Category: PM News

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised the critical role of accurate data and measurable outcomes in driving effective governance and strengthening party structures.

The governor made this known at the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West E-Membership Registration Hands-on Device/Application Programme themed “Train-the-Trainer”, held on Tuesday at Lagos House, Marina.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that sustainable growth, both in governance and politics, depends on credible data management and continuous evaluation. “Whatever cannot be measured cannot be managed,” he said, noting that the APC must build a reliable membership database to enhance internal communication, deepen engagement, and ensure readiness ahead of elections.

“As a political party, we must measure our members. That’s the only way we can manage effectively. We must know who our members are, where they are, and how they feel about governance. It shouldn’t only be during elections that we start running around,” he added.

The governor stressed the need for two-way communication between government and citizens, saying that accurate data would enable the APC to better understand members’ needs and public sentiment. He reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to transparency, effective data management, and people-focused governance, urging participants to strengthen the party’s digital infrastructure to sustain its winning streak.

Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing tough but necessary economic and petroleum sector reforms, which, he said, are beginning to yield visible results. He encouraged APC members to support and defend the administration’s policies, assuring them that the ongoing reforms would deliver long-term benefits for Nigerians.

In his remarks, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described the e-registration initiative as a decisive step toward institutionalising accuracy, transparency, and structure in party administration.

“A political party is not just a consortium; it’s a membership-based organisation. Therefore, it must maintain an accurate and verifiable database of its members,” he stated.

“Our party remains committed to strengthening its structures nationwide and positioning itself as a model of progressive governance through verifiable data, innovation, and inclusiveness.”

Basiru added that the programme, which concludes the zonal training series, reflects the APC’s dedication to capacity building and political education.

He urged participants to take the training seriously, as it would equip them with tools for effective mobilisation, organisation, and sensitisation across the region.

In his welcome address, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, noted that the initiative would deepen Nigeria’s democracy through data-driven policies and transparent record-keeping.

“This programme is an avenue to show that we are an organised and capable party that believes in doing things rightly and meeting the needs of our people,” Ojelabi said.

“Through this e-registration exercise, we are again setting the standard for others to follow as the true party of progressives.”

He added that any political party seeking to remain relevant in today’s democratic landscape must adopt technology and modernise its operations, stressing that accurate record-keeping and digital transformation are essential for effective party administration in an increasingly virtual world.

Police in Edo State have arrested a 27-year-old woman, Chioma Success Ezebie, for allegedly faking her own kidnapping and collecting 5 million ransom from her husband.

According to the police, Chioma reportedly staged her abduction along with her three-year-old son on October 27, 2025. Her husband, Paul Adaniken, later received a call from a man identified as Martins Chidozie, claiming that his wife and child had been kidnapped.

Adaniken immediately reported the incident to the police, prompting the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to launch an investigation. Using cyber and intelligence tools, the police traced the case to Chioma’s cousin, 33-year-old Osita Godfrey, who was found to be involved in the plot.

Edo Police Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Godfrey’s confession led to Chioma’s arrest.

“Investigations revealed that Chioma conspired with her accomplices to fake her abduction and extort 5 million from her husband,” Ikoedem said.

The police recovered the ransom and transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers of the New Etete Division for their swift action and warned residents against acts that could disrupt public peace.

He assured that the Command will continue to use intelligence and technology-driven strategies to tackle crime in the state.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to take the lead in tracking and curbing corrupt practices and negative influences during elections across Nigeria.

The Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, ACE I Oshodi Johnson made the call in Uyo on Monday, November 3, 2025, when he received a delegation from the INEC office in the state, led by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Obo Effanga.

According to him, “the responsibility on your shoulder is huge, and as we all serve in our different departments under the Federal Government, we must do so diligently, while you must take the lead in ensuring a free and fair elections across the country”.

In his remarks, Effanga explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both agencies to ensure credible and transparent elections.

“Election is a national project; it does not rest solely on INEC, we are only facilitators in Nigeria’s democratic process, and we must ensure that all hands are on deck for success.

“Over the years, we have worked closely with several security agencies, including the EFCC, which plays a vital role as part of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.”

Oshodi further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting INEC and other relevant bodies in ensuring transparent and credible elections.

“I want to assure you that we are in this together and your visit shows that our efforts and partnership are being recognized. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, a process that determines the nation’s future. If the wrong individuals are elected, we all suffer. Therefore, it is our collective duty to protect the integrity of the electoral process.”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the dismissal of 115 personnel as part of its ongoing internal reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability within the agency.

In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @OfficialDSSNG, the secret service said the move followed disciplinary actions taken over a period against officers found wanting in various capacities.

The DSS also cautioned members of the public against engaging with former personnel who continue to pose as active operatives, noting that some of the dismissed individuals have been involved in fraudulent activities.

“As part of the ongoing reforms in the Department of State Services (DSS), the public is hereby informed that a total of 115 personnel have been dismissed over a period,” the statement read.

