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Residents Displaced, Houses Destroyed In Taraba Communal Clash

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

 

Taraba State Government has directed the deployment of security personnel to the Sardauna Local Government Area, where more than 1,000 residents have reportedly been displaced, while about 340 houses were destroyed, following a three-day communal clash between Mambilla and Fulani communities in Geroji settlements, Mbamnga Ward.

 

The violence, which started early this month, reportedly caused widespread destruction in several settlements, with women, children and elderly residents among those forced to flee their homes.

 

Report revealed that following the attacks, many displaced residents reportedly sought refuge in neighbouring communities, while dozens were said to have crossed the international border into Nyang, in the Donga-Mantung Division of northwestern Cameroon.

 

Although details of the casualties remain unclear, unverified reports indicated that several people may have been killed, while others were reportedly still missing after the violence.

 

The conflict also resulted in the destruction of residential buildings, food supplies, livestock and other sources of livelihood in the mountainous and difficult-to-access communities.

 

Among the settlements reportedly affected are Wuro Buba, Wuro Ardo Bashiru, Wuro Wakili Idrisa, Wuro Saleh Petel, Wuro Hassan Jaji, Wuro Alhaji Jibo, Wuro Alhaji Manu and Wuro Mbarkal.

 

A community leader, Ardo Bashiru, disclosed that more than 340 houses across the Geroji and Mbara areas were completely destroyed during the violence.

 

He lamented that large quantities of foodstuff and other essential means of livelihood were lost, while cattle and sheep were reportedly either killed or taken away during the crisis.

 

Bashiru expressed concern over the impact of the destruction on displaced families, particularly with the rainy season ongoing. He appealed to the Taraba State and Federal Governments, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to urgently provide affected residents with shelter, food, clothing and other relief materials.

 

The Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Area, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, who confirmed the incident, stated that the crisis  started following an altercation between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm.

 

Umar described the development as unfortunate and warned residents against taking actions capable of further threatening peace and security in the area.

 

He said anyone found deliberately attempting to undermine peaceful coexistence among the various communities would face the full force of the law.

 

According to him, the Taraba State Government has facilitated the deployment of security personnel to the affected areas to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.

 

Umar also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the repatriation and reintegration of residents who fled across the border into Cameroon following the outbreak of violence.

NNPC Annual Revenue Drops By 24 Percent

By
James Orji
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NNPCL Ojulari

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Limited, has announced N7.2 trillion profit for  the year ending December, 31, 2025.

 

The government-controlled oil company made the announcement in a statement

signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odey, after its Annual General Meeting,AGM in Abuja,the nation’s capital saying the profit is an indication o operational efficiency and growth.

 

According to Odeh, Profit After Tax, PAT, rose 33 percent to ₦7.2 trillion from ₦5.4 trillion in 2024, while revenue stood at N34.5 trillion, a decline of over 24 percent compared tothe previous business year, which according tothe company, reflects lower crude oil prices and reduced white product volumes following market deregulation in 2024.

Speaking NNPCL Group chief executive, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the results posetd by the company is an indication of disciplined and dedicated workforce, adding that NNPCL is getting value as a result ofits investment in people and assets which isnow delivering value to community and shareholders.

“Our 2025 performance shows what disciplined execution and a capable workforce can deliver.

“We are strengthening earnings, growing production and investing in the people and assets that will sustain value for our shareholders, communities and the Nigerian people,” Ojulari said.

 

After 68 Days Recess, National Assembly Begins Fresh 13 Days Break

By
Ayodele Oni
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House of Reps Members

By Ayodele Oni 

 

A day after resuming from 68 days recess, members of the National Assembly have commenced another break, after sitting for just a day. This time, they are expected to go for 13 days.

 

The lawmakers resumed plenary on Tuesday, September 29, after spending more than two months away from legislative proceedings. The annual recess began on July 23.

 

The National Assembly had initially been scheduled to resume on September 15, but the date was later shifted to September 29 to allow for the completion of rehabilitation work in the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.

 

However, lawmakers attended just only one sitting after their return, before both chambers adjourned plenary until October 13.

