Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka has secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence 12 new full-time undergraduate academic programmes from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The approval, conveyed in a letter dated September 11, 2026, and addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, authorises the University to establish the programmes at its campuses.

The approval followed a resource verification visit by a panel of experts to assess the human and material resources available for the proposed programmes.

The newly approved programmes cut across engineering, nuclear science, health, education and information technology, expanding the University’s academic offerings in emerging and specialised fields.

The new programmes include: B.Eng. Automotive Engineering; B.Eng. Nuclear Engineering; B.Sc. Nuclear Science; B.Sc. Pharmacology; B.Sc. Health Care Administration and Hospital Management; Optometry; and B.Ed. Educational Management, with options in: Politics, Philosophy and Economics; English and Literary Studies; Political Science; Geography; Social Studies and Business Education

Others are B.Sc. Cyber Security; B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence; B.Sc. Data Science; B.Sc. Software Engineering and B.Sc. Information Technology.

The approval covers the full-time mode of delivery only. According to the NUC, the University should notify the Commission for further processing before commencing part-time delivery or the postgraduate components of the approved programmes.

The Commission also directed the University to retain the approved titles and nomenclature of the programmes, noting that any changes would require its approval. It further enjoined the University to provide adequate human and material resources to support their development and growth.

The letter, signed by the Director of Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, marks a significant expansion of the University’s academic portfolio ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ortuanya said the approval was an important step in the University’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for students and strengthen its capacity to respond to the needs of a rapidly changing world.

He added that the University would ensure that the approved programmes were supported with the requisite human and material resources in line with the standards of the NUC.

It will be near impossible to forget in a hurry the evening some like-minded youths gathered to spend their time with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The engaging tête-à-tête featured light-hearted conversations around governance, public policy, the progress of Lagos and, importantly, the place of young people in governance and public life.

The meeting also reflected the growing relevance of digital creators and media executives in Lagos’ public communication space, with their platforms reaching audiences across different demographics.

In attendance at the exclusive gathering were the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 governorship candidate in Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; 2027 APC Deputy Governorship Candidate for Lagos State, Damilola James-Sonayon; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso.

Others are: Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye; Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media; and Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi.

Over the years, different administrations have etched their names into the fabric of Lagosians’ story, and of course people with a keen sense of history appreciate them for their decent contributions to the state.

Indeed, the last seven years have seen Governor Sanwo-Olu traverse Lagos in a bid to deliver on his covenant and promise to Lagosians. No doubt, the task of setting Lagos on the path of sustainable development has been daunting, but there are visible signs of accelerated progress.

From the very start, the governor affirmed that he employed a methodical approach to governance. Hinging the State’s growth and development agenda on six broad pillars, he believes that the vision of a greater Lagos is already a reality.

To Sanwo-Olu, his administration’s philosophy anchored on the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda – traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, making Lagos a 21st century economy, entertainment and tourism and security and governance – has placed the state among the comity of great global cities.

Managing Lagos

Speaking about the challenges encountered in his first term, Sanwo-Olu said his administration experienced the ‘most disruptive and devastating global health challenge.’

He also said that the state experienced other challenges such as the EndSARS protests that descended into a wave of violence.

Regardless of the challenges, Sanwo-Olu said that his government has made deliberate progress.

He said: ‘It is not the same city we were sworn in in 2019. It is very easy to wish for something. Lagos has not been easy with us. Many were calling me pointing governor, to incident commander. We experienced the EndSARS and Soro Soke generation. We also had a COVID-19 surge. During COVID-19, we lost people. It is not something we can trivialise. In adequate terms, it has been an interesting journey. I’ve lost weight. I was 86 when I came in; now I’m about 70-something.

‘A city where Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been a centre of attraction for the country. A city that is adjudged as the fastest growing and attracting different investments. It has remained a choice for ease of doing business.

‘Within these seven years, we’ve done incredible things that have defined our government. Our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda has been our guide. We added the T.H.E.M.E.S+ to ensure that no one is left behind. The state transportation sector has undergone a series of success stories.

