Category: Daily Trust

The Nigerian stock market began August on a positive note, with investors recording a combined gain of N288.44 billion as renewed buying interest in medium and large-cap stocks lifted the market.

At the close of trading on Monday, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 446.85 points, or 0.18 per cent, to settle at 245,730.53. Market capitalisation also rose by 0.18 per cent to N158.61 trillion.

The modest recovery ended the market’s recent losing streak, even as the overall market breadth remained negative, reflecting more declining stocks than gainers.

Trading activity was mixed during the session. While the volume of shares traded dipped by 2.12 per cent, the total value of transactions fell by 19.02 per cent.

ACCESSCORP emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume, accounting for 18.09 per cent of total shares exchanged. It was followed by HONYFLOUR with 10.15 per cent, STERLINGNG (6.20 per cent), UNIVINSURE (5.62 per cent), and CHAMS (3.67 per cent).

By value, ARADEL dominated trading, contributing 12.13 per cent of the total market turnover.

On the gainers’ chart, CAVERTON and ETERNA led the pack with a 10.00 per cent appreciation each. They were followed by OMATEK, which gained 9.88 per cent, AVACAP (9.70 per cent), VITAFOAM (7.90 per cent), FTGINSURE (7.69 per cent), and MCNICHOLS (5.22 per cent), alongside several other advancing stocks.

However, market sentiment remained broadly cautious as 39 equities closed lower compared to 25 gainers. ETI recorded the steepest decline, shedding 9.95 per cent, ahead of CADBURY (-9.92 per cent), THOMASWY (-9.82 per cent), WAPIC (-9.80 per cent), CMFC (-9.79 per cent), and TRANSEXPR (-9.57 per cent).

Sectoral performance was largely negative, with the Insurance Index posting the biggest loss of 1.78 per cent. The Consumer Goods and Oil and Gas indices also declined by 0.18 per cent and 0.09 per cent, respectively.

In contrast, the Banking Index led the gainers among sectoral indices, rising by 0.75 per cent, while the Industrial Goods Index posted a modest increase of 0.21 per cent, helping the broader market close in positive territory.

The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed reports suggesting that the monarch endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

In a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on Tuesday, the team said the Sultan had not called on Nigerians to support any candidate ahead of the next presidential election.

It said the Sultan’s position as a traditional and religious leader required him to remain a father figure to Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations.

‘Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,’ the statement said.

The media team urged Nigerians to disregard reports attempting to associate the Sultan with the political campaign or candidacy of any individual.

It added: ‘Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure.

‘As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings.’

According to the statement, the Sultan remains open to receiving Nigerians from different political backgrounds who seek his counsel.

‘The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination,’ it said.

The team stressed that the Sultan remained committed to promoting peace, unity, stability and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

It also urged journalists and social media users to verify information before publication, particularly reports capable of linking traditional and religious institutions with partisan political activities.

Every day, Nigerians discuss the state of the nation. We debate the rising cost of living, express frustration over insecurity, lament the quality of education, question government policies, and worry about the future our children will inherit. These conversations dominate our homes, offices, markets, religious centres, and increasingly, our social media feeds. Yet, after the discussions end, many of us return to our routines convinced that meaningful change rests solely in the hands of those in government.

It is an understandable feeling, but it is also one of the greatest misconceptions about democracy.

The truth is that no nation develops because of government alone. Sustainable progress is achieved when citizens understand that governance is a shared responsibility. Government may formulate policies and allocate resources, but it is the people who give democracy its meaning. Without active citizen participation, even the best policies risk becoming disconnected from the realities of everyday life.

Today, this conversation is more urgent than ever. Nigeria is navigating one of the most challenging periods in its recent history. Economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on families. Communities across different parts of the country still grapple with insecurity. Young graduates struggle to secure meaningful employment. Climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent, while misinformation spreads faster than verified facts. These are complex challenges that require more than government intervention; they demand an informed, engaged and responsible citizenry.

Unfortunately, many Nigerians still equate civic participation with voting on election day. While voting remains one of the most powerful democratic rights, citizenship does not begin and end at the ballot box. Democracy is not an event that occurs every four years. It is a continuous process that requires citizens to stay informed, ask questions, engage public institutions, participate in community development, monitor public projects, and hold leaders accountable between elections.

