Category: Daily Trust

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has stated that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has risen to N373bn as of October 13, 2025 with 536 community projects ongoing simultaneously.

A statement by NUPRC’s Head, Media and Strategic Communications Eniola Akinkuotu, said the fund comprises N125bn and $168.9m.

Daily Trust reports that section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, mandates settlors (oil companies) to incorporate Host Community Development Trust for the benefit of host communities where they operate.

The HCDT requires oil companies to deposit 3% of their operating expenditures of the preceding financial year into a trust fund which will be housed in a bank with BBB rating.

The PIA further stipulates that the settlor shall for the purpose of setting up the trust, in consultation with the host communities, appoint a board of trustees which shall be registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission as a corporate body.

The oil company then undertakes a NEEDS assessment that will metamorphose into the community development plan for the purpose of determining the projects that will be executed.

The fund is often dedicated to community development projects spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

It gives communities a sense of ownership and is expected to reduce incidents of sabotage on oil facilities like pipeline vandalism, ensures the communities receive direct benefits from petroleum operations like social economic, educational development, empowerment of youth and overall reduction of restiveness in the Niger Delta region.

While the NUPRC does not have direct access to the funds, it monitors the fund through a dashboard known as HostComply. The Commission also monitors the implementation of the fund as mandated by the extant laws.

The statement added that the NUPRC last month facilitated the delivery of over 10 life-changing projects and the flag-off of more than 10 others under the Obagi Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Rivers State, operated by TotalEnergies.

‘These projects were officially handed over to the communities hosting OML 58 during a two-day project commissioning and flag-off ceremony held from September 24-25, 2025, at Ogbogu Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State,’ the NUPRC said.

It said the milestone marks a defining moment in the implementation of the HCDT provisions under Section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and stands as a testament to the NUPRC’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.

‘The projects delivered include demolition and construction of two-storey building classroom blocks with 18 fully furnished standard classrooms size of 56 square metres UBEC standard at Ogbogu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA; remodelled Ogbogu Cottage Hospital with 20 beds capacity and a new newly constructed diagnostic centre and revatalisation and infrastructure upgrade of 1200 capacity Ogbogu Ultra Modern Civic Centre in Ogbogu community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.’

‘Others are fully constructed 260 metres asphalt pavement at Obe Road, Oboburu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA and fully constructed 320 metres reinforced concrete pavement at SDA Road, Oboburu Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.’

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment, and Community, Capt. John Roland Tonglagha, stated that the projects will address issues related to basic education, healthcare, employment, and more.

He encouraged host communities to take ownership of the infrastructure and collaborate with upstream operators to grow the oil industry and deliver national prosperity.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Oil and Gas Host Communities, Senator Benson Agadaga, noted that host communities are now reaping the dividends of the PIA’s successful implementation. He emphasised that peace in the Niger Delta would help the Commission meet its production target of over two million barrels per day.

He said, ‘This is a challenge to other HCDTs to do the same because the little peace we are seeing today in the Niger Delta is because of the achievements of the PIA, and the host communities are no longer as hostile as before.’

The Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, expressed pride in being the first to deliver on the HCDT mandate. He said the speed of the project delivery reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable economic development in host communities.

He said, ‘We are one of the first, if not the first, International Oil Companies to create and fund the Trust two years ago, which of course, is the Obagi HCDT. Within the community development plan, there are more than 500 projects currently identified, touching more than 60 communities.’

OPay, Nigeria’s leading financial technology company, has emerged as the only fintech to clinch three major awards at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, reaffirming its industry leadership and innovation.

With this historic achievement, OPay stands tall as Nigeria’s most awarded fintech brand this year.

At the ceremony, BusinessDay recognized OPay’s record breaking performance, describing the company as ‘the powerhouse of daily fintech activity.’

Its security suite now includes advanced features like Large Transaction Shield, NightGuard, and multiple fail-safes for high-value transactions – reinforcing trust in every tap.’

For ‘seamlessly blending scale, safety, and features that empower both merchants and individuals,’ BusinessDay concluded, ‘OPay is the obvious pick for Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year, Business Solutions Provider of the Year, and Fintech Security Innovation of the Year’ Business day added.

