Category: Daily Trust

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has directed senior medical officers in the state to submit requests for critical hospital equipment directly to his office as part of measures to accelerate healthcare upgrades and address the growing challenge of medical personnel leaving the country.

The governor gave the directive on Sunday in Yola while receiving members of the Association of Principal Medical Officers (APMO) on a courtesy visit to the Government House.

Fintiri said the directive would enable the government to obtain first-hand information on the urgent needs of public health facilities and respond more quickly to critical gaps in medical equipment and infrastructure.

He explained that Principal Medical Officers in tertiary institutions and state-owned hospitals could henceforth communicate pressing equipment needs directly to the state executive, without necessarily passing through the usual administrative channels.

The governor also expressed concern over the increasing migration of Nigerian doctors and other health professionals in search of better working conditions abroad, saying his administration was committed to improving the welfare and working environment of medical personnel in the state.

According to him, the government has embarked on several interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across Adamawa.

Among the measures are the construction of seven new cottage hospitals and the ongoing renovation of existing health facilities across the state.

The government has also installed CT scanners in Numan and Michika and provided new dialysis equipment at the Adamawa State Specialist Hospital.

In addition, modern ultrasound machines are being distributed to health facilities across the 21 local government areas, federal health centres and the state teaching hospital, particularly to strengthen maternal and diagnostic care.

On staff welfare, Fintiri pledged to review the conditions of service for medical officers and work towards aligning them with national standards to improve staff retention and productivity.

The governor further disclosed that the state had established a College of Medicine at Adamawa State University as part of efforts to increase the local supply of qualified medical professionals.

He added that the monthly stipend for undergraduate medical students had been increased from N8,500 to N100,000, while the state was also funding overseas postgraduate scholarships to enhance the skills and capacity of medical professionals from Adamawa.

Earlier, the State Chairman of APMO, Dr. Zamani Tizhe, commended the Fintiri administration for its interventions in the health sector.

Tizhe particularly highlighted the recent second increase in the running costs of general hospitals, describing it as a significant boost to the effective operation of healthcare facilities across the state.

The association said the interventions would contribute to improving healthcare delivery, strengthening medical infrastructure and creating better conditions for the retention of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Adamawa.

?The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully uploaded the names of its candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 General Elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, beating the electoral umpire’s official deadline of August 8.

?The National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, announced the development at the weekend.

He said the early completion of the exercise was a testament to the party’s internal discipline, organizational structure, and digital readiness.

Prof. Yilwatda noted that managing the nomination, verification, and electronic documentation for positions ranging from the State House of Assembly to the Presidency requires significant institutional coordination.

?’The APC has once again demonstrated that we are prepared for the responsibility of governing Nigeria,’ Yilwatda stated in a release issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Mr. Abimbola Tooki.

‘We did not wait until the last minute. We planned ahead, coordinated our structures, and ensured that our candidates were successfully uploaded before the expiration of the original deadline.’

The Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has come under criticism over his recent comment on the state of the Nigerian economy and the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Adedeji had praised the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, urging the President not to be distracted by negative comments from critics who, according to him, have no alternative to the government’s economic policies.

The NRS chairman made the remarks during a briefing at the State House, where he highlighted the significant increase in government revenue as evidence of the administration’s economic progress.

He told President Tinubu that the government had transformed the country’s revenue system to a level that many of its critics could not comprehend.

He, however, said they would continue to educate the critics on the revenue system.

The comments, however, have attracted criticism from Nigerians and economic experts, who said Adedeji failed to acknowledge the hardship being experienced by Nigerians despite the increase in the government’s revenue.

Under the Tinubu administration, the government has pursued a series of fiscal and tax reforms aimed at improving revenue mobilisation, expanding the tax base and strengthening the efficiency of revenue collection.

In 2023, Tinubu’s administration removed subsidy from premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol and liberalised the foreign exchange market.

While this twin-policy substantially increased resources available to the government, it also triggered a cost of living crisis never seen in years.

The NRS has been at the centre of the revenue mobilisation drive, with the government seeking to increase non-oil revenue and reduce the country’s dependence on oil earnings.

Analysts said Adedeji’s comments focused primarily on the revenue side of the government’s economic reforms.

However, critics argue that revenue growth alone does not adequately measure the success of an economic policy if citizens continue to face high prices of food, transportation, electricity and other essential goods and services.

A development professional and former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, described the statement attributed to Adedeji as unnecessary and insensitive to the economic realities confronting citizens.

