Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Adeleke, Osun APC extend Eid-El-Kabir messages to Muslims


<img width="1400" height="1400" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gov-Adeleke-2.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gov-Adeleke-2.jpg 1400w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gov-Adeleke-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gov-Adeleke-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gov-Adeleke-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gov-Adeleke-2-80x80.jpg 80w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px" /> <p>Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, urging residents to embrace sacrifice, moderation, unity and peaceful coexistence during the celebration.</p> <p>In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described Eid-el-Kabir as a period for reflection on the values of obedience, compassion and total submission to the will of Allah.</p> <p>The governor said the lessons associated with the festival aligned with the vision of his administration, which he said was centred on service, fairness and the welfare of residents across the state.</p> <p>He urged residents to assess the impact of his government in sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, workers’ welfare and social development.</p> <p>“As you drive through our towns and villages, check through our deliveries and services to our people. We are committed to serving you now and all the time,” Adeleke was quoted as saying.</p> <p>The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for all residents irrespective of political or religious affiliations, while urging Muslims to continue praying for peace, unity and progress in the state and the country.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Osun chapter of the APC also felicitated Muslims across the state on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and called on them to remember the less privileged during the festivities.</p> <p>In a statement signed by the state chairman of the party, Tajudeen Lawal, the opposition party urged wealthy individuals to extend support to people who lacked the means to celebrate the festival comfortably.</p> <p>The party also encouraged Muslims to pray for sick persons in hospitals and homes, while calling on celebrants to mark the festival with moderation.</p> <p>“We also want to remind our Muslim brothers and sisters of the need to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir with moderation in order to live to celebrate many more of it in the land of the living,” the statement read.</p> <p>The APC urged Muslims to pray for Osun State and Nigeria, especially as political activities ahead of the governorship election continue to gather momentum.</p> <p>The party also called on residents to support its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a capable leader who could restore what it termed the lost glory of the state, while commending party members and supporters for maintaining peaceful conduct in their political activities.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/27/adeleke-osun-apc-extend-eid-el-kabir-messages-to-muslims/">Adeleke, Osun APC extend Eid-El-Kabir messages to Muslims</a></p>

You have no moral standing – Ezekwesili writes Tinubu, Akpabio, others


<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ezekwesili.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ezekwesili.jpg 1200w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ezekwesili-300x158.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ezekwesili-1024x538.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> <p>Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has warned President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders against issuing Children’s Day messages amid worsening insecurity and repeated abductions of schoolchildren across the country.</p> <p>In a lengthy post shared on X on&nbsp;Wednesday, Ezekwesili accused the Nigerian political class of failing children and lacking the moral justification to celebrate Children’s Day.</p> <p>Addressing the President, Vice President, governors, members of the National Assembly and state assemblies, the former minister said they had “abandoned, betrayed, and condemned” Nigerian children to suffering.</p> <p>She cited several incidents of school abductions across the country, including the reported kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna and Sokoto states.</p> <p>Ezekwesili also referenced the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, noting that many of the victims were still missing more than a decade later.</p> <p>According to her, successive incidents of mass kidnappings and attacks on schools showed the failure of leadership and the inability of government to protect children.</p> <p>She further claimed that thousands of students had been affected by school abductions in recent years, while many schools were forced to shut down due to insecurity.</p> <p>The former minister said Nigerian leaders should focus on addressing insecurity and protecting children rather than issuing ceremonial Children’s Day messages.</p> <p>&#8220;To the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Vice President, the Governors of the 36 States, the Federal Executive Council, the Members of the National Assembly, the State Houses of Assembly, and the entire political class that has captured and destroyed the Nigeria State:</p> <p>&#8220;Do not dare.</p> <p>&#8220;Do not dare open your mouths on&nbsp;May 27&nbsp;to wish Nigerian children a “Happy Children’s Day.” Do not dare release the recycled, ghost-written platitudes your media handlers have already drafted.</p> <p>&#8220;Do not dare stand in front of cameras, surrounded by carefully arranged children in matching uniforms, to perform a tenderness you have never extended to the millions of Nigerian children you have abandoned, betrayed, and condemned to lives of suffering.</p> <p>&#8220;You have no moral standing to wish anything to Nigerian children. None,&#8221; part of her message read.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/27/you-have-no-moral-standing-ezekwesili-writes-tinubu-akpabio-others/">You have no moral standing &#8211; Ezekwesili writes Tinubu, Akpabio, others</a></p>

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Nigerians groan as cooking gas hits N1500/kg, urge govt immediate action


