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AS preparations begin for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ mobilisation, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has restated its zero tolerance for any act of fraud in the mobilisation of graduates for national service.

Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who sounded the note of warning in Abuja, urged stakeholders not to allow the mobilisation process to suffer disrepute.

He noted that over the years, the NYSC has earned public confidence for its transparent mobilisation process and would continue to sustain the credibility of the exercise by ensuring that the integrity of the human, technological, and material resources deployed for the activity remains solid.

General Nafiu said the theme of the workshop, ‘Enhancing Data Integrity for Credible Mobilisation for National Service in Contemporary Times,’ was apt, considering the proliferation of unauthorized higher institutions in recent times.

He further stated that data manipulation and identity theft, inconsistent data from Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs), weak inter-agency data linkages, cybersecurity breaches, and low data management capacity are among the challenges militating against a credible mobilisation process.

He added that the activities of such unapproved study centres remain a major concern, as some of them operate under dubious affiliations with accredited institutions.

‘NYSC will continue to apply sanctions wherever such unethical practices are discovered.

We must be conscious of the fact that the strength of our mobilisation system depends not only on technology but also on the ethics, discipline, and professionalism of those who handle the technology.

Let us continue to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for compromise. Every Nigerian graduate who wears the NYSC uniform must be genuinely qualified and properly verified,’ he said.

The Director, Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor, in her address, said the workshop serves as a critical platform for collaboration among the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions, and other stakeholders.

She enjoined participants to use the deliberations at the workshop and their individual roles to align with national policies and international best practices.

‘I therefore urge all participants to approach their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that the information being uploaded is accurate and reflects the true profile of Prospective Corps Members.

Let us work together as a cohesive team, drawing inspiration from our past successes and embracing the challenges that lie ahead,’ she added.

She urged Student Affairs Officers to always obtain their data from JAMB and not from students or other unreliable sources.

Similarly, in his contribution, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), Mr Olatunji Ariyomo, said the agency would engage all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate as directed by the Federal Government.

The Delta state police command has recovered the sum of N4.1 million paid as ransom from a gang of kidnappers operating between the state and neighbouring Anambra.

The command also rescued 5 kidnapped victims, arrested 77 suspects, recovered 13 firearms, 591 ammunition and cartridges and 3 vehicles in October 2025.

Announcing this while reviewing the achievements of the command for the month under review in Asaba on Wednesday, the state commissioner of police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, explained how the N4.1 million ransom was recovered from the suspected kidnappers in Anambra state.

The police boss said following the kidnap of two persons in Oduke, Asaba, on October 3, 2025, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime trailed one 60-year-old Ndianefo Cypre to Isieke village at Ihiala local government area of Anambra State, whose bank account details were used to collect the ransom.

According to him, another suspect, 49-year-old Onwe Sunday, was also arrested at Ihiala in possession of N1, 500, 000 which was part of the ransom.

‘Following confessions of the two suspects, another suspect, Uzoma Ifeanyi Chukwu, was arrested at Nnewi, Anambra state and part of the ransom of N2,600,000 was recovered from him,’ Abaniwonda said.

The commissioner also narrated how three male victims were rescued from Jeddo community in the Ekpan division and have reunited with their families, while seven suspects have been taken into custody.

‘On 30th October 2025 at about 1140hrs, the DPO Ekpan Division received a distress report of a suspected kidnapping incident at Ubeji Community.

‘Acting on the report, the DPO deployed a team of detectives and patrol operatives to the scene.

‘On sighting the approaching police teams, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry house within the same community.

‘The Police cordoned the area, leading to the arrest of the following suspects: Felix Omone ‘m’, aged 33 years, Solomon Omone ‘m’, aged 29, Tony Eboye ‘m’, 34, Omone David (m, 32), Jerry Omone (m, 33), Godspower Omone (m, 25), Edewho Bomele (m, 33),’ he said.

He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices in the crime and recover any weapons or equipment used in the operation.

Similarly, a housewife abducted when armed men broke into her family apartment regained freedom as operatives from Ovian Aladja Police station trailed the kidnappers.

‘On 12/10/2025 at about 1400 hrs, the DPO Ovian Aladja Police station received a distress call from a man (name withheld ) that on the same date at about 0200hrs, while they were sleeping, armed men broke into his apartment, attacked, robbed and kidnapped his wife.

‘The DPO mobilised and led operatives of the division on the trail of the kidnappers.

