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Ebola: FG Names Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Taraba As High Risk States

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ebola Virus

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Following the spread of deadly Bundibugyo Strain of Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has alerted the public of possible outbreak and spread of the disease in the country, citing increasing regional transmission, international travel, porous borders, and population movement.

 

The disease in question, the agency noted, is already spreading in parts of East and Central Africa.

 

It was gathered that the NCDC in a national public health advisory issued to Commissioners of Health in the country which was dated May 27, 2026, noted that there are growing concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola — a rare strain for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

 

The agency listed Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as high risk States, as well as Abuja because of their international airports, seaports, border routes, and high human traffic.

 

A statement by the NCDC stated that, “The immediate objective of our national preparedness and readiness efforts is to ensure that every state and the FCT can reasonably detect, contain, and respond swiftly to any suspected case while protecting health workers and sustaining essential health services”.

 

The agency, also, disclosed that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case, a dynamic risk assessment conducted after the outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern showed that the danger of importation into Nigeria remains high.

 

NCDC added that 1,077 suspected cases and 247 deaths have already been reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a fatality rate of 24.6 per cent.

 

The outbreak has, also, according to the agency triggered international concern, with suspected cases reportedly identified in India, while Canada has announced temporary restrictions on travel applications involving residents of Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan.

 

“The current Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccines or approved targeted therapeutics.

 

Health workers must not wait for bleeding before suspecting Ebola in any patient with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history’ the agency submitted.

 

As part of the emergency preparedness measures, NCDC noted that its National Emergency Operations Centre has already been activated in alert mode to coordinate nationwide response efforts while adding that state governments have been directed to immediately activate Ebola preparedness structures, identify isolation centres, intensify surveillance at entry points, equip frontline health workers with personal protective equipment, and begin public sensitization campaigns to counter panic and misinformation.

Ekiti Gov. Election: Kaduna Gov. Heads Nat. APC Campaign Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election.

 

This was  disclosed on Friday by the Party, which stated that the high-powered National Campaign Council has membership of prominent chieftains of the party.

 

Governor Uba Sani was earlier appointed Chairman of the Campaign Council by the party on April 24, 2026, ahead of the election scheduled for June 20, 2026, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The Campaign Council, unveiled by the APC National Secretariat at Buhari House, Abuja, comprises top party leaders, governors, ministers, federal lawmakers, and key political stakeholders across the country.

 

According to the document signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Basiru, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will serve as Vice Chairman of the council.

 

Other prominent members include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Hope Uzodimma, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Babagana Zulum, Dapo Abiodun, Ahmed Aliyu, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

Former governors Kayode Fayemi and Yahaya Bello, alongside ministers Dele Alake, Sunday Dare, and Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, were also named members of the council.

 

The APC further constituted strategic sub-committees on Election Planning and Management, Finance and Resource Mobilisation, Media and Publicity, Security, as well as Women and Youth Mobilisation to coordinate campaign activities ahead of the poll.

 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has concluded campaign tour of the 16 local council of the state and is currently meeting with various unions and groups.

 

Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 13 political parties are on the ballot paper for the June 20 off season governorship election in Ekiti state.

 

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu, spoke at INEC Forum for Media Executives, in Ado-Ekiti as part of preparations for the off-cycle governorship poll.

 

He described the Ekiti governorship election as an important political test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Kudu noted that the election would be conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties expected to participate.

 

According to him, the election is coming at a time of growing concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, misinformation, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

NUT Take To Streets Over Abducted  Oyo School Children, Teachers, Laments Govt’s Insensitivity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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NUT Take To Streets Over Abducted Oyo School Children

By Akinwale Kasali

 

It has been two weeks since school children and their teachers were abducted from their schools in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State. While one of the teachers was shot dead in one of the schools, another,  a mathematics teacher,  was beheaded by thr abductors while in captivity.

 

The abductors while carrying out the inhumane activity videod it and made it go viral by posting the horrifying action on the internet.

 

Sadly, the Nigerian Government led by President Bola Tinubu is yet to take a drastic action in bringing back the Children and their Teachers from the abductors den.

 

Following the alleged insensitivity, hundreds of teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in Oyo State, took to the street in Oyo State to express their grievances. They called on the Federal, State Government and Security Agencies to bing back the Children and their Teachers homes.

