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  • Gov Sule urges APC aspirants to be calm ahead of 2027 polls

    Nasarawa State Gov. Abdullahi Sule has urged stakeholders, especially APC governorship aspirants, not to overheat the polity but to follow due process.

    He gave the advice during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone held in Keffi on Sunday.

    The governor said he would announce his preferred successor in 2027 at the appropriate time, without fear or favour.

    Sule promised to ensure justice and fairness during the party’s primaries for the progress and development of the APC in the state.

    Read Also: Gov Sule tasks leadership of APC on quality projects

    He emphasised that true political power comes from Allah, who alone determines leadership.

    “But A.A. Sule also has the right to support someone. When the time comes, I’ll clearly name my preferred candidate.

    “And I will not be afraid to publicly endorse who I believe should succeed me,” the governor said.

    He appreciated the initiators of the meeting for promoting unity and progress within the zone’s party structure.

    He also called on other zones to organise similar engagements for the benefit of the party in the state.

    “I am responsible for ensuring the primary election is free, fair, and transparent,” he said.

    He urged all party stakeholders to unite and work for the APC’s success beyond the 2027 elections, reminding them power is from God.

    Sule also thanked stakeholders, aspirants, and supporters for demonstrating maturity during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state.

    Earlier, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu said it is now the Western Zone’s turn to produce the next Governor of Nasarawa State.

    He said the meeting aimed to foster unity among stakeholders and mobilise support for the zone’s 2027 governorship bid.

    “Keffi Zone governed for eight years, Lafia for twelve. Akwanga is currently serving its second and final term.

    “Therefore, the Western (Keffi) Zone should produce the next governor in 2027,” Adamu said.

    Adamu, a former APC National Chairman, urged the zone to remain united to achieve the 2027 governorship goal.

    Several prominent APC leaders attended the meeting in Keffi.

    Present were Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, APC Legal Adviser; Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; and Mr Abdulmumin Ari, among others.

    Also present were Mr Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, the SSG; Alh. Aliyu Tijani, Federal Commissioner; and other politicians and party faithful. (

  • Shettima urges integration of informal economy

    Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has advocated integration of the informal sector with the formal intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Shettima stated this on Monday while declaring open the 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum in Abuja.

    He hinged the sustainable prosperity of the warned that Africa would remain trapped in a cycle of despair if it fails to harness the informal sector’s potential for business growth.

    He said the continent’s future does not depend on skyscrapers or stock exchange figures in capital cities.

    Instead, it lies in unlocking the potential of the informal sector, which makes up nearly 90 per cent of Africa’s workforce.

    He called for the informal economy to be integrated into formal intra-African trade to ensure meaningful economic progress.

    The Vice-President explained that this is why small businesses are central to Nigeria’s economic policy planning.

    “Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, African prosperity requires a strong MSME ecosystem as a foundation,” Shettima declared.

    He described the forum as a continental call to action, urging all to commit to integrating informal economies into structured trade systems.

    He expressed hope that collective efforts from the forum would lead to meaningful change and empowerment of MSMEs across Africa.

    “We aim to turn our shared aspirations into actions that empower MSMEs and drive Africa toward a sustainable future,” he added.

    Shettima assured participants of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to learning and collaborating with other African nations.

    He emphasised the central role MSMEs play in Africa’s development and in lifting millions out of poverty.

    He stated that MSMEs contribute 48 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP and employ over 84 per cent of its workforce.

    “They reflect our future. This is why we are scaling up investments in this critical sector,” he said.

    The Vice-President urged African nations to strengthen cross-border cooperation, noting that their destinies are interconnected.

    He identified major challenges facing MSMEs, including limited access to affordable finance, which he described as a recurring nightmare.

    However, he expressed optimism, saying AfCFTA offers renewed hope for the continent’s small business landscape.

    “Our continent is losing momentum—not just money. AfCFTA gives us the chance to recover both,” Shettima stated.

    He praised the forum’s theme: ‘Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa.’

    According to him, the timing is perfect, and the vision is clear and actionable for all stakeholders.

    Shettima acknowledged the rapid rise of digital technologies across Africa, saying tech is doing what politics has failed to achieve.

    He stressed that sustaining this momentum requires decisive and consistent actions by policymakers.

    He urged them to invest in digital infrastructure, close literacy gaps, and avoid stifling regulations.

    He regretted MSMEs’ continued reliance on traditional banks but noted promising progress through African fintech innovations.

    He said fintech firms are now using alternative data to issue microloans and expand financial access for excluded groups.

    Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for thriving MSMEs across Africa.

    Hadejia, Chairman of the Host Country Committee, said the forum reflects Africa’s shared vision of an inclusive, prosperous future.

