Category: PM News

The Executive Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State, Hon. Ojo Oluwaseun Adesoye, has congratulated the Senatorial Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a distinguished statesman, visionary leader and committed servant of the people.

Adesoye, in a congratulatory message issued on Monday, said Ajadi’s remarkable contributions to humanity, philanthropy and grassroots development have earned him admiration across Oyo State and beyond.

The council chairman noted that the APM senatorial candidate has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people through empowerment initiatives, educational support and community development programmes.

According to him, Ajadi’s passion for public service and his determination to provide purposeful representation have continued to inspire hope among the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District.

‘Today, we celebrate an exceptional leader, a distinguished statesman and a committed servant of the people. On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, I heartily congratulate Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo on the joyous occasion of his birthday,’ Adesoye said.

He added, ‘Your passion for service, unwavering dedication to humanity and commitment to the progress of Oyo State continue to inspire countless people. Your leadership style reflects compassion, humility and an unwavering desire to make society better.’

The chairman prayed for divine guidance and greater accomplishments for the celebrant as he pursues his aspiration to represent Oyo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

‘As you celebrate another glorious year, I pray that Almighty God grants you sound health, greater wisdom, divine protection and abundant strength to realise your vision for Oyo Central Senatorial District and beyond. May this new chapter usher in greater accomplishments, lasting peace and many more years of impactful leadership,’ he stated.

Adesoye further expressed confidence in Ajadi’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to legislative governance, saying his wealth of experience in business, philanthropy and community service has adequately prepared him for higher national responsibility.

He urged residents of Oyo Central to continue supporting leaders who are genuinely committed to the welfare and development of the people, noting that selfless leadership remains the foundation of sustainable progress.

The Ogo-Oluwa council boss concluded by wishing the APM senatorial standard-bearer a memorable birthday celebration and continued success in all his future endeavours.

A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a 51-year-old pastor, Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, after falsely accusing her of being a witch.

Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday, finding Etim guilty of murder.

The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the convict be executed by hanging.

The tragic incident occurred on February 15, 2025, when Deborah, who had Down syndrome, was killed after being branded a witch by her father.

The case drew widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and organisations campaigning against witchcraft accusations and violence against children.

Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the verdict as a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft branding and abuse of vulnerable children.

The organisation said the judgment not only delivered justice for Deborah but also sent a clear message that those who subject children to violence under the guise of witchcraft beliefs will face the full weight of the law.

BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for ensuring a diligent investigation, fair trial and successful prosecution of the case.

It also praised the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam, prosecutors Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom, as well as Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, for their roles in securing the conviction.

The organisation further acknowledged the support provided by Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert and other partners, who offered financial and psychosocial assistance to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting children, BRCI said it would continue to campaign against witchcraft branding and other harmful practices, stressing that every child, regardless of disability or circumstance, deserves the right to life, dignity and protection under the law.

Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has sentenced 12 individuals to various jail terms for tampering with the naira note by spraying same while dancing at a party.

The convicts were put before the court by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for offences bordering on abuse and mutilation of the naira, an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.

The convicts are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe and Abraham Eriata. Others are Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine , Valetine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.

The convicts were said to have tampered with the naira note by spraying same while dancing at a party, an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.

The charge against Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen reads: ‘That you Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen (m) on or about January 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing at a birthday party tampered with the sum of N20,000,00 (twenty thousand Naira) in N200 (two hundred naira) denomination issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act,2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges when read to them , prompting the prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy and that the defendants have become remorseful for their action.

Justice Nganjiwa convicted and sentenced Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine , Valetine Chikeze and Omoyibo Destiny Prince to six months imprisonment or a fine of N150,000 each while Atenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen bagged six months imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.

All the convicts undertook in writing to be of good conduct going forward.