The company clinched Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year, Business Solutions Provider of the Year, and Fintech Security Innovation of the Year – a powerful endorsement of its innovation, scale, and commitment to advanced and secure financial services.

For Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year, OPay’s cutting-edge technology guarantees one of the most reliable networks in the country. Today, tens of millions of users transact with OPay every month, with tens of thousands joining organically through referrals from friends and family daily. A majority of online merchants also recommend OPay as a preferred payment method, allowing users to conveniently pay via the ‘Pay with OPay’ for their digital payment needs.

Also, as the Fintech Security Innovation of the Year, OPay has developed seven advanced security products – with additional features in development – designed to protect customers across different transaction scenarios.

This innovative approach to user safety has positioned OPay as one of the most secure and trusted financial institutions in Nigeria.

‘This recognition at the 2025 BAFI Awards is a reflection of our stand as a brand that goes beyond banking – combining innovation, security, and inclusion to power the financial lives of tens of millions. This is an encouragement for us to do more’ IK Odiase, Head of Partnerships, OPay said in a statement.

A soldier, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, has allegedly stabbed a young man simply identified as Ugo to death in Delta State.

It was learnt that the incident happened on Sunday at about 7pm, near the Plantation City Estate, close to Otokutu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State.

The victim said to be in his early thirties, was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The deceased’s younger brother, identified as Toshi, who was with him during the incident, said they were driving into an estate after Plantation City when security personnel stopped them at the gate for routine checks. ‘My brother was trying to call his friend in the estate to confirm his visit when the soldier accused him of trying to force his way inside.

He said that despite the deceased’s explanation that he was only calling his friend to come and identify him, the soldier started assaulting him.

Toshi said efforts by other visitors to calm the situation failed, as the soldier continued the assault before allegedly stabbing him several times.

‘The soldier stabbed him in the hand and the rib. It was a very deep cut. We rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead,’ he said.

He, however, appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure his brother’s killer is brought to justice.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, saying: ‘We received the complaint, that’s all I can say for now.’

In Nigeria, strikes have become familiar in the public university system – empty halls, locked laboratories, and displaced students every now and then.

For decades, ASUU has used strikes to demand better funding and welfare, but each action leaves behind frustration and academic disruption.

Today on Nigeria Daily, we ask: Have ASUU’s strikes truly achieved their purpose?

The European Union’s development cooperation with Nigeria has been strengthened by a N320.5 billion (EUR 190 million) credit line allocated to Nigerian commercial banks and financial institutions to broaden their lending to the agricultural sector.

Bolaji Adebiyi, media aide to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, in a statement, said the facility, which is being provided by the European Investment Bank, was announced at a meeting of the bank’s senior executives and a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, on the sidelines of the recently concluded Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium.

Expressing the EU’s commitment to support Nigeria’s ambitions and initiatives for digital transformation, given its potential to catalyse growth in other sectors of the economy, the bank’s Director (International Partnerships), Ms Thourayya Tricki, said the credit facility was part of the EU’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, particularly in cocoa and dairy. Tricki, who attended the bilateral meeting alongside the bank’s Head (Sub-Saharan Africa Relations), Mr Diedrick Zambon, stated that the Nigerian investment package for climate-smart agricultural production and processing is at an advanced stage, aimed at ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of agri-food products.

The package, she explained, includes credit lines and technical assistance to relevant Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and commercial banks in Nigeria to expand their lending portfolios to the agricultural subsector.

Nigeria already benefits from an EUR 18m Technical Assistance grant to strengthen the regulatory framework and capacity for vaccine manufacturing, as well as a EUR 50m facility to expand Nigeria’s credit portfolio for the pharmaceutical industry.

The Nigerian delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Minister, Mr Bolaji Onalaja, and the Focal Officer, EU Unit, Mr Benjamin Galadima, highlighted ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the forthcoming National Development Plan (2026-2030) as frameworks for attracting sustainable investments and strengthening community-level development through the Ward-Based Development Programme.

The Nigerian team also engaged in a series of high-level sessions and conducted bilateral meetings with key EU institutions, including officials from the Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), among others.

It, on behalf of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who was on another official assignment in Vienna, Austria, expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gauthier Mignot, for the excellent facilitation of Nigeria’s participation at the 2025 Global Gateway Forum.

