Category: PM News

The Osun State Fire Service has blamed electricity surge for a fire outbreak that destroyed property worth N50 million at Spring Valley Estate, Oranmiyan, beside the Arts and Culture Centre, Osogbo, the state capital.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Osun Command, Mrs Omoyemi Ojo, on Monday in Osogbo, said the fire incident occurred on Sunday evening.

Ojo said the command received an emergency call about the fire from one Tunde Balogun at about 5:38 p.m.

She said preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical surge was suspected to have caused the fire.

According to her, on arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered that the fire was confined to the kitchen and basement of a five-bedroom duplex used for residential purposes.

Ojo said the fire was brought under control with support from the Osun Fire Service, adding that no casualty was recorded.

She said property estimated at N200 million was, however, saved from the inferno.

Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah is expected to appear before the New Cairo Court on Sunday over a lawsuit filed by his former lawyer, Amr Faragallah.

Faragallah is seeking payment for legal and administrative services he claims he provided to Salah.

The court has scheduled the first hearing of the case and ordered Salah to appear in person to take an oath. The court has also set the wording of the oath, which requires Salah to deny that Faragallah provided the services mentioned in the lawsuit or that he owes the former lawyer any money.

The court warned that if Salah fails to appear or refuses to take the oath without a valid reason, he could face the legal consequences provided by Egyptian law.

The case dates back to September 2015, with Faragallah basing his claim on an official power of attorney that Salah reportedly issued to him in 2012.

The former lawyer is demanding financial compensation for legal and administrative work he says he carried out on behalf of the Liverpool and Egypt star.

The court will now consider the claims and Salah’s response as the legal proceedings continue.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated a two-bedroom apartment and four single-bedroom apartments at Biseni Secondary School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the intervention formed part of NAF’s non-kinetic operations.

Represented by Air Vice Marshal Michael Nnanye Onyebashi, Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Aneke said the initiative was designed to build trust, win the hearts and minds of host communities.

‘Civil-military relations thrive on constant, robust and mutually beneficial interaction between the military and civil society,’ Aneke said.

He said that NAF remained committed to special intervention projects that would strengthen its relationship with communities, and support ongoing security operations.

Aneke assured that NAF and other security agencies would continue to collaborate to protect lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Gov. Duoye Diri commended the NAF for the intervention, describing it as an example of effective partnership in grassroots development.

Represented by he Secretary, Bayelsa Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Diri said the project aligned with his administration’s efforts to extend development and modern infrastructure to communities.

He said the intervention would positively impact students while demonstrating NAF’s commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of Bayelsa people.

The Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, also commended the NAF for the intervention.

Dakolo, also the Ibenanawei of Epetiama Kingdom, called for more infrastructure and development projects across the Niger Delta.

The Principal, Biseni Secondary School, Mr Larry George, expressed appreciation to the NAF, Ebiowe and the Bayelsa Government.

George said the project marked a new chapter for the school and would inspire students to aspire to greater achievements.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stepped up its crackdown on illegal mining, warning operators that violations of the country’s mining laws will attract prosecution.

Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, gave the warning in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

Attah said the corps had intensified enforcement operations across the country as part of efforts to restore order to the solid minerals sector and ensure that mining activities were carried out within the law.

He said the enforcement teams had recorded progress, particularly in the South-West, where operations were being strengthened to ensure that mining companies and other operators complied with established regulations.

The commander urged all mining operators to obtain the necessary approvals and operate within the regulatory framework, stressing that ignorance would not be accepted as a defence for breaking the law.

He said, ‘Ignorance of the law will never be an excuse. Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law.

‘Those who choose to operate outside the regulatory framework will face the full weight of legal consequences.’

According to Attah, the current enforcement drive goes beyond the need to stop illegal mining. He said it was also designed to safeguard legitimate investors, increase government revenue and rebuild confidence in the solid minerals industry.

He noted that strict compliance with mining regulations remained essential if Nigeria was to exploit its mineral wealth in a safe, sustainable and economically beneficial manner.

