All Posts in "Month: July 2026"

Osun PDP senatorial ticket dispute deepens over factional candidacy

A fresh dispute has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State after a party chieftain, Ibraheem Adekunle, insisted that he remains the party’s validly nominated candidate for the Osun Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election.

The development followed the announcement by the senator representing Osun Central, Olubiyi Fadeyi, that he had returned to the PDP and had emerged as the party’s candidate for the senatorial district in the forthcoming general election.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Friday, Adekunle dismissed the claim and warned against any attempt to substitute his name as the party’s candidate, maintaining that he secured the ticket through a duly conducted PDP primary election.

He stated that he would seek judicial redress if any individual or group attempted to alter his nomination, insisting that the party’s nomination process had already been concluded in accordance with the law.

Adekunle questioned the circumstances surrounding Fadeyi’s alleged return to the PDP, referring to reports that the senator obtained a waiver from the party on May 8 2026 before allegedly participating in the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primary on May 18, 2026.

According to him, “It has been claimed that Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi obtained a waiver from the Peoples Democratic Party on 8 May 2026. However, available records indicate that he subsequently participated in the APC senatorial primary election held on 18 May 2026 for the same office.

“This raises a fundamental question: if he had already become a PDP member through the alleged waiver on 8 May, under what legal or constitutional basis did he purchase APC nomination forms, submit APC nomination documents, undergo APC screening, campaign as an APC aspirant, and eventually participate in the APC primary election ten days later? Political party membership cannot exist in two parties at the same time.”

Adekunle maintained that by the time Fadeyi contested the APC primary election, the PDP had completed its nomination process for the Osun Central Senatorial District and had forwarded his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

He declared, “My name was duly submitted by the PDP to the Independent National Electoral Commission after the primary election and was subsequently uploaded on the Commission’s nomination portal in accordance with the law. I therefore remain the authentic and validly nominated PDP candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District.”

Expressing confidence in the PDP leadership, Adekunle said he trusted the National Working Committee to uphold due process and protect the outcome of the party’s primary election.

“I have absolute confidence in the National Working Committee of our great party and in the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike. I believe they will uphold the rule of law, respect due process and protect the sanctity of the party’s primary election,” he said.

He warned that he would challenge through lawful means any effort to replace his name as the PDP’s candidate, stating, “I will vigorously defend my mandate and challenge, through every lawful means available, any attempt to unlawfully replace my name with that of any person who did not emerge from the PDP primary election.”

admin by — July 25, 2026 in News 0
Nigeria police boosts capacity to counter weapons of mass destruction

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s ability to prevent, detect, respond to, and investigate Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, CBRN, and explosive threats.

This reaffirmation followed the hosting of the Final Phase of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, C-WMD, Curriculum Development Workshop for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, EOD-CBRN, Command.

The workshop was organized by the Commissioner of Police, EOD-CBRN Command, CP Hauwa Ibrahim, in partnership with the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency, DTRA, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.

The DTRA delegation was headed by Major Brittany Brown, while Mrs. Pamela West led the ONSA delegation.

The program represented the conclusion of a series of Train-the-Trainers workshops designed to institutionalize the National Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Curriculum across involved security agencies and to bolster Nigeria’s readiness against emerging CBRN and explosive threats.

In his opening remarks on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, DIG Umar Shehu Nadada, characterized the initiative as a strategic investment in the operational preparedness of the Nigeria Police Force.

He emphasized that the evolving nature of Weapons of Mass Destruction threats necessitates that law enforcement agencies remain proactive, well-trained, and operationally equipped, while also highlighting the significance of ongoing inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships in ensuring national security.

DIG Nadada expressed the Inspector-General of Police’s gratitude to the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, facilitators, and all partner agencies for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force.

He emphasized that the ongoing support, technical expertise, and knowledge transfer from the partners have greatly improved the Force’s ability to safeguard lives, protect vital national infrastructure, and respond adeptly to changing security threats.

The Deputy Inspector-General further urged participants to engage in the workshop with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, highlighting that the knowledge and skills gained should be effectively disseminated within the Force to ensure that the National C-WMD Curriculum becomes a lasting element of the training framework for EOD-CBRN personnel, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness throughout the Nigeria Police Force.

EOD-CBRN Command reiterated its dedication to incorporating the curriculum into the Nigeria Police Force training system to guarantee that officers develop the necessary competencies to effectively tackle emerging CBRN and Weapons of Mass Destruction threats.

