3,000 persons missing in Adamawa as families seek help

The families of missing persons in Adamawa State have urged stakeholders in all strata of life to continue supporting the search for their loved ones who are missing, even as officials said 3000 people remain missing in the state.

Millions of Nigerians have been displaced due to armed conflicts or natural disasters, while thousands have gone missing, especially in the North Eastern part of the country as a result of Boko Haram insurgency, which has been lingering since 2009.

State Secretary of the Missing Persons Families Association, Mr Joshua Audu, in his speech at the 2026 International Day of the Disappeared ceremony held in Yola on Thursday, said that the day was not set aside as a remembrance day only, but it is a day of courage, solidarity, advocacy, and renewed commitment for the families of the missing persons.

Audu explained that the theme for this year’s occasion, ‘Keep Our Case Alive’, captured the reality of families who continue to live with unanswered questions, noting that when a loved one goes missing, the pain does not end with the passage of time.

Speaking at the commemoration event, Emeline Montel, Protection of Family Links Delegate, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Mubi stressed that the issue of missing persons has an immense impact on families and society.

‘Our Red Cross Movement registered 500,000 missing people across the world. In Nigeria, the ICRC continues to maintain contact with the families of 17,000 missing persons, but in Adamawa State, we registered more than 3,000 families whose loved ones went missing.

‘And we know that these numbers are only fractions of the reality, as we do prevention, tracing and reunification of the missing people ‘.Montel said.

2027: ‘Your money will fail you’, Primate Ayodele warns Tinubu, APC

Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against becoming overconfident ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying reliance on money alone could cost the ruling party victory.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, said the APC’s perceived confidence could become its major weakness at the polls, predicting that many Nigerians would reject Tinubu if the government failed to address the hardship and insecurity confronting citizens.

He cautioned the ruling party against treating financial resources as a solution to all its political challenges, saying Nigerians were increasingly concerned about their economic and security conditions.

‘Overconfidence will kill APC; they will be too overconfident, and that will be the party’s weakness in the election. They will turn Tinubu to a demi-god, but it will make them lose the election. They believe money can do everything, but it will fail in the 2027 election.’

The cleric said the hardship and insecurity being experienced by Nigerians could influence their voting decisions, warning that the APC might underestimate the level of public dissatisfaction at its own peril.

‘Common men will kick against the overconfidence because hardship and insecurity have taught them a lesson. They won’t see where they are lacking and believe they can do everything with money, but it will fail.’

Ayodele also warned that the presidential campaign council would not be able to secure Tinubu’s re-election without addressing the issues affecting Nigerians.

He said the President should take immediate steps to ease the economic hardship before the election, arguing that failure to do so could trigger widespread rejection of the APC.

‘If President Tinubu thinks the presidential campaign council will change the minds of Nigerians towards him, it’s a pure lie. The people in the committee cannot do anything for the President; there is no individual that can change the minds of Nigerians.

‘The people are going through so much hardship, and not solving the problem the administration created before the election will lead to serious rejection for the ruling party. It’s better Tinubu works to resolve it now or face the anger of Nigerians.’

Trouble in Nigerian football: NFF president, others resign

The crisis rocking Nigerian football reached a defining moment yesterday as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, resigned from office alongside members of his board, bringing an abrupt end to an administration that had come under mounting pressure over the state of the country’s football.

Gusau announced his resignation before members of staff and journalists at the federation’s headquarters in Abuja. The development marked the collapse of a leadership structure elected in October 2022, with promises of stability, development and improved football administration.

The Zamfara-born administrator said his decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and his family, adding that his exit was aimed at creating room for reforms within the federation.

‘I consulted, I had to inform them, and I decided to resign as president of the NFF. My resignation is intended to give way to a comprehensive and orderly reform process aimed at addressing the longstanding institutional, governance and developmental challenges confronting Nigerian football’. He added: ‘I have decided to resign my position. I have also advised my board members to resign’.

Gusau’s departure was not merely a personal decision. It came after months of turbulence that placed his administration under intense scrutiny.

The NFF leadership had been confronted by a series of setbacks, including Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, declining performances from age-grade teams, concerns over financial management, investigations by security and anti-corruption agencies, growing dissatisfaction among football stakeholders, uncertainty over the federation’s electoral process among others.

