Category: PM News

No fewer than 15 persons died in an auto crash at the Muslim Cemetery area on the Ogbomoso-Oko Olowo corridor of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway, Kwara.

The Kwara Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Kabir Kazeem, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen, on Monday in Ilorin.

Kazeem said that the fatal crash, which occurred at about 2:32 a.m., involved a lone DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC.

The sector commander said that 48 male occupants were involved in the crash, with 15 persons confirmed dead, 17 sustaining varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.

He attributed the crash to driver fatigue, adding that the victims sustained fractures, dislocations and bruises.

Kazeem said that the injured victims were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been handed over to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area in Kwara.

Kazeem said that the search for others who might have been trapped beneath the vehicle’s load was ongoing.

He added that the rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel of RS8.15 Oloru Unit Command and RS8.1 Kwara Command (Oko Olowo Outpost).

The FRSC boss said that the command would intensify public enlightenment through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders.

He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading, night travel and driving while fatigued.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians who feel unsafe in South Africa to use the remaining evacuation flights to return home.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, gave the warning on Monday in a post on her verified X page.

She said the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.

The minister said the government remained deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerians following continued xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants.

She cited the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yua Joe and Charles Iroegbu, and said the Federal Government had demanded a full investigation from South African authorities.

According to her, those responsible for the killings must be identified and brought to justice.

Odumegwu Ojukwu said Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk should immediately register for the remaining evacuation flights.

‘There are no signs that the situation is improving,’ she said.

She recalled that President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline after the first three evacuation operations.

The extension, she said, was to give more Nigerians who wish to return home the opportunity to do so.

The minister said the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another chartered flight will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7.

She urged Nigerians still undecided about leaving South Africa to carefully weigh the risks.

‘Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft,’ she said.

‘The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.

‘For many still sitting on the fence, sending out distress calls after these evacuation exercises might have concluded, and when there was an opportunity to leave which they did not utilise, will not help matters.

‘They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.’

Odumegwu Ojukwu said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has said no fewer than 10 persons were killed and six others sustained injuries in a fatal road crash involving a passenger bus and a truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday night.

This is contained in a statement issued by the FRSC Sector Public Education Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, on Monday in Abeokuta.

The accident, he said, occurred at about 8:05 p.m. near Sapade Bridge in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun.

‘The crash involved a white Sinotruk (CNHTC) truck bearing a Dangote inscription but no registration number and a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with Lagos registration number EKY 290 YM.

‘The Toyota Hiace bus, which was conveying 18 passengers, collided with the truck after the truck driver allegedly reversed on the highway when he missed his route.

The corps said preliminary investigations indicated that the crash resulted from speed violation, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.

Odunsi said the deceased comprised nine adult males and one male child, while the injured included four adult males and two females.

He added that two other adult males escaped unhurt.

The FRSC spokesman said rescue operatives evacuated the injured victims to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for treatment, while the remains of the deceased had been deposited at FOS Mortuary, Ipara.

He added that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Ishara Division, had taken custody of the vehicles, while arrangements had been made for their evacuation.

The Ogun Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, as condoling with the families of the deceased and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Ogunjobi warned motorists, particularly commercial drivers and truck operators, against reversing on highways, excessive speeding, dangerous driving and other traffic violations.

He urged road users to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds and use designated turning points whenever they miss their routes to prevent avoidable road crashes.

UEFA has launched a strong attack on FIFA over the controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic World Cup ban, saying the world football body has ‘crossed a red line.’

The European football governing body issued the criticism on Monday after FIFA cleared the United States striker to face Belgium in their World Cup last-16 clash.

Balogun had been expected to miss the match after receiving a straight red card in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

But FIFA suspended the one-match ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing the striker to play.

The decision came after United States President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s punishment.

‘Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line,’ UEFA said in a strongly worded statement.

UEFA said football depends on clear rules, especially in major tournaments.

‘Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not,’ it added.

Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was sent off after a video review showed him stepping on the foot of a Bosnia-Herzegovina defender.

Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-match suspension.

FIFA, however, said on Sunday that the ban had been suspended for one year, but gave no specific explanation for the decision.

UEFA warned that the ruling could damage trust in football beyond the ongoing World Cup.

‘Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws,’ UEFA said.

‘A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.

‘We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also publicly called for Balogun’s red card to be rescinded.

Trump later praised FIFA on Truth Social, thanking the body for ‘doing what was right’ and ‘reversing a great injustice.’

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked the decision, saying he did not know that July 5 had become April Fool’s Day at the World Cup.

Nollywood actress and media personality Toke Makinwa has made strong claims about the emotional depth of mist Nigerian men.

While speaking in a recent episode of the MENtality podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa claimed that some men only have material things to offer their partners.

She explained that the perception of Nigerian women as being overly materialistic stems partly from the fact that many Nigerian men believe ficial provision is the primary value they bring to a relationship.

‘From time immemorial, a relationship between a man and a woman has always been transactional, right from the Garden of Eden, right from our parents’ days. And the degree at which it is happening now, I will blame the men. Sometimes, that [ficial benefits] is all men have to offer. Nigerian men don’t have games aside from money. Once a Nigerian man makes money, he starts throwing it at the hottest girls. Sometimes, you meet a man and you want to know him but he is offering you money. Men have offered women strangest things and it made me realise that men feel cash is all they need to show you. Most girls who are materialistic today, men taught them how to make demands,’ she stated.

FCMB Asset Management Limited (FCMBAM), the asset management arm of FCMB Group Plc, has been upgraded to national scale long-term and short-term issuer ratings of A(NG) and A1(NG) from A-(NG) and A2(NG) by GCR Ratings (GCR), with the agency affirming a stable outlook.

The upgrade reflects the company’s sustained ficial performance, strong market position and prudent risk management, alongside the strengthened credit profile of its parent company, FCMB Group Plc.

In its assessment, GCR said FCMBAM’s improved ratings were driven by its competitive resilience, disciplined ficial management and decade-long record of consistent performance. The agency cited the firm’s established brand, diversified product offering, extensive distribution network and cross-selling opportunities within the FCMB Group as key strengths supporting its standalone credit profile.

FCMB Asset Management Limited (FCMBAM), the asset management arm of FCMB Group Plc, has been upgraded to national scale long-term and short-term issuer ratings of A(NG) and A1(NG) from A-(NG) and A2(NG) by GCR Ratings (GCR), with the agency affirming a stable outlook.

The upgrade reflects the company’s sustained ficial performance, strong market position and prudent risk management, alongside the strengthened credit profile of its parent company, FCMB Group Plc.

In its assessment, GCR said FCMBAM’s improved ratings were driven by its competitive resilience, disciplined ficial management and decade-long record of consistent performance. The agency cited the firm’s established brand, diversified product offering, extensive distribution network and cross-selling opportunities within the FCMB Group as key strengths supporting its standalone credit profile.

Commenting on the upgrade, the Chief Executive Officer of FCMB Asset Management Limited, Mr James Ilori, described the improved ratings as recognition of the firm’s long-term strategy and commitment to excellence.

‘This upgrade is an important external validation of a strategy we have pursued with discipline over many years: building an investment franchise that performs reliably, governs itself rigorously, and earns trust in every market cycle. It speaks to the strength of our membership of FCMB Group Plc and to a culture that holds itself to local and global standards of risk management and capital stewardship,’ Ilori said.

He added that as Nigeria’s asset management industry moves into a new phase marked by higher capital requirements and growing investor expectations, FCMBAM intends to remain ahead of regulatory timelines while accelerating digital transformation and delivering superior investment outcomes for clients.

FCMB Asset Management said it remains committed to providing globally aligned investment solutions focused on capital preservation, income generation and long-term wealth creation, supported by robust goverce and risk management frameworks.

