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Category: Metro News

  • CUPP, others demand immediate release of Sowore

    CUPP, others demand immediate release of Sowore

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigerian Police.

    In a separate statement, Thursday in Abuja, Arewa Youth Ambassadors also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore.

    CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that Sowore’s arrest was unconstitutional and must not be allowed to stand.

    Ameh noted that Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was entitled to freedom of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution.

    He said the law guarantees the right to hold opinions and share ideas freely, without fear or interference from any authority.

    “This arrest is a clear abuse of power and violates the principles of justice and accountability enshrined in our Constitution,” Ameh stated.

    He added that the police must explain the reasons behind Sowore’s arrest to the public.

    “Denying him bail is unjustifiable and reflects a dangerous use of power aimed at suppressing dissent,” he said.

    Ameh insisted that Sowore must be released immediately and unconditionally, or charged to court if there is any legitimate case.

    He further questioned how someone could attain the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police within just 10 years of service.

    Such a rapid promotion, he argued, raises valid concerns about systemic corruption and favouritism within the police structure.

    Ameh called for a public inquiry to ensure fairness and transparency in promotions within the Nigerian Police Force.

    He said using the police to harass or silence citizens should be condemned by every well-meaning Nigerian.

    “Accountability is our collective duty, and we must resist any attempts to stifle free speech,” he added.

    Ameh urged the Nigerian Police to uphold the rule of law and stop serving as a tool for oppression. 

    In a statement signed by their National Coordinator, Yahaya Abdullahi, Arewa Youth Ambassadors berated Sowore’s continued detention.

    The group therefore gave the federal authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release Sowore or face protests across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According the group, Sowore’s arrest was part of a pattern of harassment, alleging that state institutions were being misused to suppress dissent.

    Nigerian Anchor checks reveal that as of this Friday morning, Sowore remains in detention at a police facility in Abuja.

  • ‘One-way’ driver kills tri-cyclist, flees scene – LASTMA

    ‘One-way’ driver kills tri-cyclist, flees scene – LASTMA

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a one-way SUV driver fled after colliding with a tricycle operator, resulting in the operator’s tragic death.

    LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in a statement on Sunday by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs.

    Bakare-Oki stated the fatal crash occurred at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway corridor in Lagos State.

    The crash involved a commercial tricycle with registration MUS 716 QM and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV with the custom plate “OSUNFNKE.”

    Preliminary findings indicate the SUV driver was travelling in the wrong direction — commonly known as “one-way” — from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo, flouting traffic rules.

    According to Bakare- Oki, this serious violation led to a head-on collision with the oncoming tricycle, resulting in fatal injuries to the tricycle operator.

    The operator suffered severe trauma, including a dislocated knee, and was confirmed dead at the scene.

    “In a shocking act of negligence, the SUV driver abandoned both his vehicle and the victim’s body and fled the scene.

    “LASTMA officials quickly secured the site and escalated the matter to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “Police officers promptly took over the location, while the Federal Road Safety Corps transported the body to Badagry General Hospital mortuary.

    “To clear traffic, the damaged tricycle and SUV were removed by LASTMA and handed to police for investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki condemned the incident, calling the driver’s conduct a grave threat to public safety and a breach of transport laws.

    “This death highlights the deadly consequences of traffic lawlessness,” he said, expressing deep sorrow over the avoidable loss of life.

    He lamented that, in spite of ongoing campaigns and enforcement, some drivers still display reckless disregard for traffic rules and other road users.

    He reaffirmed LASTMA’s mission to ensure safer roads through active traffic control, public education, and strict law enforcement.

    “This tragedy could’ve been avoided had the driver obeyed traffic signs and regulations,” Bakare-Oki stated.

    He urged motorists to act responsibly, noting that even one life lost is a tragedy too many.

    The general manager offered sincere condolences to the deceased’s family, praying they find strength and peace in their grief.

    LASTMA reminded all road users to respect life and avoid dangerous acts like one-way driving that endanger public safety.

