Category: PM News

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has thrown his weight behind local engineers, calling on the Federal Government to accord them more recognition and support for their passion, industry and resilience.

Dr Opeifa spoke while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, led by Engr. (Mrs) Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, who was in his office, Wednesday, on a courtesy visit.

According to him, if the Federal Government could invest more on our local engineers, we would be saving the country billions of dollars.

Citing the example of the NRC, Dr Opeifa said the corporation’s local engineers have continued to save the country huge foreign exchange as they continue to improvise in keeping the corporation’s rolling stocks moving.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation is blessed with the very best of our local engineers. They have a good work ethics and despite the absence of necessary working tools, they have continued to use their blood, brain, sweat and cerebrospinal fluid to keep the railway systems working”, Dr Opeifa said.

He noted that the corporation’s engineers went beyond the rules in the books, to continue to make the Nigerian Railway work despite the funding.

“They have continued to demonstrate capacity. They have shown that they can build rail tracks, fix locomotive engines and do much more. Our female engineers are very passionate and compete with their male counterparts just to contribute to the smooth operations of the railway.”

He said from the Kaduna bomb attacks and the very recent train incident at Asham, the NRC engineers were the ones who prevented the Federal Government from awarding any contract “to re-rail, recover and evacuate our trains. Beyond collecting materials from our supplies, we have sustained our operations through the ingenuity of our engineers, be it civil, mechanical, electrical, signals and telecommunications engineers.” He added.

Dr Opeifa urged the NSE to continue to draw the attention of the government to funding gaps and the need to support local engineers as their members have continued to prove their mettle in national development.

Opeifa said he is confident that given the necessary backing, Nigeria engineers can rank among the best in the world.

He said the NRC is blessed with both male and female engineers who can hold their own in their areas of specialization, adding that with the amendment to the corporation’s law which has moved railway from exclusive to concurrent list, NRC engineers are now in hot demand as they are being poached by states and regional development commissions that have started taking more than passing interest in rail transportation.

Earlier, the Engr Oguntala, who is the 34th President and first female President of the Society applauded the NRC Managing Director for the positive transformation of the railway transportation.

She said Opeifa has reawakened a strong consciousness of work ethics with focus on ensuring value for money which is resulting in effective and efficient service delivery.

“Your commitment to enhancing transparency in railway administration is noteworthy and we applaud this efforts. This direction inspires confidence and aligns closely with our shared aspirations for a better and more accountable Nigeria.” She said.

Engr. Oguntala said she has come to personally invite the NRC boss to attend its flagship een which is the 2025 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting with the theme: Eengineering Innovation for a sustainable blue economy, which is coming up from December 1 to 5, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“As the largest engineering gathering in sub-Saharan Africa, the conference attracts over 8,000 participants from Nigeria and across the globe comprising engineers, policy makers, industry stakeholders, academics and development partners.” She said.

The NSE, she said, has a membership of over 71,742,000 engineers, with 93 branches across Nigeria and the diaspora and 25 specialised divisions adding that Nigeria continues to play leading role in global engineering leadership with the successful completion of an NSE Past President as President World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO).

mong Engr Oguntala team members are; Engr Odunayo Bamodu, Engr Dr Uche Obiajulu, Engr. Femi John Adedotun, FNSE, Engr Iyiola Olaoye, and Engr Oyekemi Oyetunji among others.

Details of real reason why Governor Monday Okpebholo sacked the Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Mr. Tony Ikpasajah, emerged Thursday evening.

The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, had in a statement Thursday morning, announced that Governor Okpebholo had approved Ikpasajah’s removal from office.

“This action is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to restructure and reposition EDOGIS for optimal efficiency, improved service delivery and enhanced institutional performance,” the statement had claimed.

Investigation however revealed that Ikpasajah was reportedly sacked over issues relating to an advert of the revocation of the 13, 545 hectares of land belonging to Presco Plc in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha local government area, placed in a national daily.

Competent sources in the Government House said the Governor was thoroughly embarrassed by the advert, claiming that he was not properly briefed about the issues.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, Edo State Government, in an advertorial, invoked sections Sections 28 and 38 of the Constitution to revoke the Presco Oil Plc land, measuring 13,545 hecters.

Barely 24 hours later, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, was said to have claimed that Ikpasajah acted unilaterally, without authorisation, and in complete disregard for established procedures and the actual number of hectares intended for excision from PRESCO PLC’s total landholding.

