Category: PM News

Former President of Nigerian Guild of Editors and a past Commissioner for Information in Osun State, Mrs Funke Egbemode will be moderating discussion of the paper the Keynote Speaker Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, will deliver at TheGazelleNews Public Lecture and Award on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda will lead panelists set to discuss the main lecture at the event.

Dare’s lecture is themed: Driving Grassroots Governance with Public-Private Partnership: The Gains, The Pains, The Prospects.

Apart from Meranda, others on the list of discussants are the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih; the former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Osun State Governor, Dr (Prince) Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo; the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, and his counterpart from Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo.

The Chairperson of Organising Committee for the event, Mrs Adetutu Audu-Adebisi in a statement on Thursday said: ‘In selecting the Keynote Speaker and the panelists, we have selected men and women who have distinguished themselves in their various fields.

‘Chief Dare is a well-respected media practitioner who had worked and excelled in various local and international media houses before going into public service and a well-respected Speaker.

‘Rt Honourable Meranda is an experienced lawmaker and a great Speaker who has distinguished herself as a role model for the youths. Dr Finnih is well respected in her role as special adviser to the Governor, Dr Binuyo is currently the Chief Operating Officer of TSAT/Thuraya Nigeria while both Obasa and Oyegbola-Sodipo have given the credence to allowing youths in governance with their superlative performances as council Chairmen.

‘Mrs Egbemode is a motivational speaker, an Editor, one of the leading lights in journalism in Nigeria and the world at large, and has distinguished career as a commissioner,’ Audu-Adebisi said.

She stated that the event has been designed to discuss various issues of national concern with aim of setting the agenda for development and growth of the society.

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that eight of the abductors of the rescued teachers and pupils in Oriire area of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, were arrested by security agents.

He also said some of the abductors were killed.

All of this was contained in a statement released on Friday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Tinubu has expressed profound joy at the successful rescue of the children and teachers The statement said he praised the ‘heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the DSS and the police, for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.’

Onanuga said Tinubu regretted the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.

The statement said the President commended the Oyo State Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.

The system quoted Tinubu as saying: ‘I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.

‘This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.

‘My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

‘I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end.’

According to Onanuga, Tinubu directed that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman allegedly transporting a cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other banned substances believed to be intended for terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest was made on Thursday during a security operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno route as the suspect travelled towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was announced by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement published on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday.

Giving details of the operation, Goni said: ‘The operation was conducted during an intensive search operations along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

‘The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items.

‘Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.’

According to the military, the items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly called ‘Suck and Die’, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

Security personnel also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, cash and other personal belongings from the suspect.

The military estimated the seized items to be worth several millions of naira.

Providing an update on the investigation, the statement said: ‘The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.’

Operation HADIN KAI said the interception was another major step in its campaign to cut off supply channels that sustain terrorist activities across the North-East.

The statement added: ‘Available intelligence has consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

‘By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network.’

The Theatre Command praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism, reaffirming that military operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue.

It also appealed to residents to keep supporting security agencies with prompt and reliable intelligence to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the North-East.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, on Thursday led members of the State Management Team and the National Directorate Headquarters (NDHQ) Monitoring Officer, Mr. Peter Okpanachi, on an inspection tour of Obokun, Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas to monitor the low-key passing-out ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members.

The exercise was conducted simultaneously across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office in Osun State as part of the formal completion of the mandatory one-year national service.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Kubiangha congratulated the outgoing corps members on the successful completion of their service year, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in their lives. He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and protection throughout the service year, noting that the corps members were privileged to have successfully completed the service.

Kubiangha urged them to remain thankful to God and to approach the next phase of their lives with determination, integrity and a commitment to excellence. He reminded them that the Certificate of National Service was only a foundation upon which they must build successful and impactful careers through hard work, innovation, resilience and discipline.

Kubiangha also charged the corps members to remain worthy ambassadors of the NYSC by upholding the values of patriotism, selfless service, honesty and good character wherever they find themselves. He encouraged them to be law-abiding citizens and continue making meaningful contributions to nation-building and community development.

As part of the ceremony, eligible corps members were presented with their Certificates of National Service, while outstanding Corps Liaison Officers received Certificates of Commendation in recognition of their exemplary leadership and meritorious service during the service year.

The State Coordinator prayed for the outgoing corps members, wishing them success in their future endeavours and expressing confidence that they would excel in their chosen careers and positively impact society.