The health of any democracy is measured not only by the quality of its leaders but also by the commitment of its citizens.

Across Nigeria, there are countless examples of ordinary people proving this point. Communities have come together to renovate classrooms where public infrastructure had deteriorated. Youth volunteers have organised environmental sanitation campaigns, literacy classes, blood donation drives and humanitarian interventions. Civil society organisations have monitored elections, advocated policy reforms, expanded civic education and defended the rights of vulnerable populations. Journalists have continued to investigate issues of public interest despite immense challenges, while community leaders have mediated conflicts and promoted peaceful coexistence.

These efforts may not always dominate newspaper headlines, but together they represent the everyday work of citizenship.

The digital age has also transformed civic engagement in unprecedented ways. A decade ago, influencing public discourse often required access to traditional media platforms. Today, a mobile phone and an internet connection allow citizens to raise awareness, mobilise support, expose injustice and demand accountability almost instantly. Digital platforms have democratised public conversation, enabling voices from remote communities to reach national audiences.

However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility that cannot be ignored.

The same platforms that amplify truth can also amplify falsehood. Misinformation, manipulated content and inflammatory rhetoric have become serious threats to social cohesion and democratic governance. Responsible citizenship in the digital era therefore requires discipline. Before forwarding a message, sharing a video or commenting on a sensitive issue, every citizen has a responsibility to verify facts, respect differing opinions and avoid contributing to narratives capable of deepening divisions.

Freedom of expression carries with it the responsibility to protect the truth.

Young Nigerians, in particular, occupy a unique position in shaping the country’s future. With one of the largest youth populations in the world, Nigeria possesses an extraordinary reservoir of creativity, innovation and resilience. Across the country, young people are leading technology start-ups, humanitarian organisations, advocacy campaigns and community initiatives that are improving lives in ways that often receive little recognition.

Their impact demonstrates that leadership does not begin with political office. It begins with identifying a problem and choosing to become part of the solution.

Citizen participation is equally important at the grassroots. National politics often dominates public attention, yet many of the issues affecting daily life-primary healthcare, sanitation, local roads, markets and basic education-are managed at the local level. Citizens who attend town hall meetings, engage their councillors, monitor constituency projects and participate in community associations contribute directly to improving governance where it matters most.

National development is built community by community, not policy by policy alone.

Government, on its part, also has a responsibility to create an enabling environment for participation. Transparency, access to information, inclusive public consultations and responsive institutions encourage citizens to engage constructively. When people believe their voices matter, they are more likely to contribute ideas, support reforms and take ownership of development initiatives. Trust between government and citizens cannot be demanded; it must be earned through openness, accountability and consistent engagement.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of citizen participation is that it creates a sense of collective ownership. Development projects are more likely to succeed when communities are involved from conception to implementation. Policies become more effective when those affected by them have an opportunity to contribute. Democracies become stronger when citizens see themselves not as passive observers but as active stakeholders.

Nigeria’s future will not be determined solely by those who occupy public office. It will also be shaped by teachers who inspire responsible citizenship, journalists who pursue the truth, entrepreneurs who create jobs, volunteers who serve their communities, young people who refuse to abandon hope and ordinary citizens who choose engagement over indifference.

Democracy was never designed to be a spectator sport.

Every informed question asked at a town hall meeting matters. Every community project supported matters. Every verified fact shared instead of misinformation matters. Every vote cast, every act of volunteerism and every demand for accountability strengthens the democratic fabric of our nation.

As citizens, we often ask what government is doing for us. It is a legitimate question. But perhaps an equally important question is this: What are we doing for the Nigeria we hope to build?

The answer to that question may well determine whether future generations inherit a nation defined by apathy or one strengthened by the active participation of its people.

Nigeria’s U-18 boys’ and girls’ hockey teams will compete at the 2026 Africa Hockey 5s Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 6 to 8, with both sides aiming to secure qualification for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup later this year.

The Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) confirmed that Team Nigeria will participate in the continental tournament, which brings together some of Africa’s most talented young players to compete for honours and World Cup places.

Nigeria will be represented by a delegation of 26 players and coaches, including 10 male and 10 female players, who have undergone extensive preparations ahead of the championship.

NHF President Engr. Simon Nkom expressed confidence in the teams’ readiness, describing the tournament as a valuable opportunity for the young players to gain international experience and test themselves against the continent’s best.

