Kassim Afegbua, CRPP in verbal war over calls for Okpebholo’s resignation, poor governance

The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua and the National Chairman, Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Dr Samson Isibor are in verbal war over the former’s calling for the resignation of Governor Monday Okpebholo for poor governance.

DAILY POST reports that the National Chairman, Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Dr Samson Isibor had in a recent statement called for the resignation of Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo State over alleged poor governance, insecurity, high cost of living among others.

Isibor, alleged that investors and entrepreneurs have relocated from Edo State due to an unfavourable business environment and an unabated spate of insecurity across the country.

He, however, urged the governor to concentrate on providing good governance to the people of the state rather than being preoccupied with the promise of winning 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections as well as the forthcoming state’s local government elections slated for July 11, 2026.

Reacting, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy described Dr Isibor as a perpetual National Chairman of an organisation that does not exist.

According to him, “It is an amorphous organisation that could best be described as a “jeun-jeun” organisation or if you like, a chop-chop organisation for the past 18 years.

“Instead of getting serious with political participation in a manner that would define inclusion, he has personalised this organisation for selfish reasons to perpetuate himself till eternity. He’s one of the problems of sit-tight democracy, defined within the labyrinth of parochialism”, he said.

He, however, added that Governor, Okpebholo has been upbeat with development and interventionist initiatives that have placed Edo amongst the best developing states in Nigeria.

He opined that the Governor has turned Edo State into a construction site with critical infrastructure taking the centre stage of developmental effort.

“We are building roads, hospitals, schools, human capital development, and recruiting new civil servants, teachers and helping market women with interest-free loans.

“We have introduced bursary awards, after such a long interregnum. We have revived Ambrose Alli University, injected funds into Edo University, Iyamho, and built road networks around Usen Polytechnic.

“We paid outstanding salaries and arrears of Lecturers of Ekiadolor College of Education, and several other solutions we have provided to the inherited challenges facing the state.

“We have invested hugely in security and supplied over one hundred Hilux vehicles to the Police and security agencies.

“We are investing in the economy of Edo state and Isibor’s decision to try to generate attention is self-serving”, he added.

Afegbua alleged that the National chairman of CRPP, wants the government to reach out to him, but stated that Governor Okpebholo is not used to “chop-chop” politics.

On his part, Dr Isibor, accused Afegbua of trying to explain away the salient points raised in his statement with big grammatical language that neither puts food on the table of the common man nor ensures their security and results in name-calling.

While noting that the CRPP is not disappointed and that it is the trade mark of Afegbua to dodge answering salient points, he posited that as the voice of the common man on the street, the CRPP, has the right to constructive criticism of the government in power.

Isibor added that the criticism is a way of reawakening the government to its responsibilities and reality on the ground.

“It is on record that CRPP campaigned vigorously for Okpebholo during the APC primary election while Afegbua and his former boss were heavily opposed to Okpebholo’s emergence as governorship candidate.

“But now that Okpebholo has jettisoned his primary responsibility of governance and securing the state for campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, we owe it a duty to tell him so.

“Governor Okpebholo in his rightful senses cannot call us “chop-chop or jeun jẹun” organisation. We challenge him to tell Nigerians how many times we have come to him cap in hand to beg for food or appointments at Government House.

“Afegbua is the real culprit without any known stable job for livelihood but keeps jumping from one political party to another begging for appointments”, he stated.

Isibor maintained that the CRPP stood by its words that Governor Okpebholo has not performed despite the huge funds received from the federation account, billions of naira in security votes and increased Internally Generated Revenue IGR.

He stated that it was an undeniable fact that Edo people are being kidnapped like chickens across the three senatorial districts daily.

“Prices of staple foods are beyond the common man, the unemployment rate has hit the roof, and the entire state is in total darkness. Good and motorable roads are fast disappearing, the functional health care system is no more, and affordable house rent is now history.

“These are the teething problems we expected Afegbua to respond to, rather than trying to bamboozle members of the public with unintelligible grammar and resulting in name-calling.

“He should give explanations to these non-assailable facts and also tell us if the hundreds of youths who protested at Ugbowo during the week were seeking government appointments”, he said.

He, however, urged the commissioner to learn to be disciplined in his outbursts and stop using uncouth language.

The CRPP National chairman, posited that what the Edo people need at the moment is an urgent solution to their problems and not rhetoric.

He appealed to the commissioner to also advise his pay master to stop campaigning for 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu and face the real business of governance, adding that”after all, it is only the living, not the dead, that will vote in the coming elections.

