Category: PM News

Mr Akinola Idowu, Chairman, Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, on Tuesday inaugurated road rehabilitation projects across the council.

The inauguration took place on Owolewa Street, Ward C, Oko Oba, Orile-Agege

Idowu said the initiative was part of efforts to bring the ‘right change’ to Orile-Agege within his first 365 days in office.

Speaking at the event, he pledged to rehabilitate roads across the council and improve living conditions for residents.

‘I will continue to strive to bring the right change and ensure that all roads within every nook and cranny are in good shape,’ Idowu said.

The council chairman also promised that other roads requiring attention would be rehabilitated as part of his administration’s development efforts.

‘I pledge to bring the right change and improved standard of living to Orile-Agege LCDA,’ he said.

Mr Michael Adetunji, a resident of Owolewa Street, commended Idowu for initiating the rehabilitation project.

‘For years, we have suffered on this road. Vehicles could not pass, and during rain, the whole place would be flooded,’ he said.

Another resident, Mrs Idowu Kosoko, said the poor condition of the road had persisted for years and negatively affected businesses.

‘We thank the chairman for remembering us, and we pray that the work will be completed on time,’ she said.

APC leaders in Ward C, Community Development Association executives and other community leaders attended the inauguration.

Nigerian champions Edo Queens have reached the final of the WAFU B Women’s Champions League after a convincing 5-1 victory over hosts USFA on Wednesday.

Edo Queens started the match strongly and took the lead in the 17th minute through Atume Doosuur.

The Nigerian side continued to dominate and doubled their lead shortly before half-time when Chioma Moses scored in the 43rd minute.

Valentina Uroko then made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time with a long-range free-kick, giving Edo Queens a comfortable advantage going into the break.

The former champions continued their impressive performance after the restart.

Doshima Tarnum scored Edo Queens’ fourth goal as the Nigerian side maintained control of the game.

Aminat Folorunsho added a fifth goal two minutes after the hour mark to complete a dominant display by Edo Queens.

USFA managed to score a consolation goal from a late free-kick, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

With the 5-1 victory, Edo Queens have secured their place in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final.

They will face either Ghanaian club Ampem Darkoa or Benin Republic’s Dynamique FC, who will meet in the other semi-final.

Edo Queens will now look to complete their impressive campaign by winning the title.

Leading digital rewards and incentives company, SureGifts, has unveiled a new vision for the future of employee rewards in Nigeria, following its recently concluded Stakeholders Forum held at Landmark Towers, Lagos.

The forum brought together key stakeholders, including business leaders, human resources professionals, industry experts and corporate decision-makers, to explore the evolving role of rewards, recognition and employee engagement in today’s workplace.

At the centre of the conversations was the growing need for organisations to move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all employee reward systems and embrace a more flexible, personalised and technology-driven rewards ecosystem.

According to David Fisayo, Managing Director of SureGifts, he said ‘vouchers are not just about giving people money. It is also a way of giving people value and allowing them to choose what they want.’ He also noted that the rewards also help businesses because the money goes back into businesses and the wider economy.

While Odunola Alabi, Partnership Lead at SureGifts, showcased the different product offerings which includes both digital and physical gift cards. The company suite comprises E-vouchers, physical gift cards, bundle and custom gifting, gift voucher API and distribution programs.

SureGifts used the Stakeholders Forum to highlight how organisations can leverage digital solutions to provide employees with greater choice, convenience and value while enabling employers to manage reward and recognition programmes more efficiently.

Founder of Ingenuity HR Solutions, Bolaji Shote spoke about employee experience and why relationships are important in the workplace. She explained that a transaction can get you a sale, but an experience can get you loyalty.

Shote submitted that employee experience includes salary and benefits, recognition, rewards, feeling valued, training and development, teamwork, relationships, leadership and support, growth opportunities, being treated fairly and the ability to contribute to the organisation.

Furthermore, the Founder of Talent Factory, Felix Bissong said ‘your employees may remember what you paid them but they remember much longer how you made them feel.’ He stressed that recognition is not really about the gift, it is about the evidence that someone was paying attention.

