Category: PM News

A total of 1,756 corps members completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course in Bayelsa on Wednesday.

The closing ceremony was held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, marking the end of the mandatory 21-day camping programme.

Gov. Douye Diri urged corps members to make their service year memorable through dedication, patriotism and commitment as they proceeded to their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs).

The governor encouraged them to serve diligently, share knowledge, contribute to community development and maintain responsible conduct throughout their one-year national service in Bayelsa.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Kemepadei, Diri appealed to corps members to embrace tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence at their PPAs.

He assured them of the Bayelsa Government’s commitment to their welfare and safety, while urging them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities.

Diri also advised the corps members to apply lessons learnt during the orientation course, noting that the training acquired would serve as valuable tools in future endeavours.

‘I urge you to impact meaningfully on what you have been taught in the camp, for it can be a light to others in the society.

‘Please maintain good conduct in your PPA, shun any act of negative activity during and after your NYSC service.

‘See Bayelsa as your own because we are very accommodating, be a shining light to others and ensure you impact positively in your areas of primary assignment,’ he said.

The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting corps members throughout their service year and ensuring their welfare across Bayelsa.

The NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has, on behalf of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen OO Nafiu, declared the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course closed, charging Corps Members to uphold discipline, integrity and selfless service throughout their service year.

Kubiangha gave the charge on Wednesday at the low-key Closing Ceremony and Terminal Parade held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede.

He urged the Corps Members to let discipline guide their actions, integrity shape their decisions and service remain at the heart of their relationships with colleagues and members of their host communities.

The State Coordinator acknowledged that the Corps Members might encounter challenges at their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs) or find themselves serving in communities far from home, but urged them not to lose sight of the purpose of the NYSC Scheme.

He advised them to remain resilient, respectful and committed to the ideals of national service, noting that they had arrived at the Camp as young Nigerians from different backgrounds, experiences and parts of the country, but were leaving as members of one family after sharing the discipline, challenges, learning experiences and camaraderie of the Orientation Course.

Kubiangha congratulated the Corps Members on the successful completion of the Orientation Course and commended them for their cooperation, resilience and commitment throughout the Course.

He explained that the Orientation Course was designed not only to prepare Corps Members physically for the service year but also to equip them with the values, knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to him, the lectures, drills, physical exercises, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, social activities, sensitisation sessions and other Camp engagements were structured to instil discipline, patriotism, leadership, tolerance, teamwork and selfless service.

Kubiangha reminded the Corps Members that they were ambassadors of the Scheme and that their conduct at their various PPAs and host communities would influence public perception of the NYSC.

He urged them to be punctual, diligent, respectful and responsible, while maintaining cordial relationships with colleagues and members of their host communities.

‘Respect constituted authority, maintain cordial relationships with your colleagues and host communities,’ he said.

Kubiangha further charged the Corps Members to shun activities capable of jeopardising their future or bringing the name of the NYSC into disrepute. He specifically warned against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, fraud, violence and other forms of criminality, urging them not to allow peer pressure or the pursuit of quick wealth to compromise their values.

He also encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities provided through the SAED programme and other learning platforms available during their service year, stressing that the NYSC experience should go beyond receiving monthly allowances and eventually obtaining the Certificate of National Service.

The State Coordinator commended Camp Officials for their dedication and sacrifices throughout the Orientation Course. He appreciated the instructors, facilitators, medical and security personnel, administrative staff, catering and sanitation teams, as well as other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the Course.

He reminded the Corps Members that the closing of the Orientation Course marked not the end of their journey but the beginning of the more practical phase of their national service.

Kubiangha therefore urged them to proceed to their various PPAs with confidence, humility and a strong sense of responsibility, while remaining committed to making positive contributions to their host communities and the nation.

The Closing Ceremony featured the presentation of letters of commendation to outstanding Officials of NYSC and collaborating agencies in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the success of the Orientation Course.

Among those commended were the Head of Civil Defence on Camp, ASCI Akerele Folakemi; Man ‘O’ War Instructor, Arowosegbe Gbenga; Head of SERVICOM, Mr Aderibigbe Kazeem; Account Staff, Mrs Owoeye Eunice; Deputy Camp Director, Mr Oniye Damilare Omotayo; and SPR Anthony Chidubem Theresa of the ECC, Nigeria Army, Ede.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River, Arthur Archibong, has said he was ready to debate incumbent state governor, Bassey Otu at any time and venue.

