate circumstances; private school facilities and teacher skills are fat better. Of course, some youth will excel even in public education because they are naturally brilliant. But a good education, like good governance, is also the right of underserved and underfunded students. Not everyone, rich or poor, is born brilliant. Nigeria should use private and public sector partnerships to jump into the future, today.

The jury faces bitter conflict between the need for a library vs the need for computers. Most schools have neither but they should have both. They are equally essential in today’s education tapestry and equally valuable and not mutually exclusive stepping stones to a level playing field of educational knowledge empowerment. Schools need computers and also libraries with government bought Nigerian authored books.

Some governments have policies to prevent parents contributing voluntarily to improve facilities in schools. This is taking politics too far into the classroom. Even the richest schools worldwide ask parents to contribute, so the poorest schools cannot meet international teaching levels if they are denied the huge input of volunteer parents into the ‘School Needs List’ that every school should have. We must stop this education treachery.

The Centre for Inclusive Development Research and Analytics (CINDRAN) has renewed its partnership with Mc Heritage Consulting Limited ahead of the 2026 Students and Graduates in Tech (SGIT) Nigeria Conference, following the success of their collaboration at the 2025 edition held at the University of Bradford.

Announcing the renewed partnership earlier this week, CINDRAN revealed plans to award over 100 premium scholarships to Nigerian participants for DataCamp’s world-class training in data science, programming, and artificial intelligence.

Through global initiatives such as Spark9ja and partnerships with platforms like DataCamp, the organization continues to equip young Africans with the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

CINDRAN, a non-profit focused on digital transformation, AI governance, and inclusive human capital development across Africa, said the collaboration aligns with its mission to promote digital inclusion and empower youth across the continent.

‘CINDRAN believes that sustainable development begins with digital empowerment,’ said its Founder, Mr. Thompson Ikechukwu.

‘Our partnership with SGIT reflects a shared vision of nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a data-driven world.’

The SGIT Nigeria 2026 Conference is expected to gather students, graduates, innovators, and tech professionals from within and outside Nigeria. Global industry leaders will also be in attendance to explore emerging opportunities and trends in data, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.

CINDRAN’s renewed commitment builds on its existing collaboration with DataCamp, through which it has already trained over 2,000 African youths via Spark9ja-a platform connecting young Africans to digital learning and international internship opportunities.

Mr. Chukwuemeka Osuji, CEO of Mc Heritage Consulting and convener of the SGIT Conference, welcomed the partnership renewal, describing it as a step forward in advancing Africa’s digital future.

‘We are excited to continue our collaboration with CINDRAN,’ he said. ‘Their strategic focus on digital skills development complements SGIT’s mission to bridge the gap between African and global technology ecosystems. Together, we are shaping the future of work for Africa’s youth.’

The SGIT Conference, initiated by Mc Heritage Consulting, serves as a global platform that connects young African talent with technology opportunities, fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration.

The Nigerian edition forms part of a broader vision to close the digital skills gap between Africa and Europe.

CINDRAN’s continued support for SGIT Nigeria 2026 reaffirms its leadership role in driving inclusive innovation, quality education, and digital transformation across Africa.

The organization remains committed to building a skilled and empowered generation of African youth ready for the global digital economy.

Interested individuals or organizations seeking scholarship or partnership information can visit the official SGIT website for more details.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organised a week-long leadership retreat for its newly promoted Comptrollers with a focus on strengthening leadership capacity, innovation, and institutional integrity across commands and formations to promote accountability, boost trade facilitation, and quick cargo clearance from the port.

The retreat, held at the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi Auditorium of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, was declared open by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), DCG Sulaiman Chiroma, and officially closed by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resource Development, DCG Greg Itotoh.

Declaring the event open, DCG Chiroma described the retreat as part of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ ongoing reforms to prepare newly promoted officers for higher responsibilities in line with global Customs standards.

He charged the officers to be deliberate in leadership and uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and innovation, stressing that their performance would define the image of the Service in the public space.

Chiroma said, ‘This retreat provides an opportunity to realign with the CGC’s three-point agenda: collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, to ensure that every officer contributes meaningfully to the modernisation drive of the Service.’

He noted that Comptrollers must demonstrate professionalism and teamwork in translating the vision of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, into measurable achievements that will impact trade facilitation and border security.

In his closing remarks, DCG Itotoh commended the participants for their commitment throughout the retreat, describing their promotion as both a reward for hard work and a call to greater responsibility.

He said the new rank places them in the Frontline of Customs leadership, where integrity, professionalism, and accountability must guide every action.

He said, ‘The Nigeria Customs Service expects much from you. You are now managers of men and resources, and you must embody the discipline, excellence, and transparency that define the vision of the Comptroller-General. Every decision you take in your command will reflect not just on you, but on the Service as a whole.’

