Category: PM News

The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu that the concept of ‘Iyaloja-general’ title is not known to Benin culture.

The monarch stated this on Tuesday when Ojo-Tinubu who is the Iyaloja-General of market women associations in Nigeria, paid him homage in his palace.

The Iyaloja-general who was led to the palace by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, had earlier informed the Monarch that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-general of the State.

Oba Ewuare II ,however, told her that in Benin Kingdom the Iyeki must be confirmed by the palace after being selected by market women.

He added that outside her role of coordinating affairs of traders in the market, Iyeki performs certain cultural roles on his behalf in the various markets.

He added that the Iyeki has special relationship with the palace and performs expected roles in the shrine located in every market.

‘Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the home of culture; we have our culture here. I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those that are knowledgeable.

‘Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Are you aware of that? Do you know that every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market.

‘The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine of a particular market on behalf of the Oba. We are not going to say much except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin,’ Oba Ewuare II said.

Giving further clarification on the roles of Iyeki in the kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, whom the Oba permitted to enlighten Tinubu-Ojo, said:

‘Iyeki is independent in every market like the Oba market, Ogiso market and others. The traders select their leaders from within the markets. The Iyeki do more than the role of coordinating traders.

‘There are certain shrines inhabited in all the markets. They play certain roles on behalf of the palace. After their selection, they bring the person to the palace for confirmation.

‘The novelty of general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing like you have other clubs.

‘It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control the other in another market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society.’

Earlier while introducing the visitors, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, said: ‘We are grateful to be here today. I present to you the Iyaloja-General.

‘She came to Edo State for the installation of Edo market women leader that has been chosen. And we deem it fit that we must pay homage to the Benin throne.’

As Nigeria clocks 65 years of nationhood on October 1, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to ensure that the gains of self-rule are felt through programmes and policies that lift citizens out of poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

In a statement to commemorate the day, the organisation said the celebration of Independence Day should go beyond parades and speeches, stressing that it must serve as a moment of sober reflection on how far the country has come, the challenges that persist, and the actions required to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys the true promise of freedom.

It argued that independence should not be defined by political sovereignty alone but by social and economic well-being for all citizens. While acknowledging that the Tinubu government has introduced reforms in the past year, which have been applauded locally and internationally, CAPPA maintained that such recovery programmes must be judged not only by their beauty on paper but also by their impact on households across the country.

The group observed that whatever gains have been recorded are being overshadowed by hardship, pointing to high costs of food supplies, soaring rents and electricity tariffs, and healthcare that remains out of reach for many families.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said Nigeria’s independence was built on the hope that freedom would guarantee dignity and empower citizens as masters of their own destiny. ‘Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,’ he said.

Oluwafemi noted that although Nigerians have often been told the economy is on the path of transformation, the gap between official claims and daily reality remains wide. He argued that the poor cannot spend ‘economic recovery’ in the market, stressing that the true test of policy is whether it improves life for people at the grassroots.

He added that the promise of independence would only be fulfilled when citizens can afford decent meals, live in safe housing within their means, access quality health care and public water services, and send their children to school without fear of exorbitant fees. He urged the government to focus on closing existing gaps through people-centred policies.

The organisation identified several priority areas for action, including food security. With food inflation still high, many households are struggling to eat three meals a day. CAPPA urged the government to invest in local food production by supporting farmers with inputs, storage, and access to markets. Nigeria has fertile land and abundant labour, it said, but farmers are held back by a lack of infrastructure and the spread of insecurity in food-producing regions. Strengthening agriculture, CAPPA argued, would cut import dependence, lower prices, and make affordable, healthy food more available to Nigerians.

The group, however, stressed that food security is not just about availability but also about quality and health. It pointed out that while hunger is rising, ultra-processed and sugary products are flooding the market, fuelling obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. CAPPA noted that without deliberate policies, Nigerians risk being trapped in a cycle where cheap but unhealthy foods dominate diets. It therefore renewed its call for stronger healthy food policies, including an increase in the current sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clear front-of-pack warning labelling for food products, and salt reduction targets, to ensure that citizens not only eat but eat well.

On the economy, CAPPA warned against piling up debts through excessive borrowing, saying that loans used to service recurrent spending rather than productive investments only deepen hardship. It advised the government to cut down on frivolous expenditures, close leakages, prioritise transparent spending, and channel resources into critical sectors as a way of boosting the economy and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

CAPPA further identified security as a major concern, noting that independence cannot be meaningful if citizens live in fear of violence, kidnapping, or displacement. The group encouraged the government to invest in community policing and modern security infrastructure, and address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

On education, CAPPA emphasised that the future of Nigeria rests on an educated population. ‘Rising school fees, underfunded public universities, and poor facilities continue to deny many children and young people the opportunity to learn,’ it said.

The organisation encouraged the government to increase budgetary allocations to education, provide incentives for teachers, and ensure that schools at all levels are properly equipped.

CAPPA said that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development. It called for stronger accountability measures to ensure that public resources are not wasted or diverted into a few private pockets.

‘Public office must be treated as a trust. Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,’ the organisation reflected. It urged the Tinubu administration to use the anniversary as an opportunity to renew its commitment to improving welfare at the grassroots.

