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Lagos State Government last year penalised 580 nightclubs and restaurants for breaching indoor smoking regulations, as part of its drive to promote public health and enforce safety standards.
Director General of Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lanre Mojola, disclosed this during the 2025 Ministerial News Briefing held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said LSSC, the only safety commission in Nigeria, visited 2,024 public places last year, out of which 580 establishments were sanctioned for indoor smoking infractions.
Mojola said while certain facilities such as nightclubs might permit smoking, it must be restricted to designated areas.
He said indiscriminate smoking in public spaces such as buses remained illegal and urged residents to report such acts.
“Public smoking is not allowed, and there’s a bill already in place to prohibit it. People are permitted to smoke only in designated areas within certain venues. If you see people smoking in buses or enclosed spaces, report them. This is a serious public health matter,” Mojola added.
He noted that LSSC launched an anti-indoor smoking campaign in 2024 to sensitise the public on the risks of second-hand smoking, which, he said, could lead to cancer and other serious health conditions.
Addressing questions on the use of consultants by the commission, Mojola said they were engaged to support the agency’s work due to limited staffing.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, outlined the key achievements of LSSC in the past year.
He announced the completion of Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2021–2026), developed in collaboration with government agencies, professional bodies and private stakeholders.
He said the commission finalised the drafting of a safety roadmap for 2023 to 2026, alongside a comprehensive review of over 40 safety documents guiding socio-economic sectors, including construction, manufacturing, event centres, markets, oil and gas, and waterways.
[TheNation]
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Nigerian children, declaring them as the “pride and future of our great nation” in an address to mark the 2025 International Children’s Day.
Speaking on Tuesday, the President, in a statement he personally signed, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to tackle bullying, violence, and neglect affecting millions of children across the country.
With up to 65 per cent of school-age children in Nigeria reportedly experiencing some form of bullying, Tinubu unveiled a series of bold initiatives to strengthen child protection frameworks, promote safe learning environments, and ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind.
In his message which aligned with this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the President called on families, schools, communities, and the government to work together in building a safer, more nurturing Nigeria for the next generation.
Here is the full text:
PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY, TUESDAY, 27TH MAY 2025
1. My Dear Children, the pride and future of our great nation, I join you to celebrate the 2025 National Children’s Day with immense pride and profound joy. On this special day, let me reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and protecting you as Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
2. Across every school, community, and home in Nigeria today, you are the most precious part of our national fabric, the heartbeat of our nation’s future, and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership. I therefore reaffirm today our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams.
3. This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” could not have been more timely as it speaks directly to the culture we are building. A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities. Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.
4. Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.
5. My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which I recently launched. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.
6. We are further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children. As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement. We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.
7. I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children. However, laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.
8. We are investing in other focused national systems for child protection, such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which is being scaled up to track and respond to cases in real-time. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.
9. Additionally, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework focused exclusively on Child Protection and Development. This will ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child.
10. We have introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures. We embed social-emotional learning and child safeguarding into teacher training. Through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, we create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background.
11. In the care economy, we are expanding access to primary healthcare and upscaling dedicated Mother and Child Hospitals and healthcare systems across all six geopolitical zones, offering integrated maternal and child services. We are working collaboratively with subnational governments to ensure the establishment of similar facilities across the States.
12. We believe every child has the right to grow up in a loving and protective environment. To ensure that children who are unable to remain in their biological homes are given the care and protection they deserve, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has developed the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children. These guidelines would complement the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and strengthen our child protection systems.
13. Through the Nutrition 774 programme and our School Feeding Scheme, we work assiduously to improve child health and cognitive development. The Nutrition 774 project aims to ensure no child in Nigeria goes hungry. Through this project, we are reaching every community, guaranteeing that children receive the necessary nutrition to thrive in their academic pursuits, creative endeavours, and overall health. A well-nourished child is well-equipped and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
14. To institutionalise our commitment, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has recently established a dedicated Department of Nutrition to strengthen policy coherence, programme delivery, and coordination around child and maternal nutrition.
15. We are investing in social protection tools such as the Universal Child Grant and finalising a national Child Wellbeing Index to measure progress, track gaps, and hold ourselves accountable.
16. Our children’s safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but on community vigilance. This is why I am launching a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign today, encouraging every Nigerian to become a child protection champion.
17. To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.
18. I call on all partners, stakeholders, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen our collective efforts. We must embed child rights in all our budgets, plans, and policies.
19. I commend states taking bold steps for our children’s welfare and urge those yet to act: now is the time. Our children are not just statistics—they are the heart of our nation.
20. Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.
21. Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.
Long live Nigerian children.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Following the decision of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to seal the national secretariat of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over its inability to pay requisite fees regarding ground rent for 28 years, the PDP, yesterday, accused the Federal Government of brazen abuse of power.
Leaders of the PDP said they were ready to be arrested should government continue to harass the party over the ground rent.
However, the party and other alleged defaulters got a reprieve last night, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention with a 14day grace for them to put their documents in order.
It’s an attempt to undermine democracy —PDP
The condemnation came after an emergency caucus meeting held Monday evening at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja.
The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, described the office sealing as a reckless attempt to undermine democracy and warned that the party is prepared for any further provocations, including arrests.
Damagum, who denounced the actions of government, vowed that the party will not take the matter lightly just as he challenged the FCTA to arrest members of the party.
His words: “We will not take this lightly. They could come and arrest all of us; we are prepared. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we will hold them accountable.
“If they are encouraging such actions, we do not take it lightly. They are attempting to undermine democracy, and this is completely unacceptable. This is a clear example of the irresponsibility exhibited by this government. We condemn this act in the strongest terms. It is a reckless display of irresponsibility, and we will not tolerate it.”
Speaking on the party’s BoT’s meeting he said: “We have just adjourned the meeting till tomorrow (today) at 10 o’clock. A small committee has been established to present a report tomorrow morning, and we will resume discussions from there.”
The sealing of the PDP headquarters has forced the party to relocate its operations to the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, adding a sense of urgency and gravity to the emergency meeting.
A party leader, who spoke to Vanguard in confidence, said: “They’re also dealing with the fact that the party’s headquarters has been shut down by the FCTA over unpaid rent, which is why they’re meeting at the lodge instead.”
Beyond the shutdown, the meeting, which commenced at 5:30 pm, was also convened to address deepening internal crises within the party, especially the escalating feud involving the FCT Minister.
“The BoT is trying to sort out the issues with Wike. He pulled out of the peace talks and accused leaders like Seyi Makinde of not being truthful,” a source told Vanguard.
The friction has only deepened the crisis that many believe is threatening the unity and direction of the opposition party.
Notable party leaders present at the meeting included its acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum; Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), who is Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Also in attendance were former Osun Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Kaduna State Governor and BoT Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki; former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George; PDP BoT member, Senator Ben Obi; former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana; former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; Chairman of the PDP Ministers’ Forum, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; and former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Josephine Anenih, among others.
BoT considers postponement of NEC meeting
It was, however, gathered that the Board of Trustees (BoT) is considering postponing the planned National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting, originally scheduled for today. According to sources, this delay will allow more time for resolving internal conflicts and preserving party unity.
“They might push the NEC meeting back to give more time to settle these conflicts,” a source said.
Another BoT member, who told Vanguard that a facility may be provided for the NEC meeting, did not give details of the venue.
Today’s meeting will determine the party’s ability to restore internal cohesion and reassert itself as a credible force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The PDP however promised to brief the public with full details once today’s deliberations were concluded.
PDP group to Wike: You’re the real betrayer
Meanwhile, a group known as PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress, yesterday, took a swipe at the FCT Minister, arguing that contrary to Wike’s claims, he is the “real betrayer and architect of the crisis” rocking the PDP.
The group also advised the former Rivers governor to “honourably exit the PDP, instead of staying behind to cause confuse.”
Reacting to Wike’s allegation that Governors Makinde and Mbah are betrayers and architects of the party’s protracted crisis, the group accused Wike of “standing truth in the head and playing to the gallery.”
Recall that Wike on Sunday claimed that Makinde and Mbah made reconciliation of the party’s crisis impossible, accusing the duo of reneging in a purported agreement earlier reached by key stakeholders.
However, the PDP support group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr Emeka Ikpegbu, expressed bewilderment that Wike who he alleged, had “been the APC mole in PDP, could accuse genuine and committed stakeholders of what himself is guilty of”. Ikpegbu said: “Wike and his boot-lickers dragging the leadership of PDP in some of the states are the destabilising forces on a mission to sink the party.
“Instead of masquerading as a peacemaker while he is the one igniting the fire, Wike should better leave PDP.
“Wike should stop pretending. We know his spirit has since left PDP after sabotaging the party in 2023. Now is the time to completely pull out of the party, and not just pull out of the so-called gentleman’s agreement. We want him to also pull out of the PDP. He has given us enough discomfort.
