Category: PM News

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has repositioned the party for victory in the 2027 general elections, his aide, Mallam Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi has said.

Dingyadi who is Yilwatda’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.

The statement was issued to mark Yilwatda’s first anniversary as national chairman of the ruling party.

He said the APC had recorded renewed unity, expanding nationwide support and stronger internal cohesion under Yilwatda’s leadership.

‘APC has evolved into a more disciplined, inclusive and people-centred political platform,’ Dingyadi said.

He said Yilwatda assumed office at a critical period in the party’s history and focused on strengthening internal democracy and reconciling stakeholders.

According to him, the national chairman also prioritised repositioning the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘The party’s National Secretariat has become more professional, with greater emphasis on accountability, innovation and efficient administration,’ Dingyadi said.

He said Yilwatda’s leadership style, characterised by consultation, humility and administrative discipline, had improved cooperation among stakeholders.

Dingyadi said the approach had strengthened collaboration within the National Working Committee, among party elders and across other stakeholder groups.

He added that one of the administration’s major achievements was reconciling aggrieved members and promoting consensus-building among different tendencies within the APC.

The aide said the party had also expanded engagement with youths, women, persons with disabilities and other groups.

He added that the APC had strengthened its structures across wards, local governments and states.

Dingyadi linked the party’s growing acceptance to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms.

He said Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of the reforms through infrastructure projects and government interventions nationwide.

While acknowledging that the reforms had caused temporary hardships, Dingyadi said the APC considered them necessary to stabilise the economy.

He said the measures were also aimed at averting what he described as a deeper national crisis.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dingyadi expressed confidence that the APC would retain power.

He said the foundation laid under Yilwatda’s leadership had positioned the party for another electoral victory.

Dingyadi urged Nigerians to sustain their support for the APC, describing the party as committed to democratic values and national development.

He said the party remained open to new members and would continue strengthening its internal structures.

The aide also pledged that the APC would work toward delivering what he described as greater dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

As dark clouds gather over Kaduna and heavy rains pound the city, most residents seek shelter, but commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators face another demanding day earning a living outdoors.

While many commuters dread the rains because of flooded roads and traffic congestion, commercial riders, popularly known as okada and keke operators, say the season presents a mix of opportunities and risks that shape their daily earnings and survival.

ýA News Agency of Nigeria survey across Kawo, Sabon Tasha, Kakuri, Barnawa and the Central Market areas of the city showed that although demand for commercial transport often rises during rainfall, operators contend with slippery roads, hidden potholes, frequent breakdowns and increased risk of accidents.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, a motorcycle operator at Kawo, said every rainy day begins with uncertainty because the weather determines whether he returns home with enough money to provide for his family.

‘When it rains heavily, many people do not want to walk, so more passengers look for motorcycles. Sometimes we make more money than on dry days because demand increases.

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‘But the danger is always there like potholes covered by water can throw you off your motorcycle before you even realise it is there. Once you fall, the money you made can end up being spent on treatment and repairs,’ he said.

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Mr Peter John, who operates a tricycle in Barnawa, described the rainy season as a period of mixed fortunes.

According to him, although passenger traffic increases during showers, frequent repairs resulting from waterlogged roads consume a significant portion of his income.

‘Every week, mechanics replace brake pads, wheel bearings or other parts damaged by bad roads, so what we gain from increased patronage is often spent on maintenance. Sometimes we stay off the road for hours waiting for the rain to stop, which also affects our income,’ he said.

ýAt Sabon Tasha, Mrs Grace Yakubu, a trader, said commercial riders remained the most dependable means of transportation whenever rainfall made movement difficult.

‘When taxis refuse to enter flooded streets or charge very high fares, motorcycles and tricycles are usually the only option and they help many of us reach our businesses and return home,’ she said.

Some passengers, however, expressed concern over reckless riding during rainy weather, urging operators to prioritise safety over the rush to maximise earnings.

