₦airaland Forum

Emirship tussle: Court stops Bayero from renovating Nasarawa mini palace

A Kano State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Aboki has granted an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero from renovating the Nassarawa mini palace.

Justice Aboki gave the order following a motion exparte filed by the plaintiffs/applicants, who were represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other counsels.

Plantifitts/Applicants in the suit were the Kano State government, the Attorney General of Kano State and the Kano State Emirate Council.

The Court order sighted by Sunday Vanguard quoted Justice Aboki directing all parties in the suit to maintain the status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before the court.

Recall that Bayero was reportedly said to have begun the facelift of the mini palace with the emergence of the prototype containing how the mini palace will look like upon completion of the facelift.

The embattled Emir was dethroned by Governor Abba Yusuf while away outside the state (the palace) and that which paved the way for the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II who was immediately moved into the Kofar-Kudu palace to ascend the throne.

Upon state return, Bayero was forced to occupy the Nassarawa mini palace in what could be described as a sit tight where he carries out his courts.

However, the court order reads: “That an order of Interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction and command of the Defendant in whatever manner from further demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice before this court.

“That an order is made directing parties to this suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this Honourable Court.

“Plaintiffs/Applicants to serve the Originating Process, Motion on Notice and other subsequent processes in this suit on the Defendant via substituted means to wit, by Pasting and or leaving same at the frontage of the Property Gidan Sarki Nassarawa or give the said Originating Process and other subsequent processes to any Adult aide of the Defendant in the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situate along State Road, Kano.

“That the case is adjourned to 2/10/2024 for hearing of the motion on notice,” the order reads.

Recall that in the heat of the controversy, the Kano State government issued a quick notice to the embattled Emir to vacate the house as the government is planning to carry out a massive renovation of the house.

Recall also that the government earmarked a sum of N99.9 million to carry out the renovation exercise.

Nigerian community expels Islamic cleric discouraging children enrollment in schools – Lawmaker

A [b]community in Jigawa State has expelled a religious cleric for preaching against Western education and the enrollment of children in conventional schools, a lawmaker has said.

Ado Yakubu, a member of the Jigawa State House of Assembly representing the Gwaram constituency, said the incident happened in his community.

Mr Yakubu said the cleric was expelled by traditional leaders in the community working to address the problem of out-of-school children.

The lawmaker spoke with reporters on Thursday at the sidelines of an event organised by the Jigawa State Basic Education Board (SUBED) in collaboration with UNICEF in Dutse, the state capital. The event, supported by the European Union (EU), is part of a campaign to boost enrolment of children in school in the state.

Mr Yakubu said addressing the menace of out-of-school children requires a collaborative effort. As a lawmaker, he said he has introduced programmes and policies to identify the challenges. He lamented that some clerics were influencing local communities not to enrol their children in conventional schools.

“A cleric was influencing locals not to enrol their children on acquiring Western education, and we engaged him in discussion with the traditional leaders. We found that the cleric’s perspective on Western education was discouraging and misleading, and we decided to expel him because he was not a partner in progress and not an indigene of the town.

“Such kinds of obstacles are being witnessed in various areas, and we are working on them”, Mr Yakubu said without naming the cleric.

He said they have identified other challenges hindering the enrollment of children in schools.

“We have identified 43 villages with high burdens of out-of-school children (in Gwaram LGA), and we were able to trace some of the problems, which are inter-community rivalry stopping the children of community A from going to Community B for schooling.

“Others are protesting the lack of presence of schools in their community and they cannot go to nearby communities for schooling.

“Some parents will not allow their children to be enrolled under particular village heads due to personal grudges.

“Some pupils walk a long distance to get water for their households, which prevents them from going to school. We have provided a borehole for them for immediate solutions”, Mr Yakubu said.

He said the problem of out-of-school children was being addressed from the grassroots by sharing ideas and identifying and providing solutions to the problems.

“The nomadic community has been neglected for a long time, and we are currently engaging them and enrolling the children back in school,” the lawmaker said.

The SUBEB chairperson, Haruna Musa, a professor, said the state initiated other measures, such as engaging mothers’ associations, to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve learning in the state.

The official said many mothers are monitoring the learning outcomes of their children, going from class to class to ensure that teachers are teaching.

However, he lamented some parents’ lackadaisical attitude toward their children, which is complicating the problems.

He said Governor Umar Namadi had shown commitment by engaging 3,233 permanent and pensionable teachers in the first year of his administration.

“We are currently engaging another 3,000 teachers. In the year 2025, we are engaging 5,000, which is our target. The teachers are being trained to meet the standards of the time”, Mr Musa said.

“Jigawa is number eight on the list of out-of-school children; however, gladly, the Jigawa State Government is investing huge resources to see that children enjoy their rights to education,” Mr Mohammed said.

IBB007:
Lol…holiday too plenty for this country sha

his most recent address is 56 [b] Japa [/b]Bariki Road, Adamawa State

Sweden’s government announced on Thursday that it will significantly increase grants for immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries, aiming to encourage more migrants to do so.