For Governor Sanwo-Olu, managing the challenge of transportation took a prime place in T.H.E.M.E.S+, and efforts are still ongoing to deliver more.

He said: ‘COVID-19 helped us to unlock capital. Today, the blue line is a success story. We’ve done a lot on waterways. The Omi Eko project has started, and we are doing more. The success of our cowry card is also there. It has almost 6 million card-carrying users.

‘Also, the LagRide has been a huge success. All we are doing is to ease movement and reduce travel time. Our transportation master plan has been carefully addressed. We’ve created solutions across different aspects of the city. We’ve also built bridges.’

Legacies to be remembered for

For Sanwo-Olu, holding his head high and reeling out the impact of his leadership on the development of the state cannot be overemphasized.

Also, beyond buildings and rehabilitation of infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu’s administration believes some bold steps were taken to directly intervene in areas of concern and pressing needs in the health sector.

For example, on the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, Sanwo-Olu explained that it would be opened for use by 30th of September, 2026.

He noted that finishing touches were being carried out on the bridge, noting that efforts were also underway to install an architectural feature that would make the infrastructure a tourist attraction.

‘Our administration will be remembered for different things depending on who you are asking. If you ask a young person, they will tell you that there are LED lights across various streets of the state. There are so many things that many people can say they’ve taken away from this government.

‘I want to be remembered as the governor who came and gave everyone an opportunity. Not just to be called Excellency; it is a position of honour.

‘Remember me as someone who created access to opportunities. I’ve been saddled with the responsibilities to take the state forward. Up till 3:00 am, I receive calls on daily activities happening in the state.

‘Many things are done behind the scenes. We get pressure from our health institutions. I remember meeting some little girls at Anthony; they were hawking, the good news is that they are in school, and they are the best in their classes. It was very emotional for us. One came from Jigawa. I thank God that I stopped and transformed their lives. So, there are many highs and lows of the government.

‘We acknowledge that the challenges are real. No one government can finish it all up. We’ve continued to prioritise, and we will leave the place better than we met it.’

Role of youths in driving Lagos’ story

Sanwo-Olu, while addressing the gathering, acknowledged the growing importance of digital platforms in shaping public conversations and called for stronger collaboration between the government and the digital media community.

He encouraged members of the influencing community to support programmes and initiatives that affect residents, while also stressing the importance of responsible communication in shaping public perception.

Sanwo-Olu said: ‘Every young person that comes to me, my responsibility is to improve their lives. To me, governance is providing opportunities for citizens. Youths are there to solve problems.

‘We are creating alternatives for various classes of citizens. We are a consequence of our own success. What is binding us together as a country is that we see Nigeria first. As governors, we do peer reviews and galvanise the work that we do.

‘For us in Lagos, we won’t shy away from our duties. Resources are sometimes a challenge. The level of cost to build a road in Lagos is higher than any other state. It is not rocket science. The big numbers are what we’ll continue to contend with.

‘Our latest book showcasing our works is titled: ‘Against all odds 1.0.’ We are also working on 2.0, and it will capture the giant strides we have achieved. It will be ready before the end of this administration. Where we are wrong, we will be the one to take corrective measures; where we are right, please give us our flowers.

‘What we’ve done as an administration should shape your assessment of us. My prayer is that history should be fair to me so that in future we’ll be a source of inspiration to those who want to work in the public space.’

Doing better at 2027 elections

The governor called for unity among stakeholders and urged them to place the interest of Lagos above individual ambitions as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.

He also appealed for a peaceful electoral process, stressing that political activities should not result in violence or loss of lives.

He said: ‘Three/four years ago, this current administration campaigned on a Muslim-Muslim ticket. People had thought religion would be a major issue; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has turned it around by not downplaying any religion. Our First Lady is a pastor and Christian. There’s freedom of religion.