 

During the protest tagged

‘Bring Back Our School Children and colleagues’, the teachers took to the streets, to  clamour for the safe return of the Children and Teachers.

 

The protesters converged at the busy Iwo Road axis in Ibadan, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with different inscriptions like; ‘Bring Back Our School Children and Colleagues’, ‘The Children are Innocent’, ‘Save Us From This Nightmare’, ‘President Tinubu, Rise To The Occasion And Bring Back Our Children and Colleagues”, “Bring back our children, no more bandits’, among other inscriptions.

 

The Protesters marched through the Capital City down to the House of Assembly and Governor’s Office in Agodi.

 

The demonstration follows the May 15 incident where heavily armed kidnappers invaded Esiele in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting over 40 students and teachers.

 

Following the incident, the terrorists released footage showing how their victims are being punished deep within the forest.

 

With two weeks in captivity with no positive outcome, Primary and Secondary school teachers in the State stormed the streets to demand for action from  relevant authorities.

 

This development follows an earlier protest staged by concerned residents over the same kidnapping incident just a week ago.

“Kwankwaso Also Was Once My Boy” –  Ganduje Fires Back

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The mind game raging between the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and his estranged political godson, Governor Abba Yusuf, on Friday, May 29, 2026, expanded with the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje,  joining the fray.

 

The Source reports that Senator Kwankwaso, who was, also, a former Governor of Kano State,  ignited the tinder box a couple of days ago, when, during an interview with the Trust TV, not only referred to Governor Yusuf as his political godson, but also as “his boy”.

 

However, Governor Yusuf was so incensed by Kwankwaso’s reference of him as a “boy” that he took a swipe at his erstwhile political mentor, with a stern warning to give him a full measure of his acerbic side should he  dare to address him in such a manner in future.

 

Addressing All Progressive Congress, APC, members and supporters at a function penultimate week, Governor Yusuf warned that he may be forced to open a can of worms that may prove a handful for Kwankwaso should he once again refer to him as boy.

 

“Kwankwaso is 69 years old, and I am 63. So, how can a 69 year old be calling a 63 year old a boy?”, Governor Abba fumed.

 

But while addressing members and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement at his Miner Road, Bompai Kano residence on Wednesday, Kwankwaso not only insisted that Governor Yusuf remains his boy, he also claimed that even former Ganduje can never denied being his boy at some point.

 

“I was made to understand that some people don’t want to be referred to as my boy.

 

“Now, if not out of disrespect, will Abba Kabiru Yusuf say he is not my political son? If it is not out of disrespect , will Abdullahi Umar Ganduje say he is not my politicalson?”, the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader queried.

 

But reacting on Friday, Dr Ganduje who is presently away in Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage, described Kwankwaso as his political crony at a point on his political journey.

 

In a statement signed by  Mohammed Garba, his Chief of Staff, the former National Chairman of the ruling APC, noted his pivotal roles in pushing Kwankwaso up the political ladder, beginning from the botched third Republic, when assisted in no small measure in his emergence as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

 

“At that time, Ganduje could confidently have referred to Kwankwaso as his political boy, having supported him morally and financially during that period”, Garba stated.

 

Ganduje also emphasized that Kwankwaso was a frequent visitor to his office while serving as a senior civil servant with the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and later, as the Kano State Commissioner for Works, during the military era.

 

This is as he described as unnecessary the descent into introducing, what he called “boy-master” rhetorics into contemporary political discuss at a time the people are expecting their leaders to focus on good governance and development.

 

Revisiting the events of 1998, Ganduje insisted that the popular perception among stakeholders and observers was that he actually defeated Kwankwaso during the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries, but was cajoled to deputize Kwankwaso in the interest of then emerging democracy.

 

Ganduje, however, admitted that both of them maintained a very good, and mutual working relationship between 1999 and 2003 and 2011 and 2015 when they served as Governor and Deputy Governor.

 

Waxing philosophical, Ganduje admonished that politics should not be reduced to  the level of  “master-servant” relationship, maintaining political relationships evolve overtime.

 

“Politics should not be about who is superior to the other. A father can nurture a child who eventually becomes greater in status, and influence”, the statement noted .

Horrific Scene In Cross River As Serial Killer Is Nabbed

By
The Source
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Akaninyene

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South south Bureau Chief

 

Creek Town in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State is convulsing with horror and anger following the arrest of a suspected serial killer simply identified as Akaninyene. This magazine learnt that his arrested followed intelligence reports linking him to the disappearance and murder of several persons in the community.

