UBTH Raises Alarm Over Surge In Underage Pregnancies

April 25, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Benin City has lamented the surge in underage pregnancies, amid paternity crisis.

A Consultant in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, Charles Uwagboe, raised the alarm when he featured on a Radio programme in Benin on Friday.

Uwagboe stated that “One thing that we have discovered is young girls getting pregnant.

“We have many underaged girls that are pregnant, most of them do not register for pre-natal care before presenting in hospital.

“When the labour comes, they will go and meet Traditional Birth Attendants, (TBA) and quacks. And when complications begin, she will run to UBTH.

“We are advising hospitals that refer patients to the UBTH, to do so in time to reduce the maternal mobility”, Dr Uwagboe said.

The Consultant also encouraged primary and Secondary health institutions to referral patients with complicated and other serious health challenges to show up at tertiary hospitals in time, to minimize preventable mortality rate.

He highlighted some steps the health facility has taken to address the nuance, while urging Nigerians to embrace the federal government Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

“The intervention is extending financial coverage to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services for vulnerable families across designated health facilities.”

Wike Cannot Choose For Rivers People Who Will Be Their Gov – ADC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 24, 2026

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has emphasized that only the electorate will determine who will be the Rivers state Governor in 2027.

The party expressed its readiness and commitment to fully participate in the processes leading to the 2027 polls.

The ADC was reacting to comments credited to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike, to the effect that at the appropriate time, the preferred choice will be endorsed for the state’s topmost job.

Wike, the immediate past Governor of the state, a couple of weeks back, while denying speculations suggesting that he has endorsed a particular candidate stated that the endorsement exercise will be done by major stakeholders at the appropriate time through the instrumentality of his Rainbow Coalition.( PDP ,APC Alliance)

But speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday, the Rivers State Chairman of the ADC , Chukwudi Dimkpa, noted that the task of picking who presides over the affairs of the State rests on the people and not an individual.

According to him, leadership emergence in a democratic setting is solely determined by voters not individual and or group endorsement.

He emphasized that the ADC, as a veritable opposition platform, is currently positioning itself as a credible alternative anchored on transparency, internal democracy and broad-based participation.

According to him, the ADC is irreversibly committed to building an inclusive political movement that will, at once, reflect and defend the aspirations of Rivers State residents.

While acknowledging the significance of zoning in fostering unity, balance and inclusiveness, between the riverine and upland, Dimkpa, however, underscored the need to promote competence in the governance space of the State.

He, nevertheless, assured that at the appropriate time, the ADC will take decisions that would ensure unity and strengthen democratic arrangements .

With Subsidy Withdrawal, Nigeria Needs Not Borrow – Emir Sanusi

Ayodele Oni

April 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has raised concerns over the Tinubu-led federal government’s continued reliance on borrowing, despite the removal of petrol subsidy.

Speaking during an interview on News Central TV on Friday, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned that weak fiscal discipline could undermine the gains expected from recent economic reforms.

Sanusi, who has long criticised the subsidy regime, reiterated that it was unsustainable and faulted the country’s previous dependence on foreign refineries while domestic facilities remained underutilised.

“Today, we have our own domestic refinery. We are no longer importing petroleum products; we are even exporting to Europe. That is positive for the economy,” he added.

Despite backing the policy direction, the former CBN governor questioned the sequencing and timing of the reforms, particularly the removal of subsidy and liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.

He argued that implementing such measures in a loose monetary environment contributed to the sharp depreciation of the naira.

“Artificial exchange rates, especially when you’re printing money, cannot work. There was going to be a devaluation.

“For me, removing subsidy or liberalising exchange rates, these are good interventions. Were they done at the right time?

“Those are certain questions. Were there other things that should be done that have not been done? These are other issues.

“Liberalising the exchange rate in a loose monetary environment contributed to the currency’s rapid depreciation.

