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Kano Govt Sets Up High-powered Advisory Council, Warns Against  Parallel Arewa Consultative Forum

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1)
Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government, on Wednesday September 3, 2025, announced that plans are at an advanced stage to formally inaugurate the State’s Advisory Council, to be made up of eminent and accomplished Kano citizens.

This is as it warned against the establishment of parallel organization to rival  or duplicate the duties of the already existing Arewa Consultative Forum ACF.

The Source reports that Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf had last year announced plans by the State to set up Kano Elders Advisory Council, EAC, as a non-partisan platform to assist in guidance and providing leadership direction in the state.

The Forum, which is to be populated by past Governors and their Deputies, Senate Presidents, Speakers of House of Representatives ,and other top  former or serving members of the three arms of Government both at the State and National levels, as well as religious and community leaders, is to serve as both a think-tank and advisory body to the Government of the day for the purpose of effective governance.

However, in a statement on Wednesday from the State  Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs , Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya ,the Kano State Government expressed its aversion to any plans to leverage the initiative to set up a Kano Elders Council/Forum as being conceived by some persons.

According to the State Government , establishing a parallel Kano Elders Council will amount to duplicating the already exiting structure of the Arewa Consultative Forum ACF.

Further speaking, Comrade Waiya informed that efforts are underway to institutionalize the structures of the State’s Advisory Council, ahead of its formal launch.

When fully operational, the  Council, which according to the Commissioner, will also include former Heads of State, retired top judicial officers , business leaders and retired Top Civil Servants, will offer valuable guidance and advice on how to move Kano forward.

According to the State Government, the main purpose of setting up the Council is to draw from the wealth of experience of some of the most accomplished Kano citizens.

” It is anticipated that the processes of formalizing the Council’s structures, will soon be concluded, after which Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf will officially inaugurate the Council.

“The Council was deliberately conceived as a neutral body without any political connotations, standing, instead, as a collective forum for guidance, collaboration and inclusive development”, Waiya added .

While appreciating the zeal and readiness of the ACF to make its contributions to the overall  growth and development of Kano state, the state authorities however urged those behind the planned Kano Elders Council/Forum to rather align their activities with the already existing ACF so as to avoid duplication of efforts.

The statement further reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the State Government towards partnering and collaborating with well meaning individuals and groups in the task of moving the State forward .

Boko Haram Not After Christians – Senator Ndume Declares

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Ali Ndume

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing the Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, on Wednesday September 3, 2025, vehemently rejected claims suggesting that Christians are the targets of the renewed Boko Haram insurgency in the State and the North East region of Nigeria.

The vocal Federal Legislator,  therefore, cautioned critics against impugning any religious, ethnic or cultural bias and connotations to the orgy of terrorist attacks and killings ongoing in Borno state,and other parts of the  region.

Senator Ndume’s cautionary note is coming against the backdrop of  growing insinuations linking the recent attacks on  Ngoshe Community, Gworza, and Mussa Village in Askira-Uba local councils of Borno state by suspected Boko Haram insurgents to religion.

The attack resulted in the killing of no fewer than three Christians and two Muslim faithful who were said to be on their farms at the time of the attacks.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Ndume noted that since the inception of their  murderous campaigns, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the State ,as well as other parts of the North East,  have been targeting both Christians and Muslims alike.

He, therefore, condemned the tendency by some sections of the Media to indulge in religious profiling of both the insurgency and its victims m.

“It is unethical and unconscionable for any media outlet to drive the narrative that Christians are the targets of these attacks by terrorist groups in Borno, or anywhere in the North East region of the country.

“The forces behind these mindless killings are blind to faith and tribe . We should avoid this dangerous profiling which can distract us. It has the potentials of doing us more harm.

“Our people whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents.

“These men and women deserve to live, to farm and to dream, but their lives are being cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction”, Ndume stated.

Senator Ndume warned that the continued religious and ethnic profiling of the unfortunate insurgent activities in Borno state and North East can dangerously undermine the collective struggle to combat the menace.

He, particularly, expressed deep concern that it may dampen the moral and commitment of Soldiers and other security operatives involved in the fight against terrorism in the State and North East Region.

Bold Economic Reforms Restoring Nigeria Back To Enviable Position – President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the bold economic reforms embarked upon by his administration are restoring Nigeria to its enviable position.

The President noted that the country’s economy is now stable and attracting interest from around the world.

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the president stated this at the State House on Wednesday, when he received His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Olaoye,  the Soun of Ogbomoso, in audience with some other royal fathers.