“We know Wike and his antics. Can he swear that he is not on a mission to destroy PDP? What anti-party is worse than a so-called PDP stakeholder openly working for the ruling APC against his party? Who is causing the crisis in Rivers State? Is it to his credit as a good party man that less than two years after he left office as Governor of Rivers State, the PDP made him collapse in the state, and the state enmeshed in chaos?
“Wike’s latest antics is to blackmail committed PDP members who are not willing to surrender the soul of the party to him and his APC allies.”
The group urged Governors Mbah and Makinde as well as all those genuinely committed to PDP’s renaissance, to ignore Wike and his foot soldiers.
Makinde, Mbah keep mum on Wike
Efforts to get comments from Governor Makinde of Oyo State failed as his Media Adviser, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju said: “No comments.”
On his part, the Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on Mainstream media, Mr Dan Nwomeh said: “You don’t expect Governor Mbah to react to what he said. We don’t have any reaction please.”
Why we shut PDP secretariat — FCTA
Defending earlier decision to seal the PDP secretariat, the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Mr. Chijoke Nwakwoeze, explained that there couldn’t have been a mix-up with the records of the FCT administration, stating that the PDP owed ground rent for 28 years, while the FIRS owed ground rent for 25 years.
Nwakwoeze said: “We keep good records. In this case, we are talking of 28 years. The owner of this property, Samaila Mamman Kurfi, owed 28 years of ground rent. And then FIRS is 25 years old. So we keep proper records. When you pay your ground rent, you will have to be issued with a receipt of payment.’’
Asked whether the defaulters could regain ownership of the land, Nwankwoeze said: “Well, it will be up to them to approach the Minister of FCTA. The FCTA is the owner of the property as of today.
“If they approach him, and he gives them any consideration, that’s it. The minister will decide that. Not me. I’m not the minister of FCTA.”
It’s not political witchhunt — Wike’s aide
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, denied claims that the physical takeover of the National Secretariat belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party was a political witch hunt against the party.
Fielding questions from newsmen during the enforcement, Olayinka stated that the action was not politically motivated, adding that the exercise would continue until all 4,000 properties were sealed.
“We are not here for politics. If you are talking about a political witch hunt, we have been to Ibro Hotels, we have been to Access Bank, we have been to FIRS, we have been to Total Petrol Station, and tomorrow, we will go to other places.
“This exercise will continue as long as we can conclude taking possession of those over 4,000 properties. So, are we also going to say all those that I mentioned are for politics? Moreover, this place is not owned by the PDP,” he said.
Tinubu intervenes on ground rent
The Director, Land Administration in the FCT, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze, who announced President Tinubu’s intervention at a briefing in Abuja last night, said: “On May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years.
“Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.
“However, President Bola Tinubu has intervened. Therefore, by Mr President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Also, all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
“Furthermore, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has granted a 14 days (two) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.
“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people”.
The FCTA had announced that it would begin a takeover of 4,794 properties previously revoked by the administration for owing ground rents between 10 and 43 years, amounting to a total of N6.96bn.
Recall that former Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, on Sunday withdrew from ongoing peace talks and publicly accused key PDP leaders, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu) of dishonesty.
[Vanguard]
The sports betting market in Africa has witnessed explosive growth in recent years and 2025 is no exception. While some still view it as just another form of gambling, the reality is that sports betting has matured into a dynamic industry.
According to Business Insider, over 440 million people across six African countries are actively involved in sports betting as of early 2025.
In this listicle, TheCable takes a closer look at the six countries leading Africa’s betting revolution, based on estimated numbers of bettors derived from participation rates and population data.
Nigeria
Estimated Bettors: 168.7 million |Population: 237.5 million | Participation Rate: 71 percent
In Nigeria, it is nearly impossible to walk down a street without seeing a betting shop. With a population of over 200 million, the country has an estimated 168.7 million sports bettors and a 71 percent participation rate.
South Africa
Estimated Bettors: 58.3 million | Population: 64.7 million | Participation Rate: 90 percent
South Africa has the highest betting participation rate on the continent at 90 percent, a figure Business Insider links to effective regulation and cultural acceptance.
Kenya
Estimated Bettors: 45.5 million | Population: 57.5 million | Participation Rate: 79 percent
Kenya is another vibrant sports betting market in Africa. With a population of around 57.5 million, Kenya records about 45.5 million estimated bettors. It has a 79 percent participation rate.