Major issues that forced Gusau’s exit

Double World Cup mishaps: For the Super Eagles, missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup represented another major setback after the team also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition of the tournament.

The back-to-back failures transformed disappointment into a national debate over the direction of Nigerian football.

Super Falcons’ historic failure: The team failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, ending Nigeria’s record of appearing in every edition of the competition since it began in 1991.

The Falcons’ failure was particularly damaging because the team had long been regarded as the most successful women’s football side in Africa and one of Nigeria’s strongest sporting brands.

The two qualification failures shifted criticism from coaches and players to the leadership of the NFF.

Pressure from ex-internationals: Former internationals, football administrators and supporters began demanding answers, questioning whether the federation had the right structures and policies to sustain Nigeria’s football success.

For Gusau and his board, the challenge was no longer only about results on the pitch. It had become a question of confidence in the entire football administration system.

Decline in age-grade football: Beyond the senior national teams, Nigeria’s youth football structures also became a source of concern.

The country’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams had traditionally served as a major pathway for developing players who later represented the senior national teams.

Nigeria’s success at youth tournaments had helped establish the country as one of the world’s leading producers of football talent.

However, declining consistency from the age-grade teams raised concerns about the strength of the development system.

While individual failures can be blamed on factors such as coaching decisions, injuries or poor form, simultaneous struggles across the senior teams and youth structures suggested deeper institutional problems.

That was one of the major criticisms the Gusau administration faced.

Financial scrutiny: The crisis within the federation deepened as questions emerged over the management of government intervention funds meant to address outstanding financial obligations to members of Nigeria’s national teams.

Reports indicated that security and anti-corruption agencies were examining documents relating to the utilisation of the funds.

Different accounts cited figures of N17 billion and N12 billion, although the exact amount involved and the full scope of the investigations require official clarification which Daily Trust was unable to get as at press time.

The Department of State Services (DSS) was reported to have requested documents concerning the funds, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were also linked to wider scrutiny of the federation’s finances.

Committee report fails to calm storm

In response to Nigeria’s poor performances at international competitions, the NFF established a fact-finding committee to investigate the causes of the setbacks and recommend solutions.

The committee, headed by former NFF General Secretary Ambassador, Fanny Amun, was expected to provide a roadmap for addressing the challenges facing Nigerian football.

However, Amun resigned after submitting his report, saying he wanted to protect the integrity and independence of the committee’s work.

Daily Trust gathered that his resignation raised concerns among stakeholders on whether the recommendations would be implemented and whether the federation was prepared to undertake the reforms demanded.

The political situation within the NFF also contributed to the eventual collapse of the Gusau-led administration.

With the federation’s elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Gusau had been preparing for another term in office.

However, reports emerged that members of the 13-man Executive Committee were considering mass resignation.

Eight members were reportedly ready to leave, with further resignations potentially leading to the collapse of the board.

Gusau’s decision to advise his board members to resign, therefore, has wider implications beyond his own departure.

NSC at the centre of transition talks

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is now central to discussions about the next steps for Nigerian football.

The commission has moved towards a possible restructuring of the NFF, including consideration of a three-month normalisation committee to oversee the federation and prepare the ground for a fresh electoral process.

That were speculations that the federal government had ordered the resignation of Gusau and his board, but the NSC denied the claim.

The resignation of the NFF leadership may have prevented a direct confrontation with FIFA, whose regulations prohibit government interference in the running of national football associations.

A government takeover of the federation could expose Nigeria to possible sanctions, including suspension from FIFA competitions.

Football officials reportedly worked behind the scenes to secure a voluntary resignation process that would create room for reforms without giving the appearance of government interference.

However, Daily Trust gathered that any new arrangement will be closely monitored by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Gusau’s resignation has created a leadership vacuum but also opened the door for a major restructuring of Nigerian football.

An emergency NFF Congress has been summoned in Abuja to deliberate on the crisis and determine the immediate future of the federation.

Representatives from State Football Associations, clubs, coaches, players and referees are expected to participate.

The Congress will decide how the NFF operates during the transition period and what happens to the suspended electoral timetable.

Resignation has saved Nigeria from FIFA ban – Odegbami

Former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami believes Gusau’s resignation removes the possibility of a FIFA ban and provides an opportunity for reforms.

