Category: PM News

Rabiu Kwankwaso has claimed that the United States government is now more concerned about another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria than previous allegations made against him.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

Kwankwaso said allegations forwarded to the United States against him had been investigated and were no longer an issue.

‘I think we have passed that level now. Realities will always prevail. We have enemies here. Everybody has enemies, including your good self,’ he said.

According to the former Kano State governor, some individuals deliberately attempted to damage his reputation by sending his name to different authorities.

‘People decided to send my name here and there, but realities have now come out and that issue is gone. It is no more an issue.

‘I believe the issue is cleared. I now have a clean slate in America,’ Kwankwaso declared.

He said attention in the United States had shifted towards the religious composition of presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general election.

‘I think America is more worried about the Muslim-Muslim ticket now than the issue of Kwankwaso,’ he said.

‘Those who know me know they are talking about the wrong person. I have no business in all those things.’

Kwankwaso did not identify the American officials who allegedly expressed the concern or provide evidence of any formal communication from the US government.

He nevertheless insisted that the Muslim-Muslim ticket would remain a significant issue during the 2027 presidential campaign.

‘I think the Muslim-Muslim ticket is going to be a thing in 2027. Well, it has to be,’ he added

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, says two persons have died in a road crash involving a Lexus car and a motorcycle at Leme area of Abeokuta.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Afolabi Odunsi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta.

Odunsi said the incident occurred at about 5:45 p.m. on Monday involving a black Lexus car with registration number KJA 398 JR and a black TVS motorcycle with registration number AYT 837 QU.

He said six adult males were involved in the accident, adding that two adult males lost their lives while the other occupants escaped unhurt.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that excessive speed caused the crash.

‘A total of six adult males were involved in the crash. Unfortunately, two adult males lost their lives, while no injury was recorded among the other persons involved,’ he said.

He added that FRSC rescue operatives responded within five minutes of receiving the distress call, evacuated the victims and deposited the bodies at the State Hospital, Ijaye mortuary.

Odunsi said that personal belongings recovered at the scene, including an identity card and a Tecno mobile phone, were secured, while the obstruction was cleared to restore free flow of traffic.

Meanwhile the Sector Commander, Mr Oludare Ogunjobi, commiserated with the families of the deceased and urged all motorists to avoid speeding.

‘Motorists, especially drivers and motorcyclists, should strictly obey speed limits, remain vigilant and avoid dangerous driving behaviours.

‘Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes,’ Ogunjobi said.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to safer roads through sustained enforcement, public enlightenment and prompt rescue services.

He also urged members of the public to report road traffic crashes and emergencies through the FRSC National Emergency Toll-Free Number 122 or the nearest FRSC patrol team.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the appointment of new persons to fill its strategic statutory positions and specialised institutions from 2026 to 2030.

This is contained in a communique on Tuesday at the end of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

The new appointments include five commissioners for the ECOWAS Commission, five judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Auditor-General of ECOWAS institutions and Director-General, West African Health Organisation (WAHO).

‘The Authority endorses the recommendations from the Ninety-Sixth Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers relating to statutory appointments to positions in Community Institutions for the period 2026-2030,’ the communique said.

The new judges of the ECOWAS Court are Awa Bah (The Gambia); Charlyne Brumskine (Liberia); Désiré Aihou (Benin); Henrietta Didigu (Nigeria); and the current Chief Register of the ECOWAS Court, Yaouza Ouro-Sama (Togo).

It also said that the regional leaders also approved the appointment of five new commissioners to replace the outgoing commissioners at the ECOWAS Commission, whose respective tenures elapse soon.

The new commissioners are Mrs Francess Alghali (Sierra Leone), Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Mr Dehpue Zuo (Liberia), Economic Affairs and Agriculture; Dr Kalilou Sylla (Ivory Coast), Internal Services.

Others are Mr Amin Suleiman (Ghana), Commissioner, Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation; as well as Prof. Nassirou Bako-Arifari (Benin), Human Development and Social Affairs.

Also appointed are Ms. Carla Bettencourt (Cape Verde), Auditor-General for ECOWAS Institutions; Dr Palokinam Pitche (Togo), Director-General, West African Health Organisation; Mr Mam Jallow (The Gambia), Director-General, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa.

The communique disclosed that the Authority accepted Nigeria’s request for additional two weeks to review and resolve the ECOWAS Vice-President position, which was allocated to the country.

While expressing profound appreciation to the outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, for his distinguished service to the community, the Authority welcomed his successor Gen. Birame Diop (Senegal).