 

According to report, in the Senate, the fresh adjournment followed discussions on the country’s security situation and plans for a National Security Summit scheduled for October 12 and 13 in Abuja.

 

The summit is expected to bring together lawmakers, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving inter-agency collaboration and addressing emerging security threats.

 

The Senate subsequently adjourned plenary until October 13, when lawmakers are expected to reconvene after the security summit.

 

The House of Representatives also adjourned further legislative proceedings until October 13 after its resumption on Tuesday.

 

The lower chamber is expected to continue consideration of pending bills, budget-related matters and other legislative issues when lawmakers return.

 

The development means members of the National Assembly will spend another period away from regular plenary proceedings after completing a 68-day annual recess.

Kogi Reaches Out To Kuwait For Technical Expertise, Dev. Financing

By
Ayodele Oni
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Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State
Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is in Kuwait, leading a delegation of the State Government, in a major push to attract affordable development financing, technical expertise and strategic partnerships for the implementation of the Kogi State Development Plan 2024–2056.

 

The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo

who disclosed this in  statement on Wednesday, stated that the mission has opened a new development partnership between Kogi State and key Kuwaiti institutions, with technical teams now expected to move from high-level engagements to the preparation of priority projects for implementation.

 

According to him, “At the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Governor Ododo and his delegation met with the Acting Director-General, Mr. Rashaid A. Al-Bader, and senior officials of the Fund, where the Governor presented Kogi’s development vision and outlined the State’s priority areas for international cooperation.”

 

Governor Ododo explained that Kogi was seeking a comprehensive, long-term development partnership capable of transforming the State’s natural and human resources into sustainable economic opportunities.

 

He identified Kogi’s strategic location, extensive water resources, agricultural potential, solid minerals and emerging energy opportunities as assets that could support job creation, food security, industrialisation and improved living standards when backed by the right infrastructure and technical expertise.

 

The Kuwait Fund expressed readiness, in principle, to work with Kogi State on priority development projects, subject to the required technical, financial and institutional appraisal processes.

 

The emerging partnership will focus on water infrastructure, irrigation and agricultural transformation, power and renewable energy, solid minerals and beneficiation, agro-industrial development, transport, communications and ICT, education and healthcare.

 

The proposed cooperation will also cover project preparation, feasibility studies, engineering designs, technical assistance, institutional capacity development and environmental and social assessments.

 

Governor Ododo explained that the areas were interconnected, noting that improved water infrastructure would strengthen communities and agriculture.

 

 “Irrigation would expand all-season farming, reliable energy would support agro-processing and industrialisation, while mineral beneficiation would enable Kogi to retain greater value from its natural resources.”

 

Beyond development financing, the Governor and his delegation held discussions with Kuwait University on collaboration in education, research, innovation, engineering, agriculture, water-resource management and technology.

 

At the university, Governor Ododo met with its President, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, with both sides exploring opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and capacity development between Kuwait University and tertiary institutions in Kogi State.

 

The delegation also met with the Governor of Al Ahmadi Governorate, His Excellency Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, to explore a sister-government relationship and cooperation in infrastructure, investment, industry and development experience.

AFCON 2027: Guinea Bissau Disgraces Super Eagles …Team Apologizes For Shameful Outing

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

The Super Eagles shambolic outing against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau, which  consolidated Guinea Bissau’s leadership of Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series has generated mixed feelings among Nigerians.

 

The 3-0 loss has triggered widespread outrage and heavy criticism from football fans, pundits, and sports analysts across social media.

 

Distraught fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, calling the performance a “national disaster” and “the height of disgrace”. 

 

Many Nigerians expressed frustration that the team could not score a goal against Guinea-Bissau despite boasting high-profile attacking talents.

 

Fans heavily criticized the tactical setup of head coach Eric Chelle. Analysts argued the squad lacked cohesion, motivation, and a clear tactical blueprint, especially coming off a hard-fought 2-1 win over Madagascar.

 

The Coach Chelle-led team were stunned by three unreplied goals inside the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday evening. 

