Dearth Of Medical Personnel: Ondo Seeks Deployment Of NYSC Doctors To Man Health Facilities

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August 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, Olusegun Ategbole, has revealed that the State is turning to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for salvation as its public hospitals reel under an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.

Ategbole, has therefore called for the deployment of corps members trained in medicine and health sciences to hospitals across the state.

Speaking during a visit to the NYSC orientation camp in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Ategbole insisted that the move would ease the strain on the state’s fragile healthcare system and improve patient care.

The intervention, he noted, aligns with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE agenda, which prioritises reforms in the health sector.

He later convened a meeting with top hospital managers to determine where corps members could be most useful.

“Secondary health institutions are in dire need of manpower. Deploying NYSC medical corps will give short-term relief while we work on sustainable solutions,” Ategbole said.

Across the state, however, hospitals remain overwhelmed, with patients enduring long waits and health workers stretched to breaking point.

Critics warn that depending on inexperienced corps members to fill such a critical gap could compromise patient safety, while others argue it may be the only lifeline until the state fixes its deepening manpower crisis.

If successful, the plan could shorten queues, speed up treatment, and reduce the crushing workload borne by the few doctors and nurses left in the system.

Within the last two years, not less than 25 medical doctors and nurses left the services of the state government over poor conditions of service.

Kaduna Bound Passenger Train Derails

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Ayodele Oni

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August 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Military personnel have been deployed to the scene of an accident involving a Kaduna bound train early Tuesday morning.

The passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed, causing widespread panic among commuters.

The incident, which happened around 11.00am occurred along the Kaduna corridor, shortly after the train departed Abuja, leaving several carriages overturned.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people scrambling to safety in fear and confusion.

The exact cause of the derailment remains unknown, and authorities have not confirmed any injuries or casualties.

Military personnel have been deployed to the site to assist in evacuating stranded passengers.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the incident and mobilized emergency rescue teams, including medical personnel, to the scene. Efforts are ongoing to safely return all passengers to Abuja.

Reports indicated that the train derailed at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station,while there is still no official statement on casualties, the corporation is working to restore normalcy.

BUA Truck, Not Dangote, Crushes Two Vehicles On Niger Bridge, Kills Four

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A fatal road mishap on Monday, August 25, 2025. at the Asaba Delta State end of the Second Niger Bridge claimed the lives of no fewer than four persons.

The tragic incident involving a BUA long-truck laden with Cement and two other vehicles, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, also led to three others sustaining serious injuries.

According to some witness accounts, the BUA truck which was said to be on a high speed while approaching the Bridge, lost control and crushed the smaller vehicles.

“We saw the truck carrying cement and it was traveling at a high speed, trying to negotiate the bridge, but the driver lost control, and it eventually fell on top of two vehicles .

“Some people died instantly, while others sustained serious injuries”, a witness volunteered

The Delta State Commander of the FRSC, Frederick Ogidan, while confirming the unfortunate incident, blamed it on over-speeding on the part of the truck driver.

He, however, noted that the truck in question belongs to BUA, contrary to widespread reports that had earlier claimed Dangote as the owner.

“Four persons were confirmed dead at the scene. The truck involved belong to BUA and not Dangote as some initially speculated.

The victims were trapped in the vehicles due to the impact, and our tow truck had to be deployed for rescue operation”, the FRSC Commander stated.

Highlighting the fact that the accident was caused by human errors and recklessness, Ogidan expressed surprise that such a fatal accident could occur on a well maintained road like the Asaba/Second Niger Bridge road.

This is as he cautioned motorists and other road users against indulging in reckless driving and other road abuses that endangers people’s lives.

Imo: Fear Grips Okigwe As Gunmen Murder Five Local Vigilante Operatives

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The Source

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August 26, 2025

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By Charles Igbo

The Ajanaumuna Community in Ezinach, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, is flowing with blood and gripped in fear.

On August 22, gunmen stormed the Community and killed the leader of the Vigilante Group and four of his men in cold blood. They were fatally shot and given no chance of survival. They did not even have the chance to fight back as they were taken unawares.

The Community is in deep mourning. And is gripped with fear.

In response, the Imo State Police Command has unleashed its Tactical Team to, in collaboration with othes sister Security Agencies, go after the hoodlums and hunt them down.

Even though investigation is still ongoing, the Command has blamed the gruesome attack on the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the security arm of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPoB.