“It’s not enough to say, oh, they removed subsidy. You had to. When you get to a point where 100% of your revenue goes into debt service, you cannot continue. Where is the money going to come from?

“However, if you decide to remove subsidy and liberalise exchange rates in an environment of very loose monetary conditions, before you have tightened money supply, the Naira drops to a bottomless pit. That was a timing issue.

“We’ve removed the subsidy. We’re now spending it. What we should not see is fiscal consolidation. You cannot remove wastages and continue borrowing.

“I’ve said this before. You need to see the benefits. If you’re not paying the subsidy and you’ve got the money, why are we still borrowing and borrowing? What are we borrowing for?”

FG Approves N10 Billion Housing Loan For Civil Servants

Ayodele Oni

April 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has approved the sum of ₦10 billion housing loan scheme for civil servants, positioning the initiative as part of a broader effort to build a more efficient, technology-driven and performance-oriented bureaucracy.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, said in Abuja on Friday that the housing scheme is not merely a welfare intervention, but a strategic reform tool aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies.

According to her, the programme—implemented through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board—is designed to enhance stability within the workforce, a key pillar in the government’s vision for a more effective civil service.

She explained that the reform agenda goes beyond housing, encompassing a transition to a digital, paperless and transparent system that promotes accountability and innovation in public administration.

“What you are witnessing is not simply a welfare package; it is a philosophy,” Walson-Jack said, noting that a well-supported workforce is critical to achieving a high-performing public service.

She added that efforts are underway to modernise operations within the civil service, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed governance processes.

The Head of Service also underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in driving reform outcomes, citing the roles of key government institutions such as the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Budget Office, and the Office of the Accountant General in aligning policy implementation.

“This is the power of collaboration across government — institutions working in concert towards a shared national purpose,” she said.

Walson-Jack called on all MDAs to sustain the reform momentum by embracing coordinated action, particularly in areas of policy execution and service delivery.

She noted that the renewed focus on workers’ welfare and system efficiency comes at a critical time, as the government seeks to rebuild public trust and reposition the civil service as a driver of national development.

With the reforms, she said, civil servants are expected to operate in an environment that not only supports their personal wellbeing, but also equips them with the tools and systems needed to perform optimally in a rapidly evolving governance landscape.

Former Super Eagles Striker, Michael Eneramo Slumps, Dies

Akinwale Kasali

April 24, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The nation’s football enclave has, again, been thrown into mourning less than a week after it lost former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Galadima. One of its finest attackers, Michael Eneramo has just passed on.

The ex-International slumped and died on the spot.

The 40-year-old was, reportedly, featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.

The former international came on as a substitute in the second half before collapsing without any contact.

It was gathered that efforts to revive him proved abortive, as he was pronounced Dead On Arrival when hurriedly taken to the hospital.

The professional footballer had previously, played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side; Esperance, and Nigerian club, Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

Before his demise, he was running a football academy.

Reacting to his sudden demise, the official Super Eagles X handle paid tribute to the former International, posting his picture with the caption, “Rest in peace Michael.”

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is yet to announce his death and send their condolences to the family.

Plateau Cattle Breeders, Petition Gov Mutfwang Over Killing Of Cows

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 24, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has raised the alarm over what it described as incessant and large scale killing of their cattle through poisoning in parts of Barkin Ladi Local Council Area of Plateau State.

The Association has, therefore, petitioned the Plateau state Government and security agencies and asked that they take urgent steps to arrest the situation in the interest of peace and stability of the State.

In a strongly-worded petition dated April 23, 2026, by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the Plateau State chapter of MACBAN, informed that its decision to cry out stemmed from the growing threat to the means of livelihoods of herders in the affected communities.

In the petition captioned “Urgent Complaint On Repeated Killing Of Cattle” and made available to the Media on Friday, April 24, 2026, the group cited separate incidents that occurred in close succession on April 18, 20, 22 and 23, across different communities within the Barkin Ladi Local Council of the State.

