Category: PM News

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on Nigerian youths to take active leadership roles in shaping the country’s democracy.

This, he said, could be achieved through digital innovation and civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu made the call on Wednesday at the opening of the 2025 CiTech Summit organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to mark the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2025 celebration is “Youth Empowerment through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills.”

The summit had as its theme: “The Road to 2027; leveraging on AI and digital innovation to deepen participation of citizen and inclusive governance.”

Kalu said that Nigeria’s future depended on harnessing its vast digital potential to build an inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven democratic system.

He said in spite of Nigeria’s projected 103 million internet users and over 205 million active mobile connections, representing 90.7 per cent of the population, the country still struggled with significant digital inequality.

“Only 45.5 per cent of our people have internet access nationally and in rural areas it’s just 23 per cent.

“This dichotomy defines our 2027 challenge: how do we build an inclusive, digitally enabled democracy when more than half of our citizens remain digitally excluded?”

“The road to 2027 is not paved with wishful thinking; it is paved with strategic action, institutional reform, and collective commitment,” he said.

He said it had become imperative to leverage digital innovation not as an end in itself but as a means to the ultimate end.

“Let us build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of location, gender, or socioeconomic status, has a voice, a vote, and a stake in the democratic future,” he said.

The deputy speaker said that the National Assembly was committed to supporting young people to take up leadership positions.

“We are actively reviewing legislative frameworks to reduce the financial barriers to political participation, enhance youth representation in party structures, and create institutional pathways for youth-led civic innovation,” Kalu said.

The lawmaker, however, said that legislation alone was not enough, adding that youths must organise, mobilise, and claim their rightful place in Nigeria’s democratic future.

“Use digital platforms not just for consumption, but for creation. Build the civic tech tools that track government projects, monitor budgets, and expose corruption.

“Use your voices on social media not just to criticise, but to propose solutions, run for office, support candidates who share your values, vote and hold your leaders accountable.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires your active, sustained, and strategic participation,” he said.

The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suliaman encouraged youths to think boldly and creatively about the role that technology can play in enhancing their participation in governance.

He tasked them to challenge the status quo, break down the barriers to inclusion and work together to build a democratic system that was inclusive and forward looking.

“The future of our democracy depends on the engagement of Nigerian young people. It depends on their ideas, their energy and their commitment to justice and equity as we navigate the digital frontier.

“Let us do so with the conviction that our collective effort here today will lead to a more inclusive and vibrant democracy for all ladies,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Yusuf Laidi, the founder of ILEAD Africa, a group of innovative thinkers, said that the theme was a call to action and to reimagine how to engage citizen, build trust in governance, and empower young people.

“As we the country approaches critical election cycle in 2027 we must move beyond retrograde to innovation.

“We must turn technology into a tool for transparency and accountability.

“We must actively participate and ensure that governance in Africa and Nigeria, most importantly, truly reflect the voices and aspiration of their people,” he said.

(NAN)

By Ige Adekunle

The Police Command in Ogun says it has rescued a kidnapped victim, one Hassan Atoyebi, unhurt from kidnappers at Onipanu area in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government of the state.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abeokuta.

ccording to her, the combined tactical team has demonstrated its operational efficiency by successfully rescuing a kidnapped victim unhurt in Onipanu area of the state .

She explained that the incident occurred on Oct. 27, about 8.16 p.m., when five unidentified armed men invaded the compound of one Alhaji Atoyebi and switched off the generator to lure the occupants outside.

Odutola said that unaware of the danger, the victim and another resident came out of the house to inspect what happened, but were ambushed by the assailants who subsequently abducted victim.

She said that they carted away a Point of Sale(POS) machine, 900,000 in cash, three mobile phones, a power bank, and keys to a Highlander and Corolla vehicles in the process of kidnaping the victim.

Odutola added that a few hours after the abduction, the kidnappers used the victim’s phone to contact the family, demanding a ransom of N30 million.