<img width="1280" height="720" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooking-gas.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooking-gas.jpg 1280w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooking-gas-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooking-gas-1024x576.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /> <p>The recent sharp increase in the price of cooking gas has again added to the hardship experienced by Nigerians.</p> <p>From insecurity to high cost of petrol, poor infrastructure as evidenced in poor electricity supply, bad roads, poor health facilities and high cost of education, among others, as well as high cost of food items, the story is the same &#8211; lamentation everywhere across Nigeria.</p> <p>Now, the price of Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, commonly known as cooking gas, which has remained high and out of reach of many Nigerians for a couple of years, has suddenly jumped up again, further aggravating the pains of the masses.</p> <p>Over the weekend, the LNG price per kilogramme jumped from N1200 to N1400 and N1,500 in some locations, pushing the price of a 12.5kg cylinder to N17,500 from N14,200.</p> <p>A visit to some of the gas stations around Amuwo Odofin in Lagos State this morning, May 25, showed a frustrated group of people decrying their ugly situation but helpless and despondent. The people were seen in clusters discussing what Nigeria has become, especially in the last three years since the subsidy on fuel was removed by the current government.</p> <p>In the past two years, the price of a 12.5kg cylinder has steadily risen from N900 to N10, 000, N11, 000, N12, 500 and most recently, N14, 200 from where it has jumped to N17,500 as of today, May 25.</p> <p>The development has thrown many people into confusion as most people that were at some gas stations this morning to refill their cylinders couldn’t fill them. Some people who came with a 12.5 cylinder, ended up buying 8kg or 9kg as the case maybe because they were not prepared for the sudden increase.</p> <p>However, there were others who came to refill 4kg cylinders, but ended up buying only 2kg while many others returned home without buying at all and hoping to fall back on charcoal for the time being.</p> <p>Our reporter’s friendly chat with some persons at the gas station revealed an impending disturbing situation for the country if the government did not respond urgently to arrest this ugly development.</p> <p>According to one of the buyers at a gas station on Festac First Avenue by First Gate, John Chukwuebuka, this astronomical increase would portend more danger in the country. </p> <p>He believes that when the people can no longer afford the price of cooking gas, they would fall back to the use of firewood, which automatically means that more trees would be felled for that purpose. It also goes to show that the environment would be exposed to erosion and other disasters, which originally were prevented by the presence of trees in the environment.</p> <p>He also argued that wildlife would be affected as some wild animals whose habitats are thick forests would be exposed to danger of being hunted down when the trees that provide shelter to them are felled for firewood.</p> <p>He expressed the fear that returning to the era of charcoal for cooking, would equally constitute problems to the environment. </p> <p>Another frustrated buyer, who gave her name simply as Morenike, wondered how Nigerians could allow APC to destroy the country.</p> <p>She said: “This All Progressives Congress, APC, government is evil in every facet. Since 2015 when the APC government took over power, Nigerians have not known peace.</p> <p>“Nigerians have been suffering since 2015, but the suffering became worse with this current Bola Tinubu government. Where do I even start?</p> <p>“Is it the number of lives that are lost to bandits, terrorists and kidnappers on a daily basis? Is it the price of food? And now, ordinary cooking gas, we can’t afford it again and Nigeria is naturally endowed with crude oil? How can anybody explain this? </p> <p>“And these people are busy campaigning to be reelected in 2027. When people are needlessly being slaughtered like animals and they do nothing?</p> <p>“The other day, a teacher who was kidnapped in Oyo State was beheaded by his abductors who posted the gory picture on the internet for everybody to see, yet the government has not been able to fish out these evil men. </p> <p>“The painful aspect of the whole thing is that they are not even doing anything about it, instead they are busy with how to win the 2027 elections.</p> <p>“And now, we woke up this morning to see this kind of wicked increase in the price of cooking gas. What do they want us to do? I don’t even understand Nigerians. How can we allow one party to be inflicting this kind of pain on us and we all keep quiet? This is surprising and I just pray that Nigerians will wake up from their long slumber and take their destiny in their own hands,” she submitted.</p> <p>Some other people are subtly calling on the government to address the situation with the urgency it requires, and not push the people to the wall. </p> <p>However, many still blame the development on the fuel subsidy removal, which, according to them, has pushed up prices of virtually everything, including the cooking gas. </p> <p>They believe that if the subsidy was not removed on fuel, the price of cooking gas would not have gone to the roof top.</p> <p>Reacting to the current price hike on cooking gas, a public affairs commentator and analyst, Chief Rowland Adenuga decried the development, describing it as an unfortunate development to a people, whose majority depends on the use of cooking gas for survival.</p> <p>He lamented that cooking gas which ordinarily should have eased the burden on the cost of fuel or energy generally, following the removal of subsidy on petrol, is gradually getting beyond the reach of an average Nigerian. </p> <p>“Instead of maintaining and stabilizing the price of cooking gas, which Nigerians have seen as a solace to the fuel subsidy removal, the government has allowed its price to skyrocket to a point where ordinary Nigerians are crying blue murder; it is unfortunate,” he said.</p> <p>He called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the plight of ordinary Nigerians instead of channeling all energies to the 2027 election. </p> <p>“The way our politicians are going about the 2027 election is very annoying. How can they abandon everything about governance because of the 2027 election?&nbsp;</p> <p>“In the midst of economic hardship and high insecurity in the land, why would this government allow the price of cooking gas to go higher again?</p> <p>“Any way, it is clear that they are not interested in people’s votes, if not they won’t allow something like this to happen. This government has failed in all aspects. And I hope Nigerians will respond appropriately in 2027. </p> <p>“The only way for Nigerians to demonstrate that they have been pushed to the wall is to vote out this government and ensure that their votes are protected,” he said</p> <p>He is among those who have warned that if an urgent step is not taken by the government to address the high cost of cooking gas, it would force the people to use firewood and charcoal, which will also, in the long run, affect the forest. </p> <p>He said: “Cooking gas prices should have been very low. In fact, if there is to be a subsidy, it should be on cooking gas, so that it will solve the problem of deforestation.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Just move around the country and look at the volume of firewood and charcoal that are being sold. It is unnecessary. We are killing and destroying our forest because the cost of cooking gas is too high.</p> <p>“Nigeria should actually subsidise the cooking gas. Let the price be as low as possible so that people will stop hacking our trees, creating deforestation and generating desertification, and killing a lot of things, including the fauna. It is not just the plant but even the animals are also endangered when the forests are attacked.</p> <p>“That will also mean that we will be losing our forests more and more; leading to deforestation. This will, invariably, affect the whole ecosystem. </p> <p>“The wild animals will find no place to rest, desertification will increase, and so many other backlashes will come to play. And of course, when the hardship becomes so unbearable for the people having been pushed to the wall, they will fight back.</p> <p>“So, it is in the interest of the government to make the price of cooking gas cheap, so that people would not want to resort to buying firewood or buying wood for charcoal.”</p> <p>However, an education right activist, James Hamilton attributed the latest development to rising inflation in the country. </p> <p>“Inflation is affecting the price of everything in Nigeria, including cooking gas.</p> <p>“Once there is inflation as we have today, you expect that the price of everything will go up.&nbsp;</p> <p>“So, it is not only the price of cooking gas that has gone up; it is a general problem because so many other things are not normal. It is a trying period and all hands must be on deck to address the problem.</p> <p>“Thank God the election is around the corner. The time for lamentation should be over by now. It is clear that this government cannot do anything to better the lives of Nigerians. Nigerians should get their PVCs and be ready to vote out this APC government in 2027. </p> <p>“That is the only way to have a respite in this country, otherwise things will keep getting worse.</p> <p>“You can’t give what you don’t have; that is exactly what is happening with this government. Otherwise, how can any sane government allow the price of cooking gas to even add a penny to the existing price that people are still struggling to pay? </p> <p>“If anything, Nigerians were expecting a serious reduction in the existing price because many people were still struggling to meet up. But instead of that, what we woke up to see this Monday morning is more than 30 percent increase again. This is unbelievable, I must say,” he stated.</p> <p>He lamented that the poor masses are always at the receiving end and warned that the government must avoid incurring the wrath of the masses by responding urgently and adequately to the problem. </p> <p>“The government must look at this latest rise urgently because the moment an average man cannot cook in his house, not because the price of raw food is high but also because even cooking gas is a problem, then, you are likely to have the people revolt along the line. </p> <p>“So, the government must look inward, come up with policies that will review the problem and address it as soon as possible. And this must be considered as a short-term solution because people cannot contain it.</p> <p>“People cannot continue managing it the way it is going. So, the government must come up with something better as soon as possible,” he said.</p> <p>But, for Prof Anthony Ugwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, the continuous rise in the price of cooking gas may not be entirely blamed on inflation as some other people have argued. </p> <p>He believes that even though the LPG is produced in Nigeria, the production profile is not enough for the teeming population of Nigerians who scramble for the product.</p> <p>He also drew attention to the fact that Nigerians now use it to run their generators, following the removal of subsidy on petrol. </p> <p>He said: “The fact that the cost of cooking gas is rising and is almost hitting the roof top should not be a surprise to Nigerians. This is because most Nigerians no longer use it to cook only; they now use it as an alternative to fuel to operate generators following the government’s removal of fuel subsidy. So, that is a contributory factor to the continuous rise in its price,” he said.</p> <p>He also warned that the fallout of the continuous rise is that people will resort to the local method of cooking, like the use of firewood and charcoal. </p> <p>“And that is what people are doing currently. If you check, it is already affecting the prices of firewood and charcoal and that will also be disastrous.&nbsp;</p> <p>“So, the government just has to do something very urgent to arrest this latest increase, at least, to soften the people’s heart against the 2027 election.</p> <p>“If the government doesn’t respond urgently to this latest development, two possibilities are likely to happen. It is either the people express their frustration through the ballot in 2027 or they take to the street even before the election.&nbsp;</p> <p>“The latter may not be palatable because it could lead to full blown revolution considering the tension in the country today. So, the government should just find out what caused the latest increase and address it urgently,” he cautioned.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/27/nigerians-groan-as-cooking-gas-hits-n1500-kg-urge-govt-immediate-action/">Nigerians groan as cooking gas hits N1500/kg, urge govt immediate action</a></p>

