Category: Daily Trust

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to awarding more construction projects to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as part of ongoing efforts to drive job creation and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.

The Governor also reiterated his administration’s resolve to expand employment opportunities for youths through sustained investment in infrastructure and strategic partnerships with reputable construction companies.

In a statement, Governor Oborevwori observed that unemployment and economic hardship remain major challenges facing many families, stressing the need for deliberate government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for young people.

‘There are many challenges facing our people today, especially unemployment and economic hardship. Too many of our young people are giving up because opportunities are limited. That is why we must continue to create jobs, empower our youths, and ensure that development reaches every community.’

He commended workers and contractors handling projects across the state for their dedication and contributions to community development, noting that genuine efforts toward progress deserve the support of all stakeholders.

Governor Oborevwori further emphasized that his administration will continue to partner with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in executing critical projects aimed at boosting employment and enhancing infrastructure in Warri, Effurun, and other parts of the state.

He disclosed that the reconstruction of the Effurun Roundabout to the NPA axis has already been awarded to Julius Berger, in line with his administration’s plan to modernize infrastructure within the Warri/Effurun metropolis.

The Governor also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing reforms targeted at repositioning Nigeria’s economy. He noted that the reforms have increased revenue available to state governments, enabling the execution of key projects and prompt payment of salaries.

Speaking further, Governor Oborevwori revealed that the completed Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Roads and Bridges project will be inaugurated upon the completion of the Ubeji-Ifie Road.

Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo Waziri, a son-in-law to former Gombe State governor and senator representing Gombe Central, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty and support to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya amid ongoing political realignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Dasuki Waziri, who is married to Senator Goje’s second daughter, Zainab Danjuma Goje, made the declaration on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House in Gombe.

The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs commended the governor for what he described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure development, peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance across the state.

A statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted Dasuki as praising Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership style, saying it had strengthened unity within the APC and improved public confidence in governance.

Dasuki, who also served as the National Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), noted that the administration’s people-oriented projects and developmental initiatives had positively impacted communities across the state.

According to him, the governor’s commitment to peace, stability and development deserved the support of all well-meaning citizens irrespective of political differences.

‘We are proud of your leadership and the progress recorded under your administration. Your commitment to peace, unity and development is highly commendable,’ he stated.

He further assured the governor of his continued loyalty and readiness to contribute towards sustaining political stability and unity within the APC and Gombe State in general.

Responding, Governor Inuwa Yahaya appreciated the visit, describing it as a demonstration of political maturity, unity and commitment to the progress of the state.

The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to continue implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of the people and consolidating on the gains already achieved in critical sectors.

The development comes at a time political activities are gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections in Gombe State.

Daily Trust reports that Governor Yahaya is currently battling with Goje over the lawmaker’s bid to return to the National Assembly for a record fifth term.

During a recent consensus arrangement meeting, the governor picked DCP Mohammed Ahmed Deba (Rtd) as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate to succeed Goje in the National Assembly.

On April 2, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Plateau state to condole with the people and state government over the March 29 attacks on Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, where 28 people were confirmed killed and others injured.

The March 29 attack claimed the lives of innocent people, including university students, a corps member, passersby, traders, among others.

Worried by the development, the President met with stakeholders and victims’ families to condole and assure them of his administration’s commitment to end what many described as incessant attacks and killings in the state.

Speaking at the venue of the town hall meeting, President Tinubu promised that his government would not allow the continued wanton attacks against innocent civilians in Plateau.

The President said ‘This will not repeat itself. The best solution is simply to be just-the kind of justice that people like us grow up knowing. I can’t understand why the past is not a source of lessons for us. I’m listening to them. I’ve listened to one, I’ve listened to another, and I’ve listened to the Governor, you and I were elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, to come together and create a community that lifts up widows.

However, after the President’s visit, attacks and killings continued in various communities. Many youths said the President’s visit had not changed the security situation in the state.

Daily Trust reports that since the visit, 60 people, including women, were killed and several cattle were killed.

Timelines of attacks, killings

On April 5 and 6, no fewer than four people, including three farmers and a herder, were killed in a string of attacks in separate communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of the state.

