Category: Daily Trust

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Screening Committee has disqualified former factional Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, and 64 other aspirants from contesting the forthcoming state assembly primaries for the 2027 elections.

Daily Trust gathered most of the aspirants disqualified are core loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The report of the screening committee obtained by Daily Trust and signed by the chairman, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola and three other members.

The disqualified aspirants were said to have been screened out for failing to meet the necessary requirements.

However, 33 aspirants, who are loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were cleared.

Most of them are incumbent members of Rivers Assembly.

The committee said it had successfully verified the credentials of the cleared aspirants and they met the party’s eligibility criteria to participate in the primaries.

Those cleared to participate in the primaries include; Maol Dumle, ?Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, ?Ofiks K. Christopher, ?Enemi Alabo George, ?Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville,

?Azeru Opara, Igwe Obey Aforji, ?Opuende Lolo Isaiah, Ukalikpe Napoleon, ?Hope Ugwumadu, ?Kenneth Minimah, ?Justina Aniton Okorji, ?Onyema Rex Nwankwo, ?Jumbo Soparagha, Wami Solomon, ?Gift Esede Ali, ?Ejekwu Chisa Nathan and

?Peter E. Abbey.

Others include; ?Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, ?Barida Alice Samuel, ?Ohanuna Bright, ?Kue Yeghene Nwankwo Chimezie C., ?Emeji Gloria Chika, ?Ejekwu, Ezebunwo Leslie, ?Okpokipou Peters, ?Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C. Oforji, ?Amadi Promise Amadi, ?Opuene Thompson Atekebo and ?Amakri Awowari.

Prominent among the disqualified aspirants include; former Chairman of Obio/Akpor local government and core loyalist of Governor Fubara, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo and others.

Daily Trust recalls that a total of 98 aspirants obtained nomination forms to contest for the APC state assembly primaries in Rivers and went through screening at the party Secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

The development has further heightened political tension in Rivers ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Wike’s loyalists all have their ways in the screening, while those aligning with Fubara are screened out.

A supporter of Fubara told Daily Trust that the action of the party may make it easy for any other organized opposition party to win Rivers in the 2027 general election.

He said: ‘You cannot just pursue out your key mobilizers from the party because you want to please a particular interest and you expect them to sit back and work for the success of the same people that oppressed them.

‘Though we are handling it as a party, but if it’s not handle well, I believe APC as a party has just shot itself in the foot, and the resultant effect will be felt during the general election.’

For the second consecutive year, leading engineering and construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, has emerged as the Best Construction and Infrastructure Company of the Year (West Africa).

Organised by the West Africa Innovation Awards, the recognition saw Julius Berger outperform competitors including Micheleti Construction Ghana Limited and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to secure the prestigious honour.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Awards Organising Committee, Canmil Chineme, said the award recognises a distinguished brand that serves as a pillar in one of the sub region’s most critical industries.

He noted that such accolades inspire innovation and promote superior customer engagement aligned with global best practices.

Chineme further stated that, following extensive consultations and careful evaluation by a panel of judges, the Governing Board of the West Africa Innovation Awards selected Julius Berger Nigeria PLC as the 2026 winner.

The company was commended for its exceptional contributions in innovation, professionalism, and customer service excellence.

Reacting to the recognition, Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Dr Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, described the award as a reaffirmation of the company’s over five decades of steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, quality, safety, and nation-building across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

He expressed appreciation to the organisers for the honour.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Kaita remarked that the award represents more than a corporate achievement. ‘Tonight, we celebrate more than concrete, steel, and asphalt, we celebrate vision, resilience, and the transformative power of infrastructure in shaping economies, connecting communities, and improving lives.’

He emphasised that infrastructure development is not just a business for Julius Berger, but a lasting legacy. From iconic bridges and highways to airports, seaports, industrial facilities, hospitals, and other critical national projects, our journey has always been guided by one principle: building excellence and connecting futures, he added.

Dr Kaita dedicated the award to the company’s workforce, including engineers, technicians, architects, operators, artisans, administrators, and support staff, whose dedication continues to uphold Julius Berger’s reputation for excellence.