Also on Friday, July 17, 2026, Justice Nganjiwa ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury cars to the Federal Government. The cars were recovered by the Commission as proceeds of crimes from convicted internet fraudsters. The forfeited cars are Mercedes Benz GLK with registration number (LSD 412 KJ), Lexus RX 330 (WWR 640NG), Mercedes Benz ML (TAB 211 Dz), Lexu ES 350 (KUJ 125 DB), Mercedez Benz GLKC BDG 668JT), Mercedes Benz GLC (KSF 8867 KM) and Mercedes Benz GLK (KSF 871KM).

Kogi State Government and key political stakeholders in the state have assured President Bola Tinubu and the governing All Progressives Congress of overwhelming votes at all levels in the 2027 elections to enable him consolidate on his reform programmes that have set the nation’s economy on the path of recovery, progress and prosperity.

This assurance came as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team rounded off the third day of its media tour of federal and state governments’ projects in the state.

Speaking on Monday at Gbede, Yagba West Local Government Area of the state, when the team inspected projects in the area, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Honourable Kingsley Fanwo, said the people of Kogi are happy with several ongoing federal projects in the state and also want more.

‘Therefore, come January 2027, they will show their appreciation at the polls by voting for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels,’ he said.

The commissioner said voting for the President in 2027 was to reciprocate his laudable reform programmes, which had freed resources to the sub-nationals, thereby enabling them to carry out unprecedented projects across the state.

At the end of the inspection of projects at Gbede, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications who led the Renewed Hope Ambassadors/ Presidential Media Team tour of Kogi State, Chief Sunday Dare, said based on the development projects embarked upon across the country, ‘the hopes of Nigerians are being renewed.’

The team inspected a 15 Kilometre – asphalted internal road network, with drainage and a newly – built Primary Health Centre as well as the Kabba -Egbe – Omuaran – Ilorin Road being reconstructed by the Federal Government.

Other projects inspected were the rural road networks in Okene, the International Market in Lokoja being built on 16 hectares of land already at 50% completion and slated for completion in 18 months, as well as the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Kogi’s capital.

Dare lauded the developmental strides of the state government in education, health, roads, security and human capital development, affirming its alignment with the Eight – Point Agenda of the President Tinubu administration.

He said what the team had seen during the inspection tour were testament to the positive developmental strides of Governor Usman Ododo, affirming that the projects aligned with the key elements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

‘We have just driven through a 15 Kilometre internal road network in this town. So, the importance of roads, whether internal or federal roads, the development in this state is massive. When you look at the five legacy roads across this nation and the over 300 roads across the length and breadth of this country, these are very critical infrastructural developments,’ he said.

The Special Adviser said President Tinubu has prioritised infrastructural development across the nation, noting that the Federal Executive Council approved the reconstruction of the Kabba – Ilorin road, which had been abandoned for over three decades now.

The goal, according to him, is to reconstruct and rehabilitate roads in strategic corridors to boost connectivity and movement of goods.

‘We saw a lot of trucks. We saw two cement factories, that of BUA and Mangal as we were coming. Without good roads it would be almost impossible for us to thrive.

‘We’ve also seen Primary Health Centres here under the Ministry of Health. Over 1,000 Primary Health Centres have been reinvigorated across this country. So, we can see that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President is well and alive in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and oil and gas.’

Welcoming the delegation to Egbe, the Chairman, Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, and the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, an indigene of the community, commended Governor Usman Ododo for the unprecedented development in the local government and the appointment of two sons of the community as Commissioners.

In Okene, the state Commissioner for Works, Barrister Deedat, who took the team round the inner roads in the ancient town, most of which were constructed with concrete pavement, the major bridges constructed in the area as well as the erosion control project points, commended Governor Ododo for his commitment to grassroots development.

He also lauded President Tinubu for his reforms, stating that in 2027, Kogi would remain aligned with the President who had done a lot for the state.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo, said President Tinubu was prioritising road and infrastructural development because of their impact and multiplier effect across several sectors of the nation’s economy.

