Category: Auto Guid

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a lone accident involving an empty 40-foot articulated truck along Isheri Elemu inward Ijegun, where the driver lost his life.

The General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement on Friday in Lagos added that the motor boy survived the incident.

Bakare-Oki said the driver was trapped beneath the overturned truck and died instantly from the impact, while the accompanying motor boy sustained multiple injuries and fractures.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the empty containerised vehicle suddenly lost stability while in motion and overturned, causing the devastating crash along the corridor.

“LASTMA rescue and recovery operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, conducted coordinated intervention, extricated the deceased driver from the wreckage, and ensured safe evacuation of the injured motor boy promptly,” he said.

He said that personnel from the Isheri Osun Police Division provided security support during the exercise, maintained orderliness and facilitated seamless rescue and recovery.

Bakare-Oki expressed sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the bereaved family, while wishing the injured motor boy speedy recovery.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to road safety advocacy, emphasising routine mechanical inspections and proactive maintenance of heavy duty vehicles, especially articulated trucks operating across Lagos roads to prevent tragedies.

He urged operators, companies, and drivers to ensure vehicle roadworthiness and comply with safety regulations.

“Preventable mechanical failures remain significant threats to lives, property, and overall motoring public safety,” he said. (NAN)

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.

Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.

While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.

The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.

He was Chairman of the NigeriaUnited Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.

“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.

“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.

He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

TEXT OF President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address On Friday, June 12, 2026

Fellow Nigerians

Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers–not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.

In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.

To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.

To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.

Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers–both those who have passed and those still with us–for their patriotic contributions.

Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion–our largest ever–to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.

We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.

At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.

June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.

June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives–in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.

The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.

Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.

Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.

By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.

To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.

Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.

Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.

We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.

Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.

Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence–the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.

Let us move forward together–rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.

Barrister Ayoka Lawani

Tunde Fagbenle

Oladele Alake

Olatunji Bello

Louis Odion

Segun Babatope

Sam Omatseye

Sir Ademola Osinubi

Bola Bolawole

Lade Bonuola

Femi Kusa

Debo Adeniran

Chief Ayo Opadokun

Chief Ralph Obiora

Ose Osayande

Barrister Osa Director

Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine

Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)

Dr Osagie Obayuwana

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin

Barrister Titus Mann

Joe Igbokwe

Richard Akinnola

Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)

George Mbah

Dr Niran Malaolu

Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)

Femi Aborisade

Jenkins Alumona

Gbemiga Ogunleye

Muyiwa Adekeye

Babajide Kolade-Otitoju

Ike Okonta

We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:

Major General MA Garba

Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa

Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;

Col Sambo Dasuki;

Col Lawan Gwadabe;

Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong

Col Musa Shehu;

Major General Chris Eze;

Major General Harris Dzarma;

Col Isa Jibrin;

Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;

Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)

Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus

Col J Okai;

Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;

Lt Col Yakubu Muazu

Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.

The honours list will be released in the next few days.

Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.

Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.

May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.

Happy Democracy Day.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

FCMB Group Plc has announced its audited financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, and its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

For the 2025 financial year, the Group’s profit before tax rose 81% year-on-year to 202.1 billion from 111.9 billion in 2024, while profit after tax increased 142% to 177.3 billion, leading to Return on equity improving to 23.2%.

The strong earnings momentum continued into the first quarter of 2026, with profit before tax and profit after tax increasing by 148% and 137%, respectively, to 87.0 billion and 76.5 billion.

All business divisions recorded double-digit growth and contributed positively to profitability during the period. In 2025, the banking subsidiary grew profit before tax by 110% to 163.3 billion, while the consumer finance, investment management and investment banking businesses recorded profit growth of 107%, 29% and 90%, respectively. In the first quarter of 2026, profit growth across the divisions was 97% for banking, 99% for consumer finance, 54% for investment management, and 322% for investment banking.

The banking subsidiary, First City Monument Bank Ltd., benefited from the deployment of proceeds from its 2024 capital raise and higher yields on earning assets, resulting in growth in net interest income and return on equity.