Isibor, however, described CRPP as a principled pressure group led by sound-minded people of unblemished character fighting injustice and for the welfare of the downtrodden by putting the government in power that cares to listen on its toes, unlike “our friend Afegbua who always romances any government in power, reaping where he did not sow.

He further urged Governor Okpebholo to sit up or resign to face President Tinubu’s reelection campaign if that is his major priority.

Kassim Afegbua, CRPP in verbal war over calls for Okpebholo’s resignation, poor governance

VDM narrates how FCT Police helped mentally unstable woman deliver

Popular Nigerian social media critic, VeryDarkMan, has praised officers of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command for helping a mentally unstable woman deliver a baby in Kwali Area Council.

Narrating the incident via his instagram handle on VeryDarkMan said “it happened in the early hours of April 3, 2026, during a routine surveillance operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, deployed across the FCT due to heightened security concerns ahead of the Easter celebrations.”

According to him, “at about 12:20 a.m., the officers who were on patrol around Kwaita village in Kwali Area Council suddenly heard loud cries coming from the roadside.”

The officers immediately moved towards the direction of the cries and discovered a mentally unstable woman who had just gone into labour.

Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Command said the officers received information about the woman at about 12:30 a.m., prompting swift action from the command.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit at Kwali Division quickly mobilised with her team to the location after receiving the report.

The officers assisted the woman and ensured she safely delivered the baby.

Reacting to the development, VeryDarkMan applauded the officers for their humanity and pledged to sponsor the child’s education from primary school through university.

VDM narrates how FCT Police helped mentally unstable woman deliver

Taraba govt begins evacuation of students from Plateau

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has ordered the deployment of 16 Hummer buses, accompanied by security escorts, to evacuate Taraba State students affected by recent attacks in Jos, Plateau State.

The intervention followed reports that several students from Taraba were stranded amid rising tensions and security concerns in the area.

It will be recalled that the National Union of Taraba State Students, NUTAS, University of Jos Chapter, had last week petitioned the Taraba State government, requesting the immediate evacuation of students from areas affected by rising security challenges in Plateau State.

The letter, signed by its president, Sankun Solomon Gam, and assistant secretary‑general, Samuel Anyar Bawun Bente, and addressed to Governor Agbu Kefas, cited growing fears for the safety and well‑being of students currently residing in unsafe environments.

According to government sources, the buses were dispatched promptly, ensuring the safe relocation of the students to more secure locations.

Officials described the operation as swift and coordinated, with security personnel protecting the evacuation process.

Governor Kefas, while addressing the situation over the weekend, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Taraba indigenes, particularly students pursuing their education both within Nigeria and abroad. He emphasised that their safety and academic progress remain a top priority.

The evacuation effort has been widely seen and applauded as a proactive response aimed at safeguarding lives and preventing further disruption to the students’ education in the wake of the unrest.

Taraba govt begins evacuation of students from Plateau

War: Explosion rocks Iran after downing US jet

​The United States, in collaboration with Israel, launched more than 200 attacks in 24 hours against Iran on Friday killing at least one civilian after Iran shot down a US fighter jet on Friday.

This was disclosed by the US-based group Human Rights Activists in Iran.

The rights group’s news service, HRANA, reports that the attacks hit 13 provinces during a 24-hour period.

A tally by the rights group indicates that US-Israeli attacks have killed 1,607 civilians, 1,213 military personnel, and 711 people whose military status is unknown, since the start of the war on February 28.

As of Friday, at least 2,076 people had been killed so far, according to the most recent figures from Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

War: Explosion rocks Iran after downing US jet

Nigeria’s health sector at risk without funding for local manufacturing of drugs – PSN

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, have declared that Nigeria’s health sector will remain at risk without funding for specialised training and local production of drugs.

PSN called on both the federal and state governments to provide adequate funding for pharmaceutical education.

The association described this step as a critical pillar for national security and the achievement of healthcare self-sufficiency.

PSN President, Pharmacist Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, made the call at the 2026 Pharmacy colloquium held in Yola, Adamawa State capital.

According to a statement made available to DAILY POST on Friday, Ibrahim stressed that pharmacy education must be repositioned beyond an academic endeavor to a strategic national investment.

He added that Nigeria’s healthcare aspirations will remain elusive without a modern, well-funded, and forward-looking pharmaceutical education system.

