Category: PM News

Thor Explorations Ltd., through its Nigerian subsidiary, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) is supporting agricultural enterprise in its host communities through the provision of ten mini cassava and oil palm processing plants. The initiative combines a 50 percent equipment subsidy with a hire purchase agreement to improve access to productive assets and strengthen local livelihoods.

The Cassava and Oil Palm Processing Equipment Project covers the three host communities: Imogbara, Odo-Ijesha and Iperindo, with six oil palm processing plants and four cassava processing plants allocated to selected beneficiaries across the three communities. It addresses practical constraints faced by local processors, whose reliance on labour intensive methods can restrict production volumes, increase processing time and limit earning potential.

The equipment subsidy and hire purchase agreement arrangement is designed to make equipment more accessible while encouraging business ownership, accountability and long term maintenance.

The Company thoroughly believes that Agriculture is an important source of livelihood in its host communities. By helping local processors access better equipment, Thor supports their ability to build stronger businesses and participate more effectively in agricultural value chains. Thor’s commitment to responsible mining includes investing in productive opportunities that strengthen the local economy and support livelihoods over the long term

Each oil palm processing plant includes a vertical palm fruit debuncher and a diesel-powered automatic presser. The debunchers have a processing capacity of 800-1,000 kilograms per hour and are designed to reduce the manual effort involved in separating palm fruits from their bunches. The automatic pressers mechanise the pressing stage to improve processing efficiency.

The cassava processing plants each comprise a grater, a manual presser fitted with a 32-tonne jack and a fryer for garri production. The graters can process 500 kilograms of cassava per hour, while the pressers remove excess water from grated cassava before further processing. Together, the equipment is intended to reduce strenuous work, improve processing consistency and enable beneficiaries to handle larger volumes of produce.

Iperindo has been allocated two oil palm plants and two cassava plants. While Imogbara and Odo-Ijesha have each been allocated two oil palm plants and one cassava plant.

Beyond the direct benefits to processors, the project is expected to support economic activity across transportation, trading and distribution. Improved processing capability and product quality could strengthen market opportunities for beneficiaries and create demand for related local services.

This initiative forms part of Thor’s wider community investment through SROL complementing programmes in women’s enterprise, education and livelihood restoration programmes. It reflects the Company’s commitment to supporting economic resilience and expanding opportunities within the communities surrounding the Segilola Gold Mine.

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Olufunso Doherty, has narrated what happened before police reportedly fired tear gas at participants commemorating the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests at the Lekki Toll Gate.

Doherty said those gathered at the venue on Tuesday were merely granting interviews when the incident occurred, insisting that nothing unusual was taking place.

‘Nothing was going on other than interviews,’ he said while recounting the incident.

The NDC candidate was among political figures, journalists and other Nigerians who assembled at the toll gate to commemorate the October 20, 2020, #EndSARS incident.

Doherty’s running mate, Tolani Animashaun, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, were also present.

P.M. NEWS had reported on Tuesday that the gathering was disrupted by tear gas, forcing participants to leave the venue.

Animashaun confirmed the incident to P.M. NEWS shortly afterwards, saying she and others had been exposed to tear gas.

A video obtained by P.M. NEWS showed police officers addressing the gathering, although it did not capture the actual deployment of tear gas.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Doherty described the events of October 20, 2020, as a painful chapter in Nigeria’s history, noting that some families lost loved ones while others suffered injuries.

The memorial marked six years since the nationwide #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality, during which the Lekki Toll Gate became a major protest location.

The Lagos State Police Command had not provided an official explanation for Tuesday’s reported tear-gassing at the time of P.M. NEWS’ initial report.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to practise self-care, including regular hand hygiene and appropriate disinfection, to support efforts to contain Ebola virus disease following confirmation of an imported case in Abuja.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the inaugural National Self-Care Conference 2026, themed ‘Self-Care Puts Your Health in Your Hands: Test. Track. Thrive.’

Salako emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, urging Nigerians to adopt healthy practices and cooperate with public health officials to contain Ebola.