 

The Djurtus (Wild Dogs) started the game with remarkable intensity, sense of purpose and ambition, and pierced open the Eagles defence in the 10th minute but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali read the move well and nipped it before any damage could be done.

 

Five minutes later, the hosts were one goal up when the ever-vibrant Franciluno Dju cut inside of Bruno Onyemaechi and shot past Nwabali from the right wing.

 

Dju was again looking for blood in the 42nd minute when he waltzed his way into the Nigeria box, but shot over the sticks with only Nwabali to beat.

 

Coach Éric Chelle brought in Moses Simon and Moses Usor at the beginning of the second half, and Nigeria’s game livened up somewhat. However, Usor, who scored on his debut against Madagascar in Uyo four days earlier, saw his shot saved in the 50th minute, while Simon’s shot from close range three minutes later was too feeble to trouble the home goalkeeper.

 

In the 56th minute, Nwabali parried away a vicious close-range shot by Dju, but nine minutes later, Mama Baldé was at the end of another excellent work by the Djurtus that carved open the Nigerian defence, and placed the ball beyond the reach of Nwabali for the hosts’ second of the evening.

 

Five minutes into added time, with the Eagles throwing men forward in search of a consolation goal, Alvario Djalo added a third with a classic finish.

 

The defeat means Nigeria remain in second place in Group L, three points behind Guinea-Bissau, with only one team to qualify from the group.

 

Though, Some fans and commentators pointed fingers at the terrible state of the playing surface in Bissau, with notable content creators comparing the pitch to a “farmland” that was unfit for professional footballers.

 

The loss complicates Nigeria’s road to the 2027 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

 

Madagascar and Tanzania, who drew 1-1 in Meknes, Morocco also on Tuesday, have a point each.

 

Next up for the Super Eagles is a home encounter against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Uyo on 13th November, before they fly to Dar es Salaam for their Day 4 encounter against the same team on 17th November.  

 

The Super Eagles, however, needs to bounce back during the next international window scheduled between November 9 and 17, 2026.

“If My Hand, Head Are Going To Impede Tinubu’s 2.5 Million Votes In Edo, I Will Cut Them” – Tenebe, APC Chairman

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Jarrett Tenebe

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has reiterated commitment to mobilise 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying if his hand or head will be an impediment, he will severe it.

 

Tenabe spoke on TVC News, where he also reacted to reports concerning the position of APC state chairmen on the proposed coalition involving opposition parties and the ruling APC.

 

Speaking specifically about Edo State, the APC chairman stressed that the party was determined to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu and would consider political arrangements that could help achieve the target.

 

“In my state we have promised that we will give 2.5 million votes to Mr. President.”

 

Tenebe added that the party was prepared to pursue any arrangement within the state that would help it meet the target.

 

“Anything humanly possible, we are ready to do it to ensure that we get these votes for Mr. President.”

 

Emphasising his determination, Tenebe used a metaphorical expression to describe how far he was prepared to go to achieve the target.

 

“Even if my hand is going to be an impediment for us not getting the 2.5 million votes we promised Mr. President, I will cut off the hand; even if it’s my head, I will cut it off to ensure that we get it.”

 

According to him, the state chairmen have not convened any meeting to collectively endorse or reject the proposed coalition, contrary to reports suggesting that they had taken a unified position on the matter.

 

“There was no time the state chairman met at once to condemn the coalition or endorse it,” Tenebe said.

 

According to him, state APC chairmen do not independently determine the party’s position on major political decisions, noting that governors are the leaders of the party in their respective states.

 

“The governors are the leaders of the parties in the various states. And when the governors are on anything, the state chairman does not have the right to also comment on that thing.”

Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tenebe also dismissed suggestions that the recent APC retreat in Maiduguri was a gathering of state chairmen to reject the coalition.

 

“It was a National Working Committee programme, not a state programme. We were only invited as state chairmen and members of the NEC to that retreat and that was what we did.”

 

He added that the APC chairmen would instead wait for decisions from the appropriate party authorities before acting on any issue concerning the coalition.

 

“We’re always to watch to see the outcome and whatever outcome, then we’ll carry.”

