Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has suspended the remaining portion of the disciplinary sanction imposed on Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye, clearing him to return to the bench.

The decision followed a review of Bendel Insurance’s appeal, Boboye’s written apology and appeal for leniency, his conduct during the period of the sanction, as well as his previous service to Nigeria as a player and technical member of the national team.

In a letter dated August 10, 2026, and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league said the remaining sanction had been suspended, but warned that it would be reinstated if Boboye is found guilty of similar misconduct during the 2026/27 season.

Boboye has therefore been cleared to lead Bendel Insurance from the bench when the new season begins, with the Benin Arsenal scheduled to host Warri Wolves on Sunday, August 30.

The sanction originated from Bendel Insurance’s 2-2 draw with Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on March 28, 2026. Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official and was initially handed a 17-match suspension and a ?2 million fine.

Bendel Insurance were also fined ?5 million and ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors over breaches connected to the incident, including crowd-related issues and inadequate security that allegedly allowed unauthorised persons into restricted areas.

Boboye had denied wrongdoing after the punishment and released video evidence which he said challenged the reported account of the incident. The club also condemned the incident and apologised to the NPFL and Nigeria Referees Association.

In its latest decision, the NPFL reminded Boboye of his responsibility to serve as a role model to players and junior coaches.

The reprieve has been welcomed by the Bendel Insurance family, with the club expressing appreciation to the NPFL and its Disciplinary Committee for what it described as a fair and favourable verdict.

The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has given the Federal Government until August 31, 2026, to resolve outstanding salary and allowance issues, or face a three-day nationwide warning strike.

The union said years of unimplemented agreements, coupled with widening pay disparities between medical academics and their counterparts in hospitals, were worsening the ‘Japa’ syndrome and accelerating the loss of highly skilled doctors and dentists from Nigerian universities.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Prof. Andrew Omotayo Ugburo, Chairman of the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter, said the situation was increasingly difficult to retain qualified medical and dental lecturers in the university system.

‘You now find that the salary of a similarly qualified person is more than that of a medical and dental academic,’ Ugburo said, stressing that the disparity was fuelling both internal and external brain drain.

He warned that the crisis could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s healthcare system, as medical academics perform a dual role, teaching students and providing clinical services, including emergency care and life-saving surgeries.

According to him, inadequate funding and the failure to implement allowances such as the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) have left medical schools struggling to retain enough qualified academics to train the next generation of doctors and dentists.

Ugburo said NAMDA had deliberately avoided a national strike for more than six years to avoid potential impacts on medical education and healthcare delivery.

‘NAMDA has never gone on a national strike, never,’ he said, adding that the association had consistently prioritised negotiation with the government.

However, he said the union’s patience was now being tested by the continued delay in implementing agreements already reached.

Ugburo commended the Federal Ministry of Education and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their interventions, noting that the DSS had raised concerns about the security implications of a possible strike by medical academics.

He said the major stumbling block remained the failure of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to circularise agreed allowances, including CATA, and to fully implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

‘If it’s not in the circular, budgeting will be affected. So, the status quo remains the same,’ he said.

Following an emergency National Executive Council meeting, NAMDA, in a communiqué, extended its initial ultimatum by three weeks, warning that failure to achieve a meaningful resolution by the end of the extension period on August 31 would result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike, to be announced by the National Officers’ Council.

He stressed that such action would not only affect hospital services but could also suspend medical education, potentially disrupting the training and graduation of future doctors and dentists.

The NAMDA chairman therefore urged the Presidency and relevant government agencies to intervene and ensure the outstanding agreements were implemented before the deadline.

‘We are responsible academics and clinicians. We don’t want to take any action, but we have been pushed to do so. We have learned that the government only understands one language, and we have decided to speak their language.’

Meanwhile, NAMDA directed its branches to mobilise members immediately through congress meetings and sensitisation programmes.

‘All branches were directed to hold a minimum of two congress meetings before the deadline,’ the communiqué stated.

Branches are expected to submit reports on their first congress meetings to the association’s Acting Secretary-General on or before August 15, with reports on the second congress meetings due by August 25.

The reports are expected to indicate the level of preparedness, the position of branch congresses after voting, and the level of mobilisation for a possible strike.

There is a security blanket over Osun State to forestall further violence and ensure a crisis-free electoral process in Saturday’s governorship election.

