Category: Auto Guid

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday made good his promise by visiting Ologuneru axis of the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, to engage with property owners affected by the project.

The governor, at the engagement which lasted for hours, listened to representatives of the property owners, noting that his administration would not fail the people.

He said issues relating to the setback and development corridor would be resolved before the end of his tenure in 2027.

Makinde reiterated his position that the government would ensure adequate compensations were paid to property owners, noting that no house would be demolished without adequate compensation to the affected owner.

He said necessary adjustments would be made in areas affected by the project, adding that the 150 metres setback would not be exceeded in already developed areas.

He said the Circular Road was a rapid transfer network that must comply with the highway code for standard road setback.

Governor Makinde, who hailed the residents of the 38 communities affected by the project for cooperating with his administration to address the issues, said 10 people would be nominated from the affected property owners to form a committee that would work with the New Towns and Cities Development Authority, which was the authorised agency directly in charge of the Circular Road corridor.

Representatives of the property owners lauded Makinde as a compassionate leader. They appealed to him to intervene and bring lasting solution to the lingering matter.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday welcomed the return of abducted Nigerians from captivity.

The released abductees are 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, 51 missionary school children in Niger State and 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State.

ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi told reporters in Abuja yesterday that the party rejoiced with the families whose loved ones had regained freedom, but insisted that the incidents should never have occurred if the government was fully alive to its responsibilities.

Abdullahi however alleged that the Federal Government was ‘making deals with insurgents’ in a bid to free abducted victims.

‘Perhaps because there may be different considerations, but perhaps because they want a quick win, they want something to celebrate, then they will not hesitate to make the kind of negotiation or deals that they are doing,’ the ADC spokesman said.

Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued a landmark judgment affirming the constitutional validity, scope, and enforceability of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022, over the outdoor advertising in Nigeria.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Isa Dashen, dismissed the suit filed by Godec Power Nigeria and upheld ARCON’s powers over advertising content on all platforms and targeted at the Nigerian market.

The ruling comes few days after a separate Federal High Court in Lagos reached a different conclusion in Massilia Motors v. ARCON case.

Godec approached the court seeking declarations that ARCON lacked powers to regulate or have oversight function on outdoor signage, arguing that these matters fall within the control of councils under paragraph 1(k)(i) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

Godec also argued that ARCON’s Notice of Violation which directed the company to comply with ARCON Act 2022, infringed on its rights to freedom of expression. The plaintiff sought 13 reliefs, including a perpetual injunction restraining ARCON from enforcing the Act; and N100 million in general damages.

The court in Lokoja rejected plaintiffs arguments, noting that advertising regulation is not exclusively a residual matter, and that National Assembly acted in its legitimate constitutional authority when it enacted the ARCON Act 2022.

The court also dismissed the plaintiff’s freedom-of-expression claim. Justice Dashen held that the ARCON Act’s pre-approval requirement is a lawful regulatory measure: ‘The regulatory pre-approval requirement does not suppress expression; it ensures that public communications conform to lawful standards of decency, truthfulness and fairness. Such regulation is a legitimate incident of state oversight.’

Justice Dashen was unequivocal that the plaintiff failed to prove any of its 13 reliefs and dismissed the suit. It also awarded ?500,000 costs in favour of each defendant, the Attorney-General of the Federation and ARCON.

In rejecting the plaintiff’s argument that ARCON’s powers apply only to professional advertisers, the Court also affirmed the broad applicability of the Act. It accepted ARCON’s position that advertising regulation applies to ‘any and every person who engages in, regulates, sponsors or takes benefit of advertising services.’

As part of activities to mark her 100 days in office, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mrs Titilola Rufai, has unveiled a sports fiesta to unite and engage youths.

She said as much during a novelty match between Team Olojo FC and Team Osolu FC, organised by the council to mark the opening of the fiesta.

Rufai said the aim of the fiesta was to engage youths in sporting activities and bring them together.

‘The idea is to bring youths in the council together to engage in sporting activities because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

She said: ‘Apart from football tournament that will begin on Tuesday, we also have indoor games for our youths.

‘They are ludo , snooker, scramble, table-tennis, ayo olopon, draught and boxing. This is the maiden edition. The idea is to bring out talents and stars.’

Mr Ege Olusegun, who represents Ojo Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the fiesta was a good beginning for the chairman.

The Osolu of Irewe Kingdom in Ojo, Oba Abideen Adekanbi, said the fiesta would encourage youths to concentrate more on sports, instead of engaging in cultism, crime and drug abuse.

Chief Ajao Obasa, the Akogun of Ojo land, representing Oba Kalid Rufai, the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom, said the fiesta would promote unity among youths.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the fiesta, Alhaji Moruf Adekunle, said the football competition would be on for four weeks, while indoor games would be held for two days.

He said the winner of the football competition would go home with N500,000, second position would collect N300,000, while third position would go home with N100,000.

Adekunle said winners in indoor games would go home with fabulous prizes.

