Category: PM News

By Usman Aliyu

Mr Marcus Onobun, the House of Representatives member representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency has said he won the direct primary election conducted by the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the seat conducted over the weekend contrary to the results declared.

He therefore demanded to be declared rightful winner of APC House of Representatives primary for the constituency.

Onobun said this while urging the APC Primary Election Petitions Committee to review ward results and compare them with reports from officials, agents and documentary evidence.

“That I be declared rightful winner of the APC primary, having secured majority of lawful votes,” Onobun said in a petition he filed on Sunday to the APC Primary Election Petitions Committee, alleging ward results across the constituency showed his victory.

The committee reportedly announced Lucky Esiegbe as winner, in spite of Onobun’s claim that ward results indicated otherwise.

He said: “The party approved direct primary mode, empowering registered members across thirty wards to elect the candidate.”

He alleged irregularities in collation and announcement of results, saying due process was not followed in several wards.

Onobun who was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to APC in July 2025.

He cited internal crises, leadership instability and deep-seated divisions as his reasons for abandoning the PDP.

He was a former Speaker of Edo House of Assembly.

Nigeria and the United States have conducted a new round of air and ground operations targeting Islamic State fighters in the country’s north-east, according to the US military.

US Africa Command (Africom) said the strikes took place on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts against extremist networks in the region. In a statement, it noted: “Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed,” it said.

The latest action comes just 48 hours after both countries confirmed a separate joint mission that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior IS figure described as the group’s second-in-command globally. He had also been under United States sanctions since 2023.

Northern Nigeria continues to face sustained violence from IS-linked insurgents as well as armed criminal groups responsible for raids on rural communities and repeated abductions.

Security tensions in the region have also attracted international attention, including criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has claimed that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government has rejected this, maintaining that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from the insecurity.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Monday assured Nigerians that the ongoing economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu would ultimately deliver long-term prosperity, economic stability and national renewal despite the current hardship being experienced across the country.

Yilwatda stated this in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, following the successful conduct of the party’s House of Representatives primary elections nationwide.

The APC chairman acknowledged that the administration’s economic policies had required sacrifice, patience and resilience from Nigerians, but insisted that early signs of recovery and improved economic performance were already becoming visible.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was conceived as a strategic intervention to address decades of structural distortions that weakened productivity, discouraged investments and limited Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

“Great nations are not built on easy choices or temporary comforts, but on courageous decisions that secure the future of generations yet unborn. The reforms being implemented today are laying the foundation for a more stable, productive and prosperous Nigeria,” Yilwatda said.

The APC chairman admitted that many Nigerians were currently facing inflationary pressure and rising cost of living, but maintained that the Federal Government had continued to respond through targeted interventions, infrastructure investments and support for critical sectors of the economy.

Yilwatda pointed to several economic indicators which, according to him, reflected growing investor confidence and expanding commercial activities nationwide.

He cited the latest maritime sector report showing that Nigerian ports handled 1,092 ocean-going vessels in the first quarter of 2026 as evidence of increasing trade activities and renewed international confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“The handling of over 1,092 ocean-going vessels within the first quarter of the year is not an isolated statistic. It reflects increasing commercial confidence, stronger maritime operations, rising export activities and renewed international economic engagement with Nigeria,” he stated.

The APC chairman further disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil production had risen to about 99.2 per cent of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, production quota, describing it as evidence of improved security coordination and operational efficiency within the oil and gas sector.

He also highlighted the commissioning of new 330kV transmission lines in Edo State and the addition of 600 megawatts to the national grid as part of efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen electricity infrastructure and support industrial growth.

According to Yilwatda, increasing investments in automobile spare parts manufacturing, industrial production and energy infrastructure also demonstrated that the Nigerian economy was gradually repositioning itself for long-term competitiveness and self-reliance.

He assured Nigerians that the APC-led administration remained committed to responsible governance, job creation, economic stability and infrastructure expansion.

“Nigeria is passing through a period of economic rebuilding. While the journey may be challenging, the signs of recovery and national renewal are becoming increasingly visible,” he said.

Yilwatda urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, insisting that the difficult reforms currently being implemented would eventually produce a stronger and more resilient economy capable of delivering improved living standards for citizens.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at deepening reforms, encouraging investments and promoting inclusive economic growth across the country.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

CAN declares Wednesday day of prayer, fasting

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu is personally leading the tech-driven operation based on his directive to rescue staff, students, and pupils abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday

An assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were also killed by the gunmen.