Abah, while reacting to the comments in a post on X, said the increase in revenue should translate into measures that would directly reduce the cost of living and ease the burden on Nigerians.

‘If true, this is a deeply insensitive statement,’ Abah said.

He, however, responded to Adedeji’s question about what critics of the administration would have done differently, saying there were examples from other countries of how increased government resources could be deployed to address rising living costs.

According to him, the United Kingdom provides an example of policies aimed at cushioning the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on citizens.

‘But to answer the question of what I would have done differently, I can just look at the UK’s Andy Burnham, who is trying to tackle the cost of living,’ Abah said.

He cited measures which he said had been introduced under Burnham, including the removal of five per cent VAT on domestic electricity, a policy he contrasted with the 7.5 per cent rate in Nigeria.

He also pointed to the capping of bus fares at £2 per ride through reimbursement of private-sector operators for the difference between the capped fare and the real cost of providing the service.

Abah further cited a proposed 20 per cent reduction in business rates for pubs and clubs, as well as adjustments to Universal Credit designed to favour poorer and more vulnerable citizens.

‘So, I would have used the increasing tax revenue to tackle the cost of living. That is what I would have done differently at my own level. Hope that helps,’ he said.

Another analyst, Paul Obasi, said, ‘First thing I will do differently is restore part of the subsidy, reduce taxation mostly on grocery items, reduce importation duty on food items and drugs. Increase production of rare earth minerals, pass shoot on site policy to anyone illegally mining minerals.’

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned remarks attributed to Sheikh Yahya Jingir, describing them as divisive rhetoric capable of fuelling religious tension and threatening Nigeria’s unity.

Adeyanju, in a statement, said Nigeria remained a plural society whose Constitution recognises and protects the rights of citizens to practise different religions.

He urged religious leaders to recognise the diversity of the country and use their influence to promote peace, tolerance and national unity rather than deepen divisions between Christians and Muslims.

‘I condemn the recent rhetoric of Sheikh Yahya Jingir as divisive and capable of fuelling religious tension,’ Adeyanju said.

‘Religious leaders should respect Nigeria’s plurality and use their influence to promote peace and unity rather than sowing discord between Christians and Muslims.’

The lawyer also questioned whether the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket had translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians, arguing that leadership should be assessed based on its impact on citizens rather than religious identity.

‘Has the Muslim-Muslim ticket put food on the tables of Nigerians, solved insecurity, unemployment, inflation, or strengthened the Nigerian passport and Nigeria’s standing in the world?’ he asked.

Adeyanju said Nigerians should move beyond religious considerations when assessing political leadership, stressing that the wellbeing and security of citizens should remain the priority.

‘We must look beyond religion and judge leadership by its impact on our lives as Nigerians,’ he said.

He warned that rhetoric portraying one faith as superior or hostile to another could worsen existing divisions and fuel agitations across the country.

‘Any rhetoric that pits one faith against another is one that only deepens our divisions and fuels agitations across the country,’ he said.

Adeyanju further called on clerics and politicians to refrain from provocative statements capable of inciting citizens, urging them to respect Nigeria’s religious, cultural and ethnic diversity.

‘Clerics and politicians must stop provoking law-abiding citizens and learn to respect our different religions, cultures and ethnicities. Nigeria belongs to all of us,’ he said.

As part of its commitment to youth development and corporate social responsibility, Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) has expanded its campaign against financial crime by donating copies of Clean Hands, Bright Future: A Youth Guide to Avoiding Financial Crime in Africa to public secondary schools across Lagos State.

The initiative, which is currently in its first phase, targets 200 public secondary schools across the state, with more than 150 schools already benefiting from the programme.

The campaign, which commenced at Kuramo Senior College and Victoria Island Senior Secondary School, has since extended to several other schools across Lagos. It aims to educate students about the dangers of fraud, cybercrime, identity theft, examination malpractice and other forms of financial crime, while promoting integrity, hard work, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.

Author of the book, Mr. Adedayo Aluko, said the project was conceived in response to the growing involvement of young people in financial crimes and the need to address the problem through early education.

‘The rate of financial crime among youths is becoming increasingly alarming. We believe education is one of the most effective tools to prevent crime. The message of the book is simple: crime does not pay, and with clean hands, every young person can build a brighter future,’ Aluko said.

He explained that the initiative extends beyond the distribution of books. Plans are underway to revisit beneficiary schools for interactive enlightenment sessions, career talks and mentorship programmes designed to reinforce the values of integrity and responsible decision-making.

According to Aluko, the book explains more than 100 forms of financial crime in simple language, helping students identify offences that many young people unknowingly become involved in. It also uses illustrations, practical examples and relatable scenarios to make the lessons engaging and memorable.

