Category: PM News

Keystone Bank Limited has again reinforced its commitment to supporting education and digital literacy in Nigeria with the donation of a fully equipped ICT centre to Government Model School, Makurdi, Benue State.

The handover ceremony, held last week Thursday was attended by representatives of the Benue State Government, led by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Deborah Serumun Abeeh.

Other dignitaries present include the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. James Dwem; Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Kwaghgba Amande; and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Branch Controller, Mr. Olabitan Adebowale.

The lender stated that the newly revamped ICT centre, delivered under its Keystone Bank Education Support Initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility, is equipped with modern digital infrastructure. This includes laptops, workstations, ergonomic seating, air conditioning, a reliable inverter power system, and a well furnished ICT hall designed to support effective digital learning and research.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, North and Public Sector, Keystone Bank, Abubakar Usman Bello, highlighted the bank’s commitment to improving access to digital tools and supporting educational development, particularly in underserved communities.

“Education remains one of the strongest foundations for any thriving society. It shapes minds, creates opportunities, and prepares the next generation of leaders,” he said.

“At Keystone Bank, we recognise that investing in education is not just a responsibility but a strategic contribution to national development. This is why we continue to support initiatives that promote learning, innovation and access to quality educational resources,” Bello added.

Also speaking, the Regional Head, North, Keystone Bank, Mr. Bala Umar, said the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on quality education.

“This project is aimed at bridging infrastructure gaps, enhancing digital literacy, and preparing students for a technology-driven economy. We believe access to ICT facilities is critical to modern education and future workforce readiness,” he said.

In his remarks, Barr. Deborah Abeeh, representing the governor, commended Keystone Bank for the initiative, noting that it reflects a strong commitment to human capital development in the state.

She conveyed the appreciation of Governor Alia, who praised the bank and its management for the thoughtful intervention and their continued support for the education sector.

“This kind of partnership between the private sector and government is essential for sustainable development. We encourage more organisations to emulate this laudable initiative,” she said.

The Principal of Government Model School, Dr. Robert A. Apir, also described the ICT centre as a major boost to academic development.

He noted that the facility would significantly enhance teaching and learning, support digital examination processing, and improve computer literacy among both staff and students.

Apir appreciated the Benue State Ministry of Education for its support and assured that the facility would be properly maintained and optimally utilised.

By Emmanuel Antswen

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2027 elections, following a unified endorsement by party stakeholders.

Aondoakaa clinched the ticket in Makurdi after 10 other aspirants stepped down and threw their weight behind his candidacy, bringing to a close weeks of consultations and internal negotiations within the party.

Party sources said the consensus process was driven by extensive deliberations among key leaders, including former Governor Samuel Ortom and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, alongside the PDP State Chairman, Mr Ezekiel Adaji, members of the State Executive Committee, and influential blocs such as the G-14 and G-9.

The outcome was subsequently ratified by all aspirants, who affirmed the credibility of the process and pledged to support Aondoakaa’s candidacy ahead of the polls.

Although a former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, expressed reservations over zoning arrangements, he accepted the decision in the interest of party unity.

Other aspirants, including Rev. Tor Uja, Mr Tersoo Loko, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), Mr Oyije Ogbenjua, retired Naval Commander Ode Ojowu, Mr Tor-Tiv Ato, Mr Simon Ater, and Mr Bemgba Iortyom, also endorsed the consensus candidate.

In separate remarks, party stakeholders described the development as a strategic move to reposition the PDP for victory in 2027.

Ortom commended the aspirants for their “maturity, loyalty and sacrifice,” urging party members to maintain unity and focus on reclaiming power from the incumbent administration.

Moro, on his part, described the consensus as a difficult but necessary step, stressing the need for purposeful leadership in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Aondoakaa pledged to embark on immediate reconciliation efforts within the party, promising to unify its structures and build a formidable platform ahead of the election.

He also expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, assuring party faithful of responsive and inclusive leadership if elected governor in 2027.

The emergence of Aondoakaa as consensus candidate signals a major realignment within the PDP in Benue, as the party moves early to consolidate its base and strengthen its chances in the next electoral cycle.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms as part of a renewed effort to restart and expand the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, which have remained inactive for months.

The agreement was signed on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China, by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside senior representatives of the partner companies, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing push to revive its domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to NNPC, the partnership is designed to address key technical and operational challenges that have hindered the performance of the refineries over the years.

The collaboration will focus on completing outstanding rehabilitation work, as well as handling the operation and long-term maintenance of the facilities to ensure they run efficiently and sustainably.

Beyond simply getting the refineries back online, the agreement also includes plans to upgrade infrastructure in a way that improves product quality, boosts output, and enhances profitability over time.

The scope of the deal goes further into expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capabilities and unlocking new opportunities in Nigeria’s gas and downstream sectors. NNPC noted that the arrangement could lead to the development of integrated industrial hubs located around the refineries, where gas-based industries and petrochemical production can thrive together.

