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Rivers 2027: ADC panicking over Wike, Fubara reconciliation – Ikenga

The spokesman of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, Chibuike Ikenga, says the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is panicking over the reconciliation between the state governor, Sim Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Ikenga made the claim on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television.

This comes after Wike and his supporters held a four-hour meeting with Governor Fubara in Port Harcourt.

“The ADC is troubled because they do not have the numbers we have. The tantrums from yesterday were triggered by the leader of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike.

“Wike has continued to buil the team in Rivers State and has met with the governor and his team, with our APC candidate also present.

“This has thrown the ADC into disarray because they did not want Wike to reconcile with the governor.

“So, because of that, they have come out to say that they are out to stop a state capture. I can tell you that the state capture was initiated by the boss of the ADC in Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi,” he said.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in News 0

Oyo APC guber candidate, Alli alleges attack on wife, others

The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has raised the alarm over an alleged attack on his wife, Mrs Tawakalitu Alli.

Alli also disclosed that some hoodlums attacked the party’s Oyo South senatorial candidate, Remi Oseni, and its House of Representatives candidate for the Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinlowo.

Alli made the claim in a statement signed by the director of his campaign organisation, Bisi Oladele,

He explained that some hoodlums attacked his wife during a programme at Ibikunle Palace in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He added that some miscreants also attacked Oseni and Olunloyo-Oshinlowo at separate locations in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Reacting, Alli described the attacks as unwarranted and barbaric.

“As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Makinde carries the responsibility to protect all residents, irrespective of their political leanings.

“The SSACO calls on security agencies to fish out these perpetrators of violence and bring them to book in order to serve justice to the victims and also serve as a deterrent to violence in our dear state,” he said.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in News 0

Kebbi govt moves to strengthen security in Sakaba, Zuru Emirate

Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, has promised additional security measures in Sakaba Local Government Area and the Zuru Emirate following recent attacks that forced residents to flee their communities.

The governor gave the assurance during a visit to internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Sakaba, where he said the government would intensify security operations to enable them to return home safely.

Idris disclosed that the state government had ordered additional security equipment, including armoured vehicles, for deployment to areas facing security challenges.

He also said the government was upgrading the Zuru Barracks to accommodate more security personnel and would provide operational vehicles and other equipment to strengthen their capacity.

The governor said his administration would continue to work with the federal and local governments to restore peace and protect lives and property.

“Where the Federal Government’s reach falls short, we will step in on behalf of everyone so that our people can sleep with both eyes closed and farmers can return to their fields without fear,” he said.

Idris also pledged further relief assistance for the displaced residents as security agencies continued efforts to restore normalcy in affected communities.

He urged residents to support security agencies, remain law-abiding and avoid actions or statements that could create fear or undermine security operations. He also appealed to political actors not to politicise the security situation.

The Emir of Zuru, Sanusi Mikailu Sami, and the Chairman of Sakaba Local Government Area, Dauda Muhammad Sakaba, called for collective efforts to restore peace and security in the area.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in News 0

EPL: ‘He can play for any club’ – Man United told to bring back 33-year-old England star

Former Premier League player, Dion Dublin has urged Manchester United to pursue Harry Kane’s return to England, regardless of the financial cost.

Speaking to BetVictor, as reported by Metro UK, the football pundit emphasised that the England captain would provide the Old Trafford club with much-needed stability.

Kane has delivered exceptional performances for Bayern Munich since his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to the German club in 2023.

He has scored 152 goals in 154 appearances for the German side, including six goals in seven appearances during the opening phase of the current season.

The 33-year-old is in the final year of his Bayern contract, with indications suggesting that he intends to extend his deal with the club.

Dion Dublin stated: “Even at 33, 34 or 35, I’d still sign Harry for a year or two because he has an exceptional ability to find advantageous positions.

“When you deliver the ball to him, he requires minimal movement. He demonstrates considerable tactical intelligence. I would sign Harry Kane for Manchester United right now.

“Harry Kane could feature for any Premier League club. Any Premier League club, without exception. Every club in the Premier League would welcome him at present, without question.

“Even if he commits to a new contract there, offer them £70 million or £80 million, or whatever sum they demand, because acquiring goals is essential,” he said.

Manchester United reportedly considered signing Kane in 2023 before ultimately deciding to recruit Rasmus Højlund instead.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in News 0

Customs hands over N223.5m worth of banned chemicals to NAFDAC in Kebbi

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Kebbi State Command, has handed over agricultural chemicals worth N223.54 million to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in Birnin Kebbi.

The Area Controller of Customs, Mahmoud Matawale Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press conference at the command headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.

Ibrahim said the seized products included 500 cartons of Rezim Herbicide, 708 cartons of Gramosun, 1,291 cartons of Sun-Paraquat, 1,990 cartons of Gbeledzo and 1,620 cartons of Gramostrong.

He said the products were intercepted at various locations within the Kebbi Area Command’s jurisdiction.

