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Edo Bans Drivers’ Unions, Private Revenue Consultants

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has banned activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, popularly known as (Agberos), and Drivers on Wheel from collecting fees from motor parks and roadsides.

The ban is also extended to a private agency hired by government to assist in revenue collection, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, earlier engaged to enforce compliance.

A Government statement on Wednesday, signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor,

Secretary to the State Government, stated that members of these unions have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.

“The Edo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has observed with grave concern the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations under various guises across the State.

“It has become clear that some of these groups, previously given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms, have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.

“Specifically, the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel, are hereby banned with immediate effect.

“These unions are not authorized to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State.

“This ban also extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant earlier engaged to enforce compliance.

“Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.

“The Government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order.

“The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over. All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.”

It warned that henceforth “No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.

-“All motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities.

-“Reports of any such illegal activity should be forwarded immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.

“The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.

“Edo State Government, under the leadership of the people-loving Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation.

“Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you.”

Zenith Bank Splashes N200m On Victorious D’Tigress

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Zenith Bank and DTigress

By Akinwale Kasali

Zenith Bank, one of the nation’s leading Banks has splashed a whopping sum of N200 million on Nigeria’s continental conquering Female Basketball Ball Team, D’Tigress.

Zenith Bank, sponsors of the Women National Basketball League, on Tuesday, at a reception held at their Abuja Head Office in Maitama, Abuja, rolled out the drums for the victorious D’Tigress after the team secured a record-breaking 5th back-to-back AfroBasket title.

Each of the players will receive N10m which will be paid into their Zenith Bank accounts while the technical crew and others will share the remaining.

D’Tigress, after beating Mali 78-64 in the final played in Abidjan on Sunday arrived the country on Monday afternoon and were hosted by President, Bola Tinubu, where they were rewarded with the Naira equivalent of $100,000 each,  National Honours (OON), and a three bedroom apartment each.  The Technical Crew members were each given  the Naira equivalent of $50,000, OON, and also, a flat.

After sponsoring the national women league for 18 years with some of the players in the past title winning team going through the league as two of the current team, Murjanatu Musa, the MVP of the Air Warriors team that won the league title in 2022 and Ifunnaya Okoro with the current coach of the team, Rena Wakama, also participating in the league as a player with First Bank Women Basketball team.

Present at the reception were some of Zenith Bank’s Executive Directors, who expressed their appreciation to the D’Tigress for making the country proud. They are Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh and Louis Odom.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, President of the NBBF, Musa Kida and some of his board members were also at the colourful event

While appreciating the D’Tigress for a job well done, the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said the the Bank would continue to support the women basketball in Nigeria as they look forward to the team excelling at the world stage.

“Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria, it is a win for African sports,” she said.

“At Zenith Bank, we celebrate your victory – not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria.

“I hereby reaffirm Zenith Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across Nigeria.”

Responding to the kind gesture, the captain of the team and the Most Valuable Player of the AfroBasket, Amy Okonkwo, on behalf of the team, appreciated the financial institution for doing a lot for women basketball in the country.

Tragedy: Flood Sweeps To Death Mother And Her Five Children

By
Ayodele Oni
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Flood in Ondo State

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibrahim Namadi

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Doyin Abiola

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

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Lagos Flood

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

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

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

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bandits Leader Bello-Turji

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

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Tinubu

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.”

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