    He added, “This is about ensuring MSMEs do more than survive—they must thrive in the Africa we envision.

    “It is a roadmap to unlock the potential of our continent’s most vital economic engine—our MSMEs.”

    An investment in MSMEs, he said, is a direct investment in a resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous Africa.

    The President’s Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, highlighted the forum’s importance for entrepreneurs.

    He called for collaboration to harness Africa’s youthful population and transform the region’s economic landscape.

    Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, praised Vice-President Shettima’s support for Nigeria’s MSME growth and transformation.

    Odii encouraged Nigerians to buy locally-made goods, stressing the importance of supporting home-grown businesses and manufacturers.

  • All not well in Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba – NMA

    Irked by current tussles, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called for adherence to the laid down process of appointment of Executives of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba.

    Its Lagos State Chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed, in a statement on Monday, said the institution is on the verge of administrative collapse due to the emerging crisis over the appointment of Acting Medical Director.

    According to him, NMA is duty-bound to speak on behalf of its members and the broader healthcare community when actions within the system undermine integrity, efficiency, and the well-being of patients and professionals.

    Saheed commended the Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako and the Federal Ministry of Health for their initial steps in responding to the staff’s concern.

    “We are compelled to register our strong dissatisfaction with the decision to retain Dr Olugbenga Owoeye—whose tenure as Medical Director has expired—as Acting Medical Director.

    “This move is deeply concerning. A second-term appointment must be earned on merit,” Saheed said.

    He urged the Ministry to deliver the health mandate of President Bola Tinubu by prioritising institutional stability, staff welfare, and patient-centred care.

    The NMA leader further appealed to the Ministry to avoid decisions not in tandem with the provisions of Public Service Rules and hence crisis-proned.

    He emphasised that the Association would continue to engage and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure adherence to laid down processes.

    “NMA demands the immediate reversal of Dr Owoeye’s appointment as Acting Medical Director.

    “Appointment of the ‘next’ most senior and competent officer as acting medical director pending the appointment of substantive medical director in line with public service rules and established circulars (SGF.50/S.II/C.2/268)

    “An open, transparent, and merit-driven process for the selection of a substantive medical director,” he said.

    Saheed called for further engagement with NMA and MDCAN to ensure that the situation does not degenerate into a full-blown crisis.

    According to him, NMA stands firm in its conviction that leadership in healthcare institutions must reflect merit, accountability, and service to the people.

    “The health of Nigerians is not a bargaining chip. It is a sacred responsibility that must be safeguarded by all of us,” Saheed said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, is an institution that is the pride of mental health care in Nigeria. 

  • Israel badly hurt by Iranian war – Macgregor

    …approximately one-third of Tel Aviv has been “damaged or destroyed,”

    Retired U.S. Army Colonel, Douglas Macgregor has sparked global attention with a stark assessment of Israel’s current situation in the ongoing conflict, claiming the nation is facing far greater damage than publicly acknowledged.

    In a statement posted on his verified Twitter account, Macgregor warned, “Don’t be fooled, Israel is in worse shape than people think.”

    According to the former senior Pentagon advisor, approximately one-third of Tel Aviv has been “damaged or destroyed,” a figure that—if confirmed—would mark a significant escalation in the toll the conflict has taken on Israeli infrastructure. Tel Aviv, often regarded as Israel’s commercial and cultural capital, has not been widely reported as a central target in recent weeks, making Macgregor’s statement particularly alarming.

    The retired colonel also suggested that Israeli military preparedness has been significantly undermined. “As far as their military installations are concerned, I’m told many Israeli aircrafts are being flown to Cyprus to avoid being struck,” Macgregor said, implying that the Israeli Air Force is repositioning assets out of concern for further Iranian strikes.

    “Israel was not prepared for Iran’s response,” he concluded, suggesting that the scale and precision of Tehran’s retaliatory attacks caught the Israeli military establishment off guard.

    Macgregor’s post has reignited debates online about the transparency of war reporting and the real extent of the conflict’s impact. While Israeli authorities have not confirmed the extent of damage suggested, his comments are likely to raise questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s defense systems and the broader strategic outlook of the conflict.

  • Bomb at a scrap company kills 5, injures 15 in Kano 

    The Kano state police command has confirmed the death of five people from a military grade explosive in the state.

    It revealed that the unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday at a scrap collection company located at Eastern bypass in the state.

    According to the police the vehicle was coming from Yobe state when the explosion happened.

    The Commissioner, Kano State Police Command, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said he was informed of an emergency explosion in the area.

    He added that on arrival, he witnessed the explosion scene.