‘His resignation removes the whole issue of FIFA ban and provides the opportunity for us to clean up whatever it is that we are complaining about,’ he said

Odegbami said the development could open the door for significant changes in Nigerian football.

However, former Gombe State Football Association chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, criticised the process that led to Gusau’s departure.

‘The power now goes back to the congress; the powers that have been forcing him to resign. It is a wrong approach. This move may backfire and put Nigeria in crisis. You don’t clear a system by asking all the board members to resign including the General Secretary. So, who will now inform FIFA of the latest development?

‘Unless FIFA compromises their standards, they won’t accept the new board. This crisis is just about to begin. I hope the hunter does not become the hunted,’ he said.

Meanwhile, before yesterday’s mass resignations, two prominent Nigerians, Dr. Danladi Bako, and Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, had backed calls by football stakeholders for Gusau’s resignation.

‘In the years gone by, the NFF led by Ibrahim Gusau would have been sacked by now. The continued stay in office after a woeful first tenure makes past military regimes look messianic because during General Babangida or Abacha’s regimes, the monumental failures of the current board would not have lasted long before they get fired,’ said Bako, a former Sokoto State FA chairman.

On his part, Mohammed, a former Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) urged the NSC to ‘Suspend the current electoral process and set up an independent review of NFF administration and finances; ensure new, inclusive guidelines that give all real stakeholders a voice; and champion urgent reforms for the NPFL, grassroots, and women’s football.’

Tinubu orders comprehensive football reform

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures by national teams to qualify for major regional, continental and global competitions.

The directive was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The president said the reform must address weaknesses in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.

‘Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,’ Tinubu said.

The president directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and football stakeholders to ensure continuity in administration while facilitating a broad reform process.

The process, according to the president, will involve engagement with FIFA and CAF while protecting Nigeria’s obligations within the international football system.

The real challenge begins now

Ibrahim Gusau’s resignation marks the end of one chapter in Nigerian football, but it does not resolve the problems that forced the change.

The crisis was built over time through a combination of poor international results, declining youth development, financial questions, stakeholder dissatisfaction and political uncertainty.

The emergency NFF Congress now faces the biggest responsibility; deciding whether Nigerian football will simply replace its leaders or undertake the deeper reforms needed to restore confidence.

Meanwhile, the NFF has moved to ensure continuity following the resignation of the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, with Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, set to assume the role in an acting capacity.

Senator demands transparency, accountability in use of tax revenue

Senator representing Imo West (Orlu), Osita Izunaso, has warned that Nigeria’s new tax reforms may fail to achieve their objectives unless increased tax revenues are matched by improved public services, transparency and accountability.

Izunaso said Nigerians could not be expected to embrace higher tax obligations without seeing a clear connection between the taxes they pay and the roads, schools, hospitals, security and other public services provided by government.

He spoke at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a session themed: ‘Pay now, prosper later: Making Nigeria’s new tax reforms work in practice.’

The senator said the success of the reforms would depend less on the passage of the new laws than on how effectively and fairly they were implemented.

He said the ‘prosper later’ component of the reforms must be demonstrated through visible development and improved living conditions, rather than remain a mere political slogan.

‘Government cannot simply say to Nigerians, ‘Pay your taxes.’ Government must also demonstrate, ‘This is what we are doing with your taxes,” Izunaso said.

According to him, taxation should be viewed as a social contract between citizens and government, under which citizens contribute part of their income with the expectation that government will deploy the resources responsibly for the common good.

He said increased revenue should therefore translate into productive investment, better public services, job creation and an environment conducive to business growth.

Izunaso urged government to strengthen monitoring of public expenditure, reduce waste, improve transparency in procurement and tackle corruption to build confidence in the tax system.

He said public trust was critical to achieving voluntary compliance, warning that citizens would be reluctant to pay taxes if they believed the resources were being wasted or mismanaged.

The senator said the reforms should establish a tax system that was simpler, fairer, transparent and easier to administer, rather than merely provide government with additional revenue.

He identified harmonisation of the tax framework, reduction of multiplicity and duplication, improved compliance and modernisation of tax administration as key objectives.

Izunaso said the tax burden must also reflect taxpayers’ capacity, with low-income Nigerians and small businesses protected from excessive burdens while individuals and businesses with greater economic capacity make a fair contribution.

