₦airaland Forum

*Accuses Presidency of using judiciary against opposition



*Warns of political crisis ahead of 2027 elections







Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of allegedly deploying the judiciary to undermine opposition parties, warning that such actions could plunge Nigeria into political crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.



Frank called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to intervene and prevail on the Nigerian government to respect democratic principles, judicial independence and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.



He was reacting to a recent court judgment which, according to him, raised serious concerns about alleged attempts to frustrate the political ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC).



In a statement, Frank described the judgment as a desperate attempt by those in power to use the judiciary to contain the growing political influence of the opposition.



He alleged that the decision was part of a broader plot to prevent Atiku from participating effectively in the 2027 presidential election.



"The recent court judgment has raised serious concerns about what appears to be a desperate act by the Presidency—an act reminiscent of a dying man clutching at straws.



"It is a desperate act from the Presidency. I must warn that the judiciary must stay clear of the 2027 elections. Its independence and impartiality are fundamental to the survival of our democracy," he said.



Frank further alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was being used as an intermediary to influence judicial actors against opposition politicians.



He claimed that political meetings and consultations were held after Atiku's recent political outing in Sokoto, which he said had generated considerable attention.



According to him, the alleged moves were intended to frustrate Atiku's political ambition after attempts to prevent the Sokoto engagement from holding failed.



He said: "We were aware that immediately after the Sokoto outing, there were meetings aimed at thwarting Atiku's ambition. Despite all efforts to prevent the Sokoto event from holding, it went ahead and has remained the talk of the town. Now, they appear to have resorted to this approach."



Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to rise to the responsibility of protecting judicial independence and ensuring that the courts were not perceived as instruments of the ruling party.



"The Chief Justice of Nigeria must wake up to her constitutional responsibilities as the guardian of judicial independence. The judiciary must not be perceived as an extension of the APC-led government.



"Such a perception will erode public confidence in our democratic institutions and could drive Nigeria towards anarchy," he warned.



He expressed hope that the Court of Appeal would approach the matter differently, cautioning that the controversy surrounding the judgment could heighten political tension if not properly addressed.



Frank particularly appealed to the United States Government to call the Tinubu administration to order, while urging other international partners to closely monitor developments in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.



"The international community, particularly the United States, must pay close attention to developments in Nigeria. The alleged weaponisation of the judiciary against the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections poses a grave threat to our democracy and could plunge Africa's largest country into a serious political crisis," he said.



The former APC spokesman also accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to undermine political participation in the North by allegedly using judicial processes to weaken Atiku's presidential ambition.



He insisted that the controversy should not be viewed as a personal battle involving Atiku alone, but as a broader question concerning the survival of Nigeria's multiparty democracy.



"If President Tinubu is genuinely popular, let him demonstrate it through free, fair and credible elections, conducted through the established mechanisms of INEC and not the judiciary.



"It is obvious that President Tinubu is afraid and does not want any contest. The only option left is to get Atiku out of his way through the courts," Frank alleged.



He warned that any government official found culpable in actions aimed at undermining opposition participation would be held accountable.



"Let me make this clear: should anything go wrong, all government officials found responsible will be held accountable," he declared.



Frank, however, urged opposition parties and their supporters not to be discouraged by the development, insisting that unity, perseverance and democratic participation remained essential to protecting the country's political future.



He called on youths, civil society organisations, elder statesmen and former political leaders to unite in defence of judicial independence and democratic institutions.



He also cautioned political actors against celebrating the misfortunes of their opponents, arguing that a precedent established against one political leader could eventually affect others.



"No political camp should celebrate, because what happens to Atiku today could happen to another political leader tomorrow," he said.



Frank maintained that Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into political instability because of disagreements over electoral competition.



"This must not be seen as an Atiku issue alone; it concerns the future of every Nigerian and the survival of our democracy.



"Let us unite as a country—our youths, civil society organisations, elder statesmen and former leaders—to defend democracy and prevent anarchy through the protection of judicial independence.

"Nigeria must not be pushed into chaos," he added.

*New CAC warns against delays, illicit trade





The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command generated ₦302,952,570,769.24 in October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20,161,430,521.84 over the ₦282,791,140,247.40 recorded in September 2026.



This was contained in a statement signed by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, dated Thursday November 5, 2026



This represents a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent. The October collection marks another significant revenue performance above the ₦300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.



The performance reflects the Command’s continued drive to strengthen revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who assumed duty on 29 September 2026.



Since assuming office, Comptroller Mu’azu has prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR PhD fnipr dsm psc + on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.



This approach was reflected in the stakeholder engagement meeting held on 5 October 2026, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges, including Demand Notice delays, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting port users. Beyond this meeting, the CAC has also embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community.



These engagements are part of his deliberate efforts to build bridges, strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster the collaboration required to create a more conducive business environment for traders and other port users.



As part of measures to improve operational efficiency, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire. The initiative is aimed at eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time, while retaining the necessary compliance and control measures.



Speaking on the initiative, the CAC stated: “Under my leadership, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with a view to eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time. This initiative seeks to ensure that the various offices involved discharge their responsibilities more efficiently, while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures.

He added that “This initiative is also driven by my commitment to trade facilitation and the need to address operational inefficiencies that could subject traders to unnecessary delays and hardship. Traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays.



"We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment.”



In furtherance of this commitment, Comptroller Mu’azu has directed that cargo examinations must be conducted strictly in accordance with extant procedures and the requisite documentation and authorisation.



He has also emphasised that examinations must not become a source of avoidable delays and has cautioned officers against unwarranted, repetitive or unnecessary checks capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions.



Officers have been charged to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally, without compromising compliance, revenue protection or national security. These directives are intended to ease cargo clearance, improve turnaround time, promote a more predictable trading environment while ensuring strictly to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 .



The Command is also strengthening coordination among relevant departments and port stakeholders to address operational bottlenecks affecting cargo movement.



In the area of enforcement, officers of the Command intercepted a total of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in 2 separate containers during the period under review. The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.

The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized narcotics stands at ₦196,131,606.82. The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s resolve to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and protect public health and national security.



The Apapa Area Command remains committed to consolidating its revenue performance, strengthening enforcement and building stronger partnerships with stakeholders to improve the efficiency of port operations. Under Comptroller Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command will continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade and economic growth.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Wednesday, warned President Bola Tinubu against what he described as attempts to undermine opposition parties and truncate democracy through alleged state-sponsored protests, intimidation and misuse of security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank, who expressed concerns over the growing political tension following the alleged disruption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign activities in Sokoto State, said the use of sponsored protesters and security operatives against opposition parties could threaten Nigeria's democratic process.

He spoke against the backdrop of allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, that the Sokoto State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) were working to frustrate the party's planned campaign rally in the state.

Atiku, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, alleged that the ADC had been denied access to public facilities and logistical support, while protesters were being mobilised to create disorder and provide grounds for imposing a curfew to stop the rally.

Reacting, Frank alleged that the mobilisation of protesters to disrupt opposition gatherings was becoming a recurring strategy across the country.

He said: "At every opposition rally across the country, this has become their new protest strategy. They are also involving security agencies, particularly the DSS."

Frank warned President Tinubu against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions and narrowing the political space for opposition parties.

"Tinubu must not truncate this democracy with his desperation. Despite their denial, the facts on ground have shown clearly that they have a sinister plot against the opposition, and Nigerians will legally resist such moves vehemently," he declared.

He also cautioned the Sokoto State Government and other state governments against allowing themselves to be used to frustrate opposition parties during the electioneering period.

According to him, state governments have a responsibility to protect democratic participation and ensure that all political parties enjoy equal opportunities to organise rallies, mobilise supporters and campaign within their jurisdictions.

Frank further called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and take appropriate diplomatic steps to prevent political violence and protect democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He warned that public officials and security personnel found to have participated in actions aimed at undermining the constitutional rights of opposition parties would be held accountable.

"All those involved, including the security agencies, will be held responsible," he said.

The former APC spokesman urged Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions and security agencies remained politically neutral and were not deployed to intimidate political opponents or obstruct their lawful activities.

He maintained that opposition parties would not surrender their constitutional rights to participate in the democratic process because of threats, intimidation or political pressure.

Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, cautioned against any action capable of escalating political tensions into violence.

He stressed that opposition parties must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without provocation or obstruction, adding that any attack on their supporters or disruption of lawful political activities should attract appropriate legal consequences.

He, however, urged political actors to resist the temptation of retaliatory violence, insisting that disagreements should be addressed through lawful and democratic channels.

The DSS has reportedly ordered an investigation into Atiku's allegation that its officials were involved in recruiting protesters to disrupt the ADC rally.

Frank called on the President to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties, warning that Nigeria's democracy must not be reduced to a system in which only the ruling party enjoys the freedom to campaign, organise and mobilise supporters.

The Tinubu Health Sector Practitioners Alliance (TIHSEPA) has vowed to mobilise healthcare workers across the country to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.

The National Coordinator of the group, Dr Ogechi Lokpobiri, said the alliance would intensify its engagement with medical professionals and other stakeholders following the President's campaign launch in Kaduna State.

Lokpobiri, who congratulated Tinubu on the event, described the turnout as encouraging, saying it had renewed the group's determination to expand its political mobilisation activities nationwide.

She said TIHSEPA would reach stakeholders in primary and secondary healthcare institutions, as well as other healthcare professionals, to promote the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The coordinator said the group was targeting substantial support from the health sector and would work closely with practitioners to communicate the administration's health policies and interventions.

"President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that the health of Nigerians is fundamental to the country's productivity, prosperity and future," she said.

She listed healthcare infrastructure, professional training, maternal health and insurance coverage as areas of investment that could contribute to strengthening the country's health system.

Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the alliance remained committed to marketing the administration's achievements and securing support from health sector stakeholders.

She urged healthcare professionals to support Tinubu's second-term ambition, arguing that continuity would enable the government to consolidate ongoing reforms and sustain investments in the sector.

