Category: PM News

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the appointment of Kayode Oyekanmi as the new General Manager of Lagos Television (LTV), as part of efforts to strengthen the state-owned broadcast station.

Following the governor’s approval, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, on Wednesday formally presented Oyekanmi with his appointment letter during a brief ceremony held at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Oyekanmi’s appointment comes after the disengagement of the former General Manager of LTV, Mrs. Sola Kosoko.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Agoro expressed confidence in the ability of the new LTV helmsman to reposition the television station and enhance its relevance in the competitive media industry.

He wished Oyekanmi a successful and impactful tenure, describing him as a seasoned communications professional with vast experience in both public and private sector engagements.

Before his appointment, Oyekanmi served as Director, Strategy Centre, at the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, a position he held since 2022.

He possesses more than three decades of professional experience spanning advertising, public relations and global export services.

Oyekanmi began his public service career on March 1, 2000, with the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy as a Public Affairs Practitioner and has since built a distinguished career in government communications.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Oyekanmi is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is known as an avid reader, lawn tennis enthusiast and currently serves as the Charter President of the Lagos State Ministry of Information Toastmasters Club.

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday submitted his presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at the national secretariat of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja

Speaking with newsmen shortly after submitting his form, Amaechi urged Nigerians to elect leaders based on merit, competence and proven performance.

The former Rivers governor said Nigerians should assess presidential aspirants based on their public service records and capacity to provide effective leadership.

“What Nigerians are seeing today is that nearly everybody running for president has served Nigeria in one way or the other.

“Let it be a referendum on performance. Whoever has outperformed others should earn the people’s votes,” he said.

The presidential hopeful also said that leadership selection should be based on competence, electoral strength and experience rather than sentiment or identity politics.

“I believe I am the most experienced. I am young and I have the capacity to turn this country around,” he stated.

Amaechi urged Nigerians to evaluate his records as Rivers governor and minister of transportation as evidence of governance capacity.

“Go back to Rivers State and see what I did. Go back to the Ministry of Transportation and assess my performance,” he said.

The former minister noted that Nigeria’s challenges required leadership beyond ethnic, regional or religious considerations, stressing that citizens were united by hardship.

“Nigerians should vote for merit, not for ethnicity, religion or slogans because that mentality has failed us,” he said.

He lamented the current economic situation, the former governor said: “There is no market for Christians, neither is there a market for Muslims or a market for northerners or southerners.”

On the ADC presidential primaries, Amaechi expressed preference for direct primaries, adding, however, that he would accept consensus if party members chose him.

“I am going for direct primaries. If consensus favours me, fine. But if not, I am prepared for primaries,” he said.

Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku also submitted his presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at the national secretariat of ADC in Abuja.

The development brings the number of presidential aspirants jostling for the ADC ticket to three.

The presidential aspirants, including Abubakar, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and Amaechi, were accompanied by their teeming supporters to the ADC national secretariat.

Their presence caused traffic gridlock in and around the party secretariat on Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, also submitted his nomination form for Kebbi governorship.

The duo of Abubakar and Malami did not, however, grant media interviews or make public speeches before leaving the secretariat.

Similarly, the senator representing FCT, Ireti Kingibe, also submitted her form seeking re-election to the Senate.

(www.nannews.ng)

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the presidential ambition of Oyo governor Seyi Seyi Makinde describing it as dead on arrival

Wike said this while dismissing the purported alliance entered into between a faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Thursday.

Makinde had at a grand rally held after the signing of the agreement declared that he would contest the presidency on the platform of PDP-APM in the 2027 election.

But Wike, who is also the leader of another faction of denied that the party has entered into any such agreement.

The minister further alleged that the gathering in Ibadan on Thursday was facilitated by Gov. Seyi Makinde to pursue his personal presidential ambition under the platform of APM.

“What you have is Makinde joining APM to be able to actualise his presidential ambition, which is already dead-on arrival,” the minister said.

Wike spoke to journalists after inspecting the ongoing 13-kilometre Gomani to Yangoje road project in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.

He said the claim of APM-PDP alliance was merely a political imagination.

He said both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not aware of the existence of such an alliance.

“There’s no alliance between PDP and APM or any other political party, as the case may be. INEC also knows that there’s nothing called the PDP-APM alliance.

“The ongoing political activities within the PDP, including the screening of aspirants, clearly showed that the party remained independent and had not entered into any coalition arrangement.