ýMr Emmanuel Joseph, a civil servant, said some riders sped through flooded roads despite poor visibility, thereby exposing themselves and passengers to avoidable danger.

‘Most riders are responsible, but a few become careless because they want to carry more passengers before another rainfall begins and that is dangerous for everyone,’ he said.

A motorcycle mechanic in Kakuri, Malam Sani Abdullahi, said the rainy season always increased the number of motorcycles and tricycles brought to his workshop for repairs.

ý’Water affects brakes, chains, wheel bearings and electrical components as such, many operators delay maintenance until small faults become major problems that cost more money to fix,’ he said.

Officials of transport unions urged operators to reduce speed during rainfall, avoid flooded roads where possible and ensure their motorcycles and tricycles remained roadworthy throughout the season.

ýThey also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to rehabilitate damaged roads and improve drainage infrastructure to reduce accidents and protect the livelihoods of thousands of commercial transport operators.

For many riders, however, staying away from work is not an option so, whether under scorching sunshine or heavy rain, they continue to navigate Kaduna’s roads daily, driven by the need to feed their families and provide an essential transport service to residents.

As the rainy season continues, both operators and commuters hope that improved road infrastructure, better drainage systems where they are bad, and greater adherence to traffic regulations will make travelling safer while protecting the livelihoods of those who depend on commercial transportation.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has unveiled the Renewed Hope Creative and Innovative Hub, describing it as a strategic platform designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, mentorship, entrepreneurial support and digital opportunities needed to succeed in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

Aregbe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the initiative was conceived to translate the ideals of youth empowerment into tangible opportunities, stressing that Nigeria’s greatest resource remains its youthful, creative and innovative population.

Speaking with journalists on the inspiration behind the project, Aregbe said the Hub was established to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing young people with the skills required to compete and excel in the 21st-century economy.

‘There are defining moments in the life of every nation-moments when vision meets action, when hope becomes opportunity and when young people are equipped with the tools to unlock their full potential,’ he said.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and complements the Lagos State Government’s youth development and economic empowerment programmes.

Aregbe commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for consistently creating opportunities that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive development among young people. He also praised Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for his commitment to good governance and youth advancement.

Announcing the readiness of the Hub, Aregbe said it would serve as a centre where talent is discovered, nurtured and transformed into sustainable economic value through structured training, mentorship and innovation.

‘This Hub is built for the young and the ambitious-for dreamers, innovators and doers. Talent is abundant, but opportunities must be intentionally created. Our goal is to provide the platform that enables young people to turn their ideas into reality,’ he said.

He explained that participants would receive training in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, creative enterprise and leadership development, while gaining access to experienced mentors, industry leaders, investors and policymakers.

According to him, the vision of the Hub goes beyond skills acquisition.

‘We want to raise a generation of self-reliant young Nigerians who can build sustainable businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Lagos State and the nation.’

Aregbe said the initiative would focus on developing future-ready talents, supporting innovative startups, expanding employment opportunities and promoting collaboration across the creative, technology and business sectors.

He added that the Hub would also encourage leadership development, civic participation and networking among young professionals and APC members committed to national development.

Describing the project as a long-term investment in human capital, Aregbe said the Renewed Hope Creative and Innovative Hub is not merely a training centre but a platform for producing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and transformational leaders.

‘This is more than a hub; it is a movement to inspire excellence, nurture innovation and build the leaders who will shape the future of Lagos and Nigeria. We are investing in people because they are the country’s greatest asset.’

He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity offered by the initiative, assuring them that the Hub would provide the support, resources and environment needed for creativity, innovation and leadership to flourish.

‘To every young person waiting for an opportunity, this is your moment. The Renewed Hope Creative and Innovative Hub is your platform to learn, grow, innovate and succeed. Together, we will build not only successful careers but also a stronger Lagos and a greater Nigeria.’

