Category: PM News

The presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress, NDC in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has decried the condition of displaced people living in Ramin Kura Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Sokoto State.

Peter Obi visited the IDP camp after holding town hall meetings and consultations with various groups in Sokoto State on his 2027 presidential ambition.

The NDC presidential candidate, in a post on his social media platforms on Wednesday, said his discussions with various groups centred on insecurity, the high number of out-of-school children, endemic poverty, youth unemployment, drug prevalence and other challenges facing residents in that part of the country.

The presidential candidate who is also a former governor of Anambra State said final engagement in Sokoto was a visit to the Ramin Kura IDP Camp within the Sokoto metropolis.

He noted that the camp currently houses over 1,000 internally displaced persons.

‘During my tour of the facility, I found it particularly distressing to see Nigerians crammed into makeshift shelters and thatched rooms, with some rooms housing as many as 10 persons,’ Obi stated.

According to him, the camp also lacks adequate toilet facilities, a primary healthcare centre and even a basic school for the children.

Obi reiterated the need to tackle the root causes of displacement while making the IDP camps conducive.

‘I have always insisted that as long as even one Nigerian lives in an IDP camp, we are all internally displaced. Therefore, the government of today must work assiduously to make the temporary accommodation for our dear citizens living in these camps comfortable, while ensuring that all the underlying security issues that created these conditions in the first place are resolved, to enable them to return to their ancestral homes.’

He disclosed that the Sokoto visit marked his 12th to IDP camps across Nigeria and reaffirmed his commitment to continuously supporting the affected Nigerians ‘for as long as it takes.’

Obi further urged political office holders to holiday within the country so they can ‘see first-hand the difficulties faced by these fellow Nigerians, whose vulnerability has been worsened by the failure of government to prioritise critical areas of development.’

He called on the government and relevant agencies to immediately look into the plight of the citizens and address their pressing needs.

A fresh controversy has erupted over the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) after President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) attacked former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye over his claim about the student loan scheme.

The controversy began after Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that NELFUND provides students with only N20,000 annually instead of paying their school fees.

Melaye, in a video circulating online, criticised the Federal Government’s student loan initiative under President Tinubu, describing the scheme as a ‘haven of corruption.’

His comments triggered a strong reaction from NANS, which accused the former senator of misrepresenting the details of the programme.

The NANS president questioned Melaye’s credibility on education matters, asking what role he played for students while serving as a lawmaker.

‘Do people still take Melaye seriously? Melaye is a comedian, a jester,’ NANS said, while challenging him to disclose whether he provided scholarships or bursaries for students in his constituency during his time in the Senate.

The student body argued that discussions around education policies should be based on facts and proper understanding of the scheme rather than political attacks.

Backing the NANS position, Onanuga took the criticism further in a post on X, describing Melaye’s claim as false and questioning the basis of his statement.

‘NANS President delivers a stinging rebuke to Dino Melaye over his brazen lie that NELFUND gives students only N20,000 per year,’ Onanuga wrote.

He added: ‘You wonder what this former Senator and Atiku campaigner had smoked before going on TV.’

Melaye, a former senator and vocal critic of the Tinubu administration, has yet to publicly respond to Onanuga’s remark.

The clash comes amid ongoing political debates over the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with supporters highlighting its role in expanding access to tertiary education while critics continue to question its implementation and impact.

The NELFUND programme was introduced by the Tinubu administration to provide financial support for eligible students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Osun State Government has challenged the position of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) on the tenure extension of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), describing the committee’s characterisation of the development as illegal, premature and requiring further legal clarification.

The government, while acknowledging COPSUN’s role in promoting sound governance and institutional stability in state-owned universities, said the committee’s position appeared to be based on what it described as an incomplete understanding of the constitutional and legislative framework governing UNIOSUN.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government said UNIOSUN was established by the Osun State House of Assembly under the Osun State University Establishment Law, 2006.

It argued that the 1999 Constitution places university education on the Concurrent Legislative List and recognises the authority of State Houses of Assembly to establish institutions for university, technological and professional education.