According to Tinubu, ” Years of neglect and self-deception, fake records, smuggling, and all of that denied Nigeria the necessary revenue for progress and development.

“Then we were confronted again with arbitrage trading of currency, an illusion of selling papers, corruption all over the place, and the integrity of the country and its economy being extremely and adversely challenged.

“We had to take those actions. With your prayers, patience, perseverance and great understanding, I’m glad to tell you today that the economy is stabilised. The bleeding has stopped. Haemorrhage is gone; the patient is alive.”

The President also said the establishment of NELFUND was to ensure that no student would drop out because of poverty.

He affirmed that everybody has a right to education as it is the “greatest weapon you can give to human beings against poverty; that’s what we are doing. We have remained aggressive on our infrastructure. And it’s just two years.”

President Tinubu thanked the Soun of Ogbomoso for crediting his administration with the bold decisions taken immediately upon resumption of office.

He noted that the people of Ogbomoso were already feeling the modernisation and transformation introduced by the monarch, who promised to strengthen traditional institutions.

The President promised to engage the Ministers of Power, Water Resources, Agriculture, and Works to look into the visiting monarch’s requests, stating they can make Nigeria self-sufficient in agriculture.

The Soun had commended the President for his incredible strides, which “only a bold leader could have recorded. Removing fuel subsidy has shown us that it is the right decision, and we can see the effects.”

Oba Olaoye pointed out that the foreign exchange reforms and introduction of NELFUND have made it easier for many students to continue their schooling without considering dropping out.

The monarch also commended the President for awarding the contract for dualization of the Oyo-Ogbomosho road, which had been abandoned for decades, pointing out that the road would spur economic activities as a significant gateway to the North.

The paramount ruler, however, requested the President’s intervention in the water and power supply in Ogbomoso, the upgrading of the General Hospital in the town into a Federal Medical Centre, as well as the establishment of a research institute to enhance the development and transformation of the famous ‘Ogbomoso mangoes and cashew nuts’ into a viable agricultural enterprise.

12,000 Ondo Students To Benefit From N350 Million Fund For Scholarship, Bursary

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Students with disability in Tertiary Institutions have been listed to benefit from scholarship and bursary for this year as approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Already, the Ondo state Governor, has approved for release the sum of N350m as payment for the 2025 scholarship and bursary for students of the State origin in higher institutions across the country.

The payment covers five different categories, including medical students, Law students and students with disabilities.

The N350m approved by the Governor for about 12,000 students is an improvement on that of last year in which a sum of N335m was disbursed to 11, 200 students.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ebenezer Adeniyan in Akure, explained that the Governor had last year increased the annual bursary of the students from N10,000 to 20,000, while students with disabilities got N75,000 each and scholarship beneficiaries got 100,000 each.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that his administration recognizes education as the cornerstone of development, stressing that it is the key to unlocking the potential of young people.

The approval for the 2025 scholarship and bursary is coming two weeks after the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) commenced payment of the 2023/2024 scholarship and bursary scheme, with 4,837 indigent students from its mandate areas benefitting.

Aiyedatiwa was quoted as saying that “Many of our students face significant financial challenges in pursuing their academic dreams.

“That is why we have these bursary and scholarship awards, as well as financial assistance, to provide support, alleviate financial burdens, and enable our students to focus on their studies.

“These awards are a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of our State and our country. We must ensure that our students have access to quality education and the necessary support to excel in their academic pursuits.”

“Bayo Onanuga Asked Me, I Told Him: ‘I’m Not Member Of Coalition’, Will Never Plan Against Tinubu” – Fmr Aviation Minister, Sirika

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hadi Sirika

By Ayodele Oni

A former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, on Wednesday denied reports linking him to the opposition Coalition plotting President Bola Tinubu’s ousting in 2027.

Some other Ministers who served under late President Muhammadu Buhari such as Rotimi Ameachi, and, Rauf Aregbesola, Abubakar Malami, are strong members of the Coalition working to wrestle power from President Tinubu in 2027. They are doing so under the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The former Minister made the clarification when he appeared on Channels TV’s Morning Brief.

He said he had no involvement in the group and will never be a part of it, and emphasized that he would never be part of any Coalition that seeks to remove President Tinubu from office.

When asked to clear the air on the reports of his alleged involvement then,  Sirika intoned, “No, I am not.

Yesterday, I was with Chief Bayo Onanuga in the Presidential Villa and he said I was in the coalition. I told him I was not, and never will be. He said he got that from the reports. People can join coalition, it is democracy,” he added.