CAPPA also called on Nigerians to play their part by holding leaders accountable and participating actively in civic life. It said the spirit of independence was not only about what the government does, but also about how citizens work together to build a better society.

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to scale up immunisation across all communities, rallying council chairmen, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders to ensure wider vaccine coverage and stronger primary healthcare delivery.

Speaking at the inauguration of the State Task Force on Immunisation and Primary Health Care Services held on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who chairs the committee, said the task force was designed to ensure that no child in Lagos is left unvaccinated.

Hamzat commended the immunisation teams for their work over the years but stressed that the campaign must extend to underserved communities.

‘We want our religious leaders to use their sermons to inform people about the potency of the vaccine. We equally want our schools to be aware of their role in ensuring that students are duly vaccinated,’ he said.

He added that effective collaboration with stakeholders across the health sector is essential, assuring that the state government would increase budgetary allocation to strengthen primary healthcare services for optimal delivery.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, underscored the urgency of scaling up coverage, warning that weak primary healthcare inevitably results in sickly communities.

‘The world has advanced to produce very effective vaccines that eliminate infections such as hepatitis, cervical cancer through HPV, and malaria, among others. For Lagos State to improve uptake, our services must improve-covering infrastructure, equipment, and human resources for health,’ he explained.

Permanent Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha, reaffirmed government’s commitment to accountability and inclusiveness.

He said the task force would drive improvements in routine immunisation, strengthen system resilience, and enhance collaboration between government and private actors.

On behalf of council chairmen, the Chairman of Conference 57 and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Sesan Olowa, pledged the unwavering support of all council bosses for the campaign.

Mustapha concluded that the ultimate goal was to ensure ‘no one is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines and essential health services.’

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says the online ticketing platform for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) is now open for payment.

The Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Umyimadu said that passengers were therefore encouraged to book their tickets online ahead of resumption on Oct. 1 via https://nrc.tps.ng or visit any of the designated stations to purchase their tickets.

According to him, in preparation for the resumption of services, the journey time has been reduced following a review of the Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) to enhance operations.

The new schedule is as follows Abuja – Kaduna – Idu: 8:45 a.m., Kubwa, 9:10 a.m., Rigasa (Arrive), 11:47 a.m., Kaduna – Abuja: Rigasa, 2:30 p.m., Kubwa, 5:12 p.m., and Idu (Arrive), 5:32 p.m.’

He added that the management of NRC appreciated the patience and understanding of its esteemed passengers during the suspension period.

He assured the public that safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction remained top priorities.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as ‘Sommie’, a news anchor and reporter with Arise News through a robbery attack as stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the streets.

The NGE said this in a statement by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, issued on Tuesday while expressing sadness over the death of news anchor, lawyer and reporter.

The Guild described the death of the 29-year-old broadcaster in an armed robbery incident at her Katampe, Abuja residence on Monday, Sept. 29 as ‘senseless’.

‘By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional, who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country.

‘The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident. We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation.

‘The rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes, have created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists,’ the NGE stated.

The guild consequently called on the Federal Government to expedite action, in addressing the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

According to the NGE, those responsible for Maduagwu’s death must be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law.

‘At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broadcast journalism community.

‘We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime, inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity.

‘May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her,’ it added

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday approved the appointment of new heads for three key agencies of the Federal Government, according to a statement by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

According to the statement, the President approved the appointment of Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency.

The appointment of Bwari was for an initial four-year term, effective from Sept. 18, 2025.

Also, the President also appointed Mr Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal.

His appointment was for a five-year term, beginning on Sept. 18, 2025.

In the same vein, President Tinubu appointed popular Television Continental journalist, Mr Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.

Awakan’s appointment was for an initial four-year term, effective from Sept. 2, 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has assured that Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a news anchor at Arise News Tv and bring those responsible to justice.

Wike said this in reaction to death of Maduagwu in her home in Katampe area of Abuja early Monday morning, in the statement signed by Mr Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Minister commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

The minister prayed for the repose of her soul and assured that the Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said her death was not only a loss to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media and entire nation.

‘I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in her prime. It is sad.

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their investigation while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.’

Wike called for continuous prayers and support of the Almighty God for members of staff and management of the Arise News, especially the Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’

Wike’s colleague, the Minister of Information and National Orientation ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, had in an earlier statement also described the death of Maduagwu as regrettable.

The Minister said this in a letter of condolence signed by Idris to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena and issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, her death is a grievous loss not only to her immediate family and the Arise News team, but to the Nigerian media fraternity and indeed, the nation.

‘I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

‘By every account, she was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

‘I am saddened by the heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime.

‘Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,’ Idris said.

He gave assurances for a swift investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the late news anchor.

The minister also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Nigeria Police Force said it has launched an investigation into the death of the journalist.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Dr. Abayomi as a ‘dogged fighter for democracy’ whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey remain invaluable.

Tinubu praised the Chairman of Human Rights Africa and Pro-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, for his lifelong commitment to justice, civil liberties, and the defence of the oppressed.

