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COAS Warns Soldiers Against Substance Abuse, Stresses Mental Health

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu

LBy Akinwale Kasali

 

Lt. Gen, Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS,  has advised personnel in the Nigerian Army to avoid substance abuse, stressing sound mental health.

 

The Army Chief said this is essential for achieving operational objectives as they continue the fight against banditry and insurgency in the country.

 

He added that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, should not be seen as a sign of weakness, rather, it should be seen as a battle injury of the mind that requires proper attention and support.

 

Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar, stated this during a four-day sensitisation seminar held at the Headquarters of 4 Special Forces, Doma, Nasarawa State.

 

He said: “I want to reiterate that post-traumatic stress disorder is not a sign of weakness; it is a battle injury of the mind. We are committed to providing the necessary support system, early intervention and professional counselling to help our warriors transition successfully from trauma to triumph.”

 

He warned that substance abuse among troops would not be tolerated, describing it as a major threat to combat readiness, unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.

 

“I urge Commanders at all levels to intensify the fight against this menace within our barracks and formations,” he said.

 

The seminar, titled “Transformational Leadership, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drugs/Substance Abuse,” was organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.

 

Shaibu said the programme was designed to build trust, inspire troops through shared vision and empower personnel to adapt to unpredictable operational environments.

 

He added that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to sensitise junior and mid-level officers on effective leadership practices and values required for successful command.

 

“The seminar focuses on three very critical pillars of modern military operations: transformational leadership, management of post-traumatic stress disorder and the devastating effects of drugs and substance abuse,” he said.

 

Shaibu said the changing nature of security threats facing the country requires a professional, resilient and psychologically sound military force.

 

Urging the junior and mid-level commanders to embrace transformational leadership, the COAS said it was essential as not only giving orders but also inspiring, mentoring and caring for the welfare of their subordinates.

 

He also commended troops for their loyalty and commitment, particularly their efforts in tackling security challenges in North Central Nigeria.

398 Cases Recorded, 16 Dead, As Bauchi State Govt Declares Cholera Outbreak

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Bauchi State  Government has officially declared an outbreak of cholera across the State.

 

 According to the official document dated August 1, 2026 six local Councils were declared the worst hit.

 

According to the  document entitled “Declaration of Cholera Outbreak in Bauchi State” signed by Sani Dambam ,the State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, the State had  recorded about 398 confirmed cases as at July 31, 2026.

 

The figures, it added,were recorded in 13 local councils , with Toro ,Alkaleri, Kirfi ,Ganjuma, Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa as the worst affected.

 

The Commissioner  revealed that about 16 deaths have so far been confirmed, representing about four percent of fatality rate.

 

“Following an increase in reported cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea AWD ,and laboratory confirmation of cholera cases, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, based on the recommendation of the State Epidemiology Team and the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, has officially declared a cholera outbreak in the state.

 

“This declaration is made in line with the International Health Region ( 2005), the National Preparedness and Response, and the established public health emergency management procedures of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare”, the document stated.

 

The Commissioner emphasized that the declaration is in accordance with the extant rules, and guidelines of the World Health Organization WHO and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NDC.

 

He noted that the confirmation of six PCR- positive Cholera cases, in addition to the increasing number of suspected cases in some local councils, satisfies the epidemiological and laboratory conditionalities needed for an official declaration of a cholera outbreak in the State .

 

According to the documents, while  Toro local council has recorded the highest cases of 231, Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa Councils have 14 cases each.

 

Alkaleri and Kirfi Local Government Areas have also recorded 46 cases each .

 

This is as the Commissioner informed that the Bauchi State Government had activated all available emergency response measures to address the situation.

Ortom Debunks Claim Of Replacing Aondoakaa As Benue PDP Governorship Candidate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Samuel Ortom

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Samuel Ortom, a former Benue State Governor and leader in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State, has denied any plot plot to remove Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the PDP Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming 2027 Election.

 

The former Governor dismissed the story as false and misleading, stating that at no point has there been any discussion with other Party leaders to replace Aondoakaa with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Pius Akutah.

 

Debunking the information in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Zege Terhide, Ortom said the report circulating on social media was a “mischievous” distortion of a recent meeting involving prominent Benue stakeholders.

