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Wike’ll be remembered alongside Awolowo Sardauna others – Monarch

The Aguma of Gwagwalada His Royal Highness Muhammadu Magaji has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike will be remembered in Nigeria’s history alongside prominent national figures such as Sir Ahmadu Bello Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for his contributions to the development of the territory.

Magaji said Wike’s interventions in the FCT particularly the revival and completion of the Gwagwalada Civic Centre after more than 16 years of abandonment would remain part of his legacy.

The traditional ruler spoke on Monday during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada Civic Centre and an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gwagwalada Area Council Abuja.

He commended the minister for directing the resumption of work on abandoned projects across the FCT noting that the administration’s focus on completing inherited projects had brought renewed attention to public infrastructure in the territory.

According to him the completion of the Civic Centre is a significant milestone for Gwagwalada and a lasting benefit to residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

Magaji also applauded the convergence of APC and PDP leaders at the event describing it as a demonstration that political differences could be set aside for the common good.

He said the Rainbow Coalition had provided a platform for politicians from different parties to work together in pursuit of peace unity and development.

The monarch expressed hope that the emerging political cooperation would translate into more development projects and improved welfare for residents of Gwagwalada and the wider FCT.

He urged residents and political stakeholders to sustain the spirit of unity and support initiatives aimed at advancing the development of the territory.

Buwenge Town Council leads Jinja in HIV-positive cases

Buwenge Town Council has recorded the highest number of new HIV-positive cases in Jinja District, accounting for 28 percent of the 442 people who tested positive during the 2025/2026 financial year.

The district HIV focal person, Ms Suzan Naguya, said 127 people tested positive in Buwenge, making it the lower local government with the highest number of new cases among the district’s seven administrative units.

Kakira Town Council followed with 22 percent, while Kagoma Town Council accounted for 21 percent.

Busedde Sub-county recorded 12 percent. Buyengo and Namagera town councils accounted for 5.8 percent and 5.6 percent respectively, while Butagaya Sub-county recorded the lowest number.

Ms Naguya attributed the higher numbers in urban centres to population movement and social activities that increase exposure to HIV.

‘When you look at the areas with the highest numbers, they are all urban centres with bars and lodges that attract many people,’ she said.

She added that such centres attract different categories of people, including sex workers, increasing the need for targeted HIV prevention and testing interventions.

Renewed optimism

Despite the figures recorded in some areas, Ms Naguya said HIV prevalence in Jinja District had declined from 3.7 percent to 3.4 percent, below the national prevalence of 4.7 percent.

She urged residents and the general public to undertake regular HIV testing, remain faithful to their partners and practise abstinence as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.

Health interventions

The HIV figures emerged as the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) conducted a three-day medical camp at Mpumudde Primary School in Jinja City, which ended last Friday.

Dr Protazio Sande, IRA chief executive officer, said the authority organised the medical camp after recognising the need to improve health outcomes in Eastern Uganda.

‘I am very happy to be welcomed to Jinja, one of the districts in eastern Uganda whose health indicators are not among the best in the country. I believe this was one of the factors considered in organising the health camp to contribute to better health outcomes,’ he said.

Dr Sande said although the authority’s primary responsibility was regulating the insurance industry, it also undertakes corporate social responsibility programmes to improve community welfare.

He said good health was essential for productive lives and that taking medical services closer to communities would improve access, particularly for people who struggle to reach health facilities.

He urged residents to take advantage of free medical camps whenever they are organised, noting that health challenges, including shortages of medicines, continue to affect communities.

Meanwhile, the Jinja City Secretary for Health, Ms Irene Nakato Wakabi, raised concern over an increase in mental health cases, calling on the ministry of Health to strengthen the supply of medicines for affected patients.

‘The ministry of Health should increase stocks of medicines for people with mental health conditions because I have observed a rise in the number of cases in Jinja City,’ Ms Wakabi said.

The Jinja City secretary for health also identified diabetes as an emerging public health concern requiring urgent attention.

Dr Charles Wako, the officer-in-charge of Mpumudde Health Centre IV, said the facility registers at least one new patient with diabetes or hypertension daily.

Kano Assembly Extends Suspension Of 3 LG Chairmen

The Kano State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the chairmen of Rogo, Bagwai and Bebeji Local Government Areas by another three months.