Illegal mining has continued to pose serious challenges to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with the activities of unlicensed operators linked to revenue losses, environmental damage and unauthorised exploitation of mineral resources.

The latest operation forms part of the Federal Government’s broader attempt to transform the solid minerals industry and make it a stronger contributor to economic diversification.

Nigeria has substantial deposits of minerals such as gold, lithium, limestone, coal, bitumen and tin. Despite this potential, the sector has yet to achieve its full capacity because of illegal mining, insecurity, regulatory weaknesses and the activities of unlicensed operators.

The Federal Government has increasingly looked to the sector as a source of alternative revenue and foreign exchange as it seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on crude oil.

The intensified operations by the Mining Marshals also complement ongoing reforms by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which has been working to improve regulation, attract investment and curb illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.

The ministry has consistently urged operators to comply with licensing and other statutory requirements, maintaining that stronger enforcement and protection for legitimate investors are crucial to unlocking the full economic value of Nigeria’s solid minerals.

The Senatorial Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Monday joined political leaders, chieftains and stakeholders of the party from across the 36 states of Nigeria at the official commissioning of the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Campaign Office in Wuse II, Abuja.

The commissioning of the campaign headquarters, located at No. 43 Agadez Street, Wuse II, marked a major step in the APM’s mobilisation for the 2027 presidential election and the formal commencement of activities surrounding the candidacy of the party’s presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The campaign is being promoted under the ‘Reset Nigeria’ agenda, which the party says is focused on competence, accountability, security, economic growth and improved welfare for Nigerians.

Ajadi, who arrived in Abuja ahead of the event, was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 13 state coordinators of the Ajadi Rescue Movement. The coordinators, drawn from Katsina, Yobe, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, Zamfara, Gombe, Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna, accompanied him to the commissioning.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Ajadi described the opening of the campaign office as an important milestone in the APM’s determination to present Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 election.

He said the growing support for Makinde demonstrated that Nigerians were increasingly interested in leadership anchored on competence, accountability and practical solutions rather than empty promises.

According to Ajadi, ‘Governor Seyi Makinde has demonstrated through his administration in Oyo State that good governance is about identifying problems, developing practical solutions and delivering results. His presidential ambition is therefore not merely about occupying office; it is about bringing his experience, competence and people-oriented approach to the national stage.’

He particularly commended Makinde for rejecting a return to the old fuel subsidy regime while proposing domestic crude pricing as an alternative means of reducing petrol costs for Nigerians.

Makinde said the proposal was not a restoration of the former subsidy system but a pricing framework that recognises Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country and ensures that domestically supplied crude benefits Nigerians.

Ajadi said the position reflected the kind of policy thinking Nigerians should expect from an administration committed to making the country’s resources work for its citizens.

‘We need a president who will look beyond political slogans and confront the structural problems affecting ordinary Nigerians. Governor Makinde’s position on domestic crude pricing shows that he is thinking about sustainable solutions that can bring down costs while protecting the interests of Nigerians,’ he said.

He also expressed confidence in the Makinde/Daura ticket, describing the combination of Makinde’s executive experience and Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura’s security and intelligence background as a strong foundation for addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

The campaign platform has similarly presented the ticket as one built around governance, security, competence and national renewal.

Ajadi congratulated Governor Makinde and the entire APM leadership on the commissioning of the campaign headquarters, assuring the presidential candidate of his continued support and mobilisation across Oyo Central and beyond.

He called on APM members, supporters and Nigerians who desire a better country to rally behind the ‘Reset Nigeria’ movement.

‘I wish our presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, great success in his presidential ambition. We are confident that with unity, dedication and effective mobilisation, the APM will make a strong impact in 2027.

‘This is not just about Makinde; it is about the future of Nigeria and building a country where government truly works for the people,’ Ajadi added.

He urged Nigerians to join the conversation about the future of the country and support policies capable of transforming the nation’s resources into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

He stressed that the APM’s campaign should remain focused on issues, solutions and the collective aspiration for a better Nigeria.

A 23-year-old Microbiology student of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu, has been crowned the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Prince Daniel succeeds his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, who died on June 2, 2026.