‘Following unrelenting effort from the DPO and his men, the Kidnappers were forced to abandon the victim and escape.

‘The victim was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, while the manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

‘Also, a woman who was whisked away into the bush at Obinonba in Ukwuani council area on November 1 when armed men stopped the motorcycle conveying her has been rescued and reunited with her family.

‘Acting swiftly on the report, DPO Obiaruku Division led a team of police operatives in collaboration with the local community Vigilante group on 2nd November 2025 at about 0520hrs, trailed the kidnappers into a thick forest at Obinomba community.

‘On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, which the team responded to decisively, leading to a fierce gun duel during which one of the suspects was fatally wounded.

‘The victim was successfully rescued unhurt, while one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

‘The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, but was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the police have raided a hideout in Effurun GRA in Uwvie council area of the state, arresting one 33-year-old Igwe Samson and 39-year-old Abalum Sunday, both of Ovie Palace road off Effurun Road, Warri.

Cp Abaniwonda. disclosed that ‘upon search of his sienna vehicle 450 bottles of CSP codeine, 188 bottles of bargadine, 208 sachets of tramadol 100mg, 300 sachets of swinol,100 sachets of tramadol 500mg, 50 sachets of rophynol, a big of weed suspected to be cannabis were recovered.’

He urged the people of the state to report any suspicious persons or movements within the environment to the police for action.

THE Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Sarat Braimah, has called on the Federal Government and private sector investors to significantly scale up investments in Nigeria’s inland waterways, stressing that such action is crucial to unlocking the nation’s blue economy potential and transforming the lives of millions in coastal communities.

Speaking recently at the third EHINGBETI Blue Economy Hub, Braimah stressed that waterways remain central to the economic and social livelihood of communities surrounded by water.

She noted that despite the enormous potential, Nigeria still lags behind global peers in harnessing its inland water resources for transport, trade, and local development.

‘Inland waterways form the majority of what people do directly with the communities that are surrounded by water. There are a lot of potentials in inland waterways, and that is why the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a special ministry known as the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry,’ she said.

Nigeria, according to Braimah, boasts 28 littoral states interconnected by navigable waters, with five West African countries accessible via its inland waterways.

This geographical advantage, she said, presents a huge opportunity for inter-regional trade and sustainable transport – if backed by the right level of investment.

Comparing Nigeria’s slow progress with China’s rapid development, Braimah cited the Asian giant’s commitment to inland waterways investment as a model worth emulating.

While commending the Tinubu administration for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Braimah emphasized that institutional frameworks alone are not enough.

‘Beyond policies and seminars, we have to make the commensurate investment,’ she insisted.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness, professionalism, and safety across all Nigerian Air Force (NAF) formations nationwide.

Air Marshal Aneke stated this on Thursday while speaking during his maiden strategic meeting with Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding, held at the Blue Room, NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

The meeting, which brought together the top echelon of the Service, was convened to deliberate on key operational and administrative issues, assess current challenges, and develop pragmatic, result-oriented strategies to strengthen air power delivery in support of national security objectives.

The CAS described the session as a critical platform to ‘refocus, realign, and reposition the Nigerian Air Force for greater impact.’

He noted that the Service stands at a defining moment where its operational actions have direct implications for the security and stability of the nation.

According to him, ‘The aspirations of millions of Nigerians rest, in part, on how effectively we carry out our duties. Mr President has given clear and express directives, and those directives will be implemented to the letter. There will be no ambiguity in our posture. The time for action is now, and we will deliver.’

The CAS, who emphasised that his administration would be anchored on professionalism, discipline, and clarity of purpose, explained that every policy and resource allocation would revolve around two central pillars – operations and safety – supported by robust logistics, cutting-edge technology, and efficient administration.

According to him, ‘This is about putting square pegs in square holes. The Nigerian Air Force needs leaders who can deliver, and I believe we have assembled the right team to take us to the next level.’

During the meeting, participants engaged in frank, constructive, and solution-driven deliberations aimed at refining NAF’s strategic direction and operational posture.

Air Marshal Aneke encouraged open and candid discussions, adopting the Chatham House Rule to promote free expression of ideas.

According to him, ‘Everyone will be heard, and every contribution geared towards achieving practical outcomes. We have developed actionable frameworks that will translate into measurable results in the field, ensuring that every operation contributes directly to mission success.’

He further reassured Nigerians of the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to working closely with sister services and other security agencies to eliminate terrorism and other threats to national peace.

