Category: PM News

Femi Fabunmi

As the 2025 Opeifa Cup, Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Competition reaches it climax today, Aje Senior High School will battle with Whitesand College in a penultimate final at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park,Yaba, Lagos.

With defending champions, Aje coming into the battle with a lot of experience,full of confidence, precision and clinical finishes in front of goal. They need to maintain their rhythm and win convincingly if they want to secure a back-to-back victory against Whitesand College.

In the first semi-final, Aje Senior School overpowered Government College Eric More with a convincing result of 13-4, while the second semi-final saw Whitesand Senior Secondary School triumph over Lagos City College with a scoreline of 12-8.

In the Senior girls category final, United Christian College will be in tango with Jagunmolu Senior girls.

Meanwhile, in the junior category final boys, Whitesand Junior College will be in encounter with Aje Comprehensive Junior College. The girls category is Herbert Macaulay against Igbobi College.

Speaking after cruising to the final, Captain of Aje Senior High School, David Ayobami said he is very excited to be part of the 2025 Lagos Handball Competition particularly representing his school at this level.

“When the game started l was very scared because all eyes are on Aje School. They want to see how we’re going to do it as a formidable team but we were able to trounce our opponents,” said Ayobami.

yobami noted that with the support of his teammates and instructions from their caoch they are going to win the title in the senior category and take the trophy to the principal.

To Adeyemo Ibrahim, Captain of Ikeja Junior High School was also full of praise as a football lover to have found himself playing Handball.

“This is my first time of playing Handball as a football player. I was introduced to the game by our PHE teacher just before the competition to channel my round leather game skills to it. I had the dream that l can play handball at the national level and even beyond”.

Ibrahim thanked the Lagos State government and organisers of the championship for the opportunity to participate at the Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Competition.

In the third place matches, senior boys category, Lagos City College vs Government College Eric More and in the junior category Ikeja Junior High School square off against Ijaiye Housing Junior School. Senior girls category, Lagos City College playing Government College Agege while in the junior girls category United Christian Junior School set a date with Government College.

s the 2025 Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Championship, which took place from October 27th-31st, winding down (today), it serves as yet another platform to promote the game through the school system while providing students with an opportunity to combine education and sports.

By Alaba Olusola Oke

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Thursday in Akure presented brand new Toyota SUVs to traditional rulers across the state, describing it as an effort to protect and advance welfare of traditional institution.

iyedatiwa stated that the gesture was to make a historic milestone in collective journey towards the progress and elevation of every traditional kinship stool to an enviable height.

He appreciated the traditional rulers in the state for the tremendous support accorded his administration in maintaining peace and security in their various domains.

“As the custodians of our rich cultural heritage, the preservers of our values and the closest link between government and the grassroots, our administration recognises your importance and cannot afford to neglect your welfare.

“Within the first year of our tenure, our government completed the long-abandoned project for the construction of a befitting secretariat for the meetings and other activities of our royal fathers.

“This achievement, coupled with the prompt payment of the statutory five per cent of total fund allocation to the 18 local government areas of the state from the federation accounts to our traditional institutions underscores our firm dedication to your course.

Today, all grade ‘A’ Obas will go home with a Toyota Fortuner Jeep, 2025 Model while all Grade “B and C” Obas will later receive a Toyota Cross Jeep 2025 Model: both are among the latest-model of the globally respected Toyota brand, ” he said.

ccording to him, the vehicles are symbols of dignity, honour and respect to traditional rulers.

He, therefore, solicited for the continued support of the traditional leaders, assuring them of government’s commitment to continue prioritise their welfare.

lso speaking, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said that the gesture was to appreciate and recognise the invaluable roles of the traditional institution to the government.

Takuro noted that the traditional rulers had continued to ensure promotion of peace, unity and community development across the state.

He thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of better welfare to the traditional rulers.

The commissioner urged the traditional rulers to make good use of the vehicles.

In his appreciation, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said that the gesture was quite befitting.

Oba Ogunoye, who is the state Chairman Council of Obas, stated that the governor had always been a surprise to the traditional rulers in good deeds.

He promised that the traditional rulers would continue to be partners in progress with the government.