 

According to reports, security operatives, including men of the Nigerian Army and tactical special forces, tracked the suspect to a secluded hut inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community.

 

The suspect allegedly attempted to flee after trying to retrieve a weapon from the hut but was quickly apprehended by security operatives.

 

During a search of the hideout, operatives reportedly discovered eight shallow graves containing bodies buried without heads, with plantain crops planted over the graves to conceal them.

 

Akaninyene allegedly confessed, during interrogation, to killing about 30 people in the area. He also reportedly revealed that a female accomplice helped lure victims before they were killed.

 

The latest incident said to have occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, reportedly raised suspicion after residents heard cries and a struggle from the victim.

 

Community leaders and youths alerted authorities, leading to the operation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

 

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the incident is still being verified by the police.

FCT Senatorial Race: Aisha Yesufu Steps Down As Amanda Pam, Emerges As NDC Consensus Candidate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Amanda Pam and Aisha Yesufu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Following speculations that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has endorsed another aspirant, prominent activist Peter Obi’s ally, Aisha Yesufu, has stepped down from the  Senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

Yesufu had earlier announced her intention to contest the FCT senate seat ahead of the 2027 elections shortly after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC.

 

She explained then that her decision to seek elective office was inspired by the leadership experience she acquired while in the ADC.

 

Her withdrawal follows strong speculation that the party leadership had already endorsed another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who has, reportedly been with the NDC before Yesufu joined the party.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the activist disclosed that the party would not hold primaries for the FCT senatorial ticket, bringing her ambition to an end.

 

“Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!”, she said.

 

Despite the development, Yesufu appealed to her supporters to stay focused on the broader political goal ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 

“I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!

 

“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project.”

 

She also pledged to continue engaging with residents across the six area councils in the nation’s capital.

 

“In the coming week I will be returning back to all the six Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT.”

Seven Years After, NUC Accredits Bayelsa University Medicine Programmes

By
Ayodele Oni
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National Universities Commission - NUC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Reprieve has come for medical students of the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) as the National Universities Commission, (NUC) gave approval for its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, as well as its Health Administration programme.

 

This is coming almost seven years after the institution was established, during which medical graduates of the University were denied necessary recognition by professional bodies.

 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Dimie Ogoina, disclosed this during an appearance on Talk to Bayelsa, describing the approval granted by the NUC as a significant achievement for the institution and a testament to its rapid growth and commitment to excellence.

 

Prof Ogoina explained that the full accreditation, which was granted in April 2026, followed years of deliberate investments in qualified manpower, modern infrastructure, and clinical training facilities aimed at meeting national and international standards in medical education.

 

According to him, the accreditation has further enhanced the university’s credibility and reputation, positioning it as one of the emerging centres of excellence in medical and health sciences education in Nigeria and beyond.

 

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Bayelsa State Government for its unwavering support, noting that the institution’s progress would not have been possible without sustained investments in infrastructure development, staff recruitment, research, and academic expansion.

.

He recalled that the university was established to address the shortage of specialised healthcare professionals in Nigeria and the Niger Delta region, adding that it currently offers programmes in key health-related disciplines, including Radiography, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Community Health, Nursing Science, and other allied health sciences.

 

Prof Ogoina further revealed that the university has embraced innovation-driven learning by establishing state-of-the-art facilities such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories to enhance teaching, learning, and clinical simulations for students.

 

On infrastructure development, he disclosed that the ongoing development of the university’s permanent campus at Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area would significantly ease pressure on existing facilities at the Yenagoa campus.

 

He added that additional student hostels being constructed through the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would help improve accommodation and welfare for students.

 

Addressing concerns over admission standards and tuition fees, Prof Ogoina maintained that the university remains committed to merit-based admissions and the maintenance of global best practices in medical education.

 

He also noted that Bayelsa State indigenes currently enjoy a 50 per cent tuition fee rebate, while students can access various government-backed educational loans and scholarship schemes designed to make quality medical education more affordable and accessible.

 

The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the university would continue to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its contribution to healthcare delivery, research, and human capital development in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.

Insecurity In Oyo: APC Blames Makinde For Lack Of Direction; Makinde Insists On FG’s Failure

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has blamed the state government for what it described as the deteriorating security situation. It insisted that the administration’s approach to governance had weakened security coordination across the State.