Nigeria’s health sector at risk without funding for local manufacturing of drugs – PSN

Ogun school gas leakage: Gov Abiodun orders full investigation

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered the immediate closure of Our Lady of Apostle Primary and Secondary schools (OLAS) located in Ijebu Ode area of the state, where 30 students and two teachers were hospitalized following a gas leakage.

The governor also ordered a full investigation into the incident.

Recall that on Wednesday, a gaseous substance spread across the school premises, shortly after the assembly session, making it difficult for many students and staff to breathe.

According to the Vice Principal, Mrs Adeola Borogun, immediately the strange chemical smell was perceived, several students began vomiting and fainting, forcing the school management to call for ambulances from the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

The Chief Medical Director of the State hospital, Dr Banjo Adeoye, stated that most of the affected individuals brought in were now in stable condition, and the exact chemical substance responsible for the incident is yet to be identified.

Reacting to the incident on Thursday, Governor Abiodun in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, ordered the security agencies in the state to immediately investigate the cause of the incident.

He noted that the investigation will reveal the root cause and offer useful suggestions to prevent any future occurrence.

The governor also directed the immediate opening of a situation room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode which will offer free treatment to other students and residents of the impacted areas such as Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje market.

Parts of the statement read: “Following the unfortunate release of gaseous chemical in Ijebu- Ode hours ago where thirty students and two teachers of our Lady of Apostle Primary and Secondary schools (OLAS) were affected through inhalation of the gas, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has ordered the security agencies in the state to immediately investigate the cause of the incident.

“Governor Abiodun has also directed the immediate opening of a Situation Room at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode which will offer free treatment to other students and residents of the impacted areas such as Makalewo, Ogbogbo, Molipa, Igbegba, Ikoto and Oke-Aje market.”

The government implored residents of the state to disabuse their mind of any security threat because of release of the gaseous chemical, adding that safety officials and a team from the state environmental protection agency, OGEPA, have deployed gas analyzer to track the source of the gas.

Meanwhile, the commissioner accompanied by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government chairman, Mr Dare Alebiosu, and permanent secretaries in the ministries of environment and education, Dr Kafayat Lawal and Mrs Oluwatosin Oloko, visited the schools and the general hospital where the victims were hospitalized.

Ogun school gas leakage: Gov Abiodun orders full investigation

Federal University of Agriculture Mubi matriculates 599 students

The Federal University of Agriculture Mubi (FUAMB) in Adamawa State has marked the admission of 599 fresh students into its academic community.

During its matriculation ceremony at the Sali Isa Bello Event Centre in Mubi, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bitrus Dawi Tarfa, charged the new students to embrace the university’s core vision of smart agriculture, innovation, and practical learning.

Also speaking on the occasion, University Registrar, Mrs Fatima Saidu Bashir, welcomed the matriculants and urged them to work consciously towards becoming worthy ambassadors of FUAMB.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Rukaiyatu Abdulkarim Gurin, commended the Federal Government for continuing to support emerging universities.

The Adamawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor David Finchiwa Jatau, described FUAMB as a strategic institution that will drive agricultural transformation across the state and the country, and encouraged Adamawa indigenes to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the university.

The 2025/2026 matriculation is the second in the life of FUAMB, following its first, which heralded the maiden 2024/2025 academic session.

The university was established on May 28, 2023, by the Federal Government to enhance agricultural education in Nigeria’s North-East, as a specialised institution focused on agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Federal University of Agriculture Mubi matriculates 599 students

Confusion, anxiety over INEC ‘freezing of David Mark’s ADC leadership’

On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced it removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, respectively.

INEC also announced that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organized by groups aligned with the affected leaders.

DAILY POST reports that the announcement has created confusion and anxiety in the party.

INEC said the decision followed a leadership crisis within the ADC and a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which has further complicated the dispute.

INEC disclosed that it had received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, warning against any recognition of Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings are ongoing.

The Commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is at the centre of the crisis and seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.

The decision, it said, will remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission remained committed to neutrality.

However, the development has not gone down well with the ADC and some Nigerians.

Tinubu’s govt jittery – ADC

Reacting to INEC’s decision, ADC, in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused INEC of acting under pressure from the Federal Government, which he described as “jittery” over the ADC’s growing influence.

Abdullahi said the commission’s position was flawed and riddled with contradictions, arguing that it failed to align with both facts and reason.

He further alleged that INEC had “caved to pressure” and taken sides with the government against the Nigerian people amid what he described as sustained attacks on opposition parties.

