Category: PM News

The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has felicitated the First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Mrs Tamunomini Olufunke Makinde, on the occasion of her birthday, describing her as a virtuous woman whose compassion and humanitarian disposition have positively touched many lives across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Ajadi congratulated the First Lady on attaining another year, praying that God would grant her more wisdom, sound health and abundant grace to continue serving humanity.

“On behalf of my family, political associates and supporters across Oyo Central Senatorial District, I heartily congratulate Her Excellency, Mrs Tamunomini Olufunke Makinde, on the occasion of her birthday. I pray that Almighty God grants her sufficient grace, excellent health, long life and continued happiness. May her new age usher in greater fulfilment and more opportunities to impact humanity,” Ajadi said.

The renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist noted that the First Lady has remained a dependable partner to Governor Seyi Makinde and has consistently demonstrated a passion for the welfare of women, children and vulnerable members of society.

According to him, Mrs Makinde’s humility, motherly virtues and commitment to social causes have made her an inspiration to many families and young women in Oyo State and beyond.

“Her Excellency has exemplified the virtues of compassion, humility and selfless service. Through various humanitarian and advocacy initiatives, she has continued to complement the efforts of the Oyo State Government in promoting the welfare of women, children and the less privileged. Her dedication to humanity deserves commendation and celebration,” he stated.

Ajadi also acknowledged the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he described as one of Nigeria’s most progressive governors, noting that the administration has continued to record remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agribusiness and economic development since assuming office in 2019.

He said the governor and his wife have continued to provide exemplary leadership and partnership aimed at improving the quality of life of residents of the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has shown that governance is about delivering tangible dividends to the people. The support and encouragement of the First Lady have no doubt contributed to the successes recorded by the administration. Together, they have demonstrated commitment to the development and prosperity of Oyo State,” Ajadi added.

The APM senatorial candidate further prayed for divine protection and strength for the First Lady, expressing optimism that she would continue to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the state and the nation.

Mrs Tamunomini Olufunke Makinde, wife of Governor Seyi Makinde, has over the years championed initiatives aimed at promoting social inclusion, family values and support for vulnerable groups. Governor Makinde, who was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, has overseen major investments in roads, education, healthcare, security and economic expansion, earning recognition within and outside Oyo State.

Ajadi wished the First Lady many more years of fruitful service and prayed that her life would continue to be marked by peace, prosperity and God’s unfailing favour.

By Oluwaseun Nubi

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday sealed the Lagos office of CASCO Electronics Co. Ltd. over alleged refusal to honour regulatory summons and compliance directives issued in connection with a consumer complaint

Mrs Olubunmi Otti, South-West Zonal Coordinator, FCCPC, said during the enforcement that the action followed a complaint lodged with the commission on Jan. 16, 2025, concerning the sale of an allegedly defective solar battery.

She said the commission began an investigation and subsequently invited the company on several occasions to respond to the allegations.

According to Otti, CASCO Electronics failed to honour the invitations, a summons and a compliance notice issued pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.

She said the compliance notice outlined the nature of the alleged violation, the remedial steps required, the timeline for compliance and the consequences of non-compliance.

“I would like to invite this undertaking, CASCO Electronics, to come before the commission to answer questions. CASCO Electronics refused.

“Again, the commission issued a summons and subsequently a compliance notice, but the company still refused to appear before the commission,” she said.

Otti said the commission’s action was based on Section 150(4)(a) of the FCCPA, 2018, which empowers the FCCPC to seal premises where an undertaking fails to comply with a compliance notice.

“Consequently, in exercise of the powers of the FCCPC under Section 150 of the FCCPA 2018, the commission has today proceeded to seal these premises.

“This enforcement action is not punitive in the first instance, but protective and corrective,” she said.

She said the premises would remain sealed until the commission was satisfied that the alleged breach had been remedied.