FCT Senate race: Aisha Yesufu visits area councils, gets residents’ backing


<img width="1224" height="1025" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aisha-Yesufu.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aisha-Yesufu.jpg 1224w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aisha-Yesufu-300x251.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aisha-Yesufu-1024x858.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1224px) 100vw, 1224px" /> <p>As the race for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, senatorial seat gathers momentum, an aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, rights activist Aisha Yesufu, has held consultations across the six area councils of the territory.</p> <p>Yesufu embarked on visits to Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Bwari, AMAC and Kuje area councils ahead of the NDC senatorial primary election.</p> <p>The Federal Capital Territory has a total of 62 political wards spread across the six area councils. Abaji has 10 wards, AMAC, 12, Bwari, 10, Gwagwalada, 10, Kuje, 10 and Kwali 10.</p> <p>Speaking to newsmen, Yesufu said she embarked on door-to-door engagements and interactions with residents in the area councils with the aim of understanding the peculiar challenges facing the people. Challenges such as insecurity, poor roads, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, education, and water supply were highlighted by the residents during the visits.</p> <p>Yesufu said she met with party leaders, stakeholders, youth representatives, women groups and party members as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots engagement and solicit support for her aspiration.<br>She appreciated residents of Abaji, Kwali, Kuje, AMAC, Bwari and Abaji for their continued loyalty and support, emphasizing the need for unity, transparency, accountability and collective participation in building a better future for the FCT and Nigeria at large.</p> <p>Yesufu stressed that the FCT deserves inclusive leadership that prioritizes infrastructure development, youth empowerment, women participation, security, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for residents across the area councils.</p> <p>“The future of the Federal Capital Territory depends on the collective strength, unity, and voices of its people. My visit to your communities is not just to seek your votes, but to listen, understand your challenges, and work together towards a better and more inclusive FCT.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&#8220;With your support in the forthcoming general elections, we can build a capital city where every resident has equal opportunities, security, and access to quality infrastructure and development,&#8221; she said.</p> <p>Yesufu said she will continue to consult with residents and stakeholders to better understand their needs and incorporate their concerns into her policy direction.</p> <p>“We cannot build a better FCT without carrying the people along. This journey is about service, inclusion, and giving residents a stronger voice in governance,” she stated.</p> <p>The activist reaffirmed her commitment to selfless leadership, inclusive governance, and people-oriented representation. She noted that her aspiration is driven by the desire to advance transparency and improve the welfare of residents of the FCT.</p> <p>During the visits, party leaders and stakeholders described Yesufu as a courageous and committed leader who has consistently been the voice of the voiceless by speaking truth to power.</p> <p>They commended her resilience and bravery in advocating for a better society, justice, good governance, accountability, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. The residents also pledged their support and assured her of their backing in the party primaries, towards her&nbsp;</p> <p>emergence as the NDC FCT senatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections.<br>They expressed their commitment and readiness to work with the aspirant to promote purposeful leadership for the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/26/fct-senate-race-aisha-yesufu-visits-area-councils-gets-residents-backing/">FCT Senate race: Aisha Yesufu visits area councils, gets residents&#8217; backing</a></p>

Hardship in Nigeria training citizens to become thieves – SDP’s Adebayo


<img width="1000" height="550" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Prince-Adewole-Adebayo.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Prince-Adewole-Adebayo.jpg 1000w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Prince-Adewole-Adebayo-300x165.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <p>A chieftain and presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Adewole Adebayo, has lamented the current living standard in Nigeria, stressing that the situation is training citizens to become thieves.</p> <p>Adebayo made this statement on Tuesday during a live appearance in an interview on ‘Morning Show’, a programme on Arise Television.</p> <p>DAILY POST reports that President Tinubu, upon assumption of office on May 29, 2023, announced the removal of fuel subsidy, leading to the increase in prices of virtually everything in the market.</p> <p>Reacting, Adebayo said, “The current living standard is training citizens to become thieves. I ran for President in 2023, but I didn’t realise I was running to be a prophet. Everything I predicted has happened.&nbsp;</p> <p>“President Tinubu’s policies have ruined the economy and weakened Nigerians’ purchasing power, without delivering the accountability people sought.&nbsp;</p> <p>“What we have today in Nigeria are people in power, not a government as contemplated by our constitution. The SDP will focus on healthcare, education, and improving citizens’ purchasing power. We are targeting voters who didn’t exercise their right in 2023 to boost our numbers.”</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/26/hardship-in-nigeria-training-citizens-to-become-thieves-sdps-adebayo/">Hardship in Nigeria training citizens to become thieves &#8211; SDP’s Adebayo</a></p>

Borno govt orders closure of GDSS Musa after abduction of 42 students


<img width="1280" height="900" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/3DxSLoBq.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/3DxSLoBq.jpeg 1280w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/3DxSLoBq-300x211.jpeg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/3DxSLoBq-1024x720.jpeg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /> <p>The Borno State Government has temporarily closed and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, following the abduction of 42 students by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.</p> <p>The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision during a visit to the community on Monday.</p> <p>According to a statement by Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, the relocation is part of measures under the Safe Schools Initiative to protect students and ensure learning continues in a safer environment.</p> <p>The affected students will continue their education at Government Secondary School, Uba.</p> <p>During the visit, Wakilbe met with community leaders, parents of the abducted students, and military officials, including the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola.</p> <p>He assured residents that the state government was intensifying efforts to secure the safe rescue of the abducted students and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the safety of students across the state.</p> <p>Speaking on behalf of the parents, Ishaku Jidaye commended Governor Zulum for his response to the incident and appealed for intensified rescue efforts.</p> <p>The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to assess security conditions in public schools and directed that Safe School Initiative measures be fully implemented in affected schools.</p> <p>The students were abducted on May 16 after suspected insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/26/borno-govt-orders-closure-of-gdss-musa-after-abduction-of-42-students/">Borno govt orders closure of GDSS Musa after abduction of 42 students</a></p>

