Category: PM News

Shunning criticisms from the opposition, Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has allocated over 1,500 additional plots of land to residents, insisting that his gesture is designed to expand land ownership in Kano.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, on Monday, indicated that: ‘Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has continued his administration’s commitment to expanding access to land ownership with the allocation of 1,588 plots of land to beneficiaries, as part of efforts to reduce the housing deficit and improve the welfare of citizens.

‘The latest allocation comes barely 24 hours after the Governor distributed plots of land to his aides, bringing the total number of plots allocated within two days to over 2,000.’

During the first phase of the exercise held on Saturday, land allocation documents were presented to Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Special Reporters, Special Reporters, and Personal Assistants.

The second phase, held on Sunday, saw polling unit agents, popularly known as ‘Yan Akwatu, receive their allocation documents.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf said the initiative fulfils his promise to reward the dedication and loyalty of the polling unit agents while advancing his administration’s housing policy aimed at enabling more families to own homes in Kano.

Represented by the Commissioner for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji, the Governor reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to serving all citizens of Kano State without discrimination.

‘This government belongs to every citizen of Kano State, whether you supported us or not. That is why our programmes in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, water supply, youth and women empowerment, and land administration are designed to benefit all the people of Kano State.

‘At the same time, we shall never forget those who stood with us when it mattered most,’ he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Alhaji Abduljabbar Umar, commended Governor Yusuf for allocating more than 2,000 plots within two days, describing the initiative as a bold step towards improving access to land ownership and reducing the housing deficit in Kano state.

He also urged the polling unit agents to remain steadfast in protecting the mandate of the people and to redouble their efforts ahead the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Hamza Buhari Ba Kwana, called on the beneficiaries to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture through continued loyalty, commitment, and support in the 2027 elections.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of land allocation documents to the beneficiaries.

During the first phase distribution of plots of land on Saturday, Governor Yusuf said the scheme will reduce housing deficit and create family wealth.

He disclosed that his administration’s allocation of plots of land to citizens is aimed at reducing the housing deficit, creating wealth for families, and laying a solid foundation for a better future.

During the Saturday’s event which took place at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Governor Yusuf distributed plot-of-land title documents to his Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Senior Special Reporters (SSRs), Special Assistants (SAs), Special Reporters (SRs), and Personal Assistants (PAs), under the supervision of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

Governor Yusuf said, ‘receiving an allocation of a plot of land in a government layout was not an ordinary achievement.’

The Governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim said: ‘This programme is not simply about the allocation of plots of land; it is about reducing the housing deficit, empowering our people through property ownership, creating wealth for families, and providing young people, women, and vulnerable groups with a solid foundation upon which they can build a better future.’

He added that, ‘the present administration believes leadership is not measured by the promises it makes, but by the promises it keeps,’ stressing that the administration was fulfilling a promise it made to the beneficiaries.

Governor Yusuf commended the beneficiaries for supporting his administration from the campaign period to the present and appealed to them to consider themselves ambassadors of his administration by continuing to enlighten the public about the programmes and projects being undertaken by the Abba Gida-Gida administration.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Abduljabar Umar, said the number of plots allocated by the Governor Yusuf administration surpassed those allocated by the previous administrations of former Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

He urged the beneficiaries not to sell the allocated plots but to keep them for future use.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke, including SSA Hassan Sani Tukur; SSR Amir Abdullahi Kima; SA Jamilu Aliyu Drone; and Kano APC Youth Leader, Salisu Yahaya Hotoro.

They all expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf and promised to work assiduously to ensure his re-election and all-round victory for the All Progressive Congress in the 2027 general elections.

Ahead the 2027 election circle, the Kogi Diapora, has pushed for power shift to Kogi West senatorial district, declaring total support to Hon. James Abiodun Faleke of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as governor.

A statement signed by the Chairman of Kogi Diaspora, Hon. Seyi Olorunsola, and made available to our Correspondent, on Monday, indicated that the group demanded for power shift to Kogi West, after due consultations with members across the globe and at home.

The statement noted that: ‘Following extensive consultations with our members across the diaspora, we are pleased to declare our full support for Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as our preferred candidate.

‘We are convinced that he possesses the experience, competence, integrity, and vision required to lead Kogi State to greater heights.’

The Kogi Diaspora also pledged to provide the financial backing for a seamless campaign to ensure victory for James Faleke during the APC primaries, and the main governorship election in the state.

According to Olorunsola, the Kogi Diaspora Community, ‘reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, equity, and the continued progress of Kogi State.

