Category: PM News

The UK Government has announced the appointment of Ms Vicky Seymour as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. The British High Commission made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

Seymour succeeds Mrs. Gill Lever, who completed her who completed her tour of duty in June.

‘Seymour has now taken up her role in Abuja, where she will support and strengthen the UK’s partnership with Nigeria. The partnership spans economic growth, security, migration, development, international collaboration and the links between our people,’ the statement reads.

According to the mission, Seymour brings over two decades of experience across diplomacy, international development and government. It said she recently served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position she held since 2023.

It said that she also formerly led the FCDO’s Trade Diplomacy Department and served as Development Director in Mozambique. Meanwhile, Seymour expressed delight to take up the role in Abuja.

‘I look forward to getting to know this extraordinary country, meeting people from across Nigeria’s diverse communities, and building on the strong partnership that already exists between our two countries. Together, I hope we can continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead,’ she said.

Before joining the civil service, Seymour worked in the not-for-profit sector with a focus on migration.

The Indian government has asked Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to apologise after a video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi was removed from Facebook and Instagram.

The video showed Modi speaking to students during youth-led protests on July 23. It was briefly taken down from Meta’s platforms before it was later restored.

A parliamentary committee led by lawmaker Nishikant Dubey described the removal of the video as an attack on democracy. The committee said it was unacceptable for a video of the leader of a country with more than 1.4 billion people to be removed.

The committee demanded that Meta identify those responsible for the incident and that Zuckerberg apologise within three days.

It warned that if the company fails to do so, India could withdraw Meta’s ‘safe harbour’ protection.

This legal protection shields social media companies from being held directly responsible for content posted by users.

Dubey said the committee had already contacted India’s Ministry of Information Technology and Ministry of Home Affairs.

He argued that by removing the Prime Minister’s video, Meta acted like a publisher instead of a neutral platform. According to him, losing its safe harbour protection could expose Meta and its executives to legal action across India.

Meta later restored the video and apologised, saying the removal happened because of a technical glitch.

However, India’s Information Technology Ministry rejected the explanation, saying it was not good enough.

The ministry said Meta, as one of the world’s biggest technology companies, must improve its automated systems to prevent such mistakes from happening again.

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has said criticisms of the ongoing 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are driven by envy of President Bola Ahmed.

Those criticising the project were ‘motivated by envy because they never believed the President could deliver it,’ Umahi said late Wednesday while inspecting the level of work at the Ondo section of the coastal highway in Ilaje Local Government area of the state.

The minister was responding to recent criticisms of the project by former Cross River governor, Donald Duke on a television programme.

Duke had during the programme argued that the project will not extend beyond Lagos.

But Umahi insisted that Tinubu will deliver the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as scheduled.

According to him, section one has already been completed, which is 7.47km from Victoria Island to Elepe village, while section two, about 50km stretching from Lagos to Ogun border, is about 70 per cent completed.

Umahi added that sections 3A and 3B, covering about 67 kilometres, are progressing, with approximately 30 per cent completed.

The minister stated that section 4 covers about 82 kilometres, extending through Ogun into Ondo State, saying that the President was determined to ensure its completion.

He explained that section 5, which is about 180 kilometres in Akwa Ibom, is likely the longest section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and work is ongoing there.

‘We have another 100-kilometre section beginning at the end of the Ondo section, which is currently at the design stage. What will remain afterwards are the sections through Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States.

‘I also want to respond to some of the comments made by one of those who worked with the President when he was governor. I watched the interview of His Excellency Donald Duke.

‘He is a very brilliant man. What impressed me most was that he avoided insults. He was a perfect gentleman, and I am proud of him.

‘However, some of the issues he raised require clarification. When he said the Coastal Highway would never go beyond the Epe, I respectfully disagree.

‘He also said the project was not a priority. Yet, this Coastal Highway was conceived years ago, but it could not be implemented because of funding constraints and other challenges.

‘Those attacking the Coastal Highway are, in my view, motivated by envy because they never believed this President could deliver it.

‘The man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean is capable of delivering this project. I call him a divine President,’ he said.

The minister urged stakeholders and leaders to continue to watch President Tinubu’s administration delivering the Coastal Highway.

‘I also saw where the secretary of Afenifere was accusing Ministry of Works of diverting the Coastal Highway. Of note was when he said it was diverted upland because of people who own estates there, that is far from the truth.