“PDP has presented a presidential candidate. Watch out who will be submitted to INEC and see whether there’s anything called PDP-APM,” he added.

NAN

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the influence of the Federal Government will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Nigerians will freely choose their leaders.

Makinde spoke on Wednesday at the Oyo State Tourism Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

According to the governor, Nigerians are becoming more politically conscious and will no longer remain passive during elections.

“I believe that this election cycle, federal might will not work. It has worked in Ekiti State in both instances but this time around, Nigerians will show politicians pepper,” he said.

“They will show us that they don’t want to be bystanders anymore; they will participate, and I’m sure of what I’m saying.”

The governor also spoke on the future of governance in Oyo State after the end of his administration, saying efforts had been made to establish structures that would ensure continuity.

Makinde maintained that although he could recommend a successor, the people of the state would ultimately decide who becomes governor.

“I tell people that I will recommend for Oyo State people, but the decision will rest with the people of Oyo State,” he said.

He warned residents against supporting any candidate lacking the competence to govern effectively, stressing that the consequences of poor leadership could linger for years.

“But if you make a mistake and bring someone who will not do good work, it is a one-day event, but the impact will last four years.

“So, we must get it right. Leadership changes but systems, they endure. So, our focus has been deliberate,” the governor added.

There has been increasing speculation that Makinde may support a former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanbi, as his preferred governorship candidate ahead of the next election.

The speculation gained attention after the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, revealed that he led lawmakers to what he described as a strategic breakfast meeting with Adekanbi, whom he called “the consensus gubernatorial candidate” of the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.

Responding to the discussions surrounding succession politics, Makinde said his support would go to any candidate who is loyal to Oyo State and possesses the ability to govern effectively, irrespective of political party affiliation.

“People said ‘oh, so Seyi, you did not mentor anyone these seven years you have been in government that can take over from you without the taint of APC’? And I ask them that Morohunkola Thomas or Bimbo Adekanbi, are they not from Oyo State?” he said.

“For us, if you’re from Oyo State, loyal to Oyo State, and have capacity, we will support you. We are blind to party colouration but open to capacity that can move Oyo State forward.”

The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, continued on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with testimony from the fourth prosecution witness, who revealed that Malami’s bankers had filed a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) concerning his accounts.

Testifying before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, confirmed that the bank had flagged several of Malami’s transactions as suspicious. Bata explained that although the deposits in Malami’s accounts appeared to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) guidelines, the bank was required to report the transactions to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) due to their repetitive nature.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, on a 16-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering, and the concealment of funds amounting to N8.7 billion, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The witness further elaborated on the process for filing an STR, clarifying that transactions deemed repetitive or of suspicious origin must be reported to the NFIU, an autonomous unit of the CBN responsible for analysing and disseminating financial intelligence. Bata added that his role as a compliance officer was to handle correspondence from law enforcement agencies but that he was not directly involved in managing Malami’s accounts.

Under cross-examination, Bata stood by his statement, despite objections from the defence, which sought to challenge the relevance of further clarification. Justice Abdulmalik allowed the re-examination, emphasising the need for transparency and clarification on technical financial matters.

Following the completion of Bata’s testimony, the court adjourned the trial to May 22, 2026, for continued proceedings.

By Deborah Akpede

Mr Simeon Akpanudom, AIG FCID Annex Lagos, has banned Point of Sale (POS) operations within the FCID premises in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu.

He charged officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to due process in duty discharge.

He gave the charge on Thursday during a general lecture and meeting with sectional heads at FCID Annex Lagos.

In a statement by FCID Annex spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, the ban aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu.

According to Akpanudom, such activities are incompatible with security and operational integrity and are often exploited to facilitate corrupt practices.

He directed that all intelligence reports must be thoroughly vetted and verified by sectional heads before submission.

He tasked sectional heads to ensure deliberate supervision of personnel and strict compliance with professional standards to minimise misconduct.

Akpanudom stated that land-related disputes should not be entertained by the department, insisting officers follow established investigative procedures.

He warned against unprofessional conduct, noting Nigeria Police must project a positive and credible public image.

He urged officers to respect hierarchy and uphold the established chain of command in duty performance.

The AIG reiterated that unprofessional acts would not be tolerated and would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.

He encouraged officers to remain committed to integrity, accountability and national service. (NAN)

The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has congratulated the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, on the occasion of his 66th birthday, describing him as a leader whose administration has continued to impact positively on the lives of residents across the state.