 

Ortom explained that he, alongside the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, and the PDP Governorship Candidate, Aondoakaa, met with prominent Benue sons, including Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh and Dr. Matthias Byuan, as part of ongoing consultations aimed at building a broad strategic alliance among Benue stakeholders for the overall interest of the state.

 

He said at no point was there any plot or plan to remove the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, as PDP Gubernatorial Candidate.

 

“At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda,” Ortom said.

 

He described attempts to give the meeting a different interpretation as mischievous, stressing that political consultations across party lines were normal in a democratic environment. “It is, therefore, mischievous for anyone to take a legitimate meeting of Benue leaders and manufacture an entirely different motive for it,” he said.

 

He also maintained that consultations and engagements involving political actors and stakeholders should not automatically be interpreted as secret conspiracies, particularly when such engagements are motivated by the larger interest of the people.

Michael Aondoakaa
Michael Aondoakaa

“Political consultations and engagements across party lines are neither strange nor secret conspiracies, particularly when they are driven by the larger interest of the people,” he stated.

 

Speaking further, Ortom put to rest speculation over the PDP governorship ticket, declaring unequivocally that Aondoakaa remains the party’s duly nominated candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

 

“Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in Benue State for the 2027 election,” Ortom declared.

 

He said the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice enjoys the confidence and support of the PDP leadership and members across the state.

 

He also expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s ability to provide effective leadership if elected, citing his experience, competence and understanding of the challenges facing Benue.

 

He said Aondoakaa had the capacity to reposition the state and provide purposeful leadership, particularly in the areas of security, economic recovery and sustainable development.

 

He therefore warned those responsible for circulating the alleged replacement story to desist from spreading what he described as fabricated narratives capable of causing confusion within the PDP and among supporters of its governorship candidate.

 

“Political journalism and commentary must be anchored on facts, not conjecture, deliberate falsehood or the attribution of imaginary motives to legitimate engagements,” he cautioned.

 

Ortom urged PDP members, supporters of Aondoakaa and the people of Benue State to disregard the report and remain focused on the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

He stressed that the alleged misinformation would not distract the PDP leadership from its efforts to build what he described as a formidable coalition of Benue people capable of providing the state with a credible alternative in 2027.

Osun State’s Accounts: Accord Party Insists On Resignation Of EFCC’s Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ola Olukayode - EFCC Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Accord Party has called on the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Mr Ola Olukayode, to resign from office. The party insists that his obviously partisan decision to freeze the accounts of the Osun state Government has  greatly undermined the credibility of the anti-graft agency.

 

The Source reports that the EFCC had,  on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, ordered  First Bank to freeze the accounts of the Osun State Government , including salary account of workers citing fears over diversion of public funds, and ongoing investigation as major reasons for its action

 

However, following the widespread indignation and condemnations that greeted the action, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday waded in with a directive to the EFCC to immediately reverse the freezing order .

 

The President noted that while he is not averse to the Commission discharging its statutory responsibilities, he, however, faulted the timing which came just days before the August 15,2026 off-circle Governorship polls in Osun.

 

The Election is mainly a straightforward contest between the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke who is flying the flag of the Accord Party, and the All Progressive Congress APC.

 

Not a few had impugned partisan motives into the EFCC’s action, insisting that the Commission may have been on a mission to aid  APC victory through the frustration of Governor Adeleke’s Government.

 

At a media briefing on Friday  in Abuja, the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, while commending President Tinubu for his swift intervention, however,  insisted on the resignation of the EFCC Chairman.

 

According to him, should the Commission’s Chairman fail to honourably resign his appointment, the President should not hesitate to sack him as that will be the only way to restore public confidence and trust.

 

He accused the anti-graft agency and its Chairman of acting outside its constitutionally guaranteed powers when they decided to freeze the accounts of a subnational of Federation without requisite court order.

 

“The EFCC Chairman should toe the path of honour and tender his resignation. If he fails to resign, then president Tinubu should sack him immediately to restore the integrity of the anti-graft agency”, Mgbudem stated.

 

Further speaking, the Accord Party Chairman emphasized that President Tinubu’s timely intervention assisted in preventing what he said could been a serious constitutional crisis.

 

This is as he passionately appealed to security agencies , and other critical democratic institutions to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties ahead of the Governorship polls in Osun state.

 

The party deplored what he it perceives as unjust and indiscriminate profiling , intimidation , harassment and arrest of its members in Osun state, with many of them detained in Abuja , Nasarawa and Osun states.