(NAN)

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) designed to strengthen staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

This is contained in a statement made in Abuja on Friday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo, while quoting the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on the milestone, said the welfare was an initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

lausa said the programme had transitioned from planning to full implementation, with more than 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions receiving payments in the first year.

This, he said represented 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 Federal and State tertiary institutions across the federation.

lausa said the first phase of disbursement covered both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to supporting all categories of staff in the nation’s higher education institutions.

“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions- for welfare, for productivity, and for the future.

“Within just four months, payments have started going out. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support and commitment to staff welfare,” Alausa said.

lausa emphasised that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as an investment in the nation’s knowledge economy.

“This Fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to transparency, pledging quarterly financial reporting, institutional engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all funds were effectively utilised and repaid to expand access for more beneficiaries in the future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, launched in August 2025, following a high-level stakeholder engagement in July is a key component of the federal government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI)

It is designed to enhance morale, performance, and institutional excellence within the tertiary education sector.

Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to N10 million in concessionary zero-interest loans to tackle essential livelihood and productivity needs, including housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.

(NAN)

By Aderemi Bamgbose

The Police Command in Ondo State has commended investigation into an alleged arson attack at a warehouse in Okitipupa that destroyed prepaid electricity meters worth over 10 million.

Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesperson for the command, made this known in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

yanlade said that an arson attack on the prepaid meter warehouse was a grievous offence and the arsonists would not go unpunished.

“We have launched investigation into the arson incident on the prepaid meter warehouse.

“The public should be rest assured that the culprits will face the law after the conclusion of our investigation,” Ayanlade said.

NAN recalls that a warehouse belonging to one of the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) accredited by the Ondo State Government to supply prepaid meters under the O’DATIWA Metering Scheme was set ablaze on Monday by unknown persons.

The warehouse, owned by Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, is located on Barracks Road, Okitipupa, and was said to have contained over 100 Active Energy Prepaid Meters worth N10 million, which was destroyed in the inferno.

Meanwhile, Mr Henry Akinbola-Oyinbo, the Managing Director, Active Achievers Nigeria Limited told journalists that residents in the neighbourhood could not salvage anything from the facility due to the raging fire.

“We were informed early in the morning that a raging fire was consuming our warehouse.

“Our Active Energy Prepaid Meters, though the best and most affordable in the market at the moment, are not inflammable, and as such could not have caught fire without someone deliberately setting it ablaze.

“This is so devastating that agents of darkness could strike in this manner.

“Most disheartening is the commendable initiative of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to end estimated billing for energy consumers in Ondo State through the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme, which some bad elements appear determined to frustrate,” he lamented.

kinbola-Oyinbo, however, called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the perpetrators.

(NAN)

By Amen Gajira

House of Representatives member, Daniel Amos on Friday announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over expectations that his people in Southern Kaduna will benefit more if they support the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He said the President has already demonstrated love for the Southern Kaduna people with the citing of a federal university and medical centre in the area.

“President Bola Tinubu has shown from day one that he is a true leader who recognises us as a people.

“He has given us the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, which made our decision an easy one.

“These are clear signs that if Southern Kaduna supports Tinubu in 2027, the region will benefit even more,” Amos who represents Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency said.

Rep Daniel Amos spoke to journalists in Kafanchan, shortly after tendering his resignation letter to the PDP.

The lawmaker, who chairs the Committee on House Services, explained that his decision to join the APC was informed by the need to align with the centre to attract more developments to his constituency.

He cited the internal party conflict within the PDP as another reason for his defection, adding that his decision followed wide consultation with his constituents.

“We looked at the crisis in the PDP and decided to look for an alternative platform in the interest of our people.

“I can confirm that we have gotten that the agreement of our people to move to the APC so we can better their lives.

“I believe that what we are doing is not only divine but something that all of us as a people will gather some day and thank God for the wisdom to take this decision at this time,” he added.

On whether he received assurances before joining his new party, the lawmaker answered in the affirmative.

“It is true that we were promised that when we join the government at the centre, both at the state and federal level, our zone will get it’s fair share of resources,” he stated

Danie Amos reiterated his commitment to prioritising the welfare and interests of his constituents over and above all political considerations.

mos, along with other high profile PDP defectors from Southern Kaduna, would be formally received into the APC by Vice-President Kashim

Shettima, Gov. Uba Sani, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajjudeen Abbas, at a grand ceremony in Kafanchan on Saturday.