“In addition to earlier disclaimers on the duo of Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, the Service finds it necessary to warn citizens of the fraudulent activities of some of these persons still posing as DSS personnel.”

The agency advised citizens to avoid any official dealings with the dismissed individuals and to verify the identity of any DSS operative before engagement.

It added that the names of all affected personnel have been the Service’s official website — www.dss.gov.ng/media/more/4 for public reference.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to desist from any official dealing with these individuals who have been dismissed by the Service,” the DSS stated.

For further enquiries, the Service urged the public to contact its Public Relations Department via 09088373515 or

The latest dismissals are seen as part of the DSS’s broader effort to enhance integrity, discipline, and transparency within Nigeria’s foremost intelligence agency.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the group stage draw for the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, setting up exciting fixtures across the continent.

Nigeria’s Rivers United were drawn in Group A alongside defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, Morocco’s RS Berkane, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos, a lineup many already describe as the “Group of Death.”

The draw took place on Monday at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was broadcast live across Africa.

Group A promises a fierce contest, with Pyramids FC and RS Berkane renewing their rivalry after last season’s CAF Super Cup clash, which Pyramids won 10.

Record 12-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt lead Group B, where they will face Tanzania’s Young Africans, Morocco’s AS FAR, and Algeria’s JS Kabylie.

In Group C, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will battle Sudan’s Al Hilal, Algeria’s MC Alger, and DR Congo’s St aloi Lupopo.

Four-time champions Esperance de Tunis top Group D, which also features Simba SC of Tanzania, Petro de Luanda of Angola, and Stade Malien of Mali.

The group stage will kick off from November 2123, with two matchdays before the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Matches will resume after the AFCON, from January 2325, 2026, while the knockout stage begins on March 13, 2026.

Winners of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League will receive $4 million in prize money, with runners-up earning $2 million.

Full Draw: Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia) Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria) Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St aloi Lupopo (DR Congo) Group D: Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Katsina governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Tuesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of 897.9 billion to the State House of Assembly, describing it as, “the most participatory and people-focused budget in the history of Katsina State.”

Speaking before lawmakers at the Justice Mamman Nasir House, Governor Radda said the budget, themed “Building Your Future III,” was designed to consolidate the administration’s commitment to community-based development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

“Every project, programme, and initiative encapsulated in this budget is designed to directly improve the lives of our citizens. We remain resolute in ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every corner of our state — urban or rural alike,” the Governor declared.

overnor Radda further explained that the 2026 budget was preceded by a comprehensive ward-level consultation, involving 71,384 participants across 316 wards. The process, he said, ensured that community voices were embedded in fiscal planning.

“Our administration personally supervised the participatory budgeting process across 361 communities, engaging 6,649 households. This initiative marks the first time in Katsina’s history that citizens’ priorities form the foundation of a state budget,” said the Governor.

The 2026 budget saw education receive the largest sectoral allocation of 156.3 billion, followed by Works and Housing (117.1bn), Agriculture and Livestock (78.6bn), Health (67.5bn), Water Resources (62.8bn), and Environment (53.8bn).

These top six ministries, according to the governor, account for nearly 60 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on human capital and infrastructural renewal.

Governor Radda reaffirmed that Katsina will soon establish a Secondary School Management Board to revolutionize learning outcomes and maintain its record as one of Nigeria’s most educationally progressive states.

“We are investing in teachers, schools, and facilities because the future of Katsina depends on an educated generation,” he stated.

In furtherance to this, the Governor noted that the 2026 budget allocates 730.1 billion (81.32%) to capital expenditure and 167.7 billion (18.68%) to recurrent costs — a strategic shift from previous years aimed at accelerating physical development. The total size marks a 29.7 percent increase over the 2025 budget.

“This is a pragmatic and disciplined fiscal proposal. Our target is to eliminate implementation deficits and ensure fiscal balance while driving sustainable growth,” the Governor vowed.

Speaking on the government’s performance in 2025, the governor said Katsina achieved a, “bumper harvest season” due to farmer-focused policies, including subsidized seeds, fertilizer, mechanization, and irrigation support.

He also reiterated his government’s commitment to security, noting the success of the Community Watch Corps, recruitment of 1,100 volunteers, and sustained collaboration with federal security agencies.

“Our community-driven approach to security has restored peace in many local governments. We remain committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” he affirmed.

The Governor stated that the implementation of the 2025 budget has outperformed previous year’s budget across all the critical sectors.

overnor Radda particularly expressed gratitude to Katsina’s development partners — including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, FCDO, ISDB, AFDB, and various NGOs — for their technical and financial assistance.

He also commended civil servants and lawmakers for their “unwavering partnership in shaping a brighter Katsina.”

“The legislature’s oversight remains a pillar of our democracy. Together, we are building a state that listens, acts, and delivers,” he said.

Governor Radda concluded by urging the Assembly to expedite the passage of the budget, pledging transparency and accountability in implementation.