The government, however, acknowledged that state legislative authority does not exclude legitimate federal regulation of university standards, accreditation and professional requirements.

It cautioned, however, against conflating such regulatory responsibilities with the statutory governance of a state-owned university.

According to the statement, the central legal question arising from COPSUN’s reliance on the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2012, is whether the relevant provisions of the federal legislation apply to UNIOSUN in a manner capable of overriding provisions contained in the university’s enabling law.

The government acknowledged the constitutional principle that a valid federal law prevails over an inconsistent state law to the extent of the inconsistency.

It nevertheless maintained that the constitutional competence, scope and applicability of the federal enactment must first be established before it could be concluded that the state’s governing law had been overridden.

The government also drew attention to the Osun State House of Assembly’s consideration and passage of the Osun State University Establishment Amendment Bill, 2026.

It said the legislative development made it inaccurate to portray the tenure arrangement as a unilateral alteration of the university’s governing law by the executive.

The government stressed that while the Visitor could not amend legislation through an executive declaration, neither could a professional body or staff union legislate through a public statement.Government

It said the pertinent issue was whether the legislative process undertaken by the State House of Assembly and the subsequent statutory arrangements were constitutionally and legally valid.

Clarifying the tenure timeline, the government said the incumbent Vice-Chancellor’s existing tenure runs until January 2027, while the proposed additional tenure is scheduled to commence on January 4, 2027.

It stressed that the arrangement therefore does not retrospectively alter an already completed tenure.

The government further noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke had publicly explained during the university’s 16th Convocation that the tenure extension followed consultations and legislative action concerning the institution’s enabling law.

While acknowledging COPSUN’s concerns regarding university autonomy, the state government maintained that institutional autonomy should not be interpreted as immunity from lawful legislative action.

It called for the respective responsibilities of the Visitor, Governing Council, Senate, university management, staff unions, National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional regulatory bodies to remain clearly defined.

The government warned that regulatory responsibilities should not become indistinguishable from the statutory governance powers of a state-owned university.

It consequently urged COPSUN to consider the complete legislative record and the final legal status of the amendment before reaching a definitive conclusion on the legality of the tenure extension.

The state government also called for the dispute to be resolved through the Constitution, applicable statutes and official legislative records rather than through competing public statements.

It expressed concern that the controversy should not undermine the academic stability and development of UNIOSUN, noting that the university continues to serve thousands of students and staff across its campuses and has recorded developments in infrastructure, research and academic activities.

The government therefore called for constructive engagement among COPSUN, the NUC, professional regulatory bodies, the university’s Governing Council, staff unions, the Visitor and the state government.

It stressed that all stakeholders in the university system must operate within their respective lawful mandates.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, institutional stability, academic excellence and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the Nigerian university system.

Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has been featured in promotional materials by an Indian hospital following his knee replacement surgery at the facility.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the former Nigerian leader receiving care at Krishna Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, including footage of him walking and undergoing rehabilitation exercises after the procedure.

The hospital has used images and videos of Abdulsalami’s recovery to promote its services to international patients, highlighting the treatment as an example of its healthcare offerings.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the Indian hospital said Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the facility and met with its management to discuss Abdulsalami’s progress and wellbeing.

The hospital described the visit as a reflection of ‘growing trust in India’s healthcare’ and its commitment to treating patients from across the world.

‘When patients travel across borders for specialised care, their trust means everything,’ the hospital said.

It is not immediately clear whether Abdulsalami’s treatment was fully sponsored by the Nigerian government.

However, under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, former Nigerian leaders and their immediate families are entitled to medical treatment abroad where necessary at the expense of the Federal Government.

The law also provides other benefits, including diplomatic passports, security, official vehicles, accommodation and other privileges.

The 2026 federal budget reportedly allocated N2.3 billion for the entitlements of former presidents, heads of state and their deputies.

The hospital’s use of Abdulsalami’s treatment in its promotional material has sparked reactions from Nigerians, with some questioning the development against the backdrop of Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.

Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore shared the promotional video on X, criticising the continued reliance of Nigerian leaders on foreign healthcare systems despite their years in public service.

