FG Takes Stock Of Social Intervention Programmes As Gov. Aiyedatiwa Identifies Bottlenecks

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April 20, 2026

Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa on FG Social Intervention Programme

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has observed that beneficiaries under the social intervention programmes of the Federal Government, are still facing some administrative bottlenecks in accessing fund.

One of the problems, according to the Governor, is the challenge faced by some beneficiaries over National Identification Number (NIN) before they could benefit.

Aiyedatiwa who spoke on Monday, called for stronger synergy between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in the implementation of social intervention programmes, insisting that effective delivery depends on collaboration between policymakers and structures closest to the people.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that Aiyedatiwa made the call while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Bernard M. Doro, on a courtesy visit to his office in Akure.

He said governance at both levels must remain complementary, commending President Bola Tinubu for the Household Prosperity and Cash Transfer Programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a major humanitarian intervention targeting vulnerable households across the country.

The governor disclosed that the South-West region had benefited about N62 billion under the scheme, adding that Ondo State alone had recorded 396,671 beneficiary households across the first, second and third tranches.

According to him, the scale of the programme made targeted engagement necessary, rather than full household verification, noting that selected beneficiaries drawn from the 18 local government areas were being engaged to provide firsthand feedback on implementation and impact.

He commended the minister for adopting a field-based approach to programme assessment, saying direct engagement with beneficiaries would strengthen accountability and improve service delivery under federal intervention schemes.

In his remarks, Mr Doro said his visit to Ondo State formed part of a nationwide review of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that the programme had so far delivered N75,000 in three tranches to the poorest households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with over nine million households benefiting nationwide.

Doro disclosed that Ondo State alone had received about N9.9 billion under the intervention through successive payment cycles covering the first, second and ongoing tranches.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as low awareness of the programme among citizens despite its wide coverage, stressing the need for improved communication and transparency in social protection delivery.

The minister added that beneficiaries randomly selected across Ondo State would be engaged directly to confirm receipt of funds and provide feedback to guide future policy adjustments in the sector.

According to him, the Federal Government is already working on a redesigned social protection framework, noting that grassroots engagement remains critical to ensuring that future interventions reflect actual needs and realities.

Doro described the exercise as a data validation process aimed at strengthening accountability, improving targeting and enhancing the effectiveness of federal welfare programmes nationwide.

Rtd Police Officers Block Aso Rock Gate Over Inclusion In Contributory Pension Scheme

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Ayodele Oni

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April 20, 2026

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Retired Police Officers Protest in Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF) on Monday blocked the gate of the Presidential Villa.

Their action stems from their protest to pull out of Contributory Pensions Scheme, (CPS), like the other arms of the Armed Forces.

The retired police personnel and their families, on Monday, took their protest on the issue to the Presidential Villa, in Abuja and blocked a gate in protest.

They stated their displeasure against the continued inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) which they described as fraudulent, illegal, inhumane, and obnoxious

Channels Television reported that the retirees said the protest is aimed at urging President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and transmitted to the Presidency on March 16, 2026.

According to them, when signed into law, the bill will exempt police personnel from what they described as a “slavery and untimely death-inducing pension scheme.”

The protest is being led by the National Coordinator of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, CSP Raphael Irowainu (Rtd).

Speaking to reporters, CSP Irowainu explained that their main purpose is to prevail on President Tinubu to sign the bill exiting the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, which he said has been passed and transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

He lamented that while other security agencies in the country such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, SSS and others have all been exited from the scheme, the police remain trapped in it.

“Our major aim here is to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign our bill — the bill exiting the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme —passed by the National Assembly on 4th December 2025 and transmitted to him on 16th March, 2026, into law, nothing more than that.

“The soldiers have been exited, the SSS has been exited, the Air Force has been exited, the Navy has been exited, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has been exited.

“The police, who are the father of them all, are trapped in this obnoxious Contributory Pension Scheme,” CSP Irowainu said.

It is not the first time retired officers are staging a protest over the CPS.

In July last year, they demonstrated at the National Assembly to demand their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The demonstrators, mostly elderly, stood in the rain holding placards and chanting anti-government songs.

Some of the retired police officers also besieged the Force Headquarters in Abuja to protest against the CPS.

Addressing the protesters at the time, the then Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the welfare of retired police officers was being addressed, but that the exit of the Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme was not something that could be implemented immediately.

