Gunmen Ambush, Attack Anambra Security Team, Kill Four

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July 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Fears and apprehension early Wednesday morning July 9, 2025 gripped residents of the sprawling mini commercial town of Ekwulobia in Aguta Local Council of Anambra state, following an audacious attack launched by some gunmen on the State’s Joint Security Taskforce team JTF.

The JTF patrol team, comprising operatives from the Police, Army, and those of the Anambra state Homeland security, Udo Gachi, were reportedly ambushed by the gunmen numbering over 15, at about 9.00 am at a newly constructed bridge within the heart of the town .

According to local witness accounts, the attack resulted in the fatal shooting of four persons including members of the JTF patrol team.

The assailants who were said to have shot sporadically both at the security team, as well as in the air to scare onlookers and passersby, also burnt down one of the operational vehicles of the Taskforce.

Locals informed that the attack coincided with the time many residents were on their way to work and business premises and triggered pandemonium as many scampered for safety.

However, the Anambra State Police Authorities denied any casualties on the part of the security personnel.

While confirming the incident, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga explained that there were only two civilian casualties.

He also admitted that the attackers razed one of the operational vehicles of the security team.

According to Ikenga, operatives in the process of repelling the attack also neutralized one of the gunmen, recovered one AK-47, and a Pump Action rifle, as well as four operational vehicles from the hoodlums.

He said that efforts were presently underway to get to the actual root of the incident and to track down the perpetrators .

The Source reports that Wednesday’s attack comes on the heels of the Ogboji community massacre of no fewer than 15 persons penultimate week, and the attack on the polytechnic town of Oko, by some yet-to-be identified gunmen.

Actress, Iyabo Ojo’s Office Gutted By Fire, Properties Destroyed

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 9, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Weeks after the wedding of her daughter, Priscilla to Tanzanian Music Superstar, Juma Jux, Nollywood Actress, Iyabo is counting her losses. Her office in Lagos has been gutted by fire.

The fire outbreak razed the multi-million Naira office of the Nollywood actress, and destroyed valuables.

Though, no casualty was recorded, but the fire destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.

The fire was reported to have broken out around 7.00 p.m Tuesday.

Confirming the the sad incident, a devastated and distraught Iyabo Ojo took to her Social Media platform to speak.

In a video accompanying her post, the aftermath of the fire was visible, with burnt walls and destroyed valuables.

She wrote; “This just happened today, the 8th of July 2025, around 7 p.m. My office building caught fire,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

“Thank you to the Nigerian Fire Service and my staff for salvaging what was left. The devil tested us today, but God said No. With God on my side, we will bounce back bigger and better.”

Her colleagues, friends, fans and families have taken to the Social Media to commiserate with her over the unfortunate incident.

Again, Dangote Slashes Petrol Price

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James Orji

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July 9, 2025

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The Dangote Refinery has slashed the price of Premium Motor Spirits, PMS, petrol to N820 from N840 per litre. The $20 billion refinery had few days ago reduced the depot price by N40 per litre.

According to the spokesman of Dangote Group, Anthomny Chiejina, the Refinery has reduced the price of PMS by N60 per litre within one week, this he explained, is to make the product more affordable.

“We have reduced petrol gantry price to N820 from N840 per litre,” Chijiena.

In what keen industry players described as a game changing move, Dangote Refinery, two weeks ago announced the acquisition of 4, 000 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG- powered trucks to distribute refined petroleum products including Diesel and PMS across the country.

The move, which takes effect from August 15, is projected to save Nigerians over N1.7 trillion annually, slash fuel distribution costs, and boost economic productivity across sectors.

According to a statement from the company, the initiative will see the Dangote Refinery absorb over N1.07 trillion yearly in logistics expenses that fuel marketers currently pass on to consumers. The deployment of the trucks, supported by a network of CNG refuelling stations nationwide, aims to remove one of the major cost drivers incure in the fuel pricing mechanism.

“With average transport costs at N45 per litre, this free distribution model will not only crash operational costs for marketers but also bring relief to the end-users,” the company said in a statement.

NDNE Lauds Wike For Transforming Abuja

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James Orji

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July 9, 2025

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The Network of Digital Newspaper Editors, NDNE, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what it described as a bold and transformational push in the infrastructural development of the nation’s capital city.

Within one month, the FCT administration under Barrister Wike, alongside Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has commissioned 17 significant projects across Abuja, including major roads and bridges in the city centre, community access roads in satellite towns, and modern bus terminals. This pace of development is unprecedented in the territory.

In a show of confidence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally commissioned some of the projects, signaling strong federal backing for the Wike-led administration. One of the flagship facilities, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, has been hailed as a standout symbol of Abuja’s rebranding and modernization.