‘The credibility and performance of President Tinubu have given him a formidable position. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) today is undergoing massive development. It was built 50 years ago; the president has approved a complete overhaul. The ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos is also going to experience a new facelift. In terms of the real dividend of democracy, we’ve experienced significant improvement in Lagos.

‘All of these success stories have changed the state of things. Lagos remains the safest place in our country. The beauty of Lagos is that you have a vision where there’s an opportunity to advance one’s career. The statistics so far have shown a phenomenal influx of people into Lagos. The responsibility is for us to improve the quality of infrastructure and amenities.

‘We are one of the proponents of state police, so we are waiting for it to kick-start.’

Continuity in governance

Sanwo-Olu commended his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for his assistance and being a partner-in-progress for the last seven years.

He expressed confidence in Hamzat, describing him as the most capable person to sustain the state’s developmental strides and progressive vision.

Sanwo-Olu said there would be ‘no better hands’ to hand over the leadership of Lagos State to than Hamzat, praising the deputy governor’s competence, dedication and years of service to the state.

He said: ‘Continuity is an important question. Lagos has been lucky with continuity compared to other states. Now, to the 15th governor, we’ve expanded on our predecessor’s achievements.

‘I am luckier, because our incoming governor is eminently qualified, and he’s deserving of it. We’ve been friends for over 20 years. He has been loyal, committed and capable. We’ve seen a deputy governor transiting into the governorship saddle. He understands the architecture. He is not coming as a learner. He is going to kick off work from day one.

‘Lagos deserves the best in class. It deserves the best we can put forward. We looked at the demography and feedback, and we realised that the young people felt we’ve been inclusive enough.

‘The females also felt left out. The deputy governorship candidate is under 45; she’s a community developer and a grassrooter. Her choice shows that she fits the joint ticket to support the governorship candidate.

‘Our governorship candidate has a lineage of people who have served this state. During the Lateef Jakande era, the then Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Olatunji Hamzat, was exceptional. That was Hamzat’s father.

‘Hamzat is a tech expert, visionary, and one who can unravel myriad problems.

‘I’m lucky to have him serve with me. He is one who knows what is required of leadership. He has served through various portfolios, and he will also transform Lagos further.’

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects and laying a solid foundation for future administrations.

He said the focus remains on delivering lasting development while ensuring that the state’s tradition of progressive governance continues for the benefit of all Lagosians.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience as essential values for building a nation that reflects their collective aspirations.

Oborevwori made the call on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, where he urged present and future generations to remain committed to the task of nation-building and the pursuit of a better Nigeria.

While paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, he called on Nigerians to demonstrate their love for the country by praying for its peace and prosperity.

The Governor maintained that the Church’s continued intercession for Nigeria remained critical to the nation’s progress.

He said, ‘Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint.’

Oborevwori, who emphasised the importance of wisdom in governance and leadership, urged public servants and politicians to remember that their positions were held in trust for the people.

‘At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.

‘Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,’ he said.

Oborevwori added that public officials would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and commitment to the common good.

Speaking further, he charged public servants, politicians and other leaders to make service to the people their top priority, stressing that every position of public trust must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and accountability.

The Governor, who said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence called for gratitude to God, noted that the country had made steady progress, particularly in the area of democratic governance.

He said, ‘On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting.’

According to him, the Church has an important role to play in sustaining peace and stability in the country through prayers, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7 to ‘seek the peace of the city’ and pray for it.

He said the peace and security enjoyed by individuals were dependent on the peace of the country, adding that the relative peace in Delta State was achieved through the contributions of Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Community Leaders and other stakeholders, as well as the wisdom granted by God.

Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.

Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that would unlock its potential and restore its rightful place in the comity of nations.

He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as key responsibilities of citizens, stressing that no nation attained greatness by accident.

Using Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact, Johns prayed for wisdom and guidance for leaders at all levels to responsibly manage the nation’s resources and serve the common good.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other members of the Assembly; Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, Elder Moses Iduh; top government functionaries and traditional rulers, among others.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has swept all the 17 local government chairmanship seats in the September 26, 2026 council elections in Enugu State, according to the results declared by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC).