He, however, advised the leaders of the protest to refrain from spreading misinformation, stressing that the Force could not abandon its own.

Abduction Of Kwara Monarch: Police Arrest 42… Abductors Tied Brother To Tree

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 20, 2026

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His Royal Highness, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the Asamu of Olayinka, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara state

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 42 suspects, mostly illegal miners, have been apprehended by the Police in connection with the attack and kidnap of a Kwara Monarch.

The Source reports that a newly installed Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the Traditional Ruler of Olayinka Community, in Ifelodun Local Council, Kwara North Senatorial District, and his brother, were on Saturday evening April,18, whisked away by heavily armed hoodlums after attacking his Palace.

The attack by no fewer than ten men, preceded by a visit to the Palace by some miners operating in the area.

Speaking on the development on Monday, April 20, 2026, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, informed that the arrest of the miners is part of ongoing investigations into the attack at the palace, and the subsequent abduction of the monarch and his brother.

According to the CP, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers, before taking the Monarch away, broke into his room, and demanded the money allegedly offered to him by the visiting miners.

But despite handing over the money, the attackers still took the Monarch away together with his brother, according to CP Ojo.

The CP, however, disclosed that the Monarch’s brother was later left by the abductors after he could not continue with the long trek to the camp of the hoodlums due to exhaustion.

According to the CP, the Monarch’s brother, at a point preferred to be killed than to continue with the journey.

” He told them to kill him if they wished because he was too tired to go on. But instead of killing him, they ( abductors) decided to tie him to a tree, and moved on” Ojo noted.

“They broke into his room (Monarch’s room), dragged him out, and demanded for the money the had given to him earlier”,the CP stated.

Ojo noted that the Police swiftly responded to a distress report on the incident , deploying i drones and other equipment with a view to tracking down the suspects.

However, he informed that the police, despite arresting about 42 miners, are yet to establish with certainty the involvement of any them in the attack and kidnap of the monarch.

“I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested. But investigations are ongoing”, CP Ojo added.

While appealing to residents to remain calm and vigilant, the CP assured that concerted efforts are underway to locate and rescue the Monarch.

NUJ, Amnesty Int, Atiku Condemn NBC Attempt To Gag Media

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Ayodele Oni

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April 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Amnesty International and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have flayed the attempt by the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC), to muzzle the Media with its latest directive.

The NUJ, in a statement signed by Achike Chude, National Secretary, stated that the April 17 “formal notice” by NBC

threatens broadcasters with “strict and uncompromised compliance” over vague allegations of professionalism breaches, “is nothing short of a veiled attempt to gag the media and institutionalize censorship.

“The NBC’s warning against anchors expressing ‘personal opinions’ and its demand for a ‘crisis-free’ presentation style are direct interference in the internal editorial processes of independent media houses.

“Journalism, particularly in the realm of current affairs and political analysis, requires robust engagement. To strip presenters of their right to analyze and contextualize news is to reduce the Nigerian media to a mere mouthpiece.

“By classifying these perceived “offenses” as Class B breaches—punishable by heavy fines or suspension—the NBC is creating a ‘chilling effect.’

“This regime of fear encourages self-censorship, where journalists are too afraid to ask tough questions for fear of being labeled ‘unprofessional’ or ‘hostile’ by a regulatory body that has increasingly become a political tool.

“We remind the NBC that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

“The NBC Code cannot and must not be used to override the supreme law of the land.

“The NUJ stands in full solidarity with all broadcast stations and journalists across the country. We will not sit idly by while the civic space is constricted under the guise of “regulation.”

Amnesty International slammed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s new controversial directive, describing it an “outrageous and desperate” attempt to gag journalists and curb media freedom.

Reacting to the NBC’s ‘formal notice to broadcasters’ dated April 17, 2026, the global rights organisation said the Commission lacks the authority to dictate operational methods of journalists in carrying out their professional duties.

The statement by Amnesty International asserted that the notice, which targets political analysis and current affairs programming, serves as an authoritarian attempt to force media houses into self-censorship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While warning against the imposition of “unduly restrictive and invasive controls” on the media landscape, the global organisation argued that such actions threaten press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.

According to the statement signed by the Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, “Nigeria’s vibrant broadcast media, whose editorial content is independent, enable people to freely seek, debate, receive and impart information and ideas as envisaged by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”.

Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku pointed out that the directive reflects a pattern of “heavy-handed” interventions by the commission, particularly during election cycles.

He argued that such actions risk undermining Nigeria’s democratic values and shrinking the space for free expression.

“I stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and all media platforms resisting this creeping censorship,” he stated, adding that ethical journalism should not be selectively enforced as a political tool.

Atiku further suggested that the timing of the directive raises concerns about a broader attempt to control public discourse rather than ensure a transparent electoral process.

Another Kwara Community Attacked … Fatalities Recorded

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Ayodele Oni

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April 20, 2026

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Kemanji community in Kwara State attacked

By Ayodele Oni

In a renewed attack, gunmen, in the early hours on Monday, stormed Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack left a number of people, including security personnel, dead.

It was gathered that the attack, which began around 3.00am, came barely a few days after suspected bandits launched a similar attack on Nuku village in Kaiama local government area, killing five members of the National Forest Guard.

Report added that the bandits had allegedly notified Kemanji community prior to the incident, with palpable fear before the attack was visited on the community.

The attackers reportedly struck in the dead of the night with indiscriminate gunshots that threw the community into panic, forcing residents to scamper for safety.

Local sources revealed that security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, swiftly responded and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted until about 5am.

A source said, “Our security agents, including the army and local vigilantes, engaged the attackers in an intense gun battle that lasted till about 5am.”

The source added that the attackers, upon arrival, allegedly launched an explosive device at a military camp in the area, causing significant damage before advancing further into the community.

During the exchange of fire, casualties were recorded among security personnel.

“They killed some of our soldiers, but we still cannot ascertain how disastrous the attack was until daybreak.”

An eyewitness account further indicated that some soldiers lost their lives while repelling the attack, while a member of the local vigilante group was reportedly shot, with his condition yet to be confirmed.

The witness said, “It’s very pathetic and disheartening. The entire community is in a state of panic, and many villagers have fled. No one can yet predict the number of victims involved.”

The attackers were also said to have carted away some facilities from the military before fleeing the scene.

In the aftermath of the attack, aggrieved youths in the area called for a temporary halt to political activities, describing the development as a moment of collective grief.

Rainstorm: TCN Declares Force Majeure On Lagos-Osun 330kV Power Tower

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James Orji

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April 20, 2026

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has declared force majeure on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV line following a violent rainstorm that affected a key power tower.

Force majeure is a contractual clause freeing parties from liability when an unforeseen, uncontrollable event, such as natural disaster, war, or pandemic happened making it impossible for parties to fulfil obligations.

The Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV line, according to energy analysts, is very strategic in the sense that it links Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos and other south west states to the National Grid.

The rainstorm, according to the TCN happened on Thursday, April 16, 2026, affected one of the major transmission corridors responsible for evacuating bulk electricity across parts of the South-West.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by TCN General Manager, Ndidi Mb the transmission line tripped during the storm due to a fault traced to a specific section of the network.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a force majeure has occurred on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line following a severe rainstorm on Thursday, 16 April 2026.

“The line tripped during the storm due to a fault, which was detected at approximately 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end of the transmission line.”

The TCN said the damage was discovered after a detailed inspection by its maintenance team, which revealed that the transmission towers along the route had suffered a structural failure, adding that efforts are ongoing by the engineers to “dismantle” the affected towers.

“Further inspection by TCN maintenance crews revealed that Tower No. 515 had collapsed during the storm, with the structure giving way at its midsection. While TCN is mobilising materials and personnel for the re-erection of the fallen tower, Efforts are currently ongoing by its engineers to dismantle the affected tower,” TCN said.

Offa Bank Robbery: Kwara APC Elders Urge Saraki To Clear His Name In Court

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James Orji

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April 20, 2026

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The Kwara state Elder Caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged a former governor of the state, Dr Bukola Saraki to clear his name in the court over a case preferred against him by the state government instead of engaging in media campaign.

The state government had recently filed a case against him alongside former Governor Abdufattah Ahmed over the 2018 Offa bank robbery, an allegation that has been denied by the former Senate President.

Dr Saraki has also described the allegation as being politically motivated, citing for instance that he has been granted a clean bill on the case by the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, through the office of his Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF.

But in a statement, the state APC elders warned the former Senate President to stop whipping up public sentiment against the state government who filed the case against him, saying the only place to clear his name is the court, adding that the judicial process should be allowed to take its full cause.

