Category: PM News

Dr Moses Arokoya, President, Nigerian Vetinarry Medical Association (NVMA) has said that 65 per cent of human diseases in Nigeria were Zoonotic (livestock related).

rokoya made the declaration on Monday at the 61 Annual National Congress/ Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NVMA holding in Jalingo.

He noted thatc were on the increase in Nigeria, adding that 2.7 million lives were globally lost annually due to zoonotic diseases.

He said that the choice of Taraba for the conference was strategic, nothing that a Disease Free Zone (DFZ) was to be established on the Mambilla Plateau.

The president added that the eradication of diseases from Mambilla Plateau would lead to production of large metric tones of fresh meat.

rokoya said that more DFZ were needed in the country to make livestock production an economic stimulus.

The president further decried the state of abbatoirs in Nigeria, adding that poor abbatoirs have enhanced microbial resistance as most Nigerians consume drugs used in the treatment of livestock before they were slaughtered.

He said that modern abattoirs were needed in the 774 local government areas to address the menace.

He commented President Bola Tinubu for the reforms in the livestock sector, adding that the vetinerians needed an empowerment from the federal government.

rokoya also requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to include them on their disaster intervention Policy. He stressed the need to include vetinerians in the preparedness and response strategies for emergencies.

(NAN)

Political parties and candidates contesting the 1 November local government elections in Niger State have signed a peace accord aimed at promoting a credible and violence-free poll.

The accord, facilitated by the Niger State Police Command under Commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was signed during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna.

ttendees included officials from the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), government representatives, security agencies, and political actors.

Commissioner Elleman stressed that the police would act with professionalism, neutrality, and fairness, ensuring a secure environment before, during, and after the election. He urged youths to shun violence and serve as ambassadors of peace.

NSIEC Chairman Mohammed Imam highlighted the commission’s 15-point election guideline, covering the election of 25 council chairmen and 274 councillors across the state’s 4,950 polling units.

IPAC Chairman Isah Makujeri praised both NSIEC and the Police for their cooperation and preparatory efforts, expressing optimism for a peaceful and transparent election.

The peace accord prohibits religious, ethnic, or inflammatory rhetoric, with all signatories pledging full compliance. Commissioner Elleman concluded by reaffirming the Police Command’s commitment to neutrality and credibility throughout the process.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has applauded recent court rulings affirming consumer rights in Nigeria, describing them as significant milestones for market accountability and consumer confidence.

In separate decisions, the Lagos High Court awarded 5 million in damages against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited for the wrongful disconnection of a DStv subscriber, while the Enugu High Court declared Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy unlawful and ordered 500,000 in compensation to an affected passenger.

statement issued by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, quoted the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, as commending the judiciary for upholding fairness and reinforcing the principles of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

ccording to Bello, the rulings highlight the strength of the FCCPA, which empowers consumers to seek redress and compels service providers to adhere to lawful standards of service delivery.

He also praised consumers for pursuing justice through proper legal and regulatory channels rather than resorting to self-help, noting that the FCCPC provides various platforms for lodging complaints, including its online portal, email, and nationwide offices.

“The consistent judicial enforcement complements the Commission’s regulatory work and reinforces the message that violations of consumer rights carry real consequences,” Bello said. “We encourage consumers to continue reporting unfair practices to ensure accountability and fairness in the marketplace.”

Bello revealed that between March and August this year, the FCCPC facilitated recoveries worth more than 10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, a figure he said reflects the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s consumer protection framework.

In the Lagos case, Justice R. O. Olukolu ruled that MultiChoice acted unlawfully by disconnecting an active DStv subscription despite verified payment by the claimant, Mr Ben Onuora. The court ordered immediate reconnection, an extension of service to cover the period of disruption, and awarded 5 million in general damages, citing sections 130, 136, and 142145 of the FCCPA (2018), which guarantee quality service and hold providers accountable for interrupted delivery.