Starting in 2026, immigrants who choose to return will be eligible for up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000), according to the right-wing government supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats.

“We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy,” Migration Minister Johan Forssell said at a press conference.

Currently, immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a maximum of 40,000 kronor per family.

“This grant has been available since 1984, but it is relatively unknown, small, and used by few people,” Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats noted.

Sweden to return 39 Benin artefacts
Aspling added that increased awareness of the grant and its larger size would likely lead to more people accepting the offer.

The announcement came despite a recent government-appointed probe advising against a significant increase, arguing that the expected benefits did not justify the potential costs.

Conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who assumed office in 2022 with a minority coalition supported by the Sweden Democrats, has pledged to address immigration and crime.

Sweden has welcomed many migrants since the 1990s from conflict-ridden countries such as the former Yugoslavia, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq, but has faced challenges integrating them.

Marketers, refiners demand total subsidy removal.

Petroleum marketers, refiners, and depot owners in Nigeria have called for the full deregulation of the downstream oil sector, seeking to end government price controls due to subsidies.

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria, African Refiners and Distributors Association, and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria disclosed this during a webinar on Wednesday.

The discussion, themed ‘Optimising the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry’, brought together key stakeholders from various sectors of the oil and gas industry to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategic initiatives for enhancing the sector’s efficiency and sustainability.

In a communique made available to our correspondent on Wednesday by MEMAN, participants were said to have discussed the implications of recent price hikes in petroleum products and emphasised the need for full market deregulation.

“A market-driven pricing mechanism was advocated to promote competitiveness and operational efficiency. The removal of government controls on pricing was seen as essential to fostering a more dynamic and responsive industry.

“The call for complete deregulation and market liberalisation was reiterated. The benefits include improved efficiency, enhanced product availability, and increased private sector participation,” the communique read partly.

There was a strong emphasis on supporting local refineries to decrease dependency on imported petroleum products.

The stakeholders called for freedom for marketers to purchase crude oil from local and international sources and for refineries to enter into processing agreements with retail companies.

The discussions also underscored the importance of transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, including Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

The stakeholders also made a proposal for the establishment of a new committee structure in the petroleum sector, inspired by the Bankers’ Committee in Nigeria.

This structure, they said, would include a Midstream and Downstream Industry Coordination Committee to focus on enhancing collaboration within these sectors, chaired by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

They called for an Industry Interface Committee to manage interactions between the upstream and downstream sectors; and a Petroleum Industry Consultative Assembly assembly bringing together stakeholders from across the oil and gas sectors, chaired by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).

“These committees aim to foster collaboration, ensure regulatory compliance, facilitate conflict resolution, and provide strategic oversight, akin to the role played by the bankers’ committee in the banking sector.

“The creation of industry-wide consultative committees was suggested to enhance collaboration, innovation, and conflict resolution, addressing supply chain inefficiencies and infrastructure deficits was deemed crucial for long-term sustainability,” the communique said.


The oil sector investors also advocated for significant investment in infrastructure to enhance distribution and storage of petroleum products.

They called for the adoption of new technologies to optimise supply chains, reduce smuggling, and prevent adulteration.

Similarly, the business owners emphasised implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing gas flaring, promoting renewable energy use, and investing in carbon capture and storage technologies to align with global sustainability goals.

They also saw the need for a clearer and more supportive regulatory environment with references to the Petroleum Industry Act and its provisions, saying better implementation of policies is necessary to facilitate easier licensing, investment, and refinery operations.

“The webinar also highlighted Nigeria’s potential to become a significant producer of plastics and petrochemical products. Stakeholders discussed leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas resources to develop a robust petrochemical industry. “This would reduce imports, create jobs, and support the local economy. Emphasis was placed on establishing the necessary infrastructure, such as petrochemical complexes, and adopting policies that encourage local manufacturing and value addition. The shift toward producing plastics domestically aligns with the broader strategy of industrial diversification and economic resilience.

“The webinar concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward optimising the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Emphasis was placed on the need for strategic investments, policy reforms, and innovative practices that align with global standards and sustainability goals.

“The proposed establishment of the petroleum committee will serve as a key platform for fostering collaboration and guiding the sector through its ongoing transition,” the communique stated.

Shadomaan7:
Peter Obi should get a life. Always crying more than the bereaved

Mohbad: Naira Marley, Sam Larry risk subpoena for shunning invitation


A Coroner’s Court sitting in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State has threatened to subpoena key witnesses for failing to appear at the ongoing inquest into the death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.

Magistrate T. A. Sotobi had ordered substituted services for the witnesses after granting an application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, to serve a witness summons on additional witnesses through a reputable national newspaper and social media.

These include Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley; Samson Eletu aka Sam Larry; Mohbad’s sister-in-law, Karimot Ogunbayo; Mohbad’s lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade, the nurse who was said to have treated the deceased singer during the period, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and the driver who drove him to the hospital, Fidelis Esanbor.

Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday, the head of the Aloba family’s legal team, Taiwo Odumosu, said Mohbad’s ally, Boluwatife Adeyemo aka Darosha, was the only key witness present at the court sitting on Wednesday.

Odumosu said the magistrate had considered issuing a subpoena on them if they did not appear at the next court sitting.

He said, “Today’s sitting was to continue with the examination of witnesses to know what happened to Mohbad and how he died. So, among all the key witnesses invited and served through substituted means, only Darosha was in court.

“Meanwhile, the magistrate said she would issue another witness summons one last time chance. She said if they fail to appear on the next adjourned date, they will be subpoenaed.”

PUNCH Metro gathered that the hearing was adjourned till September 30.

Meanwhile, the family of the late singer has expressed disappointment and frustration with the police investigation into his death.

Odumosu, in a statement signed by Emmanuel Oroko of Hilceetee Partner, obtained by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, frowned on the police’s role in the investigation.

According to him, Odumosu criticised the police for relying on witnesses’ views to reach conclusions without conducting a thorough investigation.

“On all fronts of the investigation, the police officers who investigated the murder of the late singer exhibited overt complicity in the narrative. The police relied on witnesses’ views to reach legal conclusions. They failed to tell us what investigation they carried out and what they discovered.

“Secondly, when the court granted us an order to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test, the police refused to cooperate with us. Based on our interaction with the forensic pathologists and their requirements, we wrote the police to give access to the forensic experts to see items taken from the scene of the crime including notes made by them.

“All these will help the forensic experts to have a better view of what happened and also form a reasonable conclusion after considering all facts and evidence before them,” he added.


Odumosu said there was no message from the police about when the pathologists should visit them to view the items to aid their investigations.

He explained that despite writing a reminder to them, the police didn’t acknowledge the letters.

On the embalmment allegedly carried out by Darosha, Odumosu stated that no one has been charged in court.

“We petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to remove the officers in charge of the case because of their apparent mishandling of the investigation into the death of Mohbad.

“The Police Service Commission is the civilian oversight body established under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 for the Nigeria Police. Its powers include appointment, promotion, discipline and dismissal of erring police officers except the Inspector General of Police. We are yet to get a response from them,” he said.

Odumosu however appealed to the PSC to investigate the police officers who had the first chance to discover the source and circumstances of the death of Mohbad but failed to do the needful.

Mohbad died at the age of 27, on September 12, 2023, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media.

Being a former record label signee of Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. The Lagos State Police Command had on September 18, 2023, inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the singer’s death.

His death also led to the arrest of Naira Marley and Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, amongst others.

The singer’s body was on September 21, 2023, exhumed for autopsy to unravel the cause of his death.

Hardship: Era of extravagant lifestyle over, Sanwo-Olu’s wife tells women

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, urged women to embrace modesty and shun extravagant lifestyles amid the trying economy in the country.

The governor’s wife said, “We are at a crucial point in our nation’s history where the need for prudent and intentional living has never been more urgent.”

The advice is coming as Nigerians continue to grapple with the ripple effects of the economic reforms introduced by the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, which include the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of naira.

“As women — the backbone of our homes and society — it is essential that we embrace the reality of the present economic situation, not only in Nigeria but globally. The era of extravagant lifestyle is over. We must adjust, prioritise what truly matters, and lead by example in our homes and communities,” she said at the closing ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials.

The event was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and had the theme: “Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enriching Communities.”

According to Ibijoke, who is the chairman of COWLSO, beyond advocating for more space and opportunities for women in leadership positions, “we must demonstrate what makes women unique and indispensable — particularly when it comes to the judicious use of resources and thinking outside the box.”

“One of the key messages I have consistently shared is the importance of embracing modesty. In these times, we must be prudent in our spending and become exemplary managers of our resources.


“Frivolities must be set aside, as we focus on what truly matters. It is not about cutting corners, but about cutting waste. Every naira must be spent with purpose and accountability. As women, we hold the power to shape the financial health of our households, and it is our responsibility to manage our resources effectively,” she stressed.

She further urged women to embrace farming as part of the means to reduce the cost of living in the economy.

The governor’s wife also lauded the ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition initiative of the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“This competition, which offers a mouth-watering cash prize of N20m for the overall winner, is a brilliant way to encourage households to adopt gardening. I urge every one of you to participate and make this a culture in your homes,” she noted.

“In this light, I cannot overemphasise the need for women to embrace farming, including home gardening. This is not only a cost-effective measure but also a means of reducing our overdependence on purchasing food items that can be grown and consumed by our families,” she added.

At the opening ceremony of the event which was held on Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state was making conscious efforts to ensure women’s participation in government, saying women had been getting 30 per cent of cabinet slots in the state.

Also, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who graced the event told the governor in a meeting shortly after that the Federal Government’s drive in the agricultural sector aimed to carry women along with about “30 per cent and 70 per cent representation for women and men” respectively.

