Category: PM News

Thousands of young Lagos residents and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are set to benefit from free skills training and business support as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the third phase of the Lagos State Employability Support Project (LSESP).

The initiative, which officially opened for applications on Monday, is designed to equip Lagosians with industry-relevant skills, improve employability and strengthen small businesses to drive economic growth across the state.

Young Lagos residents aged 18 to 45 years, as well as MSME owners, have been invited to apply for the programme, which offers practical training in sectors with growing employment opportunities.

This phase of the project will focus on four strategic areas: Digital Skills, Leather Works, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and MSME Capacity Building.

According to the organisers, the programme builds on the success of previous phases and aims to prepare participants for emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving economy while boosting entrepreneurship and business competitiveness.

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund said the project reflects the state government’s commitment to tackling unemployment through targeted skills development and strategic partnerships.

‘The Lagos State Employability Support Project represents another important step towards equipping our people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s evolving economy. Through strategic partnerships, we continue to create opportunities that enable individuals and businesses to become more productive, competitive and economically resilient,’ the agency said.

To qualify, applicants must possess a valid Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) identification card. Graduate applicants are also required to present their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate where applicable.

Applications will remain open until Friday, July 31, 2026, with interested participants expected to register through the official application portal.

The Lagos State Employability Support Project is one of the state’s flagship employment interventions aimed at reducing unemployment, improving workforce competitiveness, supporting MSMEs and promoting inclusive economic development.

Established under the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Law, 2016, the LSETF provides financial support, entrepreneurship development, job creation initiatives and employability programmes through strategic collaborations with development partners and the private sector.

The latest phase is expected to further expand access to market-driven skills and business support, empowering more Lagos residents to secure jobs, build sustainable enterprises and contribute to the state’s growing economy.

New details have emerged about how security agencies successfully rescued schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to security sources, intelligence gathering and military pressure played a major role in the operation.

After several weeks of investigations, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some wives and children of the kidnappers in different parts of the country.

Sources said the operation was coordinated by a senior DSS official after security forces had blocked possible escape routes and surrounded the kidnappers’ hideout inside the National Park forest.

The family members were taken to Abuja for questioning as part of the investigation.

Security sources revealed that videos of the interrogations somehow reached the kidnappers. This reportedly made them nervous and changed their attitude during negotiations.

One source said the kidnappers became more willing to communicate and stopped disappearing after making demands.

The kidnappers later proposed releasing the abducted children and teachers in exchange for the release of their wives and a guarantee of safe passage.

However, security agencies rejected the offer and insisted that the hostages must be freed first. They also demanded that the kidnappers surrender or face arrest or possible military action.

Investigators believe the arrest of the kidnappers’ family members reduced the chances of the hostages being harmed because the abductors were worried about the safety of their own relatives.

While talks continued, security forces tightened their control around the kidnappers’ hideout.

Another source said the final order to attack the camp was given on Thursday night after intelligence reports confirmed that the hostages were no longer being used as human shields.

The operation was described as quick and well coordinated.

Security forces reportedly used overwhelming firepower and caught the kidnappers by surprise.

Sources added that troops had engaged the criminals in several gun battles before the final assault.

These encounters weakened the group and reduced their ammunition supply.

According to one source, the kidnappers offered less resistance than expected during the final operation because they had already been weakened.

During the rescue mission, many kidnappers were killed and eight were arrested. Although some members of the rescue team suffered casualties, all surviving schoolchildren and teachers were rescued safely.

Security sources said the decision to launch the final assault was influenced by lessons learned from the abduction of retired Major General Abubakar Rabbe in Katsina State.

Officials said that experience reinforced the belief that, in some cases, carefully planned rescue operations based on reliable intelligence can be more effective than prolonged negotiations with heavily armed criminal groups.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday said it has recorded no fewer than 287 human rights violations in Gombe State between January and June.

The commission’s State Coordinator, Dr Joseph Wanshe, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe.

Wanshe said that out of the 287 cases received, 215 consisted of women and children rights violation, domestic violence and rape, and inhuman degrading.

He said 43 were cases of civil and political rights violations; 23 were economic, social and cultural rights violations, while six were environmental rights violations.