(NAN)

By Obinna Unaeze

The Anambra State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for the suspected abductors of a medical doctor kidnapped on Thursday in Uruagu, Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Awka.

ccording to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a full-scale investigation and directed tactical teams to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred on October 30, when unidentified assailants abducted the medical doctor under yet-to-be-determined circumstances,” the statement read.

Ikenga noted that the police were actively pursuing all leads, while assuring the public that every effort was being made to secure the victim’s release.

The commissioner, Orutugu called on residents, particularly those in Nnewi and its environs, to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement by providing credible information that could aid the investigation.

He urged anyone with useful details to contact the nearest police station, the Command Control Room via 07039194332, or the PPRO through 08039334002 for prompt assistance.

“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents and will not relent until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Orutugu assured.

By Taiye Agbaje

Nigerian government and U.S social media company, Meta Platforms, Inc., will, on Nov. 3, adopt the terms of settlement in the dispute over 32.8 million dollars fine imposed against the latter by the country’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) .

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed the date following the inability of Meta’s lawyer, Fred Onuobia, SAN, to file the processes on time.

Onuobia had on Oct. 3, informed the court of Meta’s plan to reconcile with Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in the suit the American multinational technology company filed seeking to quash the regulatory agency’s sanction.

The lawyer had told the court after Justice Omotosho had prepared to deliver a ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection against the suit filed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Onuobia begged the court to defer the ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection and the ruling on the motion on notice to amend their suit.

He told the court that the parties had reached an advanced stage on settlement in the case.

He said the parties “are afraid” that the ruling might affect discussions on settlement.

nd after NDPC’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, confirmed Onuobia’s submission, the judge fixed today (Oct. 31) for either adoption of terms of settlement or ruling.

When the case was on Friday, Onuobia, who also appeared for Meta Platforms, Inc., told the court that parties had reached a settlement.

“We are happy to announce to my lord that the parties have reached a settlement,” he said

He, however, apologised to court that though Meta had prepared to settle with NDPC, he was only able to file their documents this morning.

He acknowledged breaching the court protocol for filing processes earlier before proceedings.

He said the development was due to circumstances beyond their control.

“We may ask for a stand down so that the copy for the court can be filed my lord,” Onuobia prayed.

But the judge, who declined to grant application for stand down, said he must perused the terms of settlement thoroughly before delivering his ruling on it.

The judge told the lawyer that it had always been his practice to go through processes filed before his court.

“There are instances that what is not in the claims will be included in the terms of the settlement.

“So I will have to read it,” he said.

Besides, Justice Omotosho said he also had afternoon session where other matters would be heard.

dedipe, in his response, thanked the judge for accommodating them.

The lawyer observed that earlier, the matter was scheduled for ruling on their objection but the judge reconsidered this to give them the opportunity to explore reconciliation.

Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 3 at 12noon for adoption of the terms of settlement.

The NDPC had, on Feb. 18, imposed both a remedial fee of 32,800,000 million US dollars and eight corrective orders against Meta Inc.

The company was alleged to have violated the fundamental privacy rights of its Nigerian users with respect to behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

Dissatisfied with the action, Meta Platforms Inc., in a motion ex-parte dated and filed on Feb. 26, dragged the regulatory agency to court as sole respondent.

In the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025 and moved by Fred Onuofia, SAN, on March 4, Justice Omotosho granted one of the two orders sought.

The judge had granted leave to Meta to commence proceedings by way of judicial-review seeking, inter alia, an order of certiorari quashing the compliance and enforcement orders dated Feb. 18 issued by NDPC against the company.

It urged the court to nullify “all other investigations, proceedings and actions taken by respondent against the applicant leading to the ‘Final Orders.'”

The judge, however, refused to grant Meta’s relief seeking a stay of the proceedings of all matters relating to the “Final Orders” issued by NDPC against it, pending the hearing and determination of the judicial review proceedings.

Instead, the judge made an order of accelerated hearing of the suit.

But NDPC, in a preliminary objection filed by its lawyer and the head, ALPHA and ROHI Law Firm, Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the suit was incompetent and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain same.