The Global Gateway Forum acts as the main platform for turning the Global Gateway Investment Package into actionable partnerships and viable projects. It unites governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to coordinate priorities, mobilise resources, and speed up sustainable investments that enhance connectivity, green transition, digital transformation, and human capital development across partner regions.

In her keynote address, the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to developing mutually beneficial partnerships based on trust, sustainability, and shared prosperity under the Global Gateway Strategy. She announced the expansion of the Global Gateway Investment Package to pound 400 billion and the creation of a dedicated Investment Hub to facilitate improved transactions and accelerate project delivery across partner regions, especially in Africa.

Nigeria’s World Cup dreams hang by a thread as the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin Republic on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, in their final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After a campaign filled with missed chances and frustrating draws, the Super Eagles find themselves in an unfamiliar position – needing both victory and a helping hand from other results to stay in contention for a place at the global showpiece.

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been rocky. Following their painful failure to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar – losing out to arch-rivals Ghana – few could have imagined the three-time African champions facing the possibility of missing out on consecutive tournaments for the first time since their World Cup debut in 1994.

Heading into this decisive fixture, Eric Chelle’s men sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, having won three, drawn five, and lost one. They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight – a record that mirrors their inconsistency throughout the campaign.

Nigeria trail group leaders Benin Republic by three points and second-placed South Africa by one. To qualify automatically, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Even if South Africa win, a two-goal margin could still hand Nigeria a playoff spot on goal difference.

Chelle’s side approach this encounter boosted by a 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, courtesy of goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams. However, the coach admits that their fate ‘is no longer entirely in their hands’ after a string of late lapses and wasted opportunities earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic are on the brink of making history. Under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs top Group C with 17 points from nine matches (five wins, two draws, and two defeats), scoring 12 goals and conceding seven. Their most recent 1-0 win over Rwanda, thanks to Tosin Aiyegun’s decisive strike, solidified their position as surprise leaders.

Rohr’s men have defied expectations throughout the qualifiers – and notably handed Nigeria their only defeat of the campaign, a 2-1 win in June 2024, marking Benin’s first-ever victory over their West African neighbours after seven previous meetings.

Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the 64th minute against Lesotho, triggering a one-match ban under CAF rules. Right-back Ola Aina also remains sidelined due to an injury sustained during the 1-1 draw with South Africa last month.

Despite these setbacks, Chelle has urged his team to stay positive.

‘The team remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough quality to compete effectively. Every player must be ready to step up,’ he said.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi is expected to once again dictate play, while Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer in qualifying with three goals, will lead the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare. Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are set to operate from the wings, with Troost-Ekong partnering Calvin Bassey in central defence and Stanley Nwabali continuing in goal.

For Benin, Steve Mounie will spearhead the attack, supported by Jodel Dossou, while the back four of Tamimou Ouorou, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, and Yohan Roche remains unchanged. Marcel Dandjinou is expected to retain his place between the posts.

As both nations prepare for this decisive showdown, the stakes could not be higher. For Benin, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria, it’s a battle for redemption – and the desperate hope of keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

Last week, the Council of State, a constitutional body whose advice the Nigerian President is not compelled to accept, endorsed President Tinubu’s nomination of Professor J.O. Amupitan from Kogi State as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Senate will duly approve the nomination, as it is in its character. I had written a few months ago that it would be a miracle if any nomination by President Tinubu is not greeted with controversy. The president has acquired a deserved reputation for elevating partisanship and his identity to very high levels of criteria in many of his sensitive appointments. It would have been disappointing if President Tinubu had swum against the tide in the case of a very important appointment of the head of an institution which by design and practice, should encourage the development and quality of our democratic system but does not. This reputation is not entirely deserved, but it is not without solid foundations either. Nigerian politics is notoriously corrupt and corrupting. Only a person with the skin and character made of metal, or a thoroughly compromised character and disposition to begin with, will be stepping up for the job of INEC chairman without some trepidation. In many ways, INEC reflects today’s Nigeria in many disturbing ways.