‘Let me emphasise that self-care is also important in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, including Ebola viral disease, which Nigeria is currently working hard to contain, following one imported case that was reported.

‘I therefore use this opportunity to call on the Nigerian public to observe self-care, like hand hygiene, appropriate disinfection, and cooperate fully with public health officials to contain the reported Ebola in this case,’ he said.

He said self-care empowered people with the knowledge, skills and tools to take charge of their health while extending healthcare beyond hospitals and clinics into homes, workplaces and communities.

According to him, self-care complemented professional healthcare rather than replacing it or absolving the government of its responsibility to provide accessible, affordable and quality health services.

‘As government, therefore, we will continue to promote investment in health facilities, skilled personnel, essential medicines, and functional referral systems,’ he said.

Salako said self-care could strengthen primary healthcare, advance universal health coverage and improve outcomes in maternal and reproductive health, non-communicable diseases and mental well-being.

He explained that ‘Test’ encouraged people to establish their health status, ‘Track’ promoted consistent monitoring of health indicators and treatment adherence, while ‘Thrive’ represented the goal of healthier individuals, stronger families and more resilient communities.

The minister urged state governments to integrate evidence-based self-care into health policies and programmes, while calling on healthcare professionals to guide its safe use and development partners to support sustainable financing and capacity development.

The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas, said self-care should be promoted alongside effective regulation, quality services and accountability to prevent unsafe practices and ensure people received appropriate support.

The Netherlands has returned a Benin artefact to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, 129 years after the invasion of the Benin Kingdom as part of activities marking the traditional ruler’s 10th coronation anniversary.

The presentation took place at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City on Tuesday.

Chief Lucky Imasue, Chairman of the 10th Coronation Anniversary Committee and former Deputy Governor of Edo, said the Netherlands had initiated the return of artefacts taken from Benin following the 1897 invasion.

Imasue said every Benin artefact belonged to the Oba of Benin, regardless of the quantity, adding that more artefacts were expected to be returned.

He said the artefact was presented by the Consul General of the Netherlands, Mr Frank Keurnorst, alongside Beatrice van Bormann, Executive Director of Museum De Fundatie, in the Netherlands.

He described the return on Oct. 20, as significant, coming exactly 10 years after Ewuare’s coronation and 129 years after many historical objects were looted from the Benin Kingdom.

Imasue recalled that the artefacts documented the majesty of the Oba and life in the kingdom, describing them as historical records kept in the palace before the invasion.

‘Efforts to recover the artefacts date back to previous Obas, but gained momentum under Ewuare, whose diplomatic experience as a former ambassador helped advance the campaign,’ he said.

According to him, the Federal Government, through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, recognises that the artefacts were taken from the oba’s palace and should be returned there.

He thanked the government and people of the Netherlands for returning the artefact and choosing the oba’s coronation anniversary for the presentation.

Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II

The ceremony was also attended by the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Paulo Santos.

In his anniversary address, Ewuare commended the Netherlands for returning the historical object after more than a century.

Ewuare also thanked the Portugues ambassador and the Dutch consul general for attending the ceremony.

He disclosed plans to deepen cultural and historical relations with Portugal, recalling that the Holy Aruosa Church in Benin was established during the Portuguese era in the kingdom.

The traditional ruler explained that his forefathers had attempted to embrace Catholicism while retaining traditional beliefs, resulting in a church whose practices and regalia reflected Catholic influences.

‘The Benin kingdom maintains its traditional spiritual portals of communication with Almighty God,’ he said.

Ewuare recalled his experience as Nigeria’s Ambassador in Rome, where he learnt that the Vatican had begun recognising African traditional religions.

He commended Van Bormann for her commitment to the assignment involving the artefact and for achieving the set target.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, dispatched a team of officers to Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, Rivers State, to assess damage caused when a vehicle in his convoy allegedly rammed into the revenue toll gate barricades five days earlier.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the airport’s exit terminal. The damaged facilities belong to Atlantic Biscoe Nigeria Ltd., the concessionaire managing the domestic section of the airport.