Aluko commended Lanre Shittu Motors for supporting the project, describing the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, as a long-standing advocate of youth empowerment, education and character development.

‘Mr. Taiwo Shittu believes there is no shortcut to success. During the flag-off ceremony, he personally presented copies of the book to students and encouraged them to embrace education, hard work and skills acquisition as the genuine pathways to success,’ he said.

Speaking on the initiative, Shittu said the company’s decision to sponsor the distribution reflects its conviction that the fight against financial crime must begin with instilling the right values in young people.

‘Young people are the future of our nation. By investing in character development and educating students about the consequences of financial crime, we are helping to build responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society.

‘At Lanre Shittu Motors, we believe integrity, education and hard work remain the surest foundations for lasting success,’ he said.

Shittu added that the company’s strong culture of corporate social responsibility was inherited from its founder and his father, the late Alhaji Rasak Olanrewaju Shittu, whose legacy continues to inspire its community-focused initiatives.

He noted that the late automotive icon instilled in his family and employees the enduring values of compassion, service and giving back to society. Those principles, he said, continue to guide Lanre Shittu Motors’ investments in education, youth development and other impactful social interventions.

Published in May 2026 and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Clean Hands, Bright Future has been widely described as a practical guide for young people navigating increasing social and economic pressures in today’s digital age.

The ongoing distribution programme underscores Lanre Shittu Motors’ determination to inspire a generation that chooses integrity over shortcuts, honest enterprise over criminality and responsible leadership over unethical conduct.

Two men alleged to have assaulted a woman over non-payment of market levy were on Monday arrested and detained by the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, both from Igbor village, allegedly attacked the woman at the local market in Igbor, Gwer East LGA after she told them she had not made sales and could not pay the levy.

Our correspondent gathered that the victim, allegedly beaten and dragged half naked by the suspects, was subsequently hospitalised following the incident.

It was learnt that the suspects were arrested after an eyewitness reported the matter to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, who directed BSCPG operatives to apprehend them.

The two men, who are currently being held at the BSCPG facility in Makurdi, claimed during interrogation that they were volunteers attached to the Gwer East command of the security outfit.

A statement by Comrade Mfa Ogiri, a Media Assistant to Har,

indicated that the suspects told investigators that they were acting on the instructions of their Ward Commander, one Tiletswen, and Ipker, who allegedly directed them to bring the woman to their office over an unresolved issue.

They were said to have explained that after the woman refused to comply with the instruction, they reported back by phone and were allegedly told to arrest her ‘even by force.’

They further claimed that the confrontation that followed resulted in the woman sustaining injuries and being admitted to hospital.

Reacting to the incident, Har condemned the alleged assault and directed the State Commander of the BSCPG to produce the commanders mentioned by the suspects for interrogation.

Har, in a telephone conversation with journalists in Makurdi, explained that, ‘an eyewitness, who is a lawyer, reported that the ‘boys’ always collect market tickets,

of course, they are illegal tickets that they used to collect from people.

‘The woman refused to pay, and that’s why they started dragging her. But according to the story of the boys, they said the woman has a case to answer in the office. They asked her to come. She refused to come. And that’s why they want to force her to go to the office.

‘For whatever reason, they have no such rights. So I have asked them (BSCPG) to prepare a letter to hand them (suspects) over to the police for prosecution. I’m going to hand them over to the police to charge them to court and they will go to prison.

‘When the matter was reported to me, I immediately sent my officers, the commander of BSCPG of Gwer East, Master Warrant Officer Moses Mhoon,

who rushed to the scene, apprehended them and brought them to Makurdi for detention. Meanwhile the woman is receiving treatment in the hospital.’

The security adviser warned individuals posing as security operatives, particularly in rural communities, against harassing or intimidating members of the public.

‘The law will catch up with anyone hiding under the cover of security to harass or intimidate citizens,’ Har said.

The lawmaker representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Donald Ojogo, on Saturday escaped unhurt when his convoy was involved in a road crash along the Ore-Ondo Road.

The accident reportedly involved three vehicles, including two buses and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

Samuel Ibitoye, Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident.

Ibitoye said 19 people were involved in the crash, comprising 15 males and four females.

He explained that preliminary investigation indicated that wrongful overtaking and overspeeding contributed to the crash.

’19 people were involved in total, made up of 15 males and four females.

‘Out of the 19 people, two female commuters were severely injured, while others sustained minor injuries,’ he said.