Uganda
Estimated Bettors: 44.7 million | Population: 51.4 million | Participation Rate: 87 percent
Uganda may not be the largest country on the list, but it certainly bets big. Out of a population of approximately 51.4 million, about 44.7 million Ugandans are estimated to be active in sports betting, giving it one of the highest participation rates at 87 percent.
Tanzania
Estimated Bettors: 39.5 million | Population: 70.5 million | Participation Rate: 56 percent
In Tanzania, betting is on the rise. Although, participation rate lags behind the top four, the market is expanding fast, especially among young urban dwellers.
Ghana
Estimated Bettors: 19.6 million | Population: 35.1 million | Participation Rate: 56 percent
Ghana rounds out the top six with nearly 20 million estimated sports bettors. The market is not as large, but interest is rising fast. The country has a participation rate of 56 percent.
[TheCable]
Former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola has alleged that politicians crossing into the All Progressives Congress, APC, were doing so because they may have committed a crime and due to selfishness.
Oyinlola also expressed surprise that politicians from different political parties are defecting to the ruling APC, despite the current hardship and economic challenges in the country.
Making this known during a live radio political programme in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyinlola said the APC-led federal government has failed to live up to its campaign promises to the people.
Speaking about the high rate of defection by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, and others to the APC, the former governor hinted that the politicians who have decamped did not do so with the blessing of the masses and electorates who elected them into office.
In his words, “For me, two things can be the reason why they are moving to the APC. The first is that maybe they have committed a crime, and they want a soft landing, thereby going to the APC to save themselves.
“The second thing is selfishness. Those decamping are selfish because I’ve not heard anyone of them saying they are decamping because of the masses. It is about themselves.”
DAILY POST had reported that prominent politicians across the political divide have defected in droves to the APC.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, members of the state House of Assembly, National Assembly and the PDP machinery all defected to the APC.
Also, in Akwa Ibom State, reports emerged that the state governor, Umo Eno has revealed that he intends to defect to the APC.
Governor Eno, it was reported, also warned his political appointees to decamp with him and urged those not willing to resign from his administration.
Wole Oke, the member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State also resigned from the PDP and pitched his political tent with the APC, a move which has drawn condemnation from members of the party in the state
Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, says Saudi Arabian authorities barred him from performing the 2025 hajj despite holding a valid visa.
In a statement posted on his Facebook account, the cleric said the Saudi Arabian authorities were “uncomfortable with his presence at the Hajj”, despite his possession of a visa.
“Alhamdulillahi I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country Nigeria,” Gumi’s statement reads.
“Allah said in Q2/196: And accomplish the Hajj i.e pilgrimage and the Umra for Allah, but if, you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umra).
“For some obvious reasons, my views about the world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa.”
Gumi thanked Nigerian authorities, who he said have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities.
“That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy. I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities,” he said.
“We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace and prosperity for our dear nation.”
Meanwhile, according to BBC, Gumi was among the delegation of scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious services.
He reportedly arrived in Madinah with other clerics last Saturday at around 10:30pm on an Umza flight.
But upon arrival at the city’s airport, immigration officials prevented the cleric from entering the country.
The Abia police command says its operatives have arrested a couple – Blessing Emebo and Sunday Emebo – for operating an unregistered home in their apartment at Ikot Ekpene road, in the Aba area of the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, Maureen Chinaka, spokesperson of the command, said operatives also rescued 12 children from the home on May 19.
Chinaka said the children, who are between two months and 14 years, are from different villages in Arochukwu LGA of the state.
The police spokesperson added that the rescued children have been handed over to the state ministry of women’s affairs for custody.
“Nine male children were found with the duo, which includes Ojiugo Caleb, 14; Christian Okoro, 12; Samuel Okoro, 13; Clinton Nkemakolam, 9; and Godwin Emmanuel, 10,” the statement reads.
“Others are Osinachi Nkemakolam, 6; Marvellous Emmanuel, 5; David Emmanuel, 7; and Testimony Emebo, 2 months old.
“The females among the children are Ogechi Nkemakolam, 9, Chinaza Okoro, 9, and Anointing Okoro, 7.
“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Umuahia, and will soon be arraigned in court at the conclusion of the investigation.
“The command is committed to ensuring the reduction of crime and criminality in the state, and so we advise the public to stay security-conscious and ensure children’s safety.”
The house of representatives committee on federal capital territory (FCT) area councils and ancillary matters has summoned Mariya Bunkure, the FCT minister of state.
Fredrick Agbedi, chairman of the committee, issued the summons during the panel’s sitting on Monday, citing the minister’s alleged failure to appear for the FCT budget defence.