The Stakeholders Forum also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and discuss emerging trends shaping employee engagement and corporate reward strategies in Nigeria.

With businesses increasingly focused on attracting and retaining top talent, SureGifts believes that organisations must rethink their approach to employee recognition. The company is positioning its digital rewards ecosystem as a strategic tool that can help employers strengthen workplace culture, improve engagement and create more meaningful connections with their people.

As the world of work continues to evolve, SureGifts remains focused on expanding the possibilities of corporate rewards by connecting organisations, employees and leading brands through a seamless and inclusive digital ecosystem.

About SureGifts

SureGifts is Nigeria’s leading enterprise platform for rewards, incentives and loyalty. Since 2014, it has served more than 1,000 corporate clients and partners with over 400 merchants across Nigeria and Kenya, powering one of Africa’s largest merchant-backed rewards ecosystems.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would face a major challenge in the South if President Bola Tinubu encounters difficulties in the Northern region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while discussing the emerging political realignments ahead of the election.

According to him, the political strategy adopted by the G5 governors during the 2023 presidential election was aimed at limiting Atiku’s chances in the South, where he was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

‘If Tinubu has problem in the North, Atiku will have in the South,’ Wike said.

The FCT minister said the G5 governors, who opposed the PDP’s decision to retain its presidential candidate from the North despite calls for power rotation, understood that Atiku was Tinubu’s major challenger in 2023 and worked to reduce his influence in the South.

‘We knew the man contesting against Tinubu in 2023 was Atiku. We wanted then Benue State governor to support Obi. We also told Cross River to support Obi and Oyo to support him. This was done to defeat Atiku,’ he said.

Wike also dismissed suggestions that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had a nationwide political advantage despite his strong support among sections of voters.

He said public enthusiasm around Obi’s name did not necessarily translate into broad electoral strength.

‘To Obi, he is very popular each time people shout Obi-Obi. After the NBA Conference, where they shouted his name, I’m sure he went home satisfied. But in the real sense, he is not popular,’ Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor also questioned the strength of opposition alliances ahead of 2027, as political parties and groups continue to reposition ahead of the general election.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on his birthday, describing him as a ‘Renaissance governor’ whose administration has brought positive changes to the state.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, President Tinubu praised Lawal’s efforts in infrastructure development, urban renewal and industrialisation in Zamfara.

The President commended the governor for extending his administration’s focus beyond physical projects to human capital development, particularly in education and healthcare.

Tinubu highlighted the rehabilitation of over 800 schools, recruitment of more than 2,000 teachers, upgrading of hospitals and provision of medical supplies across the state as some of the achievements of the Zamfara governor.

According to the President, Governor Lawal’s multi-sectoral approach to governance reflects the kind of balanced development needed to improve the lives of citizens.

‘President Tinubu, a strong proponent of well-rounded development, says Governor Lawal’s multi-sectoral approach to governance is the right step toward holistic development, especially in human capital development,’ the statement read.

The President also wished the governor good health and renewed strength as he continues to lead Zamfara State.

‘As the governor celebrates this occasion, the President joins family, friends, and the good people of Zamfara to wish him good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve the state and the nation,’ the statement added.

In a historic display of commitment to justice and the rule of law, the Osun State Government on Wednesday inaugurated two separate panels of inquiry aimed at uncovering the truth behind recent violent incidents that have shaken the state-a deadly confrontation at the Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park in Ikire, and widespread political violence preceding the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The solemn ceremony, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall in Abere, marked a defining moment for Governor Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s administration, which has pledged to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

‘Not a Witch-Hunt, Not a Shield’: Attorney-General Sets the Tone

Delivering the inaugural address on behalf of Governor Adeleke, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, struck a careful balance between reassurance and resolve as he formally inaugurated the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the tragic events of August 24, 2026, at Ikire.