The contest has been hot and volatile.

The ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are locked in a fierce battle to control the government.

This has led to pockets of violence in parts of the state.

Many people, mostly believed to be cultists supporting political parties, have been killed.

Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) collating reports of the violent attacks have put the number of deaths at more than 30.

The latest killing occurred in Ilesa, a major commercial town in the state, on Tuesday, leading to the death of three people and the alleged cumulative killing of 12 people within 24 hours, believed to be supporters of the APC.

An angry Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East) made an outburst in Yoruba while addressing angry supporters in front of the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

The video went viral, with Governor Ademola Adeleke calling for his arrest for making an inciting comment.

Fadahunsi appeared before the Commissioner of Police yesterday.

He clarified that his comment was misinterpreted and that the 38-minute video had been edited out of context.

He insisted that what he said was not an order to kill Accord members, but that they should ‘kill’ Accord with their votes on Saturday.

There has already been a massive deployment of soldiers, policemen and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers to reassure voters of their security.

The soldiers, dressed in camouflage, moved around in trucks, especially in Osogbo, the state capital.

They have also been patrolling hotspots, including Fagbewesa, Ola-Iya, Old Garage, Oke-Fia, Oke-Baale and Ilesa Garage.

At 7pm last night, another contingent of military personnel drove into Osogbo.

More policemen of the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Mobile Police and Intelligence Response Team (IRT), among others, arrived from Kwara, Oyo and Delta states in about 25 buses, with more expected.

NSCDC men are arriving in batches.

Police warn troublemakers

The police warned troublemakers to stay away from the election to be held across the 30 local government areas.

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu said there was no room for violence.

He urged candidates and party leaders to steer their supporters away from thuggery.

Disu, who has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Ishyaku Mohammed, to take charge, said thugs and hoodlums would have themselves to blame.

He said in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, that the police would not renege on their commitment to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and the protection of the electoral process.

The stage is set for the poll, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to begin the distribution of sensitive materials to the local governments today.

Adeleke declared tomorrow a public holiday.

Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, said in a statement that the move would enable workers to travel and make preparations to vote.

Adeleke’s media aide, Olawale Rasheed, also quoted him in another statement as saying that the holiday directive covered all categories of workers, except those on emergency and essential duties.

APC leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Monday Okpebholo (Edo) and Usman Ododo (Kogi); and House of Representatives member James Faleke (Ikeja Constituency), arrived in Osogbo ahead of today’s mega rally.

The rally is part of the APC’s final mobilisation for its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

The Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and African Action Congress (AAC), led by Omoyele Sowore, intensified last-minute mobilisation for their candidates.

Sowore: we’re fielding a competent candidate

Sowore, presidential candidate of the AAC, said the party was fielding a competent candidate capable of liberating Osun from poor leadership.

Speaking at a rally held in the Ayetoro area of Osogbo, he said: ‘Don’t let them deceive you, other political parties are the reason why we are backwards as a state and nation.

‘We are level-headed, and that is why we picked a competent candidate to liberate the state from the servitude shackles that our leaders have always wanted us to be in. But we, as a movement of Revolution Now, are changing that starting from Osun State.’

He charged the electorate to monitor their votes to ensure that they counted.

Lauding the mobilisation by the party, Sowore said: ‘I am encouraged by the great numbers of people who received me into the state. I want you all to vote for Olajide Esan.’

ADC alleges plan to arrest Aregbesola

The ADC raised the alarm over alleged plans to arrest its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the poll.

The party warned that the move could heighten tension in the state.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement that the party had received ‘credible reports’ of plans to effect the arrest.

He said the allegation was particularly worrisome, judging by the pattern of ‘intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions.’

Abdullahi said if any security agency had lawful grounds to invite Aregbesola, established procedures should be followed.

He said arresting him on the eve of an election could be interpreted as an attempt to disrupt his role in the election.

Abdullahi said: ‘We therefore put the Federal Government and the security agencies on notice. The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun.

‘Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now.’

Fadahunsi meets CP

Fadahunsi arrived at the Osun State Police Command at about 2:25pm, accompanied by one of his aides.

The senator, who initially headed towards the office of the Commissioner of Police, was stopped along the way and directed to the Department of Criminal Investigation (CID), where he was led into an investigation room by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election duty, Samuel Erale Etifo.

