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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and armed attack in Abuja, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a coordinated operation at Byazhin Forest, Kubwa.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operation was part of sustained efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents in the FCT.

According to Adeh, the operation followed credible intelligence received from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Force Headquarters, which indicated an imminent attack within the territory.

‘The intelligence revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, also known as ‘Mai Duna,’ had concluded plans to launch simultaneous attacks on selected village settlements around the Byazhin Forest area of the FCT,’ Adeh stated.

Acting on the information, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command deployed tactical teams around 9 p.m. on October 10, 2025, and mounted a strategic ambush along the identified routes of the suspected assailants.

‘At about 1:00 a.m. on October 11, 2025, the police operatives sighted a large group of heavily armed men advancing toward the area in two groups,’ she said.

‘The team engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle that lasted about twenty minutes. Despite strong resistance, the operatives overpowered the assailants, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.’

Following the encounter, reinforcement was deployed from nearby police and military formations, while additional police units secured the area and blocked potential escape routes.

A search of the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and thirty rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism, noting that their swift action prevented a major security breach.

He directed all medical facilities within the FCT and adjoining states to be on alert and to report any person found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation immediately.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the police through the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, and CRU: 08107314192.

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), a transformative initiative designed to enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and drive sustainable food production across the country.

The scheme, launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was unveiled by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi (CON) in Abuja.

According to the minister, the NFSHS is an ‘innovative, homegrown initiative’ aimed at tackling the challenges of low agricultural productivity and the high cost of production caused by indiscriminate fertilizer use.

‘Farming begins with the soil; it is the quiet partner in every harvest, the hidden force behind every good crop. But for many years, our soils have been working without rest, giving and giving, while we hardly checked how they were doing,’ Sen. Sabi said.

‘The Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme is here to help farmers understand their soil better what nutrients it has, what it lacks, and how to treat it right. It takes away the guesswork and gives farmers simple, useful advice to grow more, spend less, and care for the land.’

The minister explained that the NFSHS represents a major step in advancing scientific soil assessment and data-driven fertilizer application across Nigeria. By promoting crop- and location-specific fertilizer recommendations, the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s goal of ensuring food sovereignty and revolutionising agriculture for sustainable growth.

Among the key deliverables of the scheme are the establishment of 774 soil testing laboratories across local government areas, issuance of personalized soil health cards for farmers, and the development of a digital platform the Nigeria Soil Information System (NiSIS) to consolidate soil data for evidence-based decision-making.

Speaking further, he said the NFSHS seeks to: improve soil health and fertility through targeted fertilizer application; increase agricultural productivity and food security; and promote climate-resilient and regenerative farming practices.

Expected benefits include optimised fertiliser use, higher yields, increased farmers’ income, environmental sustainability, and job creation particularly for youth and women engaged in rural laboratory operations.

‘By optimising fertilizer use, we minimize waste, prevent groundwater pollution, and enhance the safety of food for local consumption and export,’ the minister added.

He added that implementation of the scheme follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring collaboration across all levels of government.

The scheme’s structure includes a National Executive Committee, State and Local Committees, and partnerships with research bodies, development partners, and farmer organizations.

Development partners supporting the initiative include the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Bank’s ACReSAL project, Soil Values, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

The minister highlighted the major milestones achieved so far from the inclusion of the NFSHS in the 2024 federal budget and stakeholder workshops to the creation of the Coalition of the Willing (CoW) platform and pilot soil assessments across eleven states.

He however emphasised that the scheme’s precision-based approach will revolutionize yields for key crops.

‘The results will speak for themselves. A farmer who currently harvests 60 to 80 bags of rice per hectare will now harvest 120 to 160 bags. Wheat and maize farmers will see their yields double, and onion farmers will go from 400 to 800 bags per hectare,’ he said.

He added that the government is targeting the collection of at least 1,200 soil samples per geopolitical zone annually, ensuring data accuracy and tailored recommendations for every region.