African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu has claimed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is backing a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 presidential election instead of Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu said information from sources within the political circle indicated that Atiku was no longer Obasanjo’s preferred candidate.

He made the claim during an appearance on News Central TV on Monday.

‘From what I have read and heard from impeccable sources, it’s obvious that Obasanjo might be supporting former governor Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket,’ he said.

Momodu also cited a claim by former Labour Party campaign official Akin Osuntokun that Obasanjo was the main sponsor of the proposed ticket.

‘I read somewhere yesterday where my friend, Osuntokun, said Obasanjo is the main sponsor of that ticket,’ he added.

Despite the former president’s alleged preference, Momodu insisted that Atiku could still emerge as Nigeria’s president if it was his destiny.

‘If Atiku is destined to be President of Nigeria, no force will be able to stop it,’ he said.

The veteran journalist expressed surprise over the renewed hostility between Obasanjo and Atiku, recalling that the former president endorsed his former deputy during the 2019 presidential election.

‘It’s obvious that Atiku is not Obasanjo’s favourite candidate. I thought the issue had been laid to rest in 2019 because there is a video in circulation where Obasanjo described Atiku as the president to be.

‘So, I don’t know what resurrected that bitter feud between both of them,’ Momodu said.

He added that the 2027 presidential election would be decided largely by Nigerians’ assessment of the performance of the All Progressives Congress administration rather than disagreements within the opposition.

Armed hoodlums have attacked officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The police announced the incident, the latest in a series of violence that have characterised the run up to the August 15 Osun governorship election in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement issued in Osogbo by the spokesperson Osun command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspected thugs, numbering about 10, attacked INEC officials who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.

Ojelabi said the hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air to scare the INEC officials away before carting away the three packs of PVCs.

Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the incident and has directed a comprehensive investigation, with a view to identifying, arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.

‘Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,’ Ojelabi said.

He reiterates the command’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The command’s spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of peace.

Ojelabi appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.

He warned that anyone found exploiting the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Ojelabi also said operatives of Osun command had restored peace in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs, that gathered around the Mayfair Garage area, became unruly, resulting in a temporary disruption of public peace and order.

He assured residents of the police unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as maintaining peace, law and order.

Emergency responders were on Monday racing to rescue students trapped beneath the rubble of a three-storey hostel near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed at about 11pm on Sunday in the Amokpala area of Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The privately operated lodge was reportedly occupied mainly by students of the polytechnic.

Some students reportedly escaped shortly before the building came down, while rescuers pulled out several injured occupants and rushed them to a hospital in Oko.

Others were still believed to be trapped beneath the debris as rescue operations continued on Monday.

Videos circulating on social media showed the collapsed structure surrounded by residents, students, security personnel and emergency workers searching through the rubble.

An eyewitness said residents rushed to the scene after hearing a loud noise from the building.

‘The occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell,’ the witness said.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying a police-led joint security team had secured the area and was coordinating rescue operations.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency agencies were also at the scene.

No death had been confirmed as of the time of filing this report, while authorities had yet to establish the number of people inside the hostel when it collapsed.

The polytechnic was reportedly not in full academic session at the time of the incident.

The cause of the collapse was also not immediately known.

Police urged residents to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency workers to carry out rescue operations without obstruction.

More details later.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially ended the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, which was written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said he had already informed Ejiofor verbally that his appointment had ended. He explained that the new letter was to officially confirm the decision in writing.

Kanu also withdrew any authority previously given to Ejiofor to represent him, his family, or IPOB. He said the lawyer no longer has the right to speak or act on behalf of the group in any capacity.

According to Kanu, the IPOB Code of Conduct gives only the IPOB leader the power to appoint, suspend, or remove key officials, unless that authority has been officially handed over to someone else.

He added that no individual, committee, or former official has the power to appoint or keep legal representatives for IPOB outside the rules of the organisation.

Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases, or posting on social media on behalf of him, his family, or IPOB.

