Category: PM News

The Nigerian Navy has handed over two rescued victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following earlier rescue.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the handover was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY, on July 19 at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja.

The director of naval information said that the handover followed the victims’ rescue during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on July 17.

According to him, in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for the handling of victims of trafficking, the rescued individuals were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk.

‘They underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other necessary administrative procedures before being formally transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation. The successful rescue and seamless handover underscore the navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the protection and dignity of vulnerable persons. It also reflects the service’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture,’ he stated.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven and inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking, disrupting criminal syndicates, and promoting a safe and secure maritime environment in support of national security objectives.

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor following a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Announcing the appointment, Akande said the process of selecting a new vice-chancellor commenced in line with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent vice-chancellor on November 1, 2026.

He explained that advertisements inviting applications for the position were published in three national newspapers in April 2026, attracting six applications from qualified candidates.

According to him, the governing council subsequently constituted a search team, as required by law, to identify other suitably qualified academics who had not initially applied for the position. The exercise yielded two additional applications, bringing the total number of candidates to eight.

Akande disclosed that the council met with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, for a rigorous assessment during which members independently evaluated and scored each candidate in accordance with approved guidelines.

He said the exercise produced five candidates who were shortlisted in order of merit for the final stage of the selection process.

Akande further explained that the Governing Council appointed two of its members to serve on the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, while the University Senate had earlier elected two representatives to participate in the exercise.

He noted that the selection board interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday before recommending Professor Olapegba as the most suitable candidate for the office of vice-chancellor.

Describing the selection process as ‘thorough, transparent and highly competitive’, Akande said the Governing Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Selection Board.

‘It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university, the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba. We wish him success in his tenure,’ Akande said.

Professor Olapegba, who currently serves as the university’s deputy vice-chancellor (administration) and is a professor in the Department of Psychology, will succeed the incumbent vice-chancellor, whose tenure expires on November 1, 2026.

His appointment makes him the 14th substantive vice-chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university following a competitive selection process conducted in accordance with the university’s statutory provisions.

Senator Ali Ndume has alleged that Samaila Kaigame attempted to involve him in raising a ?5 billion ransom purportedly demanded by Boko Haram for abducted victims.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, said Kaigame repeatedly contacted him and pressured him to contribute towards securing the victims’ release.

Kaigame is the purported leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance.

Speaking on ARISE Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume said he became suspicious when Kaigame moved beyond reporting the ransom demand and began asking him to contribute money.

‘Kaigame demanded ransom, calling me to say Boko Haram was asking for ?5 billion. He wanted to use me for the payment of ransom,’ Ndume said.

‘I began suspecting him when he demanded that I contribute towards the payment of ransom.’

The senator said Kaigame attempted to pressure him by claiming that his constituents were being held captive while he remained unwilling to contribute to their release.

Ndume said he responded by connecting Kaigame with security agencies and other relevant authorities.

He maintained that he had no knowledge of whether the government eventually paid any ransom but insisted that he opposed negotiations and payments to Boko Haram.

‘I cannot speak for the government if the ransom was paid or not. I do not and will never support the payment of ransom or negotiations with Boko Haram,’ he said.

Ndume suggested that the controversy might be politically motivated, drawing parallels with allegations levelled against him in 2011 after someone claiming to be a Boko Haram member contacted him.

‘In 2011, it was alleged just because somebody who claimed to be a Boko Haram member called my number and I picked, they roped you into it,’ he said.

The lawmaker also questioned a video involving Kaigame, claiming it contained contradictions about his alleged communication with Boko Haram.

‘If you watch the video, you can find contradictions there from the beginning because this is somebody who is claiming that he has contact with Boko Haram,’ Ndume added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its 2026 recruitment portal for qualified Nigerians seeking employment in various positions across Grade Levels 07, 08, 09, 10 and 12.

Interested applicants have until July 27, 2026 to complete and submit their applications online.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to:

Visit the official INEC recruitment portal.