According to Babayo, while 10 cattle were allegedly poisoned in Rakung community on April 18, another was slaughtered on April 20, in the same area.

Between April 20 and 23, according to the petition, nine cows were allegedly poisoned behind the Lokojora area, with other incidents recorded along Nding area on April 22 and 23..

The group lamented that the spate of killings of cattle in the affected communities have severely disrupted their members means of livelihood as well as exacted serious economic consequences on them.

The MACBAN expressed serious concern and regret that despite reporting all the incidents to the appropriate authorities, no arrests have been effected.

MACBAN, however, called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding as well as refrain from any action that can inflame tension in the State.

It, also, urged security agencies and all the authorities concerned to launch an investigations into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incidents as well as ensure that justice is served.

Meanwhile, the association has appealed to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to consider the possibility of mitigating the effects of the losses by coming to the aid of the victims.

Aba Landlords Hail Regular Power Supply, Honours Nnaji For Geometrics

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 24, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The umbrella body of Aba landed property owners, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association, ALPADA, has lauded the foresight and great sense of patriotism exhibited by former Minister for Power, Prof Bartholomew Nnaji, in siting the multi-billion dollar power generating plant- Geometric – in the commercial nerve centre of Abia State.

It described the presence of the first power generating and distribution outfit as a catalyst to the reclamation of the faded industrial and commercial fortunes of Aba.

The President-General of APALDA, Engr. Leonard Onyemesiri, who spoke on Thursday, April 23, 2026, when he led other executive members of the body to the corporate Headquarters of Geometric in Ossisoma area Aba to confer a meritorious award ” Ezi-Enyi ALPADA” on Nnaji, noted that the establishment of Geometric and its subsidiary, Aba Power Limited APLE, has brought succor to residents, as well as bringing back life to business activities in Aba.

“Of a truth, and before the establishment of APLE company in Aba, electricity consumers wittinessd unnecessary stress and loss of income because of non,or epileptic supply of electricity in Aba and its environs.

“Both the small and medium scale industries were seriously affected due to irregular or non-supply of electricity for production.

“We all know Aba to be the Japan of Africa in terms of production and manufacturing of essential goods and services . Commercial activities were brought to a halt owing to lack of regular power supply.

“The situation led to high cost of living in Aba and its environs. In summary, Aba residents suffered huge economic losses estimated at several trillions of Naira, with many lives lost in the hospitals due to power outages”, Onyemesiri stated.

However, the Association expressed happiness that the coming on board of Geometric, and APLE has restored normalcy to business activities, and improved general living conditions of the people.

According to ALPADA, although Geometric and APLE are still work in progress, the power generating and distribution giant has significantly impacted the over all industrial ,and commerical fortunes of Aba, and its environs through improved power supply.

“We are proud of the progress APLE is making in the supply of regular electricity to its consumers ,as well as its mass pre-paid metering efforts, which is still in progress in its area of operations-the Aba Ring Fence” Onyemesiri added.

ALPADA, while appreciating the commitment of the APLE, and its parent body, Geometric, to their core mandate of serving as a catalyst to the industrial and commerical reengineering of Aba and its environs, applauded their efforts so far in resolving the huge power supply deficit that exited before now.

“Our visit is mainly to express our gratitude to you for sitting Geometric Power in Aba. To share our joy with you on the tremendous progress we have witnessed within the short period of its existence.

“To pledge our readiness and commitment to APLE company as partners in progress ,as well as to solicit your cooperation and assistance in core areas of benefits to ALPDA members” Onyemesiri noted.

Speaking after the formal presentation of the ALPADA meritorious award to the chairman/founder of Geometric Power, the founding President-General of the Association, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, assured of members commitment to collaborate with all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the equipment and operations of the outfit are not sabotage.

“Apart from the honour we have bestowed on the Chairman today in recognition of his service to God and humanity, we, as an association, will be intentional in providing information that will prevent attempts by some unscrupulous elements to sabotage this great investment that has been brought to us in Aba.