The company currently manages a range of Collective Investment Schemes, including the FCMBAM Money Market Fund, FCMBAM Debt Fund, FCMBAM Equity Fund, FCMBAM USD Bond Fund and the FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund. It also offers discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management services for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

Established in 1997, FCMB Asset Management Limited is registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria, providing portfolio management and investment advisory services to individual and institutional clients as a member of FCMB Group Plc.

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving education outcomes and nurturing future leaders across Edo and Delta States.

The Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Samson Ezugworie, gave the affirmation over the weekend while speaking at the at the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of its flagship PEARLs Quiz Competition.

He said the JV’s education interventions are designed to address foundational gaps and create stronger pathways for young people to thrive.

‘Our approach goes beyond conventional educational support. It is about creating opportunities for students, schools and institutions to succeed, while building a stronger and globally competitive education system,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, urged participants to focus not only on prizes but on the knowledge, discipline and confidence gained through the competition.

Foucart who was represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, said: ‘Every participant is a winner. The real value is in the experience gained and how it is applied in future endeavors.’

Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, said PEARLs has grown into one of the JV’s most impactful education initiatives since its launch in 2012.

‘PEARLs is more than a quiz. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills. To date, the programme has impacted over 57,000 students, with more than ?100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development,’ she said.

The event also featured a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where students presented practical solutions to real-world problems. Cradle High School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy placed second and third respectively, receiving cash prizes of ?1 million, ?500,000 and ?200,000.

Representatives of the Delta and Edo State Governments commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for sustaining investments that continue to strengthen education, inspire excellence and support youth development.

Through PEARLs and other education-focused CSI initiatives, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and STEAM laboratories, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV continues to expand opportunities for young people and contribute to sustainable development across its host communities.

This year’s competition attracted 476 secondary schools, culminating in a keenly contested grand finale that celebrated academic excellence, innovation, confidence and character among young people.

Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner, receiving the championship trophy and a ?10 million education infrastructure grant. Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, placed second and received ?5 million, while Lumen Christi College came third, winning ?3 million. Student representatives and supervising teachers from the top three schools also received educational support prizes.

Digital billboards at the iconic New York Times Square in the United States have displayed the forthcoming CharlyBoy’s memoir ‘999’, a tell-it-all story of his life’s journey so far.

The public presentation of the historic memoir, featuring a foreword by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is slated to hold on July 31 at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The maverick entertainer shared a video and photos of the Times Square’s showcase of the book on his social media pages.

Times Square is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, tourist destinations, and entertainment hubs, formed by the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

It is acclaimed to be one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually, and approximately 330,000 people pass through it daily.

The Times Square billboards, known to be among the most expensive in the world, create an immersive experience of over 300,000 square feet of LED space that hosts 3D displays, interactive games, and synchronised midnight art shows.

Meanwhile, the ‘Areafada’, as CharlyBoy is fondly called, has continued to tease his fans and followers across Nigeria and beyond with the dropping of extracts of the highly anticipated book on social media platforms.

According to him, he dared to be different when it wasn’t safe, refused to be defined by his shadow and created his own ‘thunder’ which is unforgettable, loud, defiant.

The Septuagenarian said he had seen things, fought personal wars, rebelled against and disowned his parents, married four times before he turned 36 and also danced with danger and dabbled in the spiritual.

‘This book is not a biography. It’s a battleground. The Ugly, the Bad and the very Good. It’s a collection of live experiences that would make even the boldest screenwriters cringe. For over 40 years, I used the CharlyBoy brand to challenge Nigeria’s hypocrisy. To provoke, awaken, and give voice to the silenced. Was I controversial? Yes. Rebellious? Certainly. But also relentlessly real.,’ he posted.

Charles Oputa, born on June 19, 1950, is the son of renowned former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

He is a foremost singer-songwriter, television presenter, actor, and producer, and he is known for his alternative lifestyle, political views, and media productions.

