Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A mother and her child have died after two 20-foot container-laden trucks overturned at Mile 2 near Freeman Market inward Apapa Lagos.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the victims were trapped beneath the trucks and their containers in the incident which occurred over the weekend.

In a statement LASTMA said its rescue and recovery team responded to the scene cordoned off the affected road and diverted traffic through an adjoining service lane to ease congestion and prevent further accidents.

The agency deployed a crane and a high-capacity tow vehicle to remove the overturned trucks and their cargoes while police officers provided security during the recovery operation.

The victims’ remains were later taken to the Police Mortuary in Yaba for necessary procedures.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the incident.

He said investigators should determine whether mechanical defects excessive loading improper cargo distribution driver negligence or other factors contributed to the trucks’ overturning.

Bakare-Oki urged truck operators to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy secure their cargoes properly and comply with road safety regulations.

He also called on motorists particularly heavy-duty vehicle operators to exercise caution and follow prescribed safety standards to prevent avoidable road crashes.

Katsina State Governor and coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential campaign in the state Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has commended ministers lawmakers All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and other stakeholders for participating in the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna.

Radda described the turnout as a demonstration of commitment to the party’s campaign urging stakeholders to sustain the unity cooperation and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘I sincerely appreciate our people ministers lawmakers party leaders stakeholders and supporters from Katsina State for their participation and support at the Kaduna campaign flag-off. I urge everyone to sustain this commitment as we move forward’ he said.

The governor expressed confidence that the same enthusiasm would be replicated at the Tinubu-Dikko campaign flag-off scheduled for October 28 in Katsina State.

He said the exercise would be followed by mobilisation across the state’s 34 local government areas and 361 wards.

Radda added that the Katsina campaign would give his administration an opportunity to present its scorecard highlighting achievements across key sectors since assuming office.

He said the exercise would also allow residents to assess the administration’s performance as it seeks a renewed mandate.

‘We are not coming with mere promises; we are coming to take our record of achievements directly to the people present evidence of what we have accomplished and allow citizens to assess our performance as we seek a renewed mandate’ he said.

The governor urged elected officials political appointees APC executives local government leaders youth and women’s groups persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to maintain party unity strengthen grassroots engagement and work together toward a successful campaign.

Youths of Plateau State under the auspices of Berom Youth Molders (BYM) has petitioned the Minister of Mines Steel and Solid Minerals Development the Mining Cadastre Office the Plateau State Government the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command demanding their prompt intervention in the mining dispute to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

The youths who made their petition known in a press conference in Jos on Saturday demanded immediate revocation of the purported Mining Lease No. ML-129 by the Mining Cadastre Office or any office that is saddled with such responsibility

They also demanded for an investigation into the relationship between ML-126 and ML-129 and whether or not it is tenable within the relevant legislations and regulations for two Mining Leases to cover the same land.

Investigation into the circumstances under which ML-129 was purportedly processed granted and/or became associated with the disputed land.

‘We seek a verification of compliance with the applicable Community Development Agreement requirements investigation by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police into who requested and authorised the deployment of Police personnel to Latya investigation by the Federal Government into the circumstances surrounding the use of the Police and Civil Defence at the mining site.

The group also demanded an immediate cessation of the use of Police personnel or any security personnel to intimidate harass or unlawfully arrest members of the community and any Plateau person in connection with the mining area in view.

‘We also seek immediate release of community members who are being unlawfully detained.

The youths also gave a notice of peaceful protest ‘If the Federal and Plateau State Governments fail to respond to these demands and fail to revoke mining lease ML-129 within one week period.’

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has proposed a 200 per cent gratuity for retired police officers as part of efforts to resolve longstanding pension challenges in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

A presidential committee tasked with examining the concerns of serving and retired personnel and recommending a sustainable framework for improved retirement benefits is considering the proposal.

The committee comprises representatives of the Ministry of Finance the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission the Budget Office of the Federation and the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Under the proposed arrangement eligible officers could receive enhanced gratuity and pension benefits linked to their final salaries.