The Assembly also extended the mandate of its ad hoc committee investigating allegations of violations of due process and administrative procedures against the three council chairmen.

The extension followed the expiration of the initial three-month suspension and investigation period earlier granted by the House.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Assembly, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, said the extension was to enable the committee to conclude its investigation, examine the petitions against the chairmen and submit its report to the House.

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The statement added that the committee, constituted under the leadership of Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore, had been given another three months to complete its assignment.

Court fixes judgment for Jan. 27 in alleged terrorists’ negotiator Tukur Mamu’s trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled judgment for January 27 next year in the terrorism trial of alleged terrorists’ negotiator Tukur Mohammed Mamu.

Justice Mohammed Umar chose the date on Monday after lawyers to the prosecution and defence made their final submissions.

Prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe while adopting the prosecution’s final address said: ‘We respectfully adopt our written address as our oral submission and argument in proof of the case against the defendant.

‘We urge my lord to agree with us that we have discharged the burden of proof placed before us and to convict the defendant as charged.’

Defence lawyer Johnson Usman (SAN) equally adopted the defendant’s final and reply addresses and urged the court to acquit his client.

He said: ‘We adopt these two addresses and we humbly urge this honourable court to graciously acquit and discharge the defendant on all the counts preferred by Federal Government as same having not been proved in any manner.’

Usman told the court that the prosecution has failed to produce the licence of the rifle allegedly recovered from Mamu’s residence by security operatives despite the defence’s repeated demands.

When the judge asked by the judge if he was talking about the licence that had since expired Usman said the defence’s contention was that the licence had not expired as at the time Mamu was arrested.

He said even though the prosecution took custody of the rifle and the licence its failure to produce the licence in court has raised serious issues of doubt.

Usman urged the court to resolve the issue in favour of his client adding:’My lord if my vehicle licence expires and my car is parked at home the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) cannot come and arrest me that my licence has expired.’

Responding Kaswe faulted Usman’s position recalling that the licence and the rifle had already been tendered before the court.

Kaswe said: ‘My Lord the record of this court shows that we have tendered the licence together with the arms on the day the PW-5 (fifth prosecution witness) an exhibit keeper was led on evidence.’

He added that the court grant the request when.the prosecution applied for a safe keep of the rifle and other exhibits.

Usman however thanked the Department of State Services (DSS) in whose custody the defendant was being kept for granting his family access to him as ordered by the court.

‘My lord I thank the current regime of DSS for the access given to the defendant’s family. When they do well we should praise them. My sincere gratitude to the DG DSS’ he said.

Mamu was arrested on September 7 2022 by Egyptian security officials at the Cairo International Airport on reasonable suspicion of financing Boko Haram terrorism activities.

He was alleged to have convinced the terrorists to discuss ransom payments with individual families of the hostages of the train attack instead of the Chief of Defense Staff Committee set up by the Federal Government for his personal financial gain.

The defendant was said to have been nominated by the terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train sometime in March 2022 which took scores of persons hostage.

Mamu was alleged to have collected ransoms on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from families of hostages confirmed the amount and facilitated the delivery of same to the terrorists.

He was initially arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing. The prosecution later amended the charge by including seven more counts relating unlawful possession of firearms without valid licence and money laundering.

Mamu was re-arraigned on June 1 on a 17-count amended charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

In the count one of the charge marked; FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023 the defendant was alleged to have sometime about March 28 2022 in Kaduna gave support to the Boko Haram terrorist group.

He was alleged to have instigated the terrorist group to boycott the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee set up by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of the hostages (victims) of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack to enhance his act as the negotiator for the payment receipt and delivery of ransom payment from the families of the hostages.

In count two he was alleged to have undermined and obstructed the CDS Committee set up to negotiate the release of the hostages of the attack.

Count three accused him of receiving ransom payments in the sum of $120000.00 on behalf of the terrorist group from families of victims of the attack contrary to Section 21(3)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

He was also alleged to have committed an offence preparatory to or in furtherance of act of terrorism when he exchanged voice note communications in relation to acts of terrorism with Baba Adamu the Boko Haram spokesperson.

Mamu was accused of dealing in terrorist funds in the sum of $269200.00 and N25690500 in counts six and seven which were allegedly found in his possession.