“We have met our constitutional obligation by submitting a budget that reflects the aspirations of our people. I trust this Honourable House will act swiftly so that we can continue serving our citizens effectively,” he added.

Responding, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, commended the governor for what he described as a “detailed and visionary presentation” of the 2026 budget.

“Your Excellency, you have maintained steady economic growth and ensured that public resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of our citizens. Many communities that once lived under fear have now regained stability and hope,” the Speaker said.

Speaker Yahaya praised the governor’s empowerment programmes for youths, women, and vulnerable groups, noting their impact in reducing poverty and building confidence in governance.

He assured that the House would give the budget “serious and patriotic attention,” adding that committees will “analyse every allocation to ensure it remains realistic, people-oriented, and in line with the ‘Building Your Future’ blueprint.”

“This Honourable House reaffirms its loyalty to the people and readiness to work hand in hand with the Executive to ensure the timely passage and effective implementation of the budget,” the Speaker pledged.

The event was attended by top members of the state executive, Katsina State lawmakers and other key stakeholders.

Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels has accused her husband Sen. Ned Nwoko of orchestrating the arrest of her siblings.

Regina took to her social media page to rant about her current state and mental health. She stated that she is losing her mind due to the series of events that have unfolded in the past weeks.

The actress also pleaded with Ned to leave her family alone, stating that their once beautiful marriage has now become a laughing stock.

“You said I’m a drug addict. Me l use am rub body sir! What other name will you call me? A prostitute? But I will speak on that one day and tell the world your involvement with everything!. It’s obvious it’s war. Must things go completely south if partners are no longer interested? The beautiful legacy we built is now being ridiculed by the world,” she stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take urgent steps to end the ongoing strike by resident doctors and ensure their immediate return to work.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made this known while addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja. He said the President’s order followed growing concern over the disruption of medical services across the country.

Salako apologised to Nigerians affected by the strike and assured that the government was doing “everything possible and legitimate” to resolve the crisis.

“Mr. President has expressly directed that we must ensure the resident doctors resume work without delay,” he said.

The minister explained that the government had been in talks with leaders of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over 19 demands raised by the union.

He said the dispute began after a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) caused division among health workers. The circular was later withdrawn to allow for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) involving all unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

Salako added that although the CBA committee had met 12 times, disagreements over salaries and the appointment of non-doctor health workers as consultants led to a temporary suspension of talks.

To resolve the crisis, the ministry hired a professor of industrial relations to mediate between the unions, and an interim report has already been submitted.

He also disclosed that the Federal Government had recruited over 14,000 health workers in 2024 and plans to hire another 23,000 across 78 federal health institutions this year.

Salako revealed that President Tinubu had approved an increase in the retirement age of clinical health workers to 65 years and released 21.3 billion to clear outstanding arrears — with 60 percent already paid.

He urged health unions to cooperate with the government to achieve lasting peace in the sector, stressing that reforms must be handled carefully to ensure sustainability.

“The health sector works as a team. No cadre can function effectively in isolation,” he said.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said it has impounded 155 vehicles during clampdown by its operatives on illegal roadside activities across Lagos Island.

The operation targeted unlawful garages, makeshift shanties, and informal trading spots that had become hubs of gridlock, environmental nuisance, and insecurity, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos

The operation by LASTMA covered Ebute-Ero, Oke-Arin Market, Odofin Street, Elegbata, and Marina under the Oando Bridge.

Aiwa said the impounded vehicles included tricycles and heavily loaded trucks operating illegal garages and parks, causing serious traffic disruptions in the area.

According to him, the enforcement aligned with LASTMA’s strengthened 24-hour traffic management mandate and the government’s mobility and compliance agenda.

He added that the exercise forms part of efforts to ensure traffic order before, during, and after the upcoming festive season.

He restated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to maintaining law and order across all transport corridors through strict enforcement and zero tolerance for infractions.

Aiwa warned that illegal garages, roadside markets, and shanties had continued to undermine efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow in Lagos.

He said the impoundments signalled that the government would no longer tolerate activities disrupting public order or endangering lives and property.

He added that the goal was to promote a safe, organised, and clean urban environment for motorists and pedestrians while restoring civility to key routes.

Aiwa assured that the enforcement drive would continue and expand to other parts of the state where similar violations persist.

He urged drivers, traders, and transport operators to obey traffic and environmental laws, noting that voluntary compliance remained essential for an orderly transport system.

Authorities said these spots are long-standing congestion points caused by illegal parking, street trading, and makeshift garages.

They observed that the illicit activities obstruct traffic and pose safety risks to pedestrians and legitimate businesses in the vicinity.

Former Ekiti State governor and PDP stalwart, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that thePeoples Democratic Party is effectively dead in Ekiti State, describing its governorship hopefuls as being “in self-deception.”

Speaking in Ado Ekiti, Fayose lamented that the PDP no longer has any functional structure or active gatherings in the state, adding that the party’s decline mirrors its national woes.