*Seeks US, UK, EU intervention







Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general election, declaring that Nigerians will not accept results that do not reflect their votes.



Frank, who made the remarks in a statement in Abuja, expressed concern over allegations of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated names and photographs in the national voter register, describing them as issues requiring urgent investigation.



He urged INEC to verify questionable entries, establish the facts and explain transparently how the register was compiled.



“This discovery of INEC using AI-generated voters’ register is a clear indication of a rigging plot,” he said.



Frank warned that any attempt to manipulate the election could have serious consequences for national stability.



“President Tinubu and INEC should understand that any attempt to rig the 2027 election will have serious consequences. What is happening in France and other European countries would be child’s play compared with what could happen in Nigeria,” he said.



He added that Nigerians would not accept an electoral outcome that failed to reflect their choices.



“If the 2027 election is rigged, Nigerians will have no choice but to take their destiny into their own hands. What is happening in France, Germany and other European countries will be child’s play compared with what will happen in Nigeria,” Frank warned.



He also cautioned against assuming that aggrieved candidates would simply challenge disputed results in court.



“They believe they can rig the election and then tell the opposition to go to court. That will not happen in 2027,” he said.



Frank expressed concern about public confidence in the judiciary, alleging that many Nigerians perceived it as a remote-controlled institution.



He urged the authorities to prevent electoral malpractice rather than leave disputes to be resolved after the polls.



The former APC spokesman further alleged that INEC had failed to comply with the requirement to publish the voter register not later than 90 days before the general election, citing Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended.



He called on the commission to clarify its compliance with the law and take all necessary steps to guarantee the credibility of the register.



Frank urged the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other international partners to engage the Nigerian government and INEC well ahead of the election to help safeguard a free, fair and credible process.



He particularly called on the United States to draw on its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria during the 2015 general election to encourage credible polls in 2027.



“This is the time we expect the American government to do what they did in 2015 to ensure Nigeria conducts free and fair elections in 2027,” he said.



Frank urged international partners to take the allegations seriously, engage relevant Nigerian authorities and encourage transparency in voter registration and election preparations.



He stressed that INEC must demonstrate its independence, address legitimate concerns about the voter register and ensure that every eligible Nigerian’s vote counts.



Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, warned that undermining the electorate’s mandate could deepen political tensions and erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.



He called on Tinubu and INEC to ensure that the 2027 general election is conducted transparently and that its outcome reflects the genuine will of Nigerians.

More than 1,000 swimmers from 32 African countries are expected in Abuja for the first African Invitational Swimming Championship, scheduled to hold from December 14 to 20, 2026, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.



The championship, organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is being organised in collaboration with Africa Aquatics, the continental governing body for aquatic sports, and the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), with a focus on youth empowerment, sporting development and continental cooperation.



The competition will feature male and female swimmers aged between 14 and 18 years, competing in about 32 events, as organisers seek to provide young athletes with an international platform to showcase their talents and gain competitive experience.





Speaking at a press conference, OSMA President, retired Major General Maikano Abdullahi, said the decision to organise the championship in honour of Tinubu was influenced by what he described as the President’s contributions to youth development.



Abdullahi said the partnership would provide an opportunity for the organisers to work together to deliver the competition, adding that the initiative had received support from the President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders.



Also speaking, the Director of Planning and Implementation, Godwin Tammy, said the championship was conceived in recognition of Tinubu’s role in Nigeria and across Africa, particularly in youth development.



Tammy said the event was intended to honour the President while creating opportunities for young people to develop their sporting abilities and participate in international competitions.



The championship has the backing of Africa Aquatics and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio serving as the African Project Ambassador.



The Vice-President of Africa Aquatics, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, described the competition as an opportunity to showcase aquatic sports and renew international interest in swimming in Nigeria.



He recalled that Abuja last hosted a major international continental sporting event of this nature during the 2003 All-Africa Games, expressing optimism that the forthcoming championship would provide another opportunity to promote aquatic sports.



The event is also expected to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria’s aquatics authorities and the continental governing body while exposing young swimmers to competitive standards beyond their domestic environment.





The Technical Director of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Nseobong Samuel Jesimiel, said preparations were underway to accommodate participating athletes and ensure the successful delivery of the championship.



Jesimiel described the event as an opportunity to raise Nigeria’s profile in swimming and create a peaceful atmosphere for athletes and officials from participating countries.



He said the technical team was ready to receive the competitors and deliver the competition, with support from the federation’s leadership and other partners.



Beyond the competition for medals, the championship is expected to give emerging swimmers an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain international exposure and assess themselves against athletes from across Africa.



The participation of athletes from 32 countries is also expected to encourage exchanges among young swimmers, coaches and sports administrators, while strengthening sporting relationships between participating nations.



For Nigeria, the event presents an opportunity to promote swimming, encourage greater youth participation in aquatic sports and build interest in a discipline that requires sustained investment in facilities, coaching and athlete development.



With Abuja scheduled to host the week-long competition in December, the organisers are positioning the championship as both a sporting event and a platform for youth development, African cooperation and the promotion of aquatic sports across the continent.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have sensitised transport workers in Kaduna on Ebola prevention, symptom identification and prompt reporting of suspected cases.

The exercise, held on Thursday at Television Motor Park and Rigasa Train Station, targeted two major entry points for travellers from Abuja to Kaduna.

Halima Suleiman, Head of Operations, NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, urged drivers and station officials to remain vigilant and report passengers showing symptoms associated with Ebola.

She said the sensitisation was necessary because of the frequent interaction between transport workers and travellers from different parts of the country.

“At this time, our most important message is to remain calm, remain vigilant and follow official health advice. There is no need for panic,” Suleiman said.

She also urged transport operators to maintain accurate passenger manifests and keep them securely to facilitate contact tracing if cases were confirmed.

Mohammed Aliyu, Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kaduna State Branch, said the campaign aimed to educate transport workers on Ebola symptoms and preventive measures..

Aliyu listed high fever, headache, body pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding among symptoms requiring urgent medical attention.

He advised drivers to notify the relevant authorities promptly if they encountered passengers showing such symptoms.

Aliyu said the exercise also aimed to counter misinformation, promote preparedness and prevent unnecessary public panic.

John Sanda, Chairman of Television Motor Park, said the sensitisation had helped drivers understand the need to identify possible symptoms and observe preventive measures.

Sanda said drivers had been given contact details for reporting suspected cases and would alert the relevant authorities whenever they noticed symptoms of concern.

Manager of Rigasa Train Station, Adamu Abu, said the exercise was important in educating railway workers on Ebola prevention and the need to report suspected cases promptly.

Represented by Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Manager, he urged station officials to remain vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions and cooperate with relevant authorities in reporting suspected cases.

The stakeholders urged transport workers to follow official health guidance and promptly report suspected cases to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, appealed to United States President Donald Trump and the international community to intervene diplomatically over alleged threats to the life and political freedom of the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank, in an open letter addressed to Trump and other international leaders, expressed concerns over reports of alleged plans to intimidate, arrest, detain or otherwise undermine Atiku's participation in the forthcoming electoral process.

He urged the United States, the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom to engage the Nigerian government and demand credible assurances regarding the safety of opposition leaders.

According to Frank who serves as an Ambassador to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and Middle East, the allegations surrounding Atiku's safety and the potential use of state institutions against opposition figures require urgent and independent investigation.

"These allegations must be independently and urgently investigated. Given their gravity, however, they cannot be dismissed or ignored until it is too late to prevent harm," he said.

Frank warned that any attempt to use law enforcement or security agencies to obstruct opposition candidates would undermine democratic participation and public confidence in Nigeria's institutions.

"The protection of political opposition is not a favour that any government grants at its discretion. It is a fundamental obligation of every democratic state," he said.

He specifically expressed concern over allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could be used to initiate proceedings against Atiku in circumstances that might result in his arrest and prolonged detention during the election campaign.

Frank, however, stressed that his position was not that political figures should be exempt from legitimate investigations, but that law enforcement must operate independently and without political interference.

"The concern is not that Atiku Abubakar should be placed above the law. The concern is that the law must never be placed at the service of political persecution," he said.

He urged the Federal Government in Nigeria to ensure that any investigation involving opposition figures was based on credible evidence and conducted in accordance with due process.

Frank also raised concerns about the perceived selective application of anti-corruption laws, arguing that public confidence in institutions such as the EFCC depended on their ability to investigate allegations impartially, irrespective of political affiliation.

He maintained that no public official or political associate should be shielded from legitimate scrutiny because of proximity to the presidency.

"If the government expects Nigerians to trust its anti-corruption institutions, those institutions must demonstrate that justice is neither partisan nor selective," he said.

The activist described Atiku as one of Nigeria's most prominent opposition figures, noting that his criticisms of government policies and his participation in debates on governance and public accountability were legitimate features of a democratic system.

He said political disagreements should be addressed through open debate and lawful procedures rather than intimidation or threats.

"The test of Nigeria's democracy is not whether the government protects its allies, but whether it protects the rights of those who challenge it," Frank added.

Concerns over 2027 elections

Frank also expressed concern about the credibility of the 2027 general elections, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the judiciary to demonstrate impartiality in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said allegations of restrictions on opposition campaigns, political intimidation and interference with electoral institutions should be independently investigated before they escalate.

The activist also referred to public statements attributed to prominent political figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which critics have interpreted as suggesting confidence in a predetermined electoral outcome.

He called for responsible political rhetoric, warning that statements capable of creating the impression that election results had already been settled could further undermine public confidence.

"No political party or public official has the authority to predetermine the will of the Nigerian people.

"Elections must be won through the ballot, not through intimidation, institutional manipulation, or declarations that suggest the outcome has been settled in advance,” Frank said.

He urged the international community to support credible and independent election observation missions in Nigeria, with particular attention to political violence, voter intimidation, campaign restrictions, the conduct of security agencies and the transparency of the electoral process.

Frank said the international community should not wait until a major political crisis erupts before taking preventive action.