The Command also conveyed optimism regarding the ongoing support from its strategic partners, particularly in the realms of specialized equipment, technical assistance, and advanced capacity building, to further enhance the operational capabilities of the EOD-CBRN Command in addressing modern security challenges.

admin by — July 25, 2026 in News 0
Lagos seals over 20 Ikeja properties for planning violations

Lagos State Government has sealed more than 20 properties in Ikeja Local Government Area for allegedly breaching the state’s physical planning regulations.

The enforcement operation, carried out by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal developments and ensure adherence to approved planning standards.

The affected structures include vacant plots, unfinished buildings, and properties with unauthorised structural extensions, according to a statement posted by the state government on its official Facebook page on Friday.

The exercise was led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Wasiu, alongside the General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, and other senior officials of the agency.

The government said the operation aligns with its broader campaign to regulate physical development and safeguard land designated for public infrastructure across the state.

It also highlighted the ongoing statewide documentation exercise under the Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project, SCRAMP, which seeks to identify and document informal public spaces while addressing their illegal occupation, unauthorised conversion and misuse. According to the government, such activities undermine approved development plans and the overall urban landscape.

Speaking during the enforcement exercise, Wasiu said the operation was intended to prevent building collapses, encourage orderly urban development and ensure compliance with the Lagos State Physical Planning Law.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through strict enforcement of planning regulations aimed at creating a safe, sustainable and resilient built environment.

Wasiu disclosed that contravention notices had earlier been issued to the affected property owners, informing them of the measures required to regularise their developments before enforcement commenced.

He advised developers and property owners to obtain the necessary planning permits and statutory approvals before embarking on any construction project or structural modification.

The permanent secretary added that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through LASPPPA, would continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities across Lagos to curb illegal developments.

He also assured residents who comply with the law that the authority would remain committed to enforcing planning regulations in order to maintain an organised, aesthetically pleasing and legally compliant physical environment throughout the state.

admin by — July 25, 2026 in News 0
Our lives matter: NANS decries Osun political crisis, calls for campus shutdown

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Southwest Zone D, has called for the temporary closure of tertiary institutions across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The association cited growing security concerns.

It also gave the Osun State Government, security agencies and heads of tertiary institutions a seven-day ultimatum to engage with student leaders on measures to protect students during the election period.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Friday, the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah, said the position was reached in collaboration with recognised student leadership structures across the state.

“We reached this decision after receiving reports from Students’ Union Governments, campus leaders and other stakeholders about rising political tension in communities where many students live,” he said.

Josiah said the association’s main concern was that students are innocent members of society and should not become victims of political violence simply because they are pursuing their education in Osun State.

He stressed that the association’s recommendation was not politically motivated or intended to interfere with the powers of government or school authorities.

Josiah argued that while academic activities could be adjusted, the lives of students could not be replaced.

He said academic calendars could be adjusted, lectures rescheduled and examinations postponed, but stressed that no academic activity was more important than the life of a student. He added that it was better to take preventive measures now than to mourn avoidable deaths later.

“We believe dialogue is the most responsible way to address this issue, but it must lead to concrete action that guarantees the safety of students,” he said.

The student leader warned that if the association does not receive a satisfactory response within seven days, it will begin lawful and peaceful actions in consultation with student leaders across the state.

“Should there be no meaningful engagement or satisfactory response within this period, NANS Southwest Zone D, in consultation with recognised student leadership across Osun State, shall announce and commence lawful, peaceful and democratic actions considered necessary to protect the lives, welfare and constitutional rights of Nigerian students,” Josiah said.

admin by — July 25, 2026 in News 0
Etihad Airways returns as Keyamo pushes expanded connectivity

Etihad Airways has officially announced plans to resume flight operations to Nigeria. The announcement came during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Abu Dhabi-based carrier to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, who said the airline’s planned return forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen international connectivity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key aviation hub in West Africa.

The move is expected to offer Nigerian travellers more direct options to the United Arab Emirates and wider global destinations.

Leading the Etihad delegation was the airline’s Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt Khalid Al Ali. He was accompanied by Senior Vice President, Network, Alliance and Commercial Strategy, Jurriaan Stelder; Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, Asma Al Mheiri; and Diplomatic Affairs Manager, Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi

The Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Umar Farouk; and other senior government officials.

Speaking during the meeting, Capt Al Ali formally conveyed the airline’s decision to return to Nigeria, describing the move as one that had been eagerly anticipated by the carrier. He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed Etihad’s commitment to re-establishing operations in the country.