Respite as Abia College of Education issues certificates to students 26 years after graduation 


<img width="720" height="405" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abia-College.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abia-College.jpg 720w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abia-College-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /> <p>About 100 students, who graduated from Abia State College of Education (Technical) ASCETA Arochukwu, have been issued their certificates by the institution, over 25 years after completing their studies.</p> <p>The graduates who arrived from different parts of the country, received the certificates from the management of the College on Thursday, May 21, 2026.</p> <p>The development was made known in a statement issued by the Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu management.</p> <p>According to the institution, the graduating sets spanned from 1999 to 2025.</p> <p>The College of Education, which disclosed that a total of 681 certificates were ready for collection, encouraged the affected graduates to visit the institution to collect their own certificates.</p> <p>&#8220;On Thursday, 21st May 2026, about 100 graduates from different parts of Nigeria returned to Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu to collect their certificates, with graduating sets spanning from 1999 to 2025.</p> <p>&#8220;A total of 681 certificates are ready for collection. All concerned graduates are encouraged to visit the institution and collect theirs&#8221;, the ASCETA management said.</p> <p>It would be recalled that the Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu experienced many&nbsp; years of instability, caused by poor funding, alleged embezzlement, removal and appointments of provosts, sack of workers and protests by workers over poor welfare.</p> <p>The institution also suffered from poor infrastructure, management/labour union clash, drop in student enrollment, delayed release of students&#8217; results, slow pace of clearance process, situations that forced many students to abandon their certificates or seek admission elsewhere.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="720" height="540" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abia-College1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1375259" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abia-College1.jpg 720w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abia-College1-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/26/respite-as-abia-college-of-education-issues-certificates-to-students-26-years-after-graduation/">Respite as Abia College of Education issues certificates to students 26 years after graduation </a></p>

Monday, 25 May 2026

JAMB sets date for 2026 UTME mop-up exam


<img width="1000" height="600" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JAMB-2-scaled-1.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JAMB-2-scaled-1.jpg 1000w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JAMB-2-scaled-1-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JAMB-2-scaled-1-590x354.jpg 590w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JAMB-2-scaled-1-400x240.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <p><br>The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has fixed Saturday, 13th June, 2026 for the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME mop-up examination.</p> <p>The exercise is for all candidates who presented themselves and were biometrically verified for the 2026 UTME but were unable to sit the examination for one reason or another.</p> <p>The Board made this known in a statement by its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, on Monday in Abuja.</p> <p>DAILY POST recalls that the 2026 UTME was conducted between 23rd and 29th April, 2026.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, some centres were said to have experienced technical challenges which made it impossible for a number of candidates to sit the examination.&nbsp;</p> <p>Similarly, some results were subsequently withdrawn over examination infractions, while some candidates who presented themselves for the examination could not be verified biometrically.&nbsp;</p> <p>According to JAMB, all such candidates have been listed for the mop-up examination, stating that the mop-up examination represents the final phase of the annual UTME exercise.</p> <p>It added that the mop-up examination serves as an opportunity to address all outstanding examination challenges involving candidates who duly presented themselves but encountered difficulties in taking the examination.</p> <p>“Candidates in this category are advised to begin printing their Examination Notification Slips from Saturday, 6th June, 2026.</p> <p>“Affected candidates are hereby urged to print their Examination Notification Slips, familiarise themselves with their examination centres, and make all necessary arrangements ahead of the examination date, as there will be no further opportunity for any candidate to sit the 2026 UTME after this mop-up exercise,” the statement said.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/25/jamb-sets-date-for-2026-utme-mop-up-exam/">JAMB sets date for 2026 UTME mop-up exam</a></p>

Civil society groups identify gaps ahead of Ekiti guber poll


<img width="1400" height="1400" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FCT-Election3.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FCT-Election3.jpg 1400w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FCT-Election3-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FCT-Election3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FCT-Election3-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FCT-Election3-80x80.jpg 80w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px" /> <p><br>Ahead of the Ekiti State governorship poll scheduled for&nbsp;June 20, 2026, civil society organisations under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two (EU-SDGN II) programme have expressed concerns over the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the much-awaited election.</p> <p>The groups, during a media briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, warned that critical operational and security gaps could undermine the credibility of the poll if not urgently addressed.</p> <p>According to the pre-election assessment report presented by the Election Observation Hub, INEC’s preparedness across the 16 local government offices in Ekiti stood at 34 percent as of April 14, 2026.</p> <p>The groups identified delayed election funding, poor infrastructure, inadequate operational vehicles and challenges with collation centres as major concerns.</p> <p>The organisations also highlighted vote buying, political thuggery, disinformation and possible militarisation of election security as key threats to the poll, adding that Ado-Ekiti, Ikole, Moba and Ilejemeje local government areas were classified as high-risk areas, while Efon, Ikere and Oye were listed as medium-risk zones.</p> <p>The groups further raised concerns over the exclusion of women and persons with disabilities from the governorship race, stressing that none of the 13 political parties fielded a female candidate.</p> <p>They urged INEC to improve election preparedness, strengthen the BVAS and IReV systems, and intensify voter education ahead of the election.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the report was jointly signed by CEMESO, ElectHER, IPC, NWTF, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/25/civil-society-groups-identify-gaps-ahead-of-ekiti-guber-poll/">Civil society groups identify gaps ahead of Ekiti guber poll</a></p>

Apply Now: OPay expands N1.2bn 10-year Scholarship Programme, adds Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google