The incident, which allegedly claimed the lives of commercial bus driver Saheed Akinrole and another yet-unidentified passenger while leaving several others injured, has sparked widespread public concern and anxiety across the state.

‘Let me state clearly that this inquiry is not a witch-hunt,’ Jimi-Bada declared before a packed hall of dignitaries, security officials, legal practitioners, the press and community representatives. ‘It is not meant to persecute any person, group, agency or institution. At the same time, it is not designed to shield anyone from accountability. All allegations remain allegations until tested by credible evidence and due process.’

The Ikire Tragedy: A Community in Mourning

The Coroner Inquest, established pursuant to the Coroner Law, Cap 32, Laws of Osun State, 2002, has been mandated to ascertain the identities of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and establish the immediate and remote causes of the incident that transformed the bustling Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park into a scene of violence and bloodshed.

The panel faces the weighty responsibility of examining whether force was used, whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed, who authorised or carried out such actions, and whether the conduct of any person complied with the law and applicable rules of engagement.

A Broader Mandate: Investigating Pre-Election Violence

In a parallel development demonstrating the administration’s comprehensive approach to justice, the Attorney-General also inaugurated a separate Commission of Inquiry into incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported across the state in the period leading to the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

This Commission, chaired by Hon. Justice A.B. Abdulkareem (Rtd.), has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding reported cases of killings, assaults, intimidation, threats, arson, destruction of property, electoral disruption, and unlawful possession or use of weapons before the election.

The Commission’s mandate extends to tracing the causes and circumstances of the violence to establish the involvement, if any, of political actors, security personnel, public officers, organizations, supporters, and other individuals or groups.

Demanding Accountability Across the Board

The panels have been empowered to recommend appropriate criminal, civil, administrative, or disciplinary action where culpability is established, and may propose compensation, medical assistance, rehabilitation, and other forms of support for victims and families of deceased persons.

The Attorney-General issued a stern warning to those who might consider interfering with the proceedings: ‘The Government will not tolerate intimidation of witnesses, destruction of evidence, harassment of victims or any attempt to interfere with the work of this Panel. Any person with useful information should feel free to come forward.’

A Call for Cooperation and Calm

Jimi-Bada called on the Nigeria Police Force, relevant security agencies, hospitals, mortuaries, public institutions, transport unions, community leaders, and all persons with relevant information to cooperate fully with the panels. Records such as station diaries, firearm registers, duty rosters, ammunition records, medical reports, autopsy reports, photographs, videos, and eyewitness accounts should be preserved and made available when required.

To the people of Ikire, especially the families of the deceased and injured, youth groups, transport workers, and political actors, the Attorney-General appealed for calm and law-abiding conduct.

‘Justice cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence, intimidation or reprisal,’ he emphasised.

Preserving Evidence, Protecting Witnesses

The panels have been instructed to receive evidence from victims’ families, eyewitnesses, transport workers, community members, medical personnel, security agencies, journalists, civil society organizations, and members of the public. The public confidence in this process will depend on the fairness, independence, courage, and diligence of the panel members.

The Attorney-General emphasised that all parties must listen to all sides, protect the dignity of victims and witnesses, and ensure that findings are guided strictly by evidence, law, and justice.

‘Your Pain is Recognised’

In a poignant moment during his address, Jimi-Bada directly addressed the families of victims: ‘We say again: your pain is recognised, and your voices will be heard. The government of Osun State is committed to ensuring that the truth is established and justice is pursued in accordance with the law.’

The panels are expected to make clear findings and recommendations on accountability, possible prosecution or disciplinary action, compensation or relief for victims, and measures to prevent future incidents of unlawful killings, abuse of firearms, political violence, motor park-related violence, and breakdown of public order.

The Media’s Role in Pursuing Truth

The Attorney-General urged the press to engage in responsible and balanced reporting, noting that the matter is sensitive and that public communication must promote truth, peace, and the integrity of the proceedings.