According to the NDNE in a statement signed by the group’s Director, Strategy and Communications, Uche Nnadozie, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the speed and scale of delivery have dramatically altered the cityscape, with new infrastructure appearing in places where none existed just months ago.

“Visitors to the FCT today would hardly recognize some areas if they last visited just a year ago. Roads, bridges, and terminals have sprung up seemingly overnight, reflecting a new urgency in public administration,” the editors added.

The group also praised Wike’s strong work ethic and hands-on supervision, often inspecting project sites late at night or in the early hours of the morning to ensure contractors stay on schedule.

However, the editors urged the FCT administration to back the physical infrastructure with operational efficiency — particularly in managing the new bus terminals. They called for a safe and affordable mass transit system that eliminates the menace of “one chance” criminal operations and provides reliable public transportation for residents.

They also urge the FCT administration to intervene in the ongoing challenges in the primary education sector, ensuring teachers return to the classroom in the best interest of the affected public school children.

“As watchdogs of governance, we commend the performance so far. The Wike-led team has demonstrated that government projects can be initiated and completed within months, unlike the norm where they linger for years or are abandoned, as seen in some projects nationwide.” The statement added.

With more projects expected in the coming months, the editors expressed optimism that Abuja is on its way to becoming a truly modern capital, comparable with others around the world.

Ecobank Introduces Slew Of Life Changing Education Products

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 9, 2025

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Pan African lender, Ecobank Nigeria says it has introduced a slew of financial solutions designed to support all key stakeholders within Nigeria’s education ecosystem.

The lender said the products which are expected to drive financial inclusion and operational efficiency are to enable all stakeholders in the sector to thrive, promote inclusion and “strengthen” the commercial bank’s leadership position in the education space.

According to the bank’s Executive Director, Commercial and Consumer Banking Kola Adeleke, who spoke at the unveiling of the products in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital the bank is committed to providing practical financial solutions that address problems in the education sector.

Adeleke:“Our integrated financial and non-financial propositions form part of a broader strategy to strengthen our leadership in the education financing space, while contributing meaningfully to national and continental goals around access, equity, and excellence in learning. We have designed these solutions to meet the diverse needs of school proprietors, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and parents.

“Ecobank is committed to empowering the education sector through seamless collections, access to credit, and a suite of sustainability-focused offerings. Education is a pillar of national development, and we recognise the sector as an integrated system of needs and opportunities. Our goal is to support this system not just with financing but also with digital tools, career development programmes, and sustainability initiatives,” he said.

Also speaking, the Head of Education, Faith, and Social Services at Ecobank Nigeria, Adebukola Ademiluyi, highlighted the bank’s commitment to affordable and inclusive financing options. She noted that by integrating smart financing with sustainability, digital infrastructure, and inclusive participation, Ecobank is pioneering a full-service banking model tailored to the realities of Africa’s education sector.

“More than just funding, we are enabling seamless school management systems through API partnerships that digitise operations such as student registration, staff payroll, inventory management, and parental communication. We also place strong emphasis on supporting parents and guardians, providing financial planning tools, access to student loans, merit-based scholarships, and child progress monitoring systems. These innovations are designed to ease financial burdens and deepen parental involvement in their children’s academic journeys,” she said

2027: I’m For Atiku Because Of His “National Appeal” – Obi Ex- Spokesman

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 9, 2025

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A former spokesman for Peter Obi the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate Kenneth Okonkwo says he will support Atiku Abubakar or any northerner for that matter for president in 2027.

According to him, while speaking on Channels Television programme on Tuesday Okonkwo said his decision is based on the fact that Abubakar has more national appeal and support to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from power.

Recall that Okonkwo parted ways with Obi early this year accusing him of losing control over the LP amidst the leadership crisis that has rocked the party fro months. The supporters of Obi and Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the party are struggling for the control of the soul of the party.

Obi had recently joined the coalition forces in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the party hosting key opposition leaders trying to unseat Tinubu in the next election.

While speaking after declaring his support for ADC, the former LP presidential candidate disclosed that his intention is to contest for the highest office in the country, saying he’s not prepared to play a second fiddle to Abubakar as being speculated.

Abubakar and Obi had in 2019 contested for the president under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP joint ticket. But Obi said few days ago that he’s gunning for the presidency this time around.

Okonkwo however said Obi does not have his support this time around to contest the highest office in the country, stressing that he will back Abubakar of any other northern candidate for the post.

The lawyer and former Nollywood star said a southern aspirant can pair up with a northern presidential candidate, that he said will make the plan to unset Tinubu from power easier.

