Category: PM News

Candidates below the age of 16 seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions will face a tougher academic hurdle, with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) requiring them to attain at least 80 per cent in UTME, Post-UTME and O’Level screening to qualify for consideration.

JAMB, in a clarification issued under its public education initiative, JAMB Explained, said candidates below 16 years are allowed to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), but they will be classified as underage candidates.

The board said the policy applies to candidates who are below 16 as of September 30 of the admission year, a threshold instituted by the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to JAMB, underage candidates are generally not considered for admission except where they meet the criteria for exceptional candidates.

The board stressed that such candidates must record an 80 per cent score in each of the UTME, Post-UTME and O’Level screening to become eligible for admission consideration.

JAMB also clarified that meeting the benchmark does not automatically guarantee admission, as the final decision rests with the candidate’s chosen institution.

The clarification is expected to provide greater certainty for exceptionally young candidates seeking early entry into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the need for Nigerians to make deliberate efforts to build a stronger national identity that transcends ethnic, religious and cultural differences.

Speaking at the 7th National Discourse, themed: ‘Interrogating Nigeria’s Democracy in the Context of Multiple Diversity,’ held at the J.F Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Hamzat stated that the country’s political system must find effective ways to accommodate its diverse identities without allowing them to undermine national unity.

According to him, ethnic and religious identities remain deeply rooted in the country’s social and political life, and the challenge was not to eliminate those identities but to prevent them from becoming instruments of division.

‘The question that sociologists have not told us is how we marry our culture and democracy, without losing our identity and putting it into our democratic setting. And I think that will be the issue for us. As Nigerians, we must learn to accommodate our differences while we are also promoting a common national identity. The experience of other multi-ethnic societies showed the dangers of allowing identity and class differences to fuel conflict among us,’ said the Deputy Governor.

He advocated for greater religious tolerance and adherence to the core teachings of Islam and Christianity, urging citizens to respect the faith of others, rather than use religion as a basis for discrimination.

Hamzat emphasised the importance of culture in strengthening national unity and enjoined Nigerians to preserve their cultural heritage while building a common identity.

In his Keynote Address, Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, called on Nigerians to shun ethnic and religious divisions and build a nation where leadership is determined by competence, ideas and values rather than place of birth or religious affiliation,

He added that ethnicity and religion should not be used as tools for political mobilisation or to shield leaders from accountability.

The Senator opined that Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as an asset capable of driving national development rather than a source of division, noting that in a society where citizens are treated fairly irrespective of ethnicity, religion or place of birth, there will be national development.

‘Our ethnicity shouldn’t be a source of challenge. It should give us all of the things that we need to be the greatest country, not only in Africa but in the world. This ethnicity is very dysfunctional. Nobody should be rewarded or punished on account of an accident of birth. Ethnicity has very little or no role to play, except to function as a tool in the hands of a segment of the political elite who substitute ethnicity in place of ideas,’ said Oshiomole.

While urging political leaders and citizens to embrace a broader sense of Nigerian identity, the Senator said the country’s abundant human and natural resources could make it one of the greatest nations in Africa and the world if properly harnessed.

In his Remarks, Chairman of the Occasion and former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, called for greater religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians, saying there is no justification for religious conflict in a country where citizens, regardless of their faith, are all creations of Allah.

Mallam Shekarau admonished Nigerians to deepen their understanding of the teachings of their respective religions, noting that all faiths promote values such as love, kindness, justice and respect for others. He emphasized that if Nigerians genuinely practised the teachings of their religions, the country would be a better place to live, adding that religious differences should not be allowed to fuel conflict or division in Nigeria.

Identifying consultation, fairness and respect for divergent views as essential principles of politics and good governance, the Chairman cautioned political leaders against pursuing personal interests at the expense of the people.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Amir, The Companion, Imam Noreem Jimoh, stated that the event was convened to critically examine the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy within the context of its diversity, urging Nigerians to critically interrogate the country’s democratic journey and seek practical ways to make it work more effectively, particularly in managing the nation’s ethnic, religious, cultural and regional diversities.

Imam Jimoh added that Nigeria’s enormous ethnic, linguistic, religious, cultural, regional, economic and social diversity remains both a source of strength and a major challenge to nation-building.

He noted that while the country’s diversity gives it significant potential, its effective management remains critical to the success of its democracy, stressing that the ability of the democratic system to accommodate and harness these differences was one of the key issues the event sought to address.