“We are honouring you today because of your outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Aba and Abia state in general”, Udeigbo stated.

Responding, Prof Nnaji, while appreciating the honour bestowed on him expressed immense gratitude to APALDA for identifying with the organization during one it’s darkest hours.

He recalled how ALPADA came to the defence of the company when it was having a running battle with the Transmission Company of Nigeria,TCN, over power allocation/sales from the national grid.

He described the early period of the operations of the company , when it had to buy bulk power at higher cost from TCN, and was forced by circumstances to service consumers at lower cost due to regulatory constraints as very difficult.

“When we were yet to start powering our plants during the early period our operations,we were relying on supply from the national grid.

However, the problem then was that as a private outfit, TCN was selling bulk power to us at a price higher than what the law permitted us to charge consumers.

“In essence, we were forced by circumstances to operate at a huge loss because much as we were determined to continue to service our customers, we were buying the bulk power at higher cost than we were allowed by law to sell.

“Yet, even at that difficult level, the TCN was threatening, at some point, to cut us off completely from the national grid . We immensely appreciate ALPADA for stepping in then to fight for us, until we successfully navigated the turbulence” Nnaji recalled.

He assured of a continuous improvement in service delivery , noting that APLE has remained on top when it comes to meeting the power supply needs of consumers.

Prof . Nnaji also promised to continue to work together with ALPADA for much more progress.

Oyo 2027: Group Raises Alarm Over, Demands Integrity in Governorship Race

Akinwale Kasali

April 24, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2027 Election race Intensifies, a Civic Advocacy Group Oyo Defender, has alleged a plot by some politicians who are scheming ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, to corrupt the process. It has, therefore, urging stakeholders to prioritize integrity and accountability in the selection of candidates.

The Group, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Adedosu Ifaponle, expressed deep concern over reported efforts to position a former Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning under the late former Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as a leading contender in the upcoming election.

The group specifically referenced Bimbo Adekanmbi, who it said has been linked in public reports to an alleged ₦30 Billion financial matter involving anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while acknowledging the legal principle of presumption of innocence.

The Oyo Defender stressed that allegations of such magnitude must not be overlooked without thorough and transparent investigation.

According to the group, the timing of these political developments is troubling, coming at a period when citizens are increasingly demanding credible, transparent, and people-oriented governance.

It further argued that leadership at the Gubernatorial level requires not only administrative competence but also unquestionable integrity and public trust.

The Group stressed that the management of state resources is a sacred responsibility, thus, emphasizing that any aspirant to the state’s highest office must possess a clean record and a reputation beyond reproach.

Oyo Defender called on anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all pending allegations are comprehensively investigated and openly addressed, insisting that the electorate deserves clarity and accountability from those seeking public office.

It, also, urged political parties, civil society organizations, and voters to resist any attempt to impose candidates whose credibility is under serious scrutiny.

It warned that the 2027 election must not devolve into a contest shaped by political manipulation, but rather serve as a defining moment to restore integrity and rebuild public confidence in governance.

Reaffirming its stance, the group concluded that the future of Oyo State depends on leadership grounded in honesty, accountability, and genuine service to the people—not ambition overshadowed by controversy.

Court Bans Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists

Akinwale Kasali

April 24, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The era of the Nigerian Police and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, imposing fines on defaulting Motorists has come to an end following the ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining both from imposing fines on motorists over Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance without a Court Order.

The ruling followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025 filed by activist-lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who delivered the judgment on Friday held that while both the Police and the FRSC have the power to enforce compliance with third-party motor insurance, they lack the legal authority to impose fines on alleged offenders.

The suit was initiated through an originating summons, brought pursuant to Section 17 of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1950, Sections 68(3) and (4) of the Insurance Act, 2003, as well as provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007.