Following a report published by PM NEWS, Lagos, in its Sunday edition of October 18, the IGP’s office at Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, immediately contacted the reporter to confirm the details. Officials also reportedly reached out to airport authorities to address concerns about the police response since the incident.

PM NEWS has maintained the accuracy of its report and commended the IGP for taking a professional approach by deploying officers to the scene.

The toll gate barricades form part of the revenue-control infrastructure under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The decision to assess the damage reflects a more responsive approach to policing under the current Inspector-General.

Since assuming office, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has been reaching out to several police formations where he served prior to his current appointment.

He first visited the divisional police station where he served as a Divisional Police Officer. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, he visited Rivers State, where he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a thank-you visit stemming from his service as Commissioner of Police in the state.

While serving in Rivers State, he encountered a 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga, who predicted that he would be appointed Inspector-General of Police. In fulfilment of that prediction, he attended the book launch held in her honour.

IGP Disu is generally seen to have made the welfare of serving and retired officers paramount in the discharge of his duties.

The Federal Government says it is reforming Nigeria’s education system to equip graduates with digital skills needed to secure jobs, start businesses and meet the demands of the changing labour market.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the reforms would focus on skills such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, software development and data analytics.

Alausa spoke at the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa, themed, ‘Navigating the Future of Skills Development for the Nigerian Economy.’

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Ikharo Attah, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Alausa said the government was moving away from an education system focused mainly on academic learning to one that prepares students for employment and entrepreneurship.

He explained that digital technology was changing how people learn, work and do business, making it important for schools to teach skills that employers need.

The minister stressed that technical knowledge alone was not enough. He said students also needed critical thinking, good communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills to succeed in the workplace.

According to him, the success of digital training programmes should not be judged only by examination results. Instead, students should be able to develop practical solutions, create useful products, improve services and build sustainable businesses.

Alausa called for stronger partnerships among schools, training institutions, employers and industry stakeholders to ensure that students acquire the right skills.

He urged training providers to include practical projects, mentorship, internships and recognised professional certifications in their programmes. He added that students who could show evidence of their practical work would have better chances of getting jobs, starting businesses or pursuing further education.

The minister said the government was also introducing digital technology into school curricula from the primary level to help children develop the foundation for more advanced digital skills.

He identified six priority areas of the ministry’s reform agenda as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM); Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); reducing the number of out-of-school children; girl-child education; data and digitalisation; and quality assurance.

He said digital skills were important to achieving these goals by improving science education, practical learning and education planning.

Alausa also called for wider access to affordable internet services, digital devices and learning materials, especially for girls, persons with disabilities, rural students and those from low-income families.

In a related address, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, urged instructors to focus on critical thinking, complex problem-solving and continuous learning rather than examination results alone.

Inuwa, a former Cisco Networking Academy student, said digital skills could create new career opportunities and help Nigerians adapt to changes in the workplace.

He also highlighted the partnership between NITDA and the Ministry of Education to introduce digital literacy into school curricula and tertiary education.

Alausa assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to implement education reforms, strengthen partnerships with industries and expand access to quality digital skills training under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Senate and the House of Representatives have called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to Ebola Virus Disease, demanding emergency funding, compulsory health screening at international entry points and improved capacity for detecting and containing infectious diseases.

The lawmakers’ interventions followed the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising concerns about the country’s ability to prevent further transmission amid reports of the virus in other African countries.

While the Senate called for emergency funding from the service-wide vote and mandatory screening of all international passengers, the House of Representatives urged the immediate release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and emergency medical response.

The Senate’s resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance on Wednesday, sponsored by Senator Francis Faduyile, who warned that the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus across parts of Africa posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s public health system.

Similarly, the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, calling for stronger preventive and emergency medical measures following the confirmation of the Abuja case.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to mobilise emergency resources to strengthen disease surveillance and enforce mandatory health screening at all international airports, seaports and designated land borders.

Faduyile noted that the outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), had spread to other African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, increasing the possibility of infected travellers entering Nigeria through third countries.