“Your Excellency, thank you very much for receiving us. We’ve been very eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria. That’s why we’re here to inform you officially now that we are ready to fly to Nigeria. There’s also a lot of push from our Ambassador to commence flights to Abuja. Our plan is to start Lagos between March 24 and 27, 2027,” Al Ali said.

He revealed that Etihad Airways had already concluded a landmark codeshare agreement with Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, describing the partnership as a strategic step that would enhance passenger connectivity across Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, the airline intends to deploy its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Nigeria route, operating daily services to meet expected passenger demand.

Responding, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s decision, describing it as another endorsement of Nigeria’s improving aviation environment. He praised Etihad’s newly signed partnership with Air Peace, saying it reflected growing confidence in indigenous Nigerian airlines.

“I saw you just signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That’s very good. Air Peace is one of our trusted and most reliable airlines. We are supporting them to grow. It is a very proud Nigerian flag carrier,” the minister said.

He added that the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for both local and international airlines.

Keyamo said he had looked forward to Etihad’s return for some time, noting that the development aligned with the Federal Government’s reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for global aviation investors. He maintained that restoring confidence among international airlines remained central to the administration’s aviation agenda.

While acknowledging the ongoing renovation and expansion works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the minister appealed to Etihad Airways to extend its planned operations beyond Lagos by introducing flights to Abuja, arguing that the nation’s capital presents a huge untapped market.

“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja. I want to beg you to consider Abuja. So many passengers from Northern Nigeria travelling to the UAE or transiting to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and other destinations currently have to travel all the way to Lagos to board flights. Everyone has been asking for Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic. So, we are begging you to include Abuja,” Keyamo appealed.

Demonstrating the Federal Government’s determination to ensure a seamless return for the airline, the minister directed the Managing Director of FAAN to immediately facilitate all necessary arrangements for Etihad’s operations at the Lagos airport.

He stressed that every relevant agency must work together to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks before the airline’s planned commencement date.

Responding to the directive, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, assured the delegation that the authority would make adequate operational arrangements for Etihad despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades. She acknowledged that space at the temporary terminal remained limited but pledged that every possible effort would be made to accommodate the airline until the airport expansion project is completed.

To accelerate preparations, the minister approved the immediate establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, its agencies and Etihad Airways.

Both parties agreed to begin technical engagements through a virtual meeting as early as next week to fast-track regulatory approvals, operational planning and other logistical requirements.

admin by — July 25, 2026 in Business 0
Dangote plans fuel storage terminal in Cameroon

Dangote refineryThe Dangote Group has proposed the construction of a petroleum products storage terminal in Cameroon as it seeks to strengthen the regional distribution network of its 650,000-barrel-per-day Lekki refinery and expand its footprint in Central Africa.

The proposal was presented to Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, on Tuesday by the Group’s Vice President for Oil, Gas and Fertiliser, Devakumar Edwin.

According to details of the proposal shared by a local media outlet, Business in Cameroon, seen on Friday, the planned facility would help build Cameroon’s strategic petroleum reserves, improve fuel supply security and potentially include a pipeline network for transporting refined products, reducing logistics costs and the environmental impact associated with road haulage.

The project, however, remains at the discussion stage, with no agreement announced after the meeting. The Dangote Group has yet to disclose the proposed location of the terminal, its storage capacity, investment value or implementation timeline.

It has also not stated whether the facility would be wholly owned, developed in partnership with the Cameroonian government or executed under a public-private partnership arrangement.

If realised, the project would provide a major export outlet for petroleum products from the Dangote refinery in Lekki, Lagos, which was built to meet domestic demand while supplying regional markets across Africa.

According to reports, the proposed terminal would also position the company to serve not only the Cameroonian market but also landlocked Central African countries, including Chad and the Central African Republic, which rely heavily on Cameroonian ports for fuel imports.

By positioning petroleum inventories closer to end-users, the company is expected to reduce delivery times, lower distribution costs and improve the efficiency of fuel supply across the region.

For Cameroon, the investment could strengthen fuel supply security and diversify petroleum product sources, provided the project aligns with the country’s pricing framework, taxation policies and strategic reserve requirements.

It was learnt that the proposal comes as Cameroon intensifies efforts to expand its petroleum storage capacity through major infrastructure projects in the port city of Kribi.

The country’s National Petroleum Storage Company is currently developing a petroleum terminal with a planned storage capacity of 230,000 cubic metres for refined products, including petrol, diesel and kerosene, alongside facilities capable of storing 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas.