The 15th edition of the awards ceremony also celebrated other organisations, including Sovereign Trust Insurance PLC, Vitafoam, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, and West African Human Resource Outsourcing Company, in a vibrant evening marked by glamour and celebration.

In a landmark event that underscores the growing acceptance of ethical insurance in Nigeria, Salam Takaful Insurance Limited has distributed surplus funds with over 220 customers while unveiling its new brand identity and digital application.

The occasion, held in Kano, marked the company’s 2nd Surplus Sharing and Rebranding Event, drawing business leaders, government officials, regulators, investors, and healthcare institutions.

Salam Takaful operates on the principles of Islamic insurance (Takaful), a mutual risk-sharing model rooted in cooperation, transparency, and ethical financial protection. Unlike conventional insurance where profits are retained by shareholders, Takaful redistributes surplus funds among participants after claims and expenses are settled.

This year’s surplus-sharing saw a dramatic increase in beneficiaries, rising from 44 in 2023 to 220 in 2024, reflecting growing public confidence in non-interest insurance.

Chairman of the company, Alhaji Musbahu Bashir, emphasized the company’s mission, saying, ‘We aspire to ensure our customers get value for their investment in insurance, contrary to the conventional model where you put in money and might end up getting nothing. Here we ensure your money works for you.’

He further stressed that Salam Takaful is inclusive, open to all Nigerians regardless of religion or financial status.

Major Beneficiaries

The surplus distribution rewarded both corporate and institutional participants. Leading beneficiaries included A.A. Rano Nigeria Limited who got ?44,766,170.04, Malcomines Minor Metals Ltd which got ?7,855,691.26, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) that got ?6,565,842.58, TAJ Bank with ?2,680,776.47 and Jaiz Bank with ?1,681,148.85 among others.

Other recipients included state governments, healthcare institutions, and individual contributors, underscoring the broad reach of Salam Takaful’s ethical insurance model.

The company also presented awards to distinguished partners such as Albasar Foundation (Makkah Hospital), IMG Petroleum Limited, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, recognizing their loyalty and contributions to the growth of ethical insurance in Nigeria.

Why Salam Takaful rebranded

The unveiling of Salam Takaful’s new brand identity was a highlight of the event. The company explained that the rebranding was not just cosmetic but a renewal of purpose, aligning with customer needs, digital transformation, and Shariah-compliant principles.

The new identity embodies values of Service, Accountability, Leadership, Authenticity, and Mutuality, positioning Salam Takaful as more customer-centric, technology-driven, and strategically poised for growth.

New logo and digital application

The company introduced a new logo featuring a shield and the letter ‘S,’ symbolizing trust, protection, and security. Alongside this, Salam Takaful launched a digital application designed to simplify policy management, enhance accessibility, and strengthen data security.

With the new application, customers can now conveniently access services through a secure and user-friendly platform.

Emir of Kano’s endorsement

Representing the Emir of Kano, Shehu Muhammad urged entrepreneurs and traders to embrace Islamic insurance as a safeguard against disasters such as fire outbreaks.

He commended Salam Takaful for promoting ethical financial protection and raising awareness about non-interest insurance.

Other highlights of the ceremony include presentation of surplus cheques to beneficiaries, launch of Salam Takaful’s digital app, award presentations to outstanding partners, interactive questions and answers sessions with prospective customers and networking with financial institutions and investors

With its rapid growth, innovative digital solutions, and strong ethical foundation, Salam Takaful Insurance Limited is positioning itself as a leading force in Nigeria’s insurance sector. The company’s rebranding signals a bold step toward expanding financial inclusion and reinforcing trust in non-interest insurance.

Salam Takaful Insurance Company headquarters is located at No 65, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Opposite Fillin Parking Kano, Nigeria, and has brancj offices in Abuja and Lagos.

The company is licensed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to provide both Family (life) and General Takaful insurance services in Nigeria and it positions itself as an ethical, Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance, targeting both Muslim and non-Muslim customers.

The Edo State Police Command said it has arrested 73 suspects allegedly involved in various crimes in the state in the month of march.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, in an interview with Daily Trust, said the suspects were apprehended for various crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder and rape.

