Category: Daily Trust

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected drug peddler in the state.

The suspect, Dennis Uruma, was reportedly arrested with large quantities of illicit drugs by the police.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the suspect was intercepted by police while on patrol in the state.

He explained that a patrol team from the Eagle Net Special Squad, working in synergy with the office of the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking, intercepted a truck with registration number 3BGT 18LG driven by the suspect, who hails from Kogi State.

According to the spokesperson, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of large quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

He added that the suspect is currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oba Maduabuchi, has described the suit filed to prevent ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in 2027 is ‘an abuse of court process.’

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from ‘presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for nomination as its candidate’ for the 2027 poll or any future election.

Jideobi also asked the court to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate, and to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to ensure compliance with the court’s decision. INEC and the AGF are listed as the second and third defendants.

In his supporting affidavit, deposed to by one Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff described himself as an ‘advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law.’

He argued that Jonathan, having completed the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full four-year term after winning the 2011 election, had already exhausted the constitutional limit of two terms.

But speaking when he featured on ARISE TV’s Morning Show, Maduabuchi said Jonathan’s qualification or disqualification had already been adjudicated in Yenegoa, and since ‘nobody has taken that issue on appeal . until that judgment is set aside, it remains what the law is.’

Maduabuchi said any party who takes that settled issue to a court of coordinate jurisdiction is simply ‘abusing the process of the court’ and branded such action as one by ‘a busy body.’

He observed that what controls any situation is the law in force ‘when the act in issue was done,’ asking whether Section 1373 existed in 2010 when Jonathan took the oath of office.

He said the law only came into effect in 2018 and ‘when Goodluck Jonathan was taking the oath of office . there was no statutory limitation . which could inhibit him from running his constitutionally guaranteed two terms.’

He questioned whether Jonathan swore any oath after the amendment of 1373 and likened attempts to apply a later law earlier to punishing someone under a law that did not exist when the act occurred.

He recalled that judges’ retirement age was formerly 65, then changed to 70, and asked if a judge who had retired just before that change would sue to be reinstated under the new law.

He emphasised that law demands certainty, and noted that ‘in 2011 and 2010, when Goodluck Jonathan swore the oath . Prohibition of 1372 was not in existence. It was not binding on him.’

He said no ‘pyrotechnic’ argument can breathe existence into a law that did not exist.

He further referenced a case in the Federal Court of Appeal which affirmed that Jonathan had the right to run and one cannot apply retrospective laws to him.

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society on Saturday expressed concern over what it called a decline in the global philanthropic funding, and urged faith-based and charitable organizations in Nigeria to develop a coordinated, self-sustaining system of charity to support the poor and vulnerable in society.

The body equally called for a synergy with relevant government agencies in identifying the vulnerable groups through accurate data and support government’s efforts on poverty alleviation.

Speaking at an inter-faith sensitization workshop on philanthropy held in Ibadan, Oyo State, the National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, whose remarks were delivered by the Project Coordinator of the Al-Habibiyyah Interfaith Interaction on Philanthropy, Ibrahim Idris, emphasized the need for synergy between religious bodies and relevant government agencies in identifying and supporting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

SPONSOR AD

According to him, with the global donor fund for philanthropy shrinking, there is a growing need for faith-based organizations to look inward, reflect, and share resources to continue their humanitarian and developmental efforts.

‘It well known to those in the development and humanitarian sectors that the global fund for philanthropy is shrinking.

‘This therefore makes us begin to look inward for resources for our activities, humanitarian efforts. It is in this background that this initiative became necessary that we must come together and share ideas and experiences on how faith -based organizations can reflect , review and look inward in raising resources for developmental and humanitarian activities

‘We need deliberate interventions through whatever way that is permissible to raise funds to achieve our objectives,’ he said.

The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, brought together Christian and Muslim leaders to deliberate on the teachings of their respective religions on giving and to strategize on building sustainable structures for community support.

Consultant to the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society on Faith and Philanthropy, Dr. Lukman Adefolahan, emphasized the need for structured, impactful, and sustainable giving.

He encouraged partnerships between NGOs and government agencies to accurately identify and reach the most vulnerable.

Adefolahan also called on private organizations to take their corporate social responsibilities seriously in the collective fight against poverty.

In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Elisha Ogundiya, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, urged Christians to give cheerfully and out of love, citing 2 Corinthians 9:7 to stress that giving should be heartfelt, not done under compulsion.

Also speaking at the workshop, Professor Afeez Oladosu, a Professor of Islamic and Arabic Studies at the University of Ibadan, encouraged Nigerians to support one another during these difficult times, reminding attendees that hard times do not last forever.

He warned faith-based leaders against mismanaging funds entrusted to them, noting that tithes, offerings, zakat, and sadaqah collected in religious spaces should be channeled to those in genuine need.

‘ Faith based organizations are usually led by pastors and imams who usually collect tithes and offerings in Christianity and zadakat and zakat in Islam on behalf of God but the poor who are in dire need of these interventions often do not get to see them,’ he said.