Kogi State Government and key political stakeholders in the state have assured President Bola Tinubu and the governing All Progressives Congress of overwhelming votes at all levels in the 2027 elections to enable him consolidate on his reform programmes that have set the nation’s economy on the path of recovery, progress and prosperity.

This assurance came as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team rounded off the third day of its media tour of federal and state governments’ projects in the state.

Speaking on Monday at Gbede, Yagba West Local Government Area of the state, when the team inspected projects in the area, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Honourable Kingsley Fanwo, said the people of Kogi are happy with several ongoing federal projects in the state and also want more.

‘Therefore, come January 2027, they will show their appreciation at the polls by voting for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels,’ he said.

The commissioner said voting for the President in 2027 was to reciprocate his laudable reform programmes, which had freed resources to the sub-nationals, thereby enabling them to carry out unprecedented projects across the state.

At the end of the inspection of projects at Gbede, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications who led the Renewed Hope Ambassadors/ Presidential Media Team tour of Kogi State, Chief Sunday Dare, said based on the development projects embarked upon across the country, ‘the hopes of Nigerians are being renewed.’

The team inspected a 15 Kilometre – asphalted internal road network, with drainage and a newly – built Primary Health Centre as well as the Kabba -Egbe – Omuaran – Ilorin Road being reconstructed by the Federal Government.

Other projects inspected were the rural road networks in Okene, the International Market in Lokoja being built on 16 hectares of land already at 50% completion and slated for completion in 18 months, as well as the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Kogi’s capital.

Dare lauded the developmental strides of the state government in education, health, roads, security and human capital development, affirming its alignment with the Eight – Point Agenda of the President Tinubu administration.

He said what the team had seen during the inspection tour were testament to the positive developmental strides of Governor Usman Ododo, affirming that the projects aligned with the key elements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

‘We have just driven through a 15 Kilometre internal road network in this town. So, the importance of roads, whether internal or federal roads, the development in this state is massive. When you look at the five legacy roads across this nation and the over 300 roads across the length and breadth of this country, these are very critical infrastructural developments,’ he said.

The Special Adviser said President Tinubu has prioritised infrastructural development across the nation, noting that the Federal Executive Council approved the reconstruction of the Kabba – Ilorin road, which had been abandoned for over three decades now.

The goal, according to him, is to reconstruct and rehabilitate roads in strategic corridors to boost connectivity and movement of goods.

We saw a lot of trucks. We saw two cement factories, that of BUA and Mangal as we were coming. Without good roads it would be almost impossible for us to thrive.

‘We’ve also seen Primary Health Centres here under the Ministry of Health. Over 1,000 Primary Health Centres have been reinvigorated across this country. So, we can see that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President is well and alive in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and oil and gas.’

Welcoming the delegation to Egbe, the Chairman, Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, and the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, an indigene of the community, commended Governor Usman Ododo for the unprecedented development in the local government and the appointment of two sons of the community as Commissioners.

In Okene, the state Commissioner for Works, Barrister Deedat, who took the team round the inner roads in the ancient town, most of which were constructed with concrete pavement, the major bridges constructed in the area as well as the erosion control project points, commended Governor Ododo for his commitment to grassroots development.

He also lauded President Tinubu for his reforms, stating that in 2027, Kogi would remain aligned with the President who had done a lot for the state.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo, said President Tinubu was prioritising road and infrastructural development because of their impact and multiplier effect across several sectors of the nation’s economy.

Businesswoman Nana Otedola has shared how she tried several business ideas before finding success with her laundry and dry-cleaning company.

Speaking on the How Far podcast hosted by her daughter, Temi Otedola, and son-in-law, Mr Eazi, Nana said she explored about 10 different business ventures before discovering what worked for her.

She explained that she once wanted to work as an administrative staff member in an office, but her husband, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, did not support the idea. She also tried buying and selling goods, but the business did not succeed.

‘I tried about 10 different things. I wanted to work as an administrative staff member in an office, although your dad was against it. I also tried buying and selling. I was trying different businesses while running the dry-cleaning business,’ she said.

