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Category: News

  • World Breastfeeding Week: Youth groups hold awareness walk in Kano

    U-Reporters and other youth groups on Friday staged awareness rallies across Kano metropolis to commemorate the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.

    U-Reporters have been involved in initiatives related to child malnutrition, vaccination advocacy, and raising awareness about Child Protection Law.

    The rallies, held simultaneously from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, were aimed at sensitising residents on developmental benefits of breastfeeding for children and mothers.

    Leader of the group at Hadeja Road, Abdullahi Umar, said the walk was part of efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding, in line with the 2025 theme: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.’’

    He urged community leaders, health workers and policymakers to create enabling environments for breastfeeding to improve child survival rates and maternal health outcomes.

    Similarly, the Team Lead at Kofar Nasarawa, Umar Faruk, said that the campaign aimed at raising awareness on the importance of breastfeeding.

    According to him, messages were delivered in multiple local languages to ensure inclusiveness and understanding.

    Another participant, Aisha Ismael, said the road walk reinforced the need for collective action in supporting mothers and infants in all settings.

    She added that the campaign sought to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding and to advocate for supportive environments.

    Some of the participants who spoke to Nigerian Anchor said the street activations were also meant to enlighten the public on the developmental benefits of breastfeeding for children and mothers.

    The events took place at 11 strategic locations in the state- Dangi Roundabout; KSIP Roundabout on Ahmadu Bello Way; Triumph Roundabout; and First Bank Roundabout on Lagos Street.

    Others are Hotoro Roundabout (Eastern Bypass); Government House Roundabout, State Road; Abubakar Rimi Market Gate (Sabon Gari Market); Kofar Gadon Kaya on Aminu Kano Way; and Kofar Nasarawa on the road to the Emir’s Palace. 

  • Police traffic warden gifted N.5m for exceptional service

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Ikemefuna Jewish Organisation, has presented a N500,000 award to Insp. Uche Chidiebere, a Police traffic warden in Owerri, for his dedication and professionalism in traffic management.

    Presenting the cash gift on Friday, leader of the NGO, Ikemefuna Mbelu also handed a plaque to Chidiebere, commending his integrity, hard work, and exceptional service to the public while urging other officers to emulate him.

    Media report indicates that Chidiebere is stationed at the Warehouse Junction in Owerri.

    “His professionalism and kindness have earned him the respect and admiration of the public, making him a true hero on the highway.

    “Through his tireless efforts, Insp. Chidiebere has made a significant impact on the daily lives of Owerri residents and commuters alike.

    “His dedication to public service is an inspiration to his colleagues and a shining example of the positive difference one individual can make,” Mbelu said.

    In his remark, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, commended Chidiebere’s exemplary conduct, describing it as a “reflection of the ideals of the Nigeria Police Force”.

    Danjuma emphasised that personnel must always uphold the core values of hard work, discipline, and public service.

    The Police boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, rewarding excellence, and building strong community partnerships for safety.

    “Officers are encouraged to emulate Insp. Chidiebere’s dedication, while we urge the public to continue supporting security agencies for a safer Imo state,” Danjuma said.

    The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Udensi Oji, also applauded the officer’s effort.

    Oji advocated for greater recognition of frontline traffic managers, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring public safety on a daily basis.

    Responding, the elated and joy-filled Chidiebere expressed his gratitude to Danjuma and the Ikemefuna Jewish Organisation for finding him worthy of recognition.

    He pledged to remain committed to serving the public diligently and upholding the values of the Nigeria Police Force.

  • U.S Consul-General hails Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute for leadership legacy

    The Consul-General of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Joellen Gorg, has described the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) as a beacon of transformational leadership and ethical governance.

    Gorg said that the institute was a great legacy of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Prof. Elvis Otobo, the Media Consultant to the institute, on Friday.

    The consul-general made the commendation during a high-level engagement with representatives and stakeholders of the institute.

    She expressed delight at the institute’s mission of nurturing leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges while upholding Africa’s rich heritage and intellectual legacy.

    “OOLI represents a forward-thinking platform that not only champions ethical leadership in Africa but also cultivates dialogue and collaboration across borders.