Oladosu also advised religious and non-governmental organizations to narrow their focus to specific intervention areas rather than trying to cover too many issues at once.

Another discussant, Bishop Daniel Olujimade urged both adherent of the two religions to engage in fervent prayers observing that the current dwindling global fund for philanthropy is an a device of the devil

He charged parents to train and teach their children on the need to give back to the society if blessed with financial resources by God

A participant, Pastor ( Dr) Ayodeji Olaopa from Christ Apostolic Church Supreme Council, described the program as instructive and educative.

According to him, participants have a better stance on how to run an NGO in assisting the downtrodden in the society.

Similarly, an Islamic scholar, Iman Adnan Raji Adebayo, Founder, Al-Abrar Dawah Forum also lauded the initiative assuring that what was learnt will be made use of in the humanitarian activities of his organization.

Great Britain’s Aled Sion Davies secured his seventh consecutive F63 shot put title on the final day of the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

The Welshman, 34, threw a distance of 16.44m in his fifth attempt to finish ahead of Kuwait’s Faisal Sorour, who won silver with an effort of 16.28m, and clinch the 11th world title of his career.

Davies had missed out on gold at a fourth consecutive Paralympics last year as Sorour threw 15.31m to win in Paris.

F63 is a classification for athletes with a single leg amputation above the knee who use a prosthesis. Davies has vowed to break his own world record at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The Senior Pastor of the Apostolic Foundation Church in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Pastor Adedayo Adedayo, has called on Nigerians to believe in their country and work collectively for its development.

Pastor Adedayo, who made the call during a service at the church on Sunday in Gwagwalada, stressed that every Nigerian must have faith in the nation.

‘I bet you, if we believe in Nigeria, we are not inferior to any European nation. Donald Trump of the USA is not inferior to me. It is God that created him, and it is also God that created me as black, and that doesn’t make him superior to me,’ he said.

He asserted that Nigeria can be better if its citizens believe in it and embrace positive actions, noting that Nigeria has the potential to surpass any European nation if citizens consistently do the right things.

He regretted that corruption has been the country’s primary challenge, which he noted has continued to retard development since independence.

The cleric, however, acknowledged the ongoing infrastructural development across the country, especially road construction and the provision of water, stating that this progress will impact the lives of every Nigerian positively.

In celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2025, the British Council is set to bring together thousands of educators from around the world for what will be its largest global gathering of teachers.

From 9-11 October 2025, the Council’s Teaching English programme will host a free, three-day online conference themed ‘Global voices, future focus’.

Designed primarily for English language teachers and teacher educators, the event will also welcome educators from other disciplines who seek to develop their professional practice.

Over three days, participants will connect with peers from every continent, share classroom experiences, and gain practical skills they can immediately apply in their teaching.

The conference will offer an immersive learning experience that goes beyond theory, blending innovative ideas with real-world classroom application.

Sessions will explore digital teaching, multilingualism, sustainability, and 21st-century skills-all led by experienced teachers who understand the challenges of today’s education landscape.

The event will unfold across three thematic days: Professional development and digital tools (9 October), Multilingualism and 21st-century skills (10 October), and Sustainability and language skills (11 October).

Donna McGowan, Country Director, British Council Nigeria, said, ‘This event is a fantastic opportunity for teachers in [country] to access global thought leadership on English language teaching. From AI innovation to sustainability in teaching, all for free. We especially encourage educators to register, learn, and connect with peers internationally. All attendees will receive a professional development certificate from the British Council.’

Michael Connolly, Director of English and School Education, added: ‘At the British Council, we’re proud to connect, inspire, and empower English teachers around the globe. This conference, themed ‘Global voices, future focus’, is a celebration of our shared commitment to professional growth, inclusivity, and innovation in the classroom.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking its approval to raise a total of $2.347 billion from the international capital market to fund part of the 2025 budget deficit and refinance Nigeria’s maturing Eurobonds.

He also sought approval for issuance of a $500 million debut sovereign Sukuk to support critical infrastructure development.

The request was contained in letter read by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen during plenary on Tuesday.

Tinubu said the request was made pursuant to Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003.

Tinubu explained that the request was necessary to give effect to the borrowing provisions in the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance the $1.118 billion Eurobond maturing in November 2025, and expand Nigeria’s access to diversified external funding sources.

The President stated that the 2025 budget provided for N9.28 trillion in new borrowings to bridge the fiscal deficit, out of which N1.84 trillion (equivalent to $1.229 billion) was earmarked as new external borrowing.

‘The House of Representatives is kindly invited to issue its resolution allowing the government to raise the amount through any of the following options: issuance of Eurobonds, bridge finance facility from bookrunners, loan syndication, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions,’ the President wrote.

According to him, the funds will be deployed to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit in line with the approved fiscal framework.

Tinubu also sought lawmakers’ approval to refinance the $1.118 billion Eurobond issued in 2018, which he said, will mature on November 21, 2025.

He said the move was necessary to ‘avoid default’ and is in line with international best practices in debt capital markets.