“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, promptly deployed a combined tactical team of operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Crime Section, Surveillance Team, Vigilante Group, So-Safe Corps, and local hunters. The joint team traced the hoodlums to their hideout along the creeks and two of the kidnappers were neutralized while others fled with gunshot injuries. The victim was rescued unhurt and has since reunited with his family. His mobile phones and vehicle keys were recovered at the scene while efforts are on to recover the vehicles ,” she said.

Ogunlowo commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the combined security teams in the rescue of the victim.

He assured members of the public that the command remains resolute in ensuring the safety of all residents.

He reiterated that Ogun would continue to be unsafe for criminal elements to operate in any form.

NAN

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Five lives were lost while two persons were injured in a road accident involving a car and a Tipper in Ilu-Abo area of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Thursday.

The ghastly incident occurred at about 9:10am at Oyin Junction Area, Samuel Ibitoye, State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command said.

While speaking to journalist in Akure, Ondo State capital, the FRSC sector commander identified the vehicles involved in the accident as a Nissan Sunny car and a Tipper, DAF model 202345.

“Seven people were involved and five killed, which comprises one male adult, three female adults and one female child, while two were injured,” Ibitoye who attributed the cause of the incident to speeding.

He called on motorists to go into defensive driving techniques to avoid crashes, especially during the ember months.

“Meanwhile, the body of the victims have been deposited at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo, by our personnel from the Owo Unit Command,” he said.

Ibitoye, who said he had been engaging tipper drivers and other motorists in Ondo State to reduce their speed, especially on AkureOgbese route, explained that the command would not relent in its mandate to sensitise motorists.

“It is becoming too much. We have been engaging Tipper drivers and we will continue to engaging them. Basically, they should take care of their vehicles to avoid mechanical fault related crashes on the road.

“For other motorists, if you observe that any vehicle is misbehaving in front of you or around you as you are driving, please give way, let the person go or park somewhere to avoid crashes.

“Especially these ember months, everybody is on the road and the road is busy.

“People should abide by driving techniques so that you can assist yourself and others using the road for national development,” he said. (NAN)

US President Donald Trump has described his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “amazing”, even though both leaders failed to reach a formal trade agreement.

The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders in six years. It comes amid rising hopes of easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies, following years of trade battles and tariff disputes.

While Trump was upbeat about the discussions, Beijing gave a more cautious response, saying the two sides had reached a “consensus” to resolve major trade issues.

Trump’s trade war with China had triggered a series of tit-for-tat tariffs that pushed import duties to more than 100 percent on both sides. Although both countries agreed to a truce in May, the tariffs have largely remained in place.

Thursday’s meeting did not produce a formal deal, but both sides hinted they were closer to an agreement after months of behind-the-scenes talks. Trade deals often take years to finalise, and the current discussions are seen as a step toward that direction.

One key outcome for Trump is China’s decision to suspend export controls on rare earth materials — vital components used in products such as smartphones, electric cars, and fighter jets.

The US president also announced that China would resume purchasing “tremendous amounts of soybeans and other farm products”, a move that could bring relief to American farmers affected by China’s retaliatory tariffs.

However, there was no progress on the long-running dispute over TikTok. The US has been pushing to separate the app’s American operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security concerns. Beijing said talks on the issue would continue.

Washington also confirmed it would reduce some tariffs linked to the flow of chemicals used in producing fentanyl — a synthetic drug blamed for the ongoing opioid crisis in the US. But other import taxes will remain in place, meaning goods from China are still being taxed at over 40 percent.

In a sign of improving relations, Trump said Beijing had invited him to visit China in April. He also revealed that China would open discussions with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, whose company sits at the centre of the US-China battle over AI chips.

Despite the friendly tone, analysts say there are still wide gaps between the two leaders’ approaches. Xi appeared calm and deliberate, saying both sides would work on “reassuring” their economies. Trump, by contrast, was more expressive, calling the talks “a good start” but showing visible tension given the high stakes.