Similarly, he also   clarifued the purpose of his recent visit to Aso Rock. He explained that the visit was to officially pay condolences to President Tinubu following the demise of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

He said, “The purpose of the meeting was to officially pay our condolences to the President who did extremely well after the demise of our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Sirika is regarded as a staunch Buhari inner circle member. Members proudly refer to themselves as Buharists.

Adejobi, Removed As Force Spokesman

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olumuyiwa Adejobi

By Ayodele Oni

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, has been removed from office as the spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force.

No negative reason was given for his unexpected and sudden removal, but he has been posted to Delta State as a Deputy Commissioner (Operations) in the State Command.

It is expected that in that position, where he will be less heard and less visible than his former office, he will now be opportuned to put into practice all what he has been fishing out to the publlic on crime prevention.

His reassignment is seen as Part of  minor changes effected by the Force.

He was recently promoted and decorated to his new rank of DCP,  following the approval by the Police Service Commission.

His redeployment, according to  Force Headquarters, is a strategic posting that places him at the helm of operations in one of the most operationally sensitive commands in the country.

This development puts to rest speculations by some media platforms, which had inaccurately suggested that Adejobi was “controversially removed” as Force PRO.

Police authorities clarified that his transition is neither punitive nor controversial, but part of the routine progression and deployment of senior officers within the Force.

Force sources emphasized that with his wealth of experience in public communication, operational management, and community policing, DCP Adejobi’s new role in Delta State is not only a promotion in rank but also a posting to a more strategic and sensitive position.

“The deployment of officers is a normal administrative procedure in the Nigeria Police Force. DCP Adejobi’s record of professionalism, commitment, and service excellence made him a natural fit for this crucial operational responsibility,” a senior officer at Force Headquarters noted

As DCP Operations, Delta State, Adejobi will be responsible for coordinating security operations, tackling violent crimes, and strengthening police-community relations across the state, which has been a critical theatre in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

His elevation further underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to merit-based career progression and effective deployment of its finest officers to areas where their expertise is most required.

Anambra: Police Command Rescues Man From Attempted Suicid[e

By
The Source
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Anambra Man attempted Suicide

By Charles Igbo

The Anambra State Police Command intervened on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to rescue a man from committing suicide.

The man, 28, identified as  Okwudili David  Onyiba, had climbed a power transmission high-tension wire in a bid to kill himself by electrocution.

A helpless crowd gathered, but nobody could do anything out of fear, until the authorities of the Police at the Awada Division were alerted  of the dangerous situation.

In a swift response, Operatives arrived and, along with the crowd, cajoled him into finally climbing down.

His mental health was not immediately known, but in a release by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, the State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered an evaluation of the suicidal man’s mental health, and assured support for him.

The Police release reads:

“Anambra State Police Operatives attached to the Awada Division, in the evening of 2nd September 2025, successfully rescued a man who attempted to commit suicide by climbing a power transmission high-tension pole situated behind Grace of God Mission, off NEPA Road, Awada.

“Upon receiving the distress information, the operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene, cordoned off the area to prevent danger, and controlled the large crowd that had gathered. After several minutes of persuasion by the Police and some concerned members of the public, the man eventually climbed down safely. He was immediately taken into protective custody at the station, where he identified himself as Mr. Okwudili David Onyiba aged 28 years.

“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has directed that the victim should undergo proper medical and mental health evaluation. He further assured that the Command will provide the necessary support to ensure the victim’s well-being.

“The Command appeals to members of the public to always seek lawful and peaceful solutions to personal challenges, and to reach out to family, friends, or relevant support groups in times of distress.

“Further developments will be communicated accordingly.”

PDP Govs To Wike: We Will Not Allow You Take Party To “Slaughter House”

By
James Orji
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state who also doubles as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors’ Forum has declared that the party will resist the plan of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike to destroy the party.

The governor made the remark in Abuja, on Tuesday while speaking at a meeting organized by the party, in furtherance of the party’s National Elective Convention, slated for November 15 in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The National Chairman of the party, Umaru Damagun, inaugurated a 119-member committee to oversee the success of the convention.

Though the Bauchi helmsman did not mention the FCT minister, but those with the knowledge of what is happening in the party, said Mohamed’s comment was a veiled remark against Wike, who had recently vowed to frustrate the party’s upcoming convention.

But Mohammed said the leaders of the party, particularly its governors will not allow those bent on destroying the party by stopping the up-coming Convention to succeed.

Mohammed warned those he described as a ‘faction of fools’ that the leadership of the party will show that they are not ‘cowards’ by ensuring that anti-progress elements in the party did not succeed in their plan to destroy PDP.

Mohammed: “We are not cowards, and we are not afraid of anybody.