Wanshe said that, however, out of the 287 complaints received, about 230 had been effectively resolved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

He said that, though the 230 complaints had been resolved, there was continued supervision and proper monitoring to ensure compliance with terms of agreement by the parties involved.

The coordinator said there was an increase in the number of complaints received, compared to previous years as a result of intensified sensitisation across the state.

He said that there was an internal restructuring in the Gombe office, which included the creation of departments overseeing different forms of violations.

‘We have had over 50 sensitisation programmes in the last six months, particularly on radio stations, school visits on human rights sensitisation, television programmes, organisations and market visits to address them.

‘We had internal re-engineering, reorganising and restructuring.

‘We created departments for research, sensitisation and promotion of human rights awareness and that of public outreach and monitoring,’ Wanshe said.

He acknowledged the support from state government agencies and the civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders.

He also appreciated Gombe State Emergency Management Agency for its cooperation, especially in the health and education sector.

Wanshe called on residents to sustain the culture of reporting abuses to the commission for effective treatment, stressing, ‘Cases reported to the commission are treated without any fee.”

NAN reports that in 2025, 285 complaints were reported, but in the first half of 2026, 287 complaints have been received; this marks a significant boost in tackling human rights abuses in the state.

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi said he has initiated legal action against those behind viral social media reports about the death of a nurse identified as Mary Habila in his compound in his hometown in Ebonyi State.

He also explained the circumstances that led to the death of the nurse.

The Minister said he has already instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action against those responsible for circulating the alleged defamatory reports.

He said this while condemning what he described as defamatory activities by ‘evil people who claim to be freedom fighters’, insisting such conduct should never be tolerated.

Umahi who spoke on Sunday while inspecting work along the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Super Highway.

According to the Minister, the deceased’s family forced open her room after becoming concerned and immediately sought medical assistance.

Umahi described the late nurse as a dedicated employee of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital who worked with his for three years.

‘The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,’ he said.

He said the incident was promptly reported to the police, questioning claims that the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death were concealed.

‘The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?’ the minister asked.

He disclosed that the deceased’s parents, currently in Ebonyi, would address journalists and also institute legal proceedings against those spreading the alleged falsehood.

Umahi said he had directed that an autopsy be conducted, adding that the procedure would only proceed with the consent of the deceased’s parents.

‘The death of the purveyors of such falsehood will be worse because you don’t do content creation with someone’s death,’ he said.

He added that everyone would eventually answer God’s call, describing the late nurse as a dedicated employee of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital.

‘The deceased was a good nurse who checked my medical vital signs and worked with me for three years,’ Umahi said.

The minister also dismissed reports linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect reportedly recruited into the Ebonyi security outfit, Ebubeagu.

‘Can the purveyors of such news provide a photograph of me and such person?’ he asked.

Umahi said he could not possibly know everyone recruited into the security outfit during his tenure as Ebonyi governor, insisting the suspect was unknown to him.

He reiterated his support for severe punishment against kidnappers, saying kidnapping was a crime no one should wish even upon an enemy.

Umahi maintained that the reports were politically motivated, expressing readiness to confront misinformation and defend his reputation through lawful means.

The Police have confirmed that eight people made up of five adults and three children were killed in a suspected terrorist attack on a rural community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue state.

Benue Commissioner of Police, Mr Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

He described the incident as ‘purely a terrorist attack.’

Nwadiogbu said he spent most of Sunday in the affected community alongside other security personnel to assess the situation and restore calm following the violence and agitations that trailed the killing of the eight people.

‘We have been in the interior since morning. The network was poor because we were in the bush.

‘Some people were killed and the youths became violent.

‘We have been engaging them, and they have now agreed to reopen the road. They are only waiting for water tankers to extinguish the fire,’ he said.

The police commissioner said investigations were ongoing to determine whether the latest attack was connected to previous killings in the area.

‘We cannot say for now whether it is connected to previous attacks or whether the terrorists simply wanted to achieve their aim,’ he said.

According to him, the attackers employed guerrilla tactics, striking the community before fleeing into nearby forests.

‘They operate in the guerrilla warfare style. Once they attack, they immediately disappear into the woods, making it difficult to apprehend them,’ Nwadiogbu said.

He assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track the attackers and prevent further attacks in the area.

The Federal Government has approved the Reviewed Scheme of Service for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), marking a significant step in the agency’s ongoing reform efforts and strengthening its workforce through an improved career structure and enhanced conditions of service.

The approval was conveyed to the Director-General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, in a letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), signed on behalf of the Director of Organisation Design and Development.

The letter, titled ‘Re-Approval and Forwarding of the Reviewed Schemes of Service for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet),’ and dated July 9, 2026, stated that the approval followed preliminary engagements and an extensive field study conducted by relevant government officials in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the review of Schemes of Service.

According to the letter:

‘The review established, among others, the need to align the Agency’s Schemes of Service with current developments in the Federal Public Service, address identified deficiencies in some cadres, strengthen career progression opportunities for staff, and adequately reflect the specialized mandates and operational peculiarities of the Agency as Nigeria’s apex meteorological institution.

‘Consequently, the reviewed Schemes of Service have been approved to provide an appropriate career structure for the Agency, incorporating the Junior, Intermediate and Professional/Officer cadre categories in line with extant policies. The approved Schemes also accommodate the Agency’s peculiar professional cadres while ensuring that the adopted service-wide cadres remain consistent with the extant Approved Schemes of Service for the Federal Public Service.

‘You are accordingly requested to ensure strict implementation of the approved Schemes of Service in accordance with the provisions contained therein and all extant Public Service Rules, Establishment Circulars, Guidelines and other relevant regulations governing appointments, promotions, career progression, conversion/upgrading and other personnel matters in the Federal Public Service.

‘Kindly note in particular that officers in the Junior and Intermediate cadres shall only progress beyond their terminal grades upon acquiring the prescribed Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification from recognized institutions through the approved conversion/upgrading process, subject to extant rules and relevant Circulars.’

The letter added that a copy of the approved Reviewed Scheme of Service was enclosed to guide implementation.

The latest approval follows the Federal Government’s approval in April 2026 of a new unified salary structure and updated Conditions of Service for NiMet staff, which took effect on June 1, marking a formal adjustment to the remuneration framework for the agency’s personnel.

The approvals have further strengthened the resolve of NiMet’s management and reinforced the agency’s institutional capacity as it continues implementing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and service delivery.

As Nigeria’s national meteorological agency, NiMet provides services that support critical sectors of the economy, including agriculture, aviation, maritime transportation, disaster risk management, and environmental planning. The approval of the Reviewed Scheme of Service is expected to strengthen the agency’s human resource framework while supporting Nigeria’s broader climate and weather objectives.

The approvals also underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to enabling NiMet to effectively deliver on its statutory responsibilities, including advising the government on meteorological policies; providing accurate and timely weather and climate forecasts for aviation, maritime operations, agriculture, and disaster management; observing, collecting, and disseminating meteorological and climate data for national and international use; and supporting research to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness for climate-related challenges.

With political activities intensifying ahead of the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, the Osun Development Association (ODA) has announced plans to convene the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, governorship candidates, political parties and other critical stakeholders for a summit aimed at promoting peaceful, credible and issue-based elections.

The non-partisan diaspora and civic organisation said the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit is intended to curb rising political tension, discourage violence and strengthen accountability before and after the polls.

Scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Aurora Event Centre, New GRA, Osogbo, the summit will be held under the theme: ‘Speak, Choose, Hold Accountable: Citizens at the Centre of Osun’s Democracy.’

Organised by ODA’s Leadership and Governance Committee (LEAD-GOV), the initiative comes amid growing concerns over reports of political violence, destruction of campaign materials and increasing personality-driven campaigns across the state.

Chairman of the LEAD-GOV Committee, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, described the summit as a timely intervention to reposition Osun’s democratic process.

‘Osun State is at a critical democratic crossroads. We believe our state can, and must, set a national benchmark for peaceful, credible and development-driven elections,’ he said.

‘This summit moves citizens from the periphery to the very centre of the democratic process, demanding institutional accountability from all political actors.’