The ADC spokesman said the party was currently reviewing its options and would make its next steps known in due course.

“We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” he said.

‘Tell Nigerians Tinubu will run unopposed in 2027’ — Lawyer

Similarly, a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, criticised the INEC over its decision on the leadership crisis in the ADC, alleging a plot to undermine credible elections ahead of 2027.

Effiong, in a post on X on Wednesday, said recent developments surrounding the ADC raised concerns about a “well-orchestrated sinister conspiracy” to truncate a transparent electoral process.

Effiong questioned the basis of the dispute, noting that, according to available information, members of the party’s executive had resigned to pave the way for a new leadership led by Mark and Aregbesola, which was subsequently ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee.

He argued that leadership disputes within political parties had traditionally been regarded as internal matters, raising concerns over judicial intervention in the ADC crisis.

Effiong also referenced the Court of Appeal’s directive for parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, questioning whether this implied a leadership vacuum within the party until the case is resolved.

He further accused INEC of potentially acting in favour of the ruling party, suggesting that the developments could be aimed at weakening opposition ahead of the next general elections.

“Whose script is this INEC playing?

“It seems that the ruling party, which prides itself as having over thirty governors in its fold, is so scared of a fair contestation.

“If it is the desire of INEC for Bola Tinubu to contest as a sole candidate – unopposed, in 2027, let the Commission say so publicly.

“It will save the country the billions of Naira budgeted for the ‘presidential election,” he said.

‘Satanic, wicked’ – Dino Melaye blasts APC

Also, a former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has lashed out at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Reacting via his X account on Wednesday, Melaye described the situation as “satanic and wicked,” alleging that the APC was attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

He stated that the recent political realignments involving Rabiu Kwankwaso and others would expose what he termed the ruling party’s “nefarious” tendencies.

According to him, the opposition figures would resist such moves.

“The movement of Kwankwaso AND others will reveal the nefarious, satanic and wicked characteristics of APC. they will do everything to turn Nigeria to a one party state but we no go gree. All die na die,” Melaye said.

‘ADC like used vehicle riddled with faults’ — Shehu Sani

On his part, former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, likened the ADC to a “used vehicle” beset with multiple problems, amid the party’s deepening leadership crisis.

Sani, in a post on X on Wednesday, said inheriting an existing political party comes with structural challenges, unlike registering a new one.

According to him, “When you buy or inherit a used vehicle, you’ll have to deal with problems associated with the Engine, Break-pads, Tyres, Shaft, Filter and other things.”

“That is the situation of the ADC. That is the difference between registering a new party and inheriting an old one,” he said, adding that such was the situation currently facing the ADC.

Nafiu Bala’s alleged resignation letter surfaces online

Meanwhile, an alleged resignation letter purportedly written by Nafiu Bala, a key figure in the ADC crisis has surfaced online.

In the letter dated May 18, 2025, Bala stated that he had resigned his position as a member of the party’s National Working Committee, with effect from May 26, 2025.

He said the decision was taken to allow for “a smooth and effective coalition and restructuring” within the party.

While the authenticity of the letter could not be independently verified, its emergence comes amid heightened tensions within the ADC leadership.

Confusion, anxiety over INEC ‘freezing of David Mark’s ADC leadership’

Nasarawa Command marks National Police Day with walk, public sensitisation campaign

The Nasarawa State Police Command has intensified community engagement efforts as part of activities marking National Police Day 2026, with a focus on strengthening public trust and promoting social responsibility.

On March 31, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, led officers and men of the command on a 13-kilometre walk across major routes in Lafia, the state capital.

The exercise, which also featured personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps and staff of Premium Trust Bank, provided an avenue for direct interaction between security operatives and residents.

Police authorities said the initiative was aimed at fostering closer ties with the public while encouraging cooperation in tackling security challenges.

The activities continued on April 1 with a public sensitisation campaign at Yahaya Sabo Motor Park and other motor parks across the state.

During the outreach, officers engaged commuters, drivers, and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on issues affecting peace, safety, and societal development.

Addressing participants, the police stated the need for collective responsibility in addressing social vices. They cautioned against reckless driving, noting that avoidable road accidents continue to claim lives.

The command also warned against electoral violence and ballot snatching, describing both as threats to democratic processes. Residents were urged to uphold peaceful conduct during elections.

Other areas highlighted during the campaign included the dangers of gambling addiction, cultism, human trafficking, drug abuse, and cybercrime, all of which the police said have far-reaching consequences on individuals and society.