The command also handed over cannabis sativa valued at N2.52 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

It further transferred 37 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 12 live cartridges for pump-action firearms to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW.

The customs controller said the seizures resulted from the vigilance of officers and men of the command.

He stressed the importance of collaboration among the Customs Service, NAFDAC, NDLEA and NCCSALW in preventing prohibited and controlled substances, illicit drugs and unauthorised firearms and ammunition from entering distribution channels.

Ibrahim urged importers, distributors and users of agricultural chemicals to comply with regulatory requirements and obtain the necessary approvals before importing, distributing or using such products.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in News 0

Nigeria records 263 Lassa fever deaths, 1,115 confirmed cases across 24 states

Nigeria has recorded 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states, with the disease’s case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The figures were contained in the NCDC’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to 20, 2026.

The agency said the fatality rate was higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

However, new infections declined, with 11 confirmed cases reported during the week, compared with 17 cases in the preceding week.

The new cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states, while 24 states had reported infections across 119 local government areas.

The NCDC said five states accounted for the majority of confirmed infections.

“87 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo,” the report stated.

The agency identified people aged between 21 and 30 as the most affected age group.

“The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years,” it said.

The report also indicated that no new healthcare worker was infected during the week under review.

By the end of epidemiological week 37, Nigeria had recorded 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent.

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate.

The NCDC urged healthcare workers and members of the public to maintain preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in News 0

NDIC pays N69.65bn to depositors of failed banks

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has disclosed that it has paid a cumulative N69.65bn to insured depositors of failed financial institutions as part of efforts to protect bank customers and strengthen confidence in the banking system.

The Director of Strategy Development at the NDIC, Mrs Gwa Uduak, disclosed this on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the corporation’s 2026 Customer Service Week commemoration in Abuja.

Uduak said, “Cumulative payments to insured depositors have reached N69.65bn,” adding that the corporation had also made payments to uninsured depositors through its bank liquidation activities.

She explained that the payments reflected the corporation’s commitment to protecting depositors and reducing the financial hardship associated with bank failures. “Behind every payment is a depositor, a family, or a business seeking assurance at a time of financial uncertainty,” she said.

Uduak noted that the NDIC’s responsibilities included deposit guarantees, banking supervision, the resolution of distressed financial institutions, and the liquidation of failed banks.

She explained that the corporation conducted periodic examinations of banks and collaborated with the Central Bank of Nigeria to implement coordinated resolution frameworks aimed at preventing failures and maintaining financial stability.

Further details of the corporation’s payments were contained in a video presentation played during the event. According to the presentation, the NDIC paid N1.48bn to 10,312 insured depositors of 47 failed microfinance banks as of July 31, 2026.

The affected institutions included Abia SME Microfinance Bank, Frontline Microfinance Bank and Goldman Microfinance Bank, among others.

The corporation also disclosed that it paid N1.15bn to 1,082 depositors of Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc and N313.02m to 8,248 depositors of Aso Savings and Loans Plc under its accelerated payment programme in 2026.

The presentation showed that the NDIC leveraged Bank Verification Number validation through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System to identify depositors and obtain alternative bank account details for faster settlement.

It added that insured deposit payments now commence within three days of the revocation of banking licences for newly closed banks.

Speaking at the event, the NDIC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Sunday, said the corporation remained committed to strengthening depositor protection and improving service delivery.

“For close to four decades now, from 1988 to this period, the NDIC has played a role in safeguarding the confidence that underpins the Nigerian financial system,” he said.

Sunday disclosed that the corporation had embarked on an institutional transformation initiative known as NDIC Ascend to improve operational processes, strengthen collaboration and integrate technology into service delivery.

He stressed that the corporation’s effectiveness depended on its ability to respond promptly to the needs of depositors and other stakeholders.

Also speaking, the acting National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mrs Helen Lawal, urged the corporation to prioritise timely complaint resolution and improved customer engagement. “It is important for us not to wait for customers to complain, but for us to anticipate their needs and go about solving them,” she said.

Lawal commended the NDIC for introducing the Service Level Agreement Management System to monitor departmental performance against agreed service delivery standards.

Earlier, the Head of the NDIC SERVICOM Unit, Mrs Chinyere Ogunsakin, said the celebration provided an opportunity to recognise employees and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

She explained that the theme, The Extra Mile, emphasised the importance of consistently exceeding customer expectations.

The video presentation also showed that the NDIC provides supervisory oversight for 37 deposit money banks, 32 primary mortgage banks, 813 microfinance banks, five payment service banks and 30 mobile money operators.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in Business 0

Labour gives FG two weeks to cut petrol prices

The labour centre argued that the government could not continue to demand sacrifices from workers while failing to provide relief from the economic pressures confronting them.

Health sector agreement

The NLC also included the implementation of a previous agreement with health-sector unions among the conditions contained in its ultimatum. It demanded implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals on February 5, 2026.

