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Tragedy: Flood Sweeps To Death Mother And Her Five Children

August 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Flood is taking its tragic toll in States as the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, (NiMet) continues to alert people resident in flood-prone areas to relocate.

In Ondo State, two teenagers drowned in a popular River located in the Omileye area of Ore town, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government area..

Reports from Katsina State stated that a

devastating tragedy unfolded in Dankama Local Government Area when a mother and her five children lost their lives after their home collapsed during a torrential overnight rainfall.

The cause of the Ondo tragic incident still remains a mystery.

However, a source close to the police revealed that the tragedy occurred shortly after a heavy downpour in the area.

The victims, who were siblings, were reportedly returning home late at night from their father’s shop, a motorcycle mechanic in the town when tragedy struck.

The children, said to be pupils of a private nursery and primary school in the area, had visited their father at his shop before the rain started.

The source said they were attempting to cross the river when they were swept away by the strong current.

Their failure to return home after several hours prompted their father to raise an alarm, leading to a search party organised by concerned residents. Many feared that the boys had been carried away by the river.

The development threw the family and other residents into panic. A report was subsequently lodged at the Divisional Police Station in the town.

The Katsina incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, around 2.00a.m., while the family was reportedly asleep.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the intense downpour caused a structural failure of the building, which led to the fatalities.

The grieving father, Muhammad Sani, who was away at the time of the incident, confirmed the heartbreaking event during a conversation with journalists.

He revealed that ten family members were inside the building when it collapsed, but only four survived. Three of them are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

The deceased have been identified as 45-year-old Mariya Sani and her children: Mujahid (20), Zahariya (18), Hauwa (15), Amira, and five-year-old Nura Sani.

Kano Gov Yusuf Accepts Resignation Of Commissioner Who Stood Surety For Wanted Drug Baron

Ayodele Oni

August 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Namadi, currently under probe over standing surety for an alleged drug Baron, has resigned from his position.

This came just hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the report of the investigative committee probing his involvement in the controversial bail of the suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.

Another discreet report from the Security Service made available to the Governor reportedly indicted the Commissioner for his role in the bail saga.

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‎This development is regarded as a significant step in the administration’s ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency, and public accountability

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Dawakin Tofa, the Commissioner explained that his decision to resign was made in the overriding public interest and in the light of the sensitive nature of the matter.

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‎“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step—painful as it may be.

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‎”While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built,” he stated.

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‎Alhaji Namadi expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for giving him the opportunity to serve the state, reaffirming his dedication to the principles of good governance and responsible leadership.

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‎“I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state.

“I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office,” he added.

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‎Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has accepted the resignation and wished the former Commissioner success in his future endeavours.

He also reiterated his administration’s unwavering stance on justice, discipline, and the fight against drug-related crimes and social vices affecting the youth and the broader society.

The Governor further stressed the need for all political appointees to always reason with caution on sensitive matters and obtain permission from the higher authority anytime they are about to engage themselves on issues of public interest.

MKO Abiola’s Widow, Doyin, Dies At 82 Years

Akinwale Kasali

August 6, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Media Industry is in mourning. One of its own, Doyin Abiola, a widow of Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, is dead.

An accomplished Journalist, Doyin was the first woman to be appointed the Editor-in-Chief/ Managing Director of a national newspaper – defunct Concord Newspapers which was founded by her late husband.

According to family sources, she passed at about 9:15pm on Tuesday, August 5, due to old age related issues. She was 82 years old.

Doyin was a media powerhouse in her own right long before her name became linked to Nigeria’s democratic martyr.

She began her journalism foray in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where her popular column “Tiro” tackled major societal issues including gender advocacy at a time when few dared.

In 1970, she left for the United States, bagged a master’s degree in journalism, and returned home to join Daily Times as a Features Writer. There, she rose to become Group Features Editor, and later secured a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York in 1979.

On her return, she served on the Daily Times Editorial Board, where she worked alongside greats like Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan.

But history would come calling when the National Concord, owned by MKO Abiola, appointed her as its pioneer Daily editor. She eventually became Managing Director/ and Editor-in-Chief in 1986, and thus, the first Nigerian woman to hold such a top role in a national daily.

Her career at the National Concord spanned three decades, and she remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape.

She got married to the business mogul in 1981, and she stood firm through the highs of journalism and the political storms that trailed her husband’s June 12 Presidential mandate. She and Abiola had a daughter together.