The initiative also seeks to address demands from serving police personnel to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The agitation over police pensions has persisted for years with retirees complaining of inadequate payments delays in accessing their entitlements and administrative bottlenecks.

Rising living costs have further heightened concerns about pensioners’ ability to meet household expenses and medical bills.

President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis has raised hopes of a lasting resolution.

The Federal Government has reportedly cleared outstanding pension payment backlogs that left some retirees waiting for up to two years while some beneficiaries have received increased payments said to be nearly double their previous amounts.

A key issue before the committee is whether any approved changes should also benefit officers who retired before the new framework takes effect.

Its recommendations are expected to address outstanding liabilities funding arrangements eligibility and benefit administration.

Disu’s engagement with the Presidency and relevant institutions aims to advance discussions on the proposed reforms and improve coordination among agencies responsible for police retirement benefits.

However the 200 per cent gratuity and proposed pension structure have yet to receive final approval.

Their adoption will depend on the committee’s recommendations government decisions and available funds.

Until formal approval and implementation guidelines are issued the proposed benefits remain under consideration and do not exist as entitlements.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola popularly known as Yayi has promised to establish a New Towns Development Agency and a Ministry of Wealth Creation if elected governor in 2027.

Adeola who represents Ogun West Senatorial District also pledged to revitalise the Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency and Ogun State Waste Management Agency under his nine-pillar ITESIWAJU agenda.

He made the promises during an interactive session with Remo Collectives a socio-cultural group of accomplished Remo indigenes over the weekend. The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland Oba Babatunde Ajayi attended the meeting.

Adeola said the proposed New Towns Development Authority would oversee the development of new towns with modern infrastructure. In contrast it would preserve existing towns and communities as historical legacies.

He said the proposed Ministry of Wealth Creation would sustain his empowerment initiatives focusing on job creation through skills training and support for youths and women.

Responding to a request to improve Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu the senator promised to work with Governor Dapo Abiodun to revitalise the state’s flagship tertiary healthcare institution before December.

He described inclusive healthcare and well-being as key components of his ITESIWAJU agenda.

He said ‘As we speak I am facilitating a 4-Storey Hospital building to be fully equipped at Remo General Hospital and it is at the roofing level now with completion set for December. Similarly 14 similar projects are ongoing across the state.’

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that are yielding results as acknowledged by renowned international bodies with the foremost international bank JP Morgan set to open in Nigeria.

According to him President Tinubu has addressed economic challenges and benefits will trickle down to the people soon.

The APC flag bearer also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for laying a solid economic foundation on which he will build his ITESIWAJU agenda.

‘The governor has laid a solid economic foundation for the state in such legacy projects as the International Cargo Airport the dry inland ports in Ijebu and Egba and the coming $7 billion deep seaport. The foundation positions Ogun State to compete favourably with Lagos State in revenue generation for economic expansion and growth.

Senator Adeola further disclosed that he has facilitated over 36 infrastructure projects in Remoland in various sectors including road education solar street lights rural electrification modern markets ICT Centre and primary health care Centres.

Earlier in his address the Akarigbo asked the A to steer clear of the state creation issue and focus on creating new Areas or Local Development Areas for Remo adding that Sagamu can be divided into three or 4 LGAs.

He commended Yayi for quietly attracting development to Remoland including the construction of the road leading to his palace and other infrastructure projects.

In his welcome address the President of the Remo Collectives Akintayo Rabiu represented by his vice president Olumide Onimole stated that the collective invited Yayi to interact with them on his programme for Ogun State in general and Remoland in particular adding that their group want development for the people of Remoland in Ogun State.

Dignitaries at the event include Oba Adewale Oshiberu the Elepe of Epe elder statesman Otunba Kola Oyefeso the Aare Gbo Gbo of Remoland and president of KOKTO Group of Companies Hon. Gboyega Nosiru Isiaka GNI(APC Imeko Afon/ Yewa North Federal Constituency) Hon. Laolu Olabimtan Ogun state commissioner for Budget and Planning Hon Yemi Adelani Ogun State APC Organizing Secretary Prince Deji Ashiru MD of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and Hon. Daisi Akintan former chairman of Sagamu LGA.