‘The plan is to refinance the maturing Eurobonds through issuance of Eurobonds, bridge finance facility, loan syndication, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions,’ the President noted.

He said the aggregate external capital to be raised comprising $1.229 billion for new borrowing and $1.118 billion for refinancing amounts to $2.347 billion.

Tinubu said while all options would be explored, the government’s primary plan is to issue Eurobonds, leveraging Nigeria’s status as a regular participant in the international capital market.

‘The terms and conditions can only be determined at the time of the transactions and will be subject to prevailing market conditions,’ he added, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office (DMO) would collaborate with transaction advisers to secure the most favourable terms.

In a separate but related request, the President asked the House to authorise the issuance of a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to $500 million in the international capital market.

Tinubu said the debut international Sukuk would be modeled after the successful domestic Sukuk issuances that have raised over N1.39 trillion since 2017 for road and infrastructure development.

According to him, the initiative aims to diversify Nigeria’s investor base, open new funding sources, and deepen the sovereign securities market.

From job seekers to public office holders, the issue of fake certificates continues to raise serious concerns about honesty, accountability, and the value of education in Nigeria.

Despite investigations and arrests, the problem persists with new cases emerging almost every year.

So why does fake certification remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria, and what are the legal and moral consequences?

Join us on this episode of Nigeria Daily as we take a closer look at the growing problem of certificate forgery and its implications for our society.

Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, has applauded the Federal Government’s decision, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, to designate, gazette, and upgrade 415 grazing reserves across the country.

The association stated that this step, when implemented, would address the lingering crisis between herders and crop farmers that has led to the loss of many lives and sources of livelihood.

Addressing journalists after an expanded national executive and states chairmen meeting held Sunday at its headquarters in the Tudun-Wada community along the Abuja-Keffi Highway, the group noted that the initiative would also generate thousands of jobs.

The National President, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, and the National Secretary, Eng. Saleh Alhassan, who granted the interview, appealed for adequate funding for the new ministry. They emphasized that proper funding is crucial to realizing the project’s set goals, which include building earth dams, solar boreholes, veterinary clinics, and milk collection centers around the designated facilities.

Mr. Bodejo specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for actualizing the project, which he said the organization has been canvassing and yearning for years.

Experts have tasked the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to translate the surge in oil rigs to increased crude output.

This followed the release of the figure by the commission which showed that Nigeria recorded a significant rise in oil rig count, growing from just eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025. The figure represents a 762.5% increase in four years.

According to a statement by the Commission, the 69 rigs include 40 active rigs, 8 on standby, 5 on warm stack, 4 on cold stack, and 12 on the move.

According to a statement by the Commission, the 69 rigs include 40 active rigs, 8 on standby, 5 on warm stack, 4 on cold stack, and 12 on the move.

The NUPRC noted that this surge reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s charge that ‘Nigeria is ready for business’ under a stable and reformed investment climate.

‘This shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The success aligns with the charge of President Tinubu that Nigeria is ready for business and that the right investment climate prevails now in the Nigerian upstream as daily actioned by the NUPRC,’ the statement said.

Offshore oil rigs are huge structures in the ocean that drill for oil and gas beneath the seafloor.

‘Next challenge is to convert rig surge into crude output’

Speaking with Daily Trust, Prof. Omowumi O. Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, said the achievements deserve commendation but also careful reflection.

He noted that the transformation of NUPRC since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 represents a maturing institution asserting its autonomy and professionalism, saying the separation of policy, regulatory, and commercial roles is gradually yielding visible institutional order.

He added that the reported surge in rig count from eight in 2021 to sixty-nine in 2025 illustrates renewed investor activity and optimism.

He, however, said sustainability, not statistics, is the true measure of success and the challenge ahead is converting this rig resurgence into consistent crude output growth, reserves replacement and improved cost efficiency.

‘Fiscal and governance indicators are also encouraging. Surpassing revenue targets by more than 80 percent in 2024 and approving nearly $40 billion in new Field Development Plans point to rising investor confidence. However, such figures must be sustained through policy consistency, transparent implementation, and credible performance monitoring.’

He said the commission’s embrace of digital bid rounds, the ‘Drill-or-Drop’ compliance policy, and gas-flare commercialisation are aligned with global best practices.

‘Equally notable is the remittance of over N358 billion to Host Community Development Trusts, signaling a new phase of social accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum governance. The real test will be ensuring these funds translate into measurable improvements in welfare and security in producing communities.’

‘On the continental stage, NUPRC’s leadership in forming the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) demonstrates forward-thinking engagement, positioning Nigeria as a regional voice in hydrocarbon governance and energy transition dialogue. From an emeritus lens, therefore, the assessment is balanced. NUPRC has provided regulatory stability, rekindled investor confidence, and demonstrated early signs of institutional maturity. The task now is to consolidate gains, deepen transparency, and entrench professionalism beyond personalities and politics. Performance, after all, is not just about what is achieved-it is about what endures and adds value across generations.’