The project is expected to almost double Cameroon’s existing liquid fuel storage capacity of about 245,500 cubic metres. A second terminal is also being developed by CSTAR Tank Farm Project Management, a consortium owned by Ariana Energy, Tradex and Cameroon’s National Hydrocarbons Corporation.

The CSTAR project is expected to provide between 250,000 and 300,000 cubic metres of storage for diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene and heavy fuel oil at an estimated cost of CFA168bn.

Combined, the two projects are projected to add at least 480,000 cubic metres of liquid fuel storage capacity to the country’s downstream petroleum sector.

It was said that Dangote’s proposed facility could either complement the government’s ongoing investments or compete with them for access to port infrastructure, financing, pipeline networks and petroleum product volumes.

Cameroon’s petroleum storage business is currently dominated by the National Petroleum Storage Company, which manages the country’s fuel storage facilities, nationwide distribution network and strategic petroleum reserves.

If approved, the Dangote project would mark the group’s entry into Cameroon’s downstream petroleum sector, adding to its existing presence in the country through its cement manufacturing operations in Douala.

The proposal is the latest indication of the group’s ambition to establish a broader regional fuel distribution network anchored on its Lekki refinery, which has increasingly expanded exports to African and international markets.

admin by — July 25, 2026 in Business 0
Private sector credit climbs to N83.3tn amid lending growth

Credit to Nigeria’s private sector increased to N83.3tn in June 2026, representing a 2.8 per cent month-on-month rise from N81tn in May, according to the latest Money and Credit Statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The apex bank’s data also showed that credit to the government declined 0.99 per cent to N40tn in June from N40.4tn in May.

As a result, net domestic credit rose 1.5 per cent to N123.3tn in June, compared with N121.42tn recorded in the previous month.

The increase in private sector lending suggests that banks continued to extend more credit to businesses and households despite the CBN’s high-interest rate environment. If sustained, stronger credit growth could support business expansion, investment and economic activity, analysts say. However, it also raises the possibility of higher inflationary pressures if credit growth exceeds the economy’s productive capacity.

The figures indicate that demand for financing remains strong even as the CBN maintains a tight monetary policy stance aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising prices.

admin by — July 25, 2026 in Business 0
State Police: Kwankwaso foresees danger ahead 2027 polls

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso says there are dangers associated with the proposed creation of state police.

Speaking with News Central TV on Thursday night, the national leader of the Kwankwassiyya Movement said governors will use the local police for their political gains.

According to him, the state police would not have been needed if not for the leadership failure in the Northern part of the country.

He said, “There is a huge leadership failure in Northern Nigeria. State police is as a result of that failure.

“There are so many dangers associated with state police. The governors would want to use them for political protection.

“The government must not allow the circulation of small arms just like that”.

admin by — July 24, 2026 in News 0
Katsina Reps member, Ahmed Doro defects from APC to PDP

The member representing Bindawa/Mani Federal Constituency of Katsina State in the House of Representatives, Ahmed Yusuf Doro, has defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The defection was announced during Thursday’s plenary after the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read Doro’s letter notifying the House of his decision.

In the letter, dated July 18, 2026, the lawmaker said his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents and careful consideration of what he described as the best path to strengthen service delivery and representation.

According to him, the move would enable him to better represent the interests of the people of Bindawa/Mani Federal Constituency while remaining committed to his legislative responsibilities in the 10th House of Representatives.

Doro also expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the APC for their support during his time in the party.

He reaffirmed his commitment to providing effective representation and pursuing sustainable development for his constituency under his new political platform.

The lawmaker’s defection takes effect from July 18, 2026, in accordance with the notification submitted to the Speaker.

admin by — July 24, 2026 in News 0
‘History beckons’ – Kanu reacts as US congressman moves for IPOB leader’s release

Kingsley Kanunta Kanu, the younger brother of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has welcomed a move by a United States Congressman, John James demanding the immediate release of the secessionist.

A viral video captured the moment John James moved a motion on the floor of the US Congress for the immediate release of the IPOB leader.

The lawmaker begged his colleagues to “support my bill for the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally”.

Reacting, Kanunta Kanu in a post on his official X handle, hailed the move, liking the IPOB leader to late activist and former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

He wrote, “Only two personalities in recorded human history have ever been mentioned or debated on the floor of the great US Congress.

“And they are Nelson Mandela & today Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Leader of IPOB. History beckons!!!

“Sincere thanks to US Congressman John James @RepJames for boldly speaking out, exposing this injustice, and demanding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release”.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment after he was convicted on terrorism related charges on November 20, 2025.

admin by — July 24, 2026 in News 0