‘This is former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, being used in a hospital advert after undergoing knee replacement surgery in India,’ Sowore said.

He questioned why former leaders who had opportunities to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system continue to seek specialised treatment abroad.

Barrister Aloy Ejimafor also reacted to the development, describing the hospital’s use of Abdulsalami’s image as a ‘diplomatic insult’ in a Facebook post.

The controversy comes amid renewed debate over medical tourism by Nigerian political leaders.

Critics have long argued that the frequent treatment of Nigerian public officials abroad highlights weaknesses in the country’s healthcare system, while government officials have continued to point to gaps in specialised medical services.

In April 2025, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said Nigeria loses an estimated $2 billion annually to medical tourism, attributing the trend to gaps in confidence, access and quality of healthcare services.

‘This is not just about stopping medical tourism. It is about building health sovereignty, the ability of a country to care for its own people, develop its institutions, talent, and innovation,’ Pate said.

Many Nigerians have gift cards sitting unused in their email or drawer, while their phone keeps running out of airtime at the worst possible moment. The good news is that you can turn that idle card into credit for calls, chats and everyday connection. This guide shows you how it works, from selling the card to topping up your line.

Why Nigerians Are Turning Gift Cards Into Airtime?

Gift cards have become a common part of life in Nigeria, but not everyone has a practical use for them. Relatives abroad send them during festive seasons, freelancers receive them as payment from foreign clients, and some people win them in online promos. The challenge is that many of these cards are tied to foreign stores that are difficult to shop from locally.

Here are some everyday situations many people can relate to:

You receive an Apple gift card from a cousin in the UK, but you use an Android phone.

A client pays you with an Amazon card, and shipping items to Nigeria costs too much.

You win a Steam card in a contest, but you don’t play video games.

You have a small leftover balance that feels too little to spend but too valuable to waste.

Airtime, on the other hand, is something almost every Nigerian needs daily. Calls to family, business deals, customer follow-ups and online classes all depend on it. Converting a gift card into airtime simply turns something you can’t use into something you need. It also removes the stress of hunting for a vendor or buying credit with cash every few days, which is why more people now see their gift cards as a quick source of everyday value.

Before you start the conversion, a few basics need to be in place.

What You Need Before You Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria?

A smooth trade begins with good preparation. Having the right details ready saves time and helps you get the full value of your card.

A valid, unused card. Confirm that the card has not been redeemed and still carries its full balance.

Clear card details. Keep the physical card, e-code or receipt close by. If you take photos, make sure every digit is sharp and visible.

Knowledge of your card type. Know whether your card is physical or digital and which country it was issued in, since both affect the rate you get.

A trusted platform. Pick a platform with transparent rates, quick payouts and a support team that actually responds.

When you sell gift cards in Nigeria, the platform you choose matters as much as the card itself. Unknown buyers on social media often disappear once they receive a code, leaving the seller with nothing. A registered platform with a clear track record removes that risk and gives you a proper record of every trade.

With these basics sorted, you are ready to make the switch from card to credit.

How to Convert Gift Cards to Airtime on Cardgoal?

Cardgoal makes this process simple because you can trade your gift card and top up your phone in one place. There is no need to move money around or deal with a middleman. Here is how the journey looks.

Create your account. Download the Cardgoal app or visit the website, then sign up and verify your details.

Choose your gift card. Select the card brand and country from the list, and check the current rate so you know what to expect.

Submit the card details. Enter the card code or upload a clear picture of the card along with its receipt, then submit the trade.

Wait for approval. The team reviews and verifies the card. Once it is approved, the naira value lands in your Cardgoal wallet.

Top up from your wallet. Open the airtime section, pick up your network, enter the phone number and amount, then confirm the purchase.

That is all it takes. Because your trade balance and the airtime service sit in the same app, you skip the extra step of withdrawing to your bank and buying credit elsewhere. It keeps things fast, tidy and easy to track. If a trade takes longer than expected, the support team can check its status and guide you through any issue with the card, so you are never left guessing about where your money is.

Converting the card is only half the picture, because the airtime service has plenty to offer on its own.