Nigerians own four commercial banks in our country – Liberia’s VP, Jeremiah Koung


Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has said that Nigerians now own about half of Liberia’s commercial banks.

He said this during the 17th Annual Banking & Finance Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Koung, speaking to an audience of banking professionals and government officials, praised the role Nigerian banks play in Liberia’s economic landscape.

He emphasized that Nigerian investors have been instrumental in increasing market competition, boosting efficiency, and providing credit lines to support private sector growth.

The Liberia’s Vice President said: “We welcome and applaud the expansion of Nigerian-owned banks in Liberia. The presence and increase in Nigerian-owned businesses, especially banks, are helping to increase market competition and improve efficiency.

“These banks continue to play major roles in providing jobs and establishing credit lines to support the development of our private sector. Presently, there are four (4) Nigerian-owned banks operating in Liberia out of a total of eight ( commercial banks. This is a clear sign that Nigerians remain interested in investing in Liberia, and as a government, our doors remain open to you.”

Liberia’s openness for further investments from Nigeria
He expressed his government’s openness to further investment from Nigerian banks, noting their critical role in job creation and economic development.

Koung also touched on Liberia’s efforts to integrate into the West African Monetary Zone and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with a vision to adopt a single currency regime.

He explained that the Central Bank of Liberia is working on a new monetary policy framework that will align with the region’s economic integration goals. However, Koung warned that achieving this vision will require collective economic responsibility from all member states, including managing debt and stabilizing exchange rates.

Koung said: “Currently, the Central Bank of Liberia is working on the monetary policy framework to meet the requirements for the West Africa Monetary Zone. As you may be aware, it is expected that Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria will work towards the implementation of a single currency regime to achieve economic integration.

“This policy framework will lay the foundation for the realization of a common currency for all ECOWAS member states. However, to achieve this vision, we have a collective responsibility to make sound economic decisions to reduce our debts and stabilize our exchange rates.”

Need for investments banks in Liberia

The vice president further emphasized the need for investment banks in Liberia, noting that the country’s only development bank, the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), lacks the capital necessary to finance the country’s ambitious economic transformation agenda.

As a result, Liberia has had to rely on multilateral development institutions like the African Development Bank and the World Bank to finance large-scale projects. Koung called for more investment in Liberia’s banking sector to address this gap.

In his closing remarks, Koung expressed optimism that the Abuja conference would inspire new policy directions to enhance the banking sectors in both Nigeria and Liberia.

He highlighted the potential for greater collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and financial services.

What you should know

However, checks by Nairametrics on the website of Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) showed that there are nine commercial banks in Liberia.

The four linked to Nigerians are Ecobank Liberia Limited (EBLL), United Bank for Africa Liberia Limited (UBALL), Access Bank Liberia, and Guaranty Trust Bank Liberia (GTBL).

The other five banks in Liberia are Liberian Bank for Development & Investment (LBDI), International Bank Liberia Limited (IBLL), Global Bank Liberia Limited (GBLL), Sapelle International Bank Liberia Limited (SIBLL), and Afriland First Bank LIBERIA Limited (AFBLL).

BREAKING: Over 200 Inmates Including Boko Haram Commanders Escape As Flood Collapses Maiduguri Prison Fence

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that some Boko Haram commanders held at the Maiduguri New Prison were among those who escaped.

Not fewer than 200 inmates have escaped after a devastating flood pulled down a prison wall in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

An official of the Nigerian Correctional Center in Maiduguri told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that over 200 inmates escaped from the facility after a portion of the facility's parameter fence was pulled down in the aftermath of the flood that ravaged the city on Tuesday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that some Boko Haram commanders held at the Maiduguri New Prison were among those who escaped.

The source said, "The rain was torrential and caused terrible flood which affected our facility.

"Part of the wall of the Maiduguri New Prison collapsed and some Boko Haram commanders held in our facility have escaped with other prisoners. Those who escaped are more than 200 in all.”

"We were able to move 200 other inmates to a different facility," the officer added.

In a stark contradiction to the Borno State government's earlier assurances, the flood situation in Maiduguri took a turn for the worse on Tuesday, just four days after officials claimed to have implemented comprehensive preventive measures.

As reported earlier by SaharaReporters, the devastating flood struck Maiduguri and surrounding communities in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving hundreds of residents stranded.

The disaster has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement.

When contacted the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, regarding the issue, he said, "We're taking stock across the country. I can speak to the press two hours from now, so please call me in the next two hours."

kestolove95:
My only prayer is that people from SadEast should not support Harris pls, we don't want her to loose this, they should support Trump

UAE visa only available to Nigerians from 45 years with N16 million monthly closing bank balance

While noting that the foreign government was accepting visa applications from Nigerian nationals, UAE attached a list of stringent rules that must be followed.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have mandated that Nigerian solo tourists must be 45 years or older before they can visit the Asian country, according to a new set of travel guidelines seen by Peoples Gazette.