He, however, insisted that Otu must attend the debate personally.

Archibong said this on Tuesday in Calabar while responding to a challenge issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham.

‘I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Gov. Bassey Otu will be there in person.

‘The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,’ he said.

Archibong said he would not engage Cobham in a war of words, describing the commissioner as his brother and stressing he was not on the ballot.

‘Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so I will not join issues with him,’ he said.

Cobham had earlier challenged Archibong to publicly debate the Otu administration’s policies, programmes and performance ahead of the 2027 election.

Archibong also defended Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), which he founded in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, against recent criticisms.

He described the allegations against the institution as politically motivated, saying AJU was established to contribute to Cross River’s development.

He urged critics to focus instead on environmental sanitation, blocked drainages and emergency response, particularly the condition of Watt Market.

He said: ‘Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market.

‘Go there today and see the filth, the stench, the blocked drainages, and traders selling beside refuse.’

Archibong also alleged that inadequate resources were undermining emergency response, particularly the state fire service.

‘Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless,’ he said.

The PDP candidate expressed sympathy for traders, workers and families affected by the recent fire at SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.

He promised that his administration, if elected, would strengthen emergency response and provide firefighters with water, diesel and essential equipment.

Archibong also questioned the economic benefits of the administration’s foreign investment trips and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

‘After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state.

‘Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man?’ he asked.

The candidate criticised what he described as Otu’s absence during crises, citing recent landslides and the SPAR Mall fire.

‘When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found,’ he said.

On scholarships, Archibong said educational support remained a personal commitment rather than an instrument for political advantage.

‘Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points,’ he said.

He urged voters to make the 2027 election a contest based on ideas, records, competence and service rather than money, intimidation or violence.

Archibong said: ‘Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy.

‘Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens and delivers. Let this contest be about ideas, about track records, and about who is ready to serve.’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win a second term in 2027, saying Nigerians will judge the administration by the changes recorded since it took office.

Akpabio spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund and NELFund, led by Senator Muntari Dandutse.

According to him, Tinubu inherited a troubled economy but has since taken decisions that have strengthened the finances of states and improved their ability to meet basic obligations.

‘The current president has done a lot for Nigerians. He met an economy in shambles,’ Akpabio said.

‘When he came in, 27 states could not pay salaries and pensions, but today, the story has changed because of his reengineering and thinking out of the box.’

The Senate President said the All Progressives Congress would enter the 2027 campaign with achievements it could confidently present to voters.

‘In 2027, Nigerians will separate the chaff from the grains and re-elect President Tinubu for a second term in office,’ he said.

‘We will have something to tell Nigerians about the unprecedented achievements of Mr President at the campaign grounds.’

Akpabio also took aim at opposition politicians seeking to unseat Tinubu, arguing that they had yet to present Nigerians with a more convincing alternative to the APC administration.

He further defended the record of the 10th National Assembly, saying the Senate had made ‘giant strides’ and would continue working with the executive to deliver government programmes.

The Senate President also urged lawmakers not to be distracted by criticism on social media.

‘We don’t need to listen to social media because it is garbage in, garbage out,’ Akpabio said.

He called on senators who may not return to the 11th Senate after the 2027 elections to remain committed to the APC and continue supporting the Tinubu administration, assuring them that their loyalty and contributions would be recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting lawmakers, Dandutse said the committee was in Akwa Ibom in the course of its constitutional responsibilities and had used the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the Senate President.

The Federal University of Technology Babura in Jigawa State has announced 100% free tuition for newly admitted students of B.Sc Mathematics and B.Sc Physics in a bid to boost science education and tackle manpower gaps.

The university said the move is part of efforts to encourage more young Nigerians to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences, known as STEMM.

This was contained in a public announcement signed by the University Registrar, Mrs Fatima Muhammad, and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the management, STEMM fields play a critical role in national development, yet Nigeria continues to face a shortage of skilled professionals in the sciences.

‘To address this gap, the Management of the Federal University of Technology, Babura has approved a waiver of school fees for candidates admitted into the B.Sc Mathematics and B.Sc Physics programmes,’ the statement read.

The registrar described the initiative as a community service aimed at making science education more accessible to students, especially those from northern Nigeria and other underserved regions.

She explained that the free tuition covers all tuition and other school fees for the two programmes for the duration of study.

‘Beneficiaries will enjoy 100% waiver of tuition and school fees,’ Mrs Muhammad stated in the announcement.