What You Get When You Buy Airtime in Nigeria With Cardgoal

Many people still wonder how to buy airtime in Nigeria without queuing at a kiosk or scratching recharge cards under poor lighting. Cardgoal’s telecom service gives a simple answer to that problem.

Here is what the service offers:

Airtime top-ups for MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile lines

Recharge for your own number or for friends and family

Access at any hour, including weekends and public holidays

Quick delivery of credit once your purchase is confirmed

A full history of your top-ups inside the app

This setup works well for many kinds of users. Students in hostels can recharge without leaving their rooms. Small business owners who make many calls a day can top up in seconds between customers. Parents can send credit to their children’s phones from anywhere, and anyone who receives gift cards from family abroad now has a direct way to put them to work.

Learning how to buy airtime online in Nigeria also means fewer failed bank transfers and fewer trips to the roadside vendor. Everything happens on your phone, in a few taps.

On top of this convenience, Cardgoal also gives you something back for staying active.

Extra Rewards When You Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria With Cardgoal

Every trade on Cardgoal can come with a little extra. The platform runs reward features that help users get more from their activity over time.

Referral bonuses. Invite friends to join Cardgoal and earn a bonus when they start trading.

Daily rewards. Log in regularly to collect coins that build up the more consistent you are.

Trade rewards. Complete trades on the platform and earn rewards that grow with your activity.

These perks may look small on their own, but together they stretch the value of every card you sell. Over weeks and months, that extra value can translate into more airtime, more calls and more savings.

Rewards help, but a few smart habits can boost your value even further.

Smart Tips to Buy Airtime in Nigeria and Get More Value

Buying airtime online is quick, but a few simple habits help you avoid wasted credit and get more from every top-up. Keep these tips in mind:

Confirm the network before you pay. With number portability in Nigeria, a phone number’s prefix does not always show which network it is on. Selecting the wrong network can cause the top-up to fail or be delayed, so check with the owner of the line if you are unsure.

Double-check the phone number. One wrong digit can send your airtime to a stranger’s line, and recovering it is not always possible.

Watch out for value-added service subscriptions. Some lines are subscribed to services like caller tunes, news alerts or content packs that renew automatically and eat into your airtime. Check your active subscriptions with your network and cancel the ones you do not use.

Know that borrowed airtime is deducted on your next recharge. If you borrow airtime from your network, the amount owed will be taken from your next top-up, so factor that in when deciding how much to buy.

Top up before you run out. Recharging ahead of important calls, meetings or travel saves you from being stranded without credit when you need it most.

Track your top-up history. Reviewing past purchases in the app helps you understand your monthly usage and plan your spending better.

Following these habits keeps your line active and makes every naira of airtime count.

Conclusion

Unused gift cards don’t have to go to waste. By trading them on a trusted platform, you can turn them into airtime that keeps you connected to family, work and opportunities. Cardgoal brings the whole process together, letting you sell your card, receive your balance and recharge any major network without leaving the app.

The extra rewards and simple telecom service make it a practical choice for students, workers and business owners alike. If you have a gift card lying around, now is the right time to put it to good use. Download Cardgoal, make your first trade and top up your line in minutes.

Nigeria’s 36 states received a total of N2.39 trillion from the Federation Account in the second quarter of 2026, representing an increase of N259.41 billion, or 12.2 per cent, compared with the N2.13 trillion received in the first quarter.

The figures are based on an analysis of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to the states between April and June 2026.

Delta State emerged as the largest recipient in the second quarter, replacing Lagos, which had ranked first in the first quarter.

Delta received N188.01 billion in Q2, up from N143.42 billion in Q1. Rivers followed with N172.03 billion, compared with N123.96 billion in the first quarter.

Lagos dropped to third position after its allocation fell from N200.21 billion in Q1 to N165.57 billion in Q2. This represents a decline of N34.64 billion, or 17.3 per cent.

Delta, Rivers lead increase

Delta’s allocation increased by N44.59 billion, or 31.1 per cent, between the two quarters.