Nana said her big breakthrough came when she started a dry-cleaning and laundry service. According to her, some people doubted the business idea at the beginning.

‘I remember a consultant called Brian asking me if I thought it would work. Your dad also asked the same question. But I believed Lagos needed a good dry-cleaning and laundry service,’ she said.

Despite the doubts, Nana remained focused and continued building the business.

Her determination eventually paid off as the laundry service became successful.

Mr Eazi added that there is still a strong demand for reliable laundry and dry-cleaning services in Lagos today.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and 247 Travels have launched Book Now, Fly Later, a financing programme that allows eligible customers to borrow up to ?10 million for international flight tickets and repay over three to nine months.

The programme is designed to help Nigerians spread travel costs for business, education, healthcare, tourism, and family commitments.

The facility, powered by FCMB Premium Banking, is available exclusively for airline tickets purchased through 247 Travels.

Salaried and self-employed FCMB customers who meet the bank’s requirements can apply, with successful applicants expected to receive approval and disbursement within 24 working hours.

The partnership combines FCMB’s lending capabilities with 247 Travels’ booking services to offer customers a flexible payment option as demand for instalment-based financing grows globally.

‘At FCMB, we believe banking should empower people to pursue their goals without unnecessary financial strain,’ FCMB Managing Director Yemisi Edun said.

‘Our Book Now, Fly Later solution makes travel more accessible and affordable while giving customers flexibility to manage their finances responsibly,’ Edun stated.

She said the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of promoting inclusive growth through innovation and partnerships.

‘We will continue to develop products and partnerships that simplify financial decisions and create value for our customers,’ Edun added.

Tunji Adeyemi, Managing Director of 247 Travels, said the programme addresses a key challenge for travellers by reducing the burden of paying the full cost of tickets upfront.

‘Travellers increasingly want flexibility and convenience,’ Adeyemi said. ‘Our partnership with FCMB enables customers to secure flights and spread payments over time.’

Opeyemi Makinwa, FCMB’s Group Head of Premium Banking, said the product reflects the bank’s focus on lifestyle offerings through strategic partnerships.

‘Customers expect financial services that fit naturally into their lives,’ Makinwa said. ‘Book Now, Fly Later provides greater flexibility and financial control.’

Customers can apply through FCMB’s Book Now, Fly Later platform or the 247 Travels website by selecting a preferred flight and completing a financing request. Once approved, the loan is disbursed, and the ticket is issued through 247 Travels.

The launch extends the ‘Book now, Fly later’ model to international air travel, offering Nigerians another way to finance trips for personal and professional purposes.

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, Kogi L-PRES, has flagged off an awareness campaign for the implementation of a Mass Artificial Insemination (AI) Program, aimed at boosting livestock productivity across the livestock value chain clusters in Kogi State.

The 5-day sensitization campaign exercise would run from Monday, July 20th to 24th, 2026, at Lokoja, targeting livestock farmers across value-chain clusters.

Speaking at the event on Monday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, said the program reflects the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to modernize livestock production and strengthen food security in Kogi State

Dr Bolarin explained that Artificial Insemination offers key advantages over natural mating, including access to superior genetics for higher milk yields and faster growth, reduced disease transmission, and lower production costs for the livestock farmers.

‘We are providing technical support through trained technicians and capacity building to ensure farmers succeed with this new technology.

‘The goal is simple: healthier animals, higher productivity, and better income for the livestock farmers. With the right training and support, Kogi livestock farmers can compete nationally,’ Dr Bolarin said.

The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Kogi L-PRES, Mr Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, said the Mass AI Program was designed to provide livestock farmers with access to superior genetics and technical support to improve meat and milk production, growth rates, reproduction, and disease resilience.

‘Through artificial insemination, livestock farmers will gain access to superior genetic resources and technical support services capable of delivering improved meat and milk production, faster growth rates, enhanced reproductive performance, and greater economic value,’ he said.