Henry Wang, a former adviser to China’s State Council, said the meeting went “very well” and that both sides had “laid a framework and structure” for future negotiations.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Less than 24 hours after assuming off as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu on Thursday evening shake up the Nigerian with posting and appointment of senior officers to key command, staff and instructional positions across formations, units and training institutions.

statement by the Army Headquarters indicated that the postings and redeployments were aimed at reinvigorating leadership, strengthening command structures and enhancing operational effectiveness across the service.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said the exercise affected several Major Generals and Brigadier Generals in strategic positions.

nele said Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi had been redeployed to the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), while Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes, would proceed to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations.

She said that Maj.-Gen. Peter Mala had been moved from the Office of the National Security Adviser to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as Commander.

ccording to her, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya was redeployed from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

Other appointments include Maj.Gen. Mayirenso Saraso as Chief of Operations (Army); Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army); and Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.

lso affected are Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, who moves to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, as Commander; and Maj.-Gen. Philip Ilodibia, now Chief of Defence Space Administration.

In the same vein, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut becomes Corps Commander Infantry; Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, Commander Armour Corps; Maj.-Gen. John Adeyemo, Corps Commander Artillery; and Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, Corps Commander Signals.

The statement added that Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick was redeployed to the Nigerian Army Finance Corps as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), while Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Ibrahim becomes Corps Commander Ordnance.

Others are Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Adereti, Corps Commander Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, Corps Commander Supply and Transport; and Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, Acting Corps Commander Education.

t the training institutions, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye was appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna; Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, Commandant, Nigerian Army Signal School; Maj.-Gen. Adamu Hassan, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery; and Brig.-Gen. John Bulus, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

The COAS also appointed Maj.-Gen. Saidu Audu, as Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena; Maj.-Gen. Warrah Idris as Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo is now the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. Olatokumbo Bello was appointed Director, Defence Media Operations, while Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba becomes Director, Defence Information.

The Army Chief charged the newly appointed officers to bring their wealth of experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight to bear in advancing a disciplined and combat-ready army capable of confronting contemporary security challenges.

He urged them to sustain operational momentum, strengthen interagency collaboration and uphold the army’s core values of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence. (NAN)

Political commentator and author Reno Omokri has warned that no Nigerian must desire the overthrow a democratically elected government through a coup.

In a lengthy reflection shared on social media, Omokri argued that no military coup in Nigeria’s history has ever produced better governance than the democratic government it toppled. “Historically, such undemocratic changes have always resulted in a worse administration. Much worse,” he wrote.

Omokri cited Nigeria’s 1975 palace coup, which replaced General Yakubu Gowon with General Murtala Muhammed, as the only instance where a coup led to improvement, noting that under the subsequent Murtala/Obasanjo administration, Nigeria’s GDP rebounded from a -5.2% decline in 1975 to 6.8% growth by 1979.

However, he stressed that the coups which followed, including the December 31, 1983 takeover that ended President Shehu Shagari’s Second Republic, plunged Nigeria into years of repression, economic decay, and international isolation.

“From the loss of fundamental human rights to media crackdowns, letter bombs, and state-sponsored assassinations, military rule turned Nigeria into a pariah state,” Omokri said, recalling how the nation even lost visa-free status to the UK. “Under the military, a minister once said, ‘Telephones are not for the poor!’ Today, even beggars have phones,” he said.

Omokri outlined Nigeria’s 12 publicly known coup attempts, six successful and six unsuccessful, from the first in January 1966 to the alleged 2004 Hamza al-Mustapha plot. He noted that all but the first were planned or executed by northern military officers, “either admittedly or allegedly.”

The writer credited General Olusegun Obasanjo as a stabilising figure in Nigeria’s history, citing his roles in ending the Civil War in 1970, handing over to civilian rule in 1979, and returning to democratic governance in 1999.

Drawing on this historical pattern, Omokri warned against any romanticisation of military rule or “coup-baiting” in the media. “The best predictor of the future is the past,” he wrote. “Any undemocratic change of government would set Nigeria back, and may even, God forbid, result in another civil war” Omokri warned.

