Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has clinched the prestigious “Governor of the Year in Infrastructure Development” award at the 15th edition of the African Achievers Awards, held at the iconic House of Lords, Westminster Palace, London. The accolade, presented by the Deputy Mayor of London, Mr. Mete Coban, celebrates the governor’s far-reaching efforts to reposition Kano through strategic infrastructure initiatives, including extensive road projects, urban renewal schemes, and the overhaul of vital public amenities. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by Sanusi Bature, the governor’s spokesperson. Governor Yusuf, who was unavoidably absent, was…
Author: Merit Ugolo
In a dramatic midnight face-off, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command on patrol duty along the Kadarko-Makurdi Road in Keana Local Government Area narrowly escaped a deadly ambush staged by gunmen suspected to have emerged from the Benue forest. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Lafia that the attempted attack occurred at about 10:55 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9. “The gunmen who ambushed and attacked our personnel came from Benue forest and started shooting sporadically,” Nansel said. He explained that the police operatives, undeterred by the sudden gunfire,…
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has intensified its campaign against quackery and unaccredited training institutions across the country. Speaking in Minna on Thursday, the Registrar of the Council, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, said the Council has launched coordinated efforts to tackle the twin problems that threaten the integrity of nursing and midwifery practice in Nigeria. His appointment as the substantive Registrar was recently confirmed by President Bola Tinubu, as conveyed through a letter signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate. Alhassan explained that the Council operates 21 Zonal Offices spread across the…
Abuja, Nigeria – A bombshell audit report, exclusively obtained by The News Chronicle, has cast a long shadow over the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), revealing a staggering payment of N128,221,875.00 for solar home system projects that, in large part, never saw the light of day. The findings paint a troubling picture of potential financial mismanagement, raising questions about the REA’s adherence to financial regulations and its commitment to prudent public expenditure. The audit, titled “ISSUE 5: PAYMENT FOR JOB NOT EXECUTED,” meticulously details glaring discrepancies between payments made and work completed. It appears the REA may have been caught napping…
Presidential Adviser on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, has hailed the appointment of Amaju Pinnick as Special Adviser to the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, describing it as a remarkable milestone for both Nigerian and African football. Dare, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, applauded Pinnick’s return to top-tier football administration in Africa and emphasized the significance of the appointment in strengthening Nigeria’s voice in continental football matters. Congratulating Pinnick in a statement issued on Tuesday, Dare noted that the former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President’s comeback into the CAF leadership…
The Federal Government has officially fixed the minimum entry age for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions at 16 years. This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held on Tuesday in Abuja. “This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. 16 years is non-negotiable,” the minister declared. He explained that while the new benchmark would guide the admissions process nationwide, there would be room for exceptional cases—particularly for gifted children who can provide documented proof of advanced academic achievement.…
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for amendments to Nigeria’s Constitution to establish Sharia Courts across all states in the South-West, and to designate Fridays as a public holiday in recognition of Islamic religious observance. The demands were presented during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review, where the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, was represented by Dr. Jamiu Busari. Addressing members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, MURIC argued that these proposals would ensure greater inclusiveness and uphold the rights of Muslims in the region. “No…
Ahead of the impending local government elections in Lagos State, hotels located in the Eredo and Epe areas have bolstered their security provisions. Mr. Segun Osifeko, Chairman of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria’s Epe branch, Lagos State, confirmed that establishments under their purview have stepped up security surveillance systems as the July 12th local government area election approaches. Speaking from Epe on Thursday, Osifeko revealed that this heightened security is a precautionary measure designed to safeguard guests, election officials, staff, and hotel properties throughout the electoral period. He elaborated that the association has proactively implemented measures to prevent any security…
Chairman of Enyimba FC, Nwankwo Kanu, has urged his players to approach the upcoming Eko International Preseason Cup with winning mentality and restore the Aba giants’ dominance in Nigerian and African football. This charge was delivered in a statement issued by the club’s media officer, Samson Orji, in Aba on Wednesday, ahead of the Lagos-based tournament scheduled to begin on July 6, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Kanu, a former Super Eagles captain and Arsenal legend, challenged the players to go beyond mere participation and strive for victory, reminding them of the club’s proud legacy. “We narrowly missed out…
A 22-year-old trader, Bello Mohammed, has been sentenced to two months in prison by a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Jos for stealing a mobile phone. Presiding over the case, Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos delivered a summary judgment after Mohammed admitted guilt to the theft charge brought against him. In her ruling, Bokkos offered the convict an alternative to imprisonment—he could pay a fine of ₦20,000 in place of spending one month behind bars. Additionally, she directed him to pay ₦11,500 as compensation to the victim or serve another month in prison if he fails to do so. According to the prosecution,…
