Category: PM News

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as ‘Sommie’, a news anchor and reporter with Arise News through a robbery attack as stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the streets.

The NGE said this in a statement by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, issued on Tuesday while expressing sadness over the death of news anchor, lawyer and reporter.

The Guild described the death of the 29-year-old broadcaster in an armed robbery incident at her Katampe, Abuja residence on Monday, Sept. 29 as ‘senseless’.

‘By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional, who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country.

‘The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident. We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation.

‘The rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes, have created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists,’ the NGE stated.

The guild consequently called on the Federal Government to expedite action, in addressing the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

According to the NGE, those responsible for Maduagwu’s death must be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law.

‘At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broadcast journalism community.

‘We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime, inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity.

‘May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her,’ it added

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday approved the appointment of new heads for three key agencies of the Federal Government, according to a statement by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

According to the statement, the President approved the appointment of Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency.

The appointment of Bwari was for an initial four-year term, effective from Sept. 18, 2025.

Also, the President also appointed Mr Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal.

His appointment was for a five-year term, beginning on Sept. 18, 2025.

In the same vein, President Tinubu appointed popular Television Continental journalist, Mr Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.

Awakan’s appointment was for an initial four-year term, effective from Sept. 2, 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has assured that Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a news anchor at Arise News Tv and bring those responsible to justice.

Wike said this in reaction to death of Maduagwu in her home in Katampe area of Abuja early Monday morning, in the statement signed by Mr Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Minister commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

The minister prayed for the repose of her soul and assured that the Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said her death was not only a loss to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media and entire nation.

‘I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in her prime. It is sad.

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their investigation while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.’

Wike called for continuous prayers and support of the Almighty God for members of staff and management of the Arise News, especially the Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’

Wike’s colleague, the Minister of Information and National Orientation ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, had in an earlier statement also described the death of Maduagwu as regrettable.

The Minister said this in a letter of condolence signed by Idris to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena and issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, her death is a grievous loss not only to her immediate family and the Arise News team, but to the Nigerian media fraternity and indeed, the nation.

‘I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

‘By every account, she was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

‘I am saddened by the heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime.

‘Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,’ Idris said.

He gave assurances for a swift investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the late news anchor.

The minister also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Nigeria Police Force said it has launched an investigation into the death of the journalist.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Dr. Abayomi as a ‘dogged fighter for democracy’ whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey remain invaluable.

Tinubu praised the Chairman of Human Rights Africa and Pro-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, for his lifelong commitment to justice, civil liberties, and the defence of the oppressed.

‘Dr. Abayomi remains a consistent voice defending democratic rights. In the dark days of military regimes, he was a thorn in the flesh of the power usurpers, sacrificing his freedom at various times to advocate for the enthronement of people’s power,’ Tinubu said.

He added that the activist has ‘continuously championed the rights of the downtrodden, insisting that every Nigerian deserves to speak and be heard.’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria may face a problem bigger than the current Boko Haram insurgency by 2050 if the challenge of current high number of out of school children was not tackled.

Obasanjo made the prediction in his remarks at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto State on Tuesday.

He noted that by 2050, Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 400 million.

‘If we fail to prepare for these challenges, the Boko Haram of today will be child’s play.

‘Already, 24 million children who should be in school are out of school. That alone could become a recruiting ground for future insurgencies.

‘We must not give up on educating every Nigerian child. If everyone is educated, you will have better servants, better leaders, and a better society,’ Obasanjo cautioned.

The former Nigerian President emphasised the importance of education and knowledge as tools for national development.

‘No matter our religion, tribe, culture or language, we cannot develop our full potential without education.

‘In today’s world, we need not only general knowledge about our society but also practical skills to empower individuals, families, communities, and the nation,’ he added.

Obasanjo, however, affirmed that although Nigeria is a diverse and complex nation, it is not a difficult country to govern.

He stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity in diversity.

‘There are many good things in Nigeria. These are shown in our unity in diversity, and Nigeria is what it is today because of its diversity.

‘If diversity is managed with good governance and inclusiveness, then we will be respected and counted among the leading nations in the world,’ he said.

The former president added that honesty and sincerity on the part of leaders remained crucial in managing the country.