‘The principle should be straightforward: everybody should contribute according to the law and according to their capacity, but nobody should be subjected to an arbitrary or unnecessarily burdensome tax system,’ he said.

He identified taxpayer education and mass sensitisation as priorities, saying citizens could not be expected to comply voluntarily with laws they did not understand.

He called for a sustained national campaign explaining, in simple language, who is liable to pay tax, applicable deductions and exemptions, VAT obligations, tax identification requirements, filing deadlines and taxpayers’ rights.

Such campaigns, he said, should extend beyond Abuja and major cities to markets, artisans, farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises, professionals, employees and operators in the informal sector.

He urged the authorities to use radio, television, social media, community organisations, traditional institutions and religious bodies, including communication in major Nigerian languages.

Izunaso also called for a tax administration system in which compliance was easier than non-compliance.

He said taxpayers should not need to hire professionals simply to understand basic tax obligations, urging authorities to simplify registration, filing, payment, invoicing and record-keeping through digital platforms.

‘Technology must be used not merely to collect more data, but to reduce the cost and inconvenience of compliance,’ he said.

He called for simple digital tools, clear guidance, standard templates and accessible help desks for taxpayers.

On enforcement, the senator said tax administration must be based on certainty, consistency and fairness.

He urged revenue authorities to distinguish between genuine mistakes and deliberate tax evasion, saying honest errors should attract education and correction while fraud and intentional evasion should be punished.

He warned that arbitrary assessments, harassment and inconsistent enforcement could erode public confidence and discourage compliance.

Izunaso also advocated a stronger taxpayer-rights regime, including clear assessment procedures, timely dispute resolution and effective channels for complaints.

He described the establishment of the office of the tax ombudsman as ‘a step in the right direction’, but said government must ensure that taxpayers’ rights were protected throughout the administration and enforcement process.

On the informal sector, the senator urged government to use incentives rather than intimidation to bring businesses into the formal tax system.

He said millions of Nigerians operating small and informal businesses might be willing to contribute but were discouraged by complexity, inadequate information and multiple government levies.

He advocated simplified registration and taxation, coupled with tangible benefits for formal businesses, including access to government programmes, public procurement opportunities, finance and other services.

Izunaso also warned against imposing excessive compliance costs on small and medium-sized enterprises, saying the tax system should support rather than undermine productive enterprise and job creation.

He said provisions creating unnecessary burdens or ambiguities should be reviewed through the appropriate legislative process.

The senator further urged the NBA to play an active role in the implementation of the reforms, saying lawyers were not only advisers to taxpayers but also officers of the law and important stakeholders in public policy.

He said the NBA could support tax education and continued engagement with taxpayers as the new framework moved from legislation to implementation.

Izunaso said the credibility of the reforms would ultimately be determined by whether Nigerians could see a credible link between taxation and development.

He said: ‘The ‘prosper later’ part cannot remain a slogan. Government must demonstrate that additional revenue is being translated into productive investment, better public services, job creation and an environment conducive to business growth.’

Attacks on Borgu Muslim worshippers counter Christian genocide narratives – NSCIA

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, saying the attack on Muslim worshippers observing Jumu’at prayers counters claims that insecurity in parts of Nigeria amounts to genocide against Christians.

The attacks, which occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, affected Gbeji, Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities, with residents and worshippers reportedly killed, injured and abducted.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA described the attacks as ‘heinous and barbaric’.

The Islamic body said the invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers and the abduction of worshippers represented an assault on civilians and their right to practise their faith without fear.

‘The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, condemns in the strongest possible terms, the heinous and barbaric simultaneous terrorist attacks on Friday, August 21, 2026, four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where scores of innocent civilians were killed, injured and abducted, including worshippers observing the sacred Jumu’at prayers,’ the statement said.

‘The Council is deeply disturbed and traumatised that terrorists invaded Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara, unleashing violence and terror on defenceless communities.’

According to the council, the attack on Dekara was particularly disturbing because the assailants reportedly entered the Central Mosque while Muslims were observing Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 people.

It added that about 30 people were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, some of them said to be life-threatening.

The NSCIA said dozens of victims were still being held captive.

‘The NSCIA considers the deliberate invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers and the abduction of worshippers a heinous assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also a grievous attack on the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear,’ it said.