The minister reaffirmed that Nigeria, through this initiative, is already implementing the Nairobi Declaration on Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health, adopted by African Heads of State in May 2024.

‘Healthy soils are the foundation of agricultural resilience,’ he said. ‘By embracing the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme, our farmers can finally double their yields, strengthen food sovereignty, and ensure a prosperous, food-secure future for Nigeria.’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged his Commissioners and Special Advisers to always wear the Asiwaju mandate cap as a practical way of showing their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Okpebholo said any Commissioner who failed to wear the cap would not be allowed into the State Executive Council meeting.

He spoke in Benin City, swearing in 19 new Commissioners and boards of agencies and commissions.

According to Okpebholo, ‘This could not have happened if we did not have a responsible president. We have done many elections here, and the major problem we have had is that the president is not with us, but today we say thank you. I will not forgive any commissioner who is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back.’ He said.

Governor Okpebholo charged the Commissioners that the focus of his administration was not propaganda but practical governance that would benefit the people positively.

He warned the new Commissioners that his administration would not tolerate corruption and reminded them that their appointment was not for self-enrichment.

Governor Okpebholo told the Commissioners that their nominations was not a reward or patronage, but a call to serve the people of Edo State.

His words, ‘This administration came into office on the promise of practical governance – to touch the lives of our people directly.

‘Our focus is not on propaganda, but on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt in every community across our state.

‘While I congratulate you on your deserved elevation, I want to warn that your appointment is not for personal enrichment. You are not here for Money-making, but for service, for sacrifice, and for a better life for Edo people.

‘I hereby call on you to brace up for action, as your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people.

‘May I remind you that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and you’re expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.

‘Most importantly, I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. You must always remember that History will judge us for our actions and not our intentions.’

The newly sworn-in Commissioners are Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP), Charity Amayaenvbo, Barr. Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, and Ohimai Ehijimetor.

Others are Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, Mr. John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien, and Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie.

Governor Okpebholo also swore in Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Hon Frank Okiye as Chairman of Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission, while John Osi Akhigbe was sworn in as Chairman of the Edo State Bursary and Scholarship Board.

Chairmen and members of the Senior Secondary Education Board and the Edo State Law Reform Commission were sworn in.

A human development organisation, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), has called on governments at all levels to incorporate male engagement into frameworks for preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The Centre’s Founding Executive Director, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of an online course on Male Feminism for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria and Africa.

The initiative, tagged Male Feminists Network (MFN), seeks to promote a society where men and women live free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.

Dr. Igbuzor expressed concern that more than 35 percent of Nigerian women have suffered physical violence, with many others enduring emotional, sexual, or economic abuse. He explained that the MFN was created to challenge patriarchal norms and mobilize men as allies in combating GBV.

He said the mission is to train, mentor, and mobilize male leaders and grassroots influencers who will promote feminist values, confront harmful stereotypes, and advance gender justice across the country.

‘The fight against gender-based violence is not a woman’s fight; it is a human fight,’ Igbuzor said. ‘It is about creating a Nigeria where everyone-man, woman, or child-can live free from fear and discrimination. Let history record that Nigerian men chose the path of equality and transformed our nation for good.’

Highlighting the training’s scope, he revealed that at least 1,000 male leaders from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will be trained to build a network of 10,000 certified male feminists in the coming years.

He added that men and women across Nigeria and Africa can now register, learn, interact, and earn certification as male feminists from anywhere.

‘Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Nigeria. Reports indicate that over 35% of Nigerian women have experienced physical violence, and many more face emotional, sexual, or economic abuse.

‘We cannot end GBV by focusing on women alone. Men must be part of the solution-not as spectators, but as active champions of justice, equality, and nonviolence.

‘The MFN Digital Course embodies this philosophy. It is designed to transform mindsets, equip men with feminist knowledge, and mobilize them for sustained advocacy and community action.’