He stressed that the NAF would continue to strengthen civil-military relations through community engagement and people-focused operations.

According to him, ‘Protecting civilian lives and preventing collateral damage will remain a defining hallmark of our professionalism.’

The CAS expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his confidence and leadership and assured that the NAF would remain steadfast in realising the President’s vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

The Lagos State Government on Thursday slammed members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for disregarding the electronic call-up online booking system along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Speaking during a meeting held in Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Olawale Musa, said that the petroleum tanker drivers’ disregard for the online booking system of the electronic call-up scheme has resulted in trucks parking indiscriminately on the roads, thereby clogging the Lekki-Epe corridor and compromising the efficiency of the entire system.

‘NUPENG’s disregard for the online booking system has led to cash collections and trucks parking willy-nilly on the roads. This chaos is not only clogging the Lekki-Epe corridor but also compromising the efficiency of the entire system,’ Mr Osiyemi stated.

Reiterating the process of the e-call-up system, the Transportation Commissioner explained that trucks are required to undergo validation and clearance before entering designated parks – a simple process NUPENG appears to be sidestepping.

The Commissioner gave NUPENG a strict deadline of Monday, 10 November 2025, to comply with the e-call-up guidelines or face enforcement measures.

NUPENG officials, in their response, promised to engage their members to ensure compliance with the directive and address other issues raised.

Also in attendance at the meeting were officials of the e-call-up system and management staff of the Ministry of Transportation.

Nigeria’s longest reigning monarch, the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, has dismissed claims that the community’s Ake festival has its roots in idol worship.

Addressing journalists in his palace as part of the week-long event marking the ‘Òdùn Àkè’ 2025, Oba Aladesuru said the festival contrary is the celebration of the unique history, culture and heroes who founded the ancient town.

According to him, the founding fathers of the town were sixteen, lived and governed the surroundings from Ake hills but noted that disagreement on who should be the leader led to the brothers each turning to notable dieties such as sacred streams, tress and groves across the town.

He maintained that only the youngest of the children who went hunting when the brothers had a heated disagreement was automatically made the leader by the people who witnessed the event.

According to him, ‘Àkè festival is therefore a celebration of our forefathers legacies, our root and how Ìgèdè came into existence. It is a taboo here to say ‘Ogede’ what we say here is òfò because ogede is the sacred words used during the brothers heated arguments and that is what turned to ‘Ìgèdè’ which is the name of our town today.

‘So it has nothing to do with idolatry, in fact everybody will join in celebrating this wonderful festival. So for anybody to say ‘Àkè’ festival is related to the idol is definitely not informed.’

The monarch also read out the various activities outlined for the celebration which includes; cultural display, indoor games and commissioning of projects in the community.

‘On Saturday, there will be a cultural display, fashion parade and fund raising with a thanksgiving service at Christ Apostolic Church Igede- Ekiti on Sunday to close the event.

‘Our town is progressing but i encourage our good sons and daughters abroad to come home and invest here we need their support because this is our home and we need to join hands together to ensure it competes with the modern world, ‘ he concluded.

Earlier, free medical services were offered to the residents of the community by officials of the Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti.

Free consultations, tests and drugs were given free to the beneficiaries. In addition over 500 eye glasses were also distributed freely to elderly men and women.

Oba Aladesuru, who has been on the throne since 1959, is recognised as the longest-reigning traditional monarch in Nigeria and one of Africa’s longest-reigning monarchs.

He ascended the throne at the age of 26 and celebrated his 66th year of his reign in July 2025.

The Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has rejoiced over the confirmation and swearing-in of Dr. Kingsley Udeh as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Udeh’s nomination earlier today, and he was subsequently sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Council by its Chairman, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Ochiliozuo I of Edem Ani in Nsukka Local Government Area, the Council hailed the appointment as a moment of pride for Enugu State and a signal of the Federal Government’s recognition of excellence and merit.

‘We are delighted by the Senate’s confirmation and the President’s swift action in swearing in our son, Dr. Kingsley Udeh. His journey to this national office is a testimony to his tireless service, intellectual distinction, and unblemished character,’ Igwe Asadu said.

The Council commended President Tinubu for entrusting such an important responsibility to Dr. Udeh, affirming that his inclusion in the Federal Executive Council reflects the President’s commitment to bringing capable hands on board.

The statement also paid glowing tribute to the efforts of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose leadership, they noted, has played a crucial role in re-establishing a constructive and strategic connection between Enugu and the federal centre.