‘The U-18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship is a significant opportunity for our young athletes to test their skills against the best on the continent and gain valuable international exposure,’ Nkom said.

‘We are optimistic that both our male and female teams will compete with determination, discipline and the resilience that Nigerian athletes are known for. This tournament also reflects the steady growth and development of grassroots hockey in Nigeria.’

Residents, motorists and pedestrians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the increasing number of open and damaged manholes on major roads and streets, describing them as death traps.

Abuja Metro reports that the activities of vandals have left many drainage channels and manholes uncovered across several districts in the city, posing a serious risk to residents.

In January 2025, the police arrested 50 persons suspected of stealing manhole covers in Abuja.

The arrests followed a coordinated raid on the Kabusa Pantaker Market by the FCT Police Command.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a statement issued at the time by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, described the theft of manhole covers as a significant threat to public safety and a drain on government resources.

‘It is unacceptable that amenities provided for the use of Nigerians are being stolen and sold, endangering lives and wasting funds meant for development,’ the statement said.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, condemned the theft and pledged decisive action.

Dauda explained that the stolen covers were specifically designed to withstand heavy vehicular traffic and are critical to the proper functioning of the city’s drainage system.

Meanwhile, many residents who spoke with Abuja Metro at the weekend said the problem has persisted for months without meaningful intervention despite repeated complaints to the relevant authorities.

A commercial driver in Jabi, Mairiga Sani, said a damaged manhole on his route has remained uncovered for several months.

‘I pass here almost every day, and nothing has changed. Initially, people placed tree branches and stones around it to alert motorists, but those warning signs are often get washed away or removed. Every day, drivers have to swerve suddenly to avoid it.’

According to him, he has witnessed several vehicles sustain damage after hitting the exposed section of the road.

‘I have seen tyres burst and vehicle rims damaged. Some drivers only notice the danger when it is too late. If someone loses control at high speed, it could easily result in a fatal accident.’

A pedestrian, Mary Lucky, described the open manholes as a constant source of fear, especially during heavy rainfall.

‘When it rains, the water covers everything. Someone unfamiliar with the road may unknowingly step into it. We always have to warn children and elderly people to be careful whenever they pass here.’

She added that residents have continued to hope for government intervention without success.

‘We have reported it through community leaders and even to officials who visited the area, but nothing has been done. We only hear promises.’

Another motorist, Salisu Bature, said the damaged manhole has disrupted the smooth flow of traffic.

‘Drivers suddenly slow down or change lanes to avoid it. Sometimes this confuses other motorists because vehicles behind may not understand why the driver ahead is swerving. It increases the risk of collisions.’

He urged the authorities to repair damaged infrastructure before more lives are put at risk.

For Lucy, who walks through the area daily, the danger extends beyond motorists.

‘Schoolchildren, elderly people and persons with disabilities are all exposed. At night, the situation is even worse because visibility is poor. One wrong step could lead to serious injury,’ he said.

A private car owner, Kabiru Goni, said he narrowly escaped damaging his vehicle after driving over a flooded section of the road.

‘I didn’t even know there was an open manhole because it was completely covered by rainwater. Fortunately, I was driving slowly. Someone moving faster might not be so lucky.’

He said temporary warning signs are no substitute for permanent repairs.

Another pedestrian, Ladidi Jibrin, lamented that residents have become accustomed to living with the danger.

‘It is unfortunate that people now see this as normal. We should not have to wait until someone loses their life before action is taken.’

She appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to prioritise routine inspection and maintenance of public infrastructure.

Similarly, Isiyaku Garba, a motorist, said prompt intervention would prevent unnecessary accidents and reduce the financial burden on vehicle owners.

‘Many people spend money repairing damaged tyres, suspensions and rims because of bad roads and open manholes. Preventing these problems is cheaper than dealing with their consequences.’

He urged the authorities to immediately replace missing manhole covers, repair damaged ones and establish a regular monitoring system to prevent future occurrences.

The residents maintained that while manholes are essential components of urban drainage and underground utility systems, leaving them uncovered defeats their purpose and poses a serious threat to public safety.

The Federal Government has established the Safe Schools Department within the Federal Ministry of Education as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the protection of learners and improve security in schools across the country.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this when he appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative, saying the new department would provide stronger institutional leadership and coordination for school safety programmes nationwide.