The Centre, however, called on government at all levels to integrate male engagement into national and state-level GBV prevention frameworks.

While mobilizing donors, the private sector, and Nigerians for the project, Igbuzor said the movement showed that transformation is possible when knowledge meets purpose, and conviction meets courage.

‘We are demonstrating that men can be partners-not perpetrators-in building a just society. We are proving that technology can be a tool for liberation, not oppression, and that education can dismantle the very structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination.

‘Let this launch ignite a new wave of enlightenment across homes, institutions, and communities. Let every man who logs on to mfn.centrelsd.org find not just information but inspiration-to act, lead, and champion equality.

Together, we can end the cycle of gender-based violence. Together, we can nurture a culture where masculinity means empathy, strength means respect, and leadership means service.

‘The journey has begun. Let us move forward-with courage, compassion, and commitment-until every woman is safe, every man is accountable, and every child grows in a world defined by equality and love.’

Director of Development at the Centre LSD, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, also stressed the need to change the narratives. According to her, ‘over the years, Gender Based Violence has been driven by women and women’s organizations only’, adding that sustainable change can only happen when men are not passive observers but active allies.

‘Today’s event marks a remarkable step in our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society where men and women stand side by side in the pursuit of gender equality and the prevention of violence in all its forms.’

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has assured people living with HIV not to fear accessing their free care and treatment services despite ongoing concerns about a squeeze in global health funding.

IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum, who gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday, said that HIV testing, treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services remain fully available and free across several public and private health facilities nationwide.

He explained that IHVN currently supports over 380 facilities across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers states, where more than 238,000 individuals are receiving uninterrupted antiretroviral therapy.

‘At no time were life-saving services disrupted,’ Dakum affirmed.

According to a statement on Tuesday by Ms. Florence Nwofor, Senior, Communications Manager at IHVN, Dakum highlighted that the Nigerian government is increasingly taking ownership of HIV programs through policies such as including people living with HIV in health insurance, supporting local test kit production, and preparing for the introduction of the preventive injectable drug, Lenacapavir.

Reassuring patients of sustained access, Dakum emphasized that IHVN, with support from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continues to work closely with the Nigerian government to maintain essential HIV services and move the country closer to epidemic control.

According to him, the community programs have enabled caregivers and the vulnerable, including children, adolescents, and young adults, to be reached with a comprehensive package of care and community-based intervention to improve adherence, nutrition, and quality of life

‘As we navigate global changes in funding, we are confident that our 20 years of PEPFAR support have built a strong foundation. We’ve made significant strides in program implementation, capacity building, laboratory infrastructure, and public health integration,’ he noted.

He reaffirmed IHVN’s goal to test 95 percent of people living with HIV, place 95 percent of those who test positive on treatment, and achieve viral suppression among 95 percent of those on therapy.

Through community partnerships with faith-based and grassroots organizations, Dakum noted, IHVN continues to expand outreach programs such as the Group Mothers’ Love Gatherings and the Peer Mentor Mother Program, which provide care, counselling, and empowerment for women living with HIV.

He called for sustained collaboration among the government, partners, and civil society to keep HIV services accessible and ensure Nigeria stays on track toward ending AIDS, saying, ‘By working together, stakeholders can achieve a healthier future and control the HIV epidemic’.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he nominated or discussed with anyone about appointing a chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wike made the clarification on Tuesday during the commissioning of Access Roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja.

The minister described the reports as ‘cheap blackmail,’ stressing that he is unbothered by such falsehoods.

He also addressed his absence from the recent Council of State meeting where Prof. Joash Amupitan was nominated as INEC Chairman, explaining that he delegated the Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him due to prior official engagements.

Wike described the insinuations that he boycotted the meeting because his supposed nominee was rejected as ‘unnecessary propaganda and blackmail,’ urging the public to disregard such claims.