‘Nigeria is not a difficult country to rule if leaders are honest with themselves, with God, and with the people.

‘I am one of the greatest beneficiaries of Nigeria’s diversity. Since 1979, I have sought counsel and blessings from elders across the North, South, East and West to manage our unity in diversity,’ Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his efforts in managing Sokoto State and praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for his commitment to unity.

He also lauded Bishop Matthew Kukah for establishing the ICT centre, while acknowledging Aare Afe Babalola for supporting the initiative.

In his remarks, Sultan Abubakar appreciated Obasanjo for gracing the occasion and urged Nigerians to emulate his dedication to promoting unity.

He emphasised the urgent need for Nigerians to unite in addressing security challenges and fostering development.

Representing Aliyu, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Government, expressed appreciation to Obasanjo and the Catholic Diocese for the initiative.

He assured that the state government would remain committed to promoting technology education to expand opportunities for future generations.

Earlier, Kukah explained that the centre was open to all citizens without discrimination and was designed to empower the people with digital skills.

Courses at the centre include: Computer literacy, office productivity, coding, computer engineering, software development, data science, and digital analysis, among others.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has warned that the ongoing industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) could damage job creation, investment flows, and national economic stability if not quickly nipped in the bud.

NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made this known in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

He expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the union’s ongoing strike.

Oyerinde stated that while trade unions had the right to protest and strike, such rights must be exercised responsibly, within legal boundaries, and without harming enterprises or workers’ long-term interests.

‘Disputes should be resolved through statutory institutions like the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN),’ he said.

According to him, coercing unwilling parties or disrupting lawful business operations contradicts international labour conventions and poses serious risks to enterprise survival and national security.

He stressed that disruptive actions that threatened national interest were unacceptable in modern labour relations, and NECA would not remain silent as Nigeria’s labour framework faced erosion.

Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards and promoting decent work but warned that such standards did not legitimise sabotage, coercion, or economic harm by unions.

He said Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery should not be endangered by reckless industrial actions that risked scaring off investors and ultimately harming the very workers unions claimed to protect.

Oyerinde urged the Minister of Labour and Employment, along with other relevant authorities, to act swiftly to end the strike.

Recall that the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) had in an earlier statement said industrial action by PENGASSAN resulted in reduction in power generation by more than 1,100MW on Sept 28.

NISO’s Management in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, available generation in the National Grid fell sharply from over 4,300MW in the early hours of Sept. 28, to about 3,200MW at the lowest point.

‘NISO wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

‘These disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours Sept. 28th to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point”it said.

NISO said that the development heightened pressure on the grid, prompting emergency measures to stabilise supply and avert a nationwide blackout.

‘To mitigate the crisis, the system operator said that it ramped up generation from major hydropower stations, injecting over 400MW to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The agency said that it also implemented real-time load adjustments, frequency support measures, and selective load shedding to preserve operational security.

NISO said it promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid. Key interventions which include

‘Hydropower Optimisation: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

‘Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.

‘Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

‘Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution,’it said.

According to NISO, these timely actions enabled the it and National Control Centre (NCC) to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.

The system operator however reaffirmed its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation’.

PENGASSAN attributed its latest action to Dangote Refinery’s alleged unilateral action in sacking over 800 staff members for joining the Association.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of PENGASSAN held an emergency meeting of all its branches on Saturday, and resolved that members should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday..

The federal government has waded into the face-off between the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN .

A meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, underscored two recent developments, including the purported suspension of the Naira-for-Crude oil arrangement by the Dangote Refinery, and the concerns raised by PENGASSAN regarding the refinery

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has condemned alleged rape, assault, and forced administration of unknown substances on Nigerian girls held in deportation camps in New Delhi, India.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) said this in a statement issued on her behalf on Tuesday by the Director Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,

The NIDCOM boss in the statement said disturbing accounts and videos shared by some of the victims showed that the Nigerian girls were subjected to inhumane treatment and grave violations of their dignity and fundamental human rights.

‘The alleged acts of sexual violence, physical abuse, and intimidation are both heartbreaking and unacceptable,’ Dabiri-Erewa said in the statement while condemning the reported abuses in the strongest possible terms.

She added that Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human, nor should their vulnerability be exploited under the guise of immigration procedures.