The state received N53.77 billion in April, N67.81 billion in May and N66.44 billion in June.

Rivers recorded an even bigger increase in cash terms, rising by N48.07 billion, or 38.8 per cent, from N123.96 billion in Q1 to N172.03 billion in Q2.

Its monthly allocation increased from N46.64 billion in April to N55.07 billion in May and N70.32 billion in June.

Akwa Ibom recorded the highest percentage increase among the five largest recipients. Its allocation rose from N109.76 billion in Q1 to N160.51 billion in Q2, representing a 46.2 per cent increase.

Bayelsa also recorded a strong increase, moving from N114.47 billion to N152.25 billion, a rise of 33 per cent.

Together, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa received about N181.19 billion more in Q2 than they did in Q1.

Lagos allocation falls

Lagos recorded the biggest decline among the leading states.

The state received N200.21 billion in Q1 but its Q2 allocation dropped to N165.57 billion.

The decline was largely linked to lower VAT receipts. Lagos received about N193.50 billion from VAT in Q1, including N101.34 billion in February.

In Q2, its net VAT allocation fell to N150.56 billion, a decline of about N42.94 billion, or 22.2 per cent.

Despite the decline, Lagos remained the largest recipient of net VAT among the states.

VAT continues to influence state revenue

The Q2 figures also show the growing importance of VAT in state revenues.

Lagos received the highest net VAT allocation at N150.56 billion. Rivers followed with N75.81 billion, while Oyo received N44.29 billion.

Kano received N34.17 billion, while Delta received N29.61 billion.

The VAT ranking was different from the overall FAAC ranking. Delta, for example, ranked first in total FAAC receipts but fifth in VAT receipts.

Oyo also recorded a similar difference. The state received N70.12 billion in total FAAC, placing it seventh among the states, but its N44.29 billion VAT receipt ranked third.

Kano and Oyo record small increases

Kano remained the largest recipient in northern Nigeria during the quarter.

The state received N77.53 billion in Q2, compared with N75.03 billion in Q1. This represents an increase of N2.50 billion, or 3.3 per cent.

Oyo’s allocation increased slightly from N68.98 billion to N70.12 billion, representing a 1.7 per cent rise.

Ekiti records biggest percentage increase

Ekiti recorded the largest percentage increase between Q1 and Q2.

Its allocation jumped from N17.12 billion in Q1 to N39.24 billion in Q2, representing an increase of N22.12 billion, or 129.2 per cent.

The increase followed a weak first-quarter performance, when the state recorded negative statutory allocations of N16.19 billion in January and N1.68 billion in February, according to the figures supplied.

Despite the sharp recovery, Ekiti remained the second-lowest recipient in Q2, ahead of only Cross River.

Most states receive more

Most states recorded higher allocations in Q2.

Imo increased from N50.31 billion to N57.38 billion, while Taraba rose by 13.1 per cent and Kaduna increased by 12 per cent.

Ogun’s allocation rose by 18.1 per cent, from N36.13 billion to N42.67 billion.

Abia increased by 11.2 per cent, Ondo by 11.3 per cent, Ebonyi by 9.5 per cent and Borno by 9.3 per cent.

Jigawa recorded only a slight increase, from N55.75 billion to N55.86 billion. Enugu also rose marginally from N45.67 billion to N45.86 billion.

Adamawa increased by about one per cent, while Edo and Oyo both recorded increases of about 1.7 per cent.

Lagos only state to record decline

Based on the Q1 and Q2 figures, Lagos was the only state that recorded a decline in total FAAC receipts.

The N34.64 billion reduction in Lagos’ allocation came despite increases recorded by most other states.

The change also meant that the five largest recipients in Q2 were Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.

These five states received a combined N838.37 billion in Q2, compared with N691.82 billion in Q1.

Their combined share of total state allocations therefore increased from about 32.4 per cent in Q1 to about 35 per cent in Q2.

What the figures show

The Q2 figures show a major change in the distribution of FAAC revenue among the states.

The N259.41 billion increase in total state allocations was driven largely by higher receipts recorded by oil-producing states, particularly Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.

