Street Aid Africa Foundation empowers Lagos schoolgirls through menstrual hygiene education

Eighty female students of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, have received practical lessons on menstrual hygiene management and personal care during an outreach organised by Street Aid Africa Foundation (SAAF).

The one-hour programme was designed to equip adolescent girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage menstruation safely while promoting healthy hygiene habits and personal development.

During the interactive session, facilitators educated the students on the importance of good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, oral care, bathing, and maintaining clean clothes, hair, and nails.

The students were also taught that menstruation is a normal part of adolescence and received practical guidance on the proper use of sanitary pads, the importance of changing them regularly, maintaining hygiene during their menstrual periods, and the safe disposal of used sanitary products. A practical demonstration on sanitary pad disposal formed part of the session.

To make the lessons more engaging, participants were introduced to the Siisii Red Period Song, an educational initiative that uses music to promote menstrual hygiene awareness among young girls.

Beyond menstrual health, the outreach provided an opportunity for students to ask questions about self-esteem, personal development, decision-making, and future aspirations, creating an open environment for learning and mentorship.

To support the awareness campaign, Street Aid Africa Foundation distributed 90 hygiene packages containing essential menstrual and personal hygiene items to students and female teachers.

Founded by Nancy Ogbue, Street Aid Africa Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children through education, mentorship, advocacy, health awareness, and community-based interventions. The foundation has continued to implement programmes aimed at supporting children and young people with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

The menstrual hygiene outreach is one of the foundation’s ongoing initiatives to promote adolescent health, encourage healthy hygiene practices, and empower girls to stay confident and focused on their education.

Anti-Trafficking Defends: Navy transfers two rescued citizens to NAPTIP

The Nigerian Navy has handed over two rescued victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following earlier rescue.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the handover was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY, on July 19 at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja.

The director of naval information said that the handover followed the victims’ rescue during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on July 17.

According to him, in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for the handling of victims of trafficking, the rescued individuals were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk.

‘They underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other necessary administrative procedures before being formally transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation. The successful rescue and seamless handover underscore the navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the protection and dignity of vulnerable persons. It also reflects the service’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture,’ he stated.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven and inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking, disrupting criminal syndicates, and promoting a safe and secure maritime environment in support of national security objectives.

University of Ibadan appoints Prof Olapegba as 14th Vice Chancellor

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor following a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Announcing the appointment, Akande said the process of selecting a new vice-chancellor commenced in line with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent vice-chancellor on November 1, 2026.

He explained that advertisements inviting applications for the position were published in three national newspapers in April 2026, attracting six applications from qualified candidates.

According to him, the governing council subsequently constituted a search team, as required by law, to identify other suitably qualified academics who had not initially applied for the position. The exercise yielded two additional applications, bringing the total number of candidates to eight.

Akande disclosed that the council met with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, for a rigorous assessment during which members independently evaluated and scored each candidate in accordance with approved guidelines.

He said the exercise produced five candidates who were shortlisted in order of merit for the final stage of the selection process.

Akande further explained that the Governing Council appointed two of its members to serve on the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, while the University Senate had earlier elected two representatives to participate in the exercise.

He noted that the selection board interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday before recommending Professor Olapegba as the most suitable candidate for the office of vice-chancellor.

Describing the selection process as ‘thorough, transparent and highly competitive’, Akande said the Governing Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Selection Board.

‘It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university, the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba. We wish him success in his tenure,’ Akande said.

Professor Olapegba, who currently serves as the university’s deputy vice-chancellor (administration) and is a professor in the Department of Psychology, will succeed the incumbent vice-chancellor, whose tenure expires on November 1, 2026.

His appointment makes him the 14th substantive vice-chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university following a competitive selection process conducted in accordance with the university’s statutory provisions.

Kaigame tried to set me up over ?5bn Boko Haram ransom payment – Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume has alleged that Samaila Kaigame attempted to involve him in raising a ?5 billion ransom purportedly demanded by Boko Haram for abducted victims.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, said Kaigame repeatedly contacted him and pressured him to contribute towards securing the victims’ release.

Kaigame is the purported leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance.

Speaking on ARISE Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume said he became suspicious when Kaigame moved beyond reporting the ransom demand and began asking him to contribute money.

‘Kaigame demanded ransom, calling me to say Boko Haram was asking for ?5 billion. He wanted to use me for the payment of ransom,’ Ndume said.

‘I began suspecting him when he demanded that I contribute towards the payment of ransom.’

The senator said Kaigame attempted to pressure him by claiming that his constituents were being held captive while he remained unwilling to contribute to their release.

Ndume said he responded by connecting Kaigame with security agencies and other relevant authorities.

He maintained that he had no knowledge of whether the government eventually paid any ransom but insisted that he opposed negotiations and payments to Boko Haram.