According to the leadership of Berom Youth Moulders Association and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the farmers were killed Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while the herder was killed Monday morning in Jol community of Riyom LGA.

Rwang Tengwong, BYM spokesperson, narrated that the attack targeted vigilante youths keeping watch over the village, adding that one other person sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Recounting the death of their member, the state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the deceased was ambushed alongside his younger brother, but the young man escaped. They gunned him down.

On April 7, gunmen ambushed and killed a 300-level university student in Dum Village, Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attackers, who were reportedly positioned themselves at the entrance of the village, opened fire on two young men from the community but one escaped.

Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident identified the victim was identified as Badung Sunday Alamba, a 29-year-old 300-level student of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.

On April 8, Tengwong also confirmed that gunmen attacked miners at a mining site in Kok village, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing one person on the spot.

On the same day, gunmen struck Chenye village in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area, killing another person.

On April 9, at least eight people were killed and four others injured on Thursday night in another attack in Vole community, Kwatas district of Bokkos local government area of Plateau state.

Confirming the attack Chairman of Plateau Youth Council (PYC) in Bokkos, Dakol James, said the attack occurred between 8 and 9 pm. The PYC chairman condemned the incident and called on the government to intervene and bring an end to what he described as tragic.

On April 11, the Plateau state chapter of MACBAN said gunmen attacked herders on Saturday afternoon, killing five cattle and leaving three missing around Izovo community, Miango district of Bassa local government area of Plateau state.

Ibrahim Yusus Babayo, state chairman of the group, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers opened fire while herders were grazing the cattle.

On April 12, MACBAN said gunmen attacked herders in Izovo community, Miango district of Bassa local government area of Plateau state, killing a herder, and five cattle, and rustling 15 others.

On April 19 , National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong confirmed that at least six farmers were killed while eight others were injured on Sunday night following two separate attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

On April 26, gunmen attacked herders on Sunday in Diyan village, Riyom District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a herder and shooting 21 cattle.

On April 27, gunmen attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and three members of his family.

On May 4, at least five farmers were killed in a fresh attack in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

On May 6, gunmen attacked herders on Tuesday in Jol community of Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State , killing six cattle in the area.

On April 6, at least three herders were killed and five others were injured on in separate attacks in communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

On May 7, 13 farmers killed and many others injured when gunmen attacked Ngbra Zongo community of Kwall District, in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

On May 9, at least three herders were killed and several others injured in separate attacks in Kopk and Sabon Layi communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

On Same May 9, at least eight farmers were killed and six others injured when gunmen attacked Sabon Layi, Gangare and Gana Ropp and Rakung communities of Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

On April 9, at least two farmers were killed and 21 cattle were shot dead on Sunday in separate attacks in Riyom and Jos South LGAs.

President statement is political, not yielding results

The farming and herding communities described the President’s statement as political considering that attacks continue even after his promise.

Rwang Tengwong, the spokesperson of Berom Youth Moulders- Association said President Tinubu’s statement during the visit had not improved security in the state.

‘To us at BYM, Mr President’s promise to end the killings has ended in a statement because even day he came, there was an attack. Since the very day he left, I think there has been not a single day that we will wake up without attack. The number of killed since Mr President left, we have lost over 30 persons which has outnumbered the people that were killed in Anguwan Rukuba.

‘So, it is just a statement. We have not seen the real dynamics or things changing in terms of security in Plateau state rather, things getting worse. This is because you can hear of an attack in broad daylight. People being ambushed as early as 7am. You can hear of people being killed as at 4:pm. Where did the attackers follow to lunch the attack. One of the attacks was launched around the Highway, where did the attackers follow considering that there are checkpoints before the attackers carry out the attacks and where did they vanish to?

‘If we are really sincere about dealing with this issues, we will be looking at where these attacks are coming from and see how we are going to address it. We cannot just wake and hear so so community were attacked and people killed and didn’t trace where the attackers came from. Tomorrow you will hear another community is attacked and you cannot make trace, ‘ he added.

Tengwong noted that attacks started in Plateau since 2004 and over 20 years you cannot trace the root cause of it.