He was said to have committed an offence of dealing in terrorist property contrary to Section 23 (1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition).

The defendant was equally alleged to be dealing in terrorist funds in the sum of 1840 Indian Rupees 1700 Egyptian Pounds and 115 UAE Dirham in counts 11 12 and 13 which were found in his possession.

Counts 14 and 15 accused Mamu of money laundering offences in the sum of N25690500 and $269200.00 allegedly found in his possession.

In count 16 the Federal Government accused him of unlawful possession of firearms when he allegedly had in his possession a Delta Magnum pump action firearm without a valid licence.

Mamu was also accused of unlawful possession of firearms when he had in his possession about 47 cartridges (ammunitions) without a valid licence sometime about March 28 2022.

The alleged offences according to the prosecution are contrary to Section 3 of the Fire Arms Act CAP F.28 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 28 of the Fire Arms Act CAP F.28 LFN 2004.

Man United on brink of Premier League relegation zone

Joint record Premier League winners Manchester United were plunged to the brink of the relegation zone by their defeat at Chelsea followed by Coventry City’s win against Sunderland.

Ten-man United were beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the early kickoff in the English top flight, leaving them on their first nine-match winless run since 1986. The Red Devils have already made their worst start to a league season in 40 years.

Despite an improved display in the first-half, in which recalled captain Bruno Fernandes spurned one of many key chances, United were beaten by a brilliant solo goal by Morgan Rogers and a penalty converted by Cole Palmer.

Lisandro Martinez was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Wesley Fofana in an aerial duel from a corner. United’s day was about to get worse. Coventry City’s 3-1 home win against Sunderland saw them leapfrog the fallen giants, leaving United just one point and one place outside the relegation zone.

There’s a chance the 20-time English champions, who have won only once in nine league games, could be in the bottom three by the end of Matchweek 9 – a desperate situation for a club widely regarded as the biggest in the country.

Man United’s only two victories from 13 matches in all competitions this season were against promoted Ipswich in the Premier League and tournament newcomer Sabah in the Champions League.

United’s next match is at home to Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday with yet more doubts on whether Carrick will still be in charge.

Only Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat at Brentford ensured United did not drop into the bottom three.

The pressure is piling onto Carrick, who is only in his first full season in charge.

The former midfielder remains in defiant mood.

‘The two halves of football couldn’t probably be further apart,’ said Carrick, who added he expects to be in charge for Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Roma.

‘We looked in a good place going into half-time and then found a way of unravelling it second half.’

A point for Crystal Palace in the final Premier League game of the day at Tottenham will see United fall into the bottom three.

Europe protests, it’s a political crisis. When Africa protests, is it a governance crisis?

From France to Italy, Spain, and Portugal, citizens are taking to the streets over rising living costs, housing shortages, economic inequality, and government policies. Students, workers, and trade unions are demanding change. Some demonstrations have resulted in violent confrontations, arrests, injuries, and destruction of property.

These scenes are familiar to Africans. Kenya’s Gen Z demonstrations against taxation and corruption, Nigeria’s protests over economic hardship, and Tanzania’s election-related unrest reflect concerns not entirely different from those troubling European citizens. But something interesting happens when we examine how governments are judged for responding to such unrest.

When protests erupt in Europe, international discussions frequently centre on economic grievances, policing and political dissatisfaction. When similar events occur in Africa, the language may shift towards democratic failure, human rights violations, political legitimacy, and possible international sanctions.

Why? Are these differences always justified by circumstances, or does a country’s international standing influence the judgement?

We frequently discuss inequality between rich and poor, between social classes and between the Global North and Global South. But what about inequality within the international system itself? The international order is founded upon principles of sovereignty, human rights, and equality among nations.

Yet equality in principle does not necessarily translate into equality in practice.

Consider the United Nations. Its Charter recognises the sovereign equality of member States, yet five permanent members of the Security Council possess veto powers unavailable to other countries.

Consider France, where recent demonstrations have involved serious confrontations between protesters and security forces. Allegations of excessive police force, including injuries to young demonstrators, have prompted criticism and investigations.

Now consider Kenya’s 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill, during which protesters were killed, and serious allegations of unlawful police conduct emerged. Both situations raise legitimate questions about citizens’ rights and the appropriate use of State force.