While reacting to the incident, the President said assured that security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the abducted students, pupils and teachers in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Monday.

While condemning mass abduction, Tinubu assured that a breakthrough in the rescue of the abductees would be recorded soon.

“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law”

The President also condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers: “I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims.

President Tinubu sympathized with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for the unfortunate incident and assured them that the federal government will collaborate with the state government to rescue the victims.

“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims.

Tinubu also used the opportunity to call on the National Assembly to accelerate the law on the establishment of state police to tackle incidents of kidnapping across the country.

“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police”, the President said.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has declared Wednesday, May 20, a day of prayer and fasting for the abducted vice principal, teachers and students.

The association said this in a statement by its Chairman Rev. Elisha Ogundiya in Ibadan on Monday.

Oyo CAN also said it was deeply saddened and disturbed by the attack on Friday, when armed assailants stormed Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities.

“We condemn this act in the strongest terms. Schools must remain safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals.

“The trauma inflicted on these children, their teachers, and their families is immeasurable,” the association stated

CAN urged the governments to ensure immediate release of all 46 persons abducted.

It urged the government to increase security in vulnerable rural areas, investigate and prosecute the perpetrators, and implement school safety protocols.

The association also urged citizens to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide information to aid rescue operations.

It directed all churches in state to observe prayer and fasting on Wednesday, and for the fast to break at 6:00p.m.

“Prayer points include the release of those abducted, divine protection for the state, and repentance for the perpetrators, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Ephesians 6:10.

“We continue to pray for the safe return of these abductees and for the exposure and defeat of those behind this evil act,” the statement said.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Three people were killed in a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the city, as United States law enforcement authorities launched a major investigation into what police described as a possible hate crime.

The attack, which occurred on Monday at the mosque located in the Clairemont area of San Diego, also left two teenage suspects dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to investigators.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed during a news briefing that officers responding to reports of an active shooter discovered three adult male victims dead at the scene, including a security guard who officials said helped prevent even greater casualties.

“One of the deceased is a security guard that works there and I think played a pivotal role in assisting from this being much worse,” Wahl said.

Authorities disclosed that the two suspects, aged 17 and 19, were later found dead inside a vehicle a few blocks away from the mosque.

According to police, the suspects appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Investigators revealed that one of the suspects allegedly took a firearm from a parent’s home and left behind a suicide note containing writings about racial pride.

Law enforcement officials also disclosed that hate speech was scrawled on one of the weapons used during the attack, intensifying suspicions that the shooting was motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.

“We are considering this a hate crime until it’s not,” Police Chief Wahl stated during the briefing.

The shooting triggered panic around the Islamic Center, which also houses a school attended by Muslim children.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted and police flooded the area.

A nearby resident, Vanessa, told reporters she heard loud explosions before seeing children being rushed into safety while emergency services responded.

Police said officers arrived at the mosque within four minutes of receiving the first emergency call around 11:43 a.m. local time.

Between 50 and 100 officers later entered and searched the facility as part of an active shooter response operation.

FBI Director Kash Patel said all necessary resources would be made available to support the probe.

“We have never experienced a tragedy like this before,” Hassane said while thanking law enforcement and community leaders for their support.

Authorities confirmed that all children, teachers and staff members at the Islamic school linked to the mosque were safely evacuated from the facility.

Following the shooting, police departments in New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Los Angeles announced increased patrols around mosques and other places of worship as a precautionary measure.

United States President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom were also briefed on the incident.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR, condemned the attack and noted that complaints of anti-Muslim discrimination and Islamophobia in the United States had reached record levels in recent years.

Veteran broadcaster and media personality Frank Edoho has said he does not want his death to be connected to any woman, regardless of the relationship involved.

Edoho made the statement during an interview on the Outside The Box podcast, which was later re-uploaded on YouTube.

During the conversation, the popular TV host spoke about life, emotional struggles, personal peace, and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind. According to him, he wants to live a meaningful life filled with kindness, happiness, and positive impact on others.

The broadcaster explained that he hopes to leave the world without bitterness, emotional pain, or regrets. He added that he does not want his death to be blamed on issues involving any woman, whether it is his wife, mother, daughter, or any other female figure in his life.

Speaking about male vulnerability and silent suffering among men, Edoho said many people often overlook the emotional challenges men face privately. He noted that peace of mind and inner happiness are more important to him than material success or public recognition.