The young monarch was officially installed as Ezeagu-Ukpo II on Friday after the completion of the burial rites of his late father.

His emergence followed the traditional succession system in Ekwuoma, where the first son of a reigning monarch is expected to succeed his father.

Speaking after his installation, the new monarch thanked the people of Ekwuoma for their support and confidence in him.

He promised to respect and protect the customs and traditions of the kingdom while working to promote peace, unity and development.

‘I appreciate the people of Ekwuoma for their confidence and support. I pledge to uphold the customs and traditions of our kingdom and promote peace, unity and development,’ he said.

The 23-year-old king also appealed to the people of the kingdom to come together and support the traditional institution.

He said the development of Ekwuoma would require the collective efforts of all sons and daughters of the kingdom.

‘I call on all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to unite behind the traditional institution. We must work collectively towards building a stronger and more prosperous community,’ he said.

The monarch also called for greater cooperation between the traditional institution, government and residents of the kingdom.

According to him, such cooperation is necessary to address the challenges facing the community and promote its development.

‘The traditional institution, government and our people must cooperate to address the challenges facing Ekwuoma and advance the development of our kingdom,’ he said.

The Federal Government has begun moves to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime industry by unlocking the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), allowing qualified Nigerian shipowners to access up to $25 million in financing to acquire vessels.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Monday, describing it as a major step towards building a stronger indigenous shipping sector and reducing foreign control of activities on Nigerian waters.

The CVFF, which has remained largely inaccessible for more than two decades, was created to provide financial support for Nigerian operators seeking to acquire vessels and compete in the maritime sector.

According to Oyetola, improved access to the fund will enable Nigerian companies to expand their fleets, participate in coastal and offshore operations, and retain more of the economic value generated within the country’s maritime space.

He said access to affordable long-term financing had been one of the biggest obstacles preventing Nigerian-owned shipping companies from competing effectively with foreign operators.

‘Each successful applicant will be able to access up to $25 million in financing to acquire vessels, subject to the applicable assessment and approval process,’ the minister stated.

Oyetola disclosed that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) had received 92 applications from interested operators, with 20 already forwarded to approved lending institutions for consideration.

He added that the government expanded the number of participating banks from five to 12 to accelerate the process and improve access for qualified applicants.

The minister said the fund could stimulate growth beyond ship ownership by creating opportunities in shipbuilding, marine engineering, vessel maintenance, maritime logistics and other supporting industries.

According to him, the initiative has the potential to generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in the blue economy.

Oyetola also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the manpower needed to support the sector, revealing that hundreds of Nigerian cadets and seafarers had received professional training and certification under government-backed programmes.

He said the Federal Government’s goal was to ensure that Nigerians not only work in the maritime sector but also own and benefit from the economic opportunities created by the country’s waters.

The minister added that unlocking the CVFF was part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to build indigenous capacity and position Nigeria as a major player in global maritime trade.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said Seyi Makinde is qualified to become President of Nigeria.

Obi made the statement on Monday at the inauguration of Makinde’s presidential campaign office in Abuja.

Makinde is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM.

Obi said he was willing to work with any candidate who wins the 2027 presidential election through a free, fair and credible process.

‘We want a Nigeria of unity and inclusion. We have a candidate who is contesting for President today, my dear brother Makinde. Is he qualified to be President? Yes, he is qualified,’ Obi said.

He said the 2027 election should not be about desperation or personal interests but about allowing Nigerians to freely choose their next leader.

Obi called on politicians to work together to build a better Nigeria, saying the country could no longer continue on its current path.

‘All of us should come together to build a new Nigeria. We can’t continue the way we are going. Our people are hungry and poor,’ he said.

The former Anambra State governor added that whoever wins the 2027 election fairly should be supported by others to help move the country forward.

‘Whoever wins genuinely from a free, fair and credible election, we will all work together to save this country from collapse,’ Obi said.

He also called for greater unity among politicians and urged them to move away from political disagreements and focus on improving the lives of Nigerians.

‘That’s why I’m here to show solidarity and assure you that we are changing the system. We don’t want politics of quarrel or politics of disagreement.