    “I fully embrace the vision behind its founding and welcome future partnerships to broaden its international reach,” Gorg said.

    According to her, discussions are being made to explore joint initiatives that will expand the institute’s influence and incorporate global best practices.

    In his response, Deputy Chief Executive of OOLI, Prof. Adedeji Daramola, expressed gratitude for the consul-general’s commendation.

    He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to raising a new generation of servant-leaders grounded in integrity, innovation and resilience.

    “As OOLI continues its rise as a continental force in leadership education, this international acknowledgment sets the tone for deeper engagement and transformative partnerships that reflect Africa’s strategic role in global affairs.

    “The institute’s growing recognition further strengthens its place as a catalyst for change in leadership across the continent,” Daramola said. 

  • INEC to hold continuous voter registration nationwide

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its to commence Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in 811 centres nationwide.

    Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement issued after the commission’s regular meeting in Abuja.

    Olumekun stated that for easy identification, INEC would be deploying an online CVR Live Locator to assist citizens locate their registration centres nationwide.

    He noted that as earlier announced by the INEC, the CVR would resume on Aug. 18 with the online pre-registration, while the in-person registration option would follow a week later on Aug. 25.

    “Thereafter, the two processes will continue simultaneously for a year until Aug. 30.

    “The exercise will hold in 811 centres made up of our 774 Local Government, 36 States and FCT offices nationwide from 9am to 3p.m (Monday to Friday) every week with the exception of national public holidays.

    “The locator will go live a day to the commencement of the CVR on Aug.17, 2025 and can be accessed at the following address https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/locator,’’ he said.

    Olumekun added that the commission on Thursday uploaded a 38-page document to its website and other official online platforms indicating the addresses of the 811 in-person registration centres nationwide.

    “Similarly, dedicated telephone numbers have been given for each state of the federation to serve as help desk for citizens that require further clarification.

    “The procedure for both the online and in-person registrations remains the same as was the case in 2022.

    “Detailed information on the process, including video clips, will once again be released by the commission next week,” Olumekun said.

    The national commissioner also disclosed that after the July 23 update on requests for party registration, the commission had received eight more letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

    This according to him brought the number received so far to 151.

    He noted that details of the latest requests, indicating their proposed names, acronyms, logos, addresses and interim leaderships of the associations, had also being uploaded to the commission website and other online platforms for public information.

    “Having created the portal for party registration, the commission has commenced the shortlisting of the associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage.

    “Details will be released immediately after the 16 bye-elections in 12 states scheduled for Saturday Aug. 16.
    Olumekun reassured Nigerians that the commission would continue to keep citizens informed on all its activities.

  • 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.

  • Upload our candidates on your portal – LP urges INEC

    Upload our candidates on your portal – LP urges INEC

    Mr  Peter Ugwu, Chairman of Labour Party in the FCT, has called on the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload its candidates for the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for  Feb.26, 2026 on its portal.

    Ugwu said this when members of the party staged a peaceful protest to INEC office on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that INEC’s delay in doing the needful was distorting  the party’s  arrangements  towards the forthcoming election.

    “We, in the FCT, conducted primaries and elected candidates for this election. Sadly, while the names of candidates of other political parties have been uploaded on the INEC portal, ours is not. INEC should correct this anomaly.

    “We came to appeal to the national chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu  to upload our candidates names for the FCT Area Council elections that will be coming up on  February 26, 2026.

    “We plead with  INEC to do it  very fast, so that we will join other political parties to make sure that this election is conducted properly and successfully,” he said.

    Mrs Success Onyeze, FCT Women Leader and the party’s aspirant for the chairmanship position at the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Kingsley Okeke said the party’s primary election was free and fair.

    According to them, the party members were  surprised  not to see their candidates’ names on INEC portal, which is  why they were at the INEC office to register their grievances.

    “We have contained our crowd, because we are peaceful people. We know Labour Party as a peaceful party.We have come to appeal to Prof. Yakubu to do the right thing.

    “Barr. Julius Abure remains the national chairman of the Labour Party, and we are here peacefully to plead that our names are uploaded for the forthcoming election so that we  can represent our people.

    “We know the other parties are afraid of Labour Party.