Professor Amupitan will be stepping into an office where only a little stain is a major asset. He is smeared even by default by a nominating President whose campaign for a second term is already well and truly on its way, violating the letter and spirit of the legal and sensible separation of campaign and governance periods. His predecessor had blown the whistle against this premature display of ambition. Will he insist that a line is drawn by the president and a whole army of political entrepreneurs who are spending fortunes erecting ‘x2’ billboards and posters all over the country? Amupitan is Yoruba from Kogi State, which makes him just marginally outside the core catchment area for Tinubu’s favourite hunting ground, but Nigerians who see only in black and white will ignore his state of origin and tick off another nepotism at play in a key position.

It has not helped the professor that his name and credentials had also assumed household status for many months as Tinubu’s frontrunner for the position. Nigerians will say he was just waiting for Yakubu to move out, irrespective of the quality of other candidates. There were other sources of hostility: his competition; a comment he had made that padding (read: budget fraud) is not a crime in Nigeria; his appearance for the APC in a high-profile election case and his academic career which does not sit comfortably with some spoilers. You could say everything negative will be thrown at Amulitan, but he will be cleared by a legislature that should be honoured if described as a poodle. More by default than by design, the office of the Chairman of INEC has been given a status far in excess of its requirements and roles. Basically, all a Nigerian needs to be qualified for Chair of INEC is evidence that (s)he is not a member of a political party; has tons of personal integrity and solid record of competence in careers. And, oh, there is also the unwritten requirement that the nominating and approving authorities do not suspect that the nominee will be hostile to them, at least.

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Since 1998, every chairman has met at least the non-partisan and evidence of competence requirements. Justice E. Akpata led an INEC that had to make the military administration add the letter ‘I’ for Independent to a new National Electoral Commission (NEC) as a condition to serve. Members of the Commission wanted the world to know they will be independent in name and in responsibility. He served as Chairman of the INEC which conducted the 1999 elections that President Obasanjo won. He died in 2020 and was succeeded by Dr A. Guobadia, who led the same Commission to conduct the 2003 elections. This Commission is on record for creating an electronic voters register, a major development in the process of improving the integrity of the elections by eliminating multiple voting. Its history will be incomplete without a mention of the scandalous senatorial elections in Anambra State, and its insistence that one of them resigned over an infraction that could have fatally smeared lifetime reputations and the elections themselves. Professor Maurice Iwu led the Commission which conducted the infamous 2007 elections, producing President ‘YarAdua who vowed to prioritize an improvement in the electoral process that gave him victory. Professor A. Jega’s INEC conducted two elections, in 2011 and 2015. One was widely disputed (in many parts of the country, violently), and the second has made history as the only Presidential election result which was not contested by the loser. Professor M. Yakubu served two terms and his jury is still out.

History has been unfair to both Chairmen and Members of the Commission. Leaders of the Commission, on many instances, have also failed to live up to the demanding requirements of conducting credible elections in a vast and complex country like Nigeria. Chairmen, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECS) all had to meet specified qualifying criteria. In truth, most chairmen have had massive challenges leading a Commission made up of powerful and assertive members with thinly-veiled partisan interests. Not all members of the Commission had the same commitment to fair play and standards of personal integrity. RECS tend to have lower levels of non-partisan interests and although not members of the Commission, they wield huge powers. All told, INEC knows it does not have the final word on winners and losers. A reliable estimate suggests that at least 70% of all election results are decided by the judiciary. This gives the judiciary massive powers, and serves as a registered disincentive for INEC to cover the distance on integrity of elections.

The chairman is the Returning Officer of the presidential elections. His job also includes leading the Commission to conduct all federal and state elections at 176,846 polling units and hundreds of collation centres including 36 at state levels and Abuja. At every polling or collation point, something could go wrong, and they do. The Commission is accountable for the conduct of millions of ad-hoc persons entrusted with contributing to credible elections, and has to depend on persons with direct interests in election outcomes to nominate these persons who undertake sensitive jobs directly related to integrity of elections. This is where outright change of figures, violence and vote buying find accommodation. Truth is, INEC is expected to conduct credible elections in a context that has learnt to frustrate it to the level of an art.