"Preventive diplomacy is not merely desirable; it is a responsibility," he said.

Frank stressed that his appeal to Trump and other international leaders was not an attempt to influence who should govern Nigeria, but a call for safeguards to ensure that Nigerians could freely determine their political future.

"I am not asking the United States or any foreign government to determine who should govern Nigeria. That decision belongs exclusively to the Nigerian people.

"I am asking the international community to help ensure that Nigerians retain the freedom to make that decision without fear, coercion, or unlawful interference,” he said.

He warned that electoral injustice could deepen public distrust, heighten political tensions and threaten national stability, with possible implications for the wider West African region.

Frank urged the Nigerian government to provide credible assurances concerning the safety of Atiku and other opposition figures, while calling on international partners to intensify diplomatic engagement ahead of the elections.

"The protection of Atiku Abubakar's life and liberty, the safety of all opposition leaders, and the integrity of Nigeria's 2027 elections must be treated as urgent democratic priorities," he said.

He added: "The world must not wait for a tragedy before it acts."

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has honoured traditional rulers in Kaduna North and Chikun Local Government Areas (LGAs) for supporting disaster prevention and risk reduction efforts.



Halima Suleiman, Head of Operations, NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, presented the awards during courtesy visits to the traditional rulers on Thursday as part of the agency’s Customer Service Week programme.



Suleiman said the visits were aimed at appreciating community leaders for their contributions to disaster management activities.



She said their collaboration had helped the agency disseminate disaster awareness and prevention messages to communities.



“I feel a sense of satisfaction because we have visited people we have served and collaborated with to ensure our messages reach the grassroots,” she said.



Suleiman said the community leaders had demonstrated appreciation for the agency’s work and acknowledged their previous collaborations.



She stressed that NEMA could not effectively reach communities without the involvement of traditional institutions and other local stakeholders.



“NEMA cannot do it alone. We provide services to the people, and we cannot reach the grassroots without the involvement of community leaders,” she said.



According to her, recognising and motivating the leaders would encourage them to sustain their support for disaster prevention and mitigation.



She described traditional rulers as critical stakeholders whose cooperation was essential to effective disaster management.



In his response, the District Head of Tudun Wada, Tahir Mahmoud, thanked NEMA for recognising the contributions of traditional institutions to disaster management.



He pledged continued cooperation with the agency to promote disaster awareness and preparedness in the community.



Similarly, Dr Ishaku Yari, traditional ruler of Gbagyi in Chikun Local Government Area, thanked NEMA for recognising community leaders’ contributions to disaster management.





Yari pledged continued support for the agency’s awareness campaigns and disaster prevention efforts.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged its staff to prioritise compassion, professionalism and accountability in providing services to disaster-affected persons.



Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, gave the advice in a keynote address at the agency’s 2026 Customer Service Week celebration on Wednesday in Kaduna,



Umar said humanitarian service required empathy, responsiveness and respect for the dignity of vulnerable persons, displaced families and communities affected by disasters.



Represented by Halima Sulaiman, Head of Operations, Kaduna Office, she said the quality of service delivery could influence lives, livelihoods, recovery and public confidence in the agency.



The DG said NEMA continues to collaborate with state emergency management agencies, security agencies, humanitarian partners and other stakeholders to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.



She listed the agency’s interventions to include disaster assessments, search and rescue operations, early warning, public awareness, relief distribution and emergency coordination.



Umar called for improved communication and coordination among stakeholders, stressing that effective disaster management required collective action.



She also urged management to provide staff with the resources and capacity needed to deliver efficient services.



“A stakeholder who is properly informed can become a partner in prevention,” she said.



The DG commended the agency’s SERVICOM Unit and staff for promoting service excellence, urging them to remain responsive, respectful and accountable.



The celebration was held under the theme, “The Extra Mile”.

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have urged students to adopt fire safety measures and embrace disaster preparedness to protect lives and property.

The agencies gave the advice on Tuesday, during a sensitisation exercise at the Federal Government College, Kaduna, to mark the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, themed “Resilience Starts at Home”.

The State Controller, FFS Kaduna Command, Mr. Aminu Kiyawa, identified faulty electrical wiring, overloaded sockets and improper handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as potential causes of fire outbreaks.

“During an emergency, students need to know what to do, when to do it and how to respond,” he said.

Kiyawa warned against using water to extinguish electrical fire, advising students to disconnect the power supply where safe and use appropriate firefighting equipment.

He urged the school management to establish fire safety clubs and develop emergency response plans to ensure regular safety checks.

Similarly, the Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, Mrs Ikramat Muazu, said the exercise focused on identifying local hazards, improving home safety and recognising early warning signs.

“People need to understand the hazards around them to prepare adequately and reduce the impact of disasters,” she said.

Muazu said the school was selected because it brought together students from different backgrounds and parts of Kaduna State.

She urged residents to recognise early warning signs and take prompt action to minimise loss of lives and property.

The exercise featured a fire simulation and first aid demonstrations by the Nigerian Red Cross.

*NEMA stresses importance of safe boarding procedures, flood survival skills





The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has cautioned boat operators against night sailing, overloading and failure to use life jackets to prevent avoidable accidents on Nigerian waterways.



Zonal Area Manager, NIWA Kaduna and Katsina Area Offices, Mr. Munir Mohammed, gave the warning at a safety sensitisation campaign on waterway safety and flood control in Kaduna.



Mohammed said preventable human errors, including the use of unseaworthy boats, overloading and failure to wear life jackets, contributed to boat accidents.



He said the campaign was designed to promote the use of standard life jackets, educate water users on flood safety precautions and discourage unsafe navigation practices.



Mohammed urged participants to apply the safety measures demonstrated during the campaign and promote awareness in their communities and at jetties.



He called for stronger collaboration among emergency management agencies, security personnel and other stakeholders to improve waterway safety and emergency response.



In his presentation, Abdulkadir Mohammed, Head of Search and Rescue, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stressed the importance of safe boarding procedures and flood survival skills among water users.



He said people whose livelihoods depended on rivers needed adequate safety education to protect themselves and return home alive after their daily activities.



Mohammed urged boat operators and other river users to take safety precautions seriously, particularly during flooding and other emergencies, to minimise risks to lives and property.



In his remarks, Engr. Bala Micah, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, NIWA, said the authority had trained more than 60 boat operators on safety measures to reduce human errors and prevent accidents.



Micah said the training would continue to improve compliance with safety regulations among boat operators on Nigerian waterways.



He urged boat owners to maintain their vessels and engines, engage trained operators and provide appropriate emergency equipment.



Micah advised operators to assess weather and water conditions before journeys, observe vessel capacity limits and ensure passengers wore life jackets correctly.



He said River Kaduna had the potential to support transportation, fishing, tourism, job creation and revenue generation if properly developed.



Micah called for collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and NIWA to promote responsible dredging, environmental protection and sustainable river development.



He said efforts to harness the economic potential of inland waterways must prioritise the protection of human lives.

NIWA donated life jackets to boat operators as part of efforts to promote waterways safety.

*Raises eyebrows over INEC composition





Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to intervene diplomatically to ensure that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible.



Frank, in an open letter to Trump titled, “No Mandate From Fraud: Election 2027,” urged the US government to impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans, asset freezes and financial restrictions, on electoral officials, judicial officers and security personnel found culpable of electoral manipulation.



He called on the Trump administration to adopt what he described as a “No Mandate From Fraud” policy, arguing that credible elections were essential to accountable leadership, economic development and national stability.



Frank expressed concerns over the composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the concentration of people from President Bola Tinubu’s ethnic group in key positions raised questions about the impartiality of the electoral umpire.



“The current composition of INEC has raised concerns about alleged ethnic concentration in key positions. If the country proceeds to the 2027 general election under these circumstances, we fear that the process could be compromised from the outset,” he said.



He urged the Trump administration to engage Tinubu and other Nigerian political leaders ahead of the elections, stressing that diplomatic intervention must come before the polls rather than after alleged irregularities have occurred.



“The Trump administration must act now to ensure electoral integrity in Nigeria. The time to act is before the elections, not after the damage has been done,” Frank said.



He added: “The United States must not wait for Nigeria to descend into crisis before intervening. By then, it may be too late to prevent the consequences.”



Frank called on Washington to deploy a high-level delegation to Nigeria and work with European allies to impress upon the country's political leadership and electoral authorities the need to guarantee a credible electoral process.



He maintained that anyone found to have manipulated election results should face individual consequences, regardless of political affiliation, official position or influence.



“Any individual who participates in the manipulation, falsification, or rigging of the 2027 election will face immediate, individual consequences,” he said.



The proposed sanctions, according to Frank, should extend to judicial officers who knowingly validate fraudulent election results and security personnel who use their positions to intimidate voters or facilitate electoral manipulation.



He specifically called for scrutiny of the conduct of INEC's chairman, national commissioners and other senior officials, as well as the Inspector-General of Police and senior personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), the armed forces and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).



Frank stressed that security agencies must remain politically neutral and protect voters, irrespective of their political affiliations.



“Security forces must be reminded that their duty is to the Nigerian Constitution and people, not to a political party,” he said.



The political activist argued that electoral malpractice and poor governance were among the factors compelling Nigerians to leave the country in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions.



He urged the United States to complement its border enforcement measures with diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing what he described as some of the underlying causes of migration.



“Nigerians are not leaving Nigeria because they do not love their country. They are leaving because decades of rigged elections have produced leaders who destroy the economy, loot resources, and create insecurity,” Frank said.



He added: “Border enforcement alone cannot solve this. We must address the cause at the source.”



According to him, credible elections could help produce accountable governments capable of improving economic conditions, tackling insecurity and creating opportunities that would encourage Nigerians to remain in the country.



He also argued that better governance could encourage Nigerians living abroad to return and contribute to national development.



Frank described his proposal as consistent with Trump's America First policy, arguing that a stable and democratically governed Nigeria would serve the economic and security interests of both countries.