‘The strategic rapport Governor Mbah has cultivated with the Federal Government is beginning to bear fruit. This appointment strengthens Enugu’s voice at the national level and continues to spotlight our state as a hub of talent, capacity, and forward-thinking governance,’ the Council observed.

Expressing confidence in Dr. Udeh’s ability to excel in his new role, the Council offered prayers for wisdom, guidance, and success, urging him to remain true to his principles and the values of Enugu people.

Adamawa State government has disclosed that no fewer than 13 people have died as a result of a cholera outbreak in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas of the state.

State Commissioner for Health, Chief Felix Tangwami, confirmed the incident during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Tangwami said the outbreak was traced to contaminated drinking water in the affected areas, noting that 236 people had been infected so far, while 21 others were still receiving treatment.

‘A team of 50 health workers from the State Primary Health Care Development Agency and our case management team are currently on the ground handling the situation,’ Tangwami said.

He added that the state government had launched measures to curb the spread, including public health awareness and water purification efforts.

Tangwami urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for immediate treatment.

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Gombe State Command, CC Samson Kaura, has stressed that, there is need for all hands to be on deck to ensure safety on the roads disclosing that the 2024 Operation Zero, 15 December, 2024 – 15 January 2025, shower that crash statistics reveal that 17 persons were killed; 221 persons were injured out of 46 reported cases of road crashes in Gombe State.

The FRSC Sector Commander was speaking on Thursday, during the 2025 Town Hall meeting and ‘EMBER’ months Road Safety Campaign flag-off, held on Thursday, 6th November 2025 at Mega Park, Gombe.

He said, ‘The records also showed that the major causes of those crashes were driver fatigue, speed and loss of control, use and patronage of illegal parks and non-adherence to safety protocols. Apparently, driver behaviour is a fundamental element in determining safety on our highways.’

Kaura commended the collective effort of FRSC Management, the State and Local Government, community leaders, Sister Agencies and our stakeholders for their continued commitment to road safety in Gombe State.

‘This collaboration has contributed to the remarkable improvement recorded in road crash statistics between January 2024 through the third quarter of 2025,’ he said.

He disclosed the number of crashes: 223 in 2024 compared to 233 in 2025, Number of vehicles involved: 315 in 2024 compared to 319 in 2025, Number of people involved: 1,717 in 2024 compared to 1,536 in 2025, Number injured: 826 in 2024 compared to 870 in 2025, number killed: 90 in 2024 compared to 87 in 20.

Kaura stated that, ‘As we are all aware, the ‘EMBER’ months, which run from September to December of every year, are usually known with a high volume of human and vehicular movements, including several other activities to mark the end of the year.

‘The theme for the ember months 2025 campaign is: ‘Take Responsibility for your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving’. Looking at road use in the world today, it is obvious that infractions like overspeeding, overloading, use of worn-out tyres, and use of a phone while driving have negatively impacted road transportation and road users.

‘This year’s campaign is focused on enlightening the road users through various awareness and patrol operations, which will help curtail and finally put a stop to these infractions stated earlier. Bearing in mind that road traffic crash is no respecter of persons and something which can happen to anyone irrespective of race, age, status, tribe or religion.

‘Another trending cause of deaths in Nigeria is the mixed loading of animals, goods and humans, especially in open vehicles: also scooping of highly inflammable substance (premium motor spirit) from crash scenes involving trailer fuel tankers.

‘These factors have claimed lots of lives and maimed many youths in our communities. To this end, we call on the motorist and youth alike to cut down on such dangerous acts and live a life worthy of emulation.

‘Over the past months, the Command has achieved a milestone in strategic partnership and capacity building. Driving schools were engaged to raise the standard of driver training; fleet operators were also tasked to meet the minimum vehicle safety standards for fleet operations.

‘Mobile courts and stop-over operations were also constituted to address persistent causes of crashes such as overloading and speed violations; and, these have yielded remarkable results.’

He also gave kudos to the Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed for his leadership style and for making plans to overcome the perennial challenges associated with delays in obtaining a driver’s license and number plates.

‘The Corps printing facility has been upgraded to print an average of 15,000 driver’s licenses daily. This production average will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025.

‘Plans are underway for the Corps to begin the contactless biometric capture with on-spot printing of the license, which will eliminate temporary licenses, thereby signalling the beginning of a digitalised one-stop shop for processing driver’s licenses. With this development, it is expected that delays and other challenges related to the national driver’s license will become history.