FG Places 19 States On Alert, As Flood Sweeps Lagos Communities, Others

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 6, 2025

The Federal Government has warned that 19 states in the country will face several flooding due to heavy rainfall. The flooding will last for five days, the government said on Tuesday.

The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment made the forecast yesterday, as some states battle flooding due to the torrential rainfall which began on Sunday night.

For instance, the continues rainfall has displaced many people in Lagos, as floods swept through many communities on the Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Agege, Ikeja amongst others.

Desperate residents affected by the problem have appealed to the federal and state government for help.

Speaking on Channels Television programme, Politics Today on Tuesday the state Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab warned resident in flood prone communities to move to safe places, for now, until the further notice.

According to Wahab , the flooding was not unexpected and that the state government has warned residents ahead, adding that temporary shelters have also been provided for those displaced from their homes.

Instructively, the federal government have now advised Nigerians in flood prone communities to take urgent precautionary measures, while concerned government agencies have also been directed to provide necessary succour.

The federal government disclosed in an advisory issued on Tuesday that the rainfall will likely cause flooding from August 5 to August 9, 2025 in the following 19 states across the country.

The states and locations are Akwa-Ibom (Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, Upenekang); Bauchi (Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, Jama’a); Ebonyi (Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo); Cross-River (Ogoja Edor, Obubra); Nasarawa (Keana, Keffi, Wamba); Benue (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, Vande-Ikya); Kaduna (Jaji, Kafancha, Birnin-Gwari, Zaria) and Katsina (Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, Funtua).

Others are Kebbi (Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Kamba, Kangiwa, Shanga, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Yelwa, Gauri-Banza); Kano (Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tundun-wada, Wudil, Kunchi); Niger (Kontagora, Rijau, Ringim); Plateau (Mangu); Taraba (Donga, Takum); Jigawa (Diginsa, Gumel, Dutse, Gwaram, Hadejia, Miga); Yobe (Machina, Potiskum); Zamfara (Anka); Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko); Borno (Biu); and Gombe (Bajoga).

Akeredolu’s Wife Backs Obi’s One- Term Presidency Bid

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 6, 2025

Ondo state former First Lady, Betty Akeredolu has pulled his weight behind Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, on his promise to serve one term in Nigeria’s presidency.

The ex First Lady made the remark on her verified X handle, describing the former Anambra state governor as a principled and disciplined politician, different from his corrupt counterparts whose action have stunted the nation’s growth and development.

Akeredolu declared in the post “I stand with Peter Obi” amid controversy among Nigerians over Obi’s recent promise to serve one term in office if elected as Nigeria’s president in 2027.

Divergent views have trailed Obi’s comment, as some who back him said he has a track record of integrity, while those opposed to it said Nigeria leaders cannot be trusted.

For instance, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state said, in his reaction to the remark that the former governor should not be taken serious. Not a few Nigerians have slammed Soludo for that comment, though.

While reacting to Obi’s remark, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Strategy, describe the promise as misleading, he said it would be impossible for Obi to fix Nigeria in four years because he failed to fix Anambra where he was governor for eight years.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Onanuga accused Obi of lacking credibility, asking why Obi decided to serve as Anambra state governor for eight years when he could have simply walked away after serving for years.

“Peter Obi, the liar, is exposed again,” Onanuga said. “You’re neither a Mandela nor a Lincoln or a Kennedy. You sound as if you have never held an elected office before. You sought re-election as Anambra Governor in 2010 and narrowly won courtesy of a divided opposition. Why didn’t you walk away after only one term in office?”

Onanuga dismissed Obi’s claims of integrity and effective leadership, arguing that his record as a two-term governor of Anambra State did not reflect the transformational leadership he now promises.

“Meanwhile after serving two terms, did Anambra look like a state that has been transformed? If you couldn’t transform a small Anambra after 8 years, is there a guarantee that you’ll do anything significant under 4 years as President of a complex and complicated Nigeria?” he asked.

Notorious Bandit Bello Turji Frees Hostages, Surrenders Weapons

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 6, 2025

Notorious bandit Bello Turji has released over 30 hostages in a deal brokered by a prominent Islamic cleric Musa Yusuf, also known as Asadus-Sunnah.