Composition of the Commission of Inquiry

The Commission of Inquiry into pre-election violence comprises distinguished professionals from various fields:

· Hon. Justice A.B. Abdulkareem (Rtd.) – Chairman

· Abiodun Badiora, Esq. – Secretary

· M.R. Faremi, Esq. – Representative, Ministry of Justice

· Maruf Adediran, Esq. – Representative, Nigerian Bar Association, Osogbo Branch

· Comrade (Dr.) Waheed Lawal – Representative, Civil Society Organization

· AIG (Dr.) Aderanti C. Kayode – Security Expert

· Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin (NUJ Chairman) – Representative, Media

· Dr. Azeez Morufu Olakunle – Representative, Medical/Forensics

· Mr. Abodunrin Mathew Adeyinka – Retired Military Personnel

· Mr. Abdulraheem Adekilekun – Media Officer to the Commission

A New Chapter for Osun State

As the panels commence their work, the people of Osun State watch with cautious hope. The administration of Governor Adeleke has staked its credibility on these inquiries, signaling that impunity will no longer be tolerated, regardless of the status or connections of those involved.

‘May Almighty God guide the Panel with wisdom, courage and fairness,’ the Attorney-General concluded. ‘May He comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured, restore peace to Ikire, and continue to protect Osun State.’

The inauguration of these panels marks a watershed moment in Osun State’s history-a declaration that the pursuit of truth and justice must transcend politics, ethnicity, and personal interest. The eyes of the nation are now fixed on Abere, awaiting the outcome of inquiries that could set a powerful precedent for accountability across Nigeria.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnapped victims and recovered several weapons in operations across the country.

The military operational update made available to newsmen on Wednesday, said the operations were conducted between Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 across theatres.

The report said the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, neutralised a terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device in Borno.

It added that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and an IED initiator during the encounter at Miyanti-Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area (LGA).

According to the report, the engagement, however, resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and a military gun truck was damaged.

‘In Yobe, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a body pouch after the encounter. The military also recorded aerial success in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, where an air strike neutralised three terrorists and destroyed structures used as hideouts,’ he said.

The report also revealed that troops of 211 Demonstration Battalion, Operation MESA, neutralised two terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims from Makodi Gwamnare Forest in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.

It added that troops recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million from the terrorists, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.

In Kogi, the military said the troops of 21 Battalion, working with the police, Department of State Services and local hunters, rescued 21 victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers.

It said the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from Egume-Ochaja Forest in Dekina LGA.

According to the report, one male victim who sustained a gunshot wound during the operation was stabilised at a military medical facility.

‘In Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade and an Office of the National Security Adviser tactical team neutralised two terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu LGA. In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village, Bungudu Local Government Area, but fought through and forced the terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle. In Plateau, troops arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife at Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area’

‘In Delta, troops intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite and arrested two suspects along the Bomadi-Oro Junction road. In Rivers, troops engaged armed oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism at Oboburu community, forcing the suspects to flee, while one suspect sustained gunshot wounds. Troops also discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil,’ he said.

The report said the latest operations underscored the military’s continued reliance on intelligence, joint operations and sustained offensive action to disrupt terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks and economic saboteurs across the country.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old Islamic teacher and four suspected kidnappers over alleged involvement in kidnapping activities across parts of the state.

The suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Benin City alongside six other suspects by the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daor.

The police alleged that the Islamic teacher, identified as Jubril Ibrahim, prepared charms for kidnappers operating in Edo North Senatorial District, particularly around Auchi, Jattu and Okpella areas.

Daor said the suspected kidnappers were arrested in Niger State following intelligence gathering by operatives of the command.

However, Ibrahim denied preparing charms for the suspects, explaining that he only prayed for one of them after the suspect’s mother requested prayers for her son’s safety during his travels.

‘I gather Almajiri and teach them the Qur’an. So, Ahmadu Suleiman’s mother came to me and said I should be praying for her son, that he travels a lot, so I should pray for him to have a safe trip to and from, and that is what I have been doing,’ he said through an interpreter.