Yet France is a major economic power and permanent member of the Security Council. Kenya occupies a very different position within international economic and diplomatic relationships. Does this difference influence the international consequences of domestic unrest?

Historian Tariq Ali recently compared contemporary unrest with the worldwide upheavals of 1968, when students and workers challenged established authority across Europe, America, and Asia. Interestingly, this occurred when several African and Asian countries had recently achieved independence. But political independence did not automatically produce equality within the international system. Newly independent nations entered international financial, diplomatic, and security arrangements largely established before they acquired political sovereignty. Nearly 60 years later, how much has changed?

There is also a lesson for African governments and political movements seeking external alliances to resolve domestic disagreements. International partnerships may be useful, but powerful countries pursue their own interests. Africa must, therefore, strengthen its capacity to resolve political differences internally, protect citizens’ rights, and negotiate international relationships without excessive dependency.

This interrogation neither condemns European governments nor excuses African governments. But if justice, accountability, and human dignity are universal principles, should their application depend upon a country’s economic or geopolitical influence?

Perhaps contemporary demonstrations offer an opportunity to examine not only how individual countries are governed but also how the world itself is governed. When Europe protests, it is a political crisis. When Africa protests, is it a governance crisis? If the principles are universal, should the standards not be universal, too?

ADC South-West reaffirms support for Atiku

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West has reaffirmed its unity and support for the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement signed on November 2, 2026, by the South-West National Vice Chairman, Akin Omole, and six state chairmen, the leaders said there was no rift, division or leadership crisis within the ADC in the South-West.

‘The zonal leadership and six state chairmen remain united in purpose and determined to strengthen the party’s structures across the region,’ the statement said.

‘We fully support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. We recognise his leadership, political experience and national vision, and remain committed to working closely with him, the National Working Committee, National Chairman Senator David Mark, National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other stakeholders to deliver a historic victory in 2027.’

The leaders also reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership and political coordination of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola across the South-West.

They said the meeting held in Ibadan on September 4, 2026, was a strategic gathering convened to discuss how the ADC could strengthen its structures and deliver the South-West for Atiku and all party candidates.

‘It focused on political strategy, grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and organisational coordination. It was not a meeting against the presidential candidate, national leadership or any individual within the party,’ the statement said.

The ADC South-West leadership said there was no virtual meeting with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on September 5, 2026, describing the claim as false and fabricated.

‘Any claim that such a meeting took place, or that it was held to resolve an alleged internal crisis, is false and fabricated. We consider this a deliberate attempt by political opponents to sow discord and weaken the party’s growing cohesion,’ they said.

‘We urge members and supporters to disregard such divisive narratives. For the avoidance of doubt, we stand solidly with our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. There is no disagreement, hostility or division between the South-West leadership and our presidential candidate.’

The leaders said political consultations and strategic meetings were normal features of a growing party and should be understood as efforts to strengthen the ADC and prepare for electoral success.

‘We are intensifying grassroots mobilisation, voter engagement, membership expansion and consolidation of party structures. Our mission is to deliver victories for presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States,’ they said.

‘We urge party members, supporters and the public not to be distracted by narratives designed to create suspicion or division. We remain focused, united and determined. ADC is united. There is no rift. There is no division. We are working together to deliver the South-West for Atiku Abubakar and all ADC candidates in 2027.’

JUST IN: Terrorists ambush Police convoy en route to Zamfara

Terrorists have reportedly ambushed a vehicle conveying police officers from Sokoto to Zamfara for a special assignment, killing some of the operatives.

The attack reportedly occurred while the officers were travelling to Zamfara, although details surrounding the circumstances of the ambush remain unclear.

The exact number of casualties and whether any officers survived the attack had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Ogun 2027: Omission of my name from INEC list won’t stop my campaign – Adebutu

The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu said the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) final list will not stop his political activities including his campaign.

He described the omission as a temporary distraction.

Recall that INEC had omitted Adebutu from the final list of candidates for the February 6 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

The lists signed by INEC secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on the commission’s website contained 13 candidates for the Ogun election with no candidate representing the PDP.

Adebutu’s omission comes amid questions over his party membership following allegations that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC.

But Adebutu while reacting to reports over his membership status insisted that he remained a committed member of the PDP.