The ‘Areafada’ was the host of the popular ‘The Charly Boy Show’, a 2011 judge for the talent hunt show ‘Nigeria Idol’ , and a former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

He has been married to African-American singer and former fashion designer Diane for over four decades, with children, including children from his past relationships.

The Federal Government has rejected claims that it spent more than ?8 trillion outside the 2025 Appropriation Act, describing the allegations as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of observations contained in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Fice and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said recent public commentary suggesting that about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was expended outside the approved budget was misleading and failed to reflect the country’s constitutional and fiscal framework.

According to the minister, the Federal Government does not operate a ‘shadow budget’ or spend public funds outside the legal processes established by the Constitution and the National Assembly.

He explained that all federal expenditures are undertaken in accordance with the provisions of Sections 80 to 83 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, through duly enacted Appropriation Acts, Supplementary Appropriation Acts and other statutory authorisations approved by lawmakers.

Oyedele noted that some capital projects span multiple fiscal years and are implemented through legally recognised capital rollovers, stressing that such arrangements should not be interpreted as unapproved or illegal spending.

‘It is inaccurate to suggest that trillions of naira have been secretly spent outside legislative approval,’ he said, adding that allegations of unlawful expenditure should be backed by credible evidence identifying specific projects executed without appropriation.

The minister said it was important to distinguish between budget appropriation, expenditure authorisation, ficing mechanisms and fiscal reporting, noting that Nigeria’s public fice framework includes several statutory transfers and intervention mechanisms established by Acts of the National Assembly.

These, he said, include statutory allocations to development commissions and government agencies, revenue collection costs retained under existing laws, separately approved capital budgets for certain agencies and the Federal Capital Territory, special interventions for national priorities such as security, infrastructure and disaster response, as well as debt servicing obligations.

According to him, these expenditures are lawful, disclosed in government fiscal reports and subject to oversight, auditing and accountability mechanisms, even if their presentation differs under international fiscal reporting standards.

The minister also dismissed suggestions that the reported amount reflected an increase in Nigeria’s fiscal deficit, explaining that budget deficits are determined by the relationship between total government revenue and expenditure rather than by the ficing structure of approved projects.

Oyedele argued that the IMF’s observations primarily related to the comprehensiveness, timing and presentation of fiscal reporting rather than the legality of government spending.

He recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, while presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, requested lawmakers to discontinue the practice of operating multiple and overlapping budgets and instead adopt a unified budget framework.

The minister maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to prudent fiscal management, transparency and accountability, adding that recent reforms have strengthened treasury management, revenue administration, digitalisation of public fice processes and budget credibility.

He said these reforms have been recognised by the IMF, other multilateral institutions, international credit rating agencies, investors and major global media organisations.

While acknowledging that public scrutiny is essential in a democracy, Oyedele urged Nigerians to base debates on verified facts and a proper understanding of the country’s fiscal framework.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, transparency in the management of public resources and continued collaboration with the National Assembly and oversight institutions to strengthen fiscal goverce in line with international best practices.

Nigerian afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has spoken up regarding his decision to highlight Nigeria’s growing kidnapping crisis during his FIFA World Cup performance.

Speaking during a recent interview, the singer spoke about the reluctance of some influential individuals to openly discuss security challenges in Nigeria.

Davido noted that the silence of some influential people over the state of security in Nigeria is because they want to protect the image of the country. He noted however, that protecting the nation’s reputation should never come at the expense of speaking out about issues affecting innocent citizens.

‘A lot of people do not want to talk about what is happening in my country because they want to protect a lot of images. Which image is there to protect if little children are being kidnapped?’ he said, stressing that human lives matter more than public relations,’ he stated.

P.M.NEWS recalls that Davido wore a specially designed outfit bearing the names of the missing victims. The gesture was aimed at raising international awareness and keeping public attention on the ongoing tragedy.