“The court remains the only place where a suspect can prove his innocence, and therefore advises Dr Saraki to face his trial and defend himself on the allegations levelled against him in court rather than resorting to media propaganda,” the APC Elders said.

Arewa Youths: No Vacancy In Aso Rock, Warns North

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James Orji

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April 20, 2026

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Arewa Youth Assembly, AYA, has warned the north to steer clear of the 2027 presidential contest to enable President Bola Ahmed to complete his eight years tenure as a southern candidate.

AYA made the assertion on Sunday in a statement signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, noting that the administration has shown capacity that it can successfully govern the country, citing improvement in the economic sector, foreign exchange, and Security, adding that the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu appears to be making serious efforts to ensure that the country is safe.

The Assembly insist that nothing should be done to truncate the power sharing arrangement between the North and South. In line with this arrangement, the Assembly said, there’s no vacancy in Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Presidency until Tinubu successfully completes eight years.

According to the Assembly, the north should wait until 2027 before contesting for the nation’s highest office, adding that there’s need to preserve national unity and cohesion by adhering to the informal arrangement of power shift between the two regions power .

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock till 29 May 2031. Allowing the South to complete its eight-year tenure is critical to national unity, fairness and political stability”.

The northern group said ‘it stands with” President Tinubu and will work to ensures that he’s returned to office in 2027.

“We stand firmly with the President and assure him of the unshakeable support of Northern youths. The call for continuity is clear, and it will prevail.”

Gov Makinde Cannot Depose Oba Ladoja Who’s His ‘Father’

By

James Orji

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April 19, 2026

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, says some external forces trying to cause a rift between Governor Seyi Makinde and Oubadan of Ibadanland, Oba ladoja have failed.

The Council said the governor and the traditional ruler have now been reconciled saying the relationship between Makinde and Ladoja is that of a ‘father and son.”

The council made this known in a statement issued on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, amidt recent tension in the state over suggestion that the governor has clashed with Oba Ladoja over political differences.

The magazine had earlier reported that there were moves to depose the traditional ruler by the state government over an alleged impeachment plot against the governor linked to him.

They both denied there was a rift.

Quoting the CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, the statement explained that the disagreement had been thoroughly addressed as the duo has now been reconciled.

“The issues between Governor Makinde and the Olubadan have been resolved amicably, and the external forces that attempted to create a crisis around the situation have been defeated

“Nobody is planning to impeach Governor Makinde, and nobody is also planning to remove the Olubadan from his throne,” Ajewole stated.

Ajewole described attempts by external actors to escalate the situation as unnecessary and unhelpful, noting that Ibadan has the capacity to manage its own affairs.

He said the relationship between the governor and the Olubadan remains rooted in mutual respect and a father-and-son bond.

“If there is any disagreement between the governor and the Olubadan, it will always be settled internally because their relationship is that of a son and father,” the CCII President-General added.

He noted that Ibadan elders and stakeholders acted swiftly to ensure peace and unity prevailed, stressing that the traditional and political institutions in Ibadan possess the wisdom and experience required to resolve sensitive matters.

President Tinubu Mourns Galadima, Says Death Big Loss To Sport Administration

By

Akinwale Kasali

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April 19, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has sent his condolences to the family of Ibrahim Galadima, former President Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and the entire people of Kano State.

Expressing his profound grief over the passing of the Kano-born ace sports administrator and community leader, President Tinubu said the nation has lost a seasoned Sport Administrator.

The 74-Year Old former NFF President was buried according to Islamic Rites Saturday.

Tinubu conveyed his condolences to Galadima’s family in a statement on Sunday, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Sports Administrator, Ibrahim Galadima.’

Galadima had served the Kano State Government and the Federal Government in various capacities, including as chairman of the Kano State Sports Council and a two-time Commissioner, before holding various positions in sports administration at the federal level.

He also served as president of the defunct Nigeria Football Association, the precursor of the Nigeria Football Federation, between 2002 and 2006.

Since leaving active service, Galadima was turbaned and served as the Galadiman Fagge, the community head of his Fagge community in Kano State.

“President Tinubu described the death of the former football promoter and administrator as a loss to sports administration and to Nigeria as a whole,” Onanuga wrote.

The President further noted that Galadima’s contributions to the development of Nigerian football at both grassroots and elite levels would be remembered by Nigerians for a long time.