Yusuf announced the release on Monday in Kaduna during a religious gathering, hinting that Turji, who operates mainly on the Zanmfara axis, also pledged to halt attacks on local farmers following multiple meetings with Islamic clerics in his hideout in State. The notorious kidnapper also agreed to surrender some of his arms , the cleric said, noting that the agreement marked the beginning of peace in the troubled Shinkafi Local Government Area.

The cleric said the negotiations, held in July in the Fakai forest, involved Turji and other key figures like Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila, who agreed to peace terms to allow farmers safe access to their lands.

He said, according to unverified sources, “We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true. These people are the ones terrorising the axis, and they all agreed to the peace proposals, one of which is for them to surrender some of their arms to show commitment to the peace process. national awards, cash, and homes

“They surrendered the arms in three phases at different times, and allowed the residents of Shinkafi to access their farms in the forest across the river heading to Mr Turji enclaves. We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.

“He (Mr Turji) also released 32 kidnapped captives as part of the peace agreement,” Mr Yusuf said and showed the video of some of the released captives and the difficult terrain they crossed to reach Mr Turji’s camp.”

He said the freed persons, including children and women, had spent about four months in captivity. He said some of the women gave birth in captivity, while one suffered a snake bite.

Yusuf said that since the deal, the area (Shinkafi axis) has enjoyed relative peace, and the locals are cultivating their farmlands without fear of being kidnapped.

Yusuf said the clerics were still trying to persuade Mr Turji to accept total peace, but they did not ask him to surrender all his arms so as not to make him vulnerable to attack by other groups opposed to the peace process in the state.

He warned clerics attacking Mr Turji online that their utterances would only exacerbate the situation.

He said that while the deal with Mr Turji would not end terrorist attacks in Zamfara, the communities on his axis are enjoying peace.

The cleric commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for supporting a non-kinetic approach in addressing the security challenges of the area.

In October, Mr Turji warned that peace would continue to elude Zamfara State until the security forces and vigilante groups stopped attacking the Fulanis.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death.

“The blame game over the worsening security situation between Governor Lawal and Bello Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, was political, saying both politicians do not have their people’s best interests at heart, ” Turji said in a video clip

Investigate Me, I Have Never Been Involved In Rigging Election – Peter Obi

The Source

August 6, 2025

Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election has thrown an open challenge to Nigerians. He says he has never, since he left the Corporate World to join Politics, been involved in rigging elections or election violence.

To prove the seriousness of his claim, he has thrown himself open to any investigation. He has asked Nigerians to investigate him to see if his name has ever been associated with election rigging or thuggery or any form of election malpractice or violence.

A post on X where his thoughts were shared on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, reads:

“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice. I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.

“Ask those who have contested against me – none were ever denied their rights, framed, or falsely accused. None was asked to place their advert materials or break the bank to do so. I believe in fair competition, not manufactured victories.

“I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter.

“What drives me is not personal ambition, but a deep, commitment to see Nigeria work. And, if the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it.”

Obi emphasised his belief in tackling various challenges confronting the country within four years.

He said: “In four years, we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.

“Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed. Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair and credible elections.

“Leadership, to me, is not about entitlement. It is about service. If given the mandate, for just one term, I will dedicate every moment to building a Nigeria that works for all.”

Obi, a businessman or trader, his choice of introducing himself, was the Chairman of Fidelity Bank before he became a two-term Governor of Anambra State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

FG Releases N4.2 Billion To Universities As Research Grants

Ayodele Oni

August 5, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has met one of the demands, of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) which has caused incessant strikes with the approval of a grant of N4.2 billion to support 158 research projects at universities.

President Bola Tinubu approved the

grant of N4,249,626,817.69 to support 158 research projects as part of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund’s 2024 Grant Cycle.

The endorsement came after the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) reviewed and recommended funding for 158 research proposals.

This decision followed a thorough screening process that began with the submission of 6,944 Concept Notes from numerous researchers.

This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, the Director of Public Affairs at TETFund.

The approval details show that N2,349,951,630.43 was allocated to the Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) thematic group.

Meanwhile, the Humanities and Social Science (HSS) group was allocated N1,028,966,204.32, and the Cross Cutting (CC) section received N870,708,982.94.

According to the statement, the Federal University of Technology, Minna got the highest number with a total of 15 awards amounting to N400,035,708.51.

Others are Ahmadu Bello University with 13 awards totaling N359,809,744.18;

Federal University of Technology, Akure with 12 awards at N341,608,592.80 and

Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11 awards at N256,350,698.80.