 

Tenebe also emphasized that the issue for the APC was not simply whether Tinubu would win the 2027 election but the number of votes the president would secure across the states.

 

“It is no longer whether the president will win. The president will win definitely, but the numbers he’s going to use in winning is what matters.”

 

The Edo APC chairman cited the party’s performance in the recent local government election as evidence of its ability to pursue the 2.5 million-vote target.

 

Recent reports have put the party’s claimed figure from the poll at 2,158,600 votes.

 

Tenebe reiterated that he could only speak for Edo State and could not determine the position of APC chairmen in other states.

Zenith Bank/ NBBF Women’s Basketball League Final Set For Lagos

By
James Orji
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0
Zenith Bank NBBF

he road to the 2026 Zenith Bank NBBF Women’s Basketball League title reaches its defining stage as the nation’s top eight teams converge on the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from September 28 to October 3, 2026, for the highly anticipated national Finals.

Emerging from fiercely contested Atlantic and Savannah Conference campaigns, Nigeria Customs, AS Sky Queens, Titans, Air Warriors, MFM, First Bank, Victoria Queens, and Bayelsa Blue Whales have earned their place in the final battle for national honours.

And there is plenty to look forward to.

Last year’s champions, Dolphins Basketball Club, who lifted the trophy after defeating First Bank in the final, will not be in the mix this year after failing to make the top 4 of the Atlantic Conference, leaving the title firmly up for grabs and setting the stage for a new champion to emerge.

But the trophy will be contested by teams with plenty of championship pedigree.

First Bank, last year’s finalist and the most successful team in the history of the competition, arrives with a record nine league titles, while MFM will be looking to draw on its recent dominance after winning back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. With both sides among the Final 8, history, experience and ambition will collide as the battle for the crown unfolds.

It is a level of competition that reflects the growth of a league that has, for more than two decades, provided a platform for Nigeria’s best female basketball talents to emerge, compete and develop. At the heart of that journey has been Zenith Bank, the sole sponsor of the National Women’s Basketball League since 2005.

Through its partnership with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Zenith Bank has consistently supported the development of women’s basketball, helping to provide and sustain a competitive platform where talents can be discovered, nurtured and prepared for the highest levels of the sport.

The league has also served as an important pathway to the National Women Basketball team, D’Tigress, with several players who have featured prominently for Nigeria emerging from the domestic competition. Beyond the national team, the league continues to contribute to youth development by giving young female athletes the opportunity to build confidence, skill, discipline, teamwork and professional sporting careers.

Now, the spotlight turns to Lagos. Which team will grab the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of Nigerian women’s basketball?

Eight teams. One destination. One crown.

For Zenith Bank, the sponsorship of the Women’s Basketball League represents more than support for a sporting competition. It reflects the Bank’s broader commitment to creating platforms that provide opportunities, develop potential and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young Nigerians.

This commitment extends across several areas of community development, with notable initiatives including:

The reconstruction and beautification of Ajose Adeogun Street and Roundabout

The annual Zenith Bank Youth Parade and Light-Up Ceremony

The construction of ICT Centres in tertiary institutions across the country, and

The construction of the ultra-modern Iga Iduganran Primary Healthcare Centre, among others.

Through these initiatives and its longstanding support for women’s basketball, Zenith Bank continues to demonstrate that its commitment to society goes beyond banking, with a focus on creating opportunities and contributing to the development of communities and the next generation.

Niger Dead Miners: APC Donates N52m To Survivors, Families

By
James Orji
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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State

The ruling party in the country, All Progressives Congress, APC,  has donated N52 million to the families and survivors  of the 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,NSCDC in Niger State two weeks ago.

The incident,which sparked serious anger across the country led to the suspension ofthe state NSCDC Commander and some officers believed tobe connected to the victims death.

The federal government has also set up an investgative panel to probe the remote cause of the incident.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the donation was made on Tuesday when the APC National Working Committee,NWC led by the party’s National Chairman,Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda paid a courtesy visist tothe state governor, Umaru Bago in Minna, the state capita.

While appreciating the party for the donation,Governor Bago said the money will go a long way tosupport affected familiesand survivors,saying the state government willensure that the donation get tothem.