The summit is expected to bring together INEC, heads of security agencies in the state, registered political parties and their governorship candidates, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Ummah, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, professional bodies, youth and women’s groups, as well as members of the media.

A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling and signing of the Osun 2026 Peace Charter, through which political parties and candidates will publicly commit themselves to non-violence and issue-based campaigns.

Participants will also adopt a Governance Accountability Charter, a citizen-driven document outlining public expectations for the next administration, alongside a Summit Communiqué containing recommendations for ensuring peaceful elections and post-election stability.

To ensure commitments made at the summit are implemented, ODA said it would partner with the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) to monitor compliance for three months after the governorship election.

Chairman of ODA, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, said the involvement of religious leaders, traditional institutions and the media would provide the moral authority and public oversight needed to safeguard peace throughout the electoral process.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting good governance, democratic accountability and sustainable development in Osun State through non-partisan civic engagement.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday to face criminal charges over alleged certificate forgery.

Nnaji is to be arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The former minister entered the courtroom dressed in white attire and a red cap.

He raised his right hand to acknowledge cheers from supporters and others inside the court as he made his way into the room.

The ICPC is expected to charge Nnaji with forgery and making false statements in documents allegedly submitted to public authorities.

The case followed an investigation into the authenticity of academic credentials he allegedly presented during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment in 2023.

The anti-graft agency concluded its investigation and filed criminal charges against the former minister at the Federal High Court.

The controversy began after a petition questioned the certificates Nnaji allegedly submitted to secure his appointment.

In June, the ICPC obtained a 14-day remand order after telling the court that Nnaji repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning despite receiving several notices.

Nnaji subsequently appealed against the order authorising his arrest and asked the court to set it aside.

The ICPC later proceeded with the criminal case after completing its investigation.

Nnaji has denied forging any certificate or making false declarations.

A father of two identified as Musbawu Amodu has allegedly beaten his 20-year-old wife to death over ‘failure to prepare food’ in Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

The 30-year Amodu was arrested in Angwan Yahaya community where he beat the wife to death, spokesperson for Nasarawa Police Command, SP Rahman Nansel, said in a statement issued on Sunday in Lafia.

Nansel said the couple had been married for six years with two children.

He said that a complaint was lodged at the Agyaragu Police Division at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, alleging that the suspect assaulted his wife, leading to her death.

According to him, the Divisional Police Officer immediately deployed patrol personnel to the scene, while the victim was evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, for medical examination and preservation.

‘The suspect was promptly arrested and, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to committing the act.

‘He stated that he acted out of anger after the deceased allegedly refused to prepare food.

‘According to him, an argument ensued, which escalated into a physical altercation that ultimately resulted in her death,’ the statement said.

The Nasarawa police spokesman added that the suspect had expressed remorse over the incident.

He said that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state, Shetima Mohammed, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for thorough and discreet investigation.

Nansel said the commissioner assured the public that justice would be served and that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He quoted the commissioner as condemning all forms of domestic violence, describing the incident as tragic and avoidable.

Nansel urged couples and family members to embrace dialogue, patience and lawful means of resolving disputes, stressing that no misunderstanding was worth the loss of a human life.

The PPRO added that the command had assured residents that the situation in Agyaragu and its environs remained calm and under control, while security monitoring continued.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso).

The politician shared the sad news on his official X account on Monday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss while also giving thanks to God for what he described as a life well lived and filled with purpose.

Rhodes-Vivour described his late mother as a strong pillar of the family who remained committed to her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and grandmother throughout her life. According to him, she was known for her love, support, and dedication to her family and those around her.

Announcing her passing, he wrote: ‘With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother, and grandmother. She was the epitome of love and will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.’

The announcement has attracted messages of condolence from supporters, political associates, friends, and well wishers who have sympathised with the Rhodes-Vivour family during this difficult period.

In a separate tribute, the family celebrated the life of the deceased, describing her as a compassionate and caring woman whose kindness touched many lives. They said she was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

According to the family, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour left behind a lasting legacy of love, service, and dedication. They noted that her positive influence extended beyond her immediate family, as she inspired many people through her character, guidance, and support.

While mourning her passing, the family expressed gratitude for the time they shared with her and the values she instilled in those around her. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.