“Young people must reject criminal tendencies and embrace education, skills acquisition, and legitimate means of livelihood,” the police said during the engagement.

The command reiterated that ensuring security is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order across the state.

Nasarawa Command marks National Police Day with walk, public sensitisation campaign

Uba Sani bags Women In Leadership Summit Award

The Business Day Women in Leadership Summit has given Governor Uba Sani the Leadership and Inclusion Award, for prioritising inclusion as economic wisdom and not an act of charity.

The award ceremony which was attended by government officials, captains of industry and women professionals, was organised in partnership with Brooks and Blake, and The Conversationalists in Lagos.

The theme of this year’s summit is ‘’Give To Gain: Power, Purpose and the Economics of Inclusive Leadership.’’

The summit noted that ‘’Governor Uba Sani has adopted a visionary approach to governance that views gender inclusion not as a mere rhetoric but a vital driver of economic change.

‘’In a country where gender policies are often limited to symbolic gestures, Kaduna now stands out as a pioneering example of what can happen when inclusion is integrated into the core mechanics of governance,’’ the summit noted.

According to the organisers, ‘’what sets Governor Sani apart from his peers is a clarity of vision that is both principled and pragmatic. His administration has boldly declared that women’s exclusion is not only a social injustice, it is a structural economic inefficiency that costs Kaduna dearly.’’

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, noted that the summit’s theme ‘’speaks directly to the heart of sustainable development in our society today.’’

‘’It reminds us that leadership is not merely about authority, but about responsibility—the responsibility to create systems that are fair, inclusive, and empowering for all,’’ he added.

Governor Uba Sani reiterated that his administration ‘’has embraced inclusion not as a slogan, but as a guiding principle for policy design and implementation.

‘’We firmly believe that no society can achieve lasting peace or economic prosperity if significant segments of its population, women and young people, are excluded from opportunities,’’ he said.

According to the Governor, ‘’this belief has informed our strategic focus on human capital development, institutional reform, and economic empowerment.’’

He said that Kaduna State has continued to expand access to education ‘’while improving quality, with deliberate policies aimed at increasing enrolment and retention of the girl child.’’

Governor Uba Sani added that his administration believes that educating a woman is not just a social good, but an economic imperative.

‘’Our Arewa Ladies-4-Tech in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria, for instance, where we trained over 5000 women and girls in AI and digital skills, is a programme we are proud of.

‘’Through it, a good number of these women have secured remote jobs internationally through which they support themselves and their families,’’ he disclosed.

The Governor added that his administration has also established a N5 billion Women Economic Empowerment Fund in the 2025 budget to support women entrepreneurs.

According to him, his Government’s Financial Inclusion Program brought two million underserved persons, largely women, into the banking system to access social intervention programmes, using an Executive Order in 2024.

Governor Uba Sani also disclosed that his government’s “A Kori Talauchi” poverty reduction scheme has supported nearly 4,900 women with livelihood packages.’’

‘’In skills development and job creation, we are investing in innovation-driven programs that equip our youth, including young women, with relevant, future-ready skills.

‘’Through partnerships and technology-driven initiatives, we are building a workforce that is competitive, resilient, and inclusive,’’ he said, adding that the Kaduna State Institute for Vocational Training and Skills Development (KD-IVTSD) has three campuses in three senatorial districts for deeper grassroots penetration.

Uba Sani bags Women In Leadership Summit Award

Five wrongfully sacked police officers seek Akpabio’s intervention after 20 years

Five police officers from Akwa Ibom State, wrongfully dismissed from service since 2007, have made a passionate appeal to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Aniekan Bassey and other National Assembly members from the State.

They are seeking their reinstatement and payment of arrears of salaries, as well as other sundry allowances from 2007 to date.

The court had ordered their reinstatement since 2019.

The officers, including Sunday Okon, Anthony Ebong, Joseph Ede, Victor Ebe and Uduak Sampson, who were duly employed in 2003 into the Nigeria Police Force, were sacked in 2007 on grounds of being illiterates.

According to the petition made available to our correspondent in Uyo, the quintet were recruited into the force as specialists after undergoing police training and found worthy in character, physical fitness and education.

Following the termination of their appointments, they were forced to drag the NPF and Police Service Commission, PSC, to National Industrial Court in suit No. NICN/UY/08/2018, having exhausted all the channels to plead for their reinstatement.