    “It was a military EOD personnel. It was a military model bomb that exploded. 15 people were injured, and taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.”

    He added that on arrival at the hospital, five people were confirmed dead, while 10 others were receiving treatment.

    The Police Commissioner said from preliminary investigation, the vehicle came from Yobe, adding that though the matter is under investigation, he was informed that the vehicle carrying the bomb  was a truck from Yobe state.

    CP Bakori assured of details as soon as more investigation into the matter is done.

  • Don’t neglect sickle cell patients – NGO

    Don’t neglect sickle cell patients – NGO

    The founder of the NGO, Nirvana Initiative Mrs Modupelola Babawale, has decried the continued neglect of people living with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria.

    She spoke on Saturday during a medical outreach, ‘World Sickle Cell Outreach 2025’, held for 100 sickle cell patients in the Agege community of Lagos State.

    Babawale said individuals living with the disorder were often overlooked and stigmatised, lacking adequate support and recognition in the society.

    The outreach, with the theme ‘Seen, Heard and Supported’, marked the World Sickle Cell Day, celebrated annually on June 19.

    She said the outreach aimed to centre attention on sickle cell warriors, who continue to face neglect and discrimination from both the public and policymakers.

    Babawale explained that the initiative provided free medication, care packages, health consultations, check-ups, counselling, and group activities for participants.

    She added the initiative is also advocating for the creation of a “warrior centre” to provide ongoing support and resources for patients.

    “We have long focused on genotype testing and awareness, but it is time to shift attention to the daily realities faced by the warriors.

    “Living with sickle cell myself, I have had access to quality health care and a strong support system since childhood.

    “However, I recognise that many do not have these privileges. This understanding inspired me to act and make a difference in their lives,” Babawale said.

    She noted that awareness must extend beyond genotype testing, emphasising continued care, support, and inclusion for people already living with the disorder.

    “The warriors must not be left behind. The centre we propose will offer a judgement-free environment for care and belonging,” she said.

    Babawale said certified health workers conducted malaria tests and provided mosquito nets, water bottles, and medication to participants at the event.

    She stressed that the most important message was ensuring that sickle cell warriors are seen, heard, and supported by the entire community.

    “They shouldn’t bear this burden alone. We need societal involvement, adequate resources, and a network of care to support them,” she added.

    According to her, the outreach provides a space where patients feel free, accepted, and assured that their lives matter within society.

    Outreach Coordinator and Certified Nursing Assistant, Mr Stephen Oladipupo, said the event also aimed to challenge stereotypes about sickle cell patients.

    He explained the programme allowed beneficiaries to gather, share experiences, and realise they are not alone in their health journeys.

    “We hope to make this regular. It’s important for warriors to feel there’s a non-judgemental community that understands and supports them,” he said.

    Oladipupo added that the initiative also aimed to teach coping strategies for dealing with stigma and managing health more effectively.

    One of the beneficiaries, 50-year-old Mrs Mosunmola Bamigbola, urged fellow warriors to prioritise self-care and not believe myths about dying young.

    “It’s untrue that sickle cell patients must die young. With proper care, we can live long, fulfilling lives,” Bamigbola said.

    She said she stays healthy by drinking plenty of water, avoiding cold, and eating fruits and vegetables regularly to manage her condition.

    Diagnosed at age five, Bamigbola called on government and policymakers to subsidise medication and boost awareness campaigns to reduce the disorder’s spread. 

  • Alia’s aide in EFCC net for alleged sexual exploitation,  cyberbullying

    Alia’s aide in EFCC net for alleged sexual exploitation,  cyberbullying

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of Dr Mkor Aondona, the Special Adviser to Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Documentation, Research and Planning.

    Mr Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesman confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Saturday in Makurdi.

    He said Aondona was arrested by operatives of Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Commission on Friday over alleged sexual expolitation and cyber bullying.

    According to him, some female students had accused him of unethical and criminal behaviour involving sexual exploitation,  cyberbullying and blackmail.

    “The petitioners alleged that Aondona was routinely recruiting slim and attractive girls for ushering jobs and insisted on sexual favours as a condition for selection.

    “Based on this, they became vulnerable to having sexual affairs with him but unknown to them, he had videos of every sexual act without their consent and was always threatening to leak the videos if they refused to continue having sex with him.

     “Aondona was also alleged to be involved in blackmail—sending explicit videos of the girls allegedly recorded without their knowledge or consent through several  messaging platforms. Some of the videos are said to be in circulation.” he said

    He said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

  • Just-in: ADC to Host Coalition Meeting in Kano

    Just-in: ADC to Host Coalition Meeting in Kano

    … as Opposition Realignment Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Elections


    As Nigeria begins to gear up for the next general elections, opposition political parties are accelerating efforts to form alliances capable of challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Widespread public dissatisfaction with both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has prompted fresh political realignments across the country. In response to this growing sentiment, the Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to host a high-level political meeting tomorrow aimed at midwifing the convergence of several political blocs into its fold.