He also cited the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s (NCDC) assessment of the risk of Ebola importation, recalling the 2014 outbreak in Nigeria, when an infected traveller introduced the virus through Lagos.

Although the Senate acknowledged existing government measures, including health declaration forms and enhanced screening at entry points, it expressed concern that screening requirements had been restricted to travellers from selected countries, potentially leaving gaps in the surveillance system.

The lawmakers also raised concerns about inadequate staffing and equipment at some entry points and the continued reliance of Port Health Services on the Quarantine Act of 1926.

Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and Port Health Services to make health screening compulsory for all arriving international passengers, regardless of nationality or country of departure.

The proposed measures include health declaration forms, temperature checks and symptom assessments, with enhanced screening for travellers who have visited or transited through affected areas within the preceding 21 days.

The upper chamber also called for exit screening of departing passengers during declared public health emergencies.

It further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service to provide adequate numbers of trained Port Health officers, thermal scanners, protective equipment and isolation facilities at all entry points.

The Senate also asked the Federal Government to ensure that isolation and treatment centres across the 36 states and the FCT were adequately prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases.

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, called on the Federal Government to immediately release outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies, warning that funding gaps could undermine the country’s efforts to prevent and contain the disease.

Presenting his motion, Ogah described Ebola as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires early detection, effective infection prevention and control, and coordinated public health intervention.

He told lawmakers that a case had been confirmed in a woman who arrived in Abuja from Uganda and that health authorities had identified 44 contacts for monitoring and further assessment.

Ogah warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He also expressed concern that inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention and control supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity could weaken containment efforts.

The House unanimously adopted the motion during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to mobilise public and private health institutions at federal and state levels and place them on high alert.

They specifically called on the government, through the Ministry of Finance, to release outstanding appropriated funds without delay to enable relevant agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The House further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to assess the additional funding required to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions for updates on the Ebola situation and the measures being taken to prevent further transmission. The committee is expected to report back for further legislative action.

Beyond emergency funding and screening, the Senate called for the replacement of the Quarantine Act of 1926 with modern public health legislation aligned with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

The lawmakers also urged the ministries responsible for finance, budget and economic planning to provide adequate funding for the NCDC and Port Health Services in the 2027 budget and ensure the release of outstanding funds.

The House of Representatives has given MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other telecom operators seven days to explain why Nigerians continue to experience poor network services.

The lawmakers issued the ultimatum on Wednesday during a public hearing in Abuja. They directed the chief executives of the affected companies to appear before the committee on October 28, 2026.

The decision followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by lawmakers Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.

The committee expressed concern that some telecom operators, including MTN and Mafab Communications, had failed to honour previous invitations.

The lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the companies comply with the order. The operators are expected to submit relevant documents before the hearing, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Hearing Room 447 of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

They warned that any chief executive who fails to appear could face an arrest summons.

The committee chairman, Olumide Osoba, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Ogun State, said reliable telecommunications services were important to Nigeria’s economy because businesses, financial transactions and daily communication depend on them.

He explained that the House set up the ad hoc committee to investigate repeated complaints from subscribers and identify the reasons for poor service delivery.

Osoba criticised telecom operators for sending junior officials or giving excuses instead of allowing their chief executives to answer questions about network problems and other operational challenges.

Another lawmaker, Ibe Osonwa, condemned the companies for failing to honour the invitations despite the revenue they make from Nigeria. He said telecom operators must be held responsible for the quality of services they provide.

Osonwa warned that the House would not allow the companies to frustrate the investigation.

The ultimatum comes amid growing complaints about poor network services. On October 20, the NCC reported that telecom operators had compensated 75 million subscribers for poor service in 2026. Nearly three million other subscribers also received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions.

The commission said it had carried out more than 6,500 network improvement activities this year, including equipment upgrades and expansion of network capacity.

The concerns followed a disruption reported by MTN subscribers on October 8 in parts of Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory. The disruption reportedly lasted more than five hours, leaving some customers unable to make calls or complete transactions.