While noting that the foreign government was accepting visa applications from Nigerian nationals, UAE attached a list of stringent rules that must be followed.

The guideline stated that Nigerian tourists who intend to travel to the country must have an account balance of at least $10,000 or N16 million to be eligible for a 30- or 60-day travel visa.

“SIx-month bank statement under passenger name, with closing balance not less than $10000 each month” and a “confirmed return ticket on Emirates Airlines” were among the explicit terms and conditions to qualify for a UAE visa.

Other conditions include “confirmed hotel booking” and a “valid residence permit of the country of residence.”

Nigeria and UAE previously locked horns in a diplomatic row that made it impossible for Nigerians to visit the latter since September 2022.

But after closed-door concessions were made, the Emiratis announced the visa ban on Nigerians was lifted.

0bjpmb:
If they check these miscreants now almost all of them are from your useless ebonyi state. Ebonyi people are hawkers on the streets that can easily be used to cause chaos. That’s why ebonyi people are known as almajiris in Igbo land

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has denied reports that he sacked any of his aides over the leaked video of the popular ‘gwo gwo ngwo’ dance challenge.

This was contained in a statement by the governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Monday.

Recall that shortly after the video had gone viral, the state government announced the appointment of Mr Christopher Molokwu, as the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service to replace Mr Chido Obidiegwu, whose reason for his exit was not expressly stated.

This generated public reactions with some of the reports linking Obidiegwu’s removal to the viral video, but Aburime insisted that he was redeployed and not fired.

Aburime said, “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to a false and misleading news story circulating on social media and some online platforms, claiming that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, recently fired an aide who allegedly leaked a video of the governor briefly participating in the ‘gwo gwo ngwo’ dance challenge.

“We wish to categorically state that this report is completely untrue and unfounded. No aide has been fired by the governor over the viral dance video.

“The only individual being rumoured as fired was recently redeployed as part of a routine government reshuffle and not due to the leaked video.”

The statement added that the dance video, “which has been positively received and applauded on the social media platforms, was a spontaneous, lighthearted moment captured after Governor Soludo addressed the press on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Anambra State.

“Far from being embarrassed, the governor’s brief participation in the dance challenge has endeared him to Nigerian youths, who have praised his relatability and connection with the people.

“The dance video has even trended beyond social media, with national television stations such as Arise TV and TVC commending the human angle of the governor’s actions.”

Aburime said the state government strongly condemns the false and misleading news story, describing it as the handiwork of some mischievous elements attempting to disparage the person and achievements of Soludo and distract him from his ongoing efforts to transform the state.

The residents who cut across the young and elderly and mostly victims of demolition exercises carried out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Lagos State, accused Tinubu’s government of making them poorer and rendering them homeless.

Hundreds of residents of Oworonshoki community in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos on Sunday joined the African Action Congress (AAC) after reaffirming that hunger and hardship in the government of President Bola Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC) must be tackled politically.

The residents who cut across the young and elderly and mostly victims of demolition exercises carried out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Lagos State, accused Tinubu’s government of making them poorer and rendering them homeless.

The new members were received into the AAC by the Acting Ward Chairman in Oworonshoki, Opeyemi Ogunlami; former Lagos AAC Secretary, Towolawi Jamiu; Lagos AAC Woman Leader, Olaide Olurinde; Lagos AAC Publicity Secretary, Osatohamhen Ebhohon, and Lagos AAC Organising Secretary, Folayemi Akinfolarin, in a ceremony held in Oworonshoki community.

The Acting Ward Chairman, Ogunlami, who commended the new members for making the decision, stressed that Nigerians are in a period in which they must unite to fight Tinubu/APC.

According to him, they have hijacked Nigeria and turned the country’s collective resources to their private properties.

He enlightened the new members about the ideology and manifesto of the party which is centered on systemic change, saying, “That's taking our collective resources back from the few ruling elites and putting it under the democratic ownership, management and control of the people (working class masses).”

The new members also took the AAC oath of allegiance which is a fundamental principle in the AAC constitution for new members.

The oath of allegiance process was led by the immediate past Secretary of Lagos AAC, Towolawi Jamiu and the new members were asked to recite it.

The process also includes the distribution of membership cards of the party to the new members.

Some of the new members who spoke after the inauguration are Harrison Cole, Peter Wilfred, Folasade Ogundipe and Fatimo Olasujo.

The new members who were all excited to have joined the AAC described the party as the only alternative to the APC, Peoples Democratic Party and others such as Labour Party and others.

Harrison Cole, whose house in Oworonshoki was demolished in 2023 by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s government, said the AAC and the Take It Back Movement were the only political party and movement that stood with them during the ordeal and still standing with them after their houses were demolished.

He noted that the AAC has demonstrated leadership and solidarity with the oppressed in Oworonshoki and promised to help deliver Oworonshoki to the AAC during the forthcoming local government elections.

Olasujo said her house would have been demolished if not for the timely intervention of the Take It Back Movement and the AAC.

