Category: Daily Trust

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged Nigerians to consciously support indigenous airlines and other homegrown businesses, describing the aviation sector as one of the most delicate industries that requires resilience, innovation and sustained public patronage to survive.

Salako-Oyedele made the call on Wednesday in Lagos during the public presentation of ‘Pathways, Pilgrimage and Destiny: The Biography of Alhaji Muneer Bankole’, a book chronicling the life and achievements of the founder and Managing Director of Med-View Airline.

The biography written by Mobolanle Ebunoluwa Sotunsa, chronicles Bankole’s journey from his early years to building one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous airlines and becoming a key player in the country’s pilgrimage operations.

The book highlights his entrepreneurial vision, leadership, resilience and deep faith, while documenting the obstacles he encountered in the highly regulated aviation industry.

Speaking at the event, the deputy governor congratulated Bankole on documenting his life’s journey, noting that while everyone has a story to tell, only a few have their experiences preserved for future generations.

‘Every life has a story, but not every story is documented,’ she said, adding, ‘One of the greatest benefits of writing a biography is that it becomes a reference point, not just for family members but for future entrepreneurs, researchers and the wider society.’

She said the biography was particularly significant because it captures both the successes and setbacks of Med-View Airline, providing valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and operators in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

‘Whether we like it or not, Med-View had its challenges. What were those challenges? Upcoming entrepreneurs can learn from them. There are also regulatory challenges because aviation is a very delicate industry,’ she said.

According to Salako-Oyedele, building and sustaining an airline business in Nigeria demands exceptional courage, discipline and constant attention to operational realities.

‘For Alhaji Bankole to have even started an airline shows how industrious he is. That is the story of many Nigerian businesses. You have to keep your fingers on the pulse every day to make sure things continue to go well,’ she added.

Chairman of the occasion and Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo described Bankola as a quintessential Nigerian who dared where others trembled.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave, beginning Thursday, August 6, 2026.

This is the first time Senator Kashim Shettima will be going on leave since he was sworn into office in May 2023.

This was made known by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman to the Vice President, in a statement.

The statement said that during the period, the Vice President will devote time to study and reflection as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

‘The leave offers Senator Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the Vice President has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

‘He has also chaired the National Economic Council, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians,’ the statement said.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Vice President Shettima has also represented President Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development.

Shettima, the statement said, has remained committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The Vice President will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

As rising petrol prices continue to increase the cost of transportation across the country, many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are turning to the Abuja Light Rail as a more affordable, faster and reliable means of commuting.

The rail service, commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 27, 2024, has become increasingly popular among workers, business owners and travellers seeking relief from the high cost of road transport.

The Abuja Light Rail, operated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), runs along the Yellow Line, connecting the Abuja Metro Station in the city centre to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport through Kukwaba 1, Kukwaba 2, Wupa, Idu and Bassanjiwa.

The journey takes about 20 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to road transport, especially during peak traffic periods.

Following the inauguration of the rail service, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approved free rides for commuters for the first two months to encourage public patronage.

Commuters who spoke with Daily Trust said the service has become a preferred transport option as fuel prices continue to rise.

They estimated that more than 600 passengers use the train during peak periods, noting that the service currently operates four trips daily at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

A commuter, Zachariah Asimiyu, said the rail service had helped him reduce transportation expenses while offering a more convenient alternative to road travel.

He said the train was not only cheaper but also enabled passengers to avoid the traffic congestion that often characterises movement within the city.

Another passenger, Saheed Salau, said he had significantly reduced the use of his private vehicle because commuting by rail was more economical, particularly following the recent increase in petrol prices.

He added that besides being cost-effective, the train offered a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

Similarly, Farouq Ibrahim described the rail system as reliable and punctual, urging more residents to take advantage of the service.

A railway engineer, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the Abuja Light Rail had maintained an impressive safety record since commercial operations began.

According to him, there has been no derailment since the service commenced, attributing the achievement to routine maintenance and continuous technical support from the Chinese operators managing the system.

First-time passengers also described their experience as smooth and comfortable, saying they would continue using the train whenever the need arose.

Despite the growing popularity of the service, many commuters called on the FCTA to increase the number of daily trips, particularly during rush hours, to accommodate rising passenger demand.

Responding to the concerns, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, said the existing timetable was currently adequate but assured residents that the administration would continue to monitor passenger demand and make improvements where necessary.

With transportation costs continuing to rise alongside fuel prices, residents believe that expanding the Abuja Light Rail service would not only provide relief to commuters but also reduce traffic congestion, lower transport costs and promote a more sustainable urban transport system in the nation’s capital.