Itotoh further reminded the participants that promotion comes with higher expectations, urging them to leverage the training to improve efficiency and mentor their subordinates.

He added that their loyalty to the institution should translate into impactful service delivery, enhanced stakeholder trust, and sustained revenue performance.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, also delivered a lecture during the retreat titled ‘Stakeholder Management, Media Community, and Employee Relationship.’

Maiwada explained to the Comptrollers the importance of effective communication in achieving organizational goals, advising them to shun listening to gossip and inculcate the habit of befriending all productive staff and stakeholders.

Speaking on public relations, AC Maiwada said, ‘PR is not just about information dissemination; it is about relationship building, maintaining credibility, and ensuring that every Customs officer becomes an ambassador of the Service’s integrity.’

He further emphasized that transparent communication and positive engagement with the business community remain essential to the success of the Comptroller-General’s reforms.

On their parts, Comptrollers Usman Yahaya, Murtala Mu’azu, and Josephine Egwakide, who spoke to newsmen shortly after the closing ceremony, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for their support and trust.

They pledged to discharge their duties effectively, protect the image of the Service, and ensure that the CGC’s vision of institutional excellence and stakeholder confidence is fully realised.

The Nigerian Army has sustained nationwide onslaught against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, neutralising four terrorists and apprehending 53 suspects in recent operations.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations were conducted between Oct. 10 and Oct.13.

He said the operation led to the rescue of nine kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

According to the source, the operations targeted insurgents’ strongholds, logistics routes, and criminal hideouts across the North East, North Central, North West, South East and South-South regions.

In the North East, he said the troops of 26 Task Force Brigade apprehended two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers at Gwoza Wakane in Borno.

He added that the 156 Task Force Battalion nabbed a terrorist spy at Mainok in Kaga Local Government Area.

‘Similarly, troops of 1 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the NSCDC, apprehended a terrorist collaborator at Augie, Kebbi State, recovering a motorcycle and mobile phone,’ he said.

In the North Central, the source revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke raided criminal hideouts at Angwan Kuje in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, nabbed three suspected kidnappers and recovered a motorcycle after an exchange of fire.

He added that troops of 177 Guards Battalion discovered an illegal mining site behind Gurku Hill in Karu Local Government Area and apprehended nine suspects who were handed over to the NSCDC.

‘In the South East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade neutralized one IPOB/ESN member and arrested two others at Mbaïtoli Local Government Area to f Imo, recovering ammunition, mobile phones and charms.

‘Likewise, 143 Battalion apprehended an IPOB/ESN logistics supplier at Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, seizing gunpowder, radios and other items.

‘Troops of 14 Field Engineer Regiment, Anambra State, also recovered a locally-made pistol, 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and walkie-talkies after criminals detonated an IED in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra,’ he said.

The source said the troops of 17 Brigade in Katsina State, repelled a terrorist attack at Mabai, neutralising one terrorist and recovered three AK-47 rifles and 11 motorcycles.

In Zamfara, he said the troops of 1 Brigade recovered 18 rustled cattle in Bukkuyum Local Government Area and handed them to local authorities.

He added that troops of 12 Brigade in Kwara rescued nine kidnapped victims along the Egbe-Okoloke-Pategi Road.

In the South-South, he said the troops of 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion uncovered several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Abia States and destroyed over 4,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined products.

According to him, troops also arrested 15 drug suspects in joint operations with the NDLEA in Edo and Lagos States, destroyed cannabis farms and handed over exhibits to relevant agencies.

The reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to maintaining operational momentum and improving security to enhance economic activities in line with the Federal Government’s food security and stability agenda.

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, has earned a triple win at the Seven Star Luxury Awards, the benchmark of excellence in the international luxury hospitality industry.

At the ceremony in Tróia, Portugal, Transcorp got three awards, affirming its dominance in business, events, and leadership: Best Luxury Business Hotel (Nigeria and Africa) – Transcorp Hilton Abuja; Best Luxury Event and Conference Centre (Nigeria and Africa) – The Transcorp Centre; and Best CEO of the Year – Uzoamaka Oshogwe, managing director/chief executive officer, for her leadership and visionary growth strategy.

The awards are consistent with Transcorp Hotels Plc’s capacity to deliver premium, end-to-end hospitality experiences for business, diplomatic, and lifestyle clientele on the continent.

Speaking on the awards, Oshogwe said: ‘These awards are more than symbols of success; they represent a shared commitment to redefining African hospitality. At Transcorp Hotels, we push boundaries, invest in innovation, and position Nigeria as a global destination for world-class business and leisure experiences.’

Seven Star Luxury Awards celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in the global luxury and lifestyle industries, honouring brands that exemplify excellence, innovation, and sustained impact.

With these wins, Transcorp continues to set pace in luxury hospitality, strengthening its reputation as home of excellence through Transcorp Hilton, Aura by Transcorp Hotels, and Transcorp Event Centre.