  • President Tinubu bags lifetime African achievement award

    President Tinubu bags lifetime African achievement award

    President Bola Tinubu has bagged the Lifetime African Achievement award from the Millennium Excellence Foundation based in Ghana.

    Tinubu while receiving the award commended patron of the Foundation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation extended to him and the success of the event put together by the Foundation.

    The president represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the award as special guest of honour during the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize, in Kumasi, Ghana.

    Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the Millennium Excellence Prize ceremony, in Kumasi, Ghana. (Source: NAN)

    Tinubu said, “I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service, and excellence that underpin its work.

    “Specifically, the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continent and inspired generations.

    “It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Dr Mo Ibrahim, among others.”

    He charged the young generation of Africans to rise with courage towards contributing their quota in making the African continent a more united, peaceful and prosperous one.

    He emphasised the need for such contribution to be carried out in the area of science,  technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship and arts.

    He further called on Africans to always work closely together in shaping their shared destiny, while urging the event organisers to continue to inspire excellence, uphold values of leadership with service and invest in the youth to foster collaboration across borders.

    “The award ceremony had from inception in 1988 remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent.

    “It’s mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria and indeed, all African nations,” he added.

    The event featured presentation of the Lifetime African Achievement Prize to Tinubu, the global intra-African trade excellence in Africa to the President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr Benedict Oramah.

    Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service, the Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, received African Excellence in Business, while Mr Dumo Lulu-Briggs, received African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence award. 

  • NYCN constitutes Nasarawa State caretaker executive committee

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has constituted a caretaker committee led by Comrade Solomon Damina-John, to temporarily steer the affairs of its Nasarawa State chapter following a court order stopping its elective congress.

    Amb. Sara-Igbe Sukubo, National President, NYCN, announced this during a press conference on Saturday in Lafia.

    Represented by the Deputy National President, Amb. Innocent Nduanya, the president, said the decision to appoint the caretaker committee followed an order by a Nasarawa State High Court temporarily stopping the elective congress scheduled to be held on May 10.

    She said the appointment of the committee was to ensure that there was no vacuum pending the resolution of the litigations over congress.

    “The appointment takes immediate effect, pending further notice and the resolution of the ongoing litigation regarding the elective congress of the NYCN in the state,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, had issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr Yakubu Kwanta, suspending the elective congress.

    According to the statement, the suspension was in obedience to an interim injunction issued by a State High Court sitting in Keffi, restraining the conduct of the exercise.

    The restraining order follows an ex-parte motion filed by one Muhammad Jaafar-Loko and seven others.

    Alhassan also cited a pending court case at the State High Court, Obi, which was instituted by a former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Idris Ojoko, over his alleged illegal removal, as a reason for suspending the electoral congress till further notice.

    The permanent secretary added that the decision was in obedience to the rule of law and maintenance of peace, as entrenched in the culture of the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration. 

  • Tinubu urges enforcement of child protection laws, launches Action Plan

    Tinubu urges enforcement of child protection laws, launches Action Plan

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for the strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other child protection laws that safeguard the safety, dignity, and future of Nigerian children.

    Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu made the call during the inauguration of the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria, in Abuja.

    He said his administration was strengthening existing institutions and laws while launching national campaigns to raise awareness and drive behavioural change.

    Tinubu revealed that his government had established a dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency and introduced the Universal Child Grant to reduce household poverty and protect vulnerable children.

    He added that a National Child Protection Database and a Child Well-being Index had been created to monitor government progress and promote accountability.

    “Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid the statutory foundation for child protection

    “But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable, it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference,” he stated.

    He stressed that the national strategy also included prevention and early intervention through programmes aimed at supporting families, promoting positive parenting, and challenging harmful social norms.

    Tinubu assured that key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, had been equipped with the necessary training and resources to lead efforts to protect Nigerian children at all levels of governance.

    “This is a crusade that demands sincerity and honesty.

    “We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability. The real hope lies in action, concrete, deliberate action,” he said.

    He also noted the significance of the first regional meeting of Africa’s Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

    He described the meeting as a renewed push for the implementation of the commitments made during the First Global Ministerial Conference in Bogotá.