She said her building was the next in line to be demolished during the demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Government but the intervention of the AAC stopped the entire demolition exercises.

The new members thanked the leadership of the Lagos AAC and especially the leadership of the Oworoshoki AAC Ward for giving them the opportunity to be part of the AAC family.

They promised to mobilise their families, friends and neighbours into the AAC and make sure the party takes over the entire Kosofe Local Government Area.

We’ve never used NAFDAC’s name to deceive Nigerians – Prophet Fufeyin


The Senior Prophet of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Abuja, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has denied allegations suggesting that his ministry has been using the name of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to mislead the public regarding spiritual items.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the church’s media arm, and signed by Sophia Iloyd, the church described the allegations as false and misleading.

The statement was in a response to NAFDAC’s statement on Sunday, alerting the public to the activities of Fufeyin’schurch claiming he had been using the agency’s name to deceive the public.

The church, however, said it is a law-abiding institution that respects the laws of the land, including those of NAFDAC.

It emphasised that it operates under the protections of Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and expression.

“As a church, we are guided by our faith and the teachings of the Bible. We have been using spiritual items as an expression of our religious beliefs.

“The church strongly denied claims made in the publication, which suggested that NAFDAC was warning the public about the ministry’s activities.

“At no point has our church deceived the public. We have not produced or sold consumable items to the public, let alone used NAFDAC’s name to do so,” the statement read

It further clarified that the only complaint pending against the church is a petition by one Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman, who the church has taken to court over various allegations.

Fufeyin’s church acknowledged receiving a letter from NAFDAC dated August 27, 2024, which invited the church’s spiritual head for an inquiry into its use of miracle and healing items.

However, the church claimed that it was given less than 12 hours to respond and had already communicated its position to NAFDAC via official correspondence.

The church also alleged that the complainant, Otse, forged receipts to back his claims against the ministry.

These receipts, it said, were different from the ones typically issued by the church’s accounting office and had discrepancies in dates and details.

“We have written to NAFDAC and informed them that the receipts submitted by the complainant are under police investigation. Despite this, NAFDAC has not responded to our letters or provided any feedback on the matter,” the statement concluded

BREAKING: Another 196 Nigerian Soldiers Tender Resignation Letters To Army Chief Lagbaja Over Corruption, Low Morale, Others

No fewer than 196 soldiers in the North-East and other theatres of operation have applied to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, for voluntary retirement.

The action comes amid worsening security challenges the military is currently combating in most parts of the country.

Sources had told SaharaReporters that most of the soldiers resigning had indicated interest to join the military forces of other countries, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth nations.

The soldiers, drawn from various formations of the army across the country according to the list obtained on Saturday, are all junior cadres.

The Chief of Army Staff has since approved their formal disengagement.

The list of the exiting soldiers did not distinguish between those embarking on voluntary retirement and those leaving the army on medical grounds.

However, none of them had neither attained retirement age nor the mandatory years of service.

The approval of their voluntary disengagement dated August 23 was signed by Brigadier OH Musa.

There have been allegations of corruption in the Nigerian Army which some of the soldiers have blamed on the issue – soldiers overstaying in the North-East.

According to some soldiers, the army is the epitome of deep-seated corruption. They noted that the corruption is affecting the prosecution of the anti-terrorism war in the North-East.

They complained that they were being forced to confront Boko Haram militants, adding that their low morale and lack of willingness to continue to fight made it possible for terrorists to dislodge some military camps recently.

They complained of abandonment and accused the military authorities of keeping them on the war front beyond their approved period of stay.

SaharaReporters recently reported moves by many soldiers to resign over poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and lack of motivation within the Nigerian Army.

Traditional chiefs in Badagry on Saturday stormed Agbalata Market to enforce a directive by the Badagry to force down prices of foodstuffs and goods.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Traditional Ruler of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi 1, on Aug. 28, dissolved market committees dictating the prices of foodstuffs and goods in Agbalata International Market, Badagry.

The Akran made the announcement at a meeting with Agbalata market men and women at his palace in Badagry.

The Akran, who was represented by Chief Michael Onu-Osekan, the Jengen of Badagry, said no committee should set the price of foodstuffs and goods brought to the market by sellers any longer.

Onu-Osekan sent town criers to assemble the traders at four different venues in the local government to address them.

He said the chiefs had come on instructions of the Akran in reference to the meeting he held at his palace.

“We have come to disseminate information round the market and see if the instructions issued to marketers are being followed.

“We heard that some marketers are not willing to pay waste, security and other fees, due to the instructions from the palace.

“The message is that they should not make things harder for our fellow people of the community, they should not over charge people with the aim of gaining too much,” he said.

Similarly, Chief Anthony Oloyede, the Efiyentan of Badagry Kingdom, said they were in the market to ensure marketers regulate the price of foodstuffs according to the Akran’s directives.

Oloyede said: “Shortly after the directives on dissolution of market committees and reduction of prices of foodstuffs, we heard that some traders are adamant and even refused to pay their normal market levies.