Gross revenue grew 42.5% to 1.13 trillion in 2025, largely driven by a 61.7% growth in interest income and a 17.3% growth in earning assets, which grew from 4.18 trillion to 4.90 trillion. The same drivers supported a strong start to 2026, with gross revenue growing by 26.7% to 320.2 billion in the first quarter, compared with 252.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

Customer confidence in FCMB remained strong. Current and savings account balances grew 17% by 420.5 billion during 2025 and a further 15% by 433.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026. Total customer deposits increased by 2.8% in 2025 and 5.8% in the first quarter of 2026, as low-cost deposit mix improved from 65.4% to 71.1%.

Net interest income grew by 124.5% to 505.9 billion in 2025 from 225.3 billion in 2024, driven by a growth in net interest margin to 9.5% from 6.3%. This momentum continued into 2026, with net interest margin growing further to 10.7% in the first quarter.

Alongside stronger revenue generation, the Group improved operating efficiency. Its cost-to-income ratio declined to 53.8% by the end of 2025 from 59.9% . These gains were supported by continued investments in people, technology and business expansion.

Total assets increased 8.2% to 7.63 trillion at the end of 2025 from 7.05 trillion a year earlier and grew a further 4.4% to 7.96 trillion as of March 31, 2026, reflecting the Group’s focus on balance sheet efficiency and optimisation.

The Group also maintained a disciplined approach to lending while expanding support for consumers and small businesses. Loans and advances to customers increased 0.4% to 2.37 trillion in 2025, while consumer and SME lending rose 24% to 930 billion. Total loans and advances stood at 2.23 trillion at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Assets under management maintained a strong growth trajectory, growing 24.2% to 1.70 trillion at the end of 2025 from 1.37 trillion in 2024. This further grew by 10.1% to 1.88 trillion as of March 2026, supported by continued market share gains by FCMB Pensions and FCMB Asset Management.

The Group recorded a 21.4% increase in total equity to 835.4 billion at the end of 2025. Total equity rose further to 1.14 trillion as of March 2026, up 36.5%, supported by retained earnings and additional capital raised through the Group’s 2025 public offer. The Group’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 26.95% as of March 2026, providing a strong capital buffer to support future growth. FCMB Group proposed a dividend of 35 kobo per share.

Commenting on the results, Group Chief Executive Ladi Balogun said: “These results reflect the strength of our diversified business model and disciplined execution. We grew earnings, improved efficiency and strengthened our balance sheet while continuing to support customers and create value for shareholders. Our strong start to 2026 positions us well to sustain growth across the Group.”

FCMB Group Plc is a financial services group, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with operating companies divided along four business groups The Banking Group (First City Monument Bank Limited (‘The Bank’), FCMB (UK) Limited and FCMB Microfinance Bank Limited); Consumer Finance (Credit Direct Limited); Investment Banking (FCMB Capital Markets Limited and CSL Stockbrokers Limited) and Investment Management (FCMB Pensions Limited, FCMB Asset Management Limited and FCMB Trustees Limited). Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with the ticker symbol (FCMB), FCMB Group Plc has 65,954,593,274 ordinary shares held by over 620,000 shareholders.

First City Monument Bank Limited, the flagship company, has about 15 million customers and 205 branches in Nigeria and a banking subsidiary in the United Kingdom through FCMB Bank (UK) Limited (which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA in the United Kingdom).

British pop star, Dua Lipa, and her actor husband, Callum Turner, are reportedly set to relocate to the United States just days after their lavish wedding celebration in Italy.

The couple, who recently held a star-studded ceremony in Sicily after an earlier private wedding in London, are said to be moving to the US for seven months because of Turner’s new film project.

Turner is expected to begin work on a remake of the 1981 horror film, Possession.

The actor is reportedly billed to feature alongside Tom Hanks and Margaret Qualley in the project.

Speaking on their busy careers, Turner said their jobs often require them to move around the world.

“We work jobs where we have to go around the world,” he said.

“It’s important when we are home in London to be with our friends as much as possible.

“We make sure that we’re together as much as possible,” he added.

Dua Lipa, 30, and Turner, 36, were said to have first exchanged vows in London at Marylebone Registry Office, where a small group of family and friends celebrated with them.

The couple later travelled to Italy for a grand wedding celebration at Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria, Sicily.

The event reportedly attracted several famous guests, including music legend Elton John, fashion designer Donatella Versace, actor Joe Alwyn, actress Grace Gummer, DJ Mark Ronson, singer Charli XCX and George Daniel of The 1975.