Others are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi with 10 awards at N273,406,318.80; and University of Ilorin with 8 awards totaling N220,538,834.12.

The statement added that “Still in support of the creation of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres, the Federal Government also approved the allocation of funds under the 2025 Intervention to 15 TETFund Beneficiary Institutions.”

“President Tinubu Is A Game Changer”, VP Shettima Tells Traditional Rulers

Ayodele Oni

August 5, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Vice-President Kashim Shettima took time off to meet with a cross section of Royal father’s from the South West during his visit to Akure, Ondo State capital on Tuesday.

At the interactive session with the Obas, the Vice President said President Bola Tinubu holds Traditional Rulers in the country in high esteem, recognising that they are the custodians of cultural heritage.

He said that the President recognised the support and cooperation of the Traditional Rulers across the Country.

Shettima said: “President Bola Tinubu holds the traditional rulers in the highest esteem. He is part of you, and he respects you; he values and cherishes you, our traditional leaders who are the custodians of our cultural heritage and close to people in the grassroots.

“The President heard you when I came to Akure before the last governorship election and he heard your request that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was doing well and that you had endorsed him for the election.

“Lo and behold, the Governor won in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. The President remains indebted to you for your support, and one good turn deserves another.’’

The Vice President promised that the plea of the Traditional Rulers would be presented to the President for consideration.

According to him, the relationship between the President and the Traditional Institution can be seen in different chieftaincy titles given to him across the country.

He described Tinubu as a man of courage with audacity to revamp the economy through oil subsidy removal and other economic reforms.

Shettima, who said that the President felt what Nigerians might be going through, stated that the citizens would soon be reaping the benefits of the administration’s infrastructural and economic programmes.

The Vice President urged all Nigerians to support the President, whom he described as “a game changer.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of Obas in Council and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, lauded President Tinubu’s programmes and policies, which he said would bring great benefits to the country.

Oba Ogunoye noted that the Tinubu-led administration had turned things around positively, saying the country was witnessing infrastructural development.

He stated, “This government has been so beneficial to the people; we have seen the government’s efforts to ensure peace across the country.

This is unique about this administration that the vice president deemed it fit to discuss with us before meeting the larger people of the state.

“We want to let you know that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been performing well, and he is doing a lot in turning around the economy of the state and deploying resources for all sectors of the human endeavours in the state.

“I must thank him for his efforts and for doing a lot for Traditional Rulers in the state and giving us our monthly dues and a befitting secretariat for the Obas in the state.”

He promised that the Traditional Rulers would do all it could to support the Tinubu-led administration.

Those who attended the meeting included the Governor’s wife, Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunade, and Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

Fubara Supported State Of Emergency, Said It Saved Him From Impeachment – Wike

Adesina Soyooye

August 5, 2025

L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has literally told those condemning the continued State of Emergency in Rivers State to stop crying more than the bereaved.

President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, suspended the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as his Deputy and Member of the House of Assembly from office for, according to him, an initial period of six months. To oversee the affairs in the State, the President appointed a Sole Administrator, Rtd. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Ibas has gone on the dismantle almost all democratic structures in the including the dissolution of Boards and Commissions.

The Emergency Rule is a product of the bitter political crisis which engulfed the State, no thanks to the bitter political struggle between Wike and Fubara, his political godson who he imposed as the Governor.

However, the two have made up and have rekindled their relationship for weeks now. But their making-up has not had any effect on the State of things in the State. It has changed nothing. Fubara and Co. are still on suspension and Ibas is still running the State.

This has led to a number of people, including some Stakeholders in the State, to ask why the State of Emergency still subsists since the sour relationship between Wike and Fubara which triggered the situation has normalised.

But on Monday, during his monthly Media chat, Wike wondered why anybody would worry about the continued State of Emergency in the State when the man who should worry supported it. He quoted Fubara as saying that the State of Emergency saved him from being impeached by the House of Assembly.

His words:

“The Governor has not come to tell you here that he’s not comfortable with what has happened. The Governor said if the president did not declare a state of emergency, then he would have been impeached.

“So, what does he tell you? He’s saying that I’m comfortable with what happened, so that we would all have made peace, and by that time, we will all work as a team.”

The State of Emergency would be ripe for lifting in September unless the President changes his mind and lifts it earlier than that.

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