Lagos’ decline, meanwhile, shows how changes in VAT and other revenue sources can significantly affect quarterly allocations.

The figures also highlight the difference between economic activity and dependence on federal revenue. Oil-producing states continued to receive large FAAC allocations because of statutory and derivation-related revenues, while states such as Lagos, Oyo and Kano maintained strong VAT receipts because of their large commercial and consumption bases.

The Q2 figures also included the N200 billion April augmentation from non-oil revenue, which provided additional support to state allocations during the first month of the quarter.

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Olawunmi Ayodeji Badejo, has unveiled an eight-point strategic agenda focused on academic excellence, research, financial sustainability and improved welfare for staff and students.

Badejo, who assumed office on Monday, September 21, 2026, is the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor and third female Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on September 10 approved the appointment of Badejo as the LASU VC for a five-year tenure.

The eight pillars unveiled by Badejo are ‘academic excellence and quality assurance; research, innovation and global visibility; financial sustainability and resource mobilisation; infrastructure and digital transformation.’

Others are ‘staff welfare and industrial harmony; student welfare, mentorship and employability; governance, integrity and institutional visibility; and community engagement and societal impact.’

The agenda, according to the new Vice-Chancellor, will guide her administration as it seeks to build on the achievements of the university and create new opportunities for growth and excellence.

Badejo unveiled the agenda in an appreciation message to the university community following her assumption of office.

She expressed appreciation to the university management, members of the Senate, staff, students, alumni, partners, friends and other stakeholders for their support and goodwill since her emergence as Vice-Chancellor.

She said the warm reception had reinforced her appreciation of the responsibility entrusted to her at an important moment in the university’s history.

Badejo pledged to serve with humility, integrity and dedication while working with members of the university community to advance its aspirations.

‘I do not take this confidence for granted. I am committed to serving with humility, integrity and dedication, while working with every member of the LASU community to advance our shared aspirations,’ she said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the progress of the university would require collective effort, adding that her administration would build on existing achievements while addressing challenges and creating new opportunities.

Badejo, a professor of Guidance and Counselling, succeeded Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose tenure ended on September 19, 2026.

FirstBank of Nigeria has reacted a recent voice message circulating on WhatsApp alleging that the FirstMobile application has been compromised.

The commercial bank in an official statement, announced that the claim is false and misleading. They stressed their commitment to ensuring a secure mobile operation, assuring their customers of a safe mobile experience.

‘We wish to state unequivocally that the claim is false and misleading. FirstMobile is secure and fully operational, supported by robust information security infrastructure. The Bank continuously invests in world-class technology, cybersecurity protocols to ensure the highest standards of resilience, reliability, and security across all our digital channels’

‘We assure our customers and other stakeholders that their funds remain safe and secure, and that the FirstMobile application and all other FirstBank digital channels continue to operate securely’

‘We urge our stakeholders to disregard the fraudulent message and refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary concern, and to rely solely on FirstBank’s verified communication channels for accurate updates,’ the statement reads.

The NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has charged Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) deployed to the State for the 2026 Batch C Stream I Orientation Course to strictly observe camp rules, pay attention to details and prioritise their safety throughout the exercise.

Kubiangha gave the charge on Wednesday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, as registration commenced for PCMs deployed and those dislodged from Lagos and Ekiti States to Osun State.

He said discipline, compliance with guidelines and active participation were essential to ensuring a smooth, safe and impactful orientation course.

Kubiangha assured the PCMs that the registration process would be seamless if they carefully followed instructions from Camp officials. He noted that every valid call-up letter carried a QR code for verification, advising the PCMs to report any document without the code as a possible anomaly.

He also urged them to carefully examine all forms and documents before filling them out to allow for necessary corrections and adjustments.

Kubiangha advised the PCMs to disclose any existing medical conditions and to pay close attention to their health while participating in the various Camp activities, including parade, volleyball and football. He urged them to recognise their individual health needs and seek appropriate medical attention whenever necessary.

According to him, the Orientation Course was designed to reshape, strengthen and further develop the character of the PCMs, building on the foundations acquired in their various tertiary institutions.