Adeyanju had asked the court to determine whether the police could enforce third-party insurance, impose fines without judicial backing, and whether such enforcement during routine stop-and-search operations violated constitutional rights.

He also sought a declaration on whether the power to enforce third-party motor insurance lies exclusively with the FRSC.

In addition to the declaratory relief, the applicant requested orders of perpetual injunction restraining the police from enforcing third-party insurance and from imposing fines without judicial backing.

He further urged the court to hold the Attorney-General of the Federation accountable for providing legal guidance on the scope of police powers under the relevant statutes.

However, in its judgment, the court distinguished enforcement and sanctioning powers.

Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the court upheld the authority of both the police and the FRSC to ensure compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws but firmly ruled against the imposition of fines by either agency.

According to him, the court held that “the police and the road safety may enforce” compliance but “outrightly lack the powers to impose fines on third parties or vehicle owners” in the course of such enforcement.

“The court went further to restrain the IGP, the Police Force and all their officers, including the FRSC, from imposing fines on motor vehicle users or Nigerian citizens,” Omorogbe said.

Reacting to the judgment, Adeyanju expressed satisfaction, noting that the suit’s central objective had been achieved.

“The sole reason why we came to court is that we wanted the court to make a positive declaration that the police and the road safety do not have the right to impose fines on any Nigerian over motor vehicle insurance. And we have succeeded,” he said.

He argued that the ruling would curb what he described as a pattern of extortion by enforcement agencies and restore confidence among motorists.

Adeyanju added that although the court declined to grant all the reliefs sought—particularly the request to strip the police entirely of enforcement powers—it nonetheless made a significant pronouncement on the limits of those powers.

He also urged Nigerians to take advantage of the judgment to assert their rights and seek legal remedies where necessary.

On the other hand, counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, said the judgment was only partly favourable to the police and signalled plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Okoye disclosed that the defence had raised a preliminary objection questioning the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, arguing that the originating summons was incompetent and unsuitable for resolving contentious issues.

He relied on appellate authorities to stress that jurisdiction is fundamental to adjudication and must be determined before any substantive issues.

Despite this, he noted, the court proceeded to deliver judgment.

“We envisage that we will likely challenge the proceedings at the Court of Appeal to determine if the court ought to have determined a case where the originating summons is incompetent,” he said.

Okoye further argued that the suit was improperly constituted because the Inspector-General of Police was named as a party rather than the Nigeria Police Force as a corporate entity.

He also maintained that several issues raised by the applicant were contentious and should not have been initiated by an originating summons, which is typically reserved for non-contentious matters involving the interpretation of law.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the judgment affirmed the concurrent powers of the police and the FRSC to stop, search, and verify compliance with third-party insurance requirements.

Ondo Health Workers Set For Strike Over Shortage Of Personnel

Ayodele Oni

April 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Medical Doctors and other Health workers in Ondo State have issued a strike notice to compel the state government to employ more personnel.

They lamented that gross understaffing of Doctors have led to serious overworked, fatigued and death of members including other Heath workers.

Arising from the Statutory Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) Ondo State branch, the union, observed that “the gross understaffing of Doctors in the State led to the fact that our members are seriously overworked, fatigued and exhausted in their places of work.

The union noted “That all Doctors who had promotion in 2024 have not been paid their promotion arrears from July 2024 to December 2024.

“That the Association should work in tandem with the Ondo NMA, our parent body, who had issued an ultimatum on several issues bothering on our members’ welfare to include:

“Immediate Implementation of the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries and the payment of all arrears from the effective date as provided by the circular.

“Immediate Implementation of the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries and the payment of all arrears from the effective date as provided by the circular.”

It further stated that failure to meet the above demands within the stipulated dates, the Association shall not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector.

The Leadership of the Association reiterated its commitment to the provision of essential Healthcare to the public but urged the State Government to urgently meet the above demands in order to avert an avoidable industrial action.

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