<img width="884" height="500" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pr-Design-2.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pr-Design-2.jpg 884w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pr-Design-2-300x170.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px" /> <p>OPay, a leading fintech company in Nigeria, has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship scholarship programme, now called OPay Scholars, continuing its ₦1.2 billion, 10-year commitment to support education across Nigeria.</p> <p>Applications for the Innovation Challenge will run from&nbsp;May 25&nbsp;to&nbsp;June 14, 2026. Students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria can apply now as a team of five students via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.opayweb.com/innovation-challenge" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.opayweb.com/innovation-challenge</a></p> <p>Building on its strong impact in the previous year, OPay is expanding the programme to include an Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google and OPay Futures. This addition is designed to empower students with practical skills, encourage problem-solving, and prepare them for real-world opportunities.</p> <p>In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, OPay is going beyond traditional scholarship support by combining financial aid, technical skills training, innovation development, and career pathways into one programme.</p> <p>The Innovation Challenge will reward outstanding ideas and solutions from students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. To participate, applicants must apply as a team of five undergraduate students from any tertiary institution in Nigeria. Each team is expected to identify a real-life problem and present a technology-driven solution to address it. Applicants must have downloaded the Gemini App and initiated basic prompts within Gemini. The grand prize winner will receive ₦10 million, the first runner-up will receive ₦5 million, and the second runner-up will receive ₦3 million.</p> <p>Beyond the prizes, participants will benefit from a structured webinar and bootcamp. These sessions will focus on building practical skills, exposing students to industry knowledge, and preparing them for future career opportunities. Top participants will also gain access to OPay Futures for potential career opportunities with OPay and other partners.</p> <p>Elizabeth Wang, Chief Commercial Officer, OPay, said: &#8220;Education is one of the most powerful tools for change. Through our ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment, OPay has continued to invest in the education and future of young Nigerians. With the expansion of the programme in 2026 to include the Innovation Challenge and OPay Futures, we are going beyond financial support to equip students with practical skills, innovation opportunities, and career pathways that will help them thrive in the digital economy and create meaningful impact in their communities.”</p> <p>Commenting on the programme and partnership with Google, Dotun Adekunle, Chief Operations and Technology Officer, OPay, said: “Our partnership with Google on the Innovation Challenge strengthens the impact of the OPay Scholars Programme by giving students access to technology and tools that can help turn ideas into practical solutions. By integrating Google Gemini into the challenge, we are empowering young Nigerians to build relevant digital skills, solve real problems, and prepare for the future of innovation and work.”</p> <p>Speaking of the partnership, Olumide Balogun, Director, West &amp; East Africa, Google, said: &#8220;The most exciting innovations in Africa will come from young people solving local problems, and our role is to make sure they have the right technology to make that happen. By embedding Gemini into the OPay Innovation Challenge, we are giving Nigeria&#8217;s sharpest students a powerful and practical tool to test, refine, and scale their ideas.&#8221;</p> <p>Since its launch, the OPay Scholarship Programme has continued to grow in scale and impact, supporting hundreds of students across Nigeria. With the introduction of the Innovation Challenge and OPay Futures, OPay is reaffirming its commitment to education, innovation, and youth empowerment.</p> <p>Students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. Apply now via https://ift.tt/7FGfadn</p> <p>For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.opayweb.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.opayweb.com</a>&nbsp;and follow OPay on LinkedIn, @OPay_NG on X, and @opay.ng on Instagram for updates.</p> <p>About OPay</p> <p>OPay was established in 2018 as a leading fintech company in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customers&#8217; funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/25/apply-now-opay-expands-n1-2bn-10-year-scholarship-programme-adds-innovation-challenge-in-partnership-with-google/">Apply Now: OPay expands N1.2bn 10-year Scholarship Programme, adds Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google</a></p>

Sunday, 24 May 2026

‘I won’t betray trust reposed in me’ – Kwara PDP Guber candidate, Kale Kawu


<img width="1040" height="780" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu-.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu-.jpg 1040w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu--300x225.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu--1024x768.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px" /> <p>Engr Kale Kawu, Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State, on&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;accepted the mandate to contest the 2027 general elections with a pledge not to betray the confidence and trust reposed in him.</p> <p>Speaking after being declared formally as the consensus candidate of the party in Ilorin, Kawu, described his emergence as a collective victory for all the aspirants in the race.</p> <p>&#8220;Your sacrifices, consultations, maturity and commitment to the survival and unity of our great party brought us to this defining moment&nbsp;</p> <p>&#8220;History will remember your patriotism, sportsmanship and loyalty to the PDP family,&#8221; he added.</p> <p>&#8220;I, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, accept this mandate with absolute humility and a full understanding of the enormous responsibility ahead.</p> <p>&#8220;I pledge before Almighty Allah and before the good people of Kwara State that I shall not betray the trust and confidence reposed in me. By the grace of God, I will dedicate myself fully to the service of our people and the progress of our dear state.</p> <p>&#8220;To our teeming supporters and citizens across the length and breadth of Kwara State, from Ilorin West to Moro, from Edu to Baruten, from Offa to Ifelodun, from Kaiama to Ekiti, from Asa to Patigi, we say clearly&nbsp;today: the PDP has heard your cries, understood your pains, and answered your call. And by the grace of God, the PDP is coming back.&#8221;</p> <p>He asserted that the party is coming back not merely for politics or power, but for purposeful leadership and people-oriented governance.&nbsp;</p> <p>&#8220;We are coming back to restore hope, revive infrastructure, improve education, support our farmers, empower our youths and women, strengthen healthcare delivery, create economic opportunities, and return Kwara State to the path of security, growth, dignity and prosperity,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>According to Kawu, &#8220;the struggle ahead is greater than what we have passed through. The task before us is enormous. Our people desire a government that listens, a government that cares, and a government that works for everybody irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity&#8221;.</p> <p>He made a passionate appeal to all party leaders, elders, executives, aspirants, supporters, and members across every ward and local government to close ranks and move forward as one united family.</p> <p>Senator Duro Faseyi, head of the party&#8217;s monitoring team, who announced the results of the party primary election across the 16 local government areas of the state, said Engr Kale Kawu scored 98,998 votes to beat Ladi Hassan who got 2,125 votes.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1374678" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kale-Kawu.jpg 1040w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="614" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale-1024x614.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1374683" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale-1000x600.jpg 1000w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale-590x354.jpg 590w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale-400x240.jpg 400w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kale.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/25/i-wont-betray-trust-reposed-in-me-kwara-pdp-guber-candidate-kale-kawu/">&#8216;I won&#8217;t betray trust reposed in me&#8217; &#8211; Kwara PDP Guber candidate, Kale Kawu</a></p>

PDP affirms Lamido as sole governorship candidate for Jigawa 2027 polls


<img width="963" height="1280" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mustapha-Sule-Lamido.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mustapha-Sule-Lamido.jpg 963w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mustapha-Sule-Lamido-226x300.jpg 226w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mustapha-Sule-Lamido-770x1024.jpg 770w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 963px) 100vw, 963px" /> <p>The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed Mustapha Sule Lamido as its sole governorship candidate for Jigawa State in the 2027 general election.</p> <p>Isah Ahmad, chairman of the primary election committee, announced Mustapha as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming 2027 general election following the party’s consensus.</p> <p>He said the affirmation is in line with the party’s constitution and provisions of the law.</p> <p>Ahmad said the affirmation was conducted in the presence of security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).</p> <p>He commended party members and leaders in the state for ensuring unity in the state.</p> <p>In his acceptance speech, Lamido commended the party’s stakeholders for the opportunity to run for a second term in the upcoming general election.</p> <p>He promised to implement programmes aimed at economic growth, youth empowerment, education reform, and improved healthcare if elected in the 2027 general elections.</p> <p>He said his administration would focus on rebuilding the state through policies centred on unity, social development, institutional reform, and responsible leadership.</p> <p>According to him, the vision he presented during the 2023 governorship campaign remains relevant due to the persistent economic hardship and governance challenges facing the state.</p> <p>“We are back in the race&nbsp;today&nbsp;because the problems and challenges bedeviling our dear state are still with us, like the unprecedented hardship, bad governance and insensitive leadership,” he stated.</p> <p>The PDP candidate expressed concern over what he described as declining standards in education, challenges in the healthcare sector, and rising hardship among citizens.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/24/pdp-affirms-lamido-as-sole-governorship-candidate-for-jigawa-2027-polls/">PDP affirms Lamido as sole governorship candidate for Jigawa 2027 polls</a></p>