    Party insiders confirm that the meeting will mark the formal emergence of the ADC as a coalition platform, bringing together defectors from the PDP, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the APC, and a faction of the Labour Party (LP).

    The move aligns with a national directive issued to all ADC state chapters to oversee the integration of coalition partners as part of a broader strategy to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The meeting is scheduled to take place at Mumbayyu House in Kano at 10:00 a.m. and will be convened by the Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Musa Shaibu Ungogo.

    According to sources within the party, the key objective of the gathering is to proclaim the formal merger of the coalition groups into the ADC, laying the foundation for a revitalized political force in Kano State and beyond.

    Further developments are expected to emerge following the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting.

    The planned convergence of opposition blocs into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano reflects growing disillusionment with Nigeria’s two dominant parties the APC and the PDP.

    As the 2027 general elections approach, many Nigerians are seeking alternatives amid ongoing economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived governance failures.

  • ‘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.

  • Trump/Musk bromance over, ‘Don’t dare me’ former warns

    Donald Trump said on Saturday his relationship with his billionaire donor Elon Musk is over and warned there would be “serious consequences” if Musk funds U.S. Democrats.

    President Trump specifically warned Elon Musk against funding Democrats contesting against Republicans who vote for the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill.

    In a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to say what those consequences would be, and went on to add that he had not had discussions about whether to investigate Musk.

    Asked if he thought his relationship with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was over, Trump said, “I would assume so, yeah.”

    “No,” Trump told NBC when asked if he had any desire to repair his relationship with Musk.

    “I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump said.

    However, Trump said he had not thought about terminating U.S. government contracts with Musk’s StarLink satellite internet or SpaceX rocket launch companies.

    Musk and Trump began exchanging insults this week, as Musk denounced Trump’s bill as a “disgusting abomination”.

    Musk’s opposition to the measure complicated efforts to pass the legislation in Congress, where Republicans hold only slim majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.

    The bill narrowly passed the House last month and is now before the Senate, where Trump’s fellow Republicans are considering making changes.

    Nonpartisan analysts estimate the measure would add $2.4 trillion to the $36.2 trillion U.S. debt over 10 years, which worries many lawmakers, including some Republicans who are fiscal hawks.

    Musk also declared it was time for a new political party in the United States “to represent the 80 per cent in the middle!”

    Trump said on Saturday he is confident the bill would get passed by the U.S. July 4 Independence Day holiday.

    “In fact, yeah, people that were, were going to vote for it are now enthusiastically going to vote for it, and we expect it to pass,” Trump told NBC.

    Republicans have strongly backed Trump’s initiatives since he began his second term as president on Jan. 20.

    While some Republican lawmakers have made comments to the news media expressing concern about some of Trump’s choices, they have yet to vote down any of his policies or nominations.

    The last straw

    Musk has deleted some social media posts critical of Trump, including one that signaled support for impeaching the president, appearing to seek a de-escalation of their public feud which exploded on Thursday.

    During his first term as president, the House, then controlled by Democrats, twice voted to impeach Trump but the Senate both times acquitted him.

    The White House and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday on the deleted posts.

    People who have spoken to Musk said his anger has begun to recede and they thought he would want to repair his relationship with Trump.

    One of the X posts that Musk appeared to have deleted was a response to another user posting: “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and (Vice President) JD Vance should replace him.” Musk had written “yes.”

    On Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast – recorded on Thursday as the feud between Trump and Musk unfolded and released on Saturday – Vance called Musk’s criticism of Trump a “huge mistake.”

    “I’m always going to be loyal to the president, and I hope that eventually Elon kind of comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear.

    But I hope it is,” said Vance, describing Musk as an “incredible entrepreneur.”

    Trump is due to attend an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight card on Saturday in New Jersey.

    Since his second election win, he has attended two previous UFC mixed martial arts fight cards with Musk. Musk is not expected to attend on Saturday.

    Musk, the world’s richest man, bankrolled a large part of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, spending nearly 300 million dollars in last year’s U.S. elections.

    Musk was also credited for Republicans retaining a majority of seats in the House and retaking a majority in the Senate.

    Trump named Musk to head an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending, lauding him at the White House only about a week ago for his work as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

    Musk cut only about half of one per cent of total spending, far short of his brash plans to axe two trillion dollars from the federal budget.