The court, in 2019, ruled in their favour, declaring the purported disengagement null and void and ordered that they be reinstated into the ranks they would have been but for their dismissal.

The court also ordered that all arrears of their salaries and allowances be paid to them.

From the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment obtained by our correspondent in Uyo, the judge, Hon. Justice M. A. Namtari, ruled, “accordingly, the Claimants’ case succeeds in the following terms: it is hereby declared that the dismissal of the Claimants by the Defendants from the Nigeria Police Force without compliance with service rules and without due process is unlawful and unwarranted.

“The Defendants are hereby ordered to immediately reinstate the Claimants into the Nigeria Police Force on the ranks they would have been but for their unlawful dismissal from service.

“The Defendants are hereby ordered and directed to pay each of the Claimants their salaries, allowances and other entitlements from January 2007 till the date of their reinstatement into the Nigeria Police Force.

“This judgment should be complied with within 90 days from today. Judgment entered accordingly. I make no order as to cost.’’

However, seven years after the judgment, nothing has been done to honour the ruling of the court despite repeated correspondences by the claimants to successive Inspectors General of Police and the PSC.

The Claimants why speaking to our correspondent expressed frustrations in the pursuit of justice, saying that all their efforts for the PSC to obey the court order have met a brick wall.

They recalled that former Senator Bassey Albert had brought their matter to the floor of the Senate but nothing was done eventually, even as they noted that most of their colleagues who knew people have been reinstated.

While narrating the hardship and inability to get another job since their dismissal two decades ago, they appealed to the Senate President, to use his good office and benevolence to come to their rescue.

“We are dying here, life has not been easy with us at all. It’s by the grace of God that we are still alive, most of our colleagues have died in the process of litigation.

“We are not illiterate, we can read and write, besides we were employed based on trade test because we came in as specialists.

“We are begging our dear brother, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Hon Clement Jimbo, Hon Mark Esset and all our lawmakers at the National Assembly to come to our rescue.

“All we want is for the PSC to obey the court order since the case was not appealed,” they pleaded.

Five wrongfully sacked police officers seek Akpabio’s intervention after 20 years

20,000 apply for 4,000 temporary teaching positions in Jigawa

No fewer than 19,966 applicants have sought placement in the Jigawa State J-TEACH Batch C programme, even as only 4,000 candidates are expected to be shortlisted.

The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, made this known during an interview with Freedom Radio while outlining preparations for the screening exercise.

He explained that the J-TEACH initiative is a compulsory two-year teaching programme designed to train participants, after which successful candidates may be offered permanent employment.

The programme, he noted, is aimed at strengthening the quality of teaching personnel in the state.

According to him “breakdown of the applicants shows 7,450 single males, 5,433 married males, and 2,503 single females, while figures for married female applicants are still being compiled.

“15,285 candidates have been slated to sit for the recruitment examination scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, across eight designated centres”

These include three centres at the Federal University Dutse, Sule Lamido University in Kafin Hausa, Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic in Hadejia, the Jigawa State College of Education in Gumel, as well as centres in Kazaure and Babura.

Prof. Musa further clarified that not all applicants will take part in the examination. About 4, 681 candidates will undergo direct screening without sitting for the test, while the records of 4,444 previously registered applicants will be reused.

He added that candidates who had taken part in earlier exercises but were not selected due to limited slots in their local government areas would not be required to retake the exam, as their previous results would be reconsidered.

The SUBEB chairman also revealed that 102 individuals earlier recruited but found with discrepancies in their documents would be granted another chance for verification.

He, however, warned applicants against submitting falsified credentials, stressing that anyone caught would face legal consequences.

The initiative, he said, is part of the Jigawa State Government’s effort to address the shortage of teachers across the state.

20,000 apply for 4,000 temporary teaching positions in Jigawa

Aiyedatiwa receives proposal to upgrade Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to university in Ondo

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has received a proposal for the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.

The development was disclosed in a post shared on the official X page of the Ondo State Government, indicating plans to reposition the institution to meet growing educational and developmental needs.

According to the governor, the proposed upgrade is a strategic move aimed at strengthening growth in agriculture, science, and technology within the state.

He noted that the plan is well structured, with clear academic, financial, and infrastructural frameworks already outlined.

“The proposed university is a strategic step to boost development in agriculture, science and technology, with a clear academic, financial and infrastructural framework,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He also stressed the importance of innovation and emerging technologies in modern education, urging that the transition process be handled carefully to protect the interests of current students.