He said credible leadership in Nigeria could strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, energy development and efforts to address the influence of rival powers in Africa.



He also highlighted opportunities for American companies to support Nigeria's electricity sector through technology, investment and technical expertise, particularly under a government committed to transparent and sustainable economic policies.



Frank urged Washington to reconsider what he described as business as usual in its dealings with governments whose legitimacy was disputed because of alleged electoral malpractice.



“A clear US message now that America will not do business as usual with any government, INEC official, judge, or security chief produced by or protecting a rigged election will save American lives, money, and border resources,” he said.



He maintained that early diplomatic engagement could help deter electoral malpractice and encourage Nigerian authorities to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 polls.



“Nigeria is blessed with everything to succeed except leadership. Help Nigerians choose their leaders freely in 2027, and you will cut off a major source of immigration at its root,” Frank said.



He urged the Trump administration to make electoral integrity a priority in its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Coordinator of the Tinubu Health Sector Practitioners Alliance, Dr Ogechi Lokpobiri, has urged health professionals to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing reported investments in medical education, healthcare infrastructure, workforce development and health insurance.

Lokpobiri said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda had introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening the healthcare system, expanding professional training and improving access to medical services across the country.

She also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, for their roles in advancing reforms in healthcare delivery and medical education.

According to her, collaboration between the two ministries is essential to producing skilled health professionals, upgrading medical institutions and improving the quality of healthcare services available to Nigerians.

Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said sustained investment and effective implementation of policies would be necessary to address persistent challenges in the sector.

On nursing education, she cited Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare figures showing that annual enrolment quotas for nursing and midwifery training institutions increased from 28,000 in May 2023 to 115,000 for the 2025 academic year.

She also cited the retraining of more than 69,000 frontline health workers nationwide and the Federal Government’s approval of recruitment waivers for 20,000 additional health personnel, with nurses and midwives expected to account for 60 per cent of the positions.

The TIHSEPA coordinator welcomed the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2025–2030, which seeks to strengthen professional education, leadership, regulation and workforce development.

However, she said expanding training and recruitment would not be sufficient without better welfare packages, adequate staffing, modern equipment and improved working conditions.

She stressed that retaining skilled professionals was critical to ensuring that investments in training translated into better patient care.

On medical education, Lokpobiri cited programme information indicating a reported ₦110bn investment in 18 medical schools under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.

The initiative reportedly also includes the rehabilitation of 12 engineering and technology faculties and the development of 20 institutions specialising in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical sciences.

She urged the government to ensure that beneficiary institutions had functional laboratories, modern equipment, qualified personnel and adequate clinical training facilities.

According to her, increasing student enrolment without corresponding improvements in infrastructure and practical training could affect the quality of graduates produced by the institutions.

Lokpobiri also welcomed healthcare projects announced by the Presidency in May 2026, including a laboratory complex at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State, a mental health and drug rehabilitation centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and an immunisation supply chain hub at the Federal Medical Stores in Oshodi, Lagos State.

Other interventions she highlighted included primary healthcare facilities in Kano and Delta states, alongside initiatives to improve emergency medical transportation.

She said the emergency response initiative included 145 tricycle ambulances, six boat ambulances and 79 ambulances for federal tertiary hospitals. The plan also provides for compressed natural gas-powered ambulances across all 73 federal tertiary health facilities.

According to her, the interventions could reduce delays in accessing emergency treatment, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

She, however, stressed the need for proper maintenance, trained personnel and functional referral systems to ensure that the investments improved access to timely medical care.

On health financing, Lokpobiri commended the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative for its focus on strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance coverage and improving coordination among the federal, state and local governments.

Citing government reports, she said health insurance enrolment had exceeded 22 million Nigerians by July 2026, representing an increase of approximately 35 per cent since 2023.

She said expanding insurance coverage could reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and protect households from financial hardship caused by illness.

The TIHSEPA coordinator also called for increased investment in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing to boost local production of medicines, diagnostic products and medical equipment.

She said strengthening local manufacturing could reduce import dependence, improve the resilience of the medical supply chain and support the availability of essential healthcare products.

On maternal and newborn health, Lokpobiri cited a 2025 review by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which reportedly recorded a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 12 per cent decline in newborn deaths across 172 high-burden local government areas targeted by specific interventions.

She said sustaining the reported progress would require continued investment in antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric services and newborn care.

She also called for stronger collaboration among the three tiers of government and effective monitoring of interventions to extend their benefits to more communities.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Lokpobiri urged doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health professionals to support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that a second term would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms and sustain investment in healthcare.

“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that the health of Nigerians is fundamental to the country’s productivity, prosperity and future. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, professional training, maternal health and insurance coverage provide a foundation for building a stronger health system,” she said.

She maintained that sustained funding, effective policy implementation and collaboration among government institutions and professional associations were necessary to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

Lokpobiri added that the impact of the reforms should be measured by improvements in access to treatment, patient outcomes, healthcare facilities and financial protection for Nigerians seeking medical care.

Dr Ogechi Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and National Coordinator of the Tinubu Health Sector Practitioners Alliance (TIHSEPA), has urged Nigerians, particularly women and health professionals, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.



Lokpobiri made the appeal on Friday in Abuja while addressing journalists on behalf of TIHSEPA, urging Nigerians to remain committed to the administration’s reform agenda, which she said was necessary to address structural challenges and promote sustainable development.



She maintained that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were reshaping critical sectors of the economy and could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global community.



While acknowledging that some of the policies had created short-term difficulties for citizens, she argued that their long-term objectives should be considered within the broader effort to establish a stronger economic foundation.



“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated the courage to take difficult decisions in the interest of the country. While reforms may come with challenges, we must also look at their broader objectives and the opportunities they are creating for a stronger and more sustainable Nigeria,” she said.



The TIHSEPA coordinator urged Nigerian women to take a more active role in the country’s political and development processes, noting that their participation was important in shaping the nation’s future.



She called on women across the country to mobilise peacefully in support of government programmes aimed at improving healthcare delivery, strengthening social interventions, empowering families and expanding opportunities for citizens.



“Women cannot afford to remain on the sidelines. We have a responsibility to participate actively in the affairs of our country and to support policies and programmes that we believe will advance the wellbeing of our families and communities,” she added.



Lokpobiri also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom she described as an “Icon of Impact”, for her interventions targeting women, children and vulnerable Nigerians.



She particularly praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and other programmes focusing on social welfare, healthcare, education and economic empowerment, saying they complemented the Federal Government’s broader development agenda.



According to her, the First Lady’s advocacy for women and families highlights the importance of inclusive leadership and increased attention to the needs of vulnerable groups.



On healthcare, Lokpobiri said TIHSEPA would continue to provide a platform for health-sector professionals to contribute to national development and initiatives aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system.



She described healthcare as a critical driver of productivity and economic growth, stressing the need for a more responsive and accessible system that meets the needs of Nigerians.



She urged health professionals nationwide to participate actively in discussions on healthcare reforms and contribute their expertise towards improving service delivery.



Lokpobiri also appealed to Nigerians to maintain national unity and give the administration the opportunity to consolidate its policies and programmes.



She expressed optimism that sustained implementation of the Federal Government’s reform agenda would create more opportunities for citizens and strengthen Nigeria’s standing internationally.



She reaffirmed TIHSEPA’s commitment to mobilising health practitioners and other stakeholders around healthcare improvement and national development.

*Says NYLF yet to back any candidate





Comrade (Dr) Elliot Afiyo is the National President of the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), the umbrella organisation of the Northern Youth formed by the Northern Military, Political, Religious and traditional Rulers on the 26th September, 1994. Dr. Afiyo is also a Senior Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He is also the Secretary General of the Association of the West African Monarchs (AWAM), the umbrella body of the Traditional Rulers in West Africa Region. On the 24th of September, 2026, he was appointed as Minister (Designate) in charge of Defence, Peace & Security of the Sovereign United hayachratic Government of Alkebulan (formerly Africa), with its Headquarters in Zambia. He has also been uplifted to the position of an Emperor. In this explosive interview with the journalists during the inauguration of the President's second term at Kenneth Kaunda Stadium, Lusaka, Zambia. Dr. Afiyo expressly concluded that the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria will be won by the APC after a tough battle at the polls, if the APC makes genuine moves to contact the proper or rightful Youth organisations, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria.



Excerpts:



Your Majesty, you are welcome to Lusaka, Zambia. We were told that Your Majesty is the National President of a powerful Youth group in Nigeria. Why are you here in Zambia?

Yes, of course. I am the National President. My tenure will expire on the 26th of February, 2027. I am here in Zambia to monitor the Presidential Election and also organise a Summit for the Monarchs from all the 54 African nations.



Back home in Nigeria, what is your candid opinion on the 2027 presidential elections?





The 2027 presidential elections will be one of the toughest challenges that will either change or disintegrate Nigeria, or alter the political narrative of Nigeria. It is going to be a do-or-die affair because of the characters involved. Tinubu will never allow anybody to push him out of power. Atiku, on the other hand, will not accept a prostrated result to be announced.

You know why? Tinubu represents the South. If he is defeated, it means the enforcement of the Northern political supremacy, which will keep the Southern part at the mercy of the political power of the North. By implication, the North will totally determine who rules the nation. It will also bring to an end the power-rotation trend. The Southerners will remain perpetually under the political control of the North. It will take Southerners over forty years to produce a Nigerian President again.

However, in the event that Tinubu wins, the political supremacy of the North will definitely come to an end. The Southerners will be the dominant political superpower. There may be a change of political power. Southerners will never respect the Northerners in politics again. Either way, there is a high propensity of crisis which may either break Nigeria or change the political trajectory of Nigeria again.

What is the probability of Atiku winning the election, and technically?



Atiku is actually out of the equation, if God spares the life of Tinubu. But if Obi will resign and back Atiku, or Atiku resigns and backs Obi, then there is a prospect of either Atiku or Obi defeating Tinubu at the polls.