Reporters were barred from the investigation room, a separate building away from the office of the Commissioner of Police, where the senator spent about one hour and 57 minutes.

He was subsequently taken to the office of the Commissioner of Police, where he spent another 20 minutes before being returned to the CID.

Fadahunsi was later joined at the CID by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke, and a lawyer, Edmund Biriomoni.

The police later released Fadahunsi.

Speaking to reporters, the senator clarified the statement attributed to him.

He said: ‘I came here to honour the police invitation. I told them what I said, not the one manipulated by the mischievous interpreters of the Yoruba language.

‘I am a Yoruba man. If a Hausa or Igbo person is interpreting, it may not be correct. Yoruba means a lot of things.

‘What I said was that between now and Saturday, we will kill them with our votes.’

Fadahunsi expressed concern over the security situation in Osun East, alleging that Adeleke was turning the district into a battleground while his hometown remained peaceful.

He said: ‘It is worrisome, but we have left the whole thing to the owner of life. Come Saturday, you will see a marvellous turnout for APC.’

Fadahunsi expressed confidence that APC members would come out en masse to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, despite the intimidation by thugs.

He left the premises of the police command at about 4:58pm.

INEC includes SDP candidate Ajala on ballot

INEC has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Commission, Mohammed Haruna, said in a statement that the inclusion of Ajala on the ballot followed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said: ‘The action has been taken in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on 22nd July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala on the one hand and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the other.

‘The Court had ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party.

‘Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election. The result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

‘The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive on Thursday (today) and will, on the same day, be moved to LGA offices across the state, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.

‘INEC assures political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election.’

NBA advocates neutrality, rule of law

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on electoral officials, security agencies, political actors and public office holders to uphold the rule of law and remain neutral ahead of Saturday’s election.

Its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), spoke after leading a delegation on separate visits to INEC and the police in Osun State as part of efforts to promote a free, fair, credible and peaceful poll.

He urged all institutions and individuals involved in the electoral process to refrain from using their offices or influence in favour of any candidate or political party.

‘The only acceptable outcome is one that genuinely reflects the freely expressed will of the people of Osun State,’ the SAN said.

During a visit to the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, Osigwe congratulated her on becoming the state’s first female REC and urged her to discharge her constitutional responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and courage.

Babalola assured the delegation that INEC was fully prepared for the election, saying election personnel had undergone extensive training to minimise human error and safeguard the integrity of the process.

She also dismissed concerns over insecurity, explaining that recent disturbances in parts of the state were largely cult-related rather than politically motivated.

According to her, INEC has intensified voter education and engagement with students and other stakeholders to encourage peaceful participation in the election.

She assured Nigerians that every valid vote would count.

The NBA delegation also met with DIG Mohammed, who said the police had put in place comprehensive security arrangements, with more men expected.

Nigeria has advocated for a regional carbon market for West Africa, as experts from across the region gather in Abuja to validate the framework for establishing a carbon market platform for the region.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day regional workshop to validate the Framework for the establishment of a carbon market platform in West Africa, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, expressed concern that the region remains the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Lawal noted that the shared challenges demand collective solutions.

The minister, represented by Mrs Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, a Director in the Ministry, stressed that the challenge presents opportunities for regional cooperation, innovation, and investment in climate action.

He said, ‘Today’s gathering comes at a defining moment for our region. Climate change continues to pose significant threats to our economies, ecosystems, food security, livelihoods and the well-being of our people. Although West Africa contributes only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, we remain among the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts, including floods, desertification, land degradation, biodiversity loss and displacement of communities.

‘These shared challenges demand collective solutions. They also present opportunities for greater regional cooperation, innovation and investment in climate action. Carbon markets have emerged globally as an important mechanism for mobilising climate finance, incentivising emissions reductions, promoting sustainable development and unlocking new economic opportunities.’

‘The initiative by the ECOWAS Commission to establish a regional carbon market platform is therefore both timely and strategic. It reflects our collective commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement, advancing the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy, supporting Vision 2050 and contributing to the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063.’

He said Nigeria strongly believed in regional synergy, stressing that a well-designed regional carbon market can strengthen the capacity of member states to attract climate investment.

He also informed the gathering that Nigeria launched its Carbon Market Framework at COP 30 and that its Registry is under development.