“We are capable of navigating this party beyond the shenanigans, beyond the arrogance, and beyond the impunity of others. We cannot continue to take part and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. That’s our job. And our job is to make sure we don’t go to the slaughterhouse.”

Wike had on Monday in Abuja, alongside some leaders of the party demanded that the position of the National Chairman of the party be retained in the North Central, in line with the party’s  zoning arrangement.

Their demand, they said is necessary to bring to an end the leadership crisis rocking the major opposition party in the country.

The meeting which took place at the Minister’s Abuja residence was attended by former governors of the party, Okezie kpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Ayodele Fayose, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi;  a former National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South-South, Dan Orbih, PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, among others.

Clash Between Cultists Claims Three Lives In Lagos

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gunmen

By Akinwale Kasali

Hell was let loose  in Lekki Phase 1 axis of Lagos, when rival Cultists clashed and unleashed terror. It was blood, tears, and sorrow. When it subsided, three people lay dead.

The Lagos Police Command has  arrested no fewer than 23 of the suspected Cult members in connection with the clash.

The clash  occurred on Wole Olateju Street between different cult groups in the area.

The arrested suspects are: Frank okpara ‘m’ aged 27, Friday Ebuka ‘m’ aged 27, Babatunde Mufutau ‘m’ aged 24, Suleiman Muri ‘m’ aged 25, Olamide Malik ‘m’ aged 24, Nwaka Lucky ‘m’ aged 34, Raphael Ashim ‘m’ aged 30, Wasiu Kareem ‘m’ aged 33.

Others are; Sadiq olabisi ‘m’ aged 40, Ibrahim Abdul ‘m’ aged 22, Ibrahim Aminu “m” aged 37, Nasiru Musa ‘m’ aged 27, Friday Nwafor ‘m’ aged 51, Ahmed Fatai ‘m’ aged 26, Aro Abiola A.K.A Zino aged 25, Tijani Shehu A.K.A Abana ‘m’ aged 26, Gift Igedi ‘m’ aged 31, Ugochukwu Chike ‘m’ aged 30, Ridwan Alex ‘m’ aged 37, Happiness Otigbo ‘m’ aged 27, Abiodun Adegun ‘m’ aged 37, Adedayo Adeoti ‘m’ aged 27,  and Afeez Ahmed ‘m’ aged 31.

To avert further clashes, the Police has deployed a special intervention unit, the Eko Strike Force, to address all forms of criminal issues in the Lekki area and its environs.

According to the police, they would complement the ongoing efforts of the Anti-Cultism Team and other Tactical teams under the Elemoro Area Command that were immediately deployed to identify and apprehend members of the cult groups in Lekki Phase 1.

Confirming the development, Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, who personally mobilized personnel to the scene, disclosed on Tuesday that arms and weapons used during the clashes have been recovered from the suspects after arrest.

According to him, one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Live Ammunition, One Military Camouflage Cap, Two Cutlasses, Wraps of Indian Hemp, One Charm, and Three Indian hemp Crushers were seized from the suspects during a joint police team arrived to attend to the bloody situation.

In a statement made by the Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the CP stressed that normalcy has been fully restored after the incident, and added that  residents should go about their lawful activities without fear or apprehension.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to categorically state that crime in Lekki is not alarming. The ongoing investigation aimed at arresting other members of the cult group is being conducted with utmost diligence, and the outcome will be made public in due course. All suspects found in possession of dangerous weapons and linked to this heinous crime will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact our emergency lines for prompt response.

“The Lagos State Police Command calls on residents to cooperate fully with the intervention team to ensure the success of the operations and maintain safety and security for all”.

Abia: Fmr. Gov. Ikpeazu’s Commissioner In Trouble, Declared Wanted By EFCC

By
James Orji
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared, wanted, Christopher Enweremadu , a former commissioner in  Abia state.

The agency said the former government official, who served in the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration is wanted  in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money-laundering.

According to  a public notice signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday, the last address of . Enweremadu’s was at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, Abia State.

The  agency has urged the members of the public to give voluntary information on his whereabouts, so that eh could be brought to justice for the alleged crime.

“The public is hereby notified that CHRISTOPHER ENWEREMADU, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds stealing and Money Laundering.

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its lbadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices,” EFCC said.

The magazine learned, from competent sources, in the Commission that Ekweremadu is wanted, as the part of the EFCC’s investigations, to unravel how the administration managed the local government funds, for eight years that Ikpeazu presided over the affairs of the state.

Some pasts state governors are currently undergoing EFCC probe for allegedly mismanaging council funds running into several billions.

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