According to the statement, the proposal was presented by a committee led by Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who explained that the move is expected to address the increasing demand for university education and improve the institution’s global competitiveness.

He further noted that the proposal includes the creation of multiple faculties, alongside a five-year sustainability plan to ensure smooth operation of the institution.

“The upgrade will meet the rising demand for university education and position the institution for global competitiveness,” he said.

The committee further said a draft law is awaiting approval from the National Universities Commission NUC.

Aiyedatiwa receives proposal to upgrade Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to university in Ondo

Zenith Bank, Ford Foundation Honour Unsung ‘Sheroes’ with Inaugural Woman of Power Award

On Saturday, March 28 2026, Zenith Bank held the climax of its month-long activities to commemorate March as women’s month. The event which held at The Civic Centre, was the second of such activity at the Centre, having held the International Women Day Seminar on the 9th of March, 2026. The event was to honour and give awards to exceptional women who have shown resilience in their communities with heir vocation impacting lives sustainably.
Speakers after speakers eulogized Zenith Bank for its people-centred activities and appreciated the Ford Foundation for identifying the Bank as a worthy partner in its push to support women in their peculiar cultural and economic conditions across the world.

Themed “Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity” the award recognised 19 women who were selected from the six geo-political zones in trade, petty manufacturing, education, and agriculture. These women demonstrated extraordinary strength, leadership, and impact despite the significant challenges posed by the difficult economic situation in the country.

According to the organisers, the initiative provided a platform to showcase unsung “Sheroes” — everyday women who are making meaningful contributions in their communities and fields. These include market women, small-scale business owners, community leaders, educators, healthcare workers, and many others whose vital roles often go unnoticed.

The sponsors of the event noted that each awardee exhibited excellence in several key areas, including leadership and initiative, community impact, innovativeness and resourcefulness, perseverance, integrity, community trust, and philanthropy.

Among those honoured were:

• Mrs Regina Amankulor, a retired nurse empowering young people in Umuode-Nsulu community, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State;
• Mary Matanmi, Coordinator of the Nigeria Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists, Lagos State chapter;
• Ifeanyi P. Ugwueze, a Guidance Counsellor and Life Coach who continues to thrive despite blindness and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree.
  Others include:
• Amina Musa, a trade educator based in Karonmajiji, AMAC, Abuja;
• Adenike A. Lambo, the Iyaloja of Ilorin;
• Sadiya Abubakar, an educator in Jibi (Deidei), Bwari Area Council, FCT;
• Erikan Idem Andrew, a market woman with significant community impact in Port Harcourt;
• Ngozi B. Nwankpa, an Aba-based fashion designer;
• Hadiza Umar, a Development Specialist based in Kaduna, Kaduna State;
• Joy C. Ezenwa (aka Mama Amala), a trader at Sabon Gari Market, Kano;
• Shola Esther Babalola (Mama Sho), promoter of natural honey and founder of the Mama Sho Honey brand in Lagos;
• Josephine Ugwu, a staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), honoured for her honesty in recovering and returning millions of naira mistakenly dropped by passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
• And many others.

In her keynote address, the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, who was represented by Executive Director, Adobi Nwapa, praised the awardees and reaffirmed the bank’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment. She noted that “Zenith Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion is not a rhetoric but one of the ethos that the bank holds very dearly”. In her words, she also said, “Zenith Bank has a 50-50 gender ratio with women occupying strategic positions in the bank’s management and Board up to the current Group Managing Director being the very first female to hold that position.

The Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu, described the Woman of Power Award as an eye-opener, noting that her team’s journey across the country revealed the vast and often overlooked facets of human potential among Nigerian women.

Both the Ford Foundation and Zenith Bank Plc have pledged to sustain and grow the initiative in the coming years.

Zenith Bank used the forum to notify the women of their various women-targeted products and initiatives, including the Z-Woman initiative, and the Bank’s 19-year sole sponsorship of the NBBF Women’s Basketball League; thus, further highlighting its position at the forefront of women empowerment and economic inclusion across the country.

Zenith Bank, Ford Foundation Honour Unsung ‘Sheroes’ with Inaugural Woman of Power Award

Zedcrest Appoints Ademola Akogun as Managing Director, Investment Banking

Zedcrest Group, a leading financial services company, has taken a significant step in its strategic expansion with its Board’s approval of Ademola Akogun’s appointment as Managing Director, Investment Banking.