He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or as a lawyer for IPOB in any court, public event, or other forum. Kanu further asked him to withdraw from any ongoing legal cases where he is still listed as counsel.

In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor not to reveal or use any confidential information obtained while serving as his lawyer without his written permission, except where required by law or ordered by a court.

He said any unauthorised release or misuse of confidential information could amount to professional misconduct and may lead to disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), as well as other legal consequences.

…Upskills Artisans as Part of its Youth Empowerment Programme Across Host Communities

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd. and operator of Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mine, has handed over nine commercial minibuses under the second phase of its Youth Empowerment Transport Scheme and provided targeted business support to beneficiaries across its host communities as part of its 2026 Youth Empowerment Programme.

The second phase builds on the success of the maiden edition, reinforcing SROL’s commitment to expanding access to sustainable income-generating opportunities for members of its host communities. Under the second phase, SROL presented three commercial minibuses each to beneficiaries from Iperindo, Odo-Ijesha, and Imogbara. The vehicles will enable beneficiaries to establish commercial transportation businesses, creating sustainable livelihoods and contributing to economic activity in their communities.

Beyond expanding its transport empowerment initiative, SROL also provided business support to beneficiaries of previous editions of the Youth Empowerment Programme. From Imogbara community, Kayode Temitope, an aluminium fabricator who received equipment under the 2025 Youth Empowerment Programme, was provided with a generator to improve productivity and business operations. From Iperindo community, Akinrotimi Seun Michael, a cobbler who completed both beginner and advanced vocational training under the 2023 programme, received materials and a filing machine to increase production capacity and support business growth.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Engr. Sikiru Haruna, Mines Manager at SROL, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering host communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives. He said, ‘At Segilola Resources Operating Limited, we believe lasting community development begins with investing in people. Through our Youth Empowerment Programme, we are equipping members of our host communities with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to build sustainable businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their communities. Our commitment is to create opportunities that continue to deliver value long after today’s intervention.’

Expressing his appreciation, James Adejugbagbe, a beneficiary of the second phase of SROL’s Youth Empowerment Transport Scheme, said, ‘Receiving this vehicle is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. It gives me a reliable means of earning a living and the confidence to build a sustainable business. I sincerely appreciate Segilola Resources Operating Limited for investing in our future and creating opportunities that will positively impact our communities. We are committed to making the most of this opportunity and using it to improve our lives and support our families.’

The Youth Empowerment Programme is implemented under SROL’s Community Development Agreement (CDA). Through the CDA, the company works in partnership with host communities to implement initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and inclusive socio-economic development. By investing in enterprise development and livelihood opportunities, SROL continues to strengthen local economies and create lasting impact across its host communities in Osun State.

The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its resolve to maintain a transparent and equitable tax system aimed at strengthening the state’s economy while encouraging business growth and voluntary compliance.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr Olaniran Olatona, said in Ado Ekiti on Saturday that the state had adopted a sustainable revenue model that relied on taxpayers willingly meeting their obligations rather than coercive enforcement.

He praised residents for embracing voluntary tax payment, noting that the approach had helped improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue despite the suspension of enforcement measures such as roadblocks and the closure of business premises since July 2025.

According to Olatona, the state’s revenue performance has continued to improve as economic reforms introduced at both federal and state levels begin to yield positive results.

He disclosed that Ekiti generated N2.75 billion in Internally Generated Revenue in June 2026, compared with N2.06 billion recorded in the corresponding month of 2025, representing an increase of 33.2 per cent.

‘Collections have held a stable N2.74 billion plateau since April 2026,’ he said.

The EKIRS chairman attributed the improved performance to the agency’s increasing reliance on technology, including automated and digital tax collection systems that have expanded payment options, reduced leakages and brought more taxpayers into the formal system.

He also cited improvements in Pay-As-You-Earn collections and stronger compliance with withholding tax obligations.