 

But Governor Seyi Makinde urged the Federal Government to support constitutional reforms that would empower states to develop their own policing systems, saying this remained critical to improving security outcomes across the country.

 

The APC, however, rejected the governor’s position, insisting that the call for state police could not substitute for what it described as failures in governance and security management at the state level.

 

The APC, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, argued that the current level of insecurity in Oyo State was avoidable, alleging that key stakeholders in community security structures had been sidelined in the government’s security strategy.

 

It also claimed that the state government had not effectively deployed resources meant to strengthen security operations, insisting that misplaced priorities had contributed to rising criminal activity.

 

“The administration has failed to properly manage the security architecture of the state. Instead of strengthening coordination at the grassroots, attention has been diverted to political showmanship.”

 

The APC further alleged that funds committed to surveillance and security equipment has not yielded visible results, while also faulting the welfare and operational capacity of the Amotekun Corps in the state.

 

According to the APC, poor remuneration and limited logistical support affected the effectiveness of local security operatives deployed across communities.

 

The party also revisited past debates on state policing, accusing Governor Makinde of inconsistency in his position on the issue, noting that he had previously opposed the proposal before recently supporting it.

 

It maintained that the governor must take responsibility for security lapses in the state as the constitutionally recognised chief security officer.

 

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde, in a separate engagement in Ibadan, expressed concern over recent abductions in parts of the state, particularly attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

 

The governor described the situation as troubling and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of victims and restore calm to affected communities.

 

Makinde also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would better address local security challenges than the current centralised structure.

Nollywood Loses Veteran Actor, Patrick Okoye To The Cold Hands Of Death

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Patrick Okoye

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Less than three weeks after the demise of popular Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo, the make-believe industry has again lost one of its Veteran Actors, Patrick Okoye.

 

The actor with the moniker, ‘Energy’,  passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28th, 2026.

 

In a statement released by the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, signed by Dr. Nkemakonam Aniukwu,  Head of Department, the University Community confirmed the passing of the actor.

 

The Institution expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate development, describing the late actor and lecturer as a vibrant personality, a respected figure in Nollywood, an exceptional teacher, and a mentor who impacted many lives through his contributions to the entertainment industry and academics.

 

It also noted that his death came as a painful shock to colleagues, students, friends, and everyone who knew him, stressing that his sudden demise has left a huge void that would be difficult to fill.

 

Aniukwu, however, prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul and asked God to grant the family strength to bear the irreparable loss, and also comfort his loved ones, and the entire University Community during this difficult period.

 

The late actor was widely recognised for his contributions to Nollywood and his dedication to teaching and mentoring young talents in theatre and film studies.

Gwarzo, Gov Yusuf’s Fmr. Deputy, Clinches Kano NDC Guber. Ticket

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo - Kano Deputy Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo, has emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ Governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

 

Gwarzo who escaped impeachment by the whiskers had, a couple of months back, resigned his position as Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf’s Deputy, in the wake of the realignment processes that swept through Kano.

 

The realignment had seen Governor Yusuf’s  erstwhile protege of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ,the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement , originally elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP , switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

 

But Gwarzo’s refusal to join him in jumping ship triggered moves by the Governor Yusuf’s controlled State House of Assembly to impeach him.

 

The former Deputy Governor, alongside a handful of other Government appointees, had, instead, opted to stick with Senator Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

 

However, Gwarzo’s resignation was to put paid to the impeachment proceedings.

 

Gwarzo’s emergence as the NDC candidat, was contained in a statement on Friday, May 29, 2026, by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu.

 

According to the statement, Gwarzo, together with other candidates will be formally adopted and affirmed at the party’s scheduled ceremony later on the day.( Friday) .

 

Shuaibu emphasized that the event will feature the affirmation of NDC’s candidates for both the State and National Assembly, Governorship, and presidential elections.

 

The emergence of Gwarzo as Kano State NDC gubernatorial candidate will come as a huge surprise to not a few plaudits and observers who had expected Dr Nasir Gawuna, the 2023 APC Governorship candidate to clinch the trophy.

 

Gawuna, who served as deputy to Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of the State between 2015 and 2023, had brushed aside a last minute effort by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dissuade him from defecting to first ADC ,and later NDC in deference to Kwankwaso.

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