‘FRSC, being the lead Agency in road traffic management in Nigeria, has taken the lead in ensuring that the campaign is sustained yearly and has also shown the willingness to collaborate with the state government and other stakeholders in the state to ensure the safety of road users during the EMBER month period and after.

‘This is why the command is using this medium to thank and appreciate Gombe State Government, ably led by His Excellency Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration has shown much support in making Gombe roads conducive and safe for road users through emphasis on road infrastructure.’

In his keynote address, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, stated that while the effects of road traffic crashes continue to cause pain and loss in our communities, the FRSC must continually improve its operations to meet emerging challenges.

‘As a matter of urgency, all stakeholders must join hands to support the Corps’ mission of combating road traffic crashes and making our highways safe for all.

Represented by Danladi Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Gombe State, he added that, ‘The Gombe State Government remains firmly committed to road infrastructure development, as is evident across our ongoing and completed roads construction projects. However, it is important to note that roads and related infrastructure alone cannot guarantee safety unless we, as road users, adopt the right attitude.

‘This annual event remains a vital platform to raise awareness among road users, promote attitudinal change and ensure safety, particularly during the ember months and the beginning of the new year, when traffic volume increases and road crashes are more frequent.

‘The willingness to obey traffic rules and the readiness to share the road responsibly with others are two fundamental ingredients for road safety.

‘Furthermore, I urge road users and passengers alike to speak out against reckless driving. Every passenger has the right and indeed the responsibility to raise their voice when their safety is at risk. Safety on our roads is a collective responsibility.

‘To our youths, I must express concern over the increasing misuse of substances and alcohol, which has become a major contributor to preventable road crashes, injuries and deaths. I call on our young people to shun these harmful habits and embrace discipline, responsibility and care for human life.

‘The state government will continue to review existing policies and interventions to identify challenges and improve them where necessary. The well-being and safety of our citizens remain a top priority.

‘While the Gombe State Government will continue to partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps, I also call on members of the public, transport unions, community leaders and other stakeholders in the transportation sector to support the Corps in delivering its noble mandate.’

The governor urged the sector commander, officers and men of the FRSC in Gombe to remain steadfast and committed to the task of ensuring safety on the roads, in line with the Corps’ enabling Act.

‘I want to sincerely commend the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), particularly the Gombe State Sector Command, for their tireless efforts in sustaining this campaign throughout the year. Your continuous commitment to educating and sensitising the people of Gombe State and Nigeria at large, on the dangers of improper road use, cannot be overemphasised.

‘On behalf of the Government and the good people of Gombe State, I have the honour and privilege to declare open this town hall meeting and ember months road safety campaign flag-off, with the theme: ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving’, he added.

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has announced the launch of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating local sugar production and driving Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency.

Speaking on the commencement of the programme, the Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, said the programme is a key component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and has been designed to scale up local sugarcane production, reduce the nation’s reliance on imports, and stimulate inclusive economic growth, particularly within rural communities.

‘The SODP is designed to boost local sugarcane cultivation, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth by integrating outgrower farmers into the industry’s supply chain. This programme will complement the output of existing large-scale sugar estates and help close the national supply gap,’ Mr Bakrin stated.

Mr Bakrin further emphasised that the programme is a pioneering initiative in Nigeria’s sugar sector.

‘For the first time, a structured outgrower development programme will formally integrate farmers at all levels into the national sugar value chain.

‘This campaign is about reaching every stakeholder, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in sugar production.’

The SODP, according to the NSDC boss, will empower participating farmers through guaranteed offtake agreements ensuring market access; access to quality seedcane and inputs; technical support and structured training programmes; and adoption of sustainable land and water use practices.

Speaking on the programme framework of the initiative, the Head of Out-Grower Management at the NSDC, Mrs Lade Offurum, explained that the SODP will engage three key categories of farmers: agribusinesses and commercial farmers cultivating 50-500+ hectares; farming cooperatives, who can apply as organised clusters of between 30 and 50 hectares; and individual farmers or groups of friends willing to jointly farm clusters of 30+ hectares.

She noted that interested participants can reach out to the NSDC through Email: [email protected] or Website: www.nsdc.gov.ng, adding that the application will close on the 21st of November, 2025.

The launch of the SODP reaffirms the NSDC’s continued efforts to deliver on the objectives of the NSMP II, accelerating investments in local production, empowering farmers, and advancing Nigeria’s vision for a globally competitive sugar industry.