The council, in a congratulatory message issued by the Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, and Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, commended Governor Adeleke for what it described as remarkable achievements recorded in the areas of infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, and other people-oriented programmes since assuming office.

The union noted that the governor’s attention to workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as efforts geared towards improving the working environment for civil servants, had earned him admiration from different segments of society.

While wishing Governor Adeleke many more years in good health, wisdom and strength, the union prayed for greater accomplishments in his efforts to move Osun State forward.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote development, accountability and the welfare of the people, stressing the importance of collaboration between government and the media in sustaining democracy and good governance.

The statement described the governor’s 66th birthday anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on his contributions to the growth and progress of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

Manchester United have made a quiet but firm decision about goalkeeper Andre Onana, and it could end his Old Trafford journey for good.

Even after securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, the club has decided they will not bring Onana back this summer.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper was sent on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor after a difficult spell filled with costly errors and inconsistent performances.

Now, with his loan deal almost over, Onana is said to be eager to return to England and prove himself once again in a United shirt.

But behind the scenes, the mood at Old Trafford appears different.

Reports suggest the club has already moved on, having brought in Senne Lammens as a new option between the posts.

And while Onana waits for a possible second chance, United are reportedly working quietly to find him a new permanent home.

For a player once seen as the future of United’s goalkeeping role, the message from the club now feels clear the door may already be closing.

Manchester United are now expected to focus on reshaping their squad ahead of the new season, with goalkeeping seen as one of the key areas for improvement.

The club’s decision signals a clear shift in direction as they aim to build a more reliable and consistent team for both domestic and European competitions.

Onana’s time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end, despite arriving with high expectations from Inter Milan.

Sources suggest United are already in talks with potential clubs interested in securing the goalkeeper permanently.

The coming weeks are expected to determine where the 30-year-old will continue his career as he looks for a fresh start away from Manchester.

U.S. President The agreement emerged during high-level talks between both leaders in Beijing on Thursday, with the White House confirming that Washington and Beijing jointly opposed any attempt to militarise the vital shipping route or impose tolls on vessels passing through it.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with nearly a fifth of global crude oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway daily.

The region has witnessed months of instability following the escalation of the Iran conflict earlier this year, triggering attacks on vessels, soaring oil prices and fears of wider economic disruption.

The discussions come at a time when global oil markets remain on edge due to persistent disruptions in the Gulf region.

Oil prices have hovered above $100 per barrel amid uncertainty over the security of shipping routes and fears that any prolonged closure of Hormuz could trigger a major global energy crisis.

Reports indicate that China, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports, pushed strongly for stability in the waterway.

Beijing reportedly opposed any form of toll collection or restrictions on international shipping through the strait.

In a further sign of shifting regional dynamics, Iran recently allowed some Chinese-linked vessels to pass through the Strait after diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Beijing.

A Chinese supertanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi crude reportedly crossed the route after being stranded for more than two months.

Analysts believe the Trump-Xi understanding on Hormuz reflects growing international pressure on Iran to ease restrictions around the waterway and avoid actions capable of destabilising global energy markets.

Despite the agreement, tensions remain high across the Gulf. Reports of fresh attacks on ships near Hormuz surfaced shortly after the Trump-Xi meeting, underlining the fragile security situation in the region.

The talks also touched on broader geopolitical and economic issues, including trade relations, energy cooperation and China’s possible increase in imports of American crude oil as Beijing seeks to reduce its dependence on Gulf transit routes.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to North America, Toronto Public Health has started a soccer-themed version of its “CondomTO” campaign.

The programme will give out free special-edition condoms to football fans visiting the city for six World Cup matches, including a Round of 32 game.

The campaign is aimed at reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which health experts say often increase during major international events because of large crowds and celebrations.

The condoms will be available for free at four sexual health clinics and selected community centres across Toronto while supplies last.

They come in six football-inspired designs, including one called “Peaches and Cream,” which features playful peach and eggplant images and has already gained attention online.

A spokesperson for Toronto Public Health said major sporting events bring people together and the city wants fans to stay safe while enjoying the tournament.

Toronto had previously introduced a similar campaign during the 2015 Pan American and ParaPan American Games.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Toronto, which is one of the host cities in Canada. Canada is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico.

City officials and businesses are preparing for large crowds, celebrations, and nightlife activities during the competition.

Health officials say making condoms easily available is a simple way to encourage safe sex during the event.Fans can collect the free condoms at participating clinics and community centres without appointments or questions asked.

The campaign’s message to football fans is simple: enjoy the World Cup, but stay safe.