According to him, he wants to be remembered as someone who always tried to make people smile and spread positivity everywhere he went.

Edoho said:

“I don’t want to get to heaven and they ask me what killed me and they say it’s a woman. Whether that woman is my daughter, my wife, or my mother, I don’t want that to be how I leave this world.

“I want to die with a smile on my face, knowing that I tried to put smiles on the faces of the people I met. My only regret should be wishing I had done more good, not wishing I had more time.”

The respected broadcaster gained nationwide fame as the longtime host of the Nigerian edition of the popular television game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? His calm style, humor, and communication skills made him one of the most recognised faces on Nigerian television.

Over the years, Edoho has remained active in the entertainment and media industry, often speaking openly about relationships, personal experiences, and social issues.

The political atmosphere at the Oyo State Secretariat of Allied Peoples’ Movement came alive on Monday as Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo officially picked the party’s nomination form to contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial District seat, amid cheers from party members, supporters, and political associates who thronged the venue.

The event, held in Ibadan, was marked by songs, chants, and displays of solidarity as supporters described Ajadi’s entry into the senatorial race as a major boost for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists shortly after obtaining the nomination form, Ajadi said his decision to join the race was driven by a desire to offer purposeful representation and impactful leadership to the people of Oyo Central.

“I have answered the call of my people and my party. Today marks the beginning of a renewed political journey aimed at giving the good people of Oyo Central quality representation, responsive governance, and a voice that will be heard clearly at the National Assembly,” he said.

He added that his aspiration was not merely about occupying political office, but about creating opportunities for youths, empowering women, and advocating policies that would improve infrastructure, education, and economic growth in the district.

Speaking on the party’s prospects in the forthcoming elections, Ajadi expressed confidence that the APM would record significant victories in Oyo State and beyond.

“By the grace of God and with the support of the people, APM will win the presidential election, produce the next governor of Oyo State, and secure victories in the senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly elections. Our party is growing stronger daily, and Nigerians are ready for a credible alternative,” he said.

Supporters at the event described Ajadi’s declaration as a significant moment for the party, expressing confidence that his grassroots popularity and philanthropic activities would strengthen the APM’s chances in the elections.

Nigerian singer and music promoter, Charles Enebeli, popularly known as D’Prince, has decried the growing trend of monetising cyberbullying in the entertainment industry.

The Grammy-nominated music executive, in a series posts on his X handle (formerly Twitter), described cyberbullying as an emerging “dangerous business model.”

According to him, some podcasts and media platforms now thrive on paid narratives, controversy, and targeted online attacks on individuals.

“Cyberbullying has increasingly become a dangerous business model in Nigeria, to the extent that some podcasts and media platforms are now created primarily to monetise paid narratives, controversy, and targeted online attacks,” he said.

The artist noted that creatives were already facing significant pressure to sustain their careers and livelihoods, stressing that online harassment further worsens their challenges.

“No amount of internet clout is worth an artist’s mental health, dignity, or emotional well-being,” he added.

D’Prince condemned what he described as coordinated online attacks driven by propaganda, engagement farming, and paid agendas, noting that the trend extends beyond the entertainment industry.

He called for increased accountability, professionalism, and ethical standards in journalism and digital media to curb what he termed “toxic fanaticism” online.

The Chief Executive Officer of Jonzing World Entertainment urged social media users to exercise caution, emphasising that there is a thin line between online banter and cyberbullying.

According to him, while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must be balanced with responsibility.

“Let us choose empathy over cruelty, because every single person is fighting battles the world may never see,” he said.

FirstBank has partnered with Visa to launch a new Naira Visa Debit Card aimed at expanding access to electronic payments and accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward a cashless economy.

The new debit card, unveiled on May 15, 2026, is designed to provide affordable and reliable digital payment solutions for millions of Nigerians carrying out routine local and international transactions.

According to the bank, the Naira Visa Debit Card will enable customers to make payments seamlessly across Point of Sale (POS) terminals, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and online platforms through Visa’s global payment network.

The initiative is expected to support the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy drive by encouraging more Nigerians to embrace electronic payment channels for everyday transactions.

The card targets a broad category of consumers, particularly individuals seeking convenient and secure alternatives to cash payments for groceries, utility bills, online shopping and other daily expenses.

Speaking on the launch, Group Executive for eBusiness and Retail Products at FirstBank, Chuma Ezirim, said the initiative was aimed at simplifying financial transactions while promoting financial inclusion across the country.