In the Enugu case, Justice C. O. Ajah declared Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy illegal and void under sections 120, 104, and 129(1) of the FCCPA. The transport company was ordered to pay 500,000 in damages to Mr Tochukwu Odo after failing to complete a paid journey. The court ruled that service providers must issue refunds when a service is not rendered, stressing that policies denying such rights contravene statutory consumer protections.

Bello reaffirmed that the FCCPC remains Nigeria’s primary agency responsible for ensuring fair competition and protecting consumer rights across all sectors of the economy.

Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has denied allegations of harassment, cyberstalking, and emotional abuse levelled against him by one Jane Doe, describing them as false and part of a wider campaign of intimidation within the music industry.

The woman, through her lawyer Taiwo Akinsulie, accused Blaqbonez of subjecting her to months of bullying and humiliation after she reportedly declined his romantic advances. The petition also alleged that the rapper engaged in blackmail, invasion of privacy, and the unlawful circulation of private, indecent videos without her consent.

Reacting to the allegations, Blaqbonez said the claims were fabricated and stem from a past personal relationship that ended peacefully, which has now been twisted to fit a narrative of professional rivalry.

“Over the past few days, several false and deeply distressing allegations have been circulated online about me,” the rapper said in a statement. “These claims are not only untrue; they are part of a sustained pattern of harassment and intimidation that I have endured for months from certain individuals within the music industry.”

Blaqbonez explained that he had faced bullying, physical assaults, and online attacks for nearly a year but chose to remain silent, believing that the truth would eventually prevail.

“For nearly a year, I have stayed silent, enduring repeated bullying and online attacks, hoping the truth would speak for itself. But silence has only allowed falsehoods to spread. The relationship at the centre of these accusations ended respectfully and without conflict, yet it has been dragged into professional rivalries and used to discredit me publicly.”

The rapper said he decided to speak out as the allegations continued to gain traction online.

“The accusations being pushed are deliberate fabrications designed to damage my name, my work, and everything I’ve built,” he stated. “They’ve caused pain to my family, my team, and those who support me. It’s disheartening to see people weaponise lies for attention and revenge.”

Blaqbonez assured fans that he is cooperating with authorities to ensure the truth comes to light and has taken legal steps to protect himself from defamation and harassment.

“I’m cooperating fully with the authorities and taking legal action to defend myself. I have nothing to hide and welcome transparency,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to honesty and self-belief — values he says continue to shape his art.

“I’ve worked hard to represent honesty and self-belief in my music. That will not change. The truth will come out, and I hope this moment reminds everyone that false accusations and bullying have real-life consequences.”

Blaqbonez concluded by thanking his supporters and reiterating his focus on peace, music, and clearing his name.

“I won’t allow personal grudges or online hostility to define who I am or distract me from my purpose,” he added. “The truth is not afraid of light — and that’s where I stand.”

By Jethro Ibileke

former publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, has said that former Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki, is not on the run and he is ready to respond to any of the anti-corruption agencies if necessary.

He made the remark on Tuesday in Benin, while answering questions from journalists.

He noted that the former Governor is giving his successor, Monday Okoebholo, a “space and opportunity to prove his worth to the people of the state”.

He said: “Former Governor Obaseki’s presence in Edo will make Governor Okpebholo’s administration uncomfortable, as he doesn’t want Okpebholo to be judged on daily basis of his (Obaseki) good performance.

“He is not on the run and if anybody wants him, including the EFCC, ICPC and others, they can write him and he would respond to whatever they want.

“Obaseki is doing his fellowship in a foreign university and there is a government in place in Edo, and his performance is not comparable to Okpebholo’s work now.

“Governor Obaseki is not coming back to Benin to run for Senate or any other position like other past governors. He has served at the highest level of governance in Edo and it is that honour he would continue to maintain.”

Nehikhare called on Edo people not to listen to the ranting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who he said is blaming Obaseki on a daily basis, adding that has made his marks in the governance of the state.

lso speaking, the newly elected State PDP publicity Dan Ogbegie, faulted the ongoing construction of a flyover at the Ramat Park in Ikpoba Hill, describing it as unnecessary.