ENSIEC chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, announced the results on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Enugu, formally bringing the council elections to a close.

Ngwu declared the 17 candidates elected chairmen of their respective local government areas, with all the winners emerging on the platform of the APC.

The results showed that Ugochukwu Nwanjoku won in Aninri; Okolo Uchenna Joseph in Awgu; Beloved Dan Anike in Enugu East; Onoh Ibenaku in Enugu North; and Caleb Ani in Enugu South.

Others are Vitalis Chinedu Ngwu, Ezeagu; Martin Amadieze, Igbo Etiti; Chris Onyekachi Simon, Igbo Eze North; Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Igbo Eze South; and Ani Brendan Emeka, Isi-Uzo.

Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe was declared winner in Nkanu East, while John Ogbodo emerged in Nkanu West and Jude Chinedu Asogwa won in Nsukka.

In the remaining local government areas, Anyaegbudike Greg emerged winner in Oji River; Ezeoha Innocent in Udenu; Agu Hyginus in Udi; and Ezeukwu Chijioke in Uzo-Uwani.

Declaring the results, Ngwu commended the people of Enugu State for their participation in the elections, noting that the citizens’ involvement gave meaning to the electoral process.

He also commended the security agencies, civil society organisations and the media for their contributions to the successful conduct of the elections.

The ENSIEC chairman congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to regard their victories as a call to service and an opportunity to serve the people of their respective local government areas.

With the declaration of the 17 results, ENSIEC formally concluded the chairmanship aspect of the September 26 council elections.

The commission subsequently issued certificates of return to the 17 newly elected council chairmen.

Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 operational boots and 30 raincoats to the Nigeria Police Maritime Command, and promised a new patrol pickup vehicle within a month.

The donation was made when the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, paid his maiden official visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Command, AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade, at the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos.

Ogunsan said the gesture was meant to strengthen an institution that has done well in securing the state’s waterways.

He said the Maritime Command’s mandate covered safeguarding the national maritime domain, securing waterways, combating maritime crime and economic sabotage, and ensuring agencies such as the Nigerian Port Authority, NIWA and NIMASA carried out their duties.

He linked the timing of the intervention to the approaching 2027 general election and the ember months, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027.

He said the sensitivity of the period made it necessary to pay closer attention to waterways security.

Ogunsan said the latest support builds on past assistance to Lagos Marine Police, including fuel for gunboats and repairs to marine assets, adding that plans were underway to procure new gunboats for the command.

LSSTF was established by Lagos State law in September 2007 as a public-private partnership to bridge operational and logistical gaps facing security agencies. It says its support has included patrol vehicles, marine crafts, protective equipment and training.

Responding, AIG Okunade thanked LSSTF for the visit and the donated equipment, describing the Fund as a longstanding partner of the police. She said the Command would deploy the items professionally and remain accountable to the public.

On preparedness for the ember months and the coming election period, Okunade said the coastal environment remained safe under the command’s watch and would be further strengthened by the new equipment. She added that local knowledge of the operating terrain was critical to effective maritime policing, and assured that the command would continue working with relevant agencies to keep the waterways secure.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has congratulated the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, describing his coronation as a significant moment in the history of the kingdom and the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku spoke on Saturday at the coronation ceremony held at King Jaja Square, Opobo Town, Rivers State, where King Jaja VI was formally crowned as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.

The monarch succeeded the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.

Ogbuku commended the new monarch for assuming the historic throne at an important period in the kingdom’s history, stressing the role of traditional institutions in preserving cultural heritage, identity and values.

He said the responsibility entrusted to King Jaja VI by his people was enormous, expressing confidence that his reign would promote greater unity, peace and development in Opobo Kingdom.

The NDDC boss also highlighted the historical significance of Opobo Kingdom and its founder, King Jaja of Opobo, to the Niger Delta, particularly in leadership, enterprise, courage and community development.