Alausa said the department replaces the former Safe Schools Unit and would be responsible for strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety initiatives across Nigeria.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education has established a full-fledged Safe Schools Department to provide strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety programmes nationwide,’ the minister said.

He explained that the ministry would coordinate the Safe Schools Initiative through a unified national framework designed to improve implementation, accountability and monitoring across the country’s 774 local government areas.

According to him, the ministry is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies to strengthen protection around schools.

Alausa stressed that school safety could no longer be approached in a fragmented manner, given the multiple security and welfare challenges confronting learners.

‘While our security agencies will continue to perform their constitutional responsibilities, the Federal Ministry of Education will provide policy direction, coordinate implementation with states and ensure that every school benefits from the programme,’ he said.

On funds allocated to the Safe Schools Initiative, Alausa said some grants and appropriated funds under review were disbursed before his appointment and administered at the time by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

An alleged serial killer, Akaninyene Ignatius Eshiet, has been remanded at the Afokang Custodial Centre after being arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Calabar over the alleged murder of two persons in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Eshiet is accused of killing Mr Okon Bassey Okon Nsa of Ukim Ita community and Mr Okokon Akpan Eshiet of Akai Ibonda.

The case, The State vs. Akaninyene, came up before Magistrate Court 10 and was adjourned to August 12, 2026, for transfer to the High Court, which has jurisdiction over murder cases.

It was observed that while the principal suspect was remanded, his brother, Nkereuwem Eshiet, who was also brought to court in police custody, was not arraigned.

Instead, he was returned to police detention for reasons not disclosed by the authorities.

The development has triggered concern among traditional leaders and residents of the affected communities, who also questioned the release of Uduak Essien, the suspect’s alleged girlfriend and an earlier co-suspect in the case.

The residents argued that releasing Essien while investigations were still ongoing could undermine efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings and expose members of the community to further danger.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Village Head of Ukim Ita, Chief Samuel Ekpe Ita, expressed concern over the decision, claiming that the principal suspect had initially alleged that his girlfriend assisted him in carrying out the crimes.

He also questioned why Nkereuwem, whom he alleged was apprehended with a firearm at the crime scene, had not been arraigned alongside his brother, adding that the police owed the community an explanation after previously indicating that he was no longer in custody.

Ekpe maintained that the community was not seeking to prejudice the investigation but wanted everyone with possible links to the case to be thoroughly investigated so that justice would be served and innocent persons cleared through due process.

The community leader further urged the police to be more transparent in handling the case in order to reassure residents that the investigation was being conducted professionally and without bias.

The case has also been surrounded by rumours that an unidentified businessman allegedly offered N15 million to have the matter settled and secure the release of the principal suspect.

However, the Cross River State Police Command dismissed the claim as unfounded.

Responding to the concerns, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpa, said Uduak Essien was released after investigators found no evidence linking her to the alleged murders.

According to him, the principal suspect’s confessional statement exonerated Essien, while independent investigations also failed to establish any basis for her continued detention.

‘The suspect’s alleged girlfriend, Uduak Essien, who was initially arrested alongside the principal suspect on suspicion of conspiracy, has since been released.

‘Following a thorough investigation, the findings and the confessional statement of the principal suspect exonerated her from the earlier allegations. Consequently, she was released,’ Eitokpa said.

He also denied knowledge of the alleged N15 million offer, stressing that the command was handling the case strictly in accordance with the law.

Despite the police explanation, residents appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Cross River State Government and other relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are pursued to a logical conclusion and that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Bincike International, a development and humanitarian organisation, has raised concerns over illegal mining activities in Nigeria, calling for stronger regulation and enforcement in the sector.

The organisation, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, alleged that unregulated mining activities were contributing to environmental degradation, revenue losses and challenges facing some mining communities.

It also expressed concern over alleged encroachment on conservation areas and what it described as the mining sector’s inadequate contribution to government revenue.

‘While the nation sits on a vast fortune of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition, a shadowy and unregulated economy continues to siphon off this natural heritage,’ the organisation said.

‘This illicit trade starves federal and state treasuries of vital revenues, devastates fragile ecosystems, and subjects vulnerable citizens in host communities to severe exploitation.’

Bincike International said several states have solid mineral deposits in commercial quantities that are in international demand but have yet to be adequately harnessed.