Giving the breakdown, she said, 42 suspects were arrested for kidnapping four for robbery, 12 for cultism, four for murder while 11 suspects were arrested for rape.

She restated the command’s commitment to the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

A coalition of youth groups, student bodies, women organisations and professional associations have endorsed the former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali, as the preferred candidate to sustain the developmental strides of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The endorsement was made by various groups and organisations during an event organised to celebrate Governor Buni’s seventh anniversary in office.

Those who declared support for him included the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Christian Women in Politics Yobe State, the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Students’ Union Government Presidents of tertiary institutions across the state, Progressive Youths for BMW, Persons with Special Needs and Muryar Mata a Siyasar Yobe.

The groups described Baba Malam Wali as an experienced leader capable of consolidating the achievements of Governor Buni.

In his opening remarks delivered virtually, Dr. Kole Shettima, Honorary Special Adviser on Policy Delivery to the Governor of Yobe State, called for continuity in governance and policy implementation.

He also urged youths across the state to shun violence and embrace peaceful political participation to promote unity and development.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, described the Buni administration as one that had transformed the image of the state through strategic leadership and people-oriented policies.

A keynote presentation titled, ‘Communicating Hon. Mai Mala Buni’s Achievements,’ was delivered by Dr. Musa Usman of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

The don highlighted what he described as major milestones recorded by the administration, especially in infrastructural development.

According to him, the administration executed several projects including the International Cargo Airport in Damaturu, construction of modern markets, mega schools, road networks, expansion of healthcare facilities and establishment of agricultural processing factories.

He added that the government had also made progress in post-insurgency reconstruction, housing schemes, youth and women empowerment as well as the establishment of sesame processing factories to boost economic activities and employment opportunities.

Dr. Usman said the projects had positioned the state on the path of economic growth and sustainable development.

He stressed the need for technology-driven governance and innovation in sustaining development.

In his remarks, Baba Malam Wali, represented by the Special Guest of Honour, thanked the organisers and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.

He assured the people of Yobe State of his commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment and sustainable development if given the opportunity to serve.

Earlier, the Focal Person on Cyber and Information Technology, Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani, announced plans to establish a political support group to mobilise grassroots support for Baba Malam Wali’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the initiative would focus on youth engagement, political awareness and support for continuity in governance in the state.

No fewer than 11 passengers were reportedly killed in a road crash along the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway on Sunday night.

The accident occurred at Eruku Bridge on the route when a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ reportedly somersaulted and plunged off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside.

It was gathered that all 11 occupants of the vehicle – 10 adult males and one female – lost their lives in the crash.

The spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Odunsi Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.

According to him, preliminary findings indicated that driving under the influence and overloading were the likely causes of the accident.

Afolabi said: ‘A gold Toyota with registration number GGE722KJ somersaulted and fell off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside as the doors locked upon impact.

‘All 11 people on board, comprising 10 adult males and one adult female, lost their lives in the crash.

‘FRSC personnel, with assistance from members of the local community, dismantled the vehicle to recover the bodies. The deceased have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital Morgue in Ifo.

‘The preliminary report cites Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Overloading (OVL) as the probable causes of the crash.’

He added that the Ogun State Sector Commander of the corps, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, advised motorists plying the Abeokuta-Lagos route to exercise caution, particularly while driving at night.

The sector commander also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

This video investigates the viral claim that Nigeria’s newly confirmed Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, promised to end national grid collapses within three months of taking office. While headlines suggested a 90-day ‘magic fix,’ a closer look at his May 6, 2026, Senate screening reveals a more nuanced commitment: Tegbe pledged to initiate a stabilization plan within his first 100 days and invited the public to judge his performance based on ‘visible improvements’ seen in that initial three-month window. This fact-check breaks down the original transcript and the subsequent clarifications from his spokesperson, Adeola Adelabu, to distinguish between the minister’s actual accountability timeline and the exaggerated media reports.

More than seven years after the political tsunami that swept away one of Nigeria’s most entrenched state political structures, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara is attempting to bounce back to power.

To this end, the party has worked out a consensus agreement among governorship aspirants in order to avoid crisis.