‘The Coastal Highway was originally planned to follow the coastline because that was our preference. However, engineering is very dynamic.

‘When we designed this section of the Coastal Highway, it was intended to pass about two kilometres from the shoreline, but then the soil tests, which form the basis of engineering design, revealed a major challenge.

‘Along that route, we encountered very poor soil known in engineering as peat, extending more than 40 to 50 metres deep.

‘We encountered peat in Sections 1 and 2 within Lagos, but fortunately it was only about 20 metres deep there, making it manageable.

‘It is extremely difficult to manage peat deposits that are 50 metres deep because they have to be removed and replaced before construction can proceed. We also discovered that the sand we expected from the sea was not suitable,’ he stated.

Umahi praised the construction company for what he described as a ‘diligent work’ that was also impacting the community with confidence of delivering a good job.

Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited have secured a major legal victory after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawfully froze the company’s bank account without obtaining the required court order.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/830/2025 on April 23, 2026, Justice M. A. Hassan held that the anti-graft agency acted outside its statutory powers by directing Zenith Bank Plc to maintain a ‘Post No Debit’ restriction on Homadil Realty’s account beyond the period permitted by law.

The court ruled that while the EFCC may place an initial restriction on a bank account during an investigation, any extension of such restriction must first receive judicial approval. Instead of seeking the court’s authorisation, the commission repeatedly issued directives instructing the bank to continue freezing the account.

Justice Hassan described the action as a clear violation of Homadil Realty’s constitutional right to own and enjoy property, stressing that law enforcement agencies must exercise their powers strictly within the limits of the law.

He further emphasised that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, noting that no government agency or institution is above the Constitution.

Consequently, the court ordered the EFCC to pay ?2 million in damages to Homadil Realty Limited for what it described as a gross abuse of power. Zenith Bank was also directed to pay an additional ?2 million for enforcing the unlawful directives, bringing the total compensation awarded to the company to ?4 million.

The judgment marks a significant victory for Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited, reinforcing the principle that investigative agencies must respect constitutional safeguards and due process in the exercise of their statutory powers.

Police Command in Osun has assured residents, tourists and traditionalists of adequate security before, during, and after the Osun-Osogbo Festival.

The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement on Thursday, said that divisional officers and area commanders had been directed to deploy security measures to safeguard lives and property.

‘The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other operational units to put in place comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations. This is to safeguard lives and property and maintain public order throughout the festive period. Security personnel will be strategically deployed to major venues, access routes, worship and tourist sites, markets, motor parks, and other identified flashpoints,’ Ojelabi said.

He said that the command would be working with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders, and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and prompt response to any security challenge.

The spokesperson assured members of the public that adequate arrangements had been made to manage traffic, regulate crowds, prevent criminal activities, and respond promptly to emergencies.

He urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the festival.

Ojelabi advised members of the public to cooperate with security personnel, avoid acts capable of causing disorder, and promptly report suspicious persons, objects, or activities to the nearest police formation or security personnel.

He urged parents and guardians to keep watch over their children and wards in crowded areas.

Ojelabi also advised motorists and other road users to comply with traffic regulations and instructions from personnel deployed for traffic management.

He, however, warned criminals, cultists, hoodlums, thieves, and other persons intending to exploit the festival to commit crimes, that the command will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of the state.

The spokesperson said that appropriate measures had been put in place to identify and deal decisively with criminal activities, in accordance with the law.

The Osun-Osogbo festival is an annual traditional event hosted by the Osun State Government with the Ata-Oja of Osogbo, the traditional ruler of Osogbo.

The festival, which attracts foreign tourists, is held at the Osun-Osogbo Grove, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised heritage site.

The week long event would be climaxing on Aug. 7 with the calabash carrying ritual, by the Osun maiden called the ‘Arugba’, to the Osun River in Osogbo.

Convener of the Mentor with Abidemi Initiative, Abidemi Adeyemi, has urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace integrity, discipline, patience and personal responsibility as essential ingredients for rebuilding the nation’s economy and restoring its moral values.

Speaking at the third edition of the mentorship programme, themed ‘Developing Good Character, Integrity, Discipline and Responsibility,’ held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adeyemi said Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved through blame or excuses but by citizens taking responsibility for their actions.

The event attracted youths from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as stakeholders and sponsors from the event planning industry, including Elegants Events UK/Nigeria, LOMS and other organisations.