‘I cannot speak for the government if the ransom was paid or not. I do not and will never support the payment of ransom or negotiations with Boko Haram,’ he said.

Ndume suggested that the controversy might be politically motivated, drawing parallels with allegations levelled against him in 2011 after someone claiming to be a Boko Haram member contacted him.

‘In 2011, it was alleged just because somebody who claimed to be a Boko Haram member called my number and I picked, they roped you into it,’ he said.

The lawmaker also questioned a video involving Kaigame, claiming it contained contradictions about his alleged communication with Boko Haram.

‘If you watch the video, you can find contradictions there from the beginning because this is somebody who is claiming that he has contact with Boko Haram,’ Ndume added.

INEC Recruitment 2026: How to apply before July 27

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its 2026 recruitment portal for qualified Nigerians seeking employment in various positions across Grade Levels 07, 08, 09, 10 and 12.

Interested applicants have until July 27, 2026 to complete and submit their applications online.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to:

Visit the official INEC recruitment portal.

Create an account using their personal details, email address and National Identification Number (NIN).

Verify their email address.

Select their preferred cadre and available vacancy.

Complete the online application form.

Upload all required documents.

Review the application carefully before final submission.

Required Documents

Candidates must upload the following documents where applicable:

Recent passport photograph

Birth certificate or declaration of age

O’Level result

Degree, HND, ND or NCE certificate

Local government identification certificate

NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate

Important Information

INEC warned that applicants cannot change their selected position after submitting an application. The commission also stressed that the recruitment exercise is completely free, urging candidates to avoid fraudsters and refrain from submitting false information or forged documents.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be 35 years old or below

Possess a valid certificate of state of origin

Be physically and mentally fit

Have no criminal record

Be willing to work in any part of Nigeria

Demonstrate integrity, discipline and commitment to public service

The recruitment exercise is aimed at strengthening INEC’s workforce in electoral administration, voter registration, election logistics and data management ahead of future electoral activities.

Ishi Homes delivers AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate in Offa

Ishi Homes Limited says it has delivered the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate, also known as Morire City, in Offa, Kwara State, as part of its efforts to expand access to quality housing across Nigeria.

The real estate development company, headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos, said the project forms part of its broader investment in residential developments across Kwara and Lagos States.

According to the company, the Offa development is a fully integrated estate comprising more than 400 housing units. It said the estate, financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank, was named after the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in recognition of what it described as his contributions to the state’s development.

Ishi Homes said it is also executing multi-billion naira residential projects at Prime One, Sangotedo, Lekki, and Yabatech GRA in Lagos.

Speaking on the company’s vision, the Founder and Chairman of Ishi Homes Limited, Otunba Dr. Olayinka Ilufoye, said the company is focused on building sustainable communities rather than simply constructing houses.

‘At Ishi Homes, our goal is to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap by delivering quality, secure, and well-planned communities with modern amenities and flexible payment options,’ Ilufoye said.

He attributed the naming of the Offa estate to the developmental strides of the Kwara State Government.

‘Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has witnessed massive transformation. His focus on urban renewal, security, and investment-friendly policies inspired us to name this development after him as a mark of respect for the great work he is doing for the people of Kwara,’ he said.

According to the company, the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate has been designed as a fully integrated community that will combine residential living with commercial and social infrastructure.

The company said the estate will feature supermarkets, banking facilities, a fuel station, schools, and other commercial outlets to provide residents with convenient access to essential services.

Ishi Homes further stated that the development offers a mix of 2-bedroom semi-detached houses, 3-bedroom homes with boys’ quarters, and premium plots for terrace houses and detached duplexes.

The company added that the estate’s master plan includes a major access road, drainage systems, security infrastructure, green areas, and power facilities to provide residents with a comfortable living environment.

According to Ishi Homes, its operations remain guided by verified property titles, transparent acquisition processes, and a commitment to delivering affordable housing without compromising quality.

The company said construction activities are continuing across its various project locations, while details regarding sales, allocations, and inspection schedules will be announced in phases over the coming months.

It added that prospective buyers can obtain further information about the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate (Morire City) in Offa, Prime One Sangotedo in Lekki, and the Yabatech GRA development through its official social media platforms or by contacting its Victoria Island, Lagos, headquarters.

’How Police foiled abduction of 4 Nasarawa residents’

Police operatives on Tuesday foiled plan to abduct four residents of Andaha community of Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state.

This was revealed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, on Wednesday in Lafia.

According to Nansel, operatives of the command attached to Andaha Division in the local government successfully rescued the four victims during swift tactical response to a distress call.

He said the police received a distress call on Tuesday, at about 9; 40 p.m., that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station, Andaha, along the Akwanga-Jos Road.