He therefore said a regional Platform will support members in accessing information, encourage peer-to-peer learning and support, and, amongst other things, help visualise the Region’s carbon market potential.

According to him, ‘Nigeria strongly believes that a well-designed regional carbon market can strengthen the capacity of Member States to attract climate investments, support nature-based solutions, enhance private sector participation, and create green jobs while ensuring environmental integrity and equitable benefit-sharing.

‘I understand that member countries have developed their National frameworks or are in the process of developing them. Nigeria launched its Carbon Market Framework at COP 30 and has its Registry under development. So a Regional Platform will support members in accessing information, encourage peer-to-peer learning and support, and help visualise the Region’s carbon market potential.’

He also assured them that Nigeria is committed to working closely with ECOWAS, Member States, and our development partners to ensure the Platform translates into practical action that delivers tangible benefits for our people and our economies.

‘The workshop is expected to validate the work done, incorporate technical and legal recommendations, approve governance arrangements, and adopt a regional roadmap for implementation.

‘Your recommendations will help shape a regional platform that reflects our shared aspirations and responds effectively to the unique circumstances of West Africa,’ the Minister added.

In his welcome remarks, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Kalilou Sylla, noted that climate change is one of the most urgent threats to West Africa.

Sylla, who was represented by the Director for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Christophe Deguenon, quoted World Bank estimates that 32 million people in our region could be displaced due to climate impacts.

To respond, he said ECOWAS member states raised their ambitions through their Nationally Determined Contributions (that is, national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement) to cut gas pollution and adapt to global warming.

‘One clear pathway is Article 6 and carbon markets. West Africa has the assets: over 350 million hectares of agricultural land, vast forests and mangroves, and huge potential to restore degraded landscapes. We can generate high-integrity carbon credits.

‘Yet we remain under-represented in international carbon markets due to gaps in regulation, technical capacity, monitoring, and certification.

‘That is why, since 2024, ECOWAS has launched a regional process, aligned with Vision 2050 and AU Agenda 2063, to build a harmonised framework for a West African carbon market platform. It rests on four principles: transparency, environmental integrity, inclusive governance, and recognition of Member States’ efforts.’

He said the workshop is to review and validate the draft framework with the aim of creating a credible, transparent, and investor-friendly mechanism that supports the sub-region’s climate ambitions and strengthens regional integration.

‘This platform is not an end in itself. It must be a tool for regional cooperation: to share expertise, reduce transaction costs, build capacity, and put West Africa on the global carbon market map,’ he stressed.

While calling on the gathering to put their expertise to work, he was hopeful that the workshop would have a solid framework to open a new chapter in climate finance for West Africa.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Mustapha Sule Lamido, has urged Nigerian youths to harness their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Lamido made the call at an International Youth Day event organised by the Office of the PDP National Youth Leader at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where he attended as a special guest.

The governorship candidate also reiterated the message in a post on his official Facebook page, urging young Nigerians to remain patriotic, innovative and committed to the country’s progress.

Lamido described Nigeria’s large youth population as a valuable human capital asset capable of driving the country’s present and future development if properly harnessed.

He said the energy, creativity, skills and talents of young Nigerians could play a significant role in strengthening the economy and building a prosperous nation.

‘Our teeming youths represent a huge human capital asset for Nigeria which can be harnessed for our present and future development,’ Lamido said.

He urged young Nigerians to remain committed to self-development and to make individual and collective efforts towards realising their potential for the benefit of the country.

The PDP governorship candidate also stressed the need for youths to take advantage of opportunities available to them, saying their active participation was critical to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.

Lamido commended the PDP National Youth Leader and the party leadership for organising the International Youth Day event, describing it as an important platform for recognising the role of young people in national development.

He said sustained investment in the youth would not only empower them economically but also position them as active contributors to Nigeria’s growth and future prosperity.

Lamido further encouraged Nigerian youths to remain focused, innovative and patriotic, assuring that their contributions could help shape a better future for the country.

The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has extended the deadline for the submission of memoranda and position papers on the proposed legislation to August 21, 2026.

The Working Group said the extension was to give Nigerians and other stakeholders more time to make substantive and technically sound contributions to the proposed framework for the country’s policing architecture.

Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Working Group, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, announced the extension in a statement on Thursday, saying submissions would now close at 5:00 p.m. West Africa Time on Friday, August 21.