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off with a flurry of goals, dramatic finishes and spirited comebacks as matchday one delivered entertainment across all centres.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens edged Edo Queens 3-2 in a gripping South-South derby decided by a last-gasp penalty.

Edo Queens struck first through Rebecca Adegbemile (23′), but Bayelsa responded with goals from Kindness Ifeanyi (45′) and Janet Akekoromowei (48′) to flip the contest.

Edo Queens fought back, with Robiat Taofeeq (85′) making it 2-2. Just when the visitors thought they had secured a point, Bayelsa Queens won a stoppage-time penalty, coolly dispatched by Blessing Illvieda (90+7′) to seal a dramatic home victory.

In Owerri, Heartland Queens recovered from an early setback to down Ekiti Queens 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

An early concession rattled the hosts, but they levelled through Chizoba Johnson’s 13th-minute penalty before grabbing the decisive winner in the second half to complete a determined comeback.

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies claimed a pulsating 3-2 win over Osun Babes. With the match locked at 2-2 deep into stoppage time, Nofisat Ayegbami (90+6′) struck a dramatic winner to ignite celebrations.

In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons produced a strong performance to beat Delta Queens 2-1. Delta took an early lead through Nora Davies (4′), but the Amazons responded through Imoh Jones (40′) before Hembanfan Ayatse (45′) completed the turnaround just before halftime.

Adamawa Queens opened their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Pacesetter Queens. Goals from Ifeoma Damian (37′) and Mary Sunday (66′) secured all three points in Makwada.

The only away win of the day came in Akure, where FC Robo Queens defeated Sunshine Queens 1-0, courtesy of Marvellous Oladunni (45′).

Three matches ended with shared spoils: Confluence Queens 2-2 Abia Angels, Naija Ratels 0-0 Ibom Angels and Ahudiyannem Queens 0-0 Remo Stars Ladies.

With late winners, penalties, comebacks, and away successes, the opening day of the NWFL Premiership set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.

In a determined effort to stem the tide of drug and substance abuse among students and youths in Calabar, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in strategic partnership with Devongnosis Education Ltd, has intensified its commitment by organizing a high-impact sensitization rally across Calabar state.

This initiative is in commemoration with the International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, underscoring the urgency and global significance of the fight against substance abuse.

The comprehensive campaign aims not only to raise awareness but also to instill lasting behavioral change and resilience among young people who remain vulnerable to the pervasive influence of drugs.

The rally, themed; ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse,’ brought together stakeholders from across the community, including the NDDC Calabar state office led by the state Director, Chief Daniel Ajunwa PhD, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NYSC members, the Police amongst others.

The march covered key strategic locations, including Mary Slessor Road, Calabar Technical College, General Hospital, and the University of Calabar, ensuring that the message reached a broad and diverse audience. Participants actively engaged in distributing educational materials, including colorful banners, informative flyers, T-shirts, and caps, all designed to reinforce the campaign’s anti-drug message.

Beyond the rally, the campaign incorporated vital health talks and counseling sessions aimed at equipping students with factual knowledge and practical tools to resist peer pressure and avoid drug experimentation. Several secondary schools, including Government Secondary School State Housing, West African People’s Institute (WAPI), Government Girls Secondary School Big-Qua, Government Secondary School Barrack Road, and Government Secondary School Akim-IBB way, among others, embraced the campaign, demonstrating a united front against substance abuse.

The event garnered robust participation from students, NDDC staff, youth corps members, security agencies, and community leaders, highlighting the collective responsibility and collaborative spirit needed to address this societal menace.

The Director Calabar state office, Chief Daniel Ajunwa, along with coordinators from Devongnosis Education Ltd, addressed the audience with compelling insights into the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing its detrimental effects on mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

‘It is deeply alarming to witness the rising cases of substance abuse among adolescents. This not only undermines their mental and physical health but also jeopardizes their academic futures and societal contributions,’ the speakers cautioned.

They strongly advocated for early prevention education as a frontline defense, urging students to embrace drug-free lifestyles and become champions of positive change in their communities.

The speakers further underscored that drug abuse is not merely an individual problem but a wider social challenge fueled by a network ranging from cultivators to traffickers, hence the necessity for a comprehensive, community-wide response. They encouraged vigilance, awareness of drug abuse indicators, and a collective commitment to breaking the cycle.

School representatives expressed deep appreciation to the NDDC and Devongnosis Education Ltd for spearheading such a transformative initiative. They lauded the campaign’s role in empowering young people to make informed decisions and resist negative peer influences.

This landmark event embodies a significant stride towards fostering sustained community engagement, enhancing drug prevention education, and ultimately promoting a healthier, drug-free generation.

The partnership between the NDDC and Devongnosis Education Ltd has set a powerful example of how strategic collaboration can empower youths with the knowledge and resilience they need to flourish without reliance on harmful substances.

Moving forward, this campaign lays the groundwork for ongoing initiatives aimed at nurturing a safer, stronger, and more enlightened youth populace across Calabar and beyond, demonstrating a resolute stand against the scourge of drug abuse in the Niger Delta region.