He called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, governments and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development across the Niger Delta.

According to him, traditional rulers have an important role in mobilising their people, preserving cultural values and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Ogbuku congratulated the people of Opobo Kingdom on the successful coronation and wished King Jaja VI a peaceful, prosperous and impactful reign.

The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities, including former President Goodluck Jonathan; Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Obong of Calabar; and the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple, among others.

King Jaja VI, who was elected in December 2025 following the death of his predecessor, pledged to protect the rights and freedoms of his people and uphold the dignity of the throne.

Lawyers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the United States government have urged a federal court in Washington, D.C., to reject moves by Aaron Greenspan to expand discovery in his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case.

ýTinubu’s lawyers, acting for him as an intervenor, argued that Greenspan was attempting to use the federal discovery process to investigate private individuals and organisations over alleged denial-of-service attacks on his PlainSite website.

They told the United States District Court for the District of Columbia that such discovery was outside the limited scope of a FOIA action and amounted to a speculative investigation into activities by third parties.

ýGreenspan operates PlainSite, a for-profit website, and has alleged that it was subjected to denial-of-service attacks.

However, Tinubu’s lawyers said he had not independently verified the attacks, did not know who was responsible and had not alleged that Tinubu was behind them.

ýThey also rejected Greenspan’s attempt to link the attacks to activity in the FOIA case, saying the alleged connection was based on speculation.

ýIn a response filed on September 23, Tinubu’s lawyers said Greenspan was seeking interrogatories, requests for admission and requests for production from Tinubu, as well as a third-party subpoena against DCI Group AZ, LLC, a public relations and lobbying firm, and its unidentified parent company.

ýThe proposed discovery also sought information concerning other persons or entities allegedly providing public relations, lobbying or legal advice.

ýTinubu’s lawyers argued that FOIA is designed to provide access to information about government activities, rather than to investigate what private parties are doing.

ýThey cited decisions holding that discovery is generally unavailable in FOIA cases and that, where permitted, it is reserved for exceptional circumstances, particularly where a plaintiff raises substantial questions about the adequacy or good faith of a government agency’s search.

ý’Discovery is generally unavailable in FOIA actions,’ the lawyers said, adding that Greenspan had not sought discovery from the government agencies or demonstrated bad faith in their handling of his FOIA requests.

ýThey further argued that Greenspan had failed to establish that the proposed discovery was relevant to the issues before the court.

According to the filing, Greenspan himself acknowledged that he did not know who carried out the alleged attacks and that the use of botnets made identification of the perpetrators difficult.

ýThe lawyers also pointed to Greenspan’s admission that PlainSite had been attacked at other times and that the website’s server had been under attack for extended periods when there were no court filings.

ýThey argued that the existence of more than 100 docket entries in the case asserted that an attack occurred within days of some filings, insufficient to establish a connection.

ý’The relationship that Plaintiff draws between the website issues and this case remains wholly speculative,’ they said.

ýTinubu’s lawyers also opposed Greenspan’s request for expedited discovery.

ýThey said there was no imminent event requiring such action because, according to Greenspan’s own filing, the attacks had stopped at the end of August 2026.

ýHis suggestion that the attacks could resume, they argued, was merely theoretical and did not justify expedited discovery.

ýThe lawyers further rejected Greenspan’s reliance on the court’s inherent authority, arguing that such authority could not override the relevance and proportionality requirements of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or the restrictions governing discovery in FOIA cases.

ýThey urged the court to deny the motion in its entirety.

ýIn a separate reply, the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) asked the court to grant their cross-motion for summary judgment, maintaining that they conducted adequate searches for records responsive to Greenspan’s FOIA requests.

ýIn the reply filed the same day, the agencies said both had searched for responsive records, processed the records located and released all reasonably segregable non-exempt information.

ýThe FBI said its search included searches using ‘Bola’ and ‘Tinubu’ separately, followed by a manual, page-by-page review of a multi-subject file.