He said ‘for us, it is a political statement because for more than a week now, the security situation has not improved. Lives are being lost. I may be right or wrong, some of our leaders are playing politics with this issue of insecurity because it does affect their family members directly. As a President of for example and you have only one child, if that child is killed, how will you take it? What measures will you put to correct it?

The BYM spokesperson said leaders need to go just beyond statement and match their statements with action to bring an end to killing.

President statement alone cannot solve the problem –

According to the state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, though the visit was a welcome development, the statement is political being a democratic leader.

He said politicians often make such statement without fulfillment but believe that the President’s statement alone cannot solve the problem unless all hands are put on deck.

‘The visit has not yielded any result because the statement alone cannot provide solutions unless all parties agree to live peacefully. No matter the amount of effort by the president, government officials, religious and community leaders as well as groups must make commitments to peace to achieve the desired goal.

‘People cannot move wherever they want. Attacks are everywhere you. These problems must be addressed within and not outside. Of course, the President has his role in ensuring peace, it must be collaborative. Even if the President will come more than 100, times , if we people are not committed to peace, there problem cannot be solved, he added.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says there is no leadership crisis within the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), insisting that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State remains the chairman of the forum.

ý

ýThe PGF serves as a platform for governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to coordinate policy positions and strengthen political cooperation within the ruling party.

ý

ýSani, who is the Vice Chairman of the forum, said the disagreement that recently rocked the platform of governors elected on the platform of the ruling APC was only a ‘slight misunderstanding’ that had been resolved.

ý

ýThe Kaduna governor spoke on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

ýHis comments followed reports last week that Uzodimma had allegedly been removed as chairman of the PGF and replaced by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State after a tense meeting in Abuja.

ý

ýThe reports had also suggested that the forum had split into rival camps, with one faction backing Uzodimma while another was said to be aligned with Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State.

ý

The development sparked speculation over possible divisions within the APC governors’ bloc, with President Bola Tinubu reportedly intervening to calm tensions among party stakeholders.

ýHowever, Sani said there was no leadership change in the forum and maintained that all governors had reunited.

ý

ý’In my own opinion, I don’t think it’s a serious issue, like many people try to make it look like it’s a very serious issue,’ he said.

ý

ý’Because, you know, in everything we are talking about democracy, people can choose to disagree and agree. So, in my own opinion, it was just a slight misunderstanding.

ý

ý’At the moment, there’s no problem. All the governors are together. His Excellency Hope Uzodimma is the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. My humble self, Senator Uba Sani, is the vice chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,’ he added.

ý

ýSani stated that the disagreement had been fully resolved and would no longer generate controversy.

ý

ý’I don’t think you will hear anything again. I can assure you, nothing will ever – you can’t hear anything again,’ he said.

ý

Asked specifically about the disagreement within the forum, the Kaduna governor described it as a normal occurrence in democratic politics.

ý

‘It’s normal to disagree. But like I said, my point is clear. You will never hear anything. It’s just a slight disagreement, not a serious issue, but a slight disagreement. But it has been resolved,’ he said.

ý

ýThe governor also argued that if there had truly been a change in leadership, he would have automatically assumed office as chairman in his capacity as deputy chairman of the forum.

ý

ý’And of course, if there’s any change of leadership sitting here as the vice chairman, I could have taken over. But I can tell you, you see, I was there. And I was the one who made that statement, clear that we are united. Everything is okay,’ Sani noted.

Though the trend has been that governors who are completing their second terms run for Senate seats, the eagerness shown by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to return to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly has remained unrivaled.

The governor who obtained forms to contest the Imo West Senatorial District appeared for screening before the committee over the weekend.

With that he becomes the only governor whose tenure is not ending in May 2027 but is already neck deep into seeking another elective office.

Unlike his colleague second term governors like Mai Mala Buni, Dapo Abiodun, Abdullahi Sule whose tenure expire May 29, 2027, etc Uzodinma’s current term as governor runs till January 15, 2028 as Imo falls within the circle of states that have their governorship election off the general season.

Analysts say what it means is that if he wins in the January 2027 elections, he’ll have to quit Imo Government House in June of the same year when the 11th Senate would be inaugurated which is a clear six months to when his tenure as governor would end.

Our correspondents observe that this would be the first time in the current dispensation that a governor would forfeit a part of his tenure in order to run for another one.