‘Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene.

‘On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel and the police responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.

‘The four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store were recovered and taken into police custody.’

Nansel quoted Nasarawa state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, as commending the gallantry and swift response of the operatives, describing it as a testament to the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Mohammed said that the command would continue an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects, while directing all available operational and intelligence assets to be deployed to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution.

‘The manhunt is in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to apprehend the criminals,’ he said.

The Nasarawa Police commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that would aid security agencies in combating crime across the state.

Ogun Assembly exonerates ex-speaker Oluomo of embezzlement allegations

Ogun House of Assembly has passed a resolution exonerating the former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo from an allegation of embezzlement of funds mentioned in the report of the ad hoc Committee which on his removal from office on the 23rd of January 2024.

The passage of the resolution followed the presentation of the report of the Committee of the whole House by the Deputy Speaker Lateefat Bolanle Ajayi, on the motion presented to the Assembly by the former Speaker on Tuesday, 31st March, 2026.

The Deputy Speaker later moved the motion for the adoption of the report, seconded by Hon. Yusuf Amosun and supported by the whole House through a voice vote.

According to the report, ‘the House observed that the issue of embezzlement of funds was not part of the notice of removal served on him and cannot be established against him. The House also took special legislative notice of his plea in paragraph 4 of the motion, where he implored the House to exonerate him of the accusation of embezzlement of funds or, in the alternative, provide him with evidence in terms of facts and figures relating to that allegation, in line with section 36 of the CFRN 1999 as amended.

Having reviewed the evidence provided, this honourable House consequently withdraws the allegation of embezzlement as part of the reasons for his removal from office.

Furthermore, in the spirit of camaraderie, oneness and unity, this honourable House resolves and overturns the said removal of Rt. Hon. Oluomo, Olakunle Taiwo from office and commutes the same into a resignation’, the report concluded.

Bloodbath in Rivers as gunmen kill Vigilante Commander, three women

The Rivers State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who killed the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Mr Ozemela Nwaocha, and three women in a deadly attack in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, described the killings as unfortunate and assured residents that those behind the attack would be tracked down and prosecuted.

She said preliminary investigations indicated that the assailants ambushed Nwaocha near his residence and opened fire on him and three women who were in his company.

‘The Rivers State Police Command is aware of this unfortunate incident and is deeply saddened by it. The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,’ she said.

According to the police, a full-scale investigation has commenced, while residents have been urged to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and arresting the attackers.

Providing further details, OSPAC spokesman Nkem Godknows said the attack occurred on Tuesday evening in what he described as a ‘Gestapo-style operation.’

He alleged that the gunmen repeatedly shot the vigilante commander before killing his sister and two other women who were with him.

Godknows added that two other persons sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

‘The gunmen also killed Nwaocha’s sister and two other women. Two other persons within the premises sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment,’ he said.

He noted that the incident was immediately reported to the police and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would eventually be arrested.

The OSPAC spokesman urged residents to remain calm, saying security agencies and local vigilante groups had intensified efforts to maintain peace and prevent further attacks in the area.

He also appealed to the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders to provide greater support for members of the vigilante organisation, lamenting that many operate under difficult conditions without financial assistance.

According to him, OSPAC operatives receive little or no remuneration despite the risks involved in protecting their communities.

‘We are not adequately catered for and receive little or no encouragement to perform our duties. We are not paid, and most of us have no reliable source of income. We appeal for support to enable us to carry out our responsibilities more effectively,’ he said.

Meanwhile, security has been reinforced in Omoku, with combined teams of police and other security agencies conducting intensive patrols to maintain law and order as investigations continue into the killings.

Ondo: Kidnappers demand N10m ransom to free 2 farmers

Kidnappers are demanding N10 million ransom to free two farmers abducted at the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, one of the family members of the victims disclosed during a phone-in radio programme on Tuesday in Akure.

The family member, who said that the incident happened on Saturday, said it had been reported to the police and Amotekun Corps in the area.

‘The abductors are demanding N10 million ransom for their freedom,’ the victim’s family said.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State Command, confirmed the incident to newsmen in a statement on Tuesday.

Jimoh however, said that the command was not aware of any ransom demanded in connection with the incident.

He said that the joint security team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives and community volunteers had been deployed to the affected area.

‘The Ondo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports circulating regarding the alleged kidnapping of farmers in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko.

‘The command can confirm that a report of missing persons was received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters.

‘Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, with all available operational and intelligence resources being deployed to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

‘Meanwhile, the command wishes to categorically state that it is not aware of any ransom demand in connection with this incident,’ he said.

Jimoh, therefore, appealed to anyone with credible and actionable information that could assist the ongoing search and rescue efforts to promptly share such information with the police.