The Kebbi State Government has intensified measures to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Zaki Abubakar Zaki disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

He said the ministry through its Department of Public Health had strengthened disease surveillance and traveller screening at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi and designated land border entry points across the state.

According to him passengers arriving at and departing from the airport are screened at designated gates to help detect suspected cases early and identify travellers showing symptoms consistent with Ebola.

Zaki added that officials had introduced similar screening measures at three land border entry points in Bagudo Kamba and Arewa Local Government Areas to strengthen border health surveillance and protect residents from public health threats.

He said the measures were designed to ensure prompt identification of suspected cases timely referral for medical assessment and implementation of appropriate public health interventions to minimise transmission risk.

The permanent secretary also said the ministry supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) to all general hospitals in the state to strengthen infection prevention and control.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents through proactive disease surveillance enhanced border screening and coordination with relevant health authorities and stakeholders.

It urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant cooperate with health officials and promptly report suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities.

Rotary clubs in Warri and its environs led by the Rotary International District 9141 Governor Rotarian Anthony Olikagu on Saturday marked World Polio Day with an awareness campaign and door-to-door vaccination of children aged zero to five years in Delta State.

The exercise which brought together Rotarians from various clubs across the district focused on raising awareness among families particularly nursing mothers about the need to protect infants and young children against poliomyelitis.

The campaign featured household visits sensitisation and the administration of polio vaccines to eligible children reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to supporting global efforts to eradicate the disease.

The Pastor Abraham Olaluwoyin Foundation has announced plans to award free National Examinations Council (NECO) examination scholarships to 200 indigent students as part of efforts to promote education and discourage social vices among young people.

The initiative organised by Abraham Seed Privacy International in collaboration with the foundation is open to students across Lagos State preparing to sit for the 2027 NECO examinations.

Speaking during a scholarship examination exercise the foundation’s facilitator and Director of Abraham Seed Private School International Pastor Abraham Oladipo Olaluwoyin said about 2000 students were expected to participate in the selection exercise from which 200 beneficiaries would be chosen based on their performance.

He explained that the successful candidates would receive free NECO examination registration adding that the foundation would also consider supporting candidates for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.

depending on available funding.

Olaluwoyin said the foundation had supported students in the community for over 10 years providing educational assistance to approximately 400 pupils and students with an average of 40 beneficiaries annually.

He noted that while the foundation had previously supported candidates taking WAEC and NECO examinations the current exercise represented an opportunity to expand its reach and attract broader public participation.

According to him the foundation’s activities also include campaigns against drug abuse sexual molestation bullying and other social challenges affecting young people.

‘I was born and raised in this community attended schools here started my church here and raised my family here. I have benefited from this community and I believe giving back through education is one way to show appreciation’ he said.

Olaluwoyin appealed to philanthropists corporate organisations well-meaning Nigerians and other members of the public to support the initiative noting that the projected cost of the scholarship package was about ?120000 per beneficiary.

He added that the foundation was engaging relevant education authorities to support the marking of the selection examinations and promote transparency in choosing beneficiaries.

The foundation’s facilitator expressed optimism that the initiative would expand with increased public support enabling more young people to access education and avoid social vices.

He urged other philanthropists and community leaders to invest in education describing collective support for young people as essential to building a more responsible and productive generation.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and Kaduna State Government have commenced a power infrastructure project in Rigasa Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State to address longstanding electricity challenges in the community.

The project comprises a 7.5MVA 33/11kV injection substation a two-kilometre 11kV distribution line and a 1.5-kilometre 33kV line.

The groundbreaking ceremony held in Rigasa on Friday was performed on behalf of Governor Uba Sani by the Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.