‘As discussions on the forthcoming Kogi State governorship election continue, we strongly believe that, in the interest of equity, justice, and political balance, the governorship should rotate to Kogi West (Okun Land).

‘We believe this is consistent with the principles of fairness and inclusiveness that promote unity and strengthen our democracy.’

Olorunsola further stated that: ‘Over the years, we, the Kogi Diaspora, have made significant contributions to the economic development of our dear state through investments, entrepreneurship, remittances, and community development initiatives.

‘In recognition of our commitment to Kogi’s growth, we are prepared to further demonstrate our support by providing economic backing for the aspiration of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.

‘We also wish to commend Senator Sunday Karimi for his unwavering love, dedication, and service to the people of Kogi State. We congratulate him on his victory at the APC primary election and pray that God Almighty grants him greater wisdom and strength as he continues to serve the people with commitment and distinction.’

The Kogi Diaspora further assured Faleke of their unwavering, ‘moral, intellectual, and economic support throughout this journey.

‘We remain committed to mobilizing Kogites across the diaspora to contribute meaningfully toward the emergence of a leadership that will unite the state and deliver sustainable development for all.

‘We call on all sons and daughters of Kogi State, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation, to support the quest for a governor from Kogi West in the spirit of justice, equity, and progress.

‘Together, let us build a stronger, united, and more prosperous Kogi state.’

Dr Adesina Aladeloba, Dean, School of Environmental Studies, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has introduced a N1 million award to encourage students to shun examination malpractice.

Aladeloba said the initiative, known as the ‘War Against Examination Crime’ (WAEC) Award, was designed to prevent examination malpractice, by rewarding departments whose students recorded no examination infraction in an academic session.

He disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

The dean however clarified that the ‘WAEC’ initiative for YABATECH which was his brainchild, was different from the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) organised by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

According to him, the maiden edition of the award was held on June 24, after assessing students’ conduct over two semesters.

Aladeloba further explained that any department whose students were not reported to the School Examination Malpractice Investigation Committee (SEMIC) automatically qualified for the award.

‘The idea is to prevent examination malpractice rather than focus only on punishment. If there are no cases, the committee will have little or no work to do,’ he said.

Aladeloba said the first edition produced two winning departments out of seven, in the institution.

He identified the winners as the Departments of Architecture and Transport Planning and Management, which shared the N1 million prize.

According to him, the prize money was presented directly to the students’ associations of the winning departments rather than their heads of department.

‘The award belongs to the students because they are the ones we want to encourage to maintain integrity during examinations,’ he said.

The dean described examination malpractice as a crime with grave consequences for society.

He said professionals who obtained qualifications fraudulently could endanger lives through incompetence in critical fields such as medicine, engineering and construction.

Aladeloba explained that while offenders should face sanctions, educational institutions should place greater emphasis on preventive measures than punitive actions.

He expressed concern over the increasing desperation for paper qualifications in Nigeria, saying it had contributed to the growth of examination malpractice and the so called ‘miracle centres’.

He urged government agencies to clamp down on operators of miracle centres and prosecute offenders.

According to him, eliminating examination malpractice requires a shift from paper qualifications to competence, practical skills and value creation.

He commended the Federal Government’s growing emphasis on skills acquisition and vocational education, describing it as a step in the right direction.

Aladeloba said the initiative had already inspired healthy competition among students, with departments now encouraging their members to avoid examination misconduct in pursuit of the annual award.

He expressed optimism that the programme could be adopted by other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to promote academic integrity and reduce examination malpractice in Nigeria.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior arrived at the club’s training ground on Monday as questions about his future continue.

The Brazilian is set to undergo routine medical tests before returning for preseason training. He is also expected to have his first training session under new manager Jose Mourinho.

Vinicius has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal this summer. His current contract with Real Madrid is close to expiring, and talks over a new deal have reportedly been at a standstill for more than a year.

Also seen arriving at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground was new signing Bernardo Silva.

Silva recently joined the Spanish club on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City.

Despite the transfer rumours surrounding Vinicius, he has reported for preseason as Real Madrid prepare for the new campaign under Mourinho.

His future remains uncertain, with fans waiting to see whether he will stay at the club or complete a move before the transfer window closes.

A high court in Ifo, Ogun State, is set to rule on an Interlocutory Injunction in an alleged breach of contract action on Monday, 3rd August 2026, which involves Zenith Bank PLC and Olugbenga Ajala, Esq (Receiver Manager of Dolphin Steels Limited).