The APC chairman had earlier expressed the condolences of the APC to the government and people of Niger over the incident.

Yilwatda  described the situation as a difficult moment for the state, noting that Niger had recently faced several security challenges.

 

“This is not a good moment for the country, especially Niger State.

“Recently, you’ve been bedevilled by so many challenges, especially security threats, but we can assure you that our hearts and prayers are with you.

 

“For the affected families, may God strengthen and comfort them in this challenging period. All this will pass away,” he said.

The Sun Publishing Limited Names Uzodimma 2026 Man The Year

By
The Source
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0
Uzodimma receiving the letter from the MD/EIC of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Onuoha Ukeh.
Uzodimma receiving the letter from the MD/EIC of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Onuoha Ukeh.

The Sun Publishing Limited – publisher of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun and Sunday Sun – has named the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma as her Man of the Year for 2026.

 

The management team of the organisation communicated the decision to Governor Uzodimma when they paid him a courtesy visit at his Government Office in Owerri, Monday.

 

Presenting the formal letter of nomination from the organisation to the Governor, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, said “the nomination followed a merit-based assessment of developments across Imo State, particularly in infrastructure, the digital sector and economic empowerment.”

 

Ukeh said the flagship award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.

 

He cited several projects undertaken by the Uzodimma administration, including the Assumpta Flyover, Orashi Power Station and road projects across New Owerri.

 

Ukeh said: “This decision was based on merit. We have gone round the State and seen your legacy projects—including the Assumpta Flyover, the Orashi Power Station, and the newly paved roads across New Owerri.

 

“Looking at all these achievements, The Sun Board of Editors chose you as the winner of The Sun Man of the Year 2026.”

 

Receiving the nomination letter, Governor Uzodimma expressed appreciation to the management and Board of Editors of the company for the recognition.

 

The Governor dedicated the nomination to the government and people of Imo State, whom he said had given him the opportunity to serve.

 

“I want to thank the management of The Sun Newspaper for this nomination, and thank Almighty God for making it possible. I dedicate this award to the entire people and government of Imo State for the opportunity given to me to serve them,” he said.

 

In 2021, Uzodimma was also nominated Governor of Year award by the Sun Publishing Limited.

Ogun To Complete $7bn Deep Seaport In 3yrs

By
James Orji
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0
Governor Dapo Abiodun

The Ogun state government has set November this year for the construction of the over $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, situated in the state. The project, according to the government will be completed in less thanthree years.

The state governor, Dapo Abiodun made this disclosure while adressing All Progressives Congress, APC, stakeholders in Ijebu East and West part of the state, saying the projects will turn the state into the maritme hub in the continent.

Accoding to the governor, the project will take between 24 and 30 months to be completed, adding that by the timeit’s done with, many jobs will be created apart from strengthening the economy ofthe state.

Governor Abiodun spoke less than a week after he alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, France, the private partner for the constrcuton of the port, adding that the project construction wll start immediately.

He stressed that the project is part of his adminstraton’s promise tothe people of the state that when his government makes a promise,  it will be delivered

 

“By November, we will perform the groundbreaking and the construction will start immediately. In two and a half years, that port will almost be completed 100 per cent,” Abiodun said.

 

The Gateway Deep Sea Port is being developed in partnership with DP World, a major global port operator, as part of efforts to expand Ogun State’s maritime infrastructure and create new opportunities for investment and economic growth.

 

Abiodun said the port had remained largely unrealised for more than 30 years despite its potential, but his administration had revived the project as part of its broader plan to attract investments and strengthen the state’s economy.

 

He described the project as an example of his administration’s focus on turning development plans into completed projects,noting that by the timethe project is completed it will be one of the biggest seaports in Africa.

 

Abiodun“Ogun State will become the marine capital of Africa, the marine hub of West Africa, meaning that the biggest ships in the world, when they are coming to Africa, will first come to Ogun Waterside.”

 

“Ogun State will become the marine capital of Africa, the marine hub of West Africa, meaning that the biggest ships in the world, when they are coming to Africa, will first come to Ogun Waterside.”

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