Create an account using their personal details, email address and National Identification Number (NIN).

Verify their email address.

Select their preferred cadre and available vacancy.

Complete the online application form.

Upload all required documents.

Review the application carefully before final submission.

Required Documents

Candidates must upload the following documents where applicable:

Recent passport photograph

Birth certificate or declaration of age

O’Level result

Degree, HND, ND or NCE certificate

Local government identification certificate

NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate

Important Information

INEC warned that applicants cannot change their selected position after submitting an application. The commission also stressed that the recruitment exercise is completely free, urging candidates to avoid fraudsters and refrain from submitting false information or forged documents.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be 35 years old or below

Possess a valid certificate of state of origin

Be physically and mentally fit

Have no criminal record

Be willing to work in any part of Nigeria

Demonstrate integrity, discipline and commitment to public service

The recruitment exercise is aimed at strengthening INEC’s workforce in electoral administration, voter registration, election logistics and data management ahead of future electoral activities.

Ishi Homes Limited says it has delivered the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate, also known as Morire City, in Offa, Kwara State, as part of its efforts to expand access to quality housing across Nigeria.

The real estate development company, headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos, said the project forms part of its broader investment in residential developments across Kwara and Lagos States.

According to the company, the Offa development is a fully integrated estate comprising more than 400 housing units. It said the estate, financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank, was named after the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in recognition of what it described as his contributions to the state’s development.

Ishi Homes said it is also executing multi-billion naira residential projects at Prime One, Sangotedo, Lekki, and Yabatech GRA in Lagos.

Speaking on the company’s vision, the Founder and Chairman of Ishi Homes Limited, Otunba Dr. Olayinka Ilufoye, said the company is focused on building sustainable communities rather than simply constructing houses.

‘At Ishi Homes, our goal is to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap by delivering quality, secure, and well-planned communities with modern amenities and flexible payment options,’ Ilufoye said.

He attributed the naming of the Offa estate to the developmental strides of the Kwara State Government.

‘Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has witnessed massive transformation. His focus on urban renewal, security, and investment-friendly policies inspired us to name this development after him as a mark of respect for the great work he is doing for the people of Kwara,’ he said.

According to the company, the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate has been designed as a fully integrated community that will combine residential living with commercial and social infrastructure.

The company said the estate will feature supermarkets, banking facilities, a fuel station, schools, and other commercial outlets to provide residents with convenient access to essential services.

Ishi Homes further stated that the development offers a mix of 2-bedroom semi-detached houses, 3-bedroom homes with boys’ quarters, and premium plots for terrace houses and detached duplexes.

The company added that the estate’s master plan includes a major access road, drainage systems, security infrastructure, green areas, and power facilities to provide residents with a comfortable living environment.

According to Ishi Homes, its operations remain guided by verified property titles, transparent acquisition processes, and a commitment to delivering affordable housing without compromising quality.

The company said construction activities are continuing across its various project locations, while details regarding sales, allocations, and inspection schedules will be announced in phases over the coming months.

It added that prospective buyers can obtain further information about the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate (Morire City) in Offa, Prime One Sangotedo in Lekki, and the Yabatech GRA development through its official social media platforms or by contacting its Victoria Island, Lagos, headquarters.

Police operatives on Tuesday foiled plan to abduct four residents of Andaha community of Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state.

This was revealed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, on Wednesday in Lafia.

According to Nansel, operatives of the command attached to Andaha Division in the local government successfully rescued the four victims during swift tactical response to a distress call.

He said the police received a distress call on Tuesday, at about 9; 40 p.m., that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station, Andaha, along the Akwanga-Jos Road.

‘Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene.

‘On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel and the police responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.

‘The four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store were recovered and taken into police custody.’

Nansel quoted Nasarawa state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, as commending the gallantry and swift response of the operatives, describing it as a testament to the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Mohammed said that the command would continue an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects, while directing all available operational and intelligence assets to be deployed to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution.