In a statement on the killings, DSP Henry Okoye, Imo Command’s Public Relations Officer, said that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who deployed the Tactical Team, has vowed to mercilessly go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The statement reads:

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the Command’s tactical teams in synergy with other sister security agencies and local vigilantes, to hunt down the suspected IPOB/ESN miscreants responsible for the senseless attack that claimed the lives of five residents in Ajanaumuna, Ezinachi, Okigwe LGA, on 22nd August, 2025, at about 2230hrs.

“During the attack, Edeh George ‘m’, a member of the local youth security team, together with four villagers identified as Emeka Ezeagwula ‘m’, Chikodi Ezeagwula ‘f’, Chidi Chileke ‘m’, and Ejike Nwankwo ‘m’, were fatally shot. The assailants further set ablaze the residence of the youth security leader and destroyed five motorcycles.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, Police operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene, evacuated the victims to General Hospital, Okigwe, where doctors confirmed them dead on arrival. Their remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while one survivor is currently receiving medical treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who is personally leading an intense operation in Okigwe alongside other security agencies, condemned the heinous act and assured that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. He stressed that those behind the attack will be made to face the full weight of the law.

“The CP also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased victims, wished the injured survivor a speedy recovery, and prayed that God grants the affected families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“The Imo State Police Command urges residents to remain calm as security has been reinforced in Okigwe and its environs.

“Members of the public are further encouraged to support the Police with credible and timely information that can aid ongoing investigations by reporting to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600.”

Japan To FG: No Special Visa For Nigerians In “Kisarazu” City

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James Orji

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August 26, 2025

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The Japanese government has debunked reports that the country is offering special visa for Nigerians as part of its new Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Africa Hometown initiative.

The magazine had earlier reported that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Tokyo, Japan between August 20 and 22 where he joined other African leaders, international development partners and stakeholders at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD9.

During the conference, President Tinubu and other African leaders signed some economic and other bilateral agreements with the Japanese authority, including the Africa Hometown programme meant to strengthen exchanges between African countries and Japanese local governments.

Recall that the federal government had last week claimed that that Japan had designated Kisarazu city as the “hometown” for Nigerians and would create a special visa category for highly skilled and talented youths planning to move to the Asian country to settle..

In a statement issued by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the FG said “Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.”

The Japanese government, in a statement on Monday, however denied such claim, saying the reports were contrary to the facts as related to the agreement signed under the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative.

“Under this program, four cities in Japan are designated as “home towns” for four African countries. Under this program, JICA plans to promote exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.

“On the other hand, there are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and the series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will continue to make efforts to ensure that appropriate reporting and statements regarding this matter are carried out,” the statement read.

FCMB Eyes Fresh Capital For Expansion

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James Orji

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August 26, 2025

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First City Monument Bank, FCMB Plc has announced plans to raise capital as part of its plan for local and international banking operations.

The financial services company made this known in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange, NGX and other investing stakeholders, saying whatever is raised from the subscription will be transferred to its banking arm, First City Monument Bank Limited, FCMB Limited.

the company further stated that all the modalities regarding the public offer is subject to the approval of various regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission., SEC.

The Group said, “FCMB Group Plc hereby notifies NGX Regulation Limited, our esteemed stakeholders, and the investor community that the Board of Directors of FCMB, acting pursuant to the approval granted by the shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on December 19, 2024, has resolved to undertake an Offer for Subscription.

“The offer is being undertaken in furtherance of the company’s strategy to strengthen its capital base in anticipation of its focused regional and international expansion plans. The proceeds of the offer will be remitted as equity into First City Monument Bank Limited.”

The magazine reports that FCMB has taken the right steps to beat the March 2026 recapitalisation deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for all commercial banks in the country, as part of a broader plan to leap-frog Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion mark.

Aviation: Tinubu Signs Direct Flight Agreement With Brazil

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 26, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, which marks the establishment of direct air travel between Nigeria and the President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva -led country.

The agreement, according to a statement issued on Monday by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga signaled the high point of President Tinubu’s trip to the South American nation.

The agreement, the federal government said was formalised between Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and his Brazilian counterpart.

The magazine reported that Tinubu’s trip to Brazil was part of the two-nations official travel he embarked on last week, meant to strengthen economic and bilateral with the two of the world’s largest economies.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu was welcome in Brazil with a full military honours, during an official reception at the Planalto Palace in Brasília,signaling the strong friendship between him and President Da-Silva, adding that the Nigerian leader is also scheduled to meet with other Brazil’s top executive, legislative and judicial leaders during the trip.

Onanuga: “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

Instructively, the agreement creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations, aviation analysts said.