The Islamic teacher admitted that he knew Suleiman possessed an AK-47 rifle but insisted he was unaware of any criminal activities.

One of the suspected kidnappers, 24-year-old Ahmadu Suleiman, confessed to participating in a kidnapping operation in Auchi, saying he had worked with different kidnapping groups before returning to Niger State.

Suleiman said the gang targeted houses they considered wealthy, shooting into the air to scare residents before abducting victims and demanding ransom.

‘When we get to the community, we look for a beautiful house and shoot into the air, and in the process of scampering for their lives, they run out, and we hold them and take them to the bush, and demand for money,’ he said.

He claimed he received N1 million from the Auchi operation, which he described as the only kidnapping incident he participated in within the area.

The suspect also said the group did not rely on informants but selected targets based on visible signs of wealth, including expensive vehicles and buildings.

The police also paraded a 21-year-old suspect accused of stealing a baby in Benin City, while a stolen vehicle was recovered during the operation.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, attributed the arrests to intelligence gathering and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Trouble appears to be brewing for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano, as party bigwigs loyal to the former Deputy Governor of Kano state and the party’s Kano Central Senatorial candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawauna, have paid a solidarity visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his Deputy, Comrade Murtala Sule Garo, ahead of their planned defection from the NDC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf’s Spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed that the team, led by a close ally of Gawuna, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar, included Hon. Ali Datti Yako, NDC Vice Chairman, Kano State; Hon. Mansur Isa Gawuna; Hon. Uba Tanko Mijinyawa (Uba Danzainab).

Others include Hon. Aminu Umar Faruk; Hon. Sani Jibrin; Hon. Salisu Muhammad; Hon. Musa Sani Indabo; Hon. Muhammad Kabir Bala; Hon. Hassan Abba Abdullahi; and Comrade Abdurrahman Muhammad.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar said their decision to meet Governor Yusuf was driven by their passion for the development and progress of Kano State.

He said the team considered it necessary to engage with the Governor and his Deputy as part of their consultations and efforts towards contributing to the development of the state.

On his part, Hon. Ali Datti Yako said the people of Kano are aware of the efforts being made by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to transform the state.

‘Everyone knows that Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly to transform Kano state,’ he said.

Sunusi further hinted that, ‘the visit comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent political figures continuing to reassess their political affiliations.

‘ The anticipated return of members of Gawuna’s political team to the APC is expected to further strengthen the party in Kano, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

‘The delegation also expressed solidarity with Governor Yusuf and his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, reaffirming their interest in the continued development and progress of Kano State.’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against calls for the Federal Government to control how states and local governments spend the additional revenue they receive following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Wike said President Bola Tinubu does not have the constitutional power to determine how sub-national governments utilise their share of the increased allocations.

The former Rivers State governor made the statement on Wednesday during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while reacting to comments by former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the management of subsidy removal gains.

According to Wike, the focus should not be on questioning the Federal Government over subsidy removal but on demanding accountability from states and local governments that received increased revenues.

‘Tinubu has no power to say, ‘State, this is what you should do with the funds that you’ve brought in from the fuel subsidy.’ He has no power to tell local governments what to do with their money. All tiers of government are independent,’ Wike said.

He argued that the increase in federal allocations had improved the financial position of many states, especially those previously struggling with salary and pension payments.

‘Today states are saying, unlike before, we can’t pay salaries or pensions, and there are strikes all over the place. Now there are no strikes; there are advantages. Now, I have money to carry out projects,’ he added.

Wike also defended Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, describing it as a bold move that previous administrations avoided because of its political consequences.

‘Tinubu deserves kudos for taking the bold decision no president took. Now, it’s time for states to account for the funds they have gotten,’ he said.

The subsidy debate has gained fresh attention ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures divided over the policy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has maintained that he would restore fuel subsidy if elected president, arguing that Nigerians should not be left to bear the burden of rising costs.

Wike, however, insisted that the focus should shift towards how governments at all levels manage the resources available to them after the subsidy removal.