This milestone follows the successful acquisition of the company’s Issuing House license, marking a pivotal expansion of its capabilities. With this, Zedcrest is now positioned to deliver end-to-end investment banking solutions, including capital raising, structured finance, and advisory services.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Zedcrest Head Office in Lagos, the Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, CFA, while making the announcement, also noted that the appointment will now be vetted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

L-R: Ademola Akogun, Managing Director, Zedcrest Investment Banking & Adedayo Amzat, CFA, Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group

According to the Amzat, “Ademola’s appointment marks a significant step in Zedcrest’s journey to build a world-class investment banking franchise. He brings deep market insight, extensive experience, and a proven track record in executing complex transactions. We are confident that his leadership will accelerate our growth and further enhance the value we deliver to our clients and stakeholders.”

Ademola Akogun brings over a decade of experience spanning infrastructure finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory. He joins Zedcrest from Quest Merchant Bank Limited, where he served as Head of Financial Advisory & Debt Solutions, leading the origination and execution of complex transactions across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

Prior to this, he was Vice President, Investment at EverCorp Industries, where he led investment strategy, deal structuring, and portfolio management across a diversified energy portfolio, including upstream oil and gas assets, gas distribution infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.

Ademola began his career at Vetiva Capital Management and became a Senior Analyst in the Corporate Finance/Investment Banking Division in two years. At Vetiva, he played a key role in executing buy and sell-side transactions across major sectors. He also developed robust financial models, supported capital raising, mergers and acquisition deals, and contributed to strategic decision-making through detailed market and industry analyses.
He later joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC Nigeria) as an Assistant Manager in Corporate Finance, where he supported the origination and led the execution of mergers and acquisition deals, capital raising and financial advisory mandates across anglophone West African markets.

Akogun holds a Master’s degree in Economics (Energy Specialisation) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Education) from the University of Lagos. He has also completed executive and professional programmes at Lagos Business School and Bocconi University, further strengthening his expertise in infrastructure finance and strategic management.

With its expanded capabilities, Zedcrest is poised to play a more active role in shaping capital markets and supporting enterprise growth across Africa. Through its Investment Banking business, the Group will provide tailored financial solutions that enable businesses, institutions, and governments to raise capital, execute strategic transactions, and unlock long-term value across key sectors.

About Zedcrest Group

Founded in 2013, Zedcrest Group offers its diverse clientele a broad range of financial solutions, which include Asset Management, Investment Banking, Securities, and Financing. These services are provided through its subsidiaries: Zedcrest Investment Managers (Zedcrest Wealth), Zedcrest Global Markets, Zedcrest Securities, Zedcrest Capital, and Zedvance Finance. For more information, visit www.zedcrest.com.

Zedcrest Appoints Ademola Akogun as Managing Director, Investment Banking

NELFUND clears air on increase in stipend from N20,000 monthly

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NEFLUND, has debunked speculations claiming it has increased its monthly upkeep allowance for student beneficiaries.

In a statement on Monday, they clarified that the approved monthly stipend remains N20,000.

There have been reports that it was increased to N25,000.

The statement signed by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, read, “The approved upkeep allowance remains N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira) monthly, and not N25,000 as being reported.”

NELFUND advised students to ignore unverified claims and confirm on their official communication platforms for accurate updates.

“Students are advised to disregard any contrary information and rely only on official NELFUND communication channels for accurate updates,” the statement added.

NELFUND clears air on increase in stipend from N20,000 monthly

FG awards N2.5bn to 45 student ventures at 2026 S-VCG Bootcamp in Lagos

The Federal Government has awarded N2.5 billion in grants to 45 outstanding student ventures at the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant S-VCG Bootcamp and Awards, held at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Lagos.

The winners were selected from a pool of 65 finalists after a rigorous screening process, according to a statement shared on the Federal Ministry of Education’s official page.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to turning tertiary institutions into hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship and practical problem solving as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Beneficiaries can access up to ₦50 million in equity-free funding, alongside mentorship, incubation support and digital tools. With over 30,000 applications from 404 institutions,” Alausa said.

According to the statement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, highlighted the role of digital innovation in shaping future businesses, while Suwaiba Said Ahmad praised the finalists for their creativity and determination.

Other stakeholders, including Muntari Dandutse and Elsie Attafuah, urged continued investment in youth-driven innovation to sustain momentum and support the country’s economic growth.

FG awards N2.5bn to 45 student ventures at 2026 S-VCG Bootcamp in Lagos