The Indian city of Ahmedabad will stage the 2030 multi-sport Commonwealth Games 100 years after the inaugural edition was held in Hamilton, Canada, organisers have confirmed.

The choice of Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, was ratified by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow following a recommendation from the executive board.

India has its eyes on a bigger prize, having submitted a formal letter of intent last year to the International Olympic Committee to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

‘We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport,’ said Dr PT Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India.

‘The 2030 Games will not only celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together athletes, communities and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.’

Ahmedabad is the key city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat, home to a 130,000-seater arena which is the world’s biggest cricket stadium. The venue is named after the Indian premier.

Modi said he was ‘delighted’ and that India looks ‘forward to welcoming the world’.

The executive board announced in October that Ahmedabad was its preferred choice following a rival bid from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Ahmedabad is the second Indian city to stage the Commonwealth Games, following Delhi in 2010, which was meant to showcase India’s status as an emerging global power.

However, they were marred instead by construction delays, budget overruns and corruption allegations that saw the head of the organising committee jailed.

The future existence of the event was in doubt last year when the movement struggled to find a replacement host for 2026 after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew for cost reasons.

Daniel Andrews, the then premier of Victoria, said two years ago that an initial estimate of Aus $2 billion (US $1.29 billion) needed to hold the Games would more likely be around Aus $7 billion, which he called ‘well and truly too much’.

The Scottish city of Glasgow stepped in and will stage a slimmed-down version of the multi-sport format, meaning that Britain will have hosted two editions in a row, after Birmingham in 2022.

In an age of increasing continental, regional and world championships across numerous sports, there have long been questions about the relevance of the Commonwealth Games, an event restricted to an international association where the vast majority of competing countries were once territories of the British Empire.

But Dr Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, said on Wednesday: ‘India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance, and I’m delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond.

‘We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health.’

Commonwealth Sport added between 15 to 17 sports will feature at the 2030 Games, which follows a programme review.

Athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-Swimming, table tennis and para table tennis, bowls and para bowls, weightlifting and para powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball and boxing have all been included.

The remainder of the programme is set to be finalised, with Ahmedabad able to either propose up to two new or ‘traditional’ sports.

Among those under consideration are T20 cricket, hockey, wrestling, badminton archery, rugby sevens, 3×3 basketball, cycling and diving.

A successful Commonwealth Games would strengthen any bid by India, the world’s most populous nation, to stage an Olympic Games, with the next two Summer editions set for Los Angeles (2028) and the Australian city of Brisbane (2032).

The wife of Kebbi State Governor Hajiya Zainab Idris has urged parents not to withdraw their children reunited with them yesterday after nine days in captivity from school.

She spoke during the reunification of parents and pupils at the Government House in Birnin-Kebbi.

She expressed happiness that none of the girls was violated by their abductors during the traumatic days.

She added that the 24 girl had been taken to the hospital for medical checkup.

‘You must not deny them education because of this incident. They must go back. Government is already putting in place necessary measures for their safety,’ she said.

Governor Nasir Idris said the abduction of the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School Maga caused their parents, the people of the state and his government sleepless nights.

‘Since the pupils were taken by the bandits about nine days ago, the parents had been traumatised, but we thank God that it didn’t take long before the security personnel deployed to search for them were able to rescue them,’ he said.

They were brought to Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital, on Tuesday night from Bagega forest in Anka local government area of Zamfara State, where the abductors kept them.

The schoolgirls were then handed over to their parents by the governor.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halimatu Bande, said the period of the girls’ captivity was a trying period for the state.

‘We thank those who stood with us through this period and the security personnel who helped to rescue our girls,’ she said.

Champions Safety Babes took another step towards the defence of their title by whipping Ekiti Queens 49-22 on Matchday 2 of the ongoing 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Second Phase tournament in Lagos.

The champions, who had defeated River Queens 40-27 on Tuesday, dominated the Ekiti team and made sure of victory with a commanding display.

The Ekiti girls who had beaten Defender Babes 35-27 on Tuesday could not keep up with the pace of the champions.

In some other games in the female category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers, while Defender Babes lost to

Omo Ogiefo Academy 29-22.

In the men’s category, COAS Shooters defeated Lagos Seasiders 36-28, while De Defenders lost to Rima Strikers 28-19. Also, Niger United walked over Adamawa Warriors to earn three points and 10 goals.

Niger United Coach, Adebayo Yekini, said that the league has become competitive so much that that is little between the top teams and others.

He said: ‘The league has become very competitive and all the team are putting in their best to win games. You can see that even the ones who lose games are putting in their best.’

The Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2 enters Matchday 3 today at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos and all matches will be played there till November 30 before matches resume at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday pleaded with the Federal Government to explore every means to curb insecurity.

Its President, Archishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

Speaking on the Assembly’s theme: ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Rev Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

He said: ‘The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses’.

The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.