‘The Authority expresses confidence in the incoming President’s extensive diplomatic, military, and strategic expertise to provide strategic leadership to deepen regional integration and address regional challenges,’ it added.

The Summit was chaired by Dr Julius Bio, Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

It was attended by Presidents Romuald Wadagni (Benin); José Neves(Cape Verde); Adama Barrow (The Gambia); John Mahama (Ghana); Joseph Boakai (Liberia); and Bassirou Faye (Senegal).

Others are Tiémoko Koné, Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire; Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria; Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, (Guinea); Robert Dussey, Togolese Foreign Affairs Minister; and Mohamed Ghazouani, President of Mauritania.

Distinguished dignitaries also included Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS President; Ms Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; Dr Lansana Kouyaté, ECOWAS Chief Negotiator; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, ECOWAS Business Council; and Dr Abdul Kamara (AfDB) representative.

The list also included Amb. Baba Kamara, ECOWAS Special Envoy on Counterterrorism; Musa Sillah, Chairman, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme Taskforce; and Mr Mahamadou Gado, representing the President, UEMOA Commission.

The Indigenous People of Biafra has warned that killing its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would intensify the agitation for Biafra rather than restore peace in the South-East.

IPOB issued the warning in a July 20 memo signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, following controversial remarks made by businessman Chigozie Nnabugwu during a News Central television programme.

Nnabugwu reportedly argued that Kanu’s death would help restore normalcy to the South-East.

Reacting, IPOB condemned the comments as a call for extrajudicial killing and accused the businessman of representing political interests opposed to the separatist movement.

The group insisted that eliminating Kanu would not destroy the demand for Biafra but could produce a more determined generation of agitators.

‘You cannot kill an idea by threatening to kill its messenger,’ IPOB stated.

It added that spilling Kanu’s blood would only ‘water the tree of freedom’ and deepen the resolve of his followers.

IPOB also accused the Federal Government of attempting to distract attention from what it described as recent international progress made by the group, including an appearance by its representatives at the Israeli parliament.

The group alleged that Kanu was being held in solitary confinement at the Sokoto Custodial Centre with restricted access to his lawyers and family.

It further claimed that insecurity in the South-East worsened after Kanu was returned to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021, blaming the violence on politically sponsored armed groups. It provided no independent evidence supporting the allegation.

IPOB also threatened legal action against News Central, Nnabugwu and several public commentators, including Reno Omokri, Bashir Ahmad and Nneka Chimezie.

The group said those accused of making damaging claims against Kanu should be prepared to defend their statements in court.

IPOB urged its members and supporters worldwide to remain committed to its demand for a referendum, describing the campaign for Biafran self-determination as non-negotiable.

Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Custodial Centre after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted him on seven terrorism-related charges in November 2025

Moyo Okediji, Professor of Art and Art History at the University of Texas, Austin, has explained why his scheduled lecture on Ifa at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, was cancelled, dismissing suggestions that the university acted because of the content of his presentation.

Okediji said the cancellation was instead the result of unresolved contractual issues surrounding the publication and launch of his latest book, Sixteen Sacred Stanzas of Ifa Tuntun, which had been planned to coincide with the lecture.

In a statement released after a meeting with representatives of the university on Tuesday, the scholar reaffirmed his confidence in OAU’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual freedom.

‘Following my meeting this morning with representatives of Obafemi Awolowo University, I came away reassured that the university remains deeply committed to academic rigor, courageous scholarship, and creative inquiry,’ he said.

The lecture, titled ‘IFA TUNTUN: Evolution, Revolution and Resolution in Yoruba Epistemology,’ was expected to attract scholars, traditional religion practitioners and members of the university community. It was initially scheduled to hold at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Thursday 16 July, 2026.

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding its cancellation, Okediji said, ‘I was informed that the cancellation was not due to the content of my lecture. Rather, it stemmed from unresolved contractual issues concerning the publication and launch of my book, Sixteen Sacred Stanzas of Ifa Tuntun, which had been scheduled alongside the lecture.’

He stressed that universities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of members of their communities.

‘Every university has a responsibility to protect the safety of its community. I fully respect that obligation,’ he stated.

Okediji also disclosed that he had received what he described as credible threats before the event, a development that made him view the postponement with some relief.

‘Ironically, I was relieved by the postponement. Before the event, I had received credible threats from individuals determined to prevent the lecture from taking place,’ he said.

Despite the threats, he noted that many respected traditional religious leaders had indicated their willingness to attend the programme.

‘At the same time, many respected Araba, Babalawo, Iyanifa, and other Ì??`?e practitioners had expressed genuine interest in attending. Their openness reminds us that the Yoruba spiritual community is diverse, thoughtful, and should never be judged by the actions of a vocal minority,’ he added.