His statement noted that a formal administrative review has been initiated to address the unauthorised actions of the former EDOGIS Managing Director and to strengthen internal controls to prevent future breaches.

The United States has announced a reexamination of all Green Cards issued to nationals from 19 countries of concern, following heightened security measures after the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC.

Nigeria, however, has been exempted from this review.

;hWhat’s happening?;/h Joe Edlow, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirmed on X that, “At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”

The 19 countries identified include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Citizens from these nations will undergo stricter vetting, including reviews of “negative, country-specific factors,” such as the ability to issue secure identity documents.

Although Nigeria was recently classified as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the Trump administration, it will not be affected by this new directive. This exemption offers relief and reassurance for Nigerian Green Card holders, who can continue their residency status without the worry of additional scrutiny.

The US administration intensified its immigration review following the identification of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, as the suspect in the Washington shooting. Lakanwal, who previously worked with the US government including the CIA, arrived in the US in 2021 through the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also announced a temporary halt on all immigration requests from Afghan nationals and a review of asylum cases approved under the Biden administration, citing concerns about security and vetting protocols.

For Nigerian Green Card holders, the exemption ensures continuity of their status and shields them from the intensified reexamination process affecting other countries. This signals a measure of confidence in Nigeria’s documentation and vetting processes.

American singer and actor, William Ray Norwood Jr, popularly known as Ray J, has been arrested to allegedly pointing a gun at his ex-wife, Princess Love.

The actor, was charged for making a criminal threat while on a live stream. He began livestreaming on Thursday morning, complaining about how his thanksgiving went to his fans. Ray J on the stream also claimed that he was being threatened and someone was trying to take his children from him.

“The worst Thanksgiving in the world. If these nas step foot close to this door I’m going to blow this sht away, bro,” he said.

He was interrupted by his ex-wife, Princess who came into the house, announcing that she is taking their kids. Princess accused Ray of pointing a gun at her while the livestream was still on.

“You pointed a gun at us,” she was heard saying in the background.

Ray accuses her and her cousin of being drunk before he threatens them to get out of his house.

“I’ll kill you. Get out of my house before I shoot you right now. I got a gun on me,” he stated.

He was shortly arrested by the police and his bail was set at$50K.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the commencement of enforcement actions on 1,095 properties in the territory for defaulting in various payments.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

According to him, the enforcement actions will involve of 1,095 revoked property titles in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse districts of the capital city by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Olayinka explained that the titles were revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bill, penalty/violation fee and land use conversion fee.

He said that the enforcement followed the expiration of the 14-day grace period on Tuesday.

According to him, the owners had ignored series of public notices, from May to November by the FCTA in national dailies, online platforms and television stations.

He said that the notices specifically requested defaulters to either settled their financial obligations/liabilities or risked losing their titles.

“Based on the foregoing, the general public, particularly holders of property in the FCT are hereby notified that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the commencement of enforcement actions on 1,095 properties in the territory for defaulting in various payments.

“This contravenes the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act and also the terms and conditions of grant of the respective Rights of Occupancy.

“Following the expiration of the final 14-day grace period, the FCT Administration will carry out enforcement actions on 835 properties for defaulting in payment of Ground Rent and 260 properties for defaulting in payment of Violation Fee and Land Use Conversion Fee,” Olayinka said.

The Air Council has approved the promotion of 57 senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore as part of the bid to boost the leadership capacity of the service in response to evolving security demands.

ir Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ejodame said 27 senior officers were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 30 were promoted to Air Commodore.

He said that the promotion exercise reflected the commitment of the service to strengthening high-level command responsibility, deepening operational expertise and building a more agile and technologically-driven force.

He listed the newly promoted Air Vice Marshals to include SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami and FO Ankeli.

Also on the list are MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah.

“Those promoted to Air Commodore include MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, and IO Akpasa.

“They also include AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.”

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the promotion of the officers was a recognition of professional excellence, operational competence and loyalty to the service.

neke said the officers were elevated amid one of Nigeria’s most complex security environments requiring clarity, precision and innovative thinking from military leaders.

“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility.

“The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the men and women behind them as a unified force.

“Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail,” he said.

The air chief urged the officers to serve with integrity and discipline, and to strengthen joint operations, intelligence exploitation and the mentoring of junior personnel.

He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a smarter and more decisive air force capable of delivering effective airpower across all theatres of operation.

Oluwanishola Ogudu, the mother of Wizkid’s first son Boluwatife, has reacted to a critic who claimed the young artist’s management was not doing enough to manage his career.