Benue PDP guber candidate Aondoakaa picks 38-year-old doctor as running mate


<img width="860" height="520" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Aondoakaa.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Aondoakaa.png 860w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Aondoakaa-300x181.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 860px) 100vw, 860px" /> <p>The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State for the 2027 election, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has unveiled 38-year-old Dr Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa as his running mate.</p> <p>Aondoakaa announced the choice during the party’s congress held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.</p> <p>Speaking at the event, the PDP flagbearer outlined key priorities of his administration if elected in 2027, stressing that his government would focus on ending attacks and killings in communities while guaranteeing the safety of lives and property across the state in a lasting way.</p> <p>He further promised to revive agriculture and accelerate rural development, in line with Benue’s status as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”</p> <p>The senior lawyer also listed youth and women empowerment through job creation and enterprise support among the core areas his administration would pursue.</p> <p>According to Aondoakaa, his government would also prioritise improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, and better education, while creating an enabling environment for industrial growth and economic expansion.</p> <p>He added that his administration would be anchored on justice, transparency, and accountability in governance.</p> <p>The PDP candidate also pledged to foster unity and reconciliation among the people, irrespective of political, ethnic, or sectional differences.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/24/benue-pdp-guber-candidate-aondoakaa-picks-38-year-old-doctor-as-running-mate/">Benue PDP guber candidate Aondoakaa picks 38-year-old doctor as running mate</a></p>

Saturday, 23 May 2026

ADC primaries: Ibrahim Mera emerges senatorial candidate for Kebbi North


<img width="2048" height="1152" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ibrahim-Mera.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ibrahim-Mera.jpg 2048w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ibrahim-Mera-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ibrahim-Mera-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ibrahim-Mera-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /> <p>The African Democratic Congress, ADC, under the leadership of Arc. Bala Sani, has unveiled Alhaji Ibrahim Mera (Chiroman Kabi) as its senatorial candidate for Kebbi North ahead of the 2027 general elections.</p> <p>The announcement was made on Saturday during a large gathering of party supporters, leaders, and stakeholders in Kamba, which witnessed a significant turnout described by party officials as a strong show of support for the party’s direction.</p> <p>Party leaders said Mera was selected based on his track record of community service, competence, and commitment to public welfare, adding that he represents the party’s vision for inclusive and people-centred governance.</p> <p>They expressed confidence that his candidacy would strengthen the ADC’s presence in Kebbi State as preparations intensify ahead of the elections.</p> <p>The party also outlined its priorities for the constituency, including improved education, healthcare delivery, agricultural development, job creation, and better living conditions for residents.</p> <p>Supporters were urged to rally behind the party’s candidate as the ADC seeks to expand its influence and secure electoral victory in the region.</p> <p>In the 2027 senatorial race, Mera is expected to face Senator Abubakar Yahaya Abdullahi of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who is the party’s candidate for Kebbi North.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/24/adc-primaries-ibrahim-mera-emerges-senatorial-candidate-for-kebbi-north/">ADC primaries: Ibrahim Mera emerges senatorial candidate for Kebbi North</a></p>

C’River: ADC conducts voice votes to elect ace broadcaster, Nyong as guber candidate


<img width="1400" height="1400" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADC-2.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADC-2.jpg 1400w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADC-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADC-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADC-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADC-2-80x80.jpg 80w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px" /> <p><br>Members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Cross River State on&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;conducted a voice vote to affirm the only aspirant, Dr Effiong Nyong, as their 2027 governorship candidate.</p> <p>The voice vote was conducted at the party&#8217;s state secretariat on Diamond Road Calabar where significant number of members converged for the affirmation.</p> <p>Chairman of electoral committee, Dr MacFarlane Ejah, who is also the Secretary of the party in the state, had conducted the exercise in the presence of chairman of screening committee, Dr Minika Bassey, and other dignitaries as witnesses.</p> <p>MacFarlane said the exercise complied with the rules and directives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.</p> <p>&#8220;What we have just done is in consonance with the latest directives of INEC. And so we formally affirmed and unveiled Dr Effiong Efa Nyong as our flag bearer for the 2027 Governorship election in Cross River State&#8221;, he said.</p> <p>Speaking about his experience, credentials and the imperative for vying for the governorship seat, the veteran broadcaster and one time chairman of the party, said the decision to run for office of governor for the second time is borne out of his passion for his people, state and strong desire to impact governance to avert the retrogression witnessed in the state.</p> <p>&#8220;My decision to vie for the governorship race for the second time is borne out of passion for my people, state, deep desire to avert the steady slide into retrogression.</p> <p>&#8220;I have idea where we&#8217;re coming from. Hardly will people believe that civilisation actually started from here, and high standards were set from here for others to follow when the colonial masters held sway. Education, sports, civil service were top-notch.</p> <p>&#8220;They chose Calabar as centre of national administration. Before the British came, the Portuguese had also laid out their standards. And so, our forebears had sustained the standards until recently when&nbsp;today&#8217;s politicians allowed such to degenerate.</p> <p>&#8220;The level of poverty and backwardness is shocking. And so, as a true Son, it is imperative that we must come together to lift ourselves out of this trajectory,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>He also spoke about the alarming multiple and high taxations, noting that it had impoverished the people and scared away businesses and potential investors from the state.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/23/criver-adc-conducts-voice-votes-to-elect-ace-broadcaster-nyong-as-guber-candidate/">C&#8217;River: ADC conducts voice votes to elect ace broadcaster, Nyong as guber candidate</a></p>