“The sealing will remain in force until the commission is satisfied that the prior breach has been fully remedied, at which point a compliance certificate will be issued under Section 150(3) of the FCCPA 2018,” Otti said.

She advised consumers to exercise caution when purchasing products and to always obtain receipts and transaction records.

“We urge consumers to ensure they buy from reputable organisations, collect their receipts and follow due process before committing their money,” Otti said.

She also urged businesses to respond promptly to correspondence from regulatory agencies.

“When you receive a letter from the FCCPC or any regulatory agency, you should appear and cooperate.

“The FCCPC is not against any business in Nigeria, but we want businesses to operate ethically so that consumers are satisfied while businesses continue to thrive,” she said.

Reacting to the development, President of the Industrial Material Dealers Association, Mr Opara Uchenna-Martins, said he could not fault the commission for carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

“I cannot stop the government from carrying out its duty. Whatever led to the FCCPC action, I know it has to do with protecting consumers, and consumers deserve to feel protected,” he said.

Uchenna-Martins said CASCO Electronics had built a reputation in the market but expressed concern over its alleged failure to respond to the commission’s invitations.

“CASCO is a reputable company, but I believe there may have been one or two issues. The problem, as I understand it, is that it refused to come and answer the FCCPC,” he said.

He urged traders and business owners to cooperate with government agencies whenever they receive official correspondence.

“Every businessman should comply whenever they receive letters from regulatory agencies.

“If any government agency contacts you, it is important to respond and resolve issues through the appropriate channels,” he said.

Uchenna-Martins added that the development was unfortunate and called for an early resolution of the matter.

“It is embarrassing for any company to face this kind of situation. I believe the matter should be resolved quickly and amicably,” he said.

(NAN)

Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy have made World Cup history as their official 2026 tournament anthem, ‘Dai Dai’, surpassed 100 million views just hours before the FIFA World Cup kicks off.

Released two weeks ago, the video has generated massive global attention ahead of the tournament, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

At 49, Shakira now holds the distinction of being the most successful music artist in World Cup history, having contributed songs and performances to four editions of the tournament.

She performed a remix of ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ at the 2006 Germany final, released ‘Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)’ for South Africa 2010, and ‘La La La’ for Brazil 2014.

The latter video has amassed 1.3 billion views, while Waka Waka has been viewed over 4.5 billion times, placing it among the world’s most-watched music videos.

With Burna Boy joining her on Dai Dai, Shakira has further amplified the tournament’s global and African appeal. The collaboration has already drawn strong engagement from fans worldwide, with the video expected to gain further traction as the World Cup begins.

Shakira described her connection with football as “unbreakable,” calling the World Cup “magical” and saying the 2026 edition would serve to unite people during a socially and politically sensitive period. She added that the song carries a message for young people, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite hardship.

The anthem’s release precedes Shakira’s performance at the World Cup 2026 final half-time show on July 19, where she will co-headline with Madonna and K-pop group BTS.

By Richard Elesho

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have launched a fresh attack on Odo Ere, the sleepy headquarters of Yagbawest Local Government Area, LGA, Kogi State, killing a security officer and abducting his daughter.

The breach happened on Monday evening, 8 June 2026, forcing residents to quickly retreat to their houses with fears enveloping their minds.

According to sources, the victim, simply identified as Mr. Ayo, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was shot in the head during the attack.

A source confirmed that the victim was rushed to a medical facility but was declared dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary as a “Brought-In-Dead” case.

The attackers reportedly abducted his first daughter before fleeing the area, further deepening fears among residents and people in nearby communities.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue a statement on the incident.

The attack has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity in Yagba West and surrounding communities, with residents calling for urgent intervention by security authorities.

The well-armed kidnappers believed to be Fulani militants have renewed their attacks on Okunland, Kogi west senatorial district in recent times.

It would be recalled that exactly a week before the Odo-Ere attack, the hoodlums attacked Aiyegunle-Igun, Kabba-Bunu LGA, killing two people and abducting 30 others.