In his lecture, themed ‘Nigeria’s Political Landscape and the Ethno-Religious Divides: Interrogating Nigeria’s Democracy in the Context of Multi-Diversity,’ Former Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Prof. Liasu Adele Jinadu identifies ethnicity as a major factor that has shaped Nigeria’s political development since colonial times, particularly through the country’s ethno-regional political structure and multi-party system.

According to him, political elites have exploited ethnic identities to establish patron-client relationships and secure political support, thereby weakening state institutions and undermining the autonomy of government. He argued that ethnicity has consequently been used to mask issues of political impunity, corruption, patronage and the abuse of political power.

Prof. Jinadu, therefore, charged that citizens must be empowered to participate meaningfully in governance, irrespective of their ethnic or religious identities, maintaining that the denial of economic and social opportunities, transparency, protective security, and other basic freedoms prevents citizens from fully exercising their rights. He therefore called for a political system that places citizenship, human security and human development above ethnic interests, in line with the principles of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

Six suspected members of a secessionist armed group have been killed in a fierce gun battle after security forces raided a suspected criminal camp in Amiyi community, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The operation, conducted on Saturday, also claimed the life of a security operative, while another sustained injuries after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated.

The Anambra Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ama said the operation was carried out by a Joint Security Team comprising the Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Security Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.

According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence about the activities of a criminal network operating in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The commissioner said the security team embarked on a difficult four-hour trek through dense palm forest and challenging terrain before reaching an identified camp believed to be occupied by the criminal elements.

But rather than surrender, the secessionists of the camp opened fire on the security personnel, triggering what Ama described as a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

He said six suspected members of the armed group were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped into the surrounding area.

Some of the fleeing secessionists were also reportedly injured by gunfire, according to the commissioner.

The operation, however, suffered a major setback when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated, killing one security operative and injuring another.

Ama said the injured operative had been evacuated and was receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

Following the gun battle, the security team searched the camp and recovered two pump-action guns and charms.

The identified camps and structures believed to be associated with the group were also dismantled during the operation.

Ama commended the security personnel and community-based operatives for their resilience and professionalism despite what he described as difficult terrain and a hostile operational environment.

He stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, cooperation among security agencies and support from local communities in confronting violent criminal elements.

The commissioner also expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and associates of the deceased security operative, while wishing the injured operative a speedy recovery.

Ama reassured residents of Anambra that the police command, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, would continue intelligence-led operations across the state.

He said the operations would focus on dismantling criminal camps, recovering illegal arms and preventing violent groups from establishing operational bases in communities.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.

He maintained that sustained cooperation between communities and security agencies remained critical to preserving peace and security across Anambra State.

The UBA graduate who went viral after addressing the bank’s chairman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name is set to receive N500,000 financial support and an ambassadorial role following the controversy surrounding the incident.

The offer was made by Ossai Success, an aide to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who said the young woman should not be subjected to prolonged online criticism over the incident.

Success, in a post shared on Facebook, announced a support package comprising N500,000 cash, flight tickets to Asaba, five-star hotel accommodation, a guided tour of Delta State development projects, and an ambassadorial role with the Delta Social Media Summit.

The lady had attracted public attention after a video from UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony showed her addressing Elumelu by his first name, ‘Tony’, before he corrected her.

The moment sparked reactions online, with some Nigerians defending her, arguing that first-name usage is common in corporate environments, while others criticised her for failing to observe traditional forms of respect.

Reacting to the backlash, Success said the incident should not lead to continued online attacks against the graduate.

‘She made a mistake but we don’t need to torment her daily, she needs our support,’ he said.

He added that the gesture was aimed at encouraging her and providing an opportunity for her to share her story.

The offer has since generated mixed reactions, with some social media users questioning the decision, while others praised the move as an act of support and compassion.

At least two children have been confirmed dead while several others sustained injuries after heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of buildings in parts of Hadejia Senatorial District of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred in Gandun Sarki community, Malam Madori Local Government Area, following a downpour that lasted for more than an hour.

The collapsed building trapped children who were asleep inside at the time of the incident.

The father of the victims, Malam Samaila, said the tragedy occurred suddenly, leading to the death of his two children, aged five and eight.

Some women affected by the collapse were rescued and taken to Hadejia General Hospital for medical attention.

The rainfall also caused widespread destruction across the community, with reports indicating that more than 20 houses collapsed while several others were flooded.

One of the victims, Sani Abubakar, whose house was completely destroyed by the storm, appealed to the Jigawa State Government for urgent support for residents affected by the disaster.

‘We need immediate assistance because many families have been left without shelter and their belongings destroyed,’ he said.