According to the statement, the additional period will allow interested individuals, institutions and organisations to adequately prepare well-considered submissions on the proposed legislation.

The Working Group said the National Policing Bill would provide the operational, administrative, institutional and funding framework required for an effective policing system capable of responding to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

It added that the framework would incorporate safeguards to promote accountability and professionalism and protect citizens’ rights.

‘The Presidential Working Group is committed to ensuring that the process of developing the National Policing Bill benefits from broad consultation and the informed perspectives of Nigerians and relevant stakeholders’, the statement said.

It explained that the significance of the proposed reform to the future of policing and internal security informed the decision to provide stakeholders with additional time to participate in the process.

Legal practitioners, civil society organisations, security sector professionals, state governments, professional bodies, academics, experts and members of the public were consequently urged to take advantage of the extension to submit their memoranda and position papers.

The Working Group identified sustainable funding, command and control structures, recruitment and training standards, operational jurisdiction, inter-agency coordination and accountability mechanisms among the major issues requiring careful consideration in designing the new policing framework.

It said safeguards against political interference and abuse would also constitute a critical part of the proposed architecture.

According to the Group, extensive stakeholder participation is necessary to produce a policing system that is effective, accountable and sustainable while responding to the peculiar security requirements of communities across the country.

‘The Working Group recognises that developing an effective policing framework requires careful consideration of critical issues, including sustainable funding, command and control structures, recruitment and training standards, operational jurisdiction, inter-agency coordination, accountability mechanisms and safeguards against political interference or abuse.

‘These considerations underscore the importance of robust stakeholder engagement in developing a framework that is effective, accountable, sustainable and responsive to the peculiar security needs of communities across the Federation’, the statement said.

All memoranda and position papers are to be submitted exclusively through the official National Policing Bill portal, nationalpolicingbill.com, on or before the new deadline of 5:00 p.m. on August 21.

The Working Group said that at the conclusion of its assignment, it would present a final, implementation-ready draft of the National Policing Bill for onward legislative processing.

It thanked individuals and organisations that had already submitted their contributions and urged other stakeholders interested in the policing reform process to use the extended window to participate.

‘The Presidential Working Group appreciates stakeholders who have already made submissions and encourages others intending to participate in this important national process to take advantage of the extension’, Gbajabiamila said

Big Brother Naija Season 11 has assigned new covert missions to Gambit housemates Aikou and Flora as part of their secret roles in the house.

Aikou’s task is to create doubt in the mind of a housemate about their relationship or friendship with another contestant.

He must execute the mission without revealing his identity as a Gambit or letting other housemates know he is acting on Biggie’s orders.

Flora, on the other hand, has been instructed to target some of the housemates’ favourite personal items.

She is to quietly take the items and hide them for Biggie to retrieve later, while making sure her actions do not expose her status.

In an earlier task, Biggie asked her to remove all the wrappers in the house without drawing attention.

Recall that Aikou and Flora were unveiled as the season’s Gambits by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

According to the rules, Gambits are ineligible to win the N160 million grand prize but will stay in the house till the finale.

Biggie also warned that both must keep their identities secret, and revealing their status could lead to serious sanctions, including disqualification.

With the new assignments, Aikou and Flora are expected to stir up relationships and shift house dynamics while continuing to blend in with other contestants.

CIG Motors Group has donated 10 operational vehicles worth over N300 million to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to boost the mobility of security personnel across the state.

The vehicles, comprising four Wuling N111s, three Wuling XC250s and three JMC Vigus pickup trucks, were handed over by CIG Motors Group Chairman, Chief Diana Chen, to LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, at the company’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ogunsan said the fleet would support rapid response, logistics, field deployment and emergency operations for security agencies in the state.

He commended Chen for what he described as CIG Motors’ sustained commitment to the state’s security architecture. He said that LSSTF, a donor-funded agency, relies on contributions from individuals, businesses and corporate organisations to function.

‘ We will not forget this in a long time. Generations will not forget it. Posterity will not forget it,’ Ogunsan said, pledging that the vehicles would be deployed and properly maintained for maximum impact.

Chen, whose company is the exclusive distributor of GAC Motor, Wuling and JMC vehicles in Nigeria, said security was foundational to economic prosperity and investment in Lagos.