Okediji further revealed that OAU remained willing to host the lecture despite reviewing the controversy that surrounded his virtual lecture in 2024.

‘I was also encouraged to learn that, even after reviewing the disruptions surrounding my 2024 virtual lecture, the university remained willing to host this event. That speaks to OAU’s enduring commitment to academic freedom and intellectual engagement,’ he said.

According to him, both parties have agreed that the first volume of Sixteen Sacred Stanzas of Ifa Tuntun will now be published under a different imprint while discussions continue on the remaining 15 volumes.

‘We have agreed that the first volume of Sixteen Sacred Stanzas of Ifa Tuntun will appear under a different imprint while discussions continue regarding the remaining fifteen volumes of the series,’ he explained.

The professor expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for what he described as their professionalism and commitment to dialogue.

‘I extend my sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies, and Erelu Tunwase for their professionalism, wisdom, and commitment to dialogue. I remain confident that our collaboration will continue in the shared pursuit of learning, culture, and intellectual excellence.

‘The conversation continues,’ he concluded.

A photograph accompanying his statement showed Erelu Tunwase, representative of the host community, participating in a town-and-gown meeting held in the Dean’s office following discussions over the cancelled event.

Isaac Fayose has urged his elder brother, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, not to accept his appointment as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency.

President Bola Tinubu announced Fayose’s appointment on Monday alongside 25 others selected to lead 10 federal agencies and commissions.

Reacting in a video shared on Instagram, Isaac argued that the position was beneath his brother’s political stature.

‘They did not give him minister, they did not give him ambassador. Even Reno Omokri, they gave him ambassador. They couldn’t give my brother ambassador,’ he said.

‘So why just chairman of a parastatal?’

Isaac repeatedly referred to the appointment as a director-general position, although the Presidency named Ayo Fayose as the non-executive chairman of the REA board.

The agency’s Director-General, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and three executive directors were retained.

Isaac also questioned the timing of the appointment, alleging that it was connected to the recent visit of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi to his home.

‘They gave my brother DG because Obi came on Saturday to visit me. So they said, ‘No, we must enter that family,” he claimed.

He offered no evidence to support the alleged connection between Obi’s visit and the appointment.

Isaac recalled that his brother had previously vowed not to accept another government position after completing his tenure as Ekiti governor.

According to him, Ayo Fayose had promised to concentrate on his private businesses instead of becoming a minister, senator or director-general.

‘But my brother told me, ‘Isaac, whenever I leave this Government House, I will not be a minister, I will not be DG, I will not be senator. I will face my business,” he recalled.

Isaac described the appointment as a ‘Greek gift,’ insisting that his brother was financially independent long before entering public office.

‘Why didn’t they give you an appointment before? Why did they wait until Obi came?’ he asked.

Addressing the former governor directly, Isaac said: ‘I know you will not take this. But if you take it, who am I?’

He nevertheless congratulated his brother and suggested that the position should be offered to his son instead.

‘You better give your son. Please, don’t take that kind of appointment. You are too big for that. Afobaje ni e,’ he said, describing Ayo Fayose as a political kingmaker.

Isaac also reaffirmed his support for Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election, claiming that the opposition already commanded 62 per cent of the votes in a free and credible contest.

With the cost of living continuing to rise and salaries struggling to keep pace, many Nigerians are looking beyond their regular jobs for additional income.

From digital services and content creation to online retail and remote work, side hustles have become an important way for professionals to boost earnings, build financial security and create alternative streams of income.

The good news is that many of these opportunities require little startup capital and can be run alongside a full-time job.

Here are 10 profitable side hustles Nigerians are embracing in 2026.

1. E-Commerce

Selling products online through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp Business remains one of the most profitable ventures. Entrepreneurs who identify the right products and market them effectively can earn substantial monthly profits.

2. Ghostwriting

Many executives, entrepreneurs and public figures now hire writers to create articles, newsletters, speeches and social media content on their behalf. Skilled ghostwriters can build a steady income from multiple clients.

3. User-Generated Content (UGC) Creation

Brands are increasingly paying creators to produce authentic videos showcasing their products and services. Unlike influencers, UGC creators do not need a large following to make money.

4. Virtual Assistance

Businesses around the world are outsourcing administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, customer support and research to virtual assistants, creating opportunities for remote workers.

5. Media Buying

Companies rely heavily on online advertising to reach customers. Professionals who can manage and optimise Facebook, Instagram and Google ad campaigns are in high demand.

6. Online Tutoring

The demand for online learning continues to grow. Professionals can teach academic subjects, coding, finance, digital marketing and other skills to students and working adults.