Agbedi said if Bunkure and other department heads fail to appear on Tuesday, action will be taken against them.
“It is the resolve of this committee that the minister of state and all the agencies appear before this committee by 4pm tomorrow, the 27th day of May 2025,” he said.
“Failure to do that, this committee will involve appropriate legislative powers against the minister of state and the agencies.
“It is also worrisome to see that this all-important budget session is only being attended by three agencies out of 14 departments under the jurisdiction of this committee.
“How do you expect this committee to conclude our work and make recommendations for the house? It means that Mr President has to take some further steps to ensure that his appointees handling some of these very important assignments with levity are directed to wake up to their responsibilities.”
President Bola Tinubu transmitted N1,783 trillion as the FCT budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the national assembly early this month.
Tinubu asked the national assembly to ensure expeditious consideration of the FCT appropriation.
Last week, Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, appeared before the senate and house of representatives’ committees on appropriation to defend the budget.
Wike said out of the N1.78 trillion budget, N1.28 trillion, representing 72.3 percent, is allocated to capital projects, while N494.1 billion, 27.7 percent, will cover recurrent expenditure.
Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says no local government area in the state will be allowed to fall into the hands of insurgents.
Zulum spoke on Monday while addressing journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
The governor said the meeting was to brief the president on the security challenges in Borno and other parts of northern Nigeria.
“Things are not getting very well in northern Nigeria, particularly in the north-east,” he said.
Zulum said insurgents have recently stepped up attacks in the state, targeting military formations and civilian populations.
He said the federal government had been responsive to the state’s plea for intervention.
“We made a plea to the federal government, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency,” he said.
Zulum said one of the major responses under consideration is the creation of forest guards to provide ground-level intelligence and defence.
“That will be a game-changer,” he said.
He noted that terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP are deploying advanced weaponry in their operations.
The governor said his administration would continue to mobilise local volunteers to support the military and protect communities.
“On my own part, as the governor of Borno state, I will not relent in my effort in strengthening the resilience of our community,” he said.
He vowed that no part of the state would be surrendered to insurgents.
“It will never happen now. I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army and with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents,” he added.
Zulum expressed confidence that the joint efforts of federal and state authorities would yield the desired results.
On May 21, the governor of Borno accused some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces of acting as informants for Boko Haram terrorists.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly,” Zulum said while speaking to News Central TV
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three employees of Wema Bank over the alleged N8.5 billion fraud.
The bank employees — Samuel Ihechukwu, Fabian Chizaram and Kingsley Kelechi Ejim — were arraigned on Monday at the federal high court in Lagos on an eight-count bordering on alleged conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
They were arraigned alongside their alleged accomplices, Hanna Okunlola, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Chukwuka Ubaku and Sunday Osademe.
“That you SAMUEL IHECHUKWU ASIEGBU, EJIM KINGSLEY KELECHI, HAMZA ZAKARIA, ONYEIMACHI FABIAN, ACHIONU CHUKWUKA UBAKA, ADESOKAN, HANNAH OKUNLOLA, Nurudeen Ibrahim (at large). Alhaji Sulaiman (at large) and other persons at large sometime in January 2025, conspired amongst yourselves to cause loss of property to bank accounts domicile in Wema Bank Nigeria Plc. in order to confer economic benefit to yourselves, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Act,” the charge sheet reads.
“That you SAMUEL IHECHUKWU ASIEGBU and other persons at large, sometime in January 2025, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court knowingly and without authority caused the loss of an aggregate sum of N8,568,090,500 (Eight Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-eight Milion, Ninety Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) property of Wema Bank Plc. by altering, erasing and inputting data held in accounts domicile in Wema Bank Pic. computer for the purpose of conferring economic benefit on yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Act.”
When the charge sheet was read, they pleaded not guilty.
After the defendants took their pleas, Aso Peters, the prosecution counsel, asked the court for a trial date and prayed that the defendants be remanded in the correctional facility.
However, the defence counsel appealed to the court that Okunlola be remanded in the EFCC custody because of her ill health.
The request was granted by Daniel Osiagor, the trial judge.
Osiagor adjourned the matter to June 6 for trial and remanded five of the defendants in the facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), while Ejim was to continue on his existing bail
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John Adetola, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), told an Ikeja high court that there was no documentation of the $400,000 he allegedly handed to Godwin Emefiele, the former Central Bank Governor (CBN).
Adetola, an executive assistant to the former CBN governor, testified on Monday while being cross-examined by Olalekan Ojo, counsel to Emefiele.
Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demands while he was the CBN governor.
Henry Omoile, Emefiele’s co-defendant, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by a public officer.
During cross-examination, Adetola admitted that he did not provide the EFCC with WhatsApp chats or phone call records to prove he had informed Emefiele about collecting the money on his behalf.
He recounted that in 2018, a man identified as Eric Odoh sent a WhatsApp message, instructing him to collect the money from one John Ayoh and deliver it to Emefiele upon his arrival in Lagos.
“I went to John Ayoh’s house at Lekki; he gave me an envelope. I came back to the office and gave it to the former CBN governor,” Adetola told the court.
He denied entering into any agreement with the EFCC to testify against Emefiele in exchange for immunity from prosecution, adding that the agency confronted him with WhatsApp printouts related to the transaction.
While being cross-examined by Adeyinka Kotoye, counsel to the second defendant, the witness stated that he had no dealings with Omoile.
During re-examination by Rotimi Oyedepo, EFCC counsel, Adetola was asked why he failed to document the alleged $400,000 transaction.
“I didn’t see any need for it,” he replied.
Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge, discharged the witness and adjourned the case until May 27 for the continuation of the trial.
A suspected suicide bomber has died in Abuja on Monday.
This comes after an explosion suspected to have been caused by the bomber.
Another person was reportedly injured in the explosion, said to be triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED).
AIT reports that an eyewitness – a military personnel who did not give his name – said the man, believed to be a suicide bomber, was killed by an explosive contained in a rubber can close to Mogadishu Barrack in Abuja
However, military authorities present at the scene said the situation could be an explosion from a phone device and not IED.
At the time of this report, personnel of the military, DSS, police and officers of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, are still taking inventory of the situation.
A senior economist at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Wilson Erumebor has given his verdict on President Bola Tinubu's administration.
On Nigeria’s economy, he said it is worse under President Bola Tinubu’s administration than under his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
He disclosed this in a recent X space organised by financial analyst Kalu Aja.
According to him, Nigeria’s economy, gross domestic product, slumped to below $200 billion from $450 billion in 2023.
“It is economy; you can only have mixed pictures. There are areas with improvement and stagnation.
“For instance, as an example, If you go to the Ministry of Finance website, there is a document there. In 2030, Nigeria’s economy will be above $8 trillion in terms of size. At that time in 2023, the GDP was estimated at around $450 to $410 billion. So today that same GDP is under $200 billion. You can certainly say that this is not progress based on the goal and target they have set. It is worse off than when the government came in. If you look at the growth rate, it was 7 percent per annum. Recently we are doing 3.4 percent. The IMF outlook projects 3 percent growth.
“In thatt, they said they plan to lift 100 million out of poverty. In fact, from the reforms and what we have, more Nigerians have been thrown into poverty. 50 million jobs—I am sure we can see the jobs.
“N550-600 per dollar but now around N1,500 per dollar,” he stated.
He, however, noted that there was improvement in Nigeria’s external reserves, foreign exchange stability, balance of trade, and others in the last couple of months.
“But if you compare it with the last couple of months,. There are areas that have improved gradually. Looking at external reserves, we were doing $30 billion then, now around $38 billion. There is some stability in the exchange rate, the same with the balance of trade."
Recall that Tinubu was inaugurated as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.
Recall that Tinubu’s presidency attacked the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Femi Adesina, over his comment that Nigeria’s per capita GDP will be worse in 2025 than in 1960.
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has built a new Islamic learning centre in Kaduna State.
It named it, the Tinubu Centre for Islamic Studies.
The facility, which aims to promote education, religious harmony, and community development, was officially commissioned by the Sultan of Sokoto.
The Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, said the project is part of the agency’s broader strategy to counter terrorism and subversion through community engagement and social development. Represented by retired DSS Director Ahmed Zalmar at the commissioning, Ajayi explained that the agency is focusing on building schools, places of worship, and sporting facilities to reach vulnerable and underprivileged communities across Nigeria.
He stated that the newly commissioned, fully furnished Islamic school was made possible through the support of friends and associates, reflecting what he described as the core mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to Ajayi, the initiative is designed to build trust between the government and the public, and to reinforce internal security by fostering constructive citizen engagement.
“It is also part of my policies to improve the nation’s internal security architecture through conventional and non-conventional engagements,” he said.
Ajayi further added that he has consistently directed elements of corporate social responsibility and financial contributions from stakeholders toward such development efforts, as part of the DSS’s ongoing commitment to national stability and peacebuilding.