ýThe agency said the additional declaration filed with its reply addressed Greenspan’s complaints about the search terms and alleged failure to account for misspellings and typographical errors.

ýThe DEA, on its part, said Greenspan had not challenged the adequacy of its search and maintained that it had conducted searches reasonably calculated to locate responsive records.

The agencies also defended their decision to withhold portions of the records under several FOIA exemptions.

ýOn grand-jury material, the FBI said it relied on Exemption 3, together with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e), the Pen Register Act and Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act.

ýThe government said the information was withheld to preserve grand-jury secrecy and avoid revealing non-public details about pen registers and the information obtained through their use.

ýThe FBI also defended its reliance on Exemption 5 to withhold records reflecting prosecutorial strategy.

ýIt said the records sought by Greenspan were central to attorney work-product and attorney-client privileges because they could reveal the ‘thought process, strategy and legal impressions’ of U.S. Attorney’s Office personnel working with FBI law-enforcement partners on criminal cases.

ýThe government argued that disclosure could hinder prosecutors from openly preparing strategies and plans in the performance of their duties.

ýThe agencies further defended exemptions protecting personal information, confidential sources and law-enforcement techniques.

ýThey said the records were law-enforcement records involving third-party criminal defendants and that the exemptions were intended to protect non-public identifying information.

ýThe DEA specifically argued that disclosure of information concerning confidential sources could reveal their identities and expose them to risks.

ýIt also defended the use of Exemption 7(E), which protects certain law-enforcement techniques and procedures, saying Greenspan had acknowledged that non-public investigative techniques could properly be withheld.

ýThe FBI also defended Exemption 7(F), which covers law-enforcement information whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to endanger an individual’s life or physical safety.

ýIt said the exemption was applied to protect names and identifying information of people who could face violence if identified in the records.

ýThe DEA similarly cited the sensitive nature of undercover operations involving armed and potentially violent offenders.

ýThe FBI and DEA therefore asked the court to grant summary judgment in their favour, while Tinubu urged the court to reject Greenspan’s discovery application.

ýThe records are being sought by U.S. transparency activist Greenspan, who filed a FOIA lawsuit against several federal agencies seeking documents relating to investigations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

ýAmong his requests are the FBI’s entire file on Tinubu and FBI Form 302 interview records covering the period between 1992 and 1993.

ýThe case also concerns an alleged record relating to a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding in the United States involving about $460,000 linked to Tinubu.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has criticised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for comparing petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom without, saying that accounting for differences in income and purchasing power.

The party also called for the governor’s resignation over the comment and expressed concern about petrol prices, which it said had risen to about N1,500 per litre in some parts of the country.

In a statement on Sunday, APM National Publicity Secretary Abubakar Yusuf said comparing petrol prices across countries without considering citizens’ incomes could give a misleading picture of affordability.

Yusuf cited Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage and contrasted it with earnings in the UK, arguing that workers’ purchasing power in the two countries differed substantially.

He also said the comparison should take account of differences in public transport systems, noting that Nigerians contend with high transport costs and less developed public transport infrastructure.

The APM said the rising cost of petrol was putting additional pressure on households and businesses, particularly as Nigerians were expecting some moderation in prices.

It also cited lower petrol prices in some oil-producing countries, including Libya and Iran, to argue that crude oil production does not necessarily translate into high domestic fuel prices.

The party, however, did not provide a detailed assessment of the factors responsible for the differences in pump prices among the countries it cited.

The APM said Okpebholo’s comments should not be interpreted as justification for further increases in petrol prices, while urging the Federal Government to consider the effect of fuel costs on household incomes and transport.

The party also linked the issue to the 2027 election, saying its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, would pursue what it described as a ‘Reset Agenda’ focused on reducing economic pressures on Nigerians.

An Ebonyi-born businesswoman, Rosemary Nwakaego Emmanuel, has challenged world leaders to move beyond climate declarations and commitments and deliver concrete solutions to communities bearing the brunt of climate change.