The critic on X, aired her opinion on the streaming numbers from Tife’s first project. She claimed that his manager could have done a better job at creating a fanbase for the young artist.

Oluwanishola, however, reacted to the opinion, explaining that her son is still very young and has other priorities asides music. She noted the need for balance in his life, stating that he has to focus on his academics and his personal journey.

“Big love to everyone showing support, BUT comparisons aren’t needed. Champz is 14, balancing academics and his passion with serious discipline. His dad is a Legend and that’s facts but this is Champz’s journey, his grind, and his future. NO PRESSURE !!!,” she wrote.

Her response quickly sparked reactions from fans. They commended her for being intentional about her son’s future and not being carried away by the wave of fame.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revoked the 13-kilometre Apo to Karshi road awarded to Kakatar Engineering Ltd. Since 2011.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed this after inspecting ongoing road projects in Karu, Gishiri and the dualisation of the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja on Thursday.

Wike explained that the contract had been re-awarded to SCC, adding that work was currently ongoing.

He stressed that completion of the road would provide an alternative route and decongest the current main road, easing traffic for residents of areas like Nyanya and Karu going to the city centre.

He recalled that the project was awarded since 2011, but faced so many delays due lack of funding and other challenges.

“Like I said, we cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people,” he said.

The minister said the construction of the road from Kubwa to Bwari, equally awarded to SCC had also commenced, adding that when completed, it would provide an alternative route to Bwari.

Speaking on the inspected projects, the minister, who could not hide his joy with the progress so far, expressed optimism that they would be completed on schedule and inaugurated in mid-2026 to celebrate President Bola Tinubu third year in office.

“You can see the happiness of everybody and that’s what shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is really working.

“People had never seen this type of development in Abuja before, and that is why you can imagine when we were at Karu, you saw how the students were very happy.

“When we went to Girishi, look at how the pupils there were all happy and so, this makes us happy too.

“When we see that people are happy, people appreciate that they can see development, people appreciate that the government thinks about their welfare. So, that’s what it takes,” he said.

On what people should expect in 2026, Wike said that 2025 would be nothing compared to the kind of infrastructure that would be provided in the coming year

According to him, the infrastructure will be partially tailored to lift the lives of the people and improve economic activities, including interventions in health and education.

The minister said that there would likely be no new project in 2026, adding much resources would be channeled towards completing ongoing projects across the intervening sectors.

“We want to make sure that the projects we have started this year will be completed in 2026.

“Mind you, that year appears to be a political year. So, you don’t expect to start projects that you may not be able to finish within the period that you’re appointed to stay.

“So, we want to make sure all projects we have started, by the grace of God, were completed,” Wike said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to pray for leaders at all levels, so they can succeed in making the nation better and greater.

Obasanjo made the call at the 2025 Christmas Carols and Festival Songs organised by the Plateau Government on Friday in Jos.

lthough Obasanjo said the responsibility of any government was the protection of its citizens, he urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.

The former president, who decried the rising spate of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity in the country, said Nigeria had all it takes to tackle the menace.

“Nigerians are being killed regardless of their religion or tribe, and that is worrisome,” he said, adding that “the first duty of every government is the safety of lives and property of its citizens.

“Since the abduction of the Chibok girls, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges have continued to escalate.

“So, we should ask our leaders at all levels to do what they ought to do; our government must rise to the occasion and do the needful,” he added.

Obasanjo maintained that, with advancements in technology, Nigeria should be able to tackle its security challenges effectively.

“With technology, there should be no hiding place for any criminal. The life of every Nigerian, whether Christian, Muslim, or pagan, matters,” he said.

“With drones, we can fish these criminals out. Why are we apologising Why we are negotiating?” he asked?

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed that he has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pledging to honour the invitation.

He made the revelation in a post on his personal Facebook page.

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation,” Malami wrote.

The former minister explained that going public about the development aligns with his long-standing advocacy for openness in public service, adding that he would keep Nigerians updated as events unfold.

Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His tenure was marked by high-profile legal battles, asset recovery initiatives, anti-corruption reforms, and contentious government decisions that often drew both national and international attention.

In his later years as AGF, Malami came under public scrutiny over issues involving asset declarations, contract approvals, and the management of recovered funds–claims he consistently denied. Despite the controversies, he remained a central figure in cases dealing with major financial crimes, international arbitration disputes, and governance reforms.

s of now, the EFCC has not disclosed the specifics of its invitation to Malami.