The intervention facilitated by BAT-IG and implemented by NDPHC in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government is expected to strengthen the electricity distribution network and improve power supply to households businesses and other users in the densely populated community.

Speaking at the ceremony Balarabe said improved electricity supply would support business expansion enhance productivity and reduce the burden on households.

She said the state government would continue to pursue infrastructure development through strategic partnerships.

The project comes amid longstanding electricity challenges in Rigasa where residents have reportedly endured inadequate power supply for about 15 years.

The Convener of BAT-IG Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi said the intervention followed concerns raised by residents and reflected the group’s commitment to translating political participation into tangible community development.

He said the group believed political engagement should extend beyond campaigns and electoral mobilisation to include practical solutions to challenges affecting communities.

‘When you identify a problem you do not simply talk about it you find a solution to it’ Atoyebi said.

He said BAT-IG had facilitated more than 100 interventions across different sectors describing the Rigasa project as another step in its efforts to address community needs.

‘Where there is a problem we can help solve it. We will not merely complain about it. We will organise mobilise and act’ he said.

The Executive Director Networks NDPHC Engr Bello Babayo Bello represented the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Engr Jennifer Adighije at the ceremony.

Also present was the Executive Director Strategy and Commercial NDPHC Hon Patrick Obahiagbon and the District Head of Rigasa Arc Mohammed Aminu Idris.

Other dignitaries included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN who is the Grand Patron of BAT-IG and Senator Abu Ibrahim.

Adeniyi Tinubu Deputy Director Logistics and Operations of the All Progressives Congress 2027 Presidential Campaign Council was also among those recognised at the event.

Atoyebi said the project’s expected benefits went beyond improved electricity supply to include expanded economic opportunities stronger businesses improved security and better livelihoods.

He described the intervention as an example of what he termed ‘the politics of service’ and ‘the politics of solution’ adding that it represented BAT-IG’s contribution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The project is expected to provide additional distribution capacity for Rigasa with residents and businesses awaiting improved access to more reliable electricity as work progresses.

The Pastor in Charge of the Alpha and Omega Parish Region 17 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Bauchi State Pastor Oyeyemi Abiodun Stephen has called for an increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage to N400000 saying the current N70000 cannot meet workers’ needs amid rising living costs.

Oyeyemi who is in charge of RCCG Region 17 in Bauchi said the minimum wage should reflect the economic realities facing Nigerian workers many of whom struggle to afford food rent and other basic needs.

‘The minimum wage in Nigeria should be nothing less than N400000. That’s the truth’ he said.

The cleric however said the amount could be reduced to N300000 if the government addressed inflation and brought down the cost of living.

‘Maybe inflation is addressed then it should be N300000. If it’s not addressed it should be a minimum of N400000’ he said.

Explaining his position Oyeyemi said he understood the financial pressure facing ordinary Nigerians despite his position as a senior pastor.

‘By the grace of God I am a senior pastor and I know my income. By the grace of God I have rented an apartment I know how much is coming in’ he said.

‘But when you look at these ones it’s only God that can help them’ he added.

The pastor also called on the government to create more jobs and introduce special programmes for young people warning that unemployment was leaving many youths without opportunities.

‘Declare emergency on youth. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Many of them are jobless’ he said.

He added that the lack of jobs was pushing some young people into crime and internet fraud urging the government to provide opportunities that would help them earn a living.

Oyeyemi also called for increased local production of petroleum products questioning why Nigeria continued to import fuel and engine oil despite its natural resources.

‘Let’s be producing petroleum products ourselves. We have everything in this country. Why must we be importing fuel? Why must we be importing engine oil and others?’ he asked.

Speaking about petrol prices the cleric said he bought a litre for N1420 about two weeks ago. He questioned whether announced fuel discounts would provide lasting relief to Nigerians.

He urged political leaders to focus on the welfare of ordinary citizens saying many were struggling to cope with the economic situation.

‘We want a leader that will take care of the masses. Masses are hungry. They are tired’ he said.