According to him, the injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Ibitoye said the vehicles involved were two buses and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The lawmaker, who recently secured a return ticket to the National Assembly, did not sustain serious injuries in the accident, while some members of his entourage were receiving treatment.

The sector commander urged motorists to exercise patience and adopt defensive driving techniques to prevent avoidable road crashes.

‘Speeding could be thrilling, but it also kills as well; people should avoid speeding while they are driving and also shun wrongful overtaking,’ Ibitoye said.

Cameroon have secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in their quarter-final clash in Casablanca on Sunday.

Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium to give the Indomitable Lionesses an early lead.

The Super Falcons responded strongly after conceding and dominated much of the latter stages of the first half as they searched for an equaliser.

Nigeria continued to apply pressure after the restart, creating opportunities around the Cameroon penalty area, but the Super Falcons were unable to find a way through the Indomitable Lionesses’ defence.

Cameroon’s goalkeeper also produced a crucial close-range save in the second half to deny Nigeria an equaliser and preserve her side’s advantage.

Despite Nigeria’s sustained pressure, Cameroon held on to secure a 1-0 victory and book their place in the last four of the competition.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s defence of the WAFCON title and denied the Super Falcons a place in the semi-finals.

The result also means Nigeria will miss out on one of the four automatic qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil reserved for the WAFCON semi-finalists.

Nigeria had entered the quarter-final as defending champions and had enjoyed a dominant record against Cameroon in previous WAFCON meetings.

The Super Falcons had defeated the Indomitable Lionesses 1-0 in their quarter-final encounter in 2022 and were seeking another victory to continue their title defence.

Nigeria had also reached the knockout stages at every centralised edition of the WAFCON and were aiming to extend their record of appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to 10.

Cameroon’s victory, however, ended those hopes and sent the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals.

Cameroon will face Morocco in the semi-finals after the hosts defeated South Africa 2-1 in their quarter-final.

The victory gives Cameroon an opportunity to advance to the final of the continental competition, while Nigeria will now turn their attention to regrouping after their unexpected exit from the tournament.

A man reportedly on his way to church has been shot dead by suspected gunmen at Fann community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, according to residents, occurred at about 8 a.m. on Sunday, throwing the community into panic and tension.

A resident of the area, Erica Dung, who confirmed the incident, expressed sadness over the killing, describing it as another painful attack on innocent residents.

Dung lamented that residents were becoming increasingly worried over the spate of attacks and killings in communities across the local government area. The latest incident came amid renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities, with residents continuing to appeal for stronger security measures.

Also reacting, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the attack, describing the killing as unacceptable and calling for urgent action to protect residents.

Tengwong urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in vulnerable communities.

While appealing to the Plateau State Government and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice, he urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities.

Efforts to get the reaction of security operatives to the incident were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Former Plateau State Governor, Jonah David Jang, has explained why the crisis in the state has persisted for years, describing efforts by successive administrations to address the situation as ineffective.

Daily Trust reports that hundreds of people have been killed in various crises across the state since 2001, while property worth millions of naira has also been destroyed.

For more than two decades, the crises have continued to affect several communities, with repeated attacks leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents.

In his new book, ‘From Airman to Politics: My Life’, unveiled in Jos on August 1, Jang gave reasons he believed the crisis had persisted.

‘When I look back on the roots of the crisis that engulfed Plateau State, I see a tragedy that was both historical and man-made. It was a storm that had been brewing for decades, yet it was allowed to erupt because of a series of failures in leadership and governance,’ Jang said.

According to the former governor, ‘The Plateau crisis is about identity, land, justice and belonging. Long before the bombs, machetes and the mass burials, there were subtle signs: grievances left unaddressed, tensions ignored, rights denied and injustice institutionalised.’

He added: ‘The question of indigene versus citizenship haunted our state. Who had the right to land? Who had the right to contest elections? Who had the right to be called a son or daughter of Plateau?

‘These questions festered in silence until they erupted into bloodshed.’

Jang, a former military governor of Benue and Gongola states, blamed successive administrations after his tenure for failing to take what he described as decisive steps to address the crisis.

Proffering solutions to the crisis, Jang said Plateau needed not only security measures but also healing, reconciliation and reconstruction.

‘What Plateau needs and still needs is not just security but healing as well. Not just reconstruction, but reconciliation as well.

‘We must return to the drawing board and ask: What does it mean to be a Plateau citizen? How do we share land, power and opportunity in a way that respects history and embraces equality?

‘These questions were ignored during the years of violence, which is why the crisis continues,’ Jang added.