    Earlier, Dr Najat M’jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, called on African leaders to move beyond verbal commitments and take concrete action to protect children from violence and exploitation.

    She urged delegates and participants to prioritise peer learning, strategy sharing, and collective action as ways to overcome common challenges and ensure sustainable child protection efforts across Africa.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Ms. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the country’s commitment and outlined progress made since the Bogotá conference in Nov. 2024.

    She highlighted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was strengthening legal frameworks, scaling up the Safe Schools Programme, expanding parenting interventions, and increasing budgetary allocations to child protection systems.

    “Through our renewed National Child Policy Framework, currently under review, and our adopted National Strategy and Costed Action Plan to End Child Marriage in Nigeria, we are laying the foundation for more accountable, inclusive, and data-driven action.”

  • Tinubu pledges nationwide road infrastructure boost

    Tinubu pledges nationwide road infrastructure boost

    President Bola Tinubu says his vision is to complete and expand all key road infrastructure projects across Nigeria to improve nationwide connectivity.

    Represented by the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, Tinubu stated this on Sunday during the inauguration of section two of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project.

    The President said the road is a vital link between the North and South, and the government is committed to easing travel across the country.

    “My vision is to overhaul Nigeria’s roadways by completing and expanding critical infrastructure projects nationwide,” Tinubu stated.

    He acknowledged that some projects began under past administrations but praised his government for refining partnerships, addressing funding issues, and setting new completion timelines.

    “In almost two years, we’ve awarded several new road projects, many of which have already been completed to boost trade, productivity, and regional development,” Tinubu said.

    He added that no part of Nigeria is being neglected in the ongoing infrastructure upgrades sweeping across the nation under his leadership.

    Tinubu said Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria have especially benefited from major infrastructure improvements since his administration began.

    He highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway as a landmark project and one of Nigeria’s most critical road networks.

    The road connects the Federal Capital Territory with about 12 states across the north-central, northwest, and northeast, aiding both economic and social development.

    Also, Tinubu approved an 11-kilometre extension to connect the road to Aminu Kano International Airport.

    He also added 10 kilometres at the start of section one, between Kogi State and Abuja, for greater coverage.

    Tinubu directed that solar-powered lights be installed throughout the road for safety and illumination.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised Tinubu’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially in the road sector.

    Umahi revealed that the 700-kilometre road would be completed using concrete-reinforced pavement within 14 months.

    He said the project spans 350 kilometres each way from Abuja, passing through Niger State to Kaduna, Zaria, and ending in Kano.

    The minister confirmed that Julius Berger had completed 480 kilometres of the Kano section, with 280 kilometres remaining to be done.

    Umahi stated that construction of sections one and three, totalling 118 kilometres, had been awarded for N252 billion with 30 per cent upfront payment to Infiouest.

    He added that section two, 82 kilometres each way (164 kilometres total), had been flagged off at a cost of N525 billion.

    The entire road project, close to a trillion naira in total, is being executed by Infiouest, which Umahi endorsed as reliable.

    Umahi assured Nigerians of progress and said the ministry would return in 30 days to assess the ongoing work.

    He disclosed plans for zonal engagements across the six geopolitical zones to report on road and bridge achievements under the Tinubu administration.

    Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

    Goronyo called Tinubu a leader for all regions, with dedication to every corner of the country.

    “We deeply appreciate your efforts; your impact is felt nationwide,” Goronyo said.

    He commended Tinubu for projects in Illela, Sokoto, Lagos, and Badagry, highlighting them as part of major legacy superhighways.

    “This is a performing President, bringing renewed hope and positive change to Nigerian lives,” Goronyo added.

    He encouraged communities to support the contractors, governors, and the president in building a prosperous and transformed Nigeria.

  • Matawalle donates N500m to Zamfara APC supporters

    Matawalle donates N500m to Zamfara APC supporters

    Former governor and Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle has donated N500 million to supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara.

    The Special Adviser to the Minister on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaliki made the disclosure at a news briefing on Friday in Gusau.