“The levies include security and waste fees which they used to pay monthly to ensure that the market is cleaned.

“This is part of what brought us here, Akran urges them to pay their monthly dues and have human feeling while selling their goods,” he said.

Also, Mr Tunde Hundeyin, representing the Coconut Sellers Association of Agbalata Market, commended the traditional chiefs for coming to address the marketers on high cost of foodstuffs.

Hundeyin, however, urged the traditional chiefs to appeal to government to reduce the pump prices of petrol and diesel.

He said these were a major cause of hike in prices of foodstuff.

Chief Solomon Alabi, the Otun Baba Oja of Agbalata Market, promised that all traders in the market would comply with the directives of the traditional ruler.

Alabi thanked the chiefs for coming to the market to brief the marketers on Akran’s directives.

Details have emerged regarding why Ajuri Ngelale, the spokesperson of President Bola Tinubu, stepped down from his position on Saturday.

While Mr Ngelale said he was stepping aside to deal with medical matters affecting his family, PREMIUM TIMES can report that he left the position after he became suspicious that he could be humiliated out of office.

The presidency has been shopping for an experienced and competent media professional to replace Mr Ngelale in the past weeks. Administration insiders say the journalist has so far failed to demonstrate sufficient capacity to effectively deliver on the job.

Mr Ngelale held two key positions simultaneously – special adviser to the president on media and publicity and special presidential envoy on climate action/ chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

However, sources said, the presidency recently directed Mr Ngelale to focus on his climate action role while another individual is appointed to serve as media adviser and spokesperson to the president.

But when Mr Ngelale expressed a preference to retain the media adviser position while stepping down from the Climate change role, the presidency declined.

Those familiar with the matter said he was told he could remain on the president’s media team but that he would still have to be bossed by a new appointee to the position.

This exchange and subsequent events that happened in the presidential villa rattled Mr Ngelale. For weeks, he was blocked from meeting Mr Tinubu and was also not included in the president’s delegation to China, our sources said.

President Tinubu, who came to power last year, appointed Mr Ngelale as his spokesperson in August 2023, urging him to bring his wealth of experience to the assignment.

Government sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Ngelale was appointed on the recommendation of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son.

But not long after the appointment, sources said it became clear to the president, his son and some members of his cabinet that Mr Ngelale lacked the requisite “experience, contacts and networks” needed for the job.

Before becoming Mr Tinubu’s media adviser, Mr Ngelale was one of the spokespersons for the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He started his journalism career in 2011 as a broadcaster with the Africa Independent Television and later with Channels TV. His total media experience is below eight years.

Mr Ngelale previously served as senior special assistant on public affairs in the office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Sources in the presidency said when Mr Ngelale saw that he could no longer access the president, he decided to withdraw from the job. “He was basically isolated even by those who brought him to take the position,” one of our sources said.

President Tinubu and his team expected better performance from Mr Ngelale, presidency insiders told PREMIUM TIMES.

“Except for his occasional TV appearances, Mr Ngelale was unreachable even to journalists,” an official said. “He hardly responds to messages or return calls.”

Another official said the spokesperson had little contact with local and international media and commanded little respect from media owners, editors, and leading journalists in Nigeria.

“It is a misnomer and a miscalculation for the President to have appointed such a junior journalist to such a senior position. It is no surprise that he could not deliver as expected,” the official said.

Last year, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) queried Mr Ngelale’s qualifications and competence as the president’s spokesperson.

The NIPR said Mr Ngelale was not ‘fit’ to hold that “exalted position” because he lacked the basic “knowledge and requisite training on public relations.”

In a statement on Saturday night, President Tinubu accepted Mr Ngelale’s exit plan and “sympathises with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.” Mr Tinubu extended his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Mr Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment.

Mr Ngelale said his decision to depart was “agonising” even though it was taken after “significant consultations” with family over the past several days

We Can't Help Fuel Price Increase If We Want Development – Tinubu Addresses Nigerians In China

Tinubu while ddressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, claimed that his government is focused, and that he has a very good team.

Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has stated that his government's commitment is to replicate China’s infrastructures in Nigeria.

Tinubu made known on Friday in a meeting with Nigerians living in China, describing his visit as "very good and successful."

Tinubu while ddressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, claimed that his government is focused, and that he has a very good team.

According to the statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Tinubu emphasised his efforts to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy and mining during his discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and his participation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The President also emphasised the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, citing China’s disciplined society as an example for Nigerians to follow.

He said; "What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens, and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of our nation in China.

"We will always celebrate our diversity. We cherish it, but this diversity is our commitment to serve. If it is about service, we must be good citizens," the President stated.

"I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a very disciplined society and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.

"We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country," the President said.

President Tinubu while highlighting the impact of investments in China's economy, assured Nigerians in Diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is prepared to collaborate with them to leverage opportunities back home.

"Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices.

"But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?

"What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?

"So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people. The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development,’’ the President said.

"We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish.

"One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that," the President stated.