The regulatory agency, in its objection dated April 10 and filed April 11, urged the court to either strike out or dismiss the case.

dedipe, in two grounds of argument, submitted that the originating summons filed by the company is incompetent for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Order 34 Rule 6(1) of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Quoting the provision, the lawyer said: “No ground shall be relied upon or any relief sought at the hearing, except the grounds and reliefs sought in the statement.”

He also argued that the suit, as presently constituted, is grossly incompetent and academic, the reliefs sought therein, not being capable of activating the jurisdiction of the court.

“The suit is liable to be struck out/dismissed, in limine,” Adedipe had argued.

The fine against Meta came as one of the measures by the NDPC to protect Nigerians’ data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

Nigerian Chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci, has pledged her support to organisations working towards the seeking justice for late 13-year-old Ochanya.

Baci on her Instagram page, expressed her sadness over such occurrence, emphasising the need to protect the girl child. She also vowed to donate a sum of 2 million naira to the organisations working with survivors of sexual abuse.

Baci also stressed the need for accountability and action from the society at large.

“A 13-year-old girl who should have been safe, loved, and protected was instead failed by the very people meant to guard her. As I read through her story, I couldn’t stop thinking about how many girls carry wounds like hers and are still here today, trying to find their way back to wholeness. To support that cause, I’m pledging N2,000,000 to organisations working with rape and s3xual abuse survivors I’d love for you to help me choose two trusted NGOs to receive this donation. Drop your nominations in the comments or tag them below so my team and I can review and reach out directly,”she wrote.

By Jelili Ariyibi

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Ladi Adebutu, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Segun Sowunmi, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and others circling the Ogun State governorship in 2027, consider this your warning label: the state you seek to govern has, for decades, produced some of Nigeria’s most grotesque roads. These are road projects announced with fanfare, which are then washed away within months in a long-running system showing that the state has long mistaken visibility for vision.

Three governors-Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and now Dapo Abiodun, have all come as saviours, promising redemption by asphalt. Each left potholes, craters and billboards boasting of “transformative infrastructure.” Each wore the hard hat of reform and departed as a foreman of failure. Daniel came with his cosmetic Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (OGROMA) but left broken roads. Amosun built six-lane highways of dubious quality and flyovers where they were not needed, some still abandoned. Abiodun has followed in similarly dire footsteps, commissioning roads that crumble faster than the banners used to advertise them. Ogun’s asphalt obsession has produced more spectacle than substance.

Since taking office, Abiodun has turned roads into his signature pursuit. The photo opportunities, press releases and television clips have been endless. Yet for many residents, the experience has been the opposite of durable infrastructure. Roads disintegrate within months, bridges collapse after a few rains, and stretches of asphalt turn into credible imitations of a river, not even a fish streams. Every newly tarred surface now carries a silent question: are these roads built for cameras or for endurance?

The government insists it is working. Officials brandish lists of completed and ongoing projects from Sagamu Interchange to IlaroOwodeImeko as proof of progress. No one doubts the ambition. The problem is the pattern. Roads that should last for years begin to fail in months. The AdigbeOpako Bridge in Abeokuta collapsed less than a year after reconstruction. It was opened with ceremony; then nature returned to finish what engineers should have done properly. That collapse was not just an engineering failure — it was a metaphor for a government that mistakes motion for progress.

cross the AyetoroItele and LafenwaItele corridors and around Ota Junction, the same tragedy plays out. Rains turn new asphalt into mud. Buses grind through trenches. Traders wade through floodwater to save their wares. Children splash through brown pools on their way to school. Each viral video of these scenes becomes an unpaid audit of governance, exposing shallow work, poor subgrades, inadequate drainage and hurried construction meant to satisfy political calendars.

For residents, this is not an academic debate. Every pothole is a tax on survival: broken shock absorbers, higher transport fares, spoiled goods and a huge toll on physical as well as mental health. For farmers, bad roads mean harvests that rot before reaching the market. For traders, it means shrinking profits. For those trying to run businesses where roads are ruins, there is nothing like ease of doing business.

Independent assessments have only confirmed public frustration. Ogun was recently ranked among the worst-performing states for road quality. When rankings, citizen complaints and visible failures align, the conclusion is clear: something is deeply wrong with how Ogun builds and maintains its roads.