Zaune announced his decision in a resignation letter dated August 5, 2026, addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman of Zaune Ward in Dukku Local Government Area.

In the letter, Zaune expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve in various capacities at the local government, state and national levels.

‘I sincerely appreciate the party for the opportunity to serve in different capacities at the local government, state and national levels. I wish the party well in its future endeavours,’ he stated.

Zaune did not disclose the reason for his resignation or indicate his next political move in the letter.

His resignation comes after the recent exit of the ADC State Secretary, Ahmed Gana, who left the party a few weeks ago and subsequently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of Jamilu Isiyaka Gwamna.

Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ADC Presidential Candidate said such a ‘reckless action’ amounts to a dangerous assault on democracy and raises serious questions about the neutrality of institutions entrusted with upholding the rule of law.

He insisted that there can be no justification for such an action on the eve of a critical election.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the timing of the action is deeply troubling and capable of undermining public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.

‘It is impossible to ignore the implications of freezing a state’s principal operational account on the eve of a governorship election. Such an action could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, impede essential public services and create an atmosphere of intimidation that has no place in a democratic society.

‘If there are legitimate concerns requiring investigation, the law provides due process. Anti-corruption agencies must not conduct themselves in a manner that creates the perception that they are being deployed to influence political outcomes or weaken elected governments at critical electoral moments.’

Atiku said Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on free and fair elections but also on public confidence that institutions of state act independently, professionally and without political interference.

‘The selective and politically convenient deployment of state institutions diminishes public trust and weakens the democratic order. Institutions established to enforce the law must never become instruments for creating fear or conferring political advantage.

‘It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the pattern under the Tinubu administration, where opposition-controlled states appear to be the consistent targets of coercive federal actions. Coming after the prolonged denial of Osun State’s statutory local government allocations, this latest action reinforces the disturbing impression that public institutions are being weaponised to punish political opponents rather than serve the Nigerian people.’

Atiku called on the EFCC to immediately reverse the freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account.

‘Freezing the state’s allocation account is not merely an attack on the Osun State Government; it is a direct assault on the people of Osun State, whose salaries, essential public services and daily governance stand to suffer. The anti-corruption mandate of the EFCC must never be distorted into a political weapon against opposition governments.’

He urged all institutions involved in the conduct of the Osun governorship election to act with restraint, impartiality and fidelity to the Constitution.

‘The people of Osun State alone must determine the outcome of their election. No external force or institution of government should, by action or omission, cast a shadow over the credibility of that democratic choice.

‘President Tinubu is leaving no one in doubt that he is determined to win elections at all costs. Democracy cannot coexist with the systematic weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents. I therefore call on all opposition parties and every Nigerian committed to constitutional democracy to close ranks and resist this dangerous drift before it is too late.’

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of Colonel Abdulrasaq Abdussalam Ude in Abuja.

The Sultan, in a statement issued by his media team on Wednesday, also condemned what he described as persistent hate campaigns against minority Igbo Muslims in the South East, saying such actions undermine efforts at national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Colonel Ude was killed on July 27 while returning to his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory after gunmen reportedly attempted to abduct him.

His driver and security guard sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, while his wife was also caught in the incident and is receiving treatment.

A relative of the deceased had described the attack as a calculated assassination rather than a failed kidnapping attempt.

Reacting to the killing, the Sultan said no Nigerian life should be taken without those responsible being identified and brought to justice.

‘As Muslims, we continue to act by showing love and encouraging peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraint as enjoined by the Holy Qur’an,’ he said.

He urged the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to ‘get to the root of the circumstances’ surrounding the alleged close-range shooting of the officer, whom he described as a distinguished military intelligence operative admired by both the Muslim community and traditional institutions, especially in the South East.

‘To allow the killing of any single Nigerian without uncovering the cause and bringing the culprits to justice is not the hallmark of a serious country, particularly when the victim is a serving soldier of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘The cause of this killing and the attempt on the lives of members of his family must be uncovered, and the appropriate authorities should do the needful,’ the Sultan said.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was marked in member countries of the United Nations on July 30. With the theme, ‘Trapped Behind the Scam,’ this year’s observance aimed to highlight the activities of organised criminal groups involved in human trafficking.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), transnational organised crime groups across the world are trafficking and exploiting thousands of people, forcing them to participate in industrial-scale financial fraud operations.

Criminal groups recruit people through deceptive job advertisements and false promises of legitimate employment, only to exploit them in scam centres. They use digital technologies and artificial intelligence to expand their operations and evade detection, while victims remain largely hidden from public view and are often treated as offenders rather than victims.