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has affirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing speculations of defection and restating his unwavering commitment to the party. Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Saturday in Enugu, Mbah declared, “I am still in the PDP, as you can see, the flag behind me is that of the PDP.” While acknowledging that the PDP is grappling with internal issues, the governor noted that such challenges are not unique to the party, stressing that virtually every political party in the country is dealing…
Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd has appealed to the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to take urgent action against illegal mining operations threatening the growth of Nigeria’s mining industry. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, an engineer with the company, Mr. Olurotimi Ogunnaike, described unlicensed mining as a major obstacle to the sector’s development and its potential contribution to national growth. “I urge the government to help the sector grow and address the rising spate of illegal miners. It is important to ensure that all companies operating in Nigeria possess all the requisite documentation including proper documentation…
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing grassroots sports, emphasizing its value as a tool for youth empowerment, national unity, and community wellness. Speaking during the 2025 edition of the Olympic Day Run held on Saturday in Akure, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, highlighted the administration’s focus on harnessing the power of sports to promote healthy lifestyles and foster social cohesion. The event, marked by a symbolic walk from the Government House through Oba Adesida Road to the State Sports Complex, drew participation from athletes, government officials, and…
In a shocking turn of events, Athletic Club has lodged a formal complaint against FC Barcelona regarding comments made by the Catalan club’s sporting director, Deco. According to reports, Deco publicly stated that Barça is interested in signing a player currently under contract with Athletic Club. Sources close to the matter confirm that the player in question is indeed within a protected period, as defined by FIFA regulations. The protected period is a sensitive topic in the world of football, and clubs are expected to adhere strictly to the rules governing player contracts and transfers. Athletic Club’s complaint centers on…
A 36-year-old furniture craftsman, Mustapha Kabiru, has been sentenced to 13 months in prison by a Kaduna Magistrates’ Court for stealing a motorcycle valued at N850,000. The presiding magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, handed down the sentence on Thursday after Kabiru admitted to committing the offence. While delivering judgment, Emmanuel gave Kabiru the option of paying a fine of N25,000 in lieu of serving the full prison term. He further cautioned the convict to turn a new leaf and avoid any future entanglement with crime. In addition to the sentence, the court also directed Kabiru to compensate the complainant with the sum…
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a firm rebuttal to claims suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, blamed victims of the recent killings in Benue State. In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the military authorities clarified that General Musa’s comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context by some media outlets. According to Gusau, the CDS had only emphasized the intricate nature of conflict situations and the importance of community collaboration with security forces to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies. “The attention of the…
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has shown the red card to 273 students due to academic underperformance, while six others have been shown the door for involvement in examination malpractice and related offenses. The decision was made public on Monday by the Chairman of the Academic Board, Prof. Salisu Usman, through an official statement released in Lokoja. Prof. Usman explained that the Board reached the verdict during its 120th meeting, which focused on reviewing the first-semester academic results for the 2024/2025 session. According to him, the 273 students were withdrawn across 20 departments and 42 academic programmes after falling short of…
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has voiced serious concern over what it describes as an unfolding leadership crisis at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. In a statement issued on Monday, the Lagos State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Babajide Saheed, warned that the current situation, if left unchecked, could lead to a total administrative breakdown at one of the country’s foremost mental health institutions. He called for strict compliance with the established procedures governing the tenure and appointment of an Acting Medical Director, stressing that any deviation from due process undermines professionalism and institutional integrity. According to Dr. Saheed,…
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 43-year-old woman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country under the guise of seeking medical treatment. According to a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect, a professional make-up artist, was intercepted as she tried to board a Qatar Airways flight to India, claiming she was traveling for fibroid surgery. Her arrest, which took place on Monday, June 16, was the result of actionable intelligence. “Under…
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has issued a public apology after receiving a red card just three minutes into his appearance in the second half of their match against Flamengo at the ongoing club world cup. The team ultimately lost the game 3-1, and Jackson’s dismissal likely played a significant role in the outcome. In a statement released after the match, Jackson expressed his regret and frustration over the incident. “I want to say sorry,” he began. “To the club, the staff, teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card and honestly, I’m so angry at myself.”…
Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), a civil society organization, has called on both the Federal and Benue State Governments to urgently investigate the reported use of force by security agents during a peaceful protest in Benue State. In a statement signed by HBBA’s Senior Communication Officer, Obinna Ejiogu, the group condemned the deployment of teargas by security personnel to disperse demonstrators who had gathered to mourn the brutal killing of over 100 residents in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area. “The investigation should lead to disciplinary action against officers found guilty of misconduct. We condemn the use of teargas by some…
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) has dismissed claims circulating in the media suggesting an alleged scheme to unlawfully prolong the tenure of Mr. Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations in the HCSF office, described the reports as “false and misleading.” According to her, there is no truth to the claim that either the Head of Service or the Minister of Defence is working to extend the tenure of Aduda or…
A Jos Area Court has sentenced two friends, Michael Auta and Gabriel Sunday, to 12 months in prison each for stealing clothing items worth N488,000. Presiding over the case on Monday, Judge Shawomi Bokkos convicted the duo after they pleaded guilty to the charges. The court, however, offered each of them an option to pay a N50,000 fine in lieu of serving the full jail term. In addition to the sentence, the judge ordered both convicts to pay N200,000 each as compensation to the complainant. Failure to do so would attract an extra 12 months behind bars. Earlier, Police Prosecutor…
In a bold move to tackle the worsening security situation in Agatu West, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, has announced an indefinite suspension of all forest logging activities within the area. Ejeh, who issued a formal statement on Sunday, described the decision as a strategic and necessary response to the disturbing rise in insecurity, which he linked to unchecked logging operations. “The decision to impose this ban is informed by the alarming rate of insecurity that has plagued our area, largely exacerbated by the unregulated activities of loggers,” he stated. He pointed…
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding senior citizens against all forms of abuse—ranging from health neglect to emotional, financial, and psychological mistreatment. This assurance was conveyed in a statement issued by Mrs. Bola Ajao, Media and Publicity Aide to the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe. The statement emphasized that the administration remains unwavering in its efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for elderly residents across the territory. According to the statement, Dr. Fasawe made the pledge during activities commemorating the 2025 World Elder Abuse…
A series of targeted raids by the Kaduna State Police Command have led to the arrest of 182 suspects across various communities in the metropolis, as part of an intensified campaign to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public safety. Disclosing this in a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, revealed that the operations resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 31 rounds of live ammunition, a stolen vehicle, and 30 bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. “In its continuous efforts to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements, safeguard lives and properties, the state command…
KADUNA — As part of activities to mark World Blood Donor Day, the Beacon of Transformative and Inclusive Development Centre (BEACON) has appealed to Nigerians to actively participate in voluntary blood donation, citing a dire national shortage that continues to endanger lives. Mrs. Abigail Olatunde, Executive Director of the organisation, made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna. She decried the widening gap between blood demand and supply in Nigeria, noting that while the country requires approximately 1.8 million pints of blood annually, less than 500,000 pints are currently being collected. “This leaves over 1.3 million Nigerians…
Security forces in Kaduna State have stepped up efforts to tackle rising criminal activity, recording major successes in the fight against armed robbery and auto theft. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the police carried out a series of coordinated operations throughout May, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of stolen property. “In a series of operations, in the month of May, the police apprehended individuals suspected of armed robbery and vehicle theft, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining law and order in the state,” he said. Among the items…
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, extended heartfelt congratulations to the triumphant Team Delta for emerging overall winners at the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, held in Ogun State. Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Ejiro Etacheruro, at the festival’s closing ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Thursday, lauded the team for their outstanding performance and for successfully defending their title. Team Delta clinched the top position with an impressive total of 337 medals—126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze. In a statement released on Friday in Asaba…
In a move to curb the spread of rubella and measles, the Kaduna State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign across the state, focusing on schools, religious institutions, and communities. This initiative was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued in Kaduna by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Argungu, on behalf of the State Director, Mr. Danjuma Makama. According to Makama, the campaign was rolled out as part of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, which is themed: “Enhance the Total Well-being of the Child through Quality Education and Skill Development.” He noted…