    Danmaliki said a total of 2,800 APC supporters and beneficiaries drawn from the 14 Local Government Areas of the state received N100,000 each.

    He added that 114 political office holders from six local government area of Maradun, Bakura, Talata Mafara, Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi received N250,000 each.

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    Media reports indicate that the six benefiting council areas form Zamfara West, are from the minister’s senatorial zone.

    Danmaliki said that 80 beneficiaries were also selected from the rest of the area councils including Shinkafi, Birnin-Magaji, Kaura-Namoda, Maru, Zurmi, Tsafe, Gusau and Bungudu.

    According to him, the beneficiaries also included the vulnerable, women, youths and the physically challenged.

    He said the minister made the package cash to compliment the gesture of other party chieftains that shared food items and clothing materials.

    He said the cash would assist beneficiaries meet other obligations in terms of purchases during the holy month of Ramadan.

  • Female architects seek gender equality in built sector

    Female architects seek gender equality in built sector

    The Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) have called for equal representation and economic empowerment for women in the built sector to bridge the gender gap.

    FAN President, Ene Agada, made this call at an event in Abuja marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD). The gathering focused on gender equity and inclusion.

    The event, with the theme ‘Accelerate Action: Closing Gaps, Creating Opportunities’, brought together female architects and women in the built environment to celebrate, learn, and drive meaningful change.

    Agada emphasised the urgent need to bridge gender gaps in leadership, business opportunities, and decision-making roles across all sectors.

    “Two critical objectives are ensuring women’s right to speak and teach, and fostering an inclusive society where diversity is reflected in leadership and decision-making,” she said.

    She urged women to challenge the status quo, support one another, and advocate for systemic change in organisations and communities.

    Ms Dada Alamutu, the keynote speaker, expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow progress in implementing gender-equality policies despite being a signatory to international agreements.

    She noted that while progress had been made in entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, true equality required stronger legal frameworks and better policy implementation.

    “Women occupy less than five percent of leadership positions in the country. In the corporate sector, only 3.97 percent of women hold senior management roles,” she said.

    She also highlighted political under-representation, noting that the 2023 elections saw only four women elected as deputy governors across 36 states.

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    Alamutu further pointed out challenges in education, as millions of girls remain out of school, particularly in rural areas, limiting their future opportunities.

    She stressed that violence against women remains a major concern and called for deliberate action to improve inclusion across all sectors.

    Second Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adamu, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened gender disparities.

    Adamu, represented by Chioma Ogboniya, said many women faced job losses, increased domestic violence, and economic insecurity due to the crisis.

    “Without firm legislative backing and societal commitment, gender equality will remain an unfulfilled promise,” she added.

    She urged stakeholders to take action beyond political and economic spheres to achieve meaningful change.

    The Nigerian Anchor reports that grassroots organisations, female leaders, academics, and media professionals were recognised for their efforts in advancing gender rights.

    Grace Ike, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, stressed the role of patriotism in shaping narratives around gender equality.

    “Let us not just commemorate this day. Let us make every day count for the women who still struggle to be heard, seen, and valued,” she urged.

    Ike called on the media to amplify women’s voices and hold policymakers accountable in the fight for gender equality.

  • Ogun truck collision kills 1, 3 Injured—FRSC

    Ogun truck collision kills 1, 3 Injured—FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogun State Sector Command, has reported that one person died and three others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a truck accident near the SWAT office, opposite OOPL, on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.

    The sector command’s spokesperson, Mrs Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday in Abeokuta.

    Okpe stated that the crash occurred at about 4:20 a.m. and involved a Zino truck and a Volvo truck, both without registration numbers.

    She attributed the accident to brake failure and loss of control, which led to the collision.

    She stated that nine men were involved in the accident, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.

    Okpe added that the injured victims were taken to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, while the deceased was deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

    She quoted the FRSC sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, as advising motorists to conduct daily vehicle checks before setting out.

    “He further urged both motorists and passengers to prioritise safety while using the roads,” she added.