The village head of the area, Malam Jamilu Bulama, said he had directed his aides to compile the names of residents affected by the incident to help authorities determine the extent of the damage.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of the country, with communities calling for urgent intervention to support displaced families.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says the prayers, sacrifices and support of residents have significantly contributed to the state’s progress over 35 years.

Otti stated this on Sunday at an interdenominational thanksgiving service marking activities for Abia’s 35th anniversary.

The service was organised by the Abia Government and held at the Okpara Square Event Centre, Umuahia, under the theme, ‘The Rise of a New Abia.’

The event featured prayers of thanksgiving for Abia’s creation and sustenance, alongside prayers for its leadership, peace, security, institutions and people.

Otti said the anniversary provided an opportunity for residents to acknowledge God’s role in the state’s journey and development.

He said: ‘Today, what we came to do is to mark 35 years of the creation of Abia State.

‘We chose to start this celebration with thanksgiving, and that is also what we have always done, even from 2023.

‘We are not in any doubt that it is the prayers, the sacrifices, our people that have contributed to the progress recorded in Abia.’

The governor recalled that following the 2023 governorship election, he and his supporters visited churches to offer thanksgiving after his victory was declared.

He commended religious leaders for their continued prayers and support for peace, progress and development across the state.

‘I want to thank the men of God who stood in the gap, who have been standing in the gap, who will still stand in the gap for this state,’ Otti said.

Otti urged Abia residents not to lose hope despite difficulties, stressing that perseverance and faith remained essential to achieving desired outcomes.

He also congratulated Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun on his electoral victory, noting his maternal connection to Abia through his mother.

Otti said Adeleke’s mother hailed from Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia.

The governor prayed for continued blessings, peace and progress in Abia and appreciated everyone who participated in the anniversary thanksgiving.

Former Cross River Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke, commended the Otti administration for what he described as unprecedented transformation across Abia.

Imoke said his assessment was based not only on testimonies during the service but also on his personal observations of government projects.

‘The transformation that has happened in Abia is unprecedented,’ Imoke said.

He urged Abia residents to continue supporting the administration and prayed for Otti’s victory in the 2027 elections.

Imoke said such support would enable the governor to continue his development efforts across the state.

In his exhortation, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described the anniversary as a sacred threshold.

Ugorji said the occasion provided an opportunity to thank God for His blessings on Abia since its creation.

He said Abia’s creation in 1991 was more than an administrative exercise, describing it as the fulfilment of the dream of a people.

The archbishop said attaining 35 years represented a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the birth of a new phase for Abia.

He said Otti’s emergence had heralded a period when governance was increasingly aligned with the welfare of the people.

Ugorji urged the governor to sustain the development trajectory and leave Abia better and more prosperous than he met it.

The thanksgiving featured praise and worship led by renowned gospel artiste, Buchi, and attracted government officials, political leaders and traditional rulers.

Religious leaders and residents also attended the service, which formally commenced activities marking the state’s 35th anniversary.

Abia was created on Aug. 27, 1991, by the military government under former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has nothing new to offer Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sowore made the statement in a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, criticising Atiku’s political record and describing him as part of Nigeria’s political establishment that has dominated the country’s leadership for decades.

Atiku, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had promised to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, arguing that its removal by the administration of President Bola Tinubu had worsened economic hardship among Nigerians.

Reacting to the promise, Sowore questioned what difference Atiku would bring after decades of involvement in Nigeria’s political system.

According to him, Atiku has been part of the country’s political establishment since the 1980s and served as vice president for eight years during a period when significant investments were made in the power sector without solving the nation’s electricity challenges.

‘After decades at the centre of Nigeria’s political system, what fundamentally different future is Atiku offering Nigerians today? Nothing!’ Sowore said.

He argued that Nigerians should reject what he described as a return of old political figures, calling for a major change in the country’s leadership approach.

‘Nigeria does not need another recycling of the same political elite. We need a clean break from the system that produced poverty, corruption, insecurity and darkness,’ he added.

The 2027 presidential election is expected to feature several major political figures as parties continue preparations and consultations ahead of the polls.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all the 13 chairmanship and 171 councillorship seats in the Aug. 22 Local Government elections held in Ebonyi State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no other political party participated in the council elections.

Mr Patrick Enyi, Chairman, Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), announced the results in Abakaliki on Sunday, saying that APC candidates won all the contested seats.

The chairmen-elect include Mr Osborne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, for Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Others are Mrs Peace Agwu, Ishielu; Mr Paul Ituma, Ohaukwu; Mr Friday Nwuhuo, Ezza North; Mr Chinedu Mkpuma, Ezza South; Mr Chidi Nwode, Ikwo; Mr Timothy Nwachi, Afikpo North; and Mr Ikechukwu Ogbofia, Onicha.