The council argued that the incident showed the complexity of insecurity in the country and challenged narratives that portray the violence as being exclusively targeted at Christians.

‘This horrendous savagery against innocent Muslims observing the Jumu’ah prayer also points to the factual error that the insecurity in parts of the country is genocidal against Christians, which would hinder the much needed collective efforts to tackle the scourge,’ the NSCIA declared.

The council said the continued attacks on the communities were unacceptable and questioned the ability of security agencies to prevent terrorists from repeatedly targeting vulnerable settlements.

‘These wanton violence, relentless bloodletting and deadly violations are utterly unacceptable,’ it said.

The NSCIA asked: ‘For how long will innocent Muslims in particular and Nigerians in general continue to be abducted and slaughtered in their communities while terrorists operate with such audacity?’

It further asked: ‘How many more Muslims and communities must be attacked before decisive action is taken? How many more families must lose their loved ones before the nation resolved and act that enough is enough?’

According to the council, the latest attack was reportedly the third major attack on Dekara and neighbouring communities in recent times.

It said previous attacks had forced residents to abandon their ancestral homes and seek refuge in other communities in Niger and Kwara states and even across the border in the Republic of Benin.

The NSCIA also expressed concern that the latest incident occurred barely three weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

‘On August 5, 2026, Nigerian security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest. The rescued victims included 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa,’ it stated.

The council said the rescue operation demonstrated what security forces could achieve when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will were available.

‘That rescue operation was rightly celebrated as a demonstration of what Nigeria’s security forces can accomplish when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will are brought to bear,’ it said.

‘But the renewed attacks raise deeply troubling questions about the reversal and sustainability of the gains made.’

The NSCIA consequently urged the Federal Government to move beyond what it described as episodic rescue operations and develop a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture.

It called for an immediate review of security arrangements in Niger and Kwara states, particularly communities around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used by terrorists.

‘We demand an immediate and comprehensive review of security arrangements across Niger, Kwara and adjoining border communities, particularly those around the Kainji Lake National Park and the extensive forest corridors that terrorists have exploited as operational and hostage-holding bases,’ it said.

‘We call for the immediate mobilisation of all available resources to locate and rescue every person still held captive following the August 21 attack.

‘The rescue of these victims must be treated as an urgent national priority.’

The council also urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations.

‘Security agencies must intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations,’ it said.

‘The forests and other difficult terrains being used as sanctuaries by terrorists must no longer be treated as inaccessible spaces.’

The NSCIA further urged the Federal Government to ensure that security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities were adequately equipped and supported with the resources needed to protect civilians.

It called on state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and protect residents who provide actionable intelligence.

The council also advocated the proper regulation and integration of community vigilante structures operating within the law into broader early-warning and community-protection mechanisms.

Furthermore, it called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring coordinated intervention.

Condoling the families of those killed and praying for the injured, the NSCIA expressed solidarity with families whose relatives remain in captivity.

‘We also stand in solidarity with the families whose loved ones remain in captivity and urge them not to lose hope,’ it said.

‘Nigerians have every right to demand security, justice and accountability from those entrusted with protecting them.’

The council also urged Muslims in Niger State and across the country to remain steadfast in their faith.

‘Let us be resolute and not be subdued by terror,’ it stated.

Tertiary Education: UNN Audits Reveal 33.6% Dropout Rate Driven by Tuition Deficits

Recent institutional audits from higher education research units at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have highlighted a major structural barrier affecting undergraduate retention across Nigerian public universities.

Verified data indicates that 33.6 percent of recorded student withdrawals and course deferrals are caused strictly by temporary financial constraints and unpaid statutory fee balances.

The findings reveal that the average financial shortfall forcing indigent scholars out of lecture halls is approximately ?55,000 per academic session.

The scale of campus financial pressure is further demonstrated by institutional records from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) unit at the institution.

Application figures expanded by 144.9 percent in a single academic cycle, climbing from 2,924 registered applicants in the 2024/2025 academic session to 7,162 applicants in the 2025/2026 session, accounting for over ?792.3 Million in verified student credit demand.

In response to the growing rate of financial attrition, non-profit institutions and civil education advocates have begun deploying direct-to-institution settlement frameworks.