There are two different pronouncements from the Northern Imams. While the Kano group endorsed Tinubu and the Kaduna group endorsed Atiku. (Cuts in)



The truth is that the Fulani elites will never allow Atiku or Kwankwaso to be President or Vice President. I cannot disclose the reason publicly. If the APC will concentrate on the Northern Youth organisations, nothing will stop President Tinubu from getting a second term mandate.

Unfortunately, the APC is chasing political Youth groups that were formed by political morons who have no physical or verifiable structures but formed purposely for political campaigns with the political intention of getting campaign funds.

On the other hand, the ADC also is repeating the mistakes of 2023 by ignoring genuine Youth organisations.

Kwankwaso, for now, is doing Jamboree Sponsored Campaign that is geared towards dividing and reducing the Northern votes.



What is your Forum's final decision on the 2027 presidential elections?

We are yet to take our final decision. Our decision will be determined by the National Working Executive Council during our Meeting at Kaduna in November, 2026.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You are welcome.

The wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ogechi Lokpobiri, has received commendation for her humanitarian efforts, compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of people around her.



Vice President of Boardwalk Group and Abuja-based real estate developer and philanthropist, Chief Mrs Obiageli Okwubanego, gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Asokoro, Abuja, after the Bayelsa State 30th anniversary celebration.



The celebration, themed “Celebrating Legacies,” saw Governor Douye Diri present an Award of Excellence to Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.



Okwubanego described Senator Lokpobiri and his wife as “two perfect persons,” saying they were committed to improving the country and making life better for people who crossed their paths.



She praised the minister for his role in the oil and gas sector and his efforts to project Bayelsa State positively at the federal level.



However, she singled out Dr Ogechi for special praise, describing her as a “pillar” and an “icon” whose impact goes beyond her position as a minister’s wife.



According to Okwubanego, Dr Ogechi represents the biblical woman who builds her home while contributing meaningfully to society.



She said, “Behind every successful man, there is a productive, caring and hardworking wife,” adding that Dr Ogechi had demonstrated those qualities through her support, compassion and service to humanity.



Okwubanego said the demands of public office made the support of a responsible spouse particularly important, noting that Dr Ogechi had remained a dependable source of strength to her husband.



She urged Nigerians to celebrate people whose contributions often happen quietly but whose acts of kindness and humanitarian intervention positively affect others.



The philanthropist said Dr Ogechi should be recognised in her own right for the difference she continues to make, rather than being viewed solely through the lens of her husband’s public position.



She added that the recognition of Senator Lokpobiri at the Bayelsa @ 30 celebration also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the less visible but important role played by his wife in his public service journey.

*Submit formal petition to National Working Committee







Some prominent chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country, under a registered platform known as APC Solidarity Group, have formally petitioned the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party through the office of the National Chairman, asking for appropriate sanctions against the former Benue State Chairman, Austin Agada over alleged anti - party activities.



The petition, signed by the group's National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sa'idu Muhammad, accused Agada of cross party endorsement of Senator Abba Moro of the PDP and others.



An acknowledgement copy of the petition dated October 2, 2026, is tittled "Petition against anti-party activities, public opposition to the APC governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates in Benue South Senatorial district, Zone C of Benue state: A conduct prejudicial to the interest of the APC at large.



Specifically, the group is asking the NWC to constitute an investigative committee, invite Austin Agada to appear before it, constitute a disciplinary committee to discipline him if found guilty and publicise his disciplinary measures to serve as deterrent to others.



The group said Austin Agada—acting as leader of a prominent faction of the APC loyal to the Secretary to the government of the Federation, SGF, Sen. George Akume in Benue State—made a highly publicized move by cross-party endorsing PDP’s Senator Abba Moro for the 2027 senatorial seat, where he boldly printed banners of APC Presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sen. Abba Moro of the PDP.



The petition stated that "On the 28th September 2026, Agada also granted an interview on TVC PoliticsTonight, which he stated very clear that he has no reason to campaign for the APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue as such, he would not campaign for the re-election of the APC candidate for Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in the 2027 governorship election.



"Agada's position is contrary to the position of the Governors elected in the platform of the APC which was communicated through the Progressives Governor' Forum and also endorsed by the 36 State chapters of the party and the FCT through the State Chairmen of the party.



"The interview as confirmed from the recordings of the programme, we believe his position raises serious question of party loyalty and compliance with the obligations expected of a senior member of the APC as stated in the party's constitution."



The APC group also accussed Agada of involving in Rainbow Coalition, contrary to the interest of the party. APC has over twelve million members and its ahead of all other political parties, fully prepared to win the 2027 general elections.



"We are further concerned about Agada's reported activities within a group known as the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, (the Rainbow Coalition in Benue) which is in bed with the peoples Democratic Party (PDP), The Social Democratic Party, SDP, the Labour Party, LP, the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC particularly where such activities are being conducted in a manner that opposes or undermines the APC's officially recognized political structure and its Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates in Benue State.



"We firmly acknowledged that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 presidential re-election is consistent with APC's national interest, however, support for the President should not be used as a basis for campaigning against other candidate of the APC where the party has established candidates and recognized campaign structure.



"The central issue before the party is therefore not whether Austin Agada supports President Tinubu, but whether his activities amount to conduct that undermines the APC, its candidates, its structures or its electoral interests in Benue State or it violate the relevant section of the APC Constitution."



While urging the National Working Committee to interrogate the relevant provisions of Article 21 of the APC Constitution and determine weather the activities of Austin Agada as stated above amount to anti- party activities and are punishable under the relevant section of the party Constitution, the group declared that the petition is borne out of loyalty and commitment to party supremacy, discipline, unity and the collective interest of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.



"We therefore submit that, the allegations against Austin Agada as established with clear evidence as attached, appropriate sanctions provided under the Constitution should be applied immediately to serve as deterrent to others who are planning to engage in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.



"We consider this matter particularly serious because Austin Agada is not an ordinary member of the APC without prerequisite knowledge of the party's constitution, structures and obligations.



"As a former Chairman of the APC in Benue State, he understands the importance of party supremacy, discipline, loyalty and respect for constituted party organs.



"His previous leadership position makes his public opposition to the party's Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates a matter requiring the attention of the national leadership."



The petition stated that APC in Benue State cannot afford a situation in which senior members openly campaign for other political parties against the APC



"The party's national leadership has repeatedly emphasized the importance of unity ahead of 2027 general elections which is a welcome development. Recent public discussions concerning divisions within the Benue APC have similarly highlighted concerns about the effect of internal disputes on the party's cohesion.



"We therefore believe that the National Working Committee should act within the framework of the Party Constitution to prevent indiscipline from becoming a norm as the power to discipline members is vested on it."



The group noted that it's members across the country particularly from Benue State have complained consistently about the activities of the former APC Chairman, Benue State chapter, Austin Agada over his open endorsement of candidates of other political parties where APC has validly nominated candidates.



"The APC is bigger than any individual, group or political interest. Its strength depends upon discipline, loyalty, internal democracy, party supremacy and respect for the decisions of its recognized organs.



"We therefore respectfully request the National Working Committee to cause this petition to be investigated and, where the allegations are proven, ensure that the appropriate disciplinary measures are applied in accordance with the Constitution.



"This, in our considered view, will reinforce the principle that no member, irrespective of his previous position or present appointment, is above the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC)."

The Federal Government has commenced a six-month technical and vocational training programme for 2,549 Nigerian youths in Abuja and Niger State, targeting skills acquisition as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.

The programme, implemented under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills Technical and Vocational Education and Training initiative, involves 21 Training Service Providers.

The initiative is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the World Bank.

It seeks to modernise technical colleges, upgrade workshops, train instructors and equip Nigerian youths with market-driven vocational, technical and digital skills.

The Federal Government plans to expand the programme to train between 70,000 and 80,000 young Nigerians across various states through approved Training Service Providers.

Speaking at the joint flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Friday, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS-TVET project, Mrs Blessing Ehi Ogwu, urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and focus on acquiring skills rather than the stipends attached to the programme.

“The essence is for you to acquire a skill. So, at the end of this training, you don't need to go about begging.

“You don't need to go about seeking jobs in offices. Once you have a skill, you are better than those of us in the office,” she said.

Ogwu said skilled youths could earn more independently than those relying solely on monthly salaries.

“You can make what you work for 30 days in a month and get paid for it. You can make it in one week if you are committed to your training,” she added.

She urged the beneficiaries to give their best and make maximum use of the opportunity provided by the Federal Government.

“I'm sure if I had that opportunity, by now I would not be moving around working for government. I would have had something bigger and greater.

“But you now have the opportunity. Make maximum use of it. Don't focus on the stipends.”

Ogwu disclosed that beneficiaries must achieve at least 65 per cent attendance to qualify for their stipends.

“We have a policy that you must meet your 65 per cent for you to qualify for your stipend. So, if you don't meet your 65 per cent, you will not get your stipend,” she said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Komtek Engineering Services and Consultancy Limited, Engr Ejoga O. Inalegwu, described the IDEAS-TVET initiative as a major intervention in skills acquisition, empowerment and poverty reduction.

Inalegwu said his organisation was training 200 beneficiaries in three agricultural areas—poultry, fishery and aquaculture, and crop production and processing.

He said 118 trainees were undergoing poultry training, 48 fishery and aquaculture training, while 34 were being trained in crop production and processing.

According to him, all the beneficiaries are also receiving entrepreneurship training.

“We are in the rural community of Kuchiko Ijah, in Niger State, and training 157 females and 43 males,” he said.

Inalegwu said the trainees were drawn from the FCT, Niger and neighbouring states, including Kaduna, Kogi and Nasarawa, with representation from other parts of the country.

He said the programme had already begun changing the lives of participants and impacting their communities.

“The lives of the participants are obviously being changed and the community is being impacted, giving effect to the essence of the programme,” he said.

He added, “The results we are seeing is a testimony to the efficacy of the project.”

Speaking on behalf of the joint flag-off committee, Ebenezer Azah Chris said the government could not employ the millions of graduates produced annually, making vocational skills critical to reducing unemployment.