Analysts recall that the only incident close to that was when then governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu vacated his seat four days before the official winding up of his tenure to swear in he successor, Theodore Orji.

What others interested in vying for other positions have been doing ahead our correspondents note, was to place what they call a place holder, who will occupy the seat until their tenures expire, then such persons would resign from the seat to pave the way for their elections.

Why the interest

Analysts say the Imo Governor may have chosen a different path not just because the other route is longer but because he is eyeing the presidency of the 11th Senate.

The calculation out there is that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins the 2027 elections for a second term, it is likely that that seat of the Senate President would go either to the South South or South East due to the fact that both the President and the Vice President are Muslims and would be expected to choose the number three person from a predominantly christian zone.

But the question is, what must have assured the governor that he would be elected Senate when the current one, Godswill Akpabio is also interested in returning to the seat?

A source who does not want to named told our correspondent that since David Mark has set a precedence by returning to the Senate to continue as President of the Senate in 2011, Akpabio, given his closeness to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would want to replicate same.

Presidency sources however indicate that having shown more than an average enthusiasm in the Tinubu re-election project, Uzondinma is seen as more aggressive in handling political issues.

‘He is a two time senator and has experience and his presence would give the Southeast a sense of belonging’ a source told our correspondent.

The Imo governor for instance is the Director-General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), an organization specifically for the promotion of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He is also the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum where he presides over the meeting of 30 of his colleague governors in the same party.

Meanwhile efforts to get the reaction of the Presidency on the development was not successful, as Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy could not be reached for comment.

Also, Dr Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications’ phone was not unreachable.

Uzodinma represented the Imo West Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The obstacles before the governor

In a move believed to be designed to stop Uzodinma from contesting the Senate Presidency, the Senate last week attempted to modify Order 4 and 5 to of its rules to provide that only senators who served the immediate preceding term could contest for principal offices. It was however reversed following intense criticisms..

In another move believed to be aimed at clipping his wings, some APC governors attempted to remove him as chairman of the PGF.

Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, in a statement on Friday, said the reports of Uzodinma’s removal were fake and misleading.

‘Why I’m going to the Senate’

The Governor explained that his decision to contest the seat is to serve his people and President Tinubu.

He stated on his X handle shortly after screening that, ‘My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people,’ he wrote.

‘During the engagement, I reaffirmed that the Senatorial seat I seek to occupy belongs first and foremost to our great party, while I remain only a loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision, and aspirations of the APC to the very best of my ability,’ he stated.

He added that his aspiration was inspired by the desire to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration through ‘quality representation, effective legislation, enhanced development, and sustainable progress.’

No constitutional barrier to Uzodinma’s Senate ambition – Constitutional lawyer

A Kano-based constitutional lawyer, Barrister Umar Usman Danbaito, said Nigeria’s presidential system of government does not permit an individual to simultaneously occupy executive and legislative positions.

He stressed that while Governor Uzodinma has the constitutional right to contest for a Senate seat, he cannot hold both offices at the same time.

On whether the move raises constitutional concerns, Danbaito was categorical: ‘Legally speaking, there is no problem. If immediately after his election, before swearing in, he resigns as governor, there is no constitutional impediment against that.’

However, he raised questions about the moral dimension of such a decision. According to him, governors should not use their incumbency to edge out party members or deny them opportunities to contest.

‘Morally speaking, the executive governor should allow his subjects to contest other elections. He should not be seen using his power to the detriment of his party members,’ he argued.

Danbaito lamented that Nigerian politicians often prioritize personal ambition over collective interest.

Another commentator Salman Jawondo a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said there is no legal barrier stopping a sitting governor from contesting for a Senate seat while still in office.

Jawondo said the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit elected office holders from seeking another elective position before the expiration of their tenure, stressing that issues surrounding such moves are more moral than legal.

‘No, they cannot stand as a voter or be voted for at the primaries of a political party. That’s what the law says for appointed officials. But elected people are different,’ he said.

He explained that governors contesting for Senate seats are in a similar position to governors seeking re-election or other elective offices, noting that they are not required to resign before participating in elections.