“Everyday transactions should be simple, secure and rewarding. The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to make life easier for our customers, whether they are paying for groceries, settling utility bills or shopping online,” Ezirim said.

He added that expanding access to reliable electronic payment solutions would help more Nigerians transition confidently from cash-based transactions to digital payments while strengthening the nation’s financial ecosystem.

Also commenting on the partnership, Visa’s Vice President and Cluster Head for West Africa, Andrew Uaboi, described the new product as part of efforts to build a more inclusive payment ecosystem in Nigeria.

“A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone. The Naira Visa Debit Card extends reliable electronic payment access to everyday Nigerian consumers,” Uaboi stated.

He noted that the launch further expanded Visa’s partnership with FirstBank and strengthened the bank’s existing card portfolio, which already includes credit and premium lifestyle spending cards.

According to the bank, the introduction of the Naira Visa Debit Card ensures that customers across different income levels now have access to payment products tailored to their financial needs.

The card is currently available to eligible FirstBank customers through the bank’s branches nationwide.

By Bart O. Nnaji

Africa’s energy journey is often portrayed as a stark choice between climate responsibility and development. In reality, the continent faces a more nuanced challenge: finding a fair, gradual energy transition that matches its unique needs and ambitions. Technology and innovation can drive this change, helping secure affordable and sustainable energy for all.

In the coming decades, Africa’s population is expected to soar to nearly 2.5 billion. Cities will grow. Industries will expand. Digital connections will multiply. The demand for energy will increase significantly. Right now, expecting Africa to abandon fossil fuels overnight is neither realistic nor fair. In the near future, fossil fuels remain crucial for base power that is reliable, and affordable. In particular, natural gas is key transition fuel that will remain the base power solution for the next decade. Africa must not embrace renewable energy primarily when they have abundance of fossil fuel for their industrialization as other emerging and emerged nations have done. A just energy transition recognises these realities and seeks ways to build cleaner, more resilient systems over time.

Technology as the Enabler of Africa’s Energy Future

Exciting new technologies are already reshaping Africa’s energy landscape:

Decentralised solutions, like mini-grids, off-grid solar, and batteries, bring electricity to places traditional grids can’t reach. By 2030, these distributed renewables could provide most new connections in underserved communities. Smart grids and AI-driven management can reduce waste. They help utilities serve people better. Modern batteries ensure that solar and wind energy can be delivered steadily, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Decentralised approaches are essential to Africa’s path toward universal energy access. While technology is not a fix-all solution, it is a crucial enabler of efficiency, resilience, and affordability, shaping Africa’s energy future.

African entrepreneurs are leading much of this change. They’re developing solutions that meet local needs, such as pay-as-you-go solar, community-run mini-grids, and mobile payment platforms. These innovations don’t just bring power; they create jobs, build skills, and reap economic benefits for the continent.

But innovation alone isn’t enough. Investment is critical. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa needs about $90 billion annually to achieve a successful energy transition, but current funding falls short. Governments can help by setting clear, supportive policies that attract investment and make projects more affordable. Organisations like the African Development Bank say grid investment must rise dramatically, and clean energy spending should double by 2030 to keep up with growing demand.

From Energy Access to Economic and Human Impact

Reliable energy is more than just a technical necessity it’s what fuels industrial growth. Picture the continent’s factories buzzing with activity, transport networks connecting people and goods, and data centres powering a vibrant digital economy.

Expanding decentralised solutions brings light to places that have been left in the dark for too long. It’s about giving children a place to study at night, helping clinics store vaccines safely, and empowering entrepreneurs to launch new businesses.

Of course, none of this works in isolation. Supportive policies, strong regulations, and partnerships between governments and private companies are essential. When African countries harmonise their rules and work together, they can create bigger markets. This draws even more investment and innovation.

Ultimately, Africa’s energy transition must be shaped by Africans themselves. The path forward is about collaboration, pragmatism, and investing in homegrown solutions. Africa’s mobile phone revolution showed the world how quickly the continent can leapfrog old systems. The same can happen with energy; by embracing flexible, tech-driven models that serve today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

Now is the time to come together to act boldly and invest in Africa’s energy future. By uniting efforts, we can turn potential into progress, ensuring resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy for generations to come. Let’s power Africa’s future, together.

-Prof. Bart O. Nnaji FAS, FA Eng. CON, NNOM Founder/Chairman, Geometric Power Limited and former Nigerian Minister of Power