He concluded by asserting that democracy, despite its flaws, remains Nigeria’s best path forward, highlighting economic gains under the current administration, which he claimed has grown the nation’s GDP by $67 billion in two years and improved the global ranking of Nigeria’s passport.

Quoting late phone political sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Omokri ended with a stark reminder: “The worst civilian rule is better than the best military dictatorship.”

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

An Assistant Inspector General, AIG of Police Nkechi Eze made history on Thursday as she was appointed the first Director of Directorate of Medical Services of the Nigeria Police Force. Her appointment was announced in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.

ccording to the statement, the appointment of Nkechi Eze was in furtherance of reforms and bid for enhanced welfare for police personnel by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

“This appointment follows the recent upgrade of the Force Medical Section to a full-fledged Directorate, a landmark step aimed at institutionalizing comprehensive, accessible, and efficient healthcare services within the Nigeria Police Force,” Hundeyin said in the statement.

Egbetokun, while congratulating AIG Eze on her well-deserved appointment, charged her to leverage her wealth of experience and proven administrative acumen to reposition the Directorate as a model of excellence in police healthcare delivery.

The Police boss emphasized that the Directorate’s establishment marks a strategic investment in the health and productivity of police personnel, reiterating that the well-being of officers remains central to the operational efficiency of the Force.

So, who is AIG Nkechi Eze, the Pioneer Director, Directorate of Force Medical Services? Here are 7 compelling facts about her you need to know

1. AIG Nkechi Eze is a distinguished clinician, dental surgeon, and administrator.

2. She is bring to her new role over 27 years of exemplary service in the Nigeria police.

3. Though she was born in Umuahia, Abia State, she hails from Agbudu community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

4. AIG Eze holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife.

5. She also holds Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Benin.

6. Her illustrious career spans various formations across Oyo, Ekiti, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory, and Lagos.

7. According to the police, AIG Eze has made significant contributions to advancing police healthcare services and officers’ welfare.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, thanks to goals from teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri and winger Bukayo Saka.

The andgtunners, fielding a mix of youth and experience under Mikel Arteta, showed tactical discipline and attacking purpose against a Brighton side that struggled to convert their early chances.

Brighton began the match with intent, pressing high and testing Arsenal’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on several occasions.

The Spanish shot-stopper produced a fine save in the eighth minute to deny Georginio Rutter from close range, before Maxim De Cuyper forced another top stop shortly after the break.

rsenal, however, weathered the early storm and gradually gained control. Their breakthrough came in the 57th minute when 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri finished off a flowing move, guiding a precise pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly into the bottom right corner to make it 10.

The goal galvanised the hosts, who began to dominate possession and push Brighton deeper into their half. Substitute Bukayo Saka sealed the win in the 76th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound inside the box to fire home Arsenal’s second and send the home crowd into celebration.

rteta made several tactical substitutions, bringing on Declan Rice, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, and Saka to consolidate Arsenal’s control in the second half.

Despite Brighton’s efforts to find a late response, including chances for Stefanos Tzimas and Yankuba Minteh, Kepa remained solid in goal to preserve the clean sheet.

Brighton’s frustrations boiled over late on, with Olivier Boscagli shown a yellow card for dissent, as Arsenal calmly saw out six minutes of added time to secure their place in the last eight.

Dapo Abiola

I’ve met many established founders, and one word comes up in every conversation: growth. It’s the kind of growth that turns small ideas into global success stories it’s the heartbeat of entrepreneurship. Lately, one financial engine, in particular, has become a powerful catalyst for that dream: private equity.

Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I thought private equity firms were a miracle that came at no cost. But I’ve learned that isn’t true.

So, let’s talk about not just the benefits, but also the real price of this ‘miracle.’ My goal is for you to walk away knowing how to protect your vision if you ever consider this path.