The senior lawyer further explained that a governor only forfeits his office after taking the oath of office for another position, adding that until then, such a governor legally retains his seat.

‘You know one thing, he will not even resign until he takes the oath of office for another office. It is only when he is sworn in at the Senate level that he forfeits his seat as governor,’ he said.

Jawondo, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, added that a governor seeking to become Senate President even has a strategic advantage because the election of presiding officers of the National Assembly takes place immediately after inauguration.

‘If he gets elected as Senate President, he is then sworn in as senator and Senate President. That is when he forfeits his seat as governor. But if he does not get elected as Senate President, he can still return to his seat as governor,’ he explained.

Drawing from past political developments, the former attorney general referenced the case of former Senator Udoma Udo Udoma during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the former lawmaker underwent ministerial screening but declined to take the oath of office after reportedly being dissatisfied with the portfolio assigned to him.

On the moral implications of governors seeking legislative offices immediately after serving in executive positions, Jawondo said the trend reflects the deeper crisis within Nigeria’s political culture, where public office is increasingly viewed as a means of personal survival rather than public service.

The race for positions ahead of the 2027 elections has begun with the questionable selection of candidates under the guise of consensus. But from the kick-off, the process has been rigged by governors and top party hierarchies. From the North to the South, in the name of applying the consensus option in the selection of party candidates, the process is being manipulated to foist lackeys on the people.

The outcry across Nigeria over the abuse of the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 has been loud, especially from within the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Never before have state governors, under any political party, been so empowered to decide who obtains tickets for National Assembly, Houses of Assembly and governorship elections next year.

Initially, it was assumed that the removal of indirect primaries from the procedures for choosing party candidates for elections would weaken the stranglehold of governors over parties. Under the provisions for indirect primaries in the Electoral Act 2022, only party leaders and elected government officials voted to determine candidates for elections. The system gave governors the leverage to select their cronies, apologists and loyalists to contest important elective positions. The Electoral Act 2026 removed that option, preferring direct primary elections, where every member of the party at all levels has a say in who becomes a candidate for various elective positions. The consensus option in primary elections was intended to ensure unity of purpose during elections. From reports across the states, the APC has adopted the consensus option in the primary elections, but without garnering the buy-in of other candidates, as envisaged by law.

Expectedly, disputes have engulfed the states. In Osun, Bola Oyebamiji emerged as the consensus candidate after nine aspirants withdrew, earning praise for party unity. Conversely, in Yobe, six aspirants rejected Governor Buni’s endorsement of Baba Wali, insisting it breached the Electoral Act and the APC constitution. In Oyo and Lagos, aspirants defied elders’ endorsements by purchasing nomination forms, signalling a preference for direct primaries. In Gombe State, the APC’s attempt at consensus candidacy has been highly contested. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna was adopted as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, but supporters of Professor Isa Pantami and Senator Saidu Alkali rejected the process, insisting it violated the Electoral Act and the APC’s national directive.

Under Section 87(1) of the amended Electoral Act 2026, consensus candidacy in party primaries is strictly regulated to prevent imposition. The law allows consensus only if all cleared aspirants voluntarily agree to step down for one candidate. Crucially, this agreement must be documented through written evidence signed by each aspirant, confirming support for the chosen candidate. As provided by the Act, even if one aspirant refuses to sign the document, the party is legally bound to conduct direct primaries. This safeguard ensures fairness, protects internal democracy and is meant to prevent governors or party leaders from unilaterally imposing candidates. By requiring written consent, the Act emphasises transparency and accountability, ensuring that consensus reflects genuine unity rather than coercion. But so far, this has not been adhered to strictly.

The imposition of candidates in party primaries is fundamentally contrary to the principle of democracy because it undermines the core values of participation, competition and representation. Democracy thrives on freedom of choice, where party members and citizens can openly select candidates through transparent and competitive processes. When governors impose consensus candidates without genuine consultation, they deny party members the right to exercise their voices and reduce elections to mere formalities.