“Let me give you an example. We have about 2.1 million graduates every year.

“The government cannot employ everybody, but if they have skills, they will stay off the streets,” she said.

Chris said the six-month programme comprised three months of training and three months of internship.

She commended the Federal Government for establishing the programme and expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would use the skills to create businesses or secure employment.

One of the beneficiaries, Hossana Gbako Apkhere, who is undergoing poultry farming training with Komtek Engineering Services and Consultancy Limited, said the programme had changed her outlook.

“My expectation is to become an entrepreneur. The training has given us knowledge and taught us how to stand on our own,” she said.

Apkhere said the training had restored her confidence and determination to succeed.

“I now have the determination to go higher because of what they have taught us,” she added.

She appealed to the Federal Government to sustain such interventions, particularly for unemployed youths, housewives and Nigerians facing economic difficulties.

Another beneficiary, Ogaba Emmanuel, a Bachelor of Engineering graduate undergoing CNG conversion training with Lanre Shittu Motors, described the programme as an eye-opener.

“It means a lot to me. The training exposed me to so many things, particularly in the area of CNG, which I am already involved in,” he said.

Ogaba said the growing adoption of CNG could create employment opportunities while providing an alternative to conventional fuel.

“The training has helped me understand that CNG has come to stay and can also help reduce the rate of unemployment among youths,” he said.

He added that greater utilisation of gas could create economic value while reducing gas flaring.

“Now, there is another medium through which the gas can be utilised to generate economic value, while also reducing unemployment,” Ogaba said.

The expanded fourth edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament kicked off on Thursday at the Okotogbo Primary School Football Pitch in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, with defending champions Delta All-Stars International edging Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars 1-0 in the opening fixture.



The keenly contested encounter was decided in the second half, when Delta All-Stars International found the back of the net to secure a narrow victory and begin their title defence on a winning note.



The defending champions showed good tactical discipline and experience after taking the lead, soaking up pressure and protecting their advantage until the final whistle, despite a spirited response from Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars.



The 2026 edition has been expanded to feature 32 veteran All-Stars football clubs drawn from the three senatorial districts of Delta State, bringing together former professional and grassroots footballers in a competition designed to promote peace, unity, friendship and community development through football.



Speaking at the opening ceremony, a member of the Ofugara Give Back Initiative Board, Mrs Antoinette Ofugara Obiuwevbi, said the tournament is more than a football competition, stressing that it is also a platform for bringing people together and giving former players an opportunity to remain active and contribute to society.



Mrs Obiuwevbi encouraged the participating players to give their best and conduct themselves in the spirit of sportsmanship, urging them to support the initiative to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the tournament in the years ahead.



She expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Ofugara Foundation, Mr Silva Ofugara, for his love, commitment and continuous efforts towards helping humanity and making positive contributions to the society.



She also commended the Delta State Government for creating an enabling environment for sports to thrive and develop in the state, noting that such support was important for the growth of sports and the discovery and development of talents.



The tournament has also attracted several former football stars, with the veteran players expected to showcase their experience, ball control, tactical awareness and competitive spirit throughout the competition.



The competition is not only providing an avenue for the players to rekindle old football rivalries but is also strengthening bonds among communities and former footballers across Delta State.



The organisers have put up a ₦10 million grand prize for the winner of this year's edition, raising the stakes as the 32 participating All-Stars sides battle through the tournament for the coveted trophy and prize money.



With the opening-day victory, Delta All-Stars International have taken an early step towards retaining the title, while Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars will be hoping to recover in their next fixture.



The fourth edition is expected to produce several exciting encounters as former stars from across Delta's three senatorial districts compete for honours while advancing the tournament's core message of peace, unity, friendship and giving back to humanity.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced a refresher training to strengthen responders’ capacity for urban search and rescue during floods.

Halima Suleiman, Head of Operations, NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, said this on Wednesday, in Kaduna while opening a refresher course on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) for flooding.

Suleiman said the training was designed to improve responders’ preparedness, skills and coordination.

She said lessons from the 2022, 2024 and 2025 flood operations had exposed new challenges for rescue teams.

“We are not just rescuing people from open water; we are navigating through urban settlements with submerged houses, collapsed walls, live electrical hazards and panicked populations,” she said.

According to her, the changing nature of flood emergencies required updated skills, modern techniques and effective coordination among response agencies.

She said the training would strengthen responders’ capacity in urban search and rescue and flood-water rescue, ahead of possible flooding predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Suleiman urged NEMA, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other first responders to strengthen collaboration and address operational gaps identified from previous interventions.

“Let us use this opportunity to correct past operational gaps and share field lessons,” she said.
She also urged responders to prioritise their safety during rescue operations. We must all return alive,” she said.


Suleiman urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, heed early warning information and comply with advisories from relevant authorities.

She said flooding could occur at any stage of the rainy season due to water releases, rising water levels or heavy downpours.

Also speaking, Mr Ahan Theophilus, Higher Technical Officer, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Kaduna Area Office, said the exercise would help communities prepare for flooding and improve safety during emergencies.

Theophilus, who represented the Zonal Manager, Engineer Muhammad Balabello, said NIWA, as the regulatory authority for the nation’s inland waterways, had a role to play in providing safety information to the public.

He said the training emphasised the proper use of life jackets, particularly in communities around waterways.

“It is important not only to have a life jacket but to know how to wear it properly and professionally to ensure that it can effectively save lives,” he said.

The participants included officials of the Kaduna State Fire and Public Safety Service, Federal Fire Service, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Red Cross Society and media practitioners.

Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu has formally assumed duty as the 33rd Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, with a pledge to consolidate the Command’s achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and institutional discipline.


A statement signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs
Customs Public Relations Officer
Apapa Area Command, Isah Sulaiman, dated Tuesday September 29, 2026, said that the assumption-of-office and farewell ceremony, held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the Auditorium of the Apapa Area Command, was attended by heads of security and regulatory agencies, representatives of government agencies, terminal operators, shipping and business stakeholders, customs brokers and other partners of the Command, who delivered goodwill messages to the outgoing and incoming Controllers.

In his inaugural address, Comptroller Mu’azu described his appointment as “a great honour and privilege” and expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence reposed on him.

He stated: “I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD fnipr, psc+ for the confidence reposed in me to lead this very important Command.” He added: “I accept this responsibility with a deep sense of duty and a firm commitment to the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and the economic interest of our dear nation.” He said his administration would be guided by the Three (3) strategic pillars of the Comptroller-General of Customs (consolidation, collaboration and innovation) with particular emphasis on revenue integrity, efficient trade facilitation, professionalism and stakeholder engagement.

On revenue, Comptroller Mu’azu stated that “Every revenue due to government must be properly assessed and collected, and every decision taken by our officers must be capable of standing the test of scrutiny over time.” He further assured stakeholders that the Command would deepen collaboration with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, port authorities and partner government agencies, stressing that the Service is committed to making the Apapa port more efficient and responsive to legitimate trade.

The new CAC also declared his administration’s commitment to eliminating avoidable delays in cargo processing, stating that “Unnecessary human delays in cargo processing otherwise known as Non-Tariff Barriers shall not be tolerated henceforth.” He added that where all requirements have been met, legitimate cargo must be allowed to move without avoidable obstruction, while officers were expected to maintain discipline, professionalism, decorum and courtesy in their dealings with the trading public.

Comptroller Mu’azu acknowledged the record set by his predecessor, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (Rtd), particularly in revenue generation. Under Oshoba, the Command recorded a historic monthly collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026 and a single-day collection of ₦28.102 billion on 18 August 2026.

Acknowledging the challenge of sustaining the momentum, Mu’azu stated that, “This is indeed a record to reckon with and strive towards matching same. It is therefore a Herculean task upon myself and my team to match and surpass such a record.”

The new Controller also commended Oshoba’s contributions to enforcement, trade facilitation and the implementation of the Service’s modernisation initiatives, including B’Odogwu, Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, One-Stop Shop and Non-Intrusive Inspection technology. On Advance Ruling, Oshoba had noted in his farewell address that the initiative “provides legitimate traders with greater predictability and clarity on Customs treatment before importation, thereby reducing uncertainty and strengthening confidence in the trading environment.”

In his farewell message, Comptroller Oshoba (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the officers, men and stakeholders of Apapa Area Command for their support throughout his tenure. He said: “The achievements recorded during my tenure do not belong to one individual. They belong to all of us.” He charged the officers to sustain the standards of the Command, stating that “Discipline must remain our foundation, professionalism our standard and excellence our aspiration.”

He also urged them to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor.

In response, Comptroller Mu’azu urged officers and stakeholders to work collectively towards the continued success of the Command, stressing that “The success we seek cannot be achieved by the CAC alone. It requires our collective efforts, operational integrity and willingness to uphold the standards of the Service.” He assured stakeholders of an open and constructive relationship founded on fairness, mutual respect and the national interest, expressing confidence that Apapa Area Command would continue to serve as a model of efficient revenue administration, legitimate trade facilitation and professional conduct.

*Showcasing Uba Sani’s Commitment To Sports Development


Kaduna State is witnessing renewed momentum in sports development as major sporting events continue to come to the state, alongside significant investments in sporting infrastructure under the administration of Governor Senator Uba Sani, CON.

The State is currently hosting the Super Sand Eagles’ 23-day training camp, two international friendly matches against Senegal on 2nd and 4th October 2026, and the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ghana on 10th October 2026.

The programme runs from 21st September to 14th October 2026.

The development adds to ongoing efforts to strengthen Kaduna’s capacity to host major national and international sporting events.

Among the major projects is the complete reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, with its spectator capacity being increased from about 16,000 to 33,000.

The Kaduna Township Stadium, formerly known as Ranchers Bees Stadium, has also undergone comprehensive renovation under the administration of Governor Uba Sani through the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

Speaking during an interview, the Director of Sports Development, Mal. Hassan Buba, highlighted the Governor’s commitment to the development of sports in Kaduna, noting that investments in infrastructure and support for sporting activities are helping to strengthen the State’s sporting environment.