Similarly, two wives and three children of Professor Wonder, the paramount ruler of Odai, a community health worker, and his wife abducted from their homes in Iluke also in Kabba-Bunu are among those who have been in captivity in unknown criminal cells in Okunland.

Last week, the Kogi State Police Command, in conjunction with the state government, inaugurated Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, with a promise to end the rampage of criminals in all parts of the state.

US President Donald Trump has vowed that America will respond after Iran allegedly shot down a US Apache helicopter during a patrol operation over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, saying he had been briefed by the US military about the incident, which reportedly took place overnight. According to him, the helicopter involved was a highly sophisticated Apache attack aircraft.

The president said both pilots on board survived the incident and escaped without injuries. Despite the safe return of the crew, Trump described the action as a serious attack that would not go unanswered.

“I have just been informed by our great military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he added.

The development marks a fresh escalation in the already strained relationship between Washington and Tehran. Tensions between the two countries have remained high over issues including regional security, military activities, and Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Strait of Hormuz, where the incident reportedly occurred, is one of the world’s most strategic waterways. A significant portion of global oil exports passes through the narrow shipping route, making any military confrontation in the area a matter of international concern.

As of the time of filing this report, Iranian authorities had not officially responded to Trump’s claims. Observers are closely monitoring the situation amid fears that the incident could trigger a new round of confrontation between the two nations.

The Federal Government has officially opened a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

The facility, called the Renewed Hope-NITDA Innovation Hub, was commissioned on June 8 by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The hub was established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative. It contains modern laboratories focused on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The centre is aimed at helping students gain practical technology skills and access advanced equipment that is often unavailable in many Nigerian universities.

What the Minister Said

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tijani said the hub is an investment in the future of Nigerian youths and not just a building filled with equipment.

He encouraged students to make full use of the facility to develop innovative solutions and contribute to Nigeria’s technological growth.

According to him, although the hub will be open to the wider community, its main goal is to help students transform classroom knowledge into real-world innovations.

He added that the facility can support the development of products and ideas that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and improve the country’s position in the global technology sector.

Facilities Available

The innovation hub includes four specialised laboratories:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab

Robotics Lab

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Lab

Internet of Things (IoT) Lab

The 3D printing laboratory will expose students to technologies used in industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and construction.

The robotics and IoT laboratories will also support hardware-based innovation, an area where many Nigerian startups face challenges because of the high cost of equipment and product development.

Background

Earlier in February 2026, Dr. Tijani stated that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is expected to be significantly improved by 2027.

He said the government is investing in major projects, including:

Deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables

Launch of new communication satellites

Installation of 3,700 additional telecom towers in rural areas

According to the minister, these projects are designed to expand digital access and connectivity across the country.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal’s SeleaaPound o das Quinas will trade tackles in the central Portugese town of Leiria on Wednesday in what promises to be a fierce encounter in all ramifications, despite its tag of a friendly.

Coaches aric Chelle and Roberto Martinez have their different reasons for not wanting to lose, with the latter aiming to extend an unbeaten run that will instil a winning mentality in his squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup finals, and the former unwilling to surrender a brilliant record with Nigeria since taking over the Eagles’ dugout 15 months ago.

In that period, Franco-Malian Chelle has overseen 24 matches, losing only once in regulation time a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo in December 2025 that he executed with an understrength squad.

Martinez, a wise old cock in the game, has taken his team through a four-match unbeaten streak during which they defeated USA and Chile, and drew with Mexico. Their last defeat was a two-goal reverse against the Republic of Ireland seven months ago.

Wednesday’s encounter against three-time African champions Nigeria will be the SeleaaPound o das Quinas’ final preparatory game before they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in their first match of Group K at the FIFA World Cup.