A finance company, Prodigy Finance Limited, had instituted an action against the bank and the receiver manager in Suit No. HCF/136/2026, seeking among other reliefs from the court, an order of specific performance against the bank, for the sale of the assets of Dolphin Steels Limited (In receivership) which is located at Papalanto in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

At the resumed hearing of the application which came up on Thursday 23rd July 2026; the bank was not represented by any legal counsel, likewise the 2nd defendant; when counsel for the applicant, Oluwatosin Olumakin, Esq urged the court, to grant the application for injunction against the bank and the receiver manager from further tampering with or alienating the assets of the company in receivership; pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The judge, Hon. justice Ogunfowora, having observed that the requisite hearing notice was duly served on the parties, and they were out of time to respond to the application, upon hearing the applicants counsel, adjourned the matter to Monday, 3rd August 2026 for ruling accordingly.

Taraba governor, Agbu Kefas, has signed three Executive Orders aimed at tackling political thuggery, illegal mining and drug abuse in the state.

Taraba Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Ms Zainab Jalingo announced this in a statement on Sunday.

Kefas noted the alarming rise in substance abuse and its correlation with criminality, violence and social disintegration in the society.

‘Drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to the future of our young people. It fuels insecurity, destroys families, undermines productivity, and exposes communities to various forms of crime.

‘The Executive Order provides stronger legal backing for relevant authorities to prevent, monitor, and prosecute activities related to drug abuse while supporting efforts geared towards public enlightenment, rehabilitation, and youth development,’ Kefas said.

On the executive order prohibiting political thuggery, the governor said the decision was informed by the approaching political campaigns and the need to preserve the peace currently being enjoyed across the state.

He recalled the efforts made by his administration to restore peace and security, stressing that his government would not allow anyone to disrupt public order or undermine the stability of the state.

‘The Executive Order prohibits the recruitment, sponsorship, financing, harbouring, or use of political thugs by any individual, group, or political interest.

‘It is intended to discourage violence, intimidation, destruction of property, and other unlawful acts often associated with electoral contests.’

Kefas observed with great concerns the increasing activities of illegal miners, loggers and other unauthorized operators whose actions have resulted in environmental degradation, destruction of farmland and water sources, and threat to the safety and livelihood in the state.

‘This Executive Order strengthens measures against illegal exploitation of natural resources, promotes environmental sustainability, and protects the rights and welfare of communities hosting legitimate resource development activities’

‘The government calls on all citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth groups political stakeholders, civil society organisations, to support the implementation of these Executive Orders in the collective interest of peace, security, and progress’ he stated.

The Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded a major success in its campaign against violent crime after dismantling suspected gunmen’s camps in Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

The operation led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally fabricated rocket launchers, with the rocket launchers subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Army.

The outfit’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Nweke Nweke, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

He said the operation was the result of sustained intelligence gathering and covert surveillance carried out at identified security flashpoints across Anambra South Senatorial District in recent days.

According to him, the feat has been recognised by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the performance of the Agunechemba Security Squad and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working with the outfit and other security agencies to tackle crime in the state.

Nweke said: ‘The Agunechemba Security Squad has recorded yet another feat in the fight against insecurity following the dislodgement of camps of gunmen in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas and the recovery of a cache of arms, including two General Purpose Machine Guns and locally made rocket launchers, which were handed over to the Nigerian Army.

‘Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the operations of the Agunechemba Security Squad, reiterating that the Army will continue to partner with other security organisations such as Agunechemba in fighting crime and criminality in the state.

‘This success story is on account of intelligence gathering and undercover operations of the outfit at major security flashpoints in Anambra South Senatorial District in the last few days.’

He described the handover of the recovered weapons as further evidence of the security outfit’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.

The transfer took place on Saturday at the office of Agunechemba’s Director of Operations in Awka. It was led by Chief Chinenye Ihenko, who represented the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr Kenneth Emeakayi.

Addressing those present, Ihenko said the exercise reflected the growing partnership between Agunechemba and the Nigerian Army in confronting insecurity.

He stressed the need for continued collaboration with federal security agencies, noting that the operation marked an important milestone in the fight against criminality across the state.

He also assured residents that the security outfit would remain committed to its responsibilities under Anambra’s homeland security framework.

Commending the operatives, Ihenko revealed that they completed the mission without suffering any casualties despite coming under attack.