Friday, 22 May 2026

Drug abuse, illegal mining fueling youth violence in Niger – Residents 


<img width="1280" height="720" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/illegal-mining-1280x720-1.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/illegal-mining-1280x720-1.jpg 1280w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/illegal-mining-1280x720-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/illegal-mining-1280x720-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /> <p><br>Drug abuse remains a major driver of youth violence in Niger State, DAILY POST findings have shown.<br><br>This report is based on visits and interviews conducted by our correspondent across Minna metropolis and surrounding communities, including Maitumbi, Tunga, Kpakungu, Angwan-Daji, Limawa, Western Bypass axis, M.I. Wushishi Estate, Chanchaga and areas around the College of Education.</p> <p>What emerges is a deeply interconnected system where drug abuse, illegal mining and youth gang violence reinforce one another across Niger State communities.</p> <p><strong>“We Used To Play Together… Now We Run From Each Other” &#8211; Residents</strong></p> <p>In Angwan-Daji and Limawa, residents say childhood friendships have broken into violent rivalries.</p> <p>“Some of these boys grew up together. They attended the same school. Now if they meet, it can end in bloodshed,” Fatima, a resident, said.</p> <p>Communities such as Maitumbi, Kpakungu, Tunga, Angwan-Daji, and Limawa remain recurring flashpoints for clashes often triggered by reprisals, territorial disputes and personal disagreements.</p> <p>Field findings indicate that some conflicts arise from personal issues, including disputes over relationships or girlfriends, which sometimes escalate into wider gang confrontations and violent reprisals.</p> <p>Investigations show that youth violence in Niger State is driven by multiple interconnected factors.</p> <p>These include unemployment and poverty, drug abuse, illegal mining opportunities, and group rivalries within and between communities.</p> <p>DAILY POST also gathered that informal drug networks influence how some groups operate, including efforts to support members when arrested, which in some cases affects enforcement outcomes.</p> <p><strong>Drug Abuse: A Growing Catalyst</strong></p> <p>Across Niger State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), through its State Commander Shehu Gwadabawa, warned that drug abuse remains a key driver of youth violence in communities.&nbsp;</p> <p>He explained that despite sensitisation campaigns carried out in Minna including schools, churches, mosques among others, and across its seven outposts in various local government areas, the trend continues to increase.</p> <p>Gwadabawa said drug use often begins with experimentation before progressing into addiction and aggression adding that 97% of drugs consumed were brought into the state from Ondo and Delta states</p> <p>“Most parents are not aware their children are into drugs until it is too late. They need to watch over their children carefully and take necessary measures against this trend,” he said.</p> <p>The state NDLEA Commander listed cannabis (marijuana), Colorado, and shisha as some of the drugs widely used, noting that in some cases substances are used to initiate or influence vulnerable young people, particularly girls, into deeper drug dependence.</p> <p><strong>Voices From The Streets</strong></p> <p>A 21-year-old drug user Mustapha (not real name) in Maitumbi said, &#8220;It started with small cannabis. Everybody was doing it. It made us feel strong and fearless.”</p> <p>Another user added, &#8220;When you are high, everything looks disrespectful. That’s how fights start.”</p> <p>An ex-user in rehabilitation said,</p> <p>“At some point, you don’t even know why you are angry. Drugs control everything.”</p> <p>Pausing, he added, &#8220;Some of my friends are dead. Some are in prison. Only a few got out.”</p> <p><strong>Drugs And Violence- A Linked Cycle</strong></p> <p>The NDLEA Commander noted that drug abuse and gang violence at mining sites are closely linked.</p> <p>“They all go hand in hand. When these youths are high on drugs, it leads to gang fighting, even at mining sites in the state,” he said.</p> <p>However, Gwadabawa said insecurity and logistical constraints also affect enforcement after arrests and during investigations, noting that securing convictions in court often becomes a major challenge.</p> <p>“Most times we need to go after these dealers at night, but because of insecurity in Niger State, we cannot move freely,” he said.</p> <p><strong>Illegal Mining: A Security Flashpoint</strong></p> <p>The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, led by Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, says illegal mining sites have become increasingly difficult to control.</p> <p>The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Muti, said the corps is actively monitoring illegal mining activities across Minna and surrounding areas.</p> <p>Identified hotspots include Western Bypass (M.I. Wushishi axis), Maitumbi corridor, Chanchaga Bridge, and areas near major institutions.</p> <p>“Rival groups frequently engage in violent clashes at mining sites,” he stated.</p> <p><strong>Locals, Outsiders, Women And Children In Mining Spaces</strong></p> <p>Field investigations and residents’ accounts indicate that illegal mining sites around Minna are made up of both local youths and individuals believed to have migrated from other regions in search of economic opportunities.</p> <p>Residents say this mix sometimes increases competition over mining spots and contributes to tensions at sites.</p> <p>Women are also present within some informal mining environments, often involved in small-scale activities or supporting roles.</p> <p>In some locations, residents further report that women are seen working in mining areas alongside their children, reflecting the informal and unregulated nature of the sector where entire households are drawn into the same economic space.</p> <p><strong>State Government Response</strong></p> <p>In a statement, the Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, said the ministry has intensified collaboration with key security agencies as part of renewed efforts to curb illegal mining and address its growing security implications across the state.</p> <p>In a series of engagements earlier in the year, the Ministry held strategic meetings with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), calling for stronger inter-agency coordination to clamp down on illegal mining activities.</p> <p>Officials of the Ministry stressed that illegal mining has moved beyond an economic concern to become a serious security challenge, often exploited by criminal elements operating within and around mining communities.</p> <p>They noted that these activities not only undermine state revenue but also contribute to rising tensions and instability in affected areas.</p> <p>The Department of State Services (DSS) similarly warned that a significant proportion of insecurity in Niger State is linked to illegal mining operations, while the NSCDC described enforcement as a continuous and demanding task requiring sustained joint operations and stronger field presence.</p> <p><strong>Civil Society Voice</strong></p> <p>A Program Officer of Advocates Without Borders, Minna-based CSO, Mairo Mohammed Allawa, says drug use is deeply present in mining-linked environments.</p> <p>“Let me shock you, children as young as 12 years are there working under the influence. It is happening every day and everywhere in Minna,” she said.</p> <p>Allawa added that violence often breaks out in such environments.</p> <p>According to her, &#8220;Drug clashes usually break out and get people scared. Residents are afraid for their lives when violence breaks out&#8221;.</p> <p>She noted that many youths are driven not only by unemployment but by the need for quick money to sustain drug use.</p> <p>“People say it is unemployment, but it’s because they want to work. They end up where they can get quick money to finance drugs,” she said.</p> <p><strong>“We Arrest Them, But They Return” — Police&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>The Niger State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, said raids on gang hotspots remain frequent.</p> <p>“We carry out raids almost weekly. We recover weapons and drugs. But prosecution and reintegration remain major challenges,” he said.</p> <p>He added that suspects often return to the same communities after bail. &#8220;It becomes a revolving door. Arrest today, back on the street tomorrow.”</p> <p>Field findings also indicate that in some cases, pressure from families or influential individuals affects how gang-related cases are pursued.</p> <p><strong>Human Consequence: Lives Behind The Violence</strong></p> <p>A mother (name withheld) in Tunga-Goro, Chanchaga suburb of Minna, who lost her son said:</p> <p>“I warned him. I begged him. But he said those boys were his family. One night, he didn’t come home again.”</p> <p>A father in Maitumbi, on condition of anonymity, added: &#8221; We buried him, but the boys who did it are still around.”</p> <p>A resident in Limawa said fear now defines daily life, &#8220;When they start fighting, we just lock our doors and wait.”</p> <p>Beyond arrests and raids, findings from Minna suggest that the crisis is sustained by overlapping pressures across enforcement and justice institutions.</p> <p>The police, NDLEA, and NSCDC all face difficulties in translating arrests into convictions.</p> <p>Officials and field sources point to the bailable nature of many offences, technical gaps in investigations where suspects are not firmly linked to exhibits, and procedural weaknesses that weaken cases in court.</p> <p>Stakeholders also point to external pressures in some cases that may affect prosecution outcomes.</p> <p>Together, these challenges create a critical break between arrest, prosecution, and conviction, weakening deterrence and allowing cycles of violence to persist.</p> <p>The crisis in Minna reflects a deeper structural breakdown where drug abuse fuels aggression, illegal mining creates conflict economies, and weak enforcement allows cycles of violence to persist.</p> <p>Until enforcement becomes fully coordinated and the justice system delivers consistent deterrence, the cycle remains intact: drugs, mining disputes, and thuggery continue to shape the streets of Minna.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/23/drug-abuse-illegal-mining-fueling-youth-violence-in-niger-residents/">Drug abuse, illegal mining fueling youth violence in Niger &#8211; Residents </a></p>