Martinez has expressed confidence going into tomorrow’s send-forth encounter, considering that he has all his aces with him including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, goalkeeper Diogo Jota, defenders Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias and Diogo Dalot, midfielders Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and JoaPound o Neves, and forwards JoaPound o Felix, Gonaalo Guedes and Rafael LeaPound o.

Against Chile at the Estadio Nacional in Lisbon on Saturday, Manchester United of England’s Bruno Fernandes scored a spectacular goal after supplying the assist for Guedes to score the opener.

There have not been too many encounters between both countries at senior level, but on 17th November 2022, Portugal spanked the Super Eagles 4-0 in a friendly at Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade. Portugal’s U20 team also denied Nigeria the trophy at the 1989 FIFA U20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the Flying Eagles suffering a 2-0 reverse in the final.

Chelle will not be concerned by all these as he sends his team out tomorrow at the 29,000-capacity Estadio Dr MagalhaPound es Pessoa in Leiria a city halfway between Lisbon and Porto.

Before kick-off, Nigeria will honour midfielder Alexander Iwobi as the Trojan collects his 100th senior cap an inspiration and occasion for him to exert dominion in the middle against Martinez’s World Cup-bound stars.

Even as he will be missing star strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Chelle is focusing on his squad with confidence with the arrival of the mercurial Samuel Chukwueze (who missed the clash with Poland), the experience of Moses Simon, the forms of Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi, and the promising output of Philip Otele at the Unity Cup in London and the friendly against Poland in Warsaw last week.

Wing-back Abdullahi Bewene had a dream debut against the White-and-Red in Warsaw, and could start on Wednesday against the das Quinas, in the absence of Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Centre-back Igoh Ogbu departed the team camp on Tuesday morning due to injury, but Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez are all up for the big tie. Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi are both available for the left wing-back role.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will join Iwobi and any of Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika in the middle. And there is also the promising young KRC Genk midfielder Christian Akpan.

Wednesday’s game will kick off at 8.45pm Portugal time same time as in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, distinguished accomplishments and invaluable contributions to the advancement and enduring legacy of the institution.

Professor Adebooye was among the 65 distinguished alumni honoured during the celebration of OAU’s 65 years of transformative education, innovation and national impact held at Odua Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The award ceremony formed part of activities marking the University’s landmark anniversary and recognised notable alumni whose contributions in leadership, academia, public service, research and national development continue to reflect the ideals and excellence for which OAU is renowned.

Representing Professor Adebooye at the event was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Osun State University, Professor Adetunji Lawrence Kehinde, who received the award on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking after receiving the award, Professor Kehinde expressed appreciation to the Council, management and alumni community of Obafemi Awolowo University for the honour bestowed on Professor Adebooye, describing the recognition as a reflection of his commitment to academic excellence, visionary leadership and service to humanity.

He noted that the Vice-Chancellor considers the recognition not only a personal honour but also a call to greater service and responsibility.

According to him, Professor Adebooye remains committed to advancing academic and research excellence, strengthening educational development and continuing to represent both Osun State University and his alma mater with distinction.

“This honour further inspires him to continue contributing meaningfully to scholarship, leadership and institutional development while sustaining the values of excellence and integrity associated with Obafemi Awolowo University,” he said.

The recognition of Professor Adebooye by one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning further reflects his growing profile as an accomplished scholar and administrator whose leadership continues to attract recognition within and beyond academic circles.

Since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebooye has championed initiatives aimed at strengthening academic standards, promoting research and innovation, expanding strategic partnerships and enhancing the overall development of the University.

The latest recognition adds to the growing list of honours associated with the Vice-Chancellor and further underscores the increasing national visibility and rising profile of Osun State University within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, has sent an emotional message to Scotland captain Andy Robertson, urging him to carry the late Liverpool forward’s dream with him to the World Cup.

Robertson, a former Liverpool team-mate and close friend of Jota, recently led Scotland to World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998.

The Scotland captain had spoken about Jota shortly after the qualification-clinching victory over Denmark, revealing that the late Portuguese forward was on his mind throughout the build-up to the match.