Adeyemi lamented what she described as the growing obsession with wealth at the expense of character, warning that integrity and moral values have steadily declined in homes, communities and even religious institutions.

According to her, many young people have developed an unhealthy sense of entitlement, expecting rewards without making meaningful contributions to society.

‘We are used to blaming people whenever things go wrong. We blame the economy, the government and other people instead of taking responsibility. I want people to leave here knowing they can become better people. When we do better things, we can build a better country for ourselves,’ she said.

She urged participants to remain committed to honesty and good character, stressing that it is better to belong to the minority of upright people than to gain popularity through dishonest means.

Adeyemi also encouraged youths to cultivate patience, accountability and discipline while trusting God for success, noting that lasting achievements are built on consistency rather than shortcuts.

Drawing lessons from previous editions of the mentorship programme, she advised participants to learn to say ‘no’ when necessary instead of seeking to please everyone, warning them against allowing negative influences to shape their lives.

‘Don’t become muddy water that absorbs every form of corruption,’ she cautioned.

Expressing optimism about the future of the initiative, Adeyemi said the annual programme was designed to raise responsible citizens capable of transforming their families, communities and the nation.

‘I want Mentor with Abidemi to become an annual platform that keeps making people better every year. As we continue learning and growing together, we will become better spouses, better professionals and better citizens. When individuals improve, Ogun State and Nigeria will also become better,’ she said.

She further appealed to Nigerian youths to remain resilient despite the country’s economic challenges, revealing plans to support committed young entrepreneurs with start-up opportunities.

However, she decried the growing trend of beneficiaries of empowerment programmes diverting business support funds to luxury purchases instead of investing in sustainable ventures.

‘It is discouraging when some youths use empowerment funds to buy cars because they believe they have arrived. We want to identify and support young people who are willing to invest, build businesses and create lasting value,’ she said.

Adeyemi maintained that character, integrity and responsible leadership remain the bedrock of national development, urging young Nigerians to become agents of positive change capable of restoring hope for a better future.

Greece has recorded 65 locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infections since the start of the 2026 transmission season, with six deaths reported, health authorities said on Thursday.

The National Public Health Organisation (EODY), in its latest weekly epidemiological surveillance report, said 23 new cases were recorded in the past week, indicating a rise in infections.

It said 54 patients developed central nervous system (CNS) complications, including encephalitis, meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis, while 11 others experienced mild symptoms or no CNS involvement.

According to the report, all six deaths recorded were among persons above 65 years who had developed CNS complications, with the median age of the victims at 79 years.

EODY said the infections had been detected in 25 municipalities across 10 regional units in Attica, Thessaly and Central Macedonia.

It noted that Attica, the region hosting the capital, Athens, had recorded the highest spread of the disease.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that remains a recurring public health challenge in Greece, with cases commonly reported during the peak mosquito season between May and November.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has proceeded on a two-week leave, with effect from Thursday, August 6, marking his first official break since assuming office in May 2023.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.

According to the statement, the leave will allow Shettima to dedicate time to study and reflection aimed at enhancing his capacity to continue serving the country.

‘The leave offers Senator Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the Vice President has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

‘He has also chaired the National Economic Council, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.’

The statement noted that, beyond his domestic responsibilities, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at several regional and international meetings, promoting Nigeria’s interests in economic cooperation, investment, climate action, sustainable development, and peace and security.

It added that the Vice President has remained committed to supporting the administration’s objectives through loyalty, duty and service, while contributing to efforts to build a safer, more prosperous and productive nation.

Shettima is expected to resume official duties at the end of the two-week leave.

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening monitoring and evaluation (MandE) as a critical tool for improving project delivery, enhancing accountability and ensuring that public investments deliver measurable benefits to residents.

The commitment was reiterated at the 2026 Monitoring and Evaluation Stakeholders’ Forum, organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget on Wednesday in Alausa, Ikeja. The forum was themed: ‘Leveraging Monitoring and Evaluation to Advance Shared Prosperity: Chart the Course, Track the Result, Share the Prosperity.’

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said Lagos has continued to distinguish itself as a leader in innovative governance by institutionalising monitoring and evaluation throughout the entire project cycle. He explained that the process begins with the annual budget preparation, during which government consults residents across the IBILE divisions-Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, to identify priority projects.