The rot begins before the asphalt. Contracts go to firms without capacity. Drainage and soil conditions are ignored. Supervision is weak. Political deadlines override engineering logic. Maintenance, when attempted, is reactive. These are not secrets — they are habits that guarantee the next collapse.

The AdigbeOpako Bridge is the most infamous example but not the only one. The IteleLafenwaAyetoro corridor has become a seasonal swamp. The Olusegun Osoba Road that leads to the new Agbado Train Station, commissioned in 2022, has failed in over 40 places. The Buba Marwa Road, commissioned last year, is going the same way. The Ishashi Road linking Ojodu Abiodun to Akute, completed in 2023, lasted barely longer than lettuce. The same road failed within six months under Daniel, and within a year its bridge was washed away, cutting off the area from Lagos. Each road is a scar — a reminder that Ogun builds in haste and repairs in despair.

When questioned, the government reels out new lists of “completed” projects, blames predecessors and accuses critics of politics. But all the press statements in the world cannot explain why the roads do not last. Accountability begins with independent audits and the courage to name contractors who take public funds and deliver private disasters.

Durability must replace drama. Ogun does not need more ceremonies — it needs roads that outlive campaign posters. Citizens who drive, walk and trade on these roads are unmoved by slogans. Their verdict comes every rainy season when the asphalt either holds or disappears.

biodun’s ambition has been visible, but ambition without endurance is theatre. The applause should not come from ribbon-cuttings or purchased awards but from commuters who arrive home safely, traders whose goods reach the market intact, farmers whose produce survives the journey and businesses that can function without navigating craters.

So, to whoever becomes the next governor: learn from the ruins. Ogun is tired of being a rehearsal ground for infrastructural incompetence. Do not repeat Daniel’s blueprint of grand talk and little delivery. Do not follow Amosun’s pattern of vanity projects without drainage. Do not imitate Abiodun’s PR-driven construction that melts before the next rainy season.

If you build for show, your roads will not outlive your term. If you build for posterity, the state may finally escape this asphalt cycle of shame. Ogun’s soil has swallowed enough promises. The next governor must decide whether to keep feeding it more.

-Ariyibi writes from Matogbun.

The Carpenter’s Church has announced the passing of its presiding pastor, Pastor Mrs. Nkechi Chinyere Ene, describing her transition as a great loss to the church and the body of Christ.

ccording to a statement issued by Pastor Sola Akinwale on behalf of the church, Pastor Ene passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after returning from an extensive ministry trip marked by “miracles and testimonies.” The statement noted that she experienced a sudden health crisis while in Lagos shortly after her return to Nigeria.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing into glory of God’s servant, our presiding pastor, our mother-in-Israel, Pastor Nkechi Ene,” the statement read. “As our hearts hurt and questions assail our minds, we rest assured in the unwavering truth that God is good and His mercies endure forever.”

Described as a woman of great faith and conviction, Pastor Ene was celebrated for her dedication to spreading the Word of God and her lifelong commitment to service. “She lived and believed the Word of God till the very end,” the church said. “She has now heard the words from her Master, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.'”

The church called for prayers and support for her family, including her husband, Brother Emeka Ene, and their daughters — Zoe, Chloe, Tracy, and Osi. The statement also extended condolences to her mother, Ma Mercy Chijioke, and her siblings.

“As a church family, we acknowledge that this is a very challenging time for us,” the statement continued. “At times like these, we must embrace, comfort, and encourage one another, starting with our pastor’s family.”

Despite the deep sense of loss, The Carpenter’s Church expressed gratitude to God for what it described as an “excellent and productive life well lived,” noting that Pastor Ene’s impact extended far beyond the pulpit.

“We honour and celebrate one of the great generals of God in our generation — one who lived and taught the undiluted Word of God, danced with the Holy Spirit, and by precept and example taught us to do the same,” Pastor Akinwale wrote. “Her life was marked by faith in God, sacrificial service, and profound love for humanity.”

The church emphasized that her legacy will continue to inspire the congregation and believers around the world.

“Though now absent from us, her impact and legacy endure in our hearts and in our lives,” the statement concluded. “We celebrate God’s general, our mother-in-Israel, Pastor Mrs. Nkechinyere Ene. The Lord is good, and His mercies endure forever.”