Elton John, who collaborated with Dua Lipa on the 2021 hit song, Cold Heart, was said to have serenaded the couple with his classic song, Your Song, during the celebration.

Reports also said some guests signed non-disclosure agreements to protect the privacy of the three-day ceremony.

After the wedding celebration, the couple reportedly checked into the Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace in Taormina for their honeymoon.

The luxury hotel was one of the major locations used in the second season of HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus.

Suites at the hotel are said to cost more than, 4,000 per night.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has announced a temporary traffic diversion along Baale Animashaun Road in Ifako-Ijaiye to facilitate the construction of a culvert as part of an ongoing drainage reconstruction project aimed at improving stormwater management in the area.

The diversion, which takes effect from June 15, 2026, is expected to last for eight weeks.

The project is designed to channel stormwater runoff from Adfarm Estate, Adson Street and adjoining communities through a newly constructed culvert across Baale Animashaun Road.

Announcing the traffic arrangements on Friday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the road closure had become necessary to ensure the successful execution of the drainage infrastructure project.

According to Osiyemi, motorists heading into Baale Animashaun Road from the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway will be required to use alternative routes during the construction period.

He stated that motorists can access the corridor through Ijaiye Bus Stop Junction via Agbado-Ijaiye Road (Post Office Road), connect to Alakuko Road and rejoin Baale Animashaun Road.

As a second option, road users may utilise Jendor Junction near Alakuko Junction through Alhaji Ganiyu Road before reconnecting with Baale Animashaun Road.

A third diversion route will take motorists through Ajegunle-Ilo Bus Stop Junction, Adetiba Street, Fagbeyiro Abayomi Street and Fola Azeez Street before linking back to Baale Animashaun Road.

Osiyemi stressed that there would be no vehicular access into Baale Animashaun Road from the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway throughout the construction period.

“The construction work is scheduled to commence on June 15, 2026 and is expected to last for eight weeks. There will be no movement into Baale Animashaun Road from Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway as the road will be closed for the construction works,” he said.

The commissioner urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and comply with all road signs to minimise disruptions and ensure smooth traffic flow.

“Motorists are advised to obey all traffic signs and follow the directives of traffic management officials to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the period,” Osiyemi added.

The state government said the drainage intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to improve flood control infrastructure and enhance road safety across Lagos.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup on Friday, scoring twice in the second half to secure a dramatic victory.

The Koreans dominated large spells of the contest but found themselves trailing just before the hour mark when Czech defender Ladislav Krejci headed home from close range in the 59th minute to give his side a surprise lead.

Despite controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, South Korea struggled to find a breakthrough until In-Beom Hwang produced a moment of brilliance in the 67th minute. The midfielder collected a pass inside the penalty area and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Matej Kovar to restore parity.

The Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead in the 77th minute when captain Tomas Soucek headed into the top corner from a set-piece. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside.

The decision proved costly as South Korea completed the turnaround three minutes later. In-Beom Hwang delivered a dangerous cross into the area and substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh met it perfectly, firing into the centre of the net to put the Asians ahead for the first time.

South Korea had threatened throughout the game, registering far more goal attempts than their opponents and repeatedly testing Kovar, who produced several important saves to keep the Czech Republic in the contest.

The Europeans pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Adam Hlozek and Michal Sadilek both going close, but goalkeeper Seung-Gyu Kim stood firm to preserve the lead.

The match attracted a crowd of 44,985 spectators and ended on a sour note for the Czech Republic as defender Ladislav Krejci was sent off late in the game.

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Gov. Alex Otti has said the progress recorded in Abia under his administration is proof that democracy and development could coexist when citizens elect leaders committed to public service and accountability.

Otti stated this in his 2026 Democracy Day message, entitled, “Of Freedom and Development”, made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Friday.

According to him, democracy has empowered Abia people to reclaim their destiny, restored public confidence in governance and has continued to drive sustainable development.

He added that through strategic investments in infrastructure, human capital development, security and social welfare, his administration had demonstrated that genuine development thrives best under democratic governance.

The governor thanked the people of Abia for their trust and support.

“May I assure that our progress is irreversible, we are never returning to the old order of mediocrity for the light has shone in our path.