Speaking on the outcome of the service year, Kubiangha disclosed that a total of 1,702 corps members successfully completed the national service and were issued their Certificates of National Service. He added that 18 corps members absconded from service, while 11 had their service extended for various infractions in accordance with the provisions of the NYSC by-laws.

The monitoring exercise reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity, credibility and transparency of its operations while ensuring strict compliance with established guidelines during the passing-out process.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the Federal Government is deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention to weaken the opposition before the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, maintained that the ADC supports the prosecution of anyone facing genuine criminal allegations. However, he argued that the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention had raised serious concerns about political interference.

‘We are not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer from being prosecuted, but when you are holding someone in custody for bailable offences, and you proceed to continue to arraign that person and continue to set conditions for bail that are almost impossible for this person to meet, it creates room for us to believe that you deliberately intend to hold this person in perpetuity,’ Abdullahi said.

He added, ‘The thinking within the ADC is that the APC government has concluded that they will not release Malam Nasir El-Rufai until after the elections. That’s what we believe.’

Abdullahi further claimed that the ruling party viewed El-Rufai as a major asset to the emerging opposition coalition and wanted to prevent him from participating in preparations for the 2027 polls.

‘They know that with Malam Nasir El-Rufai freed, the opposition is stronger… That is why they want to hold him,’ he alleged.

The ADC spokesman also expressed concern over the former governor’s health, saying his family had disclosed that doctors at the National Hospital recommended continued medical observation after his condition reportedly worsened.

‘If anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible because the buck stops on the table,’ Abdullahi said, describing the former governor as ‘a political prisoner.’

He also accused the APC of relying on legal processes to weaken opposition figures instead of concentrating on governance, insisting that the party was preoccupied with the 2027 elections despite Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

Abdullahi said the opposition coalition adopted the ADC as its platform to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative, while dismissing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as ‘just a slogan.’

El-Rufai is facing charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

He is also standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja in a separate case instituted by the Department of State Services over allegations of unlawful interception of telephone communications.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has questioned whether the Federal Government should resort to bombing suspected kidnappers’ hideouts where pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State may be held.

Bwala raised the question while responding to concerns over the continued captivity of victims abducted more than 50 days ago in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims, including over 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked three schools in the area.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed, heightening fears over the safety of those still in captivity.

Speaking on The Morayo Show, Bwala said the government was aware of the condition of the victims and remained focused on securing their release alive.

‘We know they are alive and they are well. To bring them back, to get them out alive, is much more important than whatever anybody is saying in the news,’ he said.

The presidential aide warned that the use of military force could put the hostages at greater risk, saying rescue operations involving captives require careful decisions.

‘When you have a case of what we call hostage-taking, the number one responsibility of government is to rescue them, and rescue them alive,’ Bwala said.

He added that stronger measures would become necessary if there was evidence that more victims were being killed.

However, when questioned about the fact that one hostage had already been beheaded, Bwala challenged the idea of using immediate force.

‘Should the government now forcefully begin bombing where we believe they are being held, because one person was beheaded and there is a possibility that the rest will be killed?’ he asked.

He urged critics to consider the risks involved in military action against kidnappers holding civilians.

More than 50 days after the attack, the abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity, while efforts to secure their release through negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough.

An officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) identified as Mohammed Adamu Ndagiyapa has been arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja, over alleged job racketeering and abuse of office involving N4.31 million.

Ndagiyapa, a Marshal Inspector II with the FRSC was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

He was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and using his office to confer corrupt advantage upon himself, contrary to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

ICPC said in the charges that Ndagiyapa allegedly received the sum of N3,260,000 between January 2021 and December 2022 through his Stanbic IBTC Bank and First City Monumental Bank accounts from one Dauda Zira Gambo under the pretext of securing employment for the latter’s relatives into the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The Commission also alleged that the defendant received an additional N1,050,000 from one Munda Babayo for the purpose of procuring employment for her relations, bringing the total amount involved in the alleged job racketeering scheme to N4,310,000.

The offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 10(a)(ii) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

John Odey, the spokesperson for ICPC said in a statement that investigation revealed that Ndagiyapa allegedly portrayed himself as having the capacity to secure employment opportunities in the FRSC by virtue of his relationship with senior officers of the Corps.

When the four-count charge was read to him, Mohammed Ngiyapa pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, counsel to the ICPC, Leslie Iheduru Esq. prayed the court for a date for the commencement of trial.