He said, ‘EKIRS remains committed to building a fair and sustainable revenue system that supports economic growth while ensuring every taxpayer contributes an equitable share to the development of Ekiti State.’

Reaffirming the agency’s taxpayer-focused approach, Olatona stressed that the objective was to encourage compliance rather than penalise businesses.

‘Our responsibility is not to punish taxpayers but to ensure fairness. We are more interested in helping businesses grow because thriving businesses ultimately translate into sustainable revenue for government,’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the agency would exceed its internal monthly revenue target of more than N3 billion before the end of 2026 through wider taxpayer participation rather than higher tax rates.

According to him, ‘EKIRS’ objective is to widen the tax base by bringing more eligible taxpayers into the system, rather than raising tax rates or introducing new taxes. The Service will continue deploying technology and data intelligence to identify previously untaxed incomes, while complying with relevant data protection regulations.’

Olatona also disclosed that EKIRS was working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as local government councils to establish a central billing platform that would eliminate multiple taxation and make tax payments easier.

Addressing recent protests over alleged tax increases, he said taxpayers should have taken advantage of the legal provisions available for disputing tax assessments instead of resorting to demonstrations.

He clarified that the recently issued Notices of Assessment were simply notifications of tax liabilities for the 2024 and 2025 tax years and were not enforcement actions.

The EKIRS boss explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 gives taxpayers the right to challenge assessments by filing written objections within 30 days of receiving a notice, while tax authorities are required to respond within 90 days.

He assured residents that the agency remained willing to review genuine complaints, particularly where taxpayers encountered procedural difficulties.

Olatona added that EKIRS had intensified public enlightenment campaigns through engagements with market associations, landlords’ groups, religious organisations and other stakeholders to improve tax awareness and encourage voluntary compliance.

He also advised market associations to engage tax professionals to assist members in understanding tax laws, resolving disputes and maintaining accurate financial records.

Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has said that his administration had begun the restructuring of the State College of Health and Technology Takum to a polytechnic to enable it qualify for Tertiary Education Trust Funds (TETFUND) intervention.

Kefas made the declaration on Saturday at the maiden Combined Convocation of graduates from 1995 to 2025 held in Takum local government area of the state.

Represented by Dr Mike Dio, the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Kefas said that plans were under way to amend some of the laws establishing the college to be able to access TETFUND

He explained that as a monotechnic, the college was currently ineligible for the intervention under existing regulations, assuring that legal and institutional reforms were underway to change it from a monotechnic to a polytechnic.

The governor recalled that the Taraba College of Agriculture, Jalingo had undergone reform process from a monotechnic to a polytechnic and was thus qualified to access the fund.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening tertiary education through sustained investments in infrastructure, programme’s accreditation, staff development and expanded access to higher education.

Kefas described the convocation as a historic milestone, noting that it marked the fulfilment of a long-awaited aspiration for the institution and its alumni.

While congratulating the management, staff, parents and graduating students of the college, Kefas urged them to uphold integrity, humility and professionalism in their careers.

‘Our administration placed education at the centre of our development agenda because no society can build a resilient healthcare system, grow its economy or secure its future without investing in education,’ the governor said.

Kefas highlighted key interventions by his administration, including a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions, funding for programme accreditation, improved infrastructure, recruitment of additional personnel, enhanced institutional funding and the introduction of new academic programmes.

He said the interventions were part of a broader strategy to reposition tertiary education in the state and to produce graduates capable of competing nationally and internationally.

Earlier, Dr Wama Binga, the Provost of the College said the successes recorded by the institution were the product of collective efforts by management, staff and development partners.

Binga described the event as a landmark in the history of the institution, noting that it was the first convocation since the college was established more than three decades ago.

She praised Gov. Kefas for his administration’s investment in education, saying government interventions had transformed the college’s physical infrastructure, strengthened academic programmes and restored confidence in the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the college, which was established in 1993 had graduated over 30 sets without convocation.