Wike said, ‘Sometime last week, Thursday, we had a flag off. And I told the Minister of State, FCT, to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I had already told Mr President that I would not be available because of other engagements we had already put in place. And so, the Minister of State represented the FCT in that meeting.

‘That is why we have to be careful when people carry unnecessary propaganda and blackmail. But in spite of those things, be focused; you will achieve your results. They said I did not attend because I was not happy that my own nominee was not taken’.

The Minister’s comments come days after the Council of State meeting, on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, where Prof Amupitan was nominated INEC Chairman, pending his confirmation by the Senate.

Meanwhile, online media platform, Sahara Reporters, stated that rifts between the Minister and President Bola Tinubu had deepened, causing the Minister to boycott the meeting and send the Minister of State in his place.

The report also stated that Wike had allegedly reached out to other Heads of State to boycott the meeting, and reportedly pushed for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, a justice of the Court of Appeal, to be nominated and appointed as INEC Chairman.

The report also stated that Wike had allegedly reached out to other Heads of State to boycott the meeting, and reportedly pushed for Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, a justice of the Court of Appeal, to be nominated and appointed as INEC Chairman.

Motorists and commuters plying the Warri-Sapele-Benin Expressway can now look forward to a smoother journey as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday flagged off the reconstruction of the Okpe and Effurun sections of the dual carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the project as ‘another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government.’

He emphasised that the Warri-Sapele-Benin Road is a critical national infrastructure linking major cities in the South-South region and connecting the Delta to Edo and other parts of the country.

‘The section we are flagging off covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users,’ Oborevwori said.

The governor highlighted the importance of cooperation between federal and state governments, noting that development moves faster when both tiers work together in the people’s interest.

‘Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,’ he said.

Lamenting the years of hardship faced by commuters due to the road’s poor condition, Oborevwori said the reconstruction would enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and boost economic activities in the region.

‘Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies,’ he added.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of Nigeria’s safest states through investments in infrastructure, peace, and security, the governor disclosed that the state had paid ?10 billion in compensation to support the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road project to ease traffic between Asaba and Onitsha.

He further assured residents of Uvwie Kingdom that their requests for the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital and the provision of a 500KVA transformer would be given due attention.

‘At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout by the Spare Parts Market to after Ohore, before Ometan Bridge.

Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project is the brainchild of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whom he described as a visionary leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.

‘This 10km project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway on both lanes, far beyond the standard 7.3 metres,’ Izeze said, praising the governor’s foresight and commitment.

He said the project would be completed within 12 months, adding that the state would celebrate another landmark achievement that would enhance trade, transportation, and community life.

General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Thomas Feng thanked Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in the firm, promising to deliver the project in record time and to the highest standards.

Earlier, Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, flanked by his Okpe Local Government Council counterpart, commended the governor for his people-centered leadership and announced that the Airport Road in Effurun would be named ‘Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Way’ in recognition of his vision and enduring legacy.

Also speaking, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the governor’s administration for prioritizing key infrastructure projects in Uvwie and across the state.

He noted that ongoing works such as the three flyovers and road expansions in Effurun and Warri had transformed the urban landscape and accelerated economic activities.

Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, joined in commending the governor for his developmental strides, praying for his successful completion of an eight-year tenure to consolidate the gains of the MORE Agenda.

The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and captains of industry, all of whom hailed the project as a beacon of renewed hope for the people of Delta and beyond.

Singer-songwriter Johnny Drille has advised upcoming artists on the importance of financial discipline and long-term planning.

In a recent interview on the CreativTEA podcast, Drille warned against the temptation to mimic the extravagant lifestyles of prominent musicians, urging young creatives to focus on saving and investing for long-term stability.

Drille emphasized that an artist’s time in the spotlight is limited, with public interest eventually shifting to new talents.

He encouraged making the most of peak earning years by building a secure financial foundation rather than indulging in fleeting luxuries.