 

He expressed serious concern that over 60 of Accord Party chieftains , members and supporters have so far been arrested following police crack down on the party ahead of the election.

 

Mgbudem alleged that such unwarranted clamp down has raised serious concern about the prospect of the election being free ,fair and credible.

 

The party, therefore, called on President Tinubu and security agencies to intervene and ensure the release of its ,as well as ensure that institutions charged with the conduct of the election remain neutral.

Kidnapping: Kwara Communities Say 13 Still Missing As 163 Out Of 176 Abducted Victims Were Released

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kwara State Map

By Ayodele Oni

 

The whereabouts of 13 persons who were among the 176 persons abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack by armed bandits on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State remain unknown, despite the release of most of the captives after about six months in captivity.

 

The National Chairman of Kaiama Development Association, (KDA), Yakubu Salihu, who disclosed , said only 163 of the 176 women and children abducted during the attack regained their freedom on Wednesday, leaving 13 others still unaccounted for.

 

“One hundred and seventy-six people were taken away, but only 163 were released. That leaves 13 people still missing. Where are the others?” Salihu asked.

 

Woro community came under attack on February 3 when armed kidnappers reportedly killed over 100 people and abducted 176 residents, mostly women and children.

 

Salihu disclosed that some of the women gave birth while in captivity, describing the development as a painful reminder of the traumatic ordeal the victims endured over the past six months.

 

According to him, the freed victims are currently in Niger State and are expected to return to Kwara on or before Saturday, where they will receive medical care and be supported through rehabilitation and resettlement programmes.

 

The KDA chairman renewed his call on the Federal Government to expedite the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Kaiama, saying the shortage of security personnel has left communities in the area vulnerable to recurring attacks.

 

“The Federal Government is working towards establishing a Nigerian Army battalion in our community. As a community, we are ready to provide a suitable location and every support needed to ensure the military settles in quickly and begins operations,” he added.

 

He observed that the few security personnel deployed to the area are overstretched and unable to respond effectively to emergencies.

 

“If the Federal Government can expedite the establishment of the military base, we are ready to provide every necessary support to ensure its smooth take-off.

 

” Once the battalion becomes operational, security response will be faster, and we believe it will go a long way in preventing similar attacks,” Salihu stated.

 

He stressed that a permanent military presence is critical to restoring residents’ confidence and safeguarding communities against future attacks.

 

Salihu also appealed to governments at all levels to rehabilitate the deplorable road network in Kaiama Local Government Area, noting that poor roads continue to hamper security operations and hinder socio-economic development in the area

Nigeria, Canada Sign Expanded Air Transport Agreement For Direct Flights

By
The Source
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0
Nigerian and Canadian Flag

In a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral aviation relations and expanding economic cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled air services between both countries.

 

In a statement which conveyed the good news, Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the Minister was represented at the signing ceremony by the Director of Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani.

 

Mr Tijani joined the Canadian Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Ms. Shendra Melia, at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja to formalize the historic agreement.

 

The signing followed an extensive Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Worksession, during which both delegations reviewed the existing Bilateral Air Services framework and reached a consensus that culminated in the signing of the Agreed Minutes.

 

The Nigerian delegation comprised Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director, Air Transport Management; Mrs. Jummai Yahaya, Esq., Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), alongside other senior government officials.

 

The Canadian delegation was led by Ms. Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada, and included Mr. Jathorsan Lingarajan, Trade Policy Officer, Global Affairs Canada, and Mr. Steven Worth, Manager and Senior Policy Advisor, Transport Canada, among other officials.

 

The expanded agreement marks a significant milestone in the aviation relationship between Nigeria and Canada. It introduces several important enhancements designed to improve connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.

 

Key highlights of the expanded Air Transport Agreement include:

 

– The right for Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries.

– A capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country.

– The granting of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline’s home country.

 

The agreement is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada by paving the way for the commencement of direct flights, thereby reducing travel time, improving passenger convenience, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening commercial and cultural ties between both nations.

 

The development is particularly significant given the growing people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and Canada. As of 31 March 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians hold valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s major international student source countries. The enhanced aviation framework is expected to further support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment, and family reunification.

 

The Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was originally negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement and formally signed in March 2025. The current agreement represents the first major expansion of the bilateral air services framework since its negotiation over a decade ago.