Jota and Robertson had often discussed their shared dream of playing at the World Cup while training together during the 2022 tournament, which Jota missed after being left out of Portugal’s squad due to injury.

Jota died four months ago in a road accident that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva.

In a letter to Robertson published by FIFA, Cardoso said she was writing with “longing, gratitude and pride,” adding that Jota had often spoken about the bond he shared with the Scotland captain.

She said the World Cup was one of the dreams Jota and Robertson carried together as team-mates and friends.

Cardoso said Robertson’s qualification for the tournament showed that Jota had not truly left the pitch.

According to her, Robertson would not be going to the World Cup alone because he would also be carrying Jota’s dream with him.

She thanked Robertson for remembering her late husband and for turning grief into strength.

“Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him,” she wrote.

Robertson was filmed by FIFA reading the letter and later thanked Cardoso for her words, describing the gesture as deeply moving.

“It’s obviously amazing of Rute to even take the time, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter,” Robertson said.

He added that the letter would stay with him for a long time.

Robertson said Jota would remain in his heart throughout the tournament, adding that memories of the late forward would continue to bring moments of both laughter and tears.

“I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us,” he said.

The emotional exchange has added another layer of meaning to Scotland’s return to the World Cup, with Robertson now set to honour the dream he once shared with his late Liverpool team-mate.

By Nabilu Balarabe

The death of Emir of Gazargamu Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn-Saleh after a prolonged illness in Cairo, Egypt has thrown his community and Yobe State into mourning.

The death of the Emir was announced in a statement signed by the Waziri of Gazargamu, Alhaji Muhammad Baba-Kankare, in Damaturu on Tuesday.

Gazargamu, located in Geidam town, is the ancient historical capital of the Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Baba-Kankare said the first-class chief passed away on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

“The remains of the late Emir will be transported back to Nigeria for funeral rites in Damaturu, at a later date and time to be announced later.

“The Emirate council calls for prayers for the repose of the soul of this great leader, our respected traditional ruler, custodian of the rich tradition and culture of the historic Ngazargamu emirate,” he said.

The late Emir who passed away at 80 was a first-class traditional ruler in Yobe and had been on the throne for 34 years, having been appointed in 1992.

The deceased was born in 1946 in Mairari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe.

Ibn-Saleh was educated at Geidam Elementary School, Yerwa Senior Primary School, and the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He also held a Higher Islamic Teachers Certificate and Diploma in Sharia and Civil Law.

Before his ascension to the throne, the late Emir Ibn-Saleh was a teacher, an Area Court Assistant Registrar, Chairman of Geidam Local Government and Commissioner for Agriculture in old Borno.

In May 2020, he was appointed Chancellor of the Yobe State University.

Meanwhile, Kashim Tumsah, a lawyer and development advocate has described the late Emir Ibn-Saleh, as an epitome of humility, wisdom and courage.

Tumsah, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state, stated this in Damaturu on Tuesday while mourning the death of the first-class chief.

He described the death of the Emir as a monumental loss not only to the people of the Gazargamu Emirate, but also to the entire Yobe State and beyond.

“The late Emir was a true leader, a source of wisdom, guidance, and peace. His contributions to the progress, unity, and development of his people will never be forgotten.

“He embodied the values of humility, service, and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” he said.

The lawyer prayed to the Almighty Allah to continue to guide and bless the people of the Gazargamu Emirate during this difficult time, hoping that the memory of the late Emir would inspire them to emulate his integrity and compassion.

In his own tribute, Mr Tijjani Bala, a son of the deceased, described his father as a mentor and traditional ruler whose life was devoted to the service of his people and humanity.

Bala, the General Manager of the Yobe State Road Maintenance Agency (YORMA), said the late Emir’s fatherly guidance, leadership and legacy would remain a source of inspiration to the entire people of Gazargamu.

(NAN)