Reflecting on his own efforts, Drille noted he recently bought a home with his wife and is constructing another for his parents in Benin.

He cautioned against copying the flashy displays of wealth seen in the industry, stating that some are merely for show and not reflective of true financial health.

Drille advocated for a balanced approach, encouraging artists to enjoy the present while planning for the future.

While admitting to owning a few high-end items, he stressed keeping spending modest compared to the excessive trends some follow.

He said, ‘My retirement advice to artists is that I think it’s the same principle across. Yeah, definitely save, invest, whatever form that would take.

‘My wife and I just got a house, trying to build one for my parents back in Benin. So it’s like, I see a lot of people, a lot of artists, you know, because they see Wizkid and Burna Boy flaunting all these cars. And maybe that’s what we should be doing.

‘That’s what artists do. So let’s do that too. Be flaunting and be spending all your money on like, you know, luxury that you don’t really need, and at the end of the day, it’s like, as much as we want to believe that everybody’s going to be relevant forever, everybody will not be relevant forever. Everybody has a set amount of time where you’re going to pop and you’re going to make money.

‘And there’s going to be a time when people are not going to be interested in you. They’re going to go look for the next guy or the next new guy. That’s going to be their person.

‘I think every, every, every person, every creative has a span and you have to make the most of that span and that is saving, investing and not, not copying whatever flashy lifestyle you see out there. And sometimes a lot of those things I’ve heard some of them are not even real, like people are boring to show off, you know, and you can’t let that inspire you, you have to think for yourself and think of a future, but I think a lot of artists don’t really think about the future, just in a now. Let’s enjoy our lives.

‘Of course, enjoy your life, but also think about the future. Well, it’s crazy. I mean, I do have like one or two expensive things, but nothing, nothing, nothing crazy. Well, please advise them’.

As part of its continuous investment in human capital development, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), in collaboration with the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), has concluded a one-day intensive skills acquisition and capacity-building programme with the theme: ‘Electrical Safety and Best Practices in the Electricity Industry.’

Over 100 participants, comprising field technicians and electrical professionals, participated in the workshop, which focused on practical and engaging sessions bordering on safety procedures, alternative power integration, and electrical installation standards.

Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of LECAN, Bada Waheed, commended Ikeja Electric for its continued support of capacity development within the electricity industry.

‘This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders and professional bodies collaborate for sustainable growth. Our young electricians represent the future of Nigeria’s energy value chain, and programmes like this ensure they are skilled, informed, and safety-conscious. We deeply appreciate this gesture from Ikeja Electric and hope to have future collaborations to impact our youth and make them more productive. Noteworthy is the fact that this programme aligns with our goal of nurturing local talents and bridging the gap between learning and practical application,’ he said.

The Head of Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Kingsley Okotie, highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in driving community empowerment, beyond the provision of electricity.

‘Over time, we have discovered a lot of gaps in efficiency and knowledge acquisition, especially by technicians, who are major stakeholders within our sector. This fueled our drive to strengthen their capacity in the area of safety, alignment in the integration of renewable energy, as well as other industry innovations. We know that electricity is a powerful tool that demands responsibility and precision. Therefore, this training is reinforcing our zero-harm culture by empowering participants with the right knowledge to execute their work safely and efficiently.

The collaboration with LECAN reflects our vision to build safer communities through education and empowerment; closing knowledge gaps, reducing accidents within our area of coverage, and preventing unnecessary loss of lives and property, thereby making the society a better place for all” he concluded.

One of the beneficiaries, Makinde Adeyinka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the experience as ‘eye-opening and impactful.’

‘I have learned so much about safety standards, proper installations, and building a sustainable career as an electrician. I am thankful to Ikeja Electric and LECAN for investing in young electricians like me and look forward to more programmes like this,’ he said.

The one-day training is part of Ikeja Electric’s ongoing youth empowerment and safety awareness initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety, operational excellence, and continuous professional development.