    “It is obvious that the Labour Party owns FCT and the FCT belongs to the Labour Party.We are appealing to INEC chairman to  hereby upload our candidates because LP is a registered party and it is legally recognised,” they said.

    He appealed to INEC to adhere to the constitution of the land.

    In his response, INEC’s National Commissioner, who represented the Chairman, Abdulahi Zuru promised that the message of the protesters would be communicated to the leadership of the commission.

  • EFCC to beam searchlight on real estate sector – Olukoyede

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will carry out a thorough investigation into the real estate sector of Nigeria’s economy as part of concerted effort to curb corruption.

    Mr Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of EFCC, made this known at an event organised by the Law Corridor Firm on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Olukoyede in his keynote address on “Policy Dialogue on the Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem, said the investigations will begin in the Federal Capital Territory.

    He added that the agency would collaborate with other sectors and stakeholders in the real estate sector to ensure that the investigations are thorough.

    “This action is to determine real owners of lands across the FCT and possibly identify whether the estates are products of illicit transactions.

    “Some of the estates in Abuja have been abandoned because they were being funded by some civil servants through stolen public funds and having either lost their jobs or had the source of illicit funds blocked’’.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to collaborate with the EFCC as is being done by the Law Corridor Firm, to fish out the criminals using real estate sector to launder stolen public funds.

    He noted that preliminary investigations had already revealed that some business ventures, including real estate, were established to scam innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians.

    He promised that such businesses would be brought down at the end of the investigations and assured that the anti-corruption agency will throw its full weight behind genuine businesses.

    “Efforts are already on with bankers in the country to reduce lending rates for companies to survive in the country.

    “Bankers will be encouraged to opt for single digit lending rates for genuine businesses to create room for employment and reduce the propensity to commit crime by the youths.

    “Let me say it here that those who set up businesses with the primary motive to scam unsuspecting Nigerians, would be brought down’’.

    He said that statistics of real estate would be obtained and a comprehensive register of owners developed because operationalization is key to real estate growth.

    “It is only in Nigeria that you will see a civil servant owning a property of N500 million and nobody asks questions for baseless fears of uncertainties.

    “We can make things work in Nigeria, the mentality of let go in corruption must be changed. We must form ourselves into pressure groups to make the fight against corruption more meaningful’’.

    He appealed to the federal and state governments to set up special funds to support growth of the real estate sector, adding that concrete efforts must be made to make the sector survive.

    He counselled investors to always follow due process so as not to fall victim to fraudsters.

    “I have seen foreign investors establishing banks in Nigeria with clean record, clean documentation and clean compliance with the law.

    “We in EFCC don’t disturb such financial institutions but we move against the ones built on fraud’’.

    Mr Ayokunle Erin, the Practice Group Lead, Real Estate, Construction and Infrastructure of the Law Corridor, had earlier noted that the policy dialogue was to herald the evolution of Nigeria real estate ecosystem.

    Erin said the move was with a view to making the sector a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.

    “The real estate sector bears more than just concrete structures and land registries but it is an economic power house that directly influences urban development, job creation, wealth distribution and social stability’’.

    He revealed that Nigeria’s current housing deficit stood at between 17 to 20 million housing units with a required annual delivery of 700,000 units to meet the demand.

    He added that the output unfortunately falls drastically short, with Abuja having only about 5000 new units constructed in 2024, to satisfy less than 10 percent of the needs in the FCT.

    “The gaps reflected deep rooted policy failure, regulatory lapses and legal ambiguities that continue to embolden fraudsters, quacks and unlicensed agents’’.

    He, therefore, called on stakeholders in the real estate sector to act with clarity, courage, and coordination that would shape the landscape of Nigerian real estate. 

  • Inmate Misconduct: Correctional service denies pardoning officer

    Inmate Misconduct: Correctional service denies pardoning officer

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted a report by Sahara Reporters claiming that an officer who allegedly took an inmate out of custody for conjugal intimacy was pardoned, while the whistleblower was dismissed.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, the NCoS described the report as “misleading and malicious,” aimed at tarnishing the Service’s image.

    Umar clarified that the officer in question, ASC I Efe Onakpoya (Service No. 57790), was actually dismissed following a thorough disciplinary investigation.