According to him, the increasing number of major sporting events coming to Kaduna is also an indication of growing confidence in the state, particularly in view of the improved security situation.

He said the hosting of major competitions demonstrates that Kaduna is increasingly being recognised as a suitable destination for sporting activities, while the improved security environment provides greater confidence for teams, officials and organisers.

Also speaking, the Team Coordinator of the Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Okaye, expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani and the Kaduna State Government for the warm reception accorded the team and the support provided for the programme.

Mr. Okaye commended the State Government for creating a conducive environment for the team’s training camp and international engagements, describing the support as a positive demonstration of Kaduna’s commitment to sports and the success of the national team.

He said the team was pleased with the reception in Kaduna and appreciated the arrangements put in place to support its preparation for the international fixtures.


The captain of the Super Sand Eagles, Victor Tale, also expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for the support and hospitality extended to the team.

He said the players were in high spirits and fully focused on their preparations, noting that the training camp was providing the needed environment to build fitness, cohesion and confidence ahead of the international fixtures.

He commended the Kaduna State Government for its support and said the team was determined to make the most of the opportunity to train in Kaduna ahead of the Senegal friendlies and the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.

The Super Sand Eagles programme is designed to provide the national team with intensive preparation and high-level international match exposure ahead of the Ghana qualifier, alongside the necessary technical, medical, logistical and administrative support.

Beyond the sporting value, the hosting is expected to increase Kaduna’s national and international visibility, promote sports tourism, create opportunities for local businesses and service providers, encourage youth participation and further develop beach soccer facilities in the state.

The presence of the Super Sand Eagles, Senegalese delegation and other officials therefore, provides Kaduna with an opportunity to showcase its sporting facilities, hospitality and organisational capacity while further strengthening its profile as a destination for major sporting event

*Decries Hardship, Insecurity



The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has called on Nigerian youths, particularly those in Northern Nigeria, to vote with conscience in the 2027 general elections, citing unprecedented economic hardship and worsening insecurity under the current regime.



The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of an emergency expanded meeting of its National Executive and State Chairmen held at the historic Arewa House, Kaduna on Saturday, 19th September, 2026.



The Forum said the meeting was convened to review the state of the nation and chart a course for youth participation ahead of the 2027 polls.



According to the communique signed by its National Director of Publicity, Bello Abdulhamid, the Forum observed that insecurity has worsened across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and other parts of the country.



"Our economic life has been crippled, communities displaced, and innocent lives lost. Farming, which is our pride, has become a death trap and our schools are no longer safe. We cannot build a future in fear," the Forum stated.



On the economy, the AYF said Nigerian youths are facing hardship never witnessed in recent history, blaming the current administration's economic reforms for high inflation, cost of living and mass unemployment.



"Millions of talented youths have been pushed into poverty, frustration and forced Japa. The entrepreneurship spirit of the Arewa youth is being killed by harsh, anti-people policies," it noted.



The youth body also lamented the state of power supply, saying electricity has become more expensive and less available despite promises, making it difficult for youths who run barbing salons, welding shops, cold rooms and ICT hubs to stay in business.



The Forum further said the nation's education system requires total reform, while the healthcare sector is overstretched.



As part of its resolutions, the AYF charged youths not to allow themselves to be divided along tribal, religious or party lines, stressing that their common enemies are bad governance, poverty and insecurity.



It urged youths to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), resist vote-selling, and protect their votes from polling units to collation centres.



"Before you support any candidate in 2027, including those in the current regime, ask for their real plan for security, jobs and 24-hour electricity," the communique added.



The Forum also called on youths to be peace ambassadors and reject violence, fake news and hate speech, saying Northern Nigeria has suffered enough bloodshed.



"2027 gives us a rare opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past and end the cycle of suffering," the AYF declared.

*Music, Food, Fashion, Heritage



KASH International Festival, a groundbreaking cultural celebration designed to showcase the rich diversity, lifestyles, traditions, fashion, food, music and dances of Nigeria and Africa, has been officially announced for December 2026.

The festival is being convened by Michael Damilola Babalola, with the vision of creating a platform where people from different socio-political, cultural and economic backgrounds can come together to celebrate the beauty of diversity and the cultural heritage that connects communities across Nigeria and beyond.

Addressing a press conference at the weekend in Kaduna, Babalola said that at the heart of the festival is KASH, a foremost entertainment company that has, for years, played a significant role in keeping Kaduna’s entertainment and social scene vibrant.

"KASH has supported and provided platforms for virtually all categories of creatives within the city and is also the owner of the popular KASHLIFESTYLE Night Hub, a major entertainment destination in Kaduna.

"The KASH International Festival is the first in what is envisioned as a continuing series of cultural festivals designed to take audiences on a journey across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and selected African and international cultures," he said.

According to him, the Nigerian cultural exhibition will highlight the unique identity of each region through traditional attire, food, music, dance, lifestyle and cultural performances.

Among the featured representations will be the Hausa-Fulani heritage of Northern Nigeria, South-South cultures, Benue traditions, Jaba culture and other indigenous cultural identities, alongside representations from communities across the six geopolitical zones.

The festival will also extend beyond Nigeria, bringing cultural representations from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and Jamaica, creating a truly international cultural exchange.

A major highlight will be a spectacular troupe display, featuring cultural performers representing the various regions and participating countries. The displays will culminate in a colourful cultural parade, long walk, gathering and jamboree, bringing together music, dance, food exhibitions, fashion and other forms of cultural expression.

According to the Convener, Michael Damilola Babalola, the festival is conceived as more than an entertainment event.

“KASH International Festival is about bringing our people together through the things that make us uniquely African. We want to create an environment where culture, entertainment and human interaction meet, while giving our diverse communities an opportunity to proudly showcase who they are.”

The festival is expected to attract cultural troupes, entertainers, creatives, food vendors, fashion designers, traditional institutions, businesses, tourists, young people and lovers of African culture from across Nigeria and beyond.

The organisers believe the festival will provide a major platform for cultural preservation, creative expression, tourism, entertainment and economic opportunities for individuals and businesses participating in the event.

"KASH International Festival Celebrating Our Differences, Connecting Our Culture.

"Further information regarding the exact date, venue, participating troupes, partnership opportunities and festival programme will be announced by the organising committee," he informed.

Kaduna State has recorded an impressive performance at the North-West Zonal Elimination of the National Intermediate Games, held from September 9 to 12, 2026 at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, securing qualification in six team-sport disciplines.



The competition, hosted by Kaduna State under the administration of Governor Senator Uba Sani, CON, through the Ministry of Sports Development, brought together five North-West states: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara.



Kaduna finished first in Beach Volleyball (Male and Female), Volleyball Female, Handball Male, Cricket (Male and Female), Hockey and Basketball, while placing second in Volleyball Male.



The strong performance underscores Kaduna’s growing strength in grassroots sports and the State Government’s commitment to talent identification, athlete development and welfare.



Speaking on the achievement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Dorcas Inti Benjamin Tanko, commended Governor Uba Sani, CON, for his commitment to sports development, noting that his administration has strengthened sporting infrastructure and support for athletes and coaches.



She highlighted the completion of the upgrade of Kaduna Township Stadium, the reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which will increase its capacity from 16,000 to 33,000 spectators, as well as the provision for performance allowances for athletes and coaches in the 2026 approved State budget, as major interventions supporting sports development.



She said the investments are creating a stronger foundation for identifying, nurturing and developing young sporting talents, while improving the conditions for athletes and coaches to prepare and compete effectively.



The successful hosting of the zonal elimination at Murtala Muhammed Square further reinforces Kaduna’s growing status as a regional sporting hub.



The improved security situation under the Uba Sani administration has also strengthened confidence in Kaduna as a safe and conducive destination for major sporting competitions.

The Christian Media Forum (CMF) has congratulates one of its own, Mr. Tom Garba, Publisher of TG News, on his well-deserved appointment as the Executive Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) Television.



This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its National President and Secretary, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson and Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia respectively, dated September 11, 2026.



"This appointment is a testament to Mr. Garba's sterling track record as a seasoned, fearless and principled journalist, whose commitment to truth, grassroots reporting, professionalism and community development has distinguished him in the Nigerian media landscape.



"Through TG News, Mr. Garba has revolutionized digital journalism in Kaduna, Adamawa and the entire Northern region, amplifying the voice of the voiceless, promoting accountability and upholding the highest ethical standards of the profession. His values of integrity, diligence and service align perfectly with the mission of KSMC TV," it said.



The statement added, "As a body of Christian media professionals, the CMF is particularly proud that a man of faith, character and competence has been found worthy for this strategic assignment. We have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience, innovative spirit and transformational leadership to reposition KSMC TV as a leading voice for unity, development and truth in Kaduna State and beyond.



"We pray for God's wisdom, strength and guidance for him as he assumes this new responsibility, and we pledge our full support and collaboration to ensure his success.



"Once again, congratulations to a worthy ambassador," the statement said.

*Hails Apapa Command


The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized that the nation's ports must serve lawful commerce, industrial growth, leading to prosperity of the country.


He expressed this, at a press briefing unveiling
seizures recorded at the Apapa Area Command, on Thursday September 10, 2026.

"Let me also commend the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for the vigilance and professionalism that produced these results, and I thank the NDLEA, NAFDAC and our international partners for their cooperation. Our ports must serve
lawful commerce, industrial growth and the prosperity of this country.


"They must not serve as transit points for narcotics, for controlled drugs, for equipment that threatens our security, or for goods that endanger the health of Nigerians," he said.

He assured that the service will continue to hold that line, and they ask the public and the trading community to hold it with them.



The CGC said that the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 charges the service with more than the collection of revenue.

" It places on us the security of the supply chain, the protection of the border and the safety of what enters this country. Revenue is the part of our work that is counted publicly each quarter. The other part is measured in what never reaches the street, and it is that part I am reporting today.