Citing Nasarawa State, the organisation claimed that some lithium oxide samples from the state tested between 3.5 and 13 per cent, compared with what it described as globally traded samples of between one and two per cent.

The organisation further alleged that illegal mining networks were exploiting mineral deposits and circumventing regulatory channels, resulting in revenue losses to the government.

It called on relevant authorities to strengthen regulation and enforcement in the mining sector and ensure greater transparency in revenue collection.

Bincike International also advocated the revocation of permits found to have been obtained or operated illegally, saying stricter enforcement and revenue transparency would help the country derive greater economic benefits from its mineral resources.

Socio-cultural organisation, the Warri North Itsekiri Rebirth Forum, has rejected the proposed ward delineation matrix allocating 10 wards each to the Itsekiri and Ijaw in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The group said the proposed arrangement does not reflect what it described as the demographic strength and electoral realities of the Itsekiri people in the area.

Speaking in Obitugbo, Warri North, Chairman of the group, Hon. David Edun, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the proposed delineation and called on the National Assembly to scrutinise the process before taking any legislative action.

‘We believe that this proposal is fundamentally flawed and does not reflect the demographic and electoral realities of Warri North LGA. We therefore reject it in its entirety and call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to implement what we consider an unjust arrangement capable of undermining the political rights and democratic aspirations of the Itsekiri people,’ Edun said.

He said INEC was expected to conduct the exercise transparently and in accordance with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.

‘INEC is expected to be an impartial institution that inspires public confidence through fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the Constitution and electoral laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ he said.

Citing figures which the group attributed to INEC’s 2023 Register of Voters, Edun said the Itsekiri-dominated areas of Warri North currently have six wards, comprising 134 polling units and 75,912 registered voters, while Ijaw-dominated areas have four wards, 58 polling units and 34,480 registered voters.

According to him, the figures formed the basis of the group’s objection to the proposed equal allocation.

‘It therefore raises serious questions as to how the commission arrived at an equal allocation of 10 wards each for both ethnic groups. We respectfully urge INEC to explain the methodology used and review the proposed delineation to ensure that it reflects verifiable facts, constitutional principles and its own official records,’ he said.

Edun also called on members of the National Assembly to carefully examine the proposed arrangement.

‘We also urge the distinguished members of the National Assembly to carefully scrutinise the proposed ward delineation before taking any legislative action. As custodians of Nigeria’s laws, members of the National Assembly have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that every process complies with the principles of equity, justice and democratic representation,’ he said.

The group maintained that decisions concerning ward delineation should involve broad consultation with affected communities and relevant stakeholders.

It called for continued engagement among INEC, government authorities and communities in Warri North to ensure that concerns surrounding the exercise are addressed peacefully.

‘We therefore urge government institutions at all levels to engage directly with credible representatives who genuinely enjoy the confidence of the people,’ Edun said.

He reiterated the group’s opposition to the proposal in its current form and called for a review of the exercise.

‘Finally, we wish to state in the clearest possible terms that the Itsekiri Rebirth Forum rejects the proposed ward delineation exercise for Warri North in its present form. We call on INEC to revisit the exercise in accordance with constitutional provisions, verifiable demographic data, and the principles of fairness, equity and justice.

‘We appreciate the efforts of Mr President, the Delta State Government and all well-meaning Nigerians who continue to seek a peaceful and just resolution of the issues surrounding the ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency,’ he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State has condemned the killing of several residents and the abduction of about 70 others by armed bandits in Kasuwar Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

The party described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable, saying the continued killings and kidnappings in the state posed a serious threat to peace, security and the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Anas Haidara Kaura, the party called on security agencies to immediately launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the release of those abducted.

It urged the agencies to deploy all available intelligence and operational resources to rescue the victims safely and reunite them with their families.

The opposition party also appealed to the federal, state and local governments to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, strengthen security operations, improve intelligence gathering and enhance community-based security initiatives to tackle banditry across Zamfara State.

The ADC State Chairman, Malam Shehu Maishanu Gulubba, expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and sympathised with the people of Kasuwar Daji and the entire Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

He also expressed solidarity with the families of those abducted, praying for the safe and speedy return of their loved ones.

The party urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting lawful efforts to restore peace and security in the state, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting good governance, responsible leadership and the protection of citizens’ lives and fundamental rights.