‘This operation is among our greatest achievements; our team performed valiantly without any losses. When confronted by the gunmen, they retreated, leaving their weapons behind and fleeing with injuries.

‘We express appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the support provided to Agunechemba, which has invigorated our efforts to reclaim areas previously dominated by criminals, particularly in Orumba North and South, Ihiala, and Ogbaru LGAs,’ he said.

He appealed to residents to continue providing support and useful information to security agencies, saying lasting security could only be achieved through collective effort.

Also speaking, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha, Col. Buteus Yakubu, represented by Lt. P.O. Idowu, praised Agunechemba for the successful operation.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State and the Agunechemba Security Squad.

The event concluded with the formal transfer of two General Purpose Machine Guns and a locally made rocket launcher to the Nigerian Army, witnessed by military personnel, Agunechemba officials and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it is introducing stricter regulations for fintech companies and digital payment providers to ensure fair competition in the financial sector.

Speaking at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech and Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 in Lagos, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said no financial institution would be allowed to dominate the market in a way that limits competition or harms consumers.

He was represented by the Director of the Payment System Supervision Department, Dr Rakiya Opemi Yusuf.

Cardoso said the CBN wants to create a level playing field where banks, fintech companies and other payment service providers can compete fairly under transparent rules while protecting customers.

According to him, innovation remains important for improving financial inclusion and payment services, but it should not be used to gain unfair market advantages or avoid accountability.

The CBN has introduced new market structure rules aimed at reducing excessive dominance in payment services, especially in consumer issuing and merchant acquiring.

The measures are designed to prevent any institution from using its strength in one area to unfairly control another part of the market.

Cardoso explained that the new policy is not meant to stop businesses from growing. Instead, it is intended to ensure that growth does not reduce competition, limit customer choice or threaten the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.

He also announced that the CBN is increasing transparency by requiring financial institutions to clearly disclose their ultimate beneficial owners.

This is aimed at preventing hidden ownership arrangements and conflicts of interest.

In addition, Cardoso said all payment transaction data generated in Nigeria must now be stored and managed within the country.

He noted that this will improve data security, strengthen regulatory oversight and reduce dependence on foreign systems.

The CBN governor added that the bank will continue to improve the regulatory environment by licensing new operators, supporting digital payment channels and working with banks, fintech companies and other stakeholders to expand financial inclusion.

He stressed that regulation should encourage innovation while ensuring that institutions handling public funds, processing payments or managing customer data operate responsibly.

Cardoso said the CBN will continue to apply the same regulatory standards to institutions carrying similar risks, regardless of their size, ownership or technology.

However, organisations with greater market influence will be expected to meet higher standards of governance and regulatory compliance.

Minister of Works David Umahi says President Bola Tinubu asked him to remain focused on road construction despite calls for his removal over the death of Mary Habila.

Habila, a staff member attached to the minister, died at Umahi’s private residence in June, triggering widespread reactions and demands for an investigation.

Some opposition figures and social media users subsequently called on Tinubu to suspend or sack Umahi pending the conclusion of investigations into the incident.

Reacting in a video circulating on social media, the minister accused some individuals of politicising Habila’s death.

‘When people took the death of one of my staff and started playing politics with it, they said the president should sack me,’ Umahi said.

‘But the president surprised all of them and said, ‘Dave, go and build more roads.”

Umahi maintained that decisions concerning his position would not be determined by social media criticism.

‘Power and might don’t belong to social media; they belong to God,’ he said.

The minister did not provide an update on the investigation into Habila’s death during his remarks.

Authorities have also yet to publicly announce the final outcome of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo says his administration has not borrowed any money since he assumed office.

Soludo disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor also argued that the Nigerian economy had stabilised and was beginning to recover.

‘Nigeria has stabilised and is on the rise. I haven’t borrowed a dime since I became governor,’ he said.

Soludo maintained that prudent management of public resources could help state governments deliver development without accumulating unsustainable debts.

He also urged Nigerians to patronise locally manufactured products, warning that the country could not create the desired number of jobs while depending heavily on imports.

‘We cannot create the kind of jobs we want with all of us using foreign or imported goods,’ Soludo said.

‘I look in this room, and I see suits from Europe, America and China.’

The governor estimated that Nigeria could create more than 10 million jobs if its population deliberately embraced locally produced clothing and other goods.

‘If all 247 million Nigerians wear only made-in-Nigeria, more than 10 million jobs will be created,’ he added.

Soludo has consistently promoted locally manufactured products, particularly textiles, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic industries and generate employment.