He noted that no southern candidate is capable of defeating Tinubu, saying Obi or any other presidential candidate from the south is equal to handing over presidency to Tinubu for the second time.

“My strategy this time around is that I am going to support a northerner in 2027, “ he said.

Adding that “It must be a northerner that the whole north is willing to support. If the whole north is willing to support an Atiku, why not? If the whole north is willing to support a Tambuwal, why not?

“The person must be qualified, and if he has experience in the presidency, it is an added advantage, and when he puts up something from the south, that will push him through.

“Anybody telling you to bring a fresh southerner to compete against Tinubu, a southerner, is trying to tell you to zone the ticket to Tinubu—and Tinubu will win outright.”

Okonkwo had after meeting with former Vice President Abubakar in March this year stated that it’s necessary to join other well meaning Nigerians on how to move the country forward.

He said he lost hope in Obi after he failed to provide solutions to the problems rocking the LP.

“After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes for the Labour Party. I believed that Peter Obi would seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity… However, I continued in his defence believing he would still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems, (but) to no avail,” Okonkwo said.

Igbo Youths To Tinubu: Release Kanu, Get 1m Votes From South East

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 9, 2025

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Igbo Youths under the aegis of the Igbo Youth Forum, IYF, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the detained leader of IPOB, Maxi Nnamdi Kanu, saying they will mobilise one million youths from the region to support him in the 2027 election if he did so.

To do otherwise, the Igbo youths said means that President Tinubu will lose massive votes from the region in the next presidential election.

The group blamed President Tinubu’s shambolic performance in the region in the 2023 presidential election was due to his refusal to commit to the release of the IPOB leader.

The President of IYF Chinedum Obilor made this remark during the Executive Meeting of the forum in Umuahia, Abia state on Tuesday.

He wondered why the IPOB strongman is still being kept in detention when other agitators such as Sunday Igboho have been released by the government. The group said Kanu has not committed any crime to warrant his continuous detention by the federal government, stressing that a court in Kenya recently affirmed him innocent of the case against him.

Recall that Kanu was arrested in 2022 in the East African country following which he was deported to Nigeria, and has since been arraigned in court on terrorism related allegations.

According to Obiozor, some politicians from the region are using Kanu as a bargaining chip with the federal government, stressing that the youth are the ones who will determine the fate of the president come 2027.

He warned that if Tinubu failed to accede to their request to release Kanu, they will proceed to work for any candidate who promises to do their wish.

“We the Igbo youth decided to call this meeting to let the president know that they should release Kanu for us.We want to tell him that Kanu didn’t do anything more than others freedom fighter like Sunday Igboho, who released from detention,” Obiozor said.

“Why must Kanu’s case different? Are the Igbo second class citizens of this country?Are we not part of this country?

“We want the Federal Government to hear directly from the youths of the Igbo land that we are not happy that our brother is still in detention up till now.

“He have noticed that politicians the governors, some of the senators and some reps members are part of the reason why our brother is still there. When they go to Abuja they tell the president of their personal matters. They are not in charge, the youths are in charge

“We want to use this opportunity to tell mr president that what happened in the last election when the Igbo didn’t vote the ruling APC was because of the detention of our brother, we are telling him that if doesn’t release our brother from detention in two month’s time, we will mobilize more than one million youths to take a stand and negotiate with anybody or group that will release him for us if they come to power.

“We all know that the politicians are using maziNnamdimKanu to do politics. We are warming that enough is enough. Somebody like NnamdiKanu will go to court you will not see any governor or National Assembly members, apart from one man Hon Obi Obiagocha. Politicians have forgotten that they are in office because of our votes, so they must listen to us because we have the power to vote them on and out. We warning all of them if they can’t speak for Nnamdi Kanu now, they should not use his name to do 2027 politics.

“We are pleading to president to listen to us, our leaders like the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu pleaded with the Federal Government to release Kanu, but they refuse to release him.We pleading and telling the president to use his wisdom to release him for the youths

“If he does that he won’t need to buy any vote from the South East, he won’t need to give us rice, money to win election. This is the only thing we need Mr.President, if you do it for us you will from us in the next election, but if you fail us you will also hear from us in the next election,” he concluded.

Kanu and IPOB are fighting for the establishment of the State of Biafra.

Family Members, Ondo Varsity Students, Panic Over Sudden Disappearance Of Two Students

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The whereabouts of two students of Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has caused panic among the school populace, family members and Management.

It was gathered that Andrel Eloho Okah of the Department of History and International Studies in the Faculty of Art, and John Friday Abba of the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture have been declared missing for over two weeks.