NCC figures also showed that the four major telecom operators received 413,587 consumer complaints in the first half of 2026.

Airtel recorded 228,992 complaints, MTN had 124,405, Globacom received 56,810, while T2mobile recorded 3,885.

Although the operators reportedly resolved 406,938 complaints, subscribers have continued to raise concerns about poor call quality, slow internet speeds, billing problems and failed transactions.

In April 2026, the NCC introduced an automatic airtime compensation policy for eligible subscribers affected when operators fail to meet required service standards.

Despite these measures, the House committee wants the telecom companies to explain why the problems continue and present clear plans to improve their services.

Osoba directed the NCC to ensure that the operators meet the October 28 deadline and submit all required documents.

Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has raised the alarm over the reported disappearance of Nigerian fashion entrepreneur Evelyn Onyema, popularly known as 44 Clothing, calling on members of the public to help locate her.

Onyema, the founder and chief executive officer of the fashion brand 44 Clothing, has reportedly been missing for two days, with her last known location said to be Bonny Camp in Lagos State.

Gwamnishu raised the alarm on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, urging residents and workers around the area to assist in the search for the missing fashion entrepreneur.

In a message circulating on social media, the activist indicated that he and his team were heading to Bonny Camp to help with efforts to locate her.

He also appealed to people familiar with the area to come forward with any information that could help establish her whereabouts.

‘ We are heading to Bonny Camp now,’ Gwamnishu reportedly wrote, urging members of the public to join the search.

Reports circulating online also indicate that Onyema was last seen with her boyfriend, identified as Derrick, in the Bonny Camp area.

However, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, and there has been no independently verified information establishing what happened to her.

Her mobile phones have reportedly been recovered, adding to concerns among people following the case. However, details surrounding the discovery of the devices have not been independently confirmed.

The reported disappearance has triggered an outpouring of concern on social media, with friends, followers and members of the public sharing appeals for information that could help find her.

Several posts have urged residents around Bonny Camp to remain vigilant and report any credible sightings to the police or relevant authorities.

Onyema gained recognition through her fashion business, 44 Clothing, which operated in Asaba, Delta State, before she relocated her business to Lagos.

The entrepreneur has also attracted attention on social media through her fashion designs and online presence.

Earlier reports and social media discussions suggested that she had experienced business difficulties in recent months.

However, no verified information has established any connection between those reported challenges and her disappearance.

As concern over her whereabouts grows, members of the public have been urged to avoid spreading unverified claims or speculating about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with credible information about Onyema’s whereabouts is advised to report it to the nearest Nigeria Police Force station and notify her family or the representatives coordinating the search.

As of the time of filing this report, her whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

The Lagos APC PBAT-KOH Campaign Council has mourned the death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 100 years.

The council, under the leadership of its Director-General, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, described Fasoranti as a revered Yoruba elder statesman, nationalist, educationist and advocate of democratic governance.

The organisation, in a condolence statement issued by Mr Seye Oladejo, its Director of Information, Communication and Branding , said Fasoranti’s life was defined by service, courage, integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘Pa Fasoranti’s transition marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of Yoruba socio-political development and the wider Nigerian democratic struggle.

‘He belonged to that distinguished generation of nationalists whose convictions were forged in the furnace of principle, whose voices remained resolute in moments of national uncertainty, and whose commitment to justice, democracy and good governance transcended partisan considerations.’the council said.

It said Fasoranti’s leadership of Afenifere and association with the ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo reflected a lifelong commitment to progressive governance, educational advancement, social welfare and the empowerment of ordinary citizens.

The council said these principles remained enduring pillars of democratic development and responsible leadership.

It said : ‘The council recognises that Pa Fasoranti’s contributions went beyond political advocacy.

‘He represented a moral voice in public life, consistently reminding leaders and citizens alike that political power must be exercised with responsibility, public service must be guided by conscience, and the pursuit of national progress must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.’

The organisation said Fasoranti witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s political journey, including the struggle for democratic restoration and the quest to build a nation where justice, equity and opportunity were available to all.