Ogbegie who blamed the Okpebholo’s administration for abandoning its predecessor’s projects, noted that there are many roads inside the Government Reservation Area (GRA) and other parts of the that required attention.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has assured Nigerians that the commission will resolve all network challenges encountered during the mock accreditation exercise in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

mupitan, who presided over his first Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, said INEC was fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.

“We recently conducted a Mock Accreditation Exercise in 12 selected polling units across six Local Government Areas of Anambra State using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” Amupitan said.

“Although we experienced some network challenges, efforts are underway to ensure a seamless election on November 8, 2025. We are ready for large-scale deployment on Election Day.”

ccording to him, the commission will deploy about 24,000 personnel across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government area centres, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.

He also announced that PVC collection in Anambra would be extended from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, to ensure that no eligible voter is left out.

mupitan further disclosed that INEC had concluded logistics arrangements with transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), adding that 200 buses and 83 boats had been hired for the movement of election materials and officials.

He commended security agencies for their ongoing coordination and warned against voter inducement.

“Any attempt to induce voters before or during the election must be resisted. We must join hands to combat vote buying and protect the credibility of our democracy,” he said.

Representatives from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies were also present at the meeting, which was co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

mupitan expressed optimism that, with collective effort, the Anambra governorship election would “set a new benchmark for transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process.”

By Imelda Osayande

former deputy governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Omobayo, has been asked to return all government property and assets still in his possession within one week.

The Edo Government issued the one-week ultimatum to Omobayo in a statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday in Benin.

ccording to the statement, Omobayo is still in possession of many official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to him during his tenure were yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite formal reminders.

It reiterated that all assets acquired or utilized in the course of public service remain the property of the state and must be duly returned upon cessation of office.

“The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets.

“Accordingly, Mr Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the state government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means,” itadded.

The government said that the Edo Government remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property.

It said no individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, would be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

“This administration, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service, ensuring that all public officers are held to the highest standards of responsibility and probity,” he said.

The government urged Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment.

(NAN)

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has projected further strengthening of the naira, sustained inflation decline and improved access to credit in 2026.

It also foresees an overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 4 per cent.

Dr Oluwasegun Osidipe, Director, Research and Economic Policy Division, MAN, made the projections on Tuesday in Lagos at a news conference on the 2025 MAN Think Tank Session.

He hinged the outlook on favourable oil prices, rising foreign investments, stable energy costs, and the effective implementation of key industrial and fiscal policies.

Osidipe stated that the projections, if actualised, would lead to higher manufacturing output.

“For manufacturers, naira is projected to appreciate further to N1,300N1,400/$, driven by global oil price recovery, stronger external reserves, robust export earnings, increased foreign investments and remittance inflows.

“Headline Inflation will decelerate further to 14 per cent, supported by easing food prices, stable energy prices and appreciation of the naira.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is anticipated to implement further cuts in the benchmark interest rate to about 23 per cent, in line with dis-inflationary trend and to stimulate credit expansion and output growth.

“Further reduction in lending rates and completion of the bank recapitalisation exercise will enhance credit availability to manufacturers, strengthening investment and capacity utilisation,” he said.

Osidipe stated that for manufacturing output, real growth was projected to reach 3.1 per cent while contribution to real GDP was expected to rise to 10.2 per cent.

He hinged the expected gains on effective execution of new tax laws’ incentives, operationalisation of National Single Window Project and purposeful implementation of Nigeria Industrial Policy in close alignment with “Nigeria First” policy framework.

Osidipe said overall GDP growth was expected to reach 4 per cent in 2026 due to higher oil output and further improvement in fiscal space.

He added that expansion in financial and manufacturing sectors, and heightened consumption during the election campaigns in Q4 2026 would also spur GDP growth.(NAN)

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party on Tuesday said the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has been turned to into joke over its inability to stop inflow of illicit drugs into the country as as result of what he described as ‘corruption and poor regulation’.