Apart from alienating qualified, competent and popular candidates from contesting the 2027 elections, it is feared that the imposition of candidates could lead to low voter turnout in the elections. When serious aspirants are sidelined through undemocratic consensus arrangements, supporters often feel disenfranchised and disengage from the electoral cycle. This can weaken grassroots participation, reduce enthusiasm for campaigns and ultimately depress turnout on Election Day. Beyond turnout, the imposition of candidates could fuel internal party crises, defections and litigation that distract from issue-based politics. In recent months, political parties have witnessed many defections, and any steps that could trigger more internal crises would be ridiculous and should be avoided. Worse still, impositions erode trust in institutions, as citizens perceive elections as predetermined rather than competitive. If unchecked, these practices could deepen voter apathy, weaken the legitimacy of elected officials and heighten political instability in 2027.

We insist that party members at all levels must be allowed to participate meaningfully in candidate selection, with mechanisms put in place to protect minority voices and aspirants from intimidation. We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor internal party primaries more closely by enforcing transparency and sanctioning violations. Furthermore, we encourage all Nigerians who have been unjustly disqualified from contesting elections to use every available legal instrument to seek redress instead of capitulating to the mischief of some ‘powerful governors.’ We stand firmly on the generally accepted principle that democracy thrives on choice, accountability and competition – values that must be defended against elite manipulation.

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says food prices may decline by the next harvest season if governments improve security and reduce production costs for farmers.

The Deputy Chairman of AFAN, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Shakin Agbayewa, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Agbayewa said staple foods such as rice, yam, cassava and Garri would become more affordable if farmers could cultivate safely and access farm inputs at lower costs.

According to him, insecurity, high fertiliser prices, rising fuel costs and expensive farm operations are the major drivers of current food inflation.

‘The government must be intentional and deliberate.

‘Input costs are high. Fertiliser is expensive, while tractor operations cost more because of rising fuel prices. All these affect production,’ he said.

Agbayewa said the high cost of cultivation, transportation and security was ultimately passed on to consumers.

He urged governments at all levels to support farmers with subsidised inputs, improved rural roads, irrigation facilities and affordable credit.

He also called for stronger collaboration with farmers’ associations to identify practical solutions tailored to the needs of each state.

According to him, increased agricultural production in the coming farming season will naturally ease pressure on market prices.

Agbayewa said Nigeria has sufficient land and manpower to feed itself if the right policies are implemented.

He added that supporting farmers remains the most sustainable path to lower food prices and economic stability. (NAN)

A major fire outbreak has destroyed several shops at the popular Mandate Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, threw the bustling market into confusion.

Daily Trust gathered that traders and residents struggled to contain the inferno before the arrival of firefighters.

Several shops with goods worth several millions of naira were gutted in the fire.

Speaking on the incident, the Babalola of Mandate Market, Alhaji Murtala Tambaruku, told Daily Trust that traders lost goods worth several millions of naira in the disaster.

According to him, many affected traders were left devastated, with some collapsing after discovering the extent of the destruction.

‘Several properties were destroyed running into several millions of naira. Some of the traders fainted and we are talking about those selling rice, vegetable oil, drinks, drugs and gadgets. One of the rice sellers just got over five million naira supply yesterday and everything is gone.

‘The walls and the shops were completely razed without the affected traders salvaging anything’, he said.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 4:44am and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene.

According to the Fire Service, the affected section formed part of a market housing over 200 shops, out of which 24 shops were razed by the fire.

The agency attributed the severity of the destruction to a late emergency call, noting that the fire had spread extensively before firefighters arrived.

‘Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market,’ the agency’s spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, said.

According o him, preliminary investigation by the Fire Service revealed that the blaze was caused by a power surge.

‘The fire was said to have started from a shop dealing in phone accessories and phone charging services before spreading to adjoining shops where foodstuffs and other goods were stored,’ he said.

He added that the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, later visited the scene at about 10am to sympathise with the victims and inspect the extent of the damage.

‘During the visit, he met with leaders of the market associations and reassured them of the agency’s support.

‘He also urged traders and market operators to prioritise fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and electrical protection devices,’ he noted.

Adekunle submitted that fire service reminded market leaders about its annual fire safety sensitisation programmes across markets in the state, stressing the need for traders to comply with safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

Flynas has airlifted 50.25 percent of its allocated Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia within one week for the 2026 Hajj.