Presumably, Amupitan knows he is stepping into an office with, quite possibly, the most difficult job in the world. Those who appointed him will expect him to ‘deliver’. The opposition will suspect him all the way, unless it wins the elections. He will inherit a huge task of pushing vital reforms well before the 2027 elections in a very challenging environment. These reforms are vital for the conduct and credibility of the 2027 elections. Whether they successfully survive a bitter political environment with massive stakes for the administration and the opposition will not depend on their utility to credible elections. The administration, with a huge and frightening muscle and war chest, and an asset in a pliant legislature, will look to see if the reforms will help or hinder its return in 2027. Some National Commissioners will leave during the elections. He has to prepare to deal with the gaps they will leave. If he is eventually sworn-in as Chairman, he will have to live every day of his tenure with the knowledge that he will lead INEC to conduct what will quite possibly be the most challenging and decisive election in Nigeria’s history. 2027 will not be about who leads Nigeria, but whether the democratic system has any future in Nigeria.

Sunday Ude-Okoye, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national secretaryship tussle, has announced his resignation from the party, citing a loss of moral direction and ideological decay.

Ude-Okoye, who previously served as the PDP’s National Youth Leader, had been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the current National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

In 2021, Anyanwu and other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected into office. However, in 2023, he contested the Imo governorship election, which he lost to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

During Anyanwu’s absence, the PDP South East caucus, led by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Deputy Zonal Chairman Ali Odefa, nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement.

But upon his return, Anyanwu insisted on being reinstated, triggering a protracted legal battle. The Court of Appeal in Enugu recognised Ude-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary, a decision that Anyanwu challenged at the Supreme Court.

The apex court’s judgment, however, deepened the crisis as both men laid claim to victory. The PDP leadership eventually allowed Anyanwu to resume after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared it would only recognise him as the party’s secretary.

On Monday, Ude-Okoye confirmed to Daily Trust that he had resigned from the PDP, saying the party had ‘lost its moral compass, ideological direction, and founding principles of unity, justice, and equity.’

In his resignation letter dated October 13, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, he said the decision followed ‘deep reflection and careful consideration,’ lamenting that the PDP had ‘strayed far from the ideals of its founding fathers.’

‘After much contemplation,’ he wrote, ‘I have come to the solemn conclusion that I can no longer, in good conscience, remain within a system that has strayed so far from its original purpose. The PDP that once stood as a beacon of hope for democratic governance has regrettably lost its moral compass and ideological direction.’

Meanwhile, several members of the Enugu State Executive Council have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the anticipated defection of Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling party today.

Those who switched allegiance include the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh; Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr Amaka Ngene; and Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani.

A video shared on Monday by Dan Nwomeh, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, showed the officials holding APC flags and declaring support for the party.

‘Enugu State cabinet members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah – from left to right, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Prince of Mburumbu, Dr Lawrence Ezeh; Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr Amaka S. Ngene; and Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani,’ Nwomeh posted on X.

The development comes amid mounting indications that Governor Mbah will formally defect to the APC today, following weeks of speculation and the hoisting of the APC flag at the Enugu Government House on Sunday night.

According to reports, the APC has concluded arrangements to officially receive Mbah at a ceremony scheduled to hold in Enugu on Tuesday.

Party officials have been sighted in the state preparing for the event, which is expected to attract key national and regional political figures.

If confirmed, Mbah’s defection will make Enugu the first South East state under APC control since the 2023 general elections – a significant political realignment in the region. At the moment, the APC controls Imo and Ebonyi states, while APGA controls Anambra state and Labour Party controls Abia state.

Mbah, who was elected on the PDP platform in 2023, has yet to comment publicly on the development, though several of his aides and associates have already joined the ruling party.

Makinde upbeat on party’s survival

Political observers see the defection as another major blow to the PDP, which has suffered a series of high-profile exits in recent months.

However, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged members of the PDP not to lose hope despite a wave of defections from the opposition party, expressing optimism that the PDP will overcome its current challenges and produce leaders capable of rescuing Nigeria. He said the party had weathered difficult moments before and would again emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, which he chairs, Makinde dismissed concerns over the exit of some governors and senior figures from the party. ‘It may appear that it’s getting worse, but usually, when you want something that will endure, it will get worse before it gets better,’ he said. ‘Since 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as the ruling party or the main opposition since 2015.’