Wike To PDP: Zoning Presidency To South Is Right Decision

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 26, 2025

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

Following the decision of the PDP, on Monday, to zone the 2027 presidency to the South, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike says he has been vindicated.

According to Wike, the PDP has now done what it should have done during the 2023 election, saying he warned then that the decision of the party to do otherwise would make it lose the election. The party actually lost.

The minister’s remark was contained in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka after the PDP made the decision to zone the 2027 presidency to South, and the position of the National Chairman to the North.

The party made its decision known in a communique issued on Monday by Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary at the end of the party’s 102nd National Executive Council, NEC, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Wike said the PDP made a huge mistake by not listening to him in 2023, leading to the loss of the presidency to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Olayinka said: “Now, that the party has realised its mistake of not listening to Wike and the G-5 in 2022, and have chosen to do what they said, three years after, have they not been vindicated now?

“Recall that the FCT Minister and the G-5 had insisted that the presidential candidate of the PDP and its National Chairman must not remain in the same zone, insisting that since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from the North had emerged as the presidential candidate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North must resign to pave the way for a National Chairman from the South. Ayu, however, insisted on not resigning, with Atiku and his group backing him. Aftermath of this was the electoral misfortune the party suffered in 2023, followed by instability after the elections.

“But today, the NEC resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket be zoned to the South.

“Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit?

“Sadly, they know the truth. Wike simply said, take the chairmanship to the South if you want to gain the presidency, but they said no, they must take the two, and the PDP lost!

“They have realised the mistake they made in 2022 and are correcting it in 2025.”

We Are Mobilizing Voters Against Rigging In 2027-Obidient Movement Assures

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 25, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Worried by the increasing apathy of eligible voters towards the ongoing Continuous Voter registration, CVR, by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, the Abia State Chapter of the Obidient movement said it has commenced moves aimed at encouraging people to participate fully in the exercise.

This is as the Movement dedicated to the promotion of the Presidential ambition of Peter Obi ,the former Governor of Anambra State, vowed to mobilize no fewer than four million voters to register and collect their PVCs before the end of the CVR exercise .

At an interactive session with the Media in Umuahia, the State capital on Monday August 25, 2025 ,a chieftain of the Movement, Comrade Chukwuebuka Ezenna, expressed serious concern over the unwillingness of people to avail themselves the opportunity presented by the CVR exercise to prepare themselves for the great task of reclaiming the country from the precipice.

According to him, the refusal of potential voters to register and collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, before the 2027 general elections, is a tacit and dangerous endorsement of the ongoing shenanigans in the political landscape of the country.

He emphasized the urgent necessity for the people to participate fully in the registration process so as to be in a vantage position to halt the uspation of the democratic processes by those he labelled “political hijackers”

The Obidient movement leader informed that the aggressive campaign to rally potential voters for the CVR exercise is part of the comprehensive ant-rigging framework -Get Organized and Make Election Rigging Difficult, GOMERD, recently launched by the national leadership of the Movement.

However, he underscored the imperative of mass participation of eligible voters in the CVR exercise ,to the success of the campaign.

“The success of this campaign lies in the ability of eligible voters to get their PVCs . So we urge all Abians from 18 years and above to go out , register ,collect their PVCs and hold firmly to them a a bridge to a new Nigeria.

” INEC statistics indicate that Abia recorded a total of 2, 120,808 registered PVCs as at 2023 ,with 1,949 ,197 , representing 91.9% as those who collected their PVCs .

” With the continuous rise in population figures it is, therefore ,our target to mobilize over million voters in Abia state to get their PVCs before 2027.

Besides, the quest to mobilize people to get their PVCs ,Comrade Ezenna noted that the GOMERD campaign also aims to sensitize voters on the need to shun vote-buying and other manipulative measures by political actors , warning that such practices tantamount to mortgaging the future of unborn generations .

PDP 2027: South To Produce Presidential Candidate, North, Party Chairman

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Ayodele Oni

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August 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Damagun, retains, elevated to National Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while maintaining the current National Working Committee (NWC) zoning arrangement for its November elective convention.

With this, Damagum, who has served as Acting National Chairman for over a year, has been elevated to substantive Chairman to enable him superintendent over the National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, administered the oath of office to him.

This decision was reached at the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja on Monday.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, explained that the resolution followed the submission of a report by the Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

He noted that the NEC also expressed satisfaction with preparations for the November convention.

Ologunagba stated, “NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions.

“NEC also resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”