The union also wants the Federal Government to implement the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council. The NLC did not announce a specific strike date or identify the exact form of industrial action that could follow if the government fails to meet its demands.

Instead, the communiqué states that failure to comply within the two weeks would mean the NLC would be “compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant organs.”

The warning puts the government under pressure to respond to a broad set of labour demands covering fuel prices, wages, taxation and outstanding agreements with public-sector and health-sector workers.

The NLC called on its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and fully prepared to participate in what it described as “decisive efforts” against policies it considers harmful to workers and the wider population.

The labour centre reaffirmed what it described as its historical responsibility to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression, urging Nigerian workers to remain resolute, organised and uncompromising in the pursuit of a fair and equitable Nigeria.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in Business 0

Dangote Cement expands community support in Kogi

Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, has strengthened its support for the Jakura community through scholarship awards and empowerment programmes for farmers and market women.

Speaking at the recent presentation ceremony, Plant Director, Obajana Plant, Azad Nawabuddin, said the scheme was part of the company’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the Community Development Agreement, according to a statement from the firm on Thursday.

Represented by the Head of Social Performance at the Obajana Plant, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, he said the empowerment programme benefited students, farmers and market women.

Nawabuddin said the programme, which focused on students, farmers and market women, underscored DCP’s continued commitment to sustainable community development, poverty reduction and economic empowerment across its host communities.

He said a total of 20 beneficiaries drawn from several tertiary institutions and 60 beneficiaries from secondary schools received educational grants running into millions of naira.

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He disclosed that 20 farmers were provided with essential farming implements and funds, noting that the initiative was designed to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage the adoption of improved farming practices and contribute to greater food security in the community.

Twenty market women were each provided with start-up capital and business support to strengthen their enterprises, promote financial independence and enhance household incomes.

The event attracted several stakeholders, traditional rulers, government representatives and community leaders, including His Royal Highness, Oba Usman Adoga Ajibola, the Obaro of Jakura; Representative of the Olu of Oworo, Chief K.A. Mahmood, the Obalumema of Oworo Land; E.O. Olaitan, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD); Mrs. A.O. Onimode, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources; youth and women groups; and members of the Jakura traditional council, among others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Jakura CDA Committee, Chief Bonibade Ajiboye, appreciated Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, for keeping to its commitments, noting that, aside from the empowerment programme, the electrification project was almost completed.

He commended the Plant for the gesture towards the Jakura community despite the security challenge.

Goodwill messages were brought to the event by members of the Jakura traditional council, Oworo traditional council, and Federal and State representatives, with all commending and joining the Jakura community to express appreciation to Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Usman Adoga Ajibola, the Obaro of Jakura, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for blessing Jakura with abundant mineral resources and commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for choosing to invest in the area.

The royal father also lauded Dangote Cement Plc for its numerous developmental interventions in the community, describing the latest empowerment initiative as another demonstration of the company’s commitment to improving the welfare and livelihoods of its host communities.

He pledged that the community would ensure the sustainability of the projects and see to it that the beneficiaries put their respective benefits to good use.

by admin — October 9, 2026 in Business 0

Issuing Houses Mobilised Record Capital for Nigeria’s Development — NGX Group Chairman

The Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, has commended the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) for its three decades of contribution to Nigeria’s capital market and economic development.

Kwairanga said issuing houses had played a critical role in mobilising substantial funds for the Federal Government, state governments, other sub-national entities and corporate organisations over the past 30 years.

He made this remarks in Lagos on Wednesday while delivering a goodwill message at the 30th Anniversary Awards Night and Dinner of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria.

According to him, members of the association have been instrumental in major capital-raising exercises, including the recapitalisation of banks and insurance companies, while also helping governments finance their governance and development objectives.

“Those years have also witnessed the mobilisation of the greatest amount of funds in this nation’s history for the Federal Government, sub-nationals and corporate bodies,” he said.

Kwairanga noted that issuing houses continued to raise funds that enabled businesses to remain operational, expand their activities and contribute to broader economic growth.

He said their impact on the development and deepening of Nigeria’s capital market could not be underestimated, given their role in connecting businesses and governments with long-term sources of finance.

The NGX Group chairman also reaffirmed the Exchange’s commitment to working closely with the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria to strengthen the capital market.

“At the Nigerian Exchange Group, we recognise the important role that the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria plays in the capital market and its positive impact on our Exchange, and we are always open to partnering with you in the development of the capital market,” he said.

Kwairanga described the anniversary celebration as an opportunity not only to reflect on the association’s achievements but also to recognise individuals and organisations that had made outstanding contributions to the association and the wider financial sector.

He congratulated the award recipients, urging them to build on their achievements and contribute even more to the growth of Nigeria’s capital market in the years ahead.

He said the continued collaboration among market operators and other stakeholders remained important to expanding access to capital, strengthening businesses and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

Kwairanga concluded by congratulating the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria on its 30th anniversary and wishing it continued success in the years ahead.