The university said the policy will also help increase enrolment in core science courses that often record low student interest despite their importance to technology and innovation.

Candidates who originally chose other programmes or other institutions but meet the admission requirements can still benefit, the registrar said.

‘Interested and eligible candidates are advised to effect a change of institution and course to FUT, Babura at any JAMB CBT Centre,’ she added.

Mrs Muhammad noted that the decision aligns with national efforts to strengthen STEMM education and produce graduates who can drive research, teaching, and industry growth across the country.

However, the statement directed prospective students to consult with the admissions office of the university for further details, guidance on the change of course process, and confirmation of eligibility.

Accordingly, the university urged qualified candidates to take advantage of the opportunity immediately, saying ‘the waiver takes effect for the current admission cycle.’

The presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC for the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore has revealed the device allegedly used to track him by the Department of State Services, DSSS, during his recent trip to Port Harcourt, Rivers State to participate in the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Sowore had earlier on Tuesday alleged that he discovered that the DSS has been tracking his movements since he arrived in Port Harcourt for the NBA Conference.

He claimed that he noticed this after noticing some strange movements and decided to switch vehicles after he participated at the Kay Hikers gathering.

‘That was when we discovered an electronic tracking device attached underneath the security vehicle we had used that night,’ he claimed.

In an update on his social media handles on Wednesday morning, Sowore claimed that he has identified the device used to track him as Spytec GPS GL300.

He added that the tracker was which was attached to the vehicle he used in Port Harcourt on Sunday was a subscription-based tracking device with IMEI number 860201067972185.

Sowore, who is also the publisher of SaharaReporters however vowed that he will uncover the mastermind behind the deployment of the device.

He also alleged that the deployment of the device was evidence of jittery about him by the security operatives.

‘We will keep tracking the trackers at @OfficialDSSNG until we establish exactly who deployed this device and we know their intention already.

‘They are really scared!’ he said.

However, the DSS has not reacted to the claim as at the time of writing this story.

Recall that the DSS is currently prosecuting Sowore over alleged defamatory posts against President Bola Tinubu published on his social media handles.

A 500-level student of the Department of Radiography and Radiation Sciences, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Ifeoluwa Akangbe, has emerged as one of the recipients of the Undergraduate Research Grant Award of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN).

According to a statement by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, Akangbe was selected under the RRBN’s ?5 million Undergraduate Research Grant initiative, established to support promising undergraduate researchers who demonstrate academic excellence and propose research capable of bridging the gap between theory and practice.

As one of the successful applicants, Akangbe will receive a ?100,000 grant to support his research. The award highlights the growing culture of undergraduate research and academic excellence in the Department of Radiography and Radiation Sciences and at UNIOSUN.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, expressed delight at the development, describing Akangbe’s success as a significant achievement for the student, his supervisors, the department and the University.

Professor Adebooye said the recognition further enhanced UNIOSUN’s visibility in radiography and health sciences research, while demonstrating the quality of training and research opportunities available to its students.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing research, innovation and scholarship, noting that supporting undergraduate researchers was essential to equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to translate academic learning into practical solutions to societal challenges.

The University congratulates Akangbe, his supervisors and the Department of Radiography and Radiation Sciences on the achievement, expressing confidence that the award would further inspire other students to pursue research and academic excellence.

Russian chess official Sergei Indeikin has died at the age of 36 after reportedly contracting a severe form of malaria during a work trip to Nigeria.

Indeikin was an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation and had travelled to Abuja earlier in August for the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.

FIDE’s own coverage of the tournament confirms that Indeikin was present in Abuja as its delegate. The championship ran from August 1 to 8, with the federation listing him among officials at the event.

The International Chess Federation announced his death on August 23, saying he died following a ‘sudden illness,’ but did not specify the illness responsible.

Russian business newspaper RBC, citing Indeikin’s mother, Tatiana, reported that the 36-year-old had contracted a severe form of malaria during a work trip.

According to his mother, he was admitted to hospital after returning to the Russian city of Perm, but his condition had already become critical.

‘It was a very rapidly progressing illness. The most severe form,’ she said, according to RBC.

Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty (AIF) reported that Indeikin had travelled to Abuja shortly before his death and later went to Uzbekistan, where he began feeling unwell.

His father, Alexander, told the newspaper that the symptoms described to him by his son’s FIDE colleagues pointed to malaria.

Indeikin subsequently travelled back through Moscow to Perm, where his condition deteriorated. An ambulance was called and he was hospitalised, but doctors were unable to save him.