The governor’s remarks come amid growing anxiety in the PDP over defections by prominent leaders, including its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom states with Mbah also about to exit the party.

Makinde, however, maintained that such developments should not discourage members. He appealed for unity, focus, and dedication in rebuilding the party, assuring them that PDP’s nationwide presence remains intact. ‘When you hear the news that people have defected, just hold your own corner for the PDP,’ he said. ‘This is the moment when new, authentic heroes will emerge-not only for the PDP but for our country. The party will produce capable leaders committed to rescuing Nigeria.’

The member representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal conflicts and factionalism within the party.

In a letter dated October 13, and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Hanwa Ward, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Abdullahi said the prolonged crisis in the party had hindered his ability to perform effectively.

He wrote that ‘In view of the prevailing situation, and after wide consultations with key stakeholders and political associates, I have come to the difficult but necessary decision to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.’

Abdullahi, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform.

Although Abdullahi has not disclosed his next political move, his resignation mirrors a growing trend among PDP lawmakers from Kaduna State. At least three other PDP members of the House of Representatives from the state – Amos Gwamna Magaji (Zangon Kataf/Jaba), Jallo Hussaini Mohammed (Igabi), and Hussaini Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South) – had earlier defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His exit also comes on the heels of the suspension and subsequent resignation of Sa’idu Adamu, the former state secretary of the PDP, deepening concerns over the party’s internal stability in Kaduna.

US President Donald Trump hailed a ‘tremendous day for the Middle East’ as he and regional leaders signed a declaration Monday meant to cement a ceasefire in Gaza, hours after Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages and prisoners.

Trump visited Israel earlier, where he lauded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an address to parliament, before flying to Egypt for a Gaza summit where he and the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey signed the declaration as guarantors to the Gaza deal.

‘This is a tremendous day for the world, it’s a tremendous day for the Middle East,’ Trump said as more than two dozen world leaders sat down to talk in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

He later declared that the assembled leaders had ‘achieved what everybody said was impossible’.

‘At long last, we have peace in the Middle East,’ Trump said in a speech. According to the document, the signatories pledged to ‘pursue a comprehensive vision of peace, security and shared prosperity in the region’, and also welcomed ‘the progress achieved in establishing comprehensive and durable peace arrangements in the Gaza Strip’.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the Gaza deal ‘closes a painful chapter in human history’ and sets the stage for a two-state solution.

As part of Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, Hamas on Monday freed the last 20 surviving hostages it held after two years of captivity in Gaza.

In exchange, Israel released 1,968 mostly Palestinian prisoners held in its jails, its prison service said.

‘For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace,’ Trump said earlier in the day during his address to Israel’s parliament, where he received a lengthy standing ovation.

‘Not only for Israelis, but also for Palestinians and for many others, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.’

In Tel Aviv, a huge crowd that had gathered to support hostage families erupted in joy, tears and song as news broke of the first releases, though the pain at the loss of those who had not survived was palpable.

In the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, huge crowds gathered to welcome home the first prisoners, with some chanting ‘Allahu akbar’, or God is the greatest, in celebration.

And in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, residents climbed the sides of the slow-moving Red Cross buses carrying the prisoners to greet their loved ones with a hug or kiss.

‘Welcome home’

‘Welcome home,’ Israel’s foreign ministry said on X, hailing the return of the hostages.

Videos filmed and released by the Israeli military captured some of the raw emotion of the reunions.

‘My life, you are my life. You are a hero,’ cried Einav Zangauker as she embraced her smiling son Matan in one video.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is also due to return the bodies of 27 hostages who died or were killed in captivity, as well as the remains of a soldier killed in 2014 during a previous Gaza conflict.

Israel has said it does not expect all of the dead hostages to be returned on Monday, though the army said the bodies of four captives had been handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas and brought to Israel.

Of the prisoners Israel freed in return, around 250 were security detainees, including many convicted of killing Israelis, while about 1,700 were taken into custody by the army in Gaza during the war.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants seized 251 hostages during their unprecedented attack on Israel, which led to the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians. All but 47 of those hostages were freed in earlier truces, with the families of those who have remained in captivity leading lives of constant pain and worry for their loved ones.