The whereabouts of the two undergraduate students, who are both in their second year [200L] in the University, have become a mystery.

A colleague who simply identified himself as Ajibola, who confirmed the news of the two missing students in a chat on Tuesday, said efforts to track the duo through their phone numbers have been abortive.

He explained that the two students have been absent from classes and academic activities on campus, saying their whereabouts have sparked outcry and concerns among fellow coursemates.

“For over two weeks now, the two of them have been missing from school and academic activities in class. We searched everywhere. We can’t find them, and we’re worried about their whereabouts.

“We don’t even know if it is a case of kidnapping or something else. The two of them are very close, though. But efforts to reach them through their phones have repeatedly failed. Their sudden disappearance is giving us concerns.

“We need help, and we have reported to the School Management and the Police, but we are not getting the response we needed. They are telling us to just calm down. There’s nothing tangible that has been done.

“They only said that we should be calm and that there’s probability that they both went for vacation, but the students’ community is already worried and also agitated.”

Worried by the grim possibilities, the family members of the two students have reportedly began a frantic search for them and also reported the matter to the law enforcement agencies.

But when contacted on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the institution, Mr Victor Akinpelumi, declined comments over the development.

But a Management source, who spoke about the missing students reveal that the authorities of the University are on top of the case.

“The University Management is aware of the case, but we are suspecting lots of development relating to the missing students. You would agree with me that there are a lot of unwholesome activities surrounding some of these students when on campus.

“So, we are in touch with the Police on the matter and to unravel what exactly could have led to this more so that their colleagues are also suspicious of purportedly whereabouts.”

UTME: JAMB Indicts CBT Centres In Anambra, Imo For Malpractices

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) has announced that Imo and Anambra topped list of states where Computer Based Centres (CBT) were nabbed for fingerprinting malpractices.

The disclosure came during its 2025 policy meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the body, in total, about 19 centres were nabbed nationwide, with Anambra having six, Imo with four, Abia with one, Edo with one, Kano with two centres, Ebonyi, Delta, Kaduna, Rivers and Enugu with one centre each.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during his presentation, also noted that impersonators also made use of albinos for the purpose of image bending and remote uploads, among others.

JAMB also fixed the minimum scores required for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions for the 2025 academic session.

According to the announcement made after a meeting with stakeholders, candidates seeking admission into universities must score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

For those applying to polytechnics and colleges of education, the cut-off is set at 100, while colleges of nursing sciences will admit candidates who score a minimum of 140.

JAMB also revealed the top-performing candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Chinedu Christian Okeke from Anambra State scored the highest mark with 375 out of 400 and selected UNILAG for a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

The second position went to Simon-Peter John Ayuba from Gombe State, who scored 374 and picked Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) to study the same course.

Jimoh Abdulmalik Olayinka from Kwara State came third with 373 and also chose Mechanical Engineering at UNILAG.

Age Falsification: Delta Govt Dismisses 200 Personnel

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

An ongoing verification of documents of civil servants in Delta state has led to at least 200 personnel to lose their job.

They were dismissed for document falsification and forgery.

Those affected allegedly either altered their age documentation or presented fake and or altered academic certificates.

They were axed after their infractions were spotted by the State Civil Service commission during an intense staff audit.

The audit has yet to cover all segments of the service and those behind it are hopeful of uncovering many more infractions.

Disclosing these in a media chat in Asaba, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission (SCSC), Chief Roseline Amioku, said the sack was with immediate effect.

Amioku, who doubles as Chairman of the Screening Committee, said the move had helped restore the integrity of the SCSC.

She added that the shock finds were the outcome of the probe by the commission based on the intelligence provided by whistle blowers.

According to her, some of those spotted should have retired five years earlier, but had fraudulently remained in service by ingeniously altering their age declaration documents.

“A lot of people are blowing whistle to us. We decided to act swiftly by investigating and looking at the files of civil servants. We found out that hundreds of civil servants who are supposed to have retired five years ago are still in service receiving salary.

“So, it was based on this that the Delta State Civil Service Commission decided that the screening exercise was worth undertaking. Many of them reduced their age to the extent that their own children are now senior to them.

”Over two hundred civil servants have been retired over age falsification already. And we have just started. We have not done fifty per cent of the exercise which is going to continue till next year. We are screening the entire workforce of Delta State.”

Mrs Amioku pointed out that the State Government was on course and called on Deltans to disregard the wrong narratives being speculated to the effect that that the government was merely forcefully retiring civil servants in order to cut the huge wage bill it was saddled with.

She claimed that the ongoing screening exercise in the state had revealed that “the majority of those still working in the public service are above working age.”