AIF also reported that colleagues and relatives believed Indeikin contracted the disease in Nigeria.

The newspaper cited medical expert Professor Alexander Lukashev as saying malaria can be contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito in Nigeria and other tropical countries.

Other Russian outlets, including Lenta.ru, reported that Indeikin was bitten by a mosquito while attending the tournament in Nigeria, with malaria suspected to have been transmitted through the bite.

Indeikin had worked at FIDE events since 2021 and was involved in organising some of the organisation’s biggest competitions, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz Championships.

FIDE described him as an integral member of its operations team who travelled extensively to ensure major tournaments were professionally organised.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

While Indeikin’s family and several Russian media reports have identified severe malaria contracted during his Nigeria trip as the cause of his illness, FIDE itself has officially described his death only as resulting from a sudden illness and has not publicly confirmed malaria as the medical cause of death.

INTERPOL has arrested 58 people and identified 263 suspects in a sweeping international operation targeting West African organised crime groups, including the notorious Black Axe network.

The eight-month crackdown, codenamed Operation Jackal IV, uncovered massive fraud operations, money-laundering networks and sextortion schemes targeting children as young as 14.

The operation ran from November 2025 to June 2026 and involved law-enforcement agencies from 22 countries across six continents, including Nigeria.

INTERPOL said the operation focused on tracking illicit financial flows, identifying high-value suspects, seizing criminal assets and supporting prosecutions.

According to the international police organisation, Black Axe and similar groups are responsible for a significant share of cyber-enabled financial crimes worldwide.

Their activities include romance scams, cryptocurrency and investment fraud, business email compromise, money laundering and other serious and violent crimes.

Director of the INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, Tomonobu Kaya, said the operation demonstrated the strength of international cooperation against organised crime.

‘By following illicit financial flows across borders, we are attacking the very lifeblood of organised crime and making it increasingly difficult for criminal networks to profit from their activities,’ Kaya said.

In Argentina, investigators identified 196 people allegedly connected to a major Crime-as-a-Service network suspected of supplying website domains and money-laundering support to West African criminal organisations. The investigation led to 17 arrests.

South African authorities raided seven locations in Johannesburg linked to a syndicate accused of running romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries.

INTERPOL said authorities seized $2.67 million and blocked 257 bank accounts during the South African operation.

In Italy, investigators identified a suspect linked to a pan-European money-laundering network that allegedly used shell companies, remittance services and cash withdrawals to conceal criminal proceeds.

One account connected to the network allegedly laundered pound 845,000 through 560 transactions involving 20 financial instruments.

Romanian authorities also dismantled an investment-fraud ring operating through a call centre and arrested 11 people.

About pound 330,000 in cash and cryptocurrency, six properties and several luxury watches were seized. INTERPOL estimated that the group had stolen and laundered pound 143 million worldwide.

The operation also exposed the growing use of sextortion by West African criminal groups against minors.

INTERPOL said offenders contacted children through social media, gained their trust and coerced them into sharing explicit images or videos. The victims were then threatened with public exposure unless they paid a ransom.

Some victims were as young as 14.

The agency also found that criminal syndicates increasingly outsourced money laundering and other illegal services to external providers operating through the dark web.

Other participating countries were Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Veteran Nigerian poet, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, has died at the age of 84

Ogundepo, a native of Saki in Oyo State, died on Monday, according to information from his family.

His death was announced in the early hours of Tuesday, throwing family members, friends, colleagues and admirers into mourning.

The veteran poet was regarded as an important figure in Nigerian literary circles, with his works contributing to the development and appreciation of poetry and literature in the country.

Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, who announced the death on behalf of the family, described the deceased as an icon whose contributions to Nigerian literary works would continue to inspire generations.

She said the family was deeply saddened by the loss and was taking time to come to terms with his death.

The family also appealed to friends, colleagues, associates and members of the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.

According to the statement, funeral arrangements and other details concerning his burial would be announced by the family in due course.

The family also requested prayers for the deceased and his loved ones as they mourn his passing.

Ogundepo’s death marks the loss of another veteran voice in Nigeria’s literary community, particularly in the field of poetry, where he made contributions that earned him recognition among those familiar with his work.

His passing at 84 brings to an end a life devoted to literature, creative expression and the promotion of Nigerian literary culture.

Further details about his life, literary career and funeral arrangements are expected to be made public by the family.