This broader vision reflects a shift toward making the refineries not just fuel-processing plants, but key drivers of industrial growth and economic value.

Ojulari described the MoU as a major milestone achieved after months of discussions and negotiations, adding that all parties involved share a common understanding of the need to reposition Nigeria’s refining assets for long-term success.

He emphasized that bringing in technical partners with the right expertise and financial strength is critical to ensuring the refineries operate profitably and do not fall back into the cycle of inefficiency that has plagued them in the past.

The agreement comes against the backdrop of prolonged inactivity at Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, which were shut down on May 24, 2025, for maintenance that was initially expected to last only a few weeks.

However, further technical and financial reviews carried out later in 2025 revealed deeper structural and operational issues, prompting a more extended shutdown.

By February 2026, NNPC confirmed that the refineries were operating at significant losses before their closure, raising concerns about their long-term viability without major reforms and external support.

Despite these challenges, NNPC has repeatedly stated that it has no intention of selling the Port Harcourt Refining Company, maintaining that rehabilitation and strategic partnerships remain the preferred path forward.

This position comes even as past efforts, including a reported $1.5 billion rehabilitation project on the Port Harcourt refinery, failed to deliver sustained production or meaningful improvement in output.

While it is still uncertain whether the newly signed MoU will lead to a successful and lasting revival of the refineries, the move signals a more aggressive and structured approach to solving Nigeria’s refining problems.

It also aligns with NNPC’s recent financial performance, which showed a profit after tax of N276 billion for March 2026, suggesting the company may now be in a stronger position to support such large-scale projects.

Overall, the partnership represents a cautious but important step toward restoring local refining capacity, strengthening energy security, and reducing the economic pressure caused by heavy reliance on imported fuel.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), backed by Governor Seyi Makinde, has appointed a 13-member interim National Working Committee (NWC), with former National Chairman Tanimu Turaki as the interim national chairman.

The decision was made at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held by the party at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The move was confirmed by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, who emphasized that the appointment was in accordance with the PDP constitution. The decision follows a leadership vacuum created within the party.

The 13-member interim NWC is expected to steer the party forward until further decisions are made.

Prominent party stakeholders who attended the Monday NEC meeting include Governor Seyi Makinde, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, former Governor of Niger State Babangida Muazu, former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former Minister of Women Affairs Zainab Maina, among others.

This move follows the legal turmoil surrounding the previous convention. In a Supreme Court ruling delivered on April 30, a three-judge majority ruled that the appeal filed by Turaki’s faction to validate the November 2025 convention lacked merit. The court upheld earlier rulings that criticized the party for disobeying a court order.

The ruling further underscored that the PDP’s failure to adhere to the Federal High Court’s order to halt the convention was a violation of the law, leading to the dismissal of their appeal.

In the wake of this legal setback, the party’s BoT decided to take charge, ensuring the party’s activities continued while the legal processes unfolded.

The leadership appointment aims to bring stability and restore order within the PDP as it moves forward with its internal resolutions.

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By Isa Isawade

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Southwest Zone, today joins the global media community to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2026 with the theme, Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.

The global conference for this year’s observance is organized by UNESCO and co-hosted with the Government of Zambia, scheduled for May 45, 2026 in Lusaka.

In a press release on Sunday, the Vice President, NUJ Zone B Comrade Ronke Afebioye-Samo said, World Press Freedom Day is a reminder that peace is built on truth, accountability, and the free flow of information.

“Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993, World Press Freedom Day celebrates the principles of press freedom, assesses the state of press freedom worldwide, defends the media from attacks on their independence, and honours journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

“It reaffirms Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media,” Samo said.

The zone, in the release, highlighted three major issues affecting press freedom in Nigeria.

1. Safety of JournalistsSamo condemned the continued harassment and physical attacks on journalists covering elections, protests, and communal crises in the Southwest. “A journalist in fear cannot hold power to account. We call on security agencies and state governments to investigate and prosecute attacks on media workers. Impunity fuels repetition.”

2. AI and DisinformationWhile artificial intelligence offers tools for faster reporting and factchecking, it also accelerates disinformation and deepfakes that threaten stability, the statement noted.

“If we want peace, we must pair innovation with responsibility. Media houses need training to detect AI-generated falsehoods, and tech platforms must be transparent about content moderation. NUJ Southwest will prioritise AI literacy for members this year,” it added.

3. Access to Information and Media WelfareThe Union called for full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act at state and local levels. “Denial of data is denial of development,” Samo said. She also stressed that poor remuneration, unpaid salaries, and lack of insurance leave reporters vulnerable. “Media owners, government, and private sector partners must see journalists’ welfare as a security investment. A hungry press cannot defend democracy.”

Samo reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to training members on conflict-sensitive reporting, engage lawmakers on stronger protections, and partner with civil society to expand access to public information.

“Peace, human rights, and development depend on a press that is free, safe, and sustainable.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, we ask all stakeholders: let us shape that future together, starting with protecting those who tell the story,” the statement concluded.