The initiative, tagged The Tuition Project and initiated by the Talent Innovation for Development and Education (TIDE) Foundation, operates in administrative alignment with university authorities to facilitate transparent fee clearances.

Speaking on the research outcomes, Great Igbokwe, Executive Director of the foundation and an alumnus of the institution, noted that the core challenge facing tertiary education access is the absence of verifiable, direct settlement systems linking civic interventions straight to institutional revenue accounts without exposing indigent students to social stigma.

The intervention utilizes programmatic direct-to-bursary clearing loops, ensuring financial contributions settle directly with university bursary accounts against matched statutory registrar invoices to eliminate administrative delays and maintain verified academic enrollment.

Enitan assumes duty as Walson-Jack urges civil servants to sustain reforms

The newly appointed Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, has assumed duty following his swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday.

Enitan replaces Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, who formally handed over the leadership of the Federal Civil Service to him following her retirement from service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

A statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Eno Olotu, said the handover, which took place in Abuja, marked a new chapter in the leadership of the Federal Civil Service.

The statement disclosed that Enitan’s appointment as HCSF, effective from 27 August 2026, was announced by the Presidency on 19 August 2026.

The outgoing HCSF expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege and opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level of the Federal Civil Service.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mrs Walson-Jack expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Office for their support, encouragement, patience and commitment throughout her tenure.

She also appreciated the Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Agencies and the entire body of Federal Civil Servants for their support and partnership throughout her tenure.

Reflecting on her two years in office, she described the period as a journey marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges, noting that the collective efforts of the various teams, coupled with God’s grace, enabled the Office to navigate the challenges and make significant progress in advancing the reform agenda of the Federal Civil Service.

Mrs Walson-Jack emphasised that the transformation of the Civil Service was never about individuals, but about Nigeria and the collective responsibility to provide citizens with quality public services delivered by competent, professional and committed public servants.

In his response, the new HCSF, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and acknowledged the enormous responsibility entrusted to him.

He commended Mrs Walson-Jack for her contributions to the transformation of the Federal Civil Service, describing her tenure as one that advanced important reforms and laid a strong foundation for continued progress.

Mr Enitan pledged to approach the assignment with humility, dedication and a deep sense of duty, assuring that he would build on the reforms already established while further strengthening the EPIC Culture of Efficiency, Productivity, Incorruptibility and Citizen-Centredness across the Service.

He called for the continued commitment and cooperation of Permanent Secretaries, Directors and the entire workforce, stressing that the success of the Civil Service depended on collective ownership of its mandate and a shared determination to deliver better outcomes for Nigerians.

Mr Enitan also expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief for the opportunity to steer the Federal Civil Service, pledging to contribute to improved efficiency, professionalism and service delivery.

FCMB backs summit for 1000 young Nigerians

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has supported and participated in the 2026 Peak Performer Emerging Leaders’ Summit, which brought together 1,000 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for practical sessions on employment, entrepreneurship, financial management and leadership.

Convened by Dr Abiola Salami and organised by The Peak Performer Africa, the summit was held on August 19 at Solution Arena, Lagos, under the theme, ‘I Move with G.R.I.T. – From Potential to Performance.’

The programme focused on equipping young graduates with workplace competence, financial discipline, digital skills, adaptability and execution capabilities needed to translate academic potential into career and personal progress.

Participants explored five pathways: Get Hired, Get Digital, Get Financially Strong, Build Something and Create Impact. The sessions addressed workplace expectations, artificial intelligence, personal finance, entrepreneurship, responsible leadership and community development.

Dr Abiola Salami, Founder of The Peak Performer Africa and convener of the summit, said the initiative was designed to help young people turn potential into measurable results.

‘Potential is a starting point, not an outcome. Young people need the mindset, capability, and discipline to take deliberate action and produce evidence of progress,’ he said.

Representing FCMB, Olajire Awofisibe, Group Head of Retail Asset Products, participated in a panel discussion on the skills and qualities young people need to enter the workplace, distinguish themselves and advance their careers.

He also served as a faculty member in the ‘Get Financially Strong’ laboratory, where participants examined budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, credit management and financial decisions associated with earning a first salary.

Awofisibe urged young people to develop sound financial habits early, stressing that earning an income alone does not guarantee financial security.

‘Responsible borrowing can help people pursue useful goals, but credit becomes a burden when it finances consumption without a clear repayment plan,’ he said.