Peter Obi said this in a statement his X handle on Tuesday while raising concern about use of courier and delivery services by traffickers to bring illicit drugs into the country.

He noted that the trend has continued to grow despite concerns raised by the NDLEA, a situation he said is a reflection of “how weak our institutions and relevant monitoring systems are,”

The former Anambra governor noted that drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked as it destroys families, fuels crime, and corrodes the conscience of a nation.

“The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has repeatedly raised concern about this trend, yet it continues to grow, apparently aided by corruption and poor regulation that have turned the enforcement body into a joke. Drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked,” the former presidential candidate said.

He added that Nigeria, a country that is already battling insecurity, large youth unemployment, and hunger cannot afford a drug-normalised culture.

“Nigeria, therefore, needs stronger oversight and must rise above this dangerous decline and rebuild a system where laws are sacred, leaders are accountable, and no one is above justice. Nigeria will only heal when character, truth, and responsibility return to governance.” Peter Obi said in the statement.

Read his full statement below

Raising Drug Concern in our society.

The recent revelation that drug traffickers have infiltrated Nigeria’s courier and delivery services sector is worrisome and another sad reminder of how deep our national decay has become. When criminal networks can now use logistics companies to distribute narcotics across the country, it shows how weak our institutions and relevant monitoring systems are.

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has repeatedly raised concern about this trend, yet it continues to grow, apparently aided by corruption and poor regulation that have turned the enforcement body into a joke. Drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked.

It destroys families, fuels crime, and corrodes the conscience of a nation. A country already battling insecurity, large youth unemployment, and hunger cannot afford a drug-normalised culture.

Nigeria, therefore, needs stronger oversight and must rise above this dangerous decline and rebuild a system where laws are sacred, leaders are accountable, and no one is above justice. Nigeria will only heal when character, truth, and responsibility return to governance.

New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Danish billionaire and Founder of Bestseller Foundation, Mr Anders Povlsen, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, noting that they were creating new and sustainable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s economy.

Povlsen who is Denmark’s richest man said this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The billionaire who also pledged to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy, entertainment and sports sectors was accompanied by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Hansen, and other senior officials from the Danish Government to the presidential villa.

Povlsen stressed the need for deeper collaboration between both countries in technology, culture, creative economy and youth-driven innovation.

“We would love to invest. We clearly see opportunities. We see the talent. We see the creativity. Some of it we admire in our daily life in Denmark, whether it’s music, whether it’s fashion.

“We’re already talking, as Bosun mentioned, we’re already taking first steps in investing in future Africa and goodwill.

“And we’re supporting the Fashion Week in Lagos this week also. We’re looking forward to join that later.

He said plans are underway to invest more in his football academy in Nigeria, so as to churn out more talents for the national teams.

“So, football is one of them (where we hope to invest more). And I am honored to tell you that our academy have three players in the national team,” he added.

Earlier, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to encouraging investors, particularly those interested in technology and youth development.

“I must just say thank you very much for believing in us. We are a country that is hoping and willing to partner with many people like you, other countries that believe in recognition and placing their value in our youth, and particularly innovation and digital economy.

“Cultural value and sport is one of those aspects of Nigeria that we are trying to nourish. And we will partner with you. I promise that.

The President said his government’s reforms were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading economy and innovation hub.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani thanked the Danish mogul for believing in Nigeria, while stressing the need for more partnerships.

“He’s a man that even before turning up for Nigeria, he’s invested significantly in a lot of ventures here, including the Future Africa Early Stage Fund, Aletheia Capital.

“And I think the most exciting, actually, is that he owns a football club in Denmark and a football academy in Shagamu,”

Tijani said that Denmark is deepening partnership with Nigeria in the area of digital economy and investment in the nation’s fiber optic network.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and expand NigeriaDenmark economic cooperation.

Povlsen’s visit is expected to open new opportunities for trade, technology exchange, and private-sector collaboration between both countries.

(NAN)