‘We are further alarmed by claims that corrupt practices involving middlemen and certain groups are worsening the plight of our citizens through exploitation and extortion. If verified, such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine justice and due process.

‘NiDCOM reassures the victims and their families that these disturbing reports will not be ignored. We are already engaging with the Nigerian High Commission in India, relevant Indian authorities, and international human rights organizations to ascertain the veracity of these claims and ensure that immediate and urgent steps are taken to protect the victims, provide them with medical and psychological support, and bring perpetrators to justice.

‘We call on the Government of India to urgently investigate these allegations, close down any channels of exploitation, and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians within its borders.

‘Our hearts go out to the young women and men enduring such traumatic experiences. We stand in solidarity with them and affirm that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens in their time of need.

‘NiDCOM will continue to follow up on this matter until justice is served, and the dignity of every Nigerian is safeguarded,’ the Commission said in the statement

Colleagues of late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have broken their silence, accusing a hospital of negligence that cost the 29-year-old her life after she narrowly escaped a robbery attack.

During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Dr Reuben Abati recounted how Maduagwu’s life could have been saved but was instead cut short by a system they described as ‘callous and unethical.’

Okpe, narrating the tragic sequence, said the journalist had jumped from her Abuja apartment when she realised 14 armed robbers had stormed the building. Though badly injured from the fall, she survived and was rushed to the Maitama District General Hospital.

‘She did not die on the spot,’ Okpe stressed. ‘She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.’

Reports said Maduagwu and an aged security guard, who was also injured, were both turned away because hospital staff allegedly demanded identification before treatment. They later died.

Abati condemned the hospital’s actions, calling it a betrayal of medical ethics and a violation of the law.

‘Anybody who is a victim of an accident should be treated immediately,’ he said. ‘But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to save lives. Lives could have been saved.’

The anchors described the incident as a national disgrace, adding that it reflects the risks journalists face in Nigeria.

‘This job that we do is very dangerous,’ Abati said. ‘It is unfortunate that a young woman has fallen.’

Maduagwu’s final post on X from August – ‘I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about’ – has since resurfaced online, sparking an outpour of grief and anger.

The FCT Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the robbery and circumstances of her death.

Maduagwu, a lawyer and former beauty queen, joined ARISE in 2024 and was celebrated for her advocacy for out-of-school children and her fight against gender-based violence.

The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), on Monday, September 29, 2025, sealed the business premises of two Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in Sokoto.

The SCUML is a unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that supervises Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering, counter-financing of terrorism, and related regulations.

The companies, Iman Multi Structures Ltd and Daraja Motors, were sealed by the EFCC unit for non-compliance with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the EFCC AML/CFT/CPF Regulations, 2024.

Both entities had previously been sanctioned and fined for regulatory breaches; Iman Multi Structures Ltd on June 18, 2025, and Daraja Motors on August 13, 2025. However, they failed to comply with the payment directives issued by the government.

An investigation conducted by SCUML’s Zonal Coordinator, Ahmadu Bello, revealed that the deadline for payment expired more than a month ago, with no remedial action taken by the affected organisations.

Accordingly, their premises have been sealed and will remain so until full compliance with all applicable regulations is achieved.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has officially closed its application portal for the 2024/2025 academic year as of Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

According to the Fund, this marks the end of the second full cycle of the loan scheme.

The closure will allow NELFUND to finish processing pending applications and continue payments to approved students.

In a statement signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Director of Strategic Communications,

NELFUND announced that the portal will reopen in the second week of October 2025 for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The new application window will remain open until January 2026.

The Fund directed schools to update their students’ records on the Student Verification System (SVS) so that eligible students can apply.

Schools that are yet to begin a new session within the given period were advised to notify NELFUND for special consideration.

NELFUND warned that any 2024/2025 applications left unverified by institutions after October 8, 2025, will be cancelled. Affected students will need to reapply for the 2025/2026 academic year.

The Fund added that some applications remain unpaid because certain schools have not completed the required verification.

NELFUND said it is working with such institutions but stressed that schools which fail to comply will have their names published.

On upkeep allowances, the Fund clarified that payments for the 2024/2025 session will continue until November 2025.

However, all students must reapply for the 2025/2026 session to remain eligible.