So, what exactly is private equity (PE)? Simply put, it’s when large investors (like pension funds or wealthy individuals) pool their money to buy a stake in an established private company. Their goal is straightforward: to help the company grow, improve its operations, and then sell their stake for a large profit. This is different from venture capital (VC), which usually invests in very early-stage startups. PE firms focus on businesses that already have a proven track record.

When it works well, PE can be a powerful force for creating value, jobs, and wealth. But in a challenging business environment like Africa, one benefit stands out to founders above all others: liquidity. This is the chance to get a significant cash payout for their hard work.

s an economist, I know that capital is the fuel for any business. PE firms know this too. They offer the one thing every founder needs to scale their vision–cash. And for many, that offer is too good to resist.

Now, let’s talk about the side of the story you don’t see on LinkedIn. I’ve seen the paperwork and the aftermath of over 20 PE deals. Generic advice like “find the right partner” is not enough.

Here’s the truth: once you take PE money, you give up a level of control you will never get back. Your company culture can change overnight. Decisions that were once driven by your values become driven by data and profit margins. Your late-night brainstorming sessions turn into formal boardroom meetings. Often, your company will be loaded with debt to finance the deal and fuel growth.

It’s not necessarily evil–it’s just how the system is designed. But if you’re unprepared, you can end up with a full bank account but a company that no longer feels like your own. We’ve seen this happen time and again with companies like HealthPlus in Nigeria and iProcure in Kenya.

My advice is simple: bootstrap first and know your “BizNup.”

Think of a PE deal like a marriage. You wouldn’t rush into a marriage just because someone looks good on paper. First, you build yourself–your vision, your independence, and your company. You bootstrap for as long as you can. This teaches you the landscape, solidifies your values, and strengthens your resolve.

Only then should you look for a partner–one whose vision truly aligns with yours. And like any marriage, you need a pre-nuptial agreement. A “BizNup” locks in your non-negotiables. It protects your company culture and ensures your original team is taken care of when the big payday arrives.

Look at Tobi Lutke of Shopify. He structured his deals to preserve Shopify’s unique culture, even after taking investor money. That’s a real “BizNup” in action: clarity, conviction, and control.

Private equity is a tool, and its impact depends on how you use it. In a country like Nigeria where inflation is high, the currency is volatile, and credit is hard to come by–a PE offer can feel like a miracle. But founders must remember that not all money is smart money.

s our economy diversifies, founders need to master both sides of the growth equation: the hustle of bootstrapping and the discipline of taking on structured capital.

Private equity can amplify what you’ve already built, but it can never replace your conviction, your vision, or your purpose.

The real win isn’t the size of your exit–it’s how much of your dream still belongs to you when the deal is done.

Dapo Abiola is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic leader with over a decade of practical experience driving ventures across the private and public sectors.

The Managing Director of Bonghe Microfinance Bank, Grace Andreas Karka, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for stealing N32 million from her own bank and transferring part of the money to a man identified as Prince Moses Batalu.

Justice Benjamin Lawan Manji of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola, found Karka guilty of criminal conspiracy and cheating after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved that she misappropriated funds belonging to the bank between August 2020 and March 2021.

ccording to the EFCC, Karka, while serving as Managing Director, unlawfully moved large sums of money from the bank’s First Bank account — No. 2013668857, to accounts linked to Batalu, who was not a customer of the bank.

Trouble started when Bonghe Microfinance Bank conducted an internal audit that revealed suspicious transfers and missing funds. Further investigation showed that N32 million was diverted under Karka’s supervision, without any official approval.

The bank reported the matter to the EFCC after several attempts to recover the money failed.

During trial, EFCC counsel Mubarak Tijani presented witnesses and documents linking Karka to the fraud, while her defence team called three witnesses in her support.

Justice Manji ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and sentenced Karka to five years in prison, with an option of 3 million fine on each count, to run concurrently.

She was also ordered to refund N29.8 million to the bank.

The case, filed under the Adamawa State Penal Code Law of 2018, exposed how the former bank chief abused her office for personal gain.