The Saudi-designated Nigerian Hajj air carrier flew all the pilgrims directly to Madinah, Islam’s second-holiest city, ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Mr Mahmood Muhammad Abande of the Flynas Media Office, Abuja, on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Flynas operated the second flight from Nigeria on May 4, 2026, by airlifting 418 Kebbi State pilgrims from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, to Madinah.

The statement said Flynas had so far transported 6,149 intending pilgrims in 14 flights from Birnin Kebbi, Abuja, Lagos, and Minna, Niger State, to the holy land.

The breakdown shows that so far, a total of 2,988 Kebbi State pilgrims were airlifted; 2,379 from Ogun State, 424 from Nasarawa State, 345 from Niger State, and 13 NAHCON officials.

The Managing Director/CEO of First Planet Travels Limited and General Sales Agent (GSA) for Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila, was quoted in the statement as saying that the airline had deployed six aircraft for the 2026 operation in Nigeria.

He said the airline has lined up six wide-body Airbus A330 for the Hajj operation, explaining that four of the aircraft have 430 seating capacity each, while the remaining two have 345 each.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 12, 210 intending pilgrims to Flynas for this year’s pilgrimage.

The airline will airlift pilgrims from Kebbi, Lagos, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun and Nasarawa states, according to Mr Kaila.

He said the airline has already organised refresher courses for its over 100 local Nigerian staff members ahead of the operation.

Mr Kaila assured intending pilgrims of seamless outbound operation, saying the airline has put everything in place to ensure the comfort, safety and convenience of the Nigerian pilgrims.

Flynas has been in Nigeria since 2014 as part of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The airline boasts a fleet of more than 80 aircraft, operating over 1,500 weekly flights across 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries.

The recent incident involving Delta Air Lines Flight DL54, which reportedly returned to Atlanta after spending nearly eight hours in the air and making a U-turn over the Atlantic Ocean, has sparked intense conversations online, especially among supporters of Nigeria’s indigenous airline brand, Air Peace.

In a now viral post on X, popular platform ‘The Truth Journalist’ called on Nigerians to reflect on how local brands are often heavily criticized whenever operational challenges arise, while similar situations involving foreign airlines are treated with understanding and maturity.

According to the post, the incident serves as a reminder that aviation-related diversions, delays, or emergency returns are global industry realities primarily centered on passenger safety and security. Supporters of Air Peace argued that if such an occurrence had involved a Nigerian airline, social media backlash and public condemnation would have dominated headlines across the country.

The conversation has reignited debates about the treatment of indigenous brands, with many insisting that Nigerian-owned companies striving for international relevance deserve constructive support rather than constant ridicule. Observers noted that foreign citizens often rally behind their national brands during difficult moments, while some Nigerians appear quick to discredit homegrown successes.

Airpeace online Supporters further described the culture of public embarrassment and online attacks against Nigerian businesses as ‘primitive and unhealthy,’ urging citizens to protect and promote local enterprises capable of representing the nation on the global stage.

As reactions continue to pour in across social media, many believe the trending Delta DL54 incident has opened a broader national conversation about patriotism, brand loyalty, and the need to encourage indigenous businesses competing internationally.

Social media reactions and public opinion analysis:

@Akinrede_Korede

‘… If na nigerian airline suspended on air for over 10 hrs some old actress wey dia career don die will be doing content to promote the cinema movies, this culture must not be allowed to rule, Nigerian indigenous brands deserve protection, no dragging dem over things they have no control over like other international brand, let’s protect our own ‘

@Chidera_Frendson ‘To be honest, if na Airpeace now, we no go hear word, this is what am saying about this ugly culture of always wanting to pull ourselves down as black people, our former slave master have so weaponised the internal hate syndrome si as to control us that we can even tolerate and protect our own brand, we’re very quick to pounce on a fellow black person business but smile tolerate when a white man companies do even worse, this must end’

@Tolani_Sani ‘… This is what came to my mind when I saw that actress and the other boy set ringlight like sponsored trolls dey drag Airpeace for something obviously not Airpeace fault, nai I know say blacks we’re finished, imagine Airpeace that have stood countlessly for Nigerians and you expect some of us with working brains to keep quiet, you’re joking, we’ll drag you back, werey lofin lo werey’