"This administration has approached national security as a whole-of-government undertaking, in which each institution holding a piece of the problem is expected to
act on it and to act with the others.


"The seaport is where several of those pieces meet. Narcotics, controlled pharmaceuticals, restricted equipment and unsafe goods arrive in the same containers, through the same agents, under the same false declarations, and they are frequently handled by the same syndicates. What has changed in recent years is the method. Concealment is now built into otherwise legitimate consignments.


"Narcotics are packed among vehicle spare parts and used vehicles. Controlled drugs
travel beneath household goods. Restricted equipment is declared as ordinary electronics. A container of that kind will pass an untargeted inspection without difficulty, not as a targeted one," he said.


According to him, the service has therefore, spent this period building the means to target.

"We have strengthened cargo profiling and risk assessment across the commands, deployed the B’Odogwu platform to bring trade data into that assessment, and in July established an INTERPOL Data Centre at our Headquarters in Abuja, the 8th on the African continent giving officers access to more than 152 international databases.

"Alongside this, we have deepened operational cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NAFDAC, the Office of the National Security Adviser and our international security partners.

" It is against that background that I present the outcome of sustained intelligence led operations at the Apapa Area Command. A total of containers have been intercepted," he explained.

Explaining further, he said that their contents fall into three categories, each carrying a consequence well beyond the port. Narcotics and controlled pharmaceuticals, security-sensitive equipment, and expired goods intended for human use.


"The total duty paid value of the seizures is Forty-Three Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Nine Naira (₦43,588,618,859.00).

"For the public record, the items presented today are as follows:

"HAMU 3086682. 1 x 40ft. 4,777 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 2,388.5kg, packed in 2 cartons, 48 jumbo bags and 40 drums; assorted automobile spare parts; one carton of coffee mix; 8 cartons of oats; and three vehicles.

"FANU 1933352. 1 x 40ft. 8,287 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 4,145kg, packed in 162 bags; and three vehicles.

"MSKU 3941778. 1 x 20ft. 2,181 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,090.5kg, packed in 5 cartons; 148 bags of foreign parboiled rice; assorted automobile spare parts; 2 boxes of lithium batteries; 1 carton of PV combiner box; 19 cartons of turmeric; 33 cartons of mangala fish; and 11 cartons of butterfly fish.

"TCKU 7653306. 1 x 40ft. 1,700 cartons containing 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup, concealed under household items.

"MSKU 9282528. 2 cartons containing 108 units of high-definition dual camera drones, extracted from the container.


"MRKU 6185100. 1 x 40ft. 425 bales of used clothing.
MRKU 5535966. 1 x 40ft. 435 bales of used clothing.
SEKU 4685299. 1 x 40ft. 422 bales of used clothing.

"SUDU 7593139. 1 x 20ft. Fully loaded with expired tomato ketchup.

"PCIU 2834954. 1 x 20ft. Fully loaded with expired antiseptic liquid.


"ZCSU 8749546. 1 x 40ft. Fully loaded with expired vaginal tablets.


"PONU 7890827. 1 x 40ft. Fully loaded with expired disposable
nappies.

"MSKU 1524590. 1 x 40ft. Fully loaded with expired disposable
nappies.

"The 3 narcotics containers together held 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624kg, rather more than 7½ tonnes. The used clothing amounted to 1,282
bales," he informed.


The Comptroller General said that the abuse of prohibited substances like codeine among young Nigerians has been the subject of national concern for years, and its connection to violent conduct,
to family breakdown and to the loss of productive lives is well documented.

" A single container of this size would have supplied that trade for a considerable period.

"The cannabis interceptions are the product of inter-agency work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, supported by credible intelligence from international security partners. That intelligence was analysed and acted upon here, through cargo profiling, documentary scrutiny and targeted examination by officers of
this Service. I thank the NDLEA and our international partners for their cooperation.

"We also extracted 108 units of high-definition dual-camera drones from an intercepted container. Drones have lawful uses, and this Service has no quarrel with them. But equipment of this kind, in the wrong hands, becomes a means of surveillance, of reconnaissance and of delivery, and our security agencies have already met it in that role in the field.


"Let me be plain with importers. Restricted and security sensitive equipment requires the appropriate security approvals, end-user certificates and documentation before clearance.

"Consignments of that character that arrive without them will be detained. Our ports will not be a route through which capability reaches those who are working against the security of this country.

"Five containers were loaded with expired tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies. These are products applied to the body and
consumed by households. Their importation after expiry places children, women and
other consumers at risk of harm they have no means of detecting at the point of purchase.

"The seized items will be handed over to the relevant narcotics agencies for further action and closure, at the same time, the public is encouraged to go on with
their legitimate activities and be rest assured that Customs will continue to ensure continued and quick movement of legitimate trade. Scrutiny will fall on the consignments, transactions and operators that present identifiable risk.

"To those engaged in false declaration, concealment, undervaluation or the importation of prohibited goods, the position is straightforward: no port, border station or logistics channel will be permitted to serve as a safe haven.

"Compliance is available, and it is cheaper than the alternative. Importers uncertain of the treatment of a product should use the Advance Ruling mechanism to
obtain the Service’s position on classification, valuation and origin before shipment, not after arrival. Operators with a sustained record of compliance should join the Authorised Economic Operator programme, which offers more predictable clearance and fewer interventions where the risk assessment justifies it.

"Compliance is not an obstacle to business; it is an advantage over competitors who lack it," he advised.

He commended the media for the part they play in placing the work of the Nigeria Customs Service before Nigerians.




Earlier in his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba said that the command is committed to the vision of the Comptroller General.



"At the Apapa Area Command, we remain committed to the policy direction and vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs. We shall continue to uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity and diligence in the discharge of our statutory responsibilities, while supporting all initiatives aimed at facilitating legitimate trade and safeguarding Nigeria’s national interest," he said.

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 12 Headquarters Bauchi has joined the rest of the world to mark the 2026 World Physiotherapy Day.

A statement by the Zone 12 PPRO, Bauchi, SP Jalige Mohammed, made available to our correspondent yesterday, said that the event held at the Zone 12 Headquarters in collaboration with Physiotherapy experts from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, Bauchi.

This year’s theme is: *"Role of Physiotherapy and Physical Activity in the Prevention, Management and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke."*

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 12, AIG Vungmoh SM Kwaimo said the program is aimed at promoting the health and fitness of officers for effective service delivery.

The ATBUTH team conducted free blood pressure checks, health talks, and practical exercises on stroke prevention and rehabilitation.

Both institutions pledged to sustain the partnership for quarterly health outreaches.

Nigerian automotive designer Jelani Aliyu, MFR, has counseled students of Ahmadu Bello University to become superheroes and fearless builders of an advanced Nigeria.

"You have to become fearless builders of fantastic empires. Builders of a society that becomes an integral part of the human civilization", Aliyu said at the launch of 'Create Before You Graduate' program by the university.

According to a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
ABU Zaria, dated Wednesday September 2, 2026, Aliyu, who once worked as a senior creative designer at the General Motors in America, was a guest speaker at the event where he shared with students his rich experience, insights, and vision.

The automotive designer served as the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council from 2017 to 2023.

Jelani Aliyu's talk reflected that the university experience should not end with a certificate. Rather, it should equip young people with the confidence, creativity, and capacity to create solutions, opportunities, and values.

According to him, students should be builders of a society that is irreplaceable and indispensable in the global affairs of human race.

He said the powerful capabilities in students must be reawakened to go into innovation hyperdrive to build a Nigeria of unbelievable accomplishments.

The car designer described ABU's 'Create Before You Graduate' as a great opportunity for students to bring out the best in them to apply talent and grits, and develop valuable solutions to the problems and challenges in daily Nigerian life.

He also explained that with the modern tools available today, coupled with the guidance and mentorship of their teachers and partner experts they would be able to compete with anyone from anywhere in the world.

Aliyu further said they must see themselves not just as Nigerians, but as members of the global community, sharing constructive ideas, aspirations, and coming up with solutions.

"Never allow anyone to discourage you, to convince you that you cannot complete your task. Never argue with them, but be determined in your goal", he stressed.

The famous car designer stressed that Nigerians should continue to advocate that the country must innovate and produce 100% of all the goods it needs.

Aliyu described as ridiculous for a country like Nigeria to have 85% dependence on imported manufactured goods.

According to him, such attitude is highly detrimental to the growth and long term sustainability of the Nigerian economy, and to the well-being of its people.

He stressed that Nigeria has huge deposits of a majority of the raw materials needed to produce the goods at home, in addition to the talent required to conceptualize and build the goods.

"So the monster in the house is the incredible gap between our natural and human resources and the sophisticated products necessary for modern life", Aliyu said.

Aliyu further stressed that innovation needs to happen right in Nigeria by Nigerian minds as no nation can build a successful civilization with an economy largely based on simple consumerism.

He said: "You can only do it through massive industrialization, massive innovation, and a hunger and a passion for futuristic progress".

The Zone 12 Intelligence Unit has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of five suspects on August 26, 2026, found in possession of suspected human organs in Bauchi.


This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer Zone 12 Headquarters, Bauchi, SP Jalige Mohammad, made available to our correspondent yesterday.


It said that during the operation, the following suspects were arrested, Abdullahi Idris 'm', Sani Haruna 'm', Auwal Umar 'm', .Abubakar Yusuf 'm' and Sharu Sale 'm'.

The statement informed that several exhibits were recovered from the suspects, which include, Two human eyes, White and red cloth and other materials suspected to be used for money ritual purposes.

"The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. Investigation is ongoing to unravel further facts about the case, and the possible arrest of other accomplices and the source of the recovered exhibits. Upon completion of investigation suspects will be charge to a court of competent jurisdiction," the statement said.

It added that the Assistant Inspector General of Police has condemned the act in strong terms and urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to remain vigilant.

He further advised citizens to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police formation immediately.

The AIG reassured the public of its commitment to rid the zone of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.