Others are Mr Michael Anyim, Ivo; Chief Simeon Onuoha, Edda; Mrs Helen Aduga, Izzi; Mr Chidiebere Alo, Abakaliki; and Mr Chibueze Odigwe, Ebonyi Local Government Area.

Enyi said all the APC candidates emerged winners in their respective constituencies and were duly returned as chairmen and councillors.

He described the elections as peaceful, free and fair, and congratulated the winners.

NAN reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi rejected the Aug. 22 elections, describing the exercise as a ‘mono-party poll’ allegedly conducted in defiance of subsisting court judgments.

The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr Darlington Onwe, said the party considered the exercise ‘not an election at all.’

Onwe alleged that EBSIEC and the state government had failed to ensure genuine participation by all registered political parties.

He argued that the exercise was unconstitutional and incapable of conferring legitimacy on any candidate who emerged from it.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered N800,000 seized from them by terrorists in Katsina State.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Danja said the troops of Sector 2 were conducting a fighting patrol on August 22, 2026, when they responded to a distress call that terrorists had intercepted a vehicle and abducted six occupants along the Dandume-Sheme Road.

He stated that the troops swiftly moved to the area and engaged the terrorists, overwhelming them with superior firepower.

According to him, the pressure from the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.

Danja said the troops subsequently combed the area and rescued all six victims unharmed.

He added that N800,000 earlier taken from the victims by the terrorists was also recovered during the operation.

The recovered money and vehicle were later handed over to the victims in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer, Dandume, he revealed.

In a separate operation on August 21, Danja said troops of Sector 2 encountered terrorists along the Maraban Kankara axis in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the troops immediately engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding bushes.

Danja said the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists and subsequently exploited the area, during which they recovered one motorcycle.

He said the latest operations demonstrated the continued operational pressure being maintained by troops against terrorists operating in the North-West.

Danja stated that Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, remained committed to sustaining aggressive patrols and offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting lives and property.

He commended members of the public for their continued support and urged communities to provide timely and credible information to security forces to assist ongoing operations.

Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has urged youths to desist from political thuggery and cyber bullying, as the Kano state police Command carried out medical outreach and public enlightenment on maintenance of peace and order as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.

Mr. Bakori reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to youth Inclusion, community policing, and peaceful coexistence.

The commemoration was held from Tuesday, 19th to Thursday, 21st August 2026, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and in line with the United Nations theme: ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.’

As part of the three-day commemoration, the Command conducted free medical outreach at Sharada Phase II Quarters, Kano Municipal Local Government Area.

Medical personnel from the Command’s Medical Services and partner health professionals provided free consultations, medications, vital checks, and health education to residents.

The initiative was aimed at promoting healthy living and strengthening Police-Community relations.

The Command featured live public enlightenment programs on Dala FM 88.5 Kano and Freedom Radio 99.5FM Kano.

The programmes focused on youth involvement in crime prevention, the dangers of political and digital thuggery, responsible use of social media, and available channels for reporting security concerns.

Members of the public, especially youth, were urged to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information.

The grand finale was a major Police-Youth Dialogue held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, Kano.

The engagement provided a platform for young people to interact directly with Police leadership and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, on issues of security, public trust, crime prevention, responsible citizenship, and Police-Youth partnership.

During the dialogue, the Command formally launched the Kano State Campaign: ‘My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.’

The campaign is designed to discourage youth involvement in political violence, electoral thuggery, digital manipulation, misinformation, and all forms of online exploitation.

The engagement brought together diverse youth groups including Young Lawyers, Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, Student bodies from NANS and NAKS, Assistant Superintendents of Police – Graduates of Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Young Journalists, Youth Female Bodies, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Youth Persons with Disabilities, Young Marketers, Kungiyar Kare Mutunci, Young Footballers, Youth Media Influencers, and other community policing stakeholders.

The Commissioner of Police personally supervised all the activities to ensure adequate security, effective coordination, media coverage, and active participation of stakeholders.

In his address, the Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to the IGP’s agenda of proactive, public engagement-driven policing and youth inclusion in national security. He charged the youth to take ownership of the initiatives and to serve as ambassadors of peace, law, and responsible digital citizenship.

‘Our youths are the greatest asset of Kano State and Nigeria. We must protect their future by rejecting violence, rejecting manipulation, and embracing dialogue, education, and lawful enterprise,’ Mr. Bakori stated.