Speaking in Abeokuta on Monday while receiving defectors from APC Adebutu noted that he has been a candidate of the party for over 20 years without leaving the party for a day challenging anyone with proof that he ever visited another party office.

He said ‘I have been a candidate of PDP five consecutive times. For the last 20 years every election cycle I have been a PDP candidate. At what stage did I leave the party? Where is the proof that for one day I even visited APC office?’ he queried.

Adebutu said he was actively involved in organising and financing the recent registration exercise in the state which recorded about 19800 members adding that his registration number is 1536.

‘For somebody that registered 20000 whose number is 1536? So I don’t know the magic. The story is up to Nigerians to decide’ he said.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State of attempting to stifle opposition and shrink democratic space.

‘Should it be a party’s policy to hold down other parties? If you mean well and you have done well for your people you should be able to place your scorecard on the table. You don’t disqualify opponents’ he said.

He also said his supporters were being harassed and denied space to erect billboards in the state adding that opposition billboards were torn or destroyed.

Despite the omission Adebutu said he would not be distracted noting that he has already visited 12 of the 20 local government areas and 140 of the 236 wards in his ongoing consultations.

‘There is justice in Nigeria. I was duly registered. I orchestrated registration in this state. The precondition for holding primaries is that you must be attested to be a party member’ he said.

‘This is just to slow down the process and make the people disenfranchised and disenchanted. But never mind it will end and it will even be a blessing to us. We will not be distracted. We keep our eyes on the ball and we shall win’ he added.

Cyprus joins EU project to develop building materials from seagrass-excavated soil

Cyprus joins a European project to develop innovative building materials from seagrass and excavated soil. AKTI project and research centre in Cyprus will test the production of thermal insulation from seagrass and the reuse of excavated soil on the island, while coordinating similar initiatives to turn waste into new products in Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Ukraine, a press release reads.

Thermal insulation from seagrass, building materials made from leftover bread and insulation panels produced from food waste are just some of the solutions being explored through HUBS4BUILD, a new European project involving AKTI. The aim is to reduce waste and the environmental impact of the construction sector by finding new uses for materials that would otherwise be discarded. In Cyprus, AKTI will focus on making use of Posidonia oceanica residues and excavated soil, with pilot trials planned in the Limassol district.

Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, HUBS4BUILD brings together universities, research centres, technology companies, local authorities and civil society organisations from 13 European countries. The project will establish 13 regional Circularity Hubs to test new ways of turning local waste into useful products.

The solutions will be tested under real-world conditions to assess their technical performance, environmental impact and economic viability.

The press release by AKTI says that the project will also explore how businesses and local authorities can put these solutions into practice, creating new opportunities for local economies.

In Cyprus, the pilot activities will take place in the Limassol district, coordinated by AKTI in collaboration with the Complex of East Limassol Community Services, the University of Rostock, German specialists in seagrass processing, and local organisations and professionals.

AKTI will coordinate the production of natural thermal insulation from Posidonia oceanica residues. This seagrass, found only in the Mediterranean, supports marine biodiversity and captures and stores carbon. Even after its dead leaves wash ashore, they continue to play an important role in coastal ecosystems. The deposits they form absorb some of the energy of incoming waves, trap sediments and help protect beaches from erosion.

As they break down, they also provide organic matter and nutrients that support coastal food webs. Local authorities often remove these deposits from beaches for tourism-related and aesthetic reasons. AKTI will use material that has already been collected and would otherwise be discarded, turning it into natural thermal insulation. Organic residues left over from processing will be used to produce compost.

The project will also test ways of separating and reusing excavated soil in construction, including applications such as natural plasters and drainage layers.

Further trials will explore ways to recover and reuse water.

AKTI will also coordinate similar waste recovery and reuse trials in four other European countries, working with local partners. In Austria, leftover bread will be used to produce furniture boards, while innovative materials will be developed for 3D-printed building components. In Hungary, agricultural straw will be turned into mattresses. In Serbia, food waste and hemp fibres will be used to produce insulation panels. In Ukraine, demolition waste will be turned into paving slabs, while agricultural and woody residues will be used to produce fuel briquettes to support reconstruction efforts.

The HUBS4BUILD kick-off meeting took place in Kozani, Greece, from 28 to 30 September. HUBS4BUILD will run for four years (2026-2030) and is coordinated by the University of Thessaly. It is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.