‘Let our quarrel be to feed our people. We want a Nigeria where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,’ he added.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed allegations that its student loan scheme is designed to favour supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, described the allegation as ‘completely ridiculous’, insisting that the loan application system has no mechanism for identifying applicants’ political affiliations.

Sawyerr spoke on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

According to him, students seeking the loans are required to submit basic details, including their names and matriculation numbers, through an electronic application system.

‘I have not heard this allegation, but I can tell you that it’s a completely ridiculous idea that the administration of Bola Tinubu is focused on trying to fund people who support the party. We are talking about students; many of them are yet to vote, some of them are going to be voting for the first time, [and] many of them are not party members.

‘How, in any event, do we determine who is a party member and who isn’t? Even if you are running a manual process, how do you do that? You can’t. It’s unlikely to yield you any result.

‘It is a process you have to apply for this loan electronically. If you don’t have a name, you can’t apply for this loan. You provide your matriculation number; you have to be in a public institution,’ he said.

The NELFUND chief also said demand for the loans had been ‘overwhelming’, while maintaining that the scheme operates on clearly defined eligibility criteria rather than political, religious or ethnic considerations.

‘We have a system that is focused on people who are Nigerians and meet the standard. The system doesn’t recognise your gender. There is no bias in the system at the front end or the back end.

‘This is a system that doesn’t care whether you are of one tribe or the other. This system does not have a view or an opinion on whether you are a Christian, a Muslim, or an African traditional religionist; it doesn’t want to know.’

The Lagos State Government has recorded about 80 per cent budget performance in the 2026 fiscal year, while its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performance stood at a similar level at the latest half-year assessment.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Ope George, disclosed this on Monday at the 2027 Budget Consultative Forum held at the Multipurpose Hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

George said the state had sustained a minimum budget performance of about 80 per cent over the past few years, adding that the latest assessment placed the 2026 performance at between 79 and 80 per cent.

‘Every year, we perform minimum 80 per cent on our budget over the last couple of years. So, as of last check, we are close to 80 per cent or 79 per cent,’ he said.

On IGR, the commissioner said Lagos had historically recorded between 85 and 90 per cent performance within the year, while the latest half-year assessment put the figure at about 80 per cent.

‘Now, in terms of our IGR, we always perform close to 85-90 per cent of our IGR within Lagos State. So, as of our last half year, we’re also at 80 per cent now for our IGR,’ he said.

George also disclosed that Lagos’ real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was currently estimated at about N16.2 trillion, noting that the state tracks both nominal and real GDP.

The commissioner spoke during the state’s 2027 Budget Consultative Forum, which is part of ongoing consultations with residents across the five divisions of Lagos ahead of the preparation of next year’s budget.

The consultations are designed to enable residents and other stakeholders to identify their priorities, make recommendations and provide feedback on previous government interventions.

Speaking from the community perspective, Hon. Adesegun Olatunde, Chairman, Community Development Committee, Isolo LCDA, and an Executive Committee member of the Lagos State Community Development Council, commended the consultation process.

Olatunde, who said he had participated in the exercise for almost eight years, said the response to requests made by communities had encouraged continued participation.

‘Most times it’s positive. You know, budget depends. There are other things that might come out unexpected, which has to be attended to during this section,’ he said.

He added that, although not every request could be implemented, communities had received substantial attention through the budget implementation process.

‘At worst, 70 per cent of what we request is attended to, which shows a pass mark,’ he said.

Olatunde also praised the broad participation at the forum, noting that artisans, youths, community representatives and other groups were present to make contributions.

‘It is good. If you see everybody here, we have the artisans, the community, the youth, wherever, they are all here to give an input. Because everybody is important in this state,’ he said.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Olayinka Ojo, urged stakeholders to go beyond identifying challenges and offer practical, impactful and sustainable solutions that could improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activity.

She said the recommendations should also support human capital development, social inclusion and the overall wellbeing of Lagos residents.

Ojo assured participants that their views and recommendations would be documented, analysed and forwarded to the relevant government institutions for consideration in the preparation and implementation of the 2027 Budget.