Our correspondent reports that the Abuja consensus meeting, convened by former Senate President and party leader Dr. Bukola Saraki, was attended by leading governorship aspirants. The roll call included Prof. Ali Ahmad, Engr. Kale Kawu, Omar Bolaji Gambari, Ladi Hassan, and Olaseni Ibiwoye.

A source told our correspondent that beneath the language of unity lies a battle over who truly represents the PDP’s best chance of confronting the ruling APC in 2027.

Daily Trust recalls that in its bid to relaunch its political fortunes in Kwara, the PDP has recalibrated on several fronts, with the climax perhaps being the recent mega rally across the Ilorin metropolis. The move was widely interpreted as a deliberate attempt to resell the party to voters after years of being defined by the APC as the ‘defeated establishment,’ ahead of 2027.

During the event, the PDP sought to weaponize public frustration over insecurity, economic pressure, and governance complaints.

The Saraki political dynasty once dominated the state, penetrating every layer of politics. Then, suddenly, everything collapsed.

The APC then successfully transformed public frustration into mass mobilization, leading the PDP to lose the governorship, National Assembly seats, and state legislative positions almost completely.

Our correspondent observed that what many expected to be the permanent death of the Saraki structure never fully happened. Instead, the political machine retreated, reorganized quietly, and waited for the right opportunity to relaunch.

Ironically, the PDP’s growing confidence may have less to do with its own strength and more to do with emerging vulnerabilities within the ruling APC.

In 2019, the APC benefited from the momentum of the Otoge revolution. Today, however, the dynamics have shifted. The ruling party now bears the burden of incumbency, economic hardship, and rising public expectations. The looming battle over who succeeds Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq may become the PDP’s biggest opening.

According to the PDP Publicity Secretary, Olusola Adewara: ‘The party is very much on the ground in Kwara, ably led by Dr. Bukola Saraki. You can see that the people have seen beyond the Otoge propaganda and realize our party is the best alternative. We had a very successful mega rally recently, and our approach to selecting our gubernatorial aspirants has been well-coordinated.’

Insiders suggest the PDP is looking to present a highly popular candidate to boost its comeback fortunes. While figures like Prof. Ali Ahmad remain among the most experienced and intellectually visible aspirants, many believe that Kale Kawu or Bolaji Gambari may better fit the current political mood.

There is a standing argument that the deeper challenge for the PDP is how to retain the Saraki political machinery without appearing trapped in the same old image that triggered the 2019 backlash. Within sections of the party, Kale Kawu is viewed as one of the most popular aspirants. However, his emergence is not yet guaranteed.

According to an insider: ‘Although we have sellable candidates like Prof. Ali Ahmad, Ladi Hassan, and others, Kale Kawu-the Dan Iyan of Ilorin-represents the search for a middle path between continuity and reinvention. However, anything can happen; we are still in the process.’

For Bukola Saraki, the governorship decision carries enormous personal and political consequences; an unpopular candidate could worsen the party’s position. The former Senate President appears to be balancing multiple calculations simultaneously vis-à-vis who can unite the PDP internally, withstand APC attacks, reconnect with younger voters, and avoid making the election look like a direct attempt to restore the pre-2019 order.

This balancing act explains why the consensus process matters so much. Leadership appears determined to avoid the destructive internal fragmentation that often weakens opposition parties before elections begin.

National President of the Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof. Hassan Saliu, said the party’s chances of reclaiming power are ‘yes and no.’

He said, ‘the consensus may be coming rather late. They have allowed opinions to be formed and emotional attachments to develop around different aspirants.’

He warned that any arrangement that sidelines certain aspirants could trigger either open or subtle antipathy. ‘This consensus thing ought to have been on the table before now. The aftermath will show whether there was really a consensus or not,’ he added.

He noted that many of the party’s key figures are not sufficiently present within Kwara State to sustain direct contact with the electorate, warning that philanthropy cannot substitute for strategic engagement.

‘For a party that has been out of power for years, that party cannot be complacent. Whoever wants to reclaim power must fight for it,’ he stated.

Saliu cautioned the PDP against assuming that public grievances against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration would automatically translate into victory. He maintained that the PDP must convert public grievances into electoral value through coordinated communication.