Rosemary, who recently returned from the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York, said the discussions at the global gathering exposed an urgent need for governments and development institutions to turn climate pledges into measurable action.

She said she listened to Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors, Mayors, development finance institutions and climate leaders deliberate on the next phase of the global climate agenda.

According to her, the dominant message from the discussions was that the climate debate could no longer be sustained on promises and declarations without corresponding action.

‘One thing became very clear to me: the climate conversation has moved beyond promises. The world is asking for action that people can actually feel,’ Emmanuel said.

She identified climate finance, adaptation, climate justice, clean energy, resilience and local implementation as critical issues that dominated the conversations.

Rosemary said the growing impact of climate change was becoming increasingly visible and disruptive, making it imperative for climate finance to become faster, easier to access and more responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities.

She also highlighted the demands of Small Island Developing States for climate justice, arguing that their concerns should be treated as issues of fairness rather than charity.

The businesswoman said the global conversation on clean energy was also changing, with the issue increasingly linked not only to emissions reduction but also to energy security, economic opportunities, resilience and sustainable development.

She further noted that cities and subnational governments were becoming increasingly important in implementing climate policies because they operate closer to the people affected by climate-related challenges.

‘For me, one message stood out strongly: the world does not need more declarations without delivery,’ she said.

Rosemary said the approach to COP31 should therefore focus on translating commitments made at international gatherings into practical interventions that can produce measurable improvements in people’s lives.

She listed improved access to climate finance, increased investment in adaptation, stronger communities, greater support for vulnerable countries, practical solutions and faster implementation as areas requiring greater attention.

According to her, the credibility of future climate commitments would increasingly depend on whether they produced tangible results for people and communities.

‘As we move towards COP31, success should be measured not only by the ambition of our commitments but also by how effectively they translate into more accessible climate finance, greater investment in adaptation, stronger communities, stronger support for vulnerable countries, practical solutions, faster implementation and measurable results,’ she said.

She added, ‘The conversations matter, but the real work begins when commitments leave conference rooms and start to make a difference in people’s lives.’

She urged stakeholders preparing for COP31 to ensure that the voices and needs of communities most exposed to climate change remain central to the global climate agenda.

The Arewa community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has pledged to mobilise its members in support of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The pledge was made at a sensitisation meeting organised by the Chairman of the Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur, in Ogwashi-Uku, where members of the community were urged to participate actively in the electoral process and exercise their civic responsibilities.

Tukur called on the Arewa community to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former House of Representatives member Ndudi Elumelu and the APC candidate for Aniocha South State Constituency, Hon. Isaac Anwuzia.

He said the community had benefited from appointments and other opportunities under the Oborevwori administration and should therefore remain united in supporting the government and its candidates.

‘We have come to sensitise our people and urge them to come out en masse and vote for APC in 2027. We want our people to support our President, our Governor and all the APC candidates,’ Tukur said.

He specifically appealed to the community to support Okowa in the Delta North Senatorial District and Elumelu in the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, while describing Anwuzia as a popular politician in Aniocha South.

Tukur also commended members of the community for participating in the voter registration exercise, particularly Alhaji Yunusa Gugu, whom he credited with mobilising more than 1,000 members to register.

He urged the community to remain united and actively participate in the 2027 elections, stressing the importance of translating their political mobilisation into votes.

The Sarki of Ogwashi-Uku, Alhaji Zayyanu Abdulkadir, assured the delegation that members of the Arewa community would support the APC candidates across the various elective positions.

Abdulkadir said the community would work towards what he described as a ‘five-over-five’ support for the party’s candidates.

Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Aniocha South Ward 2, Jude Nkwo, commended Tukur for bringing members of the Arewa community together and assured them of continued engagement with the party.

The Ward 2 Councillor, Hon. Leonard Nzemeka, and a two-time Leader of the House, Hon. Okpuno Fidelis, were among those who attended the meeting.