“You Run Anti-graft Bodies, The Mask Is Off” ADC To Tinubu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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ADC Logo and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

 

For the African Democratic Congress, ADC, there is no longer any doubt over who runs Nigeria’s Anti-graft bodies  – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

 

As far as the ADC is concerned, there is no doubting the fact that the two are not independent; that they take instructions  from the Executive Arm of Government, specifically, President Bola Tinubu.

 

Proof? The President’s unprecedented directive to the EFCC to immediately unfreeze the First Bank Account of the Osun State Government which the EFCC, inexplicably froze 10 days before the Governorship election in the state – scheduled for August 15.

 

The President in giving the directive, said the EFCC’s action deeply embarrassed him. By his action the President earned applause from not a few Nigerians who equally were very embarrassed by the situation. The directive de-escalated a tense situation which had reached a boiling point.

 

But the ADC says it is given President Tinubu no roses for the swift intervention. Instead, the Party has given the President a thumbs-down.

It said the intervention has confirmed that the anti-graft bodies are run by the President; that it is the President who directs them on what to do. This is an allegation that the President has consistently denied, and which he, also, pointed out in his directive to the EFFC to unfreeze Osun Government accounts.

 

In a statement in reaction to the President’s directive, Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC

on Thursday said President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the  EFCC, to reverse the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts has rubbished the claims to any independence by Commission even though the Party welcomed the reversal.

 

The President’s directive, said the ADC, raises questions.

 

Abdullahi “If the President possesses the authority to direct the EFCC to withdraw from court proceedings because the political consequences may affect an election, then it follows that he possesses the authority to direct the Commission in other operational matters as well.

 

“The net implication is that the carefully cultivated argument that these agencies operate entirely independently collapses under the weight of the President’s own statement.”

 

The ADC also put a lie to President Tinubu’s claim that the EFCC froze the Osun account based on a court order.

 

“It is either the President was misinformed or he had chosen to misrepresent the facts. Either possibility is deeply disturbing,” Abdullahi said.

OPINION: August 15th Osun Election, A Test-run For 2027

By
The Source
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0
Steve Osuji
Steve Osuji

By Steve Osuji

 

Next Saturday, the people of Osun State will vote to choose a governor.

There are three frontrunners:

The incumbent, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, the ADC candidate, Najim Salam and APC man, Bola Oyebamiji.

 

It promises to be a battle royale in many respects.

Many analysts see a run off election. 

Why?

The incumbent is of the Accord Party (formerly PDP, until N. Wike damaged it). 

Apart from incumbency, a lot is going for him: he is said to have put up some modicum of good performance in spite of the federal government seizing the state’s LGA funds. Plus a relentless harassment of Osun state officials by the police and the EFCC.

 

The Adeleke family also has a strong political pedigree in Osun. Lastly, Gov Adeleke is loved for his huge human touch.

 

But APC which lost Osun to PDP in the first instance is bent on recovering it. 

It’s going to be federal might versus the state.

 

ADC as the third force is equally formidable. It is backed by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former two-time governor and strong man of Osun politics.

 

The street-think is that if INEC does it’s job right, the incumbent should return to his seat.

2027: Osun Traditional Ruler, Oluwo Of Iwoland, Bars Atiku, Obi, Makinde From Campaigning In The State

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi - Oluwo of Iwo

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Thrilled by an award of contract for the rehabilitation of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has declared that only President Bola Tinubu will be allowed to campaign in Osun State, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 

The monarch canvassed that presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi; the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and other presidential candidate should not come to Osun state for campaigns.

 

Oba Akanbi made the declaration in a post on his Facebook page.

 

The post which was accompanied by a video, according to the monarch was made during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road.

 

In the video, Oluwo lauded what President Tinubu’s “unprecedented achievements” and specifically for approving the road project.

 

According to him, the road rehabilitation will ease the suffering of Osun people and improve commerce between Osun, Oyo and Ogun states.

 

“No presidential candidate should come to Osun State for presidential campaign except Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Oluwo wrote on his Facebook page.

 

The monarch lauded Tinubu for what he called people-oriented projects and urged other political leaders to support the president’s administration instead of engaging in early politicking.

 

He also called on residents of Iwo and other communities along the corridor to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion of the road.

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