“Just like I hinted, progress may be slow but need not be a mirage,” he stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999, and the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulment, Otti opined that Democracy Day offered an opportunity for national reflection on the country’s achievements and challenges.

He noted that while many Nigerians remained disappointed by unmet expectations, it would be unfair to dismiss the gains recorded under democratic governance.

According to him, democracy had not failed; rather, leaders and citizens alike have sometimes fallen short in their responsibilities.

“The blame for the disappointments of the post-1999 years belongs entirely to us, as leaders and citizens, not to democracy or its foundational principles,” he stated.

The governor paid tribute to pro-democracy activists, who fought against military dictatorship, describing them as patriots, whose sacrifices secured the freedom Nigerians enjoy today.

He noted that their courage, resilience and commitment to democratic ideals should inspire the present and future generations to continue the struggle for liberty, justice and national development.

Otti stressed that democracy was not an end in itself but a means of building a society, where individual rights, freedom and justice would be guaranteed.

He urged Nigerians to reject terrorism, violent extremism, political greed, ethnic divisions and religious intolerance, describing them as threats to democratic progress.

He maintained that the heroes of the June 12 struggle came from different ethnic and religious backgrounds but were united by a common belief in democracy as the best path to national development.

The governor contended that although democracy is imperfect, it remains preferable because no superior alternative exists.

He expressed satisfaction that regular elections had become an established feature of the country’s political system after 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

“Every four years, citizens have the opportunity to choose their leaders. That alone tells an important story of how far we have come as a nation,” he stated.

Otti, however, warned that elections would be meaningless, if citizens failed to safeguard the integrity of the process.

He urged the citizenry to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process, ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Otti further charged Nigerians to remain politically conscious, resist electoral manipulation and reject vote-buying, violence and divisive politics.

The governor stated that accepting money in exchange for votes undermines the right to demand accountability from elected officials.

“When citizens sell their votes or become instruments of violence and hatred, they become conspirators in the desecration of public trust,” he added.

He advised the people to be wary of politicians who make unrealistic promises, noting that meaningful progress required patience, vigilance and accountability.

He stated that democracy could only deliver development, when citizens remain actively engaged and insist on good governance.

Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusive development.

He, therefore, urged Abia people to remain united in pursuing a shared vision for a prosperous future.

He called on Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of past democracy activists by protecting democratic institutions and “ensuring that freedom and development remained enduring features of our national life”.

(NAN)

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds has opened up on how a drunk driver nearly killed him when he was 18, revealing that he was left with broken bones and spent four weeks in hospital after the accident.

The Deadpool star made the disclosure in a new GQ video released on Tuesday, June 9, where he appeared alongside his Welcome to Wrexham co-star, Rob Mac.

Reynolds, now 49, said the incident happened after he left a bar where he had taken a beer. According to him, he decided not to drive home because he felt it was unsafe to do so, even though the distance was short.

“When I was 18, I left a bar and I’d had a beer,” Reynolds recalled.

He said he told himself that “even if it’s four blocks home, absolutely not,” insisting he would not drive after drinking.

But in a painful twist, Reynolds said he was hit while walking home by a drunk driver.

“I spent four weeks in the hospital,” he said.

His revelation shocked Mac, who responded: “What? That’s the first time I’ve heard that.”

Reynolds then explained the extent of his injuries.

“Oh, yeah, broke every bone in my left side,” he said. “He hit me so hard, his car was not operational.”

The actor thanked the doctor at the Canadian hospital where he was treated, saying he was grateful for “putting me back together so kindly.”

Reynolds had earlier spoken about the accident in a 2011 interview with CTV News, where he remembered waking up to his father sitting beside him with a vomit tray after the crash.

He joked that the incident left him a “rickety, broken mess.”

Despite the serious injuries, Reynolds went on to build a career around physically demanding roles, especially as the foul-mouthed superhero Deadpool.

However, the actor has admitted that he now performs fewer stunts as he gets older.

In a 2022 interview with Variety, Reynolds said he still tries to do as much stunt work as possible, but knows when to step aside for professionals.

“I think it’s important to do as much of it yourself as you can, but I’ll step aside when there’s something that’s just too gnarly and there’s a trained professional ready to go,” he said.