The summit also featured practical learning sessions, panel discussions, music, comedy and interactive activities. Nigerian Idol winner Victory Gbakara and first runner-up Precious Mac shared experiences on the discipline, preparation and courage required to turn talent into performance.

Following the event, participants commenced a 30-Day MOVE Challenge, working in groups to develop projects under the five pathways. Each group identified beneficiaries and milestones, while participants committed to completing and documenting specific actions within 30 days.

FCMB said its support for the programme reflects its commitment to helping young Nigerians build financial knowledge, workplace competence and entrepreneurial capacity.

The 2026 summit followed the 2025 edition, which attracted more than 500 corps members.

2027: Ekiti PDP denies backing Makinde, disowns APM alliance

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has rejected any alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement for the 2027 general election, distancing itself from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambitions.

The party said it had neither entered into an agreement with the APM nor authorised the mobilisation of its members and grassroots structures in support of Makinde’s presidential bid.

The party’s position came amid moves by some leaders in the state to align PDP structures with the APM ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Ekiti chapter insisting that such an arrangement did not have its backing.

In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, the state PDP chairman, Lanre Omolase, said the party would not support what he described as ‘treachery’, accusing Makinde of repeatedly betraying the PDP.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the Ekiti PDP, under my leadership, hereby distances itself completely from both the Allied Peoples Movement and any purported presidential mobilisation project for Governor Seyi Makinde,’ Omolase said.

He added, ‘Governor Seyi Makinde has never stopped demonstrating treachery, and we in the PDP in Ekiti State will not have anything to do with such a character who is only stable in betrayal.’

The chairman warned individuals and groups against appropriating the name and structure of the Ekiti PDP to pursue political interests, stressing that only recognised organs of the party could authorise alliances or communicate its official position on the 2027 elections.

Omolase urged PDP members and supporters in the state to disregard any purported mobilisation for the Makinde/APM project, insisting that the party remained committed to its established structure and due process.

The party chairman also advised political actors seeking the support of its members to engage the recognised leadership rather than relying on individuals claiming to control the party’s grassroots structures.

Law profession no longer noble, says VDM

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has criticised Nigeria’s legal profession, saying law can no longer be regarded as a noble profession in the country.

VeryDarkMan made the remarks while reacting to criticism over his invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, where he participated in a panel discussion on insecurity and spoke about issues affecting Nigerians.

His appearance at the conference had generated reactions from some members of the legal profession, with some questioning the decision to invite the social media activist to the gathering.

However, reacting to the criticism in a video shared on his social media page on Friday, VeryDarkMan said his participation was aimed at providing a platform for Nigerians whose concerns, he claimed, were often not adequately heard.

He questioned why his presence at the conference had become a subject of controversy, particularly given that the event was attended by members of the legal profession.

‘Because a son of nobody was seen in your midst,’ he added.

VeryDarkMan subsequently turned his criticism to the legal profession, rejecting the description of law as a noble profession in Nigeria.

‘This bunch of clowns are telling me that law is a noble profession,’ he said.

He continued, ‘Well, lately, law has not been a noble profession. I’m sorry to say. I’m not even sorry to say. It is what it is.’

The activist argued that a significant number of lawyers were either not practising or faced difficulties securing employment, describing law as one of the professions with poor economic prospects in the country.

‘But even you, some of you who are not even practising. Mind you, law is one of the most broke professions we have in the country,’ he said.

‘Because we never talk about it. Law is one of the most broke professions. One of the poorest professions in this country is law.’

He also questioned the number of trained lawyers who have secured employment and how many are actively engaged in legal practice.

‘How many lawyers are there? How many lawyers have jobs? How many lawyers actually go to court? Ask yourself that,’ VeryDarkMan said.

He further questioned the growing number of law graduates entering the profession annually, arguing that the available opportunities did not appear to correspond with the number of people being trained.

‘And every year, they say they have people graduating from law school. Four thousand have graduated from law school, only to end up selling bedsheets,’ he added.

The comments came amid reactions to VeryDarkMan’s participation in the NBA conference, where he was invited to contribute to discussions on insecurity and broader challenges confronting Nigerians.

While his appearance drew criticism from some members of the legal profession, VeryDarkMan maintained that he used the opportunity to speak about the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.