‘The manhunt is in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to apprehend the criminals,’ he said.

The Nasarawa Police commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that would aid security agencies in combating crime across the state.

Ogun House of Assembly has passed a resolution exonerating the former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo from an allegation of embezzlement of funds mentioned in the report of the ad hoc Committee which on his removal from office on the 23rd of January 2024.

The passage of the resolution followed the presentation of the report of the Committee of the whole House by the Deputy Speaker Lateefat Bolanle Ajayi, on the motion presented to the Assembly by the former Speaker on Tuesday, 31st March, 2026.

The Deputy Speaker later moved the motion for the adoption of the report, seconded by Hon. Yusuf Amosun and supported by the whole House through a voice vote.

According to the report, ‘the House observed that the issue of embezzlement of funds was not part of the notice of removal served on him and cannot be established against him. The House also took special legislative notice of his plea in paragraph 4 of the motion, where he implored the House to exonerate him of the accusation of embezzlement of funds or, in the alternative, provide him with evidence in terms of facts and figures relating to that allegation, in line with section 36 of the CFRN 1999 as amended.

Having reviewed the evidence provided, this honourable House consequently withdraws the allegation of embezzlement as part of the reasons for his removal from office.

Furthermore, in the spirit of camaraderie, oneness and unity, this honourable House resolves and overturns the said removal of Rt. Hon. Oluomo, Olakunle Taiwo from office and commutes the same into a resignation’, the report concluded.

Businesswoman Nana Otedola has shared how she tried several business ideas before finding success with her laundry and dry-cleaning company.

Speaking on the How Far podcast hosted by her daughter, Temi Otedola, and son-in-law, Mr Eazi, Nana said she explored about 10 different business ventures before discovering what worked for her.

She explained that she once wanted to work as an administrative staff member in an office, but her husband, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, did not support the idea. She also tried buying and selling goods, but the business did not succeed.

‘I tried about 10 different things. I wanted to work as an administrative staff member in an office, although your dad was against it. I also tried buying and selling. I was trying different businesses while running the dry-cleaning business,’ she said.

Nana said her big breakthrough came when she started a dry-cleaning and laundry service. According to her, some people doubted the business idea at the beginning.

‘I remember a consultant called Brian asking me if I thought it would work. Your dad also asked the same question. But I believed Lagos needed a good dry-cleaning and laundry service,’ she said.

Despite the doubts, Nana remained focused and continued building the business.

Her determination eventually paid off as the laundry service became successful.

Mr Eazi added that there is still a strong demand for reliable laundry and dry-cleaning services in Lagos today.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and 247 Travels have launched Book Now, Fly Later, a financing programme that allows eligible customers to borrow up to ?10 million for international flight tickets and repay over three to nine months.

The programme is designed to help Nigerians spread travel costs for business, education, healthcare, tourism, and family commitments.

The facility, powered by FCMB Premium Banking, is available exclusively for airline tickets purchased through 247 Travels.

Salaried and self-employed FCMB customers who meet the bank’s requirements can apply, with successful applicants expected to receive approval and disbursement within 24 working hours.

The partnership combines FCMB’s lending capabilities with 247 Travels’ booking services to offer customers a flexible payment option as demand for instalment-based financing grows globally.

‘At FCMB, we believe banking should empower people to pursue their goals without unnecessary financial strain,’ FCMB Managing Director Yemisi Edun said.

‘Our Book Now, Fly Later solution makes travel more accessible and affordable while giving customers flexibility to manage their finances responsibly,’ Edun stated.

She said the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of promoting inclusive growth through innovation and partnerships.

‘We will continue to develop products and partnerships that simplify financial decisions and create value for our customers,’ Edun added.

Tunji Adeyemi, Managing Director of 247 Travels, said the programme addresses a key challenge for travellers by reducing the burden of paying the full cost of tickets upfront.