The The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, According to the timetable, the sale of nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 10, while submission is slated for May 11 to May 13. Screening of aspirants will follow on May 14 and May 15, with results expected on May 17.

Appeals arising from the screening process will be handled between May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20.

The party said its primary elections will begin on May 21 with contests for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats, while governorship primaries are fixed for May 22.

The presidential primary is scheduled for May 25, to be followed by a National Executive Committee meeting on May 26 and a Special National Convention on May 27 for final ratifications.

In a move aimed at widening participation, the party announced concessions, offering a 50 per cent discount for youths and 25 per cent for women and persons with disabilities.

By Abbas Bamalli

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the Federal Government to raise taxes on tobacco products to reduce consumption nationwide.

CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, made the call on Saturday during a media training in Katsina.

Represented by Programme Manager, Mohammed Murtala, Rafsanjani said tobacco products remained relatively affordable in Nigeria.

He said, “The low cost of tobacco products has contributed significantly to widespread use, especially among low-income households.”

Rafsanjani said higher taxes would increase prices and discourage consumption, particularly among vulnerable groups and young people.

He said, “Taxation remains one of the most effective tools for reducing tobacco use.”

Rafsanjani said the training aimed to strengthen journalists’ capacity, especially women, in tobacco control and public health advocacy.

He expressed concern over continued smoking in public places despite regulations banning the practice.

He said, “Existing laws must be enforced to protect non-smokers and discourage harmful behaviour.”

Rafsanjani urged the media to intensify public education and support stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws.

Earlier, CISLAC Senior Programme Officer, Solomon Adoga, warned about tobacco’s economic and health consequences.

He described tobacco as “deadly” and harmful to national health, economic productivity and sustainable development.

Adoga said cigarettes, shisha, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes all posed severe health risks.

He warned that tobacco use could cause cancers affecting the mouth, throat and bladder.

Citing the World Health Organisation, Adoga said tobacco caused about eight million deaths globally each year.

Participants praised CISLAC for the initiative and pledged stronger reporting on tobacco-related health concerns.

(NAN)

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has declared that he has no rift with the state’s former governor and current Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor engineered a consensus arrangement for aspirants into various political offices in the state.

Speculations, however, became rife across the state that Umahi was not favoured in the process as most of his favoured aspirants were dropped.

Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Monday Uzor on Sunday, said he had no rift with his predecessor and Works Minister, Umahi, as being speculated.

“This speculation in some sections of the media is from those fanning the embers of discord.

“We are rather working together for the progress of the party in the state,” the statement read.

The governor said that all outstanding issues regarding consensus candidacy, would be amicably resolved.

“I will meet all the aspirants, and they would be treated equally as agreed by the stakeholders.

“I enjoin all stakeholders, aspirants and party faithful to work together and make sacrifices where needed, in the interest of the party,” the statement read.

He thanked all stakeholders and party faithful who made contributions and sacrifices, noting that the party remained one indivisible entity.

A 30-year-old juddge, Aman Kumar Sharma, has been found dead at his residence in south Delhi.

Police are suspecting suicide after his body was discovered inside the bathroom of his Green Park home, local media reported.

The deceased was reportedly serving as Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in North-East Delhi at Karkardooma Court with his posting confirmed by the Karkardooma Bar Association.

According to Delhi Police sources, a PCR call was received at Safdarjung Enclave police station at around 1.45 pm on Saturday.

The call was made by Shivam, the brother-in-law of the deceased, who told the police, “My brother has died by suicide in the bathroom at home.”

Police teams reached the residence at Green Park Main soon after. Sharma was reportedly found inside the bathroom and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Initial findings suggest death by suicide, reportedly by hanging.

Police said, “no signs of foul play have emerged so far, though all angles are being examined.”

FAMILY ACCOUNTAccording to a relative, quoting the father’s statement, Sharma had called his father around 10 pm the previous night and said, “I am very troubled, it has become difficult for me to live.”

The father, who was in Alwar, left immediately for Delhi and reached the house around midnight.

The family has alleged that Sharma was facing issues with his wife for the past two months. According to them, his wife is also a judicial officer, while her sister is an IAS officer posted in Jammu.

The father’s version states that Sharma had said he was being mentally harassed at home. “Nidhi Malik has full control in the house, everything happens as per her,” he allegedly told his father.

The family further claimed that when the father tried to contact the wife’s parents, their number was blocked.

A relative from her side was called to resolve the matter, but he later stepped away saying he could not intervene.

The father’s account also mentions that there were noise and argument inside the house. Sharma was in one room while his wife was in another.

“She was speaking loudly and Aman was crying,” the relative said, citing the father’s statement.

Later, when Sharma could not be found, his phone was dialed and it rang from inside the bathroom. The door was then forced open, after access was made through a window by breaking the glass.

He was found hanging inside, allegedly using a piece of cloth.

Further investigation is underway as the body has been sent for postmortem examination.