DAKAR, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Burkina Faso has launched new biometric passports without the logo of West Africa's main political and economic bloc on their cover, further signalling its determination to withdraw from the regional alliance after military leaders took
power in a coup.

Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, three neighbouring states now led by military juntas, jointly announced in January they would leave the 15-member Economic Community of West African States, which has since sought to persuade the three to reconsider their decision.

"On this passport, there's no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of ECOWAS either. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso," security minister Mahamadou Sana told reporters at the launch on Tuesday.

ECOWAS has warned that the three countries' withdrawal would undermine the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people living in the 50-year-old bloc.

Their departure comes as their armies battle groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, whose insurgencies have destabilised West Africa's central Sahel region over the past decade and threaten to spill over into coastal states.

Since their militaries seized power in a series of coups in 2020-2023, the three countries have formed a three-way defence and cooperation pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States and severed long-standing military and diplomatic ties with Western powers, seeking instead closer relations with Russia.

Lauretta Onochia posted fake news relating the hate speech incident that involved one Amaka a Nigerian/Canadian who is based in Canadian but was quickly spotted out .

Tax Collection In Nigeria Is Actually Pretty Low — Bill Gates Seeks More Funding For Government

Gates said the low tax collection poses a challenge to adequately financing critical sectors such as health and education.

American business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, has claimed tax collection in Nigeria is low.

Gates made this known on Tuesday during his speech at a Pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition in Abuja.

SaharaReporters had reported that Gates would be visiting Nigeria on Tuesday to discuss solutions to a wide range of development challenges.

Gates had been expected to meet with Nigerian government officials, youth and partners to discuss solutions to health, agriculture, poverty challenges and boosting nutrition in Africa.

Speaking at one of the events on Tuesday, Gates said the low tax collection poses a challenge to adequately financing critical sectors such as health and education.

He said for citizens to gain confidence in the government’s ability to deliver quality healthcare, there must be a commitment to ensure that the funding of health programmes is well-managed.

Bill Gates said, “Over time, there are plans for Nigeria to fund the government more than it does today. The actual tax collection in Nigeria is actually pretty low.

“If citizens want the education and the health things, as they develop the confidence that these programmes can be very well run, and our foundation is involved with a lot of the exemplars that are showing the way in terms of making sure the money is spent really well, running a very efficient primary health care system where the employees are doing great work, the centres are where they should be, you don’t have underloaded centres or overloaded centres.

“It’s exciting that we are driving the credibility of those health programmes and so that the citizens will feel like primary health care is amongst the priorities that should be very funded as you get some fiscal flexibility.”

Gates’ remarks came after Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, said his committee is proposing a law to the National Assembly to increase value-added tax from the current 7.5% to 10%.

Speaking on a Channels TV programme, he said, “We have significant issues in our tax revenue. We have issues of revenue generally which means tax and non-tax. You can describe the whole fiscal system in a state that is in crisis.

“When my committee was set up, we had three broad mandates. The first one was to look at governance: our finances as a country, borrowing, coordination within the federal government and across sub-national.”

Tinubu deceived us, told us to accept N70,000 minimum wage with no fuel price increase: NLC

Mr Ajaero explained that the increase contradicts the agreement with Mr Tinubu’s government on the national minimum wage, describing the increase as traumatic and nightmare.


The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has tackled President Bola Tinubu over the astronomical hike in petrol prices, accusing the Nigerian leader of betrayal.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced an increase in petrol price, jerking up the pump price from N568 to N855 and N897.

However, in a statement, the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, expressed shock at the hike in the petrol pump price amid the current economic hardship.

Mr Ajaero explained that the increase contradicts the agreement with Mr Tinubu’s government on the national minimum wage, describing the increase as traumatic and nightmare.

He particularly recalled that members of the organised labour met with Mr Tinubu during the negotiation of the minimum wage of N250,000, and there was an agreement that the fuel price remained.

“But here we are, barely one month after and with government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain. It is both traumatic and nightmarish.

“Yet, when we told government that its approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was patently faulty and would not last, its front-row cheerleaders sneered at us, saying we did not understand basic economics,” said Mr Ajaero.

The NLC president berated Mr Tinubu’s government for “consistent betrayal”, recalling that the National Assembly also assured labour unions of reversing the 250 per cent electricity tariff hike.

“But if truth be told, this act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government,” said Mr Ajaero. “We recall the assurances we were given by the leadership of the National Assembly on the 250 per cent tariff hike, that it had been dealt with and there was no need to openly engage the Minister of Power who was at that meeting.”

He added, “Instead of the promised reversal, the rate has since been jerked up further, putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy. The combined effects of government’s ferocious right-wing market policies brought Nigerians and Nigeria to their all-time low and led to the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests.”

On Tuesday, many commuters were stranded in the country’s major cities following the sudden increase in fuel prices, which also affected transport fares.

The fresh development came amid the lingering fuel scarcity in the country, even as Nigerians continued to battle hardship and rise in prices of staple foods.