He explained that the presence of military personnel, the Police, Man O’ War and other collaborating agencies was part of the effort to instil discipline, integrity and responsible conduct among Course participants.

The State Coordinator encouraged the PCMs to speak up and seek clarification whenever necessary, assuring them that appropriate action would be taken against any act of molestation, harassment or other forms of misconduct on the camp.

He drew their attention to the various signposts and notices strategically placed around the Camp, urging them to familiarise themselves with and comply with the rules and regulations governing their stay.

Kubiangha further advised the PCMs to be respectful in their dealings with one another and Camp Officials, noting that the Orientation Course would bring together people from diverse backgrounds. He urged them to exercise restraint and avoid overreacting to situations, stressing the need for caution and responsible conduct at all times.

Addressing the issue of dislodged PCMs, the State Coordinator said he had already communicated with his counterparts in Lagos and Ekiti States, assuring the affected PCMs that they would receive equal treatment and enjoy the same opportunities and facilities available to other participants.

The Head of Registration, Mrs Fatima Taiwo, listed the documents required for registration to include the original call-up letter, green card, addendum, NERD clearance, degree certificate, OND/HND certificate or statement of result, school identity card and National Identification Number (NIN) slip.

She added that PCMs in health-related professions were required to present their practising licences. She also advised anyone whose graduation date on the call-up letter differed from the date on their academic credentials to resolve the discrepancy before completing registration.

The Camp Commandant, Captain YA Nuhu, assured the PCMs that Camp Officials would continually guide and mentor them on the expectations and requirements of the Orientation Course.

In her remarks, the Camp Director, Mrs Ronke Otunla, urged the PCMs to remain calm, enjoy their stay and strictly abide by the rules and regulations of the Camp. She wished them a successful and rewarding Orientation Course.

On arrival, the PCMs were received at the Servicom desk with refreshments and sanitary pads for the female PCMs. Medical personnel also conducted health screening by checking their vital signs as part of the registration process.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday sentenced 60-year-old Chinese woman, Ting Hong Kiaon, to two years imprisonment without option of fine for trafficking 31 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa to Nigeria.

Justice Musa Kakaki convicted Kiaon after she pleaded guilty to one -count charge of unlawful importation of 31 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa preferred against her by The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

In the one-count charge filed by the its prosecutor, Cyril Osaigbovo, NDLEA alleged that Kiaon was caught with 31 kilograms of cannabis sativa, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD on her arrival in Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos on 17th May 2026.

When the charge was read to Kiaon, she pleaded guilty to the charge.

Following her plea of guilty, the prosecutor while reviewing the fact of the case tendered relevant documentary exhibits and the bulk of the cannabis sativa seized from her

After reviewing the facts of the case, the prosecutor urged the court to convict the defendant based on her guilty plea and the uncontroverted evidence adduced by the prosecution.

Justice Kakaki after going through the evidence of the prosecution and other evidence placed before the court, convicted the defendant as charged.

Counsel to the convict, Benson Ndakara in his allocutus on behalf of the convict pleaded for mercy.

Ndakara urged the court to have mercy on the convict, adding that she did not waste the time of the court before she pleaded guilty to the offence.

The lawyer said said showed an act of remorse on the part of the convict.

He added that the convict who is 60 years old has learnt her lesson and would do things differently in future.

The defence counsel also submitted that the convict was a victim of circumstances who met somebody who was smarter than her and that this led her to her predicament.

‘She interacted with a person more wiser than her who proposes love on one hand, but with ulterior motive. I pray for a non custodian sentence by imposing an option of fine on the convict, I am ready to bear the expenses for her. ‘

‘She has been abandoned , I ask for mercy from the temple of justice,’ the defence counsel pleaded.

After listening to the two parties, Justice Kakaki, in his verdict, sentenced the convict to two years imprisonment starting from the 17th of May 2026, the date of her arrest.

Justice Kakaki said the convict is somebody who knows what she was into and that with the prevalent of hard drugs, the damage to the society and the image of the country, he can not close his eyes to the evil of drug trafficking.