The SPC added that the program aligns with both the L-PRES Project Development Objective and the Kogi State Agricultural Development Plan, which prioritize productivity, resilience, value addition, and increased farmer incomes.

According to him, the first phase will cover 1,500 cows and 500 goats using conventional and sexed semen.

‘Eligible livestock farmers profiled under L-PRES can present 3 to 5 animals each for the AI exercise.

‘To sustain the program, Kogi L-PRES Project has engaged Genedxx Nigerian Ltd to deliver AI inputs and technical support services to the profiled livestock farmers in Kogi State.

‘The L-PRES Project has also commenced the construction of three (3) Livestock Improvement and Breeding Centres (LIBCs), One (1) in each senatorial district, to fully domesticate the AI activities for continuous breed improvement and ensure sustainability.

The SPC urged livestock farmers to adopt AI, noting that globally it has improved herd quality, reduced production constraints, and boosted profitability.

The State Project Coordinator thanked and appreciated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo,

for his continued support and commitment to agricultural transformation and livestock development in Kogi State. We equally acknowledge the invaluable support of all stakeholders whose dedication and contributions continue to strengthen the successful implementation of the L-PRES Project in Kogi State.

He urged participants to engage actively to ensure a successful rollout and impact of this noble initiative.

‘With this intervention, Kogi State aims to build a more productive, resilient, and commercially viable livestock sector to meet rising demand for animal products,’ he said.

Dr Tolu Omotugba, State Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), commended Kogi L-PRES for the quality of consultants selected. He stressed that ranching is essential to maximize the benefits of mass AI.

Livestock farmer Saidu Liman, hailed the initiative, saying it would improve the value, quality of meat and milk, and increased market prices of livestock products. He pledged to mobilize other farmers into the scheme.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, has said her office did not provide office space or assign any staff to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

She made the statement while appearing before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the PFIPC scandal and the N1.3 billion allocated to the agency in the 2026 budget.

According to Walson-Jack, PFIPC had requested staff deployment, but no officers were assigned to the organisation.

She also dismissed claims that the council was given office space at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

‘Our office did not allocate any office space to PFIPC,’ she told the committee.

Walson-Jack explained that PFIPC had approached her office for approval of its organisational structure. However, the request was rejected because the council failed to provide the required documents.

She said her office is responsible for approving conditions of service for government agencies, but there was no record of PFIPC submitting such a request.

The Head of Service added that salaries and allowances of government workers are handled by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, while the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission is responsible for determining the pay of political appointees and agency chief executives.

She stressed that any new government organisation must present a valid law or official document proving its existence before requests can be processed.

Walson-Jack revealed that PFIPC officials attended a 2025 workforce planning event and said they were operating with staff seconded from other government agencies.

She said the council later requested approval for an official staff structure and a recruitment waiver, claiming that 14 officials were already working with the organisation.

However, she noted that recruiting and placing staff is the responsibility of individual agencies, not the Office of the Head of the Civil Service.

According to her, PFIPC also submitted documents, including an appointment letter for its director-general and records showing it had a budget code.

The controversy surrounding PFIPC began after Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the council’s director-general, alleged that the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, appointed him to the position.

Adeyemi also claimed he paid money to secure the appointment.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Adeyemi, who was arrested in Osun State on July 14.

The Presidency has also denied that PFIPC exists as a government agency and accused Adeyemi of forging the appointment letter.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has approved the suspension of the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa, over alleged infractions.

Also suspended is the Edo State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project, Mrs. Ikpikhumi Betsy Aghaku.

The suspension was contained in a special announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, on Monday night.

The statement directed the suspended officials to hand over all official documents, records, and other government property in their possession relating to the LPRES Project to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry with immediate effect.

They were also directed to report to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for ‘a comprehensive debriefing on the LPRES Project.’

However, no further details were provided on the nature of the infraction as of press time.

The LPRES Project is a federal-state initiative aimed at improving livestock productivity and resilience across participating states.