The UNODC reported that, by late 2025, identified victims came from nearly 80 nationalities. While Southeast Asia remains a major hub, the model is spreading to the Middle East, Africa, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, South Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The UN body estimated that cyber scams generated between $18 billion and $37 billion in illicit profits in 2023 in that region alone.

The story is not much different in Nigeria. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in a 2024 report, describes Nigeria as both a country of origin and a country of exploitation. Nigerians are trafficked abroad, while others are trafficked internally. Nigeria also serves as a destination for victims from neighbouring countries. Between 2017 and the first quarter of 2024, the IOM facilitated the voluntary return of 4,877 Nigerian victims of trafficking, of whom 4,261, about 87 per cent, were women and girls. These figures reveal not only the scale of the problem but also its disproportionate impact on women.

The experiences of many victims follow a familiar pattern. They are enticed with promises of lucrative jobs, scholarships or business opportunities abroad. Once they arrive in their destination countries, their passports and travel documents are confiscated, making escape almost impossible. They are then subjected to forced prostitution, forced labour, drug trafficking or other forms of exploitation through threats, violence and intimidation.

Equally troubling is the role that poverty, family pressure and the erosion of social values play in sustaining this criminal enterprise. In some instances, desperate families encourage young people to embark on dangerous journeys without verifying the claims of recruiters. What begins as the search for a better life often ends in years of abuse and the loss of personal freedom.

The economic consequences are equally severe. Human trafficking deprives Nigeria of productive citizens whose skills and labour should contribute to national development. It imposes enormous social and financial costs on the government, particularly in the rehabilitation and reintegration of returning victims. In many respects, the trade represents a modern manifestation of the exploitation that characterised the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) raised hopes that Nigeria had begun a determined campaign against this ugly trade. While the agency has recorded some successes, the scale of the problem suggests that much more remains to be done. Human trafficking continues to flourish despite the existence of laws, institutions and international partnerships designed to combat it.

The response, therefore, must go beyond rescue operations. Prevention is just as important as prosecution. The Federal Ministry of Information, in collaboration with NAPTIP, state governments, traditional rulers, religious organisations and civil society groups, should intensify public enlightenment campaigns. Communities must understand the deceptive methods employed by traffickers and the devastating consequences awaiting those who fall into their hands.

Parents, community leaders and religious institutions must become more vigilant, but government agencies must also demonstrate greater commitment. There is widespread concern that traffickers operate with far too much freedom and that prosecutions remain too few to serve as an effective deterrent. Unless those who recruit, transport and exploit vulnerable Nigerians are investigated, prosecuted and punished, trafficking networks will continue to expand.

Education must also become a central pillar of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking strategy. The IOM notes that many victims possess only secondary or primary education, while a significant number have little or no formal education. This underscores the vulnerability created by limited educational opportunities. Expanding access to quality education and creating economic opportunities for young people would reduce the pool of those susceptible to the false promises made by traffickers.

Nigeria possesses the legal framework to confront this menace. What is required now is stronger enforcement. NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police Force, immigration authorities, the judiciary and other relevant agencies must work together to dismantle trafficking syndicates, secure more convictions and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.

Human trafficking flourishes where poverty, ignorance and weak law enforcement intersect. Breaking that cycle demands sustained political will, stronger institutions and greater public vigilance. Nigeria cannot afford to allow thousands more of its citizens to be lured into lives of exploitation under the false promise of greener pastures. The time for a more decisive national response is now.

A 33-year-old Point of Sale operator, Mary Komi, was on Wednesday docked at the Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for allegedly misappropriating N1.29 million belonging to her employer.

Komi who lives in Zuba, Abuja is charged with theft.

She however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Otobha Okpa, informed the court that the defendant’s employer, Mr Bala Musa, reported the matter at the Zuba Police Headquarters on March 27, 2026.

He told the court that the defendant was employed by the complainant as his POS operator in Zuba garage in Abuja.

He said that the complainant entrusted the sum of N1.46million to the defendant to use in running the business.

He alleged that the defendant converted the money to her personal use.

The prosecutor said that during investigation and interrogation, the sum of N170,000 was recovered from the defendant, leaving the balance of N1.29 million.

He said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 289 of the Penal Code law.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Evelyn Dara, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 and one surety in like sum.

She ordered that the surety must have a reliable means of identification and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

Dara adjourned the matter until Sept 15 for hearing. (NAN)

Yet, 102 deaths per 1,000 is still more than four times the Sustainable Development Goal target of 25. For policymakers and stakeholders gathering to shape the next phase of maternal and child health in Nigeria, the question is less whether progress is possible and more what it takes to make it routine.