7. YouTube Script Writing

As content creators compete for viewers, many outsource research and script writing. Writers who can create engaging and informative content are finding plenty of opportunities in this space.

8. Mobile Photography

Modern smartphones have turned photography into a low-cost business opportunity. Mobile photographers are earning money from events, product shoots and social media content creation.

9. Dropshipping

This business model allows entrepreneurs to sell products online without keeping inventory. Suppliers handle storage and delivery while sellers focus on marketing and customer acquisition.

10. Selling Digital Products

From e-books and templates to planners and online guides, digital products offer a way to generate recurring income from knowledge and expertise.

The Bottom Line

The side hustle economy in Nigeria is growing rapidly as professionals seek new ways to increase their earnings and stay ahead of economic challenges.

Whether through digital services, content creation or online commerce, these opportunities provide flexible and scalable ways to build extra income while maintaining a regular job.

The Police on Tuesday arraigned a 27-year-old man, Douglas Josiah, before a Life Camp Magistrate’s Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing goods worth N10.8 million.

The police charged Josiah of Akarak Village with criminal conspiracy, mischief and theft.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.

The Prosecution Counsel, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that the complainant, Olushola Olayede, of Parakout Street, Abuja, reported the matter at the Wuye Police Station on June 20.

Nwachukwu alleged that on the same date, the defendant and one Suleiman, now at large, criminally broke into the complainant’s 20ft container without his consent.

She said that the defendant made away with goods all worth N10.8 million.

Nwachukwu said that during the police investigation the defendant made a confessional statement admitting to the offence.

She said that the offence contravenes Section 287 and 327 of the Penal Code.

Magistrate Ramlatu Yusuf, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum N2 million with two sureties each in like sum.

Yusuf ordered that the sureties must be a Level 9 civil servant and provide reliable means of identification.

She adjourned the matter until Aug. 17, for hearing.

The Nigerian Army has dismissed a fake advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, inviting applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 50/2027.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Monday, described the advertisement as false, fraudulent and unauthorised.

Anele warned members of the public, particularly prospective applicants, to disregard the advert and avoid making payments to individuals or websites claiming to recruit on behalf of the Army.

She reiterated that all Nigerian Army recruitment and commissioning exercises were free, transparent and strictly merit-based.

According to her, official recruitment announcements are made only through national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other recognised official communication channels.

She stressed that no application form was sold and no individual or agent was authorised to facilitate recruitment or demand payment at any stage of the process.

Anele said security agencies had been activated to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the fake advertisement.

She warned that anyone found producing, circulating or using the fake advert to defraud Nigerians would face the full weight of the law.

The Army spokesperson urged Nigerians to verify all recruitment information through official Nigerian Army channels and report suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest military formation or security agency.

The Yayi Youth Vanguard has pledged to deliver over 400,000 votes for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in support of his 2027 Ogun governorship ambition following the inauguration of Polling Unit Marshals across all the 5042 polling units in the State.

The pledge was made by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development and Convener of the Yayi Youth Vanguard, Olamide Lawal, during a youth sensitisation programme and inauguration of Polling Unit Marshals in Ijebu Ode.

Lawal said each polling unit marshal has been tasked with mobilising at least 75 young voters through grassroots sensitisation, mobilization and advocacy for Senator Adeola’s governorship campaign.

He explained that the Yayi Youth Vanguard was established to encourage young people to participate actively in politics and leadership, stressing that youth involvement is vital to building a future capable of competing in the era of artificial intelligence and technological advancement.

Lawal urged Nigerian youths to see political participation as a civic responsibility and play active roles in shaping the future of Ogun State and the country.

Also speaking, political stakeholder, Otunba Bankole Olugbile, called on leaders who will emerge in the 2027 elections to prioritise youth inclusion in governance, noting that young people constitute the largest segment of Nigeria’s population and deserve greater representation in leadership.

Representing the State Coordinator of the Yayi Youth Vanguard, Comrade Ojo Emmanuel, the Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government on Youth and Sports, Comrade Otubanjo Olalekan, urged youths to align with progressive leadership and prepare to take up leadership responsibilities.

Also, Councillor representing Ward 1 in Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hakeem Idowu, encouraged youths to support Senator Adeola’s governorship ambition, expressing confidence that his administration would expand youth empowerment opportunities.

The Women leader, APC, Ijebu Ode Local government, Mrs. Ajayi Olusola, appealed to Senator Adeola to prioritise women and youth participation in governance if elected, while commending Governor Dapo Abiodun for promoting gender inclusion in his administration.