‘Travellers increasingly want flexibility and convenience,’ Adeyemi said. ‘Our partnership with FCMB enables customers to secure flights and spread payments over time.’

Opeyemi Makinwa, FCMB’s Group Head of Premium Banking, said the product reflects the bank’s focus on lifestyle offerings through strategic partnerships.

‘Customers expect financial services that fit naturally into their lives,’ Makinwa said. ‘Book Now, Fly Later provides greater flexibility and financial control.’

Customers can apply through FCMB’s Book Now, Fly Later platform or the 247 Travels website by selecting a preferred flight and completing a financing request. Once approved, the loan is disbursed, and the ticket is issued through 247 Travels.

The launch extends the ‘Book now, Fly later’ model to international air travel, offering Nigerians another way to finance trips for personal and professional purposes.

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, Kogi L-PRES, has flagged off an awareness campaign for the implementation of a Mass Artificial Insemination (AI) Program, aimed at boosting livestock productivity across the livestock value chain clusters in Kogi State.

The 5-day sensitization campaign exercise would run from Monday, July 20th to 24th, 2026, at Lokoja, targeting livestock farmers across value-chain clusters.

Speaking at the event on Monday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, said the program reflects the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to modernize livestock production and strengthen food security in Kogi State

Dr Bolarin explained that Artificial Insemination offers key advantages over natural mating, including access to superior genetics for higher milk yields and faster growth, reduced disease transmission, and lower production costs for the livestock farmers.

‘We are providing technical support through trained technicians and capacity building to ensure farmers succeed with this new technology.

‘The goal is simple: healthier animals, higher productivity, and better income for the livestock farmers. With the right training and support, Kogi livestock farmers can compete nationally,’ Dr Bolarin said.

The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Kogi L-PRES, Mr Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, said the Mass AI Program was designed to provide livestock farmers with access to superior genetics and technical support to improve meat and milk production, growth rates, reproduction, and disease resilience.

‘Through artificial insemination, livestock farmers will gain access to superior genetic resources and technical support services capable of delivering improved meat and milk production, faster growth rates, enhanced reproductive performance, and greater economic value,’ he said.

The SPC added that the program aligns with both the L-PRES Project Development Objective and the Kogi State Agricultural Development Plan, which prioritize productivity, resilience, value addition, and increased farmer incomes.

According to him, the first phase will cover 1,500 cows and 500 goats using conventional and sexed semen.

‘Eligible livestock farmers profiled under L-PRES can present 3 to 5 animals each for the AI exercise.

‘To sustain the program, Kogi L-PRES Project has engaged Genedxx Nigerian Ltd to deliver AI inputs and technical support services to the profiled livestock farmers in Kogi State.

‘The L-PRES Project has also commenced the construction of three (3) Livestock Improvement and Breeding Centres (LIBCs), One (1) in each senatorial district, to fully domesticate the AI activities for continuous breed improvement and ensure sustainability.

The SPC urged livestock farmers to adopt AI, noting that globally it has improved herd quality, reduced production constraints, and boosted profitability.

The State Project Coordinator thanked and appreciated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo,

for his continued support and commitment to agricultural transformation and livestock development in Kogi State. We equally acknowledge the invaluable support of all stakeholders whose dedication and contributions continue to strengthen the successful implementation of the L-PRES Project in Kogi State.

He urged participants to engage actively to ensure a successful rollout and impact of this noble initiative.

‘With this intervention, Kogi State aims to build a more productive, resilient, and commercially viable livestock sector to meet rising demand for animal products,’ he said.

Dr Tolu Omotugba, State Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), commended Kogi L-PRES for the quality of consultants selected. He stressed that ranching is essential to maximize the benefits of mass AI.

Livestock farmer Saidu Liman, hailed the initiative, saying it would improve the value, quality of meat and milk, and increased market prices of livestock products. He pledged to mobilize other farmers into the scheme.