SWAN Drives Stakeholder-led Enforcement Against Illicit Trade in Nigeria’s Spirits and Wines Sector


<img width="1600" height="1082" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1.jpg 1600w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-300x203.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-1024x692.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-1536x1039.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /> <p>Across Nigeria, wines and spirits occupy an important place at Nigerian events, whether we are talking about weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, business engagements, launch events or&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;gatherings. They play important roles in moments of connection and celebration, often fostering shared experiences.</p> <p>Against this backdrop, the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for stronger multi‑stakeholder collaboration to address illicit trade in the spirits and wines sector, following a high‑level workshop held in Abuja. The engagement brought together regulators, enforcement agencies, industry players, media, and development partners to align on practical steps to tackle illicit trade and strengthen the integrity of the market.</p> <p>SWAN is made up of notable organisations including Bacardi, Diageo, Guinness Nigeria, Moët Hennessy, Nigerian Breweries, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd., William Grants &amp; Sons and Brian Munro Limited.</p> <p>Speaking at the event, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard and President of SWAN, described illicit trade as a direct threat not only to business integrity but to human life.</p> <p>“Illicit trade, defined as the production, importation, or sale of goods outside regulatory frameworks, continues to pose risks to consumer protection, government revenue, and legitimate businesses.&nbsp;</p> <p>“This includes counterfeiting, smuggling, illegal production, tax evasion, and the diversion of legitimate products into unauthorised channels. It is a global challenge that cuts across multiple sectors in the consumer goods industry, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, cosmetics, and alcohol, with significant consequences for public health, government revenues, and economic development,” he stated.</p> <p>“Beyond the human cost, illicit trade has a devastating impact on our economy. Governments lose billions in tax revenue, funds that should be supporting education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. Legitimate businesses that invest in compliance, quality, and employment are unfairly undercut. Jobs are lost. Investor confidence is shaken. This is not a victimless crime, it weakens entire value chains and slows national development,” Ehindero added.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="692" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-1024x692.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1373407" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-1024x692.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-300x203.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1-1536x1039.jpg 1536w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1-1.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p>Tony Okwoju, SWAN Director-General, called for stronger stakeholder-led enforcement against illicit trade due to its impact on lives, legitimate business and government revenue.</p> <p>David Francis, Managing Director of the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS), provided a global perspective while highlighting the increasing sophistication of counterfeit operations regarding fake packaging materials often mass-produced abroad and shipped into local markets.</p> <p>“They&#8217;re becoming organised into gangs, well-organised networks and becoming really sophisticated. The quality of the things we are seeing coming from China into this market are making it increasingly challenging for consumers to spot fake goods, whether they&#8217;re bad or good, or whatever the fundamentals are.</p> <p>“So, you&#8217;ll see the labels, you&#8217;ll see the cartons, you&#8217;ll see the bottles, and you&#8217;ll see the caps. This is a do-it-yourself counterfeiting kit coming into the domestic market. All you need to find is the liquid. And we all know that the liquid is relatively easy to source in any domestic market around the world. So again, I just want to highlight how important it is that we stop these things getting into the market,” Francis said.</p> <p>At the regulatory level, agencies acknowledged the growing threat of illicit trade while outlining ongoing interventions. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) described the situation as a serious public health and economic challenge. In his keynote address, Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, warned that illicit alcohol trade is a “multi-dimensional crisis” affecting consumer safety, market integrity, and public revenue.</p> <p>“It is not merely an industry problem,” Bello said, stressing that the issue touches on “consumer protection, health protection, public revenue, public safety, and indeed the overall integrity of our market.&nbsp;</p> <p>A key outcome of the session was the shared recognition that no single stakeholder can address the challenge alone. Participants emphasized the importance of improved enforcement and intelligence sharing, enhanced regulatory coordination and sustained consumer awareness and education while promoting transparency across the supply chain.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="479" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1024x479.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1373406" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1024x479.jpg 1024w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-300x140.jpg 300w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-1536x718.jpg 1536w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p>SWAN equally highlighted the critical role of informed consumer choices, encouraging the public to purchase products only from reputable and authorized outlets. Stakeholders noted that this remains one of the most effective ways to protect consumers while supporting legitimate businesses and maintaining trust in the market.</p> <p>The workshop also reinforced the role of responsible, legitimate industry players in supporting safe consumption and contributing positively to society. Across the industry, companies continue to invest in initiatives that promote consumer awareness, responsible drinking, and community wellbeing.</p> <p>These efforts include public education campaigns on responsible alcohol consumption and drink‑driving prevention, initiatives that encourage safer roads, as well as sustainability programmes such as glass bottle collection and recycling to reduce environmental impact. Such interventions reflect a broader commitment by compliant industry players to operate responsibly, uphold standards, and contribute to long‑term value creation.</p> <p>The event also underscored the need to strengthen Nigeria’s broader ecosystem through improved policy alignment, technology‑driven traceability solutions, and ongoing public‑private cooperation.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="940" height="627" src="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1373405" srcset="https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan-.jpg 940w, https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/swan--300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></figure> <p>With participation from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside media, civil society organisations, diplomatic partners, and industry representatives, the engagement marked an important step towards building a more secure and transparent market.</p> <p>SWAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to drive long‑term, sustainable solutions. The consensus from the session was clear: only a unified and collaborative approach will effectively address illicit trade, protect consumers, and support the growth of a responsible and thriving industry.</p> <p><a href="https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/22/swan-drives-stakeholder-led-enforcement-against-illicit-trade-in-nigerias-spirits-and-wines-sector/">SWAN Drives Stakeholder-led Enforcement Against Illicit Trade in Nigeria’s Spirits and Wines Sector</a></p>