‘Security is the first infrastructure of prosperity. Protecting Lagos means protecting lives, livelihoods, enterprise and the economic future of our nation,’ she said, describing CIG Motors as a long-term development partner to the Lagos State Government.

The donation is the latest in a series of interventions by the company. In September 2020, CIG Motors gave five Dongfeng security trucks to LSSTF for the Rapid Response Squad, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Lagos State Taskforce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Diana Chen Foundation donated 50,000 face masks, an ambulance and N20 million to support security and healthcare workers in the state.

In August 2022, the company donated a vehicle to the Federal Road Safety Corps’ Lagos Sector Command, and it has also supplied 150 vehicles to the Dangote Group for the Nigeria Police Force. CIG Motors’ partnership with the Lagos State Government also extends to LAGRIDE, a ride-hailing scheme aimed at job creation and urban mobility.

Officials present at the handover included LSSTF Director of Administration, Adegbola Lewis; LSSTF Executive Assistant, Adaobi Nwankwo; CIG Motors General Manager of Operations, Manyo Pan; Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Ifeanyi Abraham; and General Manager, Sales, Chukwunonso Inoma.

Rivers State Government has dismissed reports suggesting disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly over the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The government, in a statement signed yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, said the governor was working closely with the lawmakers in the interest of the people of the state.

The statement was issued in reaction to reports that the executive and legislative arms of government were at loggerheads over the 2026 budget.

There were indications that fresh disagreement between House of Assembly members and Governor Fubara was the reason behind the delay in the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, a month after its presentation.

It was gathered that the lawmakers reached some undisclosed agreements with the governor before they allowed for the late presentation of the appropriation bill.

Fubara on June 10, about two months ago, presented his N1.854tn 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly amid complaints by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, that the presentation was done behind schedule.

Fubara presented the fiscal documents after the expiration of the budget approved for the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the closure of the six-month grace window allowed by the constitution.

Most stakeholders were said to be disappointed that the bill they had expected the lawmakers to expeditiously consider and pass to arrest looming constitutional crisis had been delayed for over a month.

A source from the Assembly, who spoke in confidence, insisted that fresh disagreements between Fubara and the lawmakers were the reason for the delay.

But the government in a statement said: ‘We wish to make it abundantly clear that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not at loggerheads with members of the House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State.’

It explained that the N1.854trn 2026 Budget proposal presented by Fubara to the Assembly was currently undergoing the normal legislative process.

‘The 2026 Budget proposal has been presented to the House of Assembly; it is going through the normal legislative process and we strongly believe that once the process is completed, it will be passed by the lawmakers,’ the statement said.

The government appealed to political actors and other stakeholders to avoid narratives capable of reopening political wounds in the state.

‘The Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies’, it said.

It urged those promoting what it described as negative narratives to desist, stressing that peace and harmony were necessary for the continued development of the state.

‘We therefore advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist from such actions forthwith as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State,’ the government said.

The Kwara State Sports Commission has inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Local Organising Committee (LOC) and 12 sub-committees ahead of the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival.

The inauguration was held yesterday, as the state intensifies preparations for the festival scheduled for August 24 to 29 at the George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

Executive Chairman of the Commission and MOC Chairman, Coach Bola Mogaji, charged the committees to begin work immediately and operate within the stipulated timeframe.

He said the committees had been entrusted with planning, coordinating and executing a peaceful, transparent and impactful festival involving all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Mogaji also urged the committees to prepare realistic budgets that would help achieve the objectives of the festival.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent investment in sports, saying the approval for the eighth edition demonstrated the governor’s commitment to sports development in Kwara.

The inaugurated sub-committees include Ceremonial, Publicity and Media, Technical, Security, Accreditation, Accommodation, Feeding, Venues, Power and Transportation.

LOC Chairman, Dr. Steve Olarinoye, commended the governor for providing top-class sports facilities and thanked Mogaji for giving him and other stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to sports development in the state.

Former Director of Sports, Mrs. Serah Bola ?san, also praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his support for sports and called for proper maintenance of the facilities provided by the state government.

She further advocated professionalism in the handling of affairs at the State Sports Commission.

The committees comprise commissioners, serving and former permanent secretaries, former and serving directors and other sports stakeholders, including some who represented Kwara at the first National Sports Festival in 1973.

Activities at the festival will begin daily from 9:00 a.m.