George stressed the need to modernise monitoring systems and strengthen institutional capacity to keep Lagos at the forefront of public sector innovation.

‘We must continue to modernise our systems and build institutional capacity to ensure that Lagos remains at the forefront of public sector innovation. Let us move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical, innovative and collaborative solutions that will strengthen our monitoring and evaluation ecosystem and accelerate sustainable development,’ he said.

The commissioner noted that the ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Department tracks projects from the planning stage through implementation, assessing progress, documenting findings and working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

*’We don’t wait until projects are completed. Our Monitoring and Evaluation Department follows projects from the planning stage through implementation, evaluating progress, reporting findings and working closely with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

‘For every single project that the state undertakes, every naira and kobo is monitored, evaluated and accounted for,’ he said, adding that no project is too small because every intervention directly affects the lives of Lagos residents.

According to him, the state’s monitoring framework covers major infrastructure projects such as the Opebi-Mende Bridge, Massey Children’s Hospital, rail projects and the Food Logistics Hub, alongside investments in education, healthcare and community development.

George also disclosed that technology is becoming central to project monitoring through digital platforms such as the EKO360 App, while emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, are expected to further strengthen data collection, project tracking and evidence-based decision-making.

Delivering a paper titled ‘Result-Oriented Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism for Budget Efficiency, Effectiveness and Equity,’ former Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, represented by Aliyu Aminu Ahmed, pioneer President of the Nigeria Association of Evaluators (NEA), called for the institutionalisation of Results-Based Management to improve governance.

He argued that governments should no longer be judged by the number of projects executed or funds expended, but by measurable improvements in citizens’ quality of life.

According to him, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and equity should remain the key benchmarks for evaluating government performance and ensuring development interventions produce lasting benefits.

Also speaking, the Registrar-General of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Henry Mbadiwe, identified poor planning and weak project control mechanisms as major factors responsible for project failures in the public sector.

He emphasised that every successful project must begin with proper planning, a clearly defined project charter and a robust monitoring framework capable of managing risks, controlling project scope and evaluating results throughout the project lifecycle.

Mbadiwe urged public institutions to move beyond monitoring activities to measuring outcomes, stressing that projects only create prosperity when they are successfully delivered, effectively utilised and achieve their intended objectives.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, described monitoring and evaluation as indispensable to achieving the goals of the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2052 and the THEMES+ Development Agenda.

She said sustainable development requires deliberate planning, diligent implementation, effective monitoring and continuous learning to ensure government programmes translate into measurable benefits for residents.

According to her, the forum was organised to deepen collaboration among stakeholders, facilitate the exchange of best practices and generate practical recommendations for strengthening Lagos State’s monitoring and evaluation framework.

Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Amusat Azeez, commended the government for promoting community participation in project implementation, noting that communities now play active roles in identifying priorities, monitoring execution and taking ownership of completed projects, a development he described as vital for sustainability and accountability.

The forum brought together senior government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, professional bodies, academics and community leaders to explore practical strategies for strengthening monitoring and evaluation as a catalyst for transparency, improved service delivery and sustainable development in Lagos State.

Some workers at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, staged a protest on Thursday over the alleged non payment of their allowances.

The workers, who are members of the National Association of Non Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities (NANTS), FUTA branch, accused the university management of paying the allowances to members of other staff unions while leaving them out.

During the protest, the workers marched to the Vice Chancellor’s office, singing solidarity songs and demanding immediate payment. They warned that they would continue their action until the issue was resolved.

The union’s chairman, Adebayo Aladerotohun, said the unpaid benefits include the Consolidated Tools Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) and End Allowances, which were approved by the Federal Government.

According to him, members of the association discovered that other staff had received the payments, while they were excluded.

Aladerotohun accused the university management of wrongly implementing the government’s directive and favouring another union.

He argued that their letters of appointment clearly state that they are entitled to all government approved allowances, regardless of union membership.

The union gave the university management a seven day ultimatum to pay the allowances or face legal action.

Responding to the protesters, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Amos, appealed for calm and assured them that no worker would be denied his or her rightful benefits.

He said the management was already discussing the matter and would meet with the union’s executives again to find a solution.

The Vice Chancellor urged the workers to allow dialogue, saying peaceful discussions would help resolve the dispute faster than confrontation.

He also stressed that the university had no intention of denying any staff member their entitlement and promised that the issue would be settled fairly.