‘Dr. Abayomi remains a consistent voice defending democratic rights. In the dark days of military regimes, he was a thorn in the flesh of the power usurpers, sacrificing his freedom at various times to advocate for the enthronement of people’s power,’ Tinubu said.

He added that the activist has ‘continuously championed the rights of the downtrodden, insisting that every Nigerian deserves to speak and be heard.’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria may face a problem bigger than the current Boko Haram insurgency by 2050 if the challenge of current high number of out of school children was not tackled.

Obasanjo made the prediction in his remarks at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto State on Tuesday.

He noted that by 2050, Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 400 million.

‘If we fail to prepare for these challenges, the Boko Haram of today will be child’s play.

‘Already, 24 million children who should be in school are out of school. That alone could become a recruiting ground for future insurgencies.

‘We must not give up on educating every Nigerian child. If everyone is educated, you will have better servants, better leaders, and a better society,’ Obasanjo cautioned.

The former Nigerian President emphasised the importance of education and knowledge as tools for national development.

‘No matter our religion, tribe, culture or language, we cannot develop our full potential without education.

‘In today’s world, we need not only general knowledge about our society but also practical skills to empower individuals, families, communities, and the nation,’ he added.

Obasanjo, however, affirmed that although Nigeria is a diverse and complex nation, it is not a difficult country to govern.

He stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity in diversity.

‘There are many good things in Nigeria. These are shown in our unity in diversity, and Nigeria is what it is today because of its diversity.

‘If diversity is managed with good governance and inclusiveness, then we will be respected and counted among the leading nations in the world,’ he said.

The former president added that honesty and sincerity on the part of leaders remained crucial in managing the country.

‘Nigeria is not a difficult country to rule if leaders are honest with themselves, with God, and with the people.

‘I am one of the greatest beneficiaries of Nigeria’s diversity. Since 1979, I have sought counsel and blessings from elders across the North, South, East and West to manage our unity in diversity,’ Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his efforts in managing Sokoto State and praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for his commitment to unity.

He also lauded Bishop Matthew Kukah for establishing the ICT centre, while acknowledging Aare Afe Babalola for supporting the initiative.

In his remarks, Sultan Abubakar appreciated Obasanjo for gracing the occasion and urged Nigerians to emulate his dedication to promoting unity.

He emphasised the urgent need for Nigerians to unite in addressing security challenges and fostering development.

Representing Aliyu, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Government, expressed appreciation to Obasanjo and the Catholic Diocese for the initiative.

He assured that the state government would remain committed to promoting technology education to expand opportunities for future generations.

Earlier, Kukah explained that the centre was open to all citizens without discrimination and was designed to empower the people with digital skills.

Courses at the centre include: Computer literacy, office productivity, coding, computer engineering, software development, data science, and digital analysis, among others.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has warned that the ongoing industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) could damage job creation, investment flows, and national economic stability if not quickly nipped in the bud.

NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made this known in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

He expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the union’s ongoing strike.

Oyerinde stated that while trade unions had the right to protest and strike, such rights must be exercised responsibly, within legal boundaries, and without harming enterprises or workers’ long-term interests.

‘Disputes should be resolved through statutory institutions like the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN),’ he said.

According to him, coercing unwilling parties or disrupting lawful business operations contradicts international labour conventions and poses serious risks to enterprise survival and national security.

He stressed that disruptive actions that threatened national interest were unacceptable in modern labour relations, and NECA would not remain silent as Nigeria’s labour framework faced erosion.

Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards and promoting decent work but warned that such standards did not legitimise sabotage, coercion, or economic harm by unions.

He said Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery should not be endangered by reckless industrial actions that risked scaring off investors and ultimately harming the very workers unions claimed to protect.

Oyerinde urged the Minister of Labour and Employment, along with other relevant authorities, to act swiftly to end the strike.

Recall that the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) had in an earlier statement said industrial action by PENGASSAN resulted in reduction in power generation by more than 1,100MW on Sept 28.

NISO’s Management in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, available generation in the National Grid fell sharply from over 4,300MW in the early hours of Sept. 28, to about 3,200MW at the lowest point.

‘NISO wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

‘These disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours Sept. 28th to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point”it said.

NISO said that the development heightened pressure on the grid, prompting emergency measures to stabilise supply and avert a nationwide blackout.

‘To mitigate the crisis, the system operator said that it ramped up generation from major hydropower stations, injecting over 400MW to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The agency said that it also implemented real-time load adjustments, frequency support measures, and selective load shedding to preserve operational security.

NISO said it promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid. Key interventions which include

‘Hydropower Optimisation: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

‘Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.

‘Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

‘Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution,’it said.

According to NISO, these timely actions enabled the it and National Control Centre (NCC) to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.

The system operator however reaffirmed its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation’.

PENGASSAN attributed its latest action to Dangote Refinery’s alleged unilateral action in sacking over 800 staff members for joining the Association.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of PENGASSAN held an emergency meeting of all its branches on Saturday, and resolved that members should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday..

The federal government has waded into the face-off between the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN .

A meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, underscored two recent developments, including the purported suspension of the Naira-for-Crude oil arrangement by the Dangote Refinery, and the concerns raised by PENGASSAN regarding the refinery