One part of the answer lies in how the country has delivered child-survival programmes at scale. More than 16 million children have now been reached through the SARMAAN (Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Children) Project across northern Nigeria, a milestone that says as much about system strength as it does about operational scale.

SARMAAN, is a child-survival initiative that delivers supervised azithromycin to children aged 1-59 months in high-mortality communities, through trained health workers and state primary health-care systems, as part of a wider child survival package that still includes immunisation, nutrition, clean water and basic care. Its experience offers practical lessons for the wider maternal, newborn and child health agenda.

The first lesson is that saving children’s lives is a systems task, not just a clinical one. The improvement in under-five mortality and service indicators is happening in a context where Nigeria’s health system remains fragmented, with federal, state and local authorities sharing overlapping responsibilities that can lead to duplicated efforts and disjointed delivery. SARMAAN’s operations show what it looks like when that fragmentation is managed rather than ignored. In the second quarter of 2026 alone, nine states successfully implemented house-to-house administration. Those rounds were only possible because procurement, logistics, financing, data systems, regulatory oversight, health-worker training and state-level coordination were aligned in advance.

The second lesson is that the ‘unseen work’ is as important as the visible outputs. Public-health success is often narrated in terms of bottles distributed or children reached. SARMAAN’s numbers are impressive on those terms, but the deeper value lies in how doses get from a central warehouse to a child’s mouth without eroding trust. Behind each round are state alignment meetings, last-mile route planning, community dialogues, information materials, safety and pharmacovigilance systems, and fast feedback loops on rumours and concerns. Those are the same ingredients required for better antenatal care, safer births and stronger newborn care, which means the systems ‘muscle’ built for one intervention can strengthen the MNCH agenda.

Finally, SARMAAN raises a constructive challenge for all of us: what happens when a child-survival intervention proves it can be delivered at scale? Does it remain a time-bound project, or does it become part of the permanent toolbox? As Nigeria’s under-five mortality continues to decline, and as national plans and guidelines for maternal and newborn health are updated, the experience from SARMAAN suggests three collaborative priorities. First, integrate proven child-survival tools into routine primary health-care and child-health strategies, so they are planned and budgeted for alongside immunisation, nutrition and WASH. Second, strengthen domestic financing so that continuity does not depend solely on external support. Third, keep investing in community trust, safety monitoring and data, so scale never outruns science or consent.

The improvements in child survival, breastfeeding, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance show that change is possible when policy, practice and partnership line up. SARMAAN’s delivery record is one piece of that picture, not the whole answer but a practical example of what coordinated, country-led effort can achieve.

As Nigeria determines its next strategies for maternal and child health, the most powerful signal we can send is that programmes that work, and the systems that support them, are not temporary successes but building blocks for a future where mothers and children survive as a matter of course, not of chance.

Telecommunications services provider Airtel Nigeria has further extended its national retail footprint with the rollout of 350 out of a planned 500 premium experience centres, which are designed to bring its service closer to millions of Nigerians.

The new retail shops, officially unveiled at a symbolic launch at City Mall, Onikan, Lagos, mark the latest phase in Airtel Nigeria’s grand retail strategy.

They significantly expand the company’s extensive network of over 9,000 exclusive shops across every local government area, more than 350 premium experience centres, and over 73,000 retailers in all top towns and cities nationwide.

Built as compact, high-efficiency touchpoints, the newly launched shops are designed to enable subscribers complete all transactions such as Home Broadband, Fiber and Outdoor Units Subscription, Postpaid Plan Subscription, Enterprise Applications Enquiry and Subscription, as well as Prepaid Product services such as SIM registration and Data Plan purchase, other enquiries and comprehensive account support.

Simultaneously, several shops commenced operations at Purple Mall, Lekki; Marina, Lagos Island; Magodo, Lagos; Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta; Trend Setter Mall, Benin; Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Kano City Mall, Kano; Carpenters Mall, Gwarinpa, Abuja; and other parts of the country.

The rollout emphasises the company’s continued investment in customer experience and responds directly to feedback from customers seeking quicker access to everyday services without the longer waiting times that may be associated with larger retail centres.

Speaking on the company retail objectives, Joypratip Sengupta, Director, Sales and Distribution, Airtel Nigeria, explained that quality retail experience ultimately drives customer satisfaction.

‘Our goal is to demonstrate our dedication to exceptional quality of service, and these new shops, by their design, location, and equipment fit right within our goal to deliver superior service to every one of our customers,’ he said.