He added jokingly: “You’re not allowed to eat Advil like cereal.”

Reynolds is expected to appear next in Mayday, scheduled for release on September 4. He will also return as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday, billed for release on December 18.

By Hamza Suleiman

The Borno government on Friday reintegrated 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who had repented and surrendered to troops back into the society after they were deradicalised, disarmed, rehabilitated and trained in various skills acquisition.

The initiative was as part of the state’s reintegration model policy Brig.-Geng. Abdullahi Ishaq(rtd), the Special Adviser to Gov. Babagana Zulum on security, made this known at the reintegration ceremony in Maiduguri.

The repentant insurgents who were subjected to swearing with the Holy Quran also formed part of Batch-9, low-risk and minor clients in the series of repentants who would be reunited with their various communities in the state.

Ishaq, however, described the event as marking another milestone in the Borno Model Non-Kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism in the North-east region and Borno in particular.

“It has been a success story since 5th July 2021 when the good people of Borno State under the stewardship of our dynamic leader Prof Babagana Umara Zulum agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop arms and embrace peace.

“Today, the Borno Model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind with over 350,000 persons that willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.

“A total of 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who had repented and surrendered to troops are to be reintegrated after many of them were deradicalised, disarmed, and rehabilitated at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri and acquired various skills acquisition programmes.

“Their way back from the bush began with a call from their colleagues encouraging them to surrender, embrace peace and re-unite with their parents,” he added

Ishaq stated that the clients have hitherto exited from the bush and reported to the nearest military location for initial profiling, and those with weapons surrendered to the troops.

According to him, some of them left their camps but could not make it to any military location before they were arrested and killed, adding that the lucky ones who made it to the military location were later moved to Hajj Camp for proper documentation, profiling and deradicalisation.

“The camps’ administrators kept them busy with various programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays were for Islamic programmes, lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and other fields during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were for skill acquisition programmes such as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pot making, brick laying, barbing, cap making, repair of phones, solar installation, vulcanising, and repairs of motorcycles”. Ishaq said.

He said that their women were not left out in skill acquisition as they were trained in cattery services, knitting, cap marking, tailoring, soap making to mention a few.

Ishaq said that the state government had provided starter packs for the clients and their spouses to support them in their post-camp life.

“The Borno Model has reintegrated 8960 in Batches 1-8 and with today’s 720 clients (Batch 9), there would be 9,680 clients.

“The clients seated in front of you were disarmed, demobilised, thoroughly deradicalised and rehabilitated.

“They are from Bama, Kondugua, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Gbambolu Ngala, Kalabarge and Gubio Local Government Areas.

“Community leaders, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters screened them properly before recommending them for reintegration,” he said.

Ishaq, however, urged them to go back to their various communities and be law-abiding, participate actively and positively in community work and development programmes.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Babagana Kadai,ssaid the day was not merely a ceremony but a celebration of hope, resilience, reconciliation, and the commitment of the Borno government to restoring peace and rebuilding lives affected by years of insurgency.

“I would like to express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, whose visionary leadership, compassion, and dedication to peacebuilding have continued to attract national and international recognition.

“Under Zulum’s leadership, thousands of families displaced by conflict have been resettled, communities have been rebuilt, schools and healthcare facilities have been restored, and opportunities have been created for vulnerable populations to regain their dignity and livelihoods.

“This programme is another testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and social cohesion in Borno State,” Gambo said.

She stated that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will remain at the forefront of these efforts.

“Since the inception of various rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, the Ministry has played a critical role in providing psychosocial support, family tracing and reunification services, child protection interventions, women empowerment initiatives, vocational training, and community sensitisation programmes aimed at ensuring successful reintegration.

“Our Ministry has worked tirelessly alongside state institutions, development partners, humanitarian organisations, and community stakeholders to support women, children, and vulnerable families affected by conflict. We have provided counselling services, livelihood support, educational opportunities, and social protection interventions designed to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives and become productive members of society,” the commissioner said.

In their goodwill messages, the Chief Imam of Borno, represented by Sheikh Shettima Jafar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, representatives of heads of security agencies such as Police, Immigration, Customs, Correctional Service, among others enjoined the clients to be good ambassadors and law-abiding to the constituted authorities in the society. (NAN)