Pupils of LEA Primary School, Apo Resettlement, Abuja, have been sensitised on climate change, waste management and personal hygiene as part of efforts to promote environmental consciousness among children.

The awareness campaign, organised by SSI Initiatives for Sustainable Development under its Children Climate Club initiative, targeted pupils in Primary 5 and 6 classes.

Speaking during the programme, the founder of the organisation, Shilariju Sylvanus, said the initiative was aimed at equipping children with basic knowledge of climate change and environmental protection from an early age.

She noted that climate change and environmental pollution remain some of the biggest global challenges, stressing the need for children to develop environmentally friendly habits early in life.

‘Climate change and environmental pollution are among the biggest challenges facing the world today. Children need to understand these issues early so that it becomes part of their behaviour as they grow,’ she said.

Sylvanus explained that the project seeks to nurture young ‘change makers’ who will contribute positively to environmental sustainability in their communities and beyond.

She also disclosed plans by the organisation to expand the initiative to Bauchi and Adamawa states.

The head teacher of the school, Sir Sabo Goje, described the programme as timely and impactful, saying it complemented climate-related topics already contained in the school curriculum.

According to him, the sensitisation exposed pupils to practical and relatable lessons on environmental responsibility.

He added that the school had already begun to witness positive changes in pupils’ attitudes towards waste disposal and personal hygiene both in school and at home.

Some of the pupils, including Rejoice Gbo and Goodluck Chimaobi, pledged to put into practice the lessons learnt during the sensitisation, especially in the areas of personal hygiene and proper waste management.

Transnational Corporation Plc, Africa’s leading listed conglomerate with strategic investments in power, hospitality and energy, has declared a total dividend of N20,323,995,148, representing N2.00 per share to its shareholders.

This was declared at its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the new state-of-the-art Transcorp Centre Abuja.

The total dividend comprises an interim dividend payment of N4,064,799.030, representing 40 kobo per share, paid in August 2025, together with a final dividend of N16,259,196,118, equivalent to N1.60 per share.

At the AGM, where the shareholders approved the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, the Group Chairman of Transcorp Plc, Mr Tony O. Elumelu restated the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable long-term value creation as shareholders commended the conglomerate and its management for sustained performance.

In 2025, the Group, with a combined market capitalisation of N4.78 trillion ($3.52 billion) as of May 7, 2026, recorded strong year-on-year growth across all key metrics. Revenue increased by 33% to N544 billion (FY 2024: N408 billion). Profit Before Tax rose 31% to N179.5 billion (FY 2024: N136.7 billion), while Profit After Tax surged 44% to N135.9 billion (FY 2024: N94.1 billion).

In his remarks, Group Chairman, Transnational Corporation Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, said ‘Transcorp Group remains firmly focused on strong corporate governance and the disciplined execution of its strategic priorities to deliver sustainable, long-term value. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the Group continues to benefit from its diversified portfolio, which has underpinned resilient financial performance in 2025.’

The President/Group CEO, Transnational Corporation Plc, Mrs. Owen D. Omogiafo, said, ‘FY 2025 was a year defined by disciplined execution, strategic resolve, and resilient performance.

‘Transcorp Group is committed to resolving the energy crisis in Nigeria; we have an energy situation, and the gap between the demand and supply is still very wide. Hence, we will continue to work assiduously and tirelessly towards bridging that gap, creating value for the wider country. In our hospitality business, the 5,000-seat capacity Transcorp Centre hosting us today is a testament to our disciplined execution, and you will see more in the coming years.’

While commenting on the performance, one of the shareholders, Mrs E. O. Obideyi, commended the management of Transcorp Group, saying, ‘I commend the management and staff of Transcorp for sustained performance year-on-year. While we appreciate the Board, I am also extending my commendation to the members of staff of Transcorp for a job well done.’

Another Shareholder, Moses Igrude, commended the Board, Management and Staff of Transcorp Plc.

He said: ‘I appreciate the vision behind Transcorp and what it has become. When I look at the history, and how far it has come under Mr Tony Elumelu’s leadership, I am proud that the aim and objectives are being achieved. That payoff line, ‘Improving lives and transforming Africa,’ is a reality we are witnessing.’