    He was found guilty of “acts unbecoming of a public officer,” particularly for taking unauthorised photographs of an inmate, Ibuchi Eze, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, and uploading them online.

    He added that Onakpoya also made false allegations against the Service, including the claim that an inmate was taken out for a conjugal visit.

    Umar stressed that the NCoS remained committed to discipline, integrity, and professionalism, and would not condone any actions that undermine its core values.

    He urged the public to disregard the report and remain vigilant against attempts to discredit the Service, reaffirming NCoS’s commitment to transparency and accountability. 

  • Nigerian Army: 82 Division trains 120 personnel for special mission

    Nigerian Army: 82 Division trains 120 personnel for special mission

    The Nigerian Army has added a new layer to its specialised formations as the 82 Division on Saturday, graduated 120 personnel for special intervention mission.

    The exercise was executed as part of the its special Company Strength Training at the Division’s Training School, Enugu.

    Speaking at the culmination of the training at the Division’s Shooting Range in Udi near Enugu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, commended the graduating personnel for their resilience and commitment.

    Olatoye, who is also the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, code-named “Operation UDO KA”, said that intensive eight-week combat training was designed to enhance personnel expertise for both conventional and asymmetric warfare.

    The GOC said that the training, which was an initiative of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, aligned with the COAS Command Philosophy.

    Olatoye said that the COAS Command Philosophy was aimed to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army to a well-motivated and combat-ready force that could effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

    He added that the training was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism, leadership and ensure combat readiness across all theatres of operation.

    The GOC urged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge acquired as they embarked on future tasks.

    He noted that the Division remained committed in building a formidable force through rigorous training, strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to national service.

    Earlier, the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. M.J. Abubakar, lauded the personnel for their exceptional endurance, teamwork and fighting spirit.

    Abubakar emphasised that the training was designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios, with a strong focus on jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations and internal security tactics.

    He noted that the graduating soldiers had been scheduled for deployment to a special intervention mission where they would apply the acquired skills in support of national security objectives.

    The event featured demonstrations on rifle stripping and assembly, armed combat drills, presentation of certificates.

  • NAFDAC seizes fake products worth N1.5bn in Lagos

    NAFDAC seizes fake products worth N1.5bn in Lagos

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Saturday seized banned, expired, and unregistered items worth over N1.5 billion in Lagos.

    The operation was conducted by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team at the cosmetics section of the Trade Fair market.

    A truckload of counterfeit NAFDAC-regulated products was also intercepted by the team during the operation.

    Dr Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, led the team and addressed journalists after the exercise.

    He said the operation was part of NAFDAC’s national action plan to eliminate harmful products from markets nationwide.

    “We’ve received many complaints from Nigerians about unsafe products, and this exercise continues our efforts to remove such items from circulation.

    “Some of the confiscated goods are banned products that entered illegally, bypassing required testing procedures.

    “We discovered many expired products still displayed for sale in warehouses. The total value exceeds N1.5 billion,” he said.

    According to him, owners of the warehouses with unwholesome items have been invited for investigation.

    “If found guilty, they will face appropriate legal consequences,” he said.

    He explained that NAFDAC, as a scientific agency, uses visual inspection and lab tests to assess product safety.

    “We first carry out visual checks to confirm if products meet basic regulatory requirements.

    “Then we send samples to the laboratory to verify contents before approving products as safe,” Iluyomade said.

    He warned that some items may appear normal but contain harmful or carcinogenic chemicals.

    “All imported or locally-made products must comply with NAFDAC standards before distribution.

    “Some traders bypass proper registration, putting Nigerians’ lives at risk,” he said.

    He described food and drug regulation as a matter of national security.

    “One way to silently harm people is through contaminated food or skincare products,” he noted.

    He called for serious national attention to such threats.

    Iluyomade urged Nigerians to stop harmful practices that endanger public health.

    He clarified that NAFDAC supports business but prioritises consumer safety.

    “Our mission is not anti-business. We aim to guide and protect everyone, including the business owners,” he said.

    He assured the public that NAFDAC would continue its fight against fake, banned, and expired products.