The trial judge, Justice F.E Messiri hereafter granted bail to the defendant on the terms of his administrative bail and adjourned the matter to 16th September 2026, for the commencement of trial.

A former staff of Access Bank in Lagos, Chinonso Akujobi, has been remanded in Ikoyi prison after she was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on stealing to the tune of N294.5m.

Akujobi who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC was arraigned before Justice I.O. Ijelu of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos. on Thursday, July 9, 6

EFCC alleged that Akujobi stole the money between January and December 2025 while under the employment of Access Bank Plc.

As stated in one the charges, the defendant stole the money through unauthorized payments from the general ledger of Access Bank to her account number 0036668871 with the name Chinonso A., Uchechi A. and Florence A., thereby committing an offence of stealing, contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

ýThe defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges when they were read to her.

ýIn view of this, the prosecution counsel, S.M.Yabo, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional centre.

Justice Ijelu, thereafter, adjourned the case till October 8, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

The Judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional Centre.

The Zamfara government has approved six-month maternity leave for female civil servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health.

The State Head of Service, Alhaji Yakubu Haidara, announced the approval on Thursday in Gusau while receiving a Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) delegation.

The coalition visited to advocate six months’ maternity leave, increased nutrition funding and effective budget tracking for timely fund releases.

Haidara said the approval reflected Gov. Dauda Lawal’s commitment to strengthening exclusive breastfeeding and improving nutrition outcomes for infants across the state.

‘I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,’ Haidara said.

He described maternity leave as essential for protecting mothers and babies during the perinatal period, while supporting healthier families and stronger child development.

‘It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding,’ he said.

Haidara welcomed the advocacy team, saying government and civil society shared the common objective of protecting children and securing healthier future generations.

‘I welcome you for this advocacy visit. I believe we are all working towards protecting our children and ensuring good health for future generations,’ he said.

He recalled that Governor Lawal approved N500 million counterpart funding for nutrition activities last year to strengthen interventions across Zamfara.

Haidara expressed confidence the governor would sustain, or even increase, funding this year because of his commitment to improving nutrition programmes statewide.

‘I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,’ he said.

He assured the delegation that the state government would continue collaborating with development partners and civil society organisations to combat child malnutrition.

‘I want to assure you of the state’s commitment to continue partnering with you in addressing malnutrition among children,’ Haidara added.

Earlier, CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the governor’s approval as a significant milestone in promoting maternal and child nutrition.

Jangeru said malnutrition remained a major threat to child survival, requiring sustained investment, policy support and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

‘We are working with UNICEF support to advocate enhanced nutrition funding and exclusive breastfeeding among children,’ he said.

He said six months’ maternity leave would enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, significantly reducing malnutrition and improving children’s health.

‘We appreciate the governor for the kind gesture and quick response to our advocacy,’ Jangeru said.

He also commended the Head of Service for facilitating engagements that culminated in the approval of the extended maternity leave policy.

‘We also appreciate the Head of Service for the timely facilitation that led to the governor’s approval,’ Jangeru added.

The Catholic Archbishop of Benin Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze is dead.

He reportedly died at 69 on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, announced the passing of the cleric in a statement on Thursday.

The statement read in part: ‘On behalf of the Consultors of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, we announce with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection of the passing of our dearly beloved father and Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, who was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

‘He was ordained as a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005 and consecrated on February 25, 2006.

‘He was later appointed Archbishop of Benin City on March 18,2011 and installed on April 28, 2011.’

Also, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, in its statement described the late Archbishop Akubeze as a unique Shepherd who understood that the true development of the Church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.

The statement signed by Rev. Fr. Michael A. Secretary General, posited that under his care, the Archdiocese of Benin City witnessed significant developmental strides.

He said, he was deeply committed to the welfare of his Priests with the conviction that the future of the Church depended on well-formed Shepherds.

‘As an erstwhile President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls bringing to light his episcopal motto ‘Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati’ (Jn. 18:37) which means ‘That I may bear witness to the Truth.

‘His patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate Shepherd who knew the smell of his flock. He demonstrated always by his gentleness and quiet disposition that genuine authority in the Church is not measured by power but by service and this was a result of his deep level of spirituality,’ he stated.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, who urged the Christian faithful to continue to pray for the repose of his soul, said the funeral arrangements of the late cleric will be communicated later.