Rep. Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for addressing the healthcare needs of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a statement on Sunday, Aguocha acknowledged the DSS’s approval of Kanu’s request for access to private medical care and a doctor of his choice.

On October 24, Aguocha visited Kanu and noted that he had been approached by Kanu’s legal team, which expressed difficulties in communicating with him. The visit was part of ongoing efforts to seek a political solution to Kanu’s prolonged detention.

Aguocha confirmed that Kanu had received private medical attention as recently as October 3 and commended Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for facilitating access to Kanu after restrictions were initially imposed. He explained that the DSS attributed the access issues to Kanu’s lawyers requesting the judge’s recusal.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that a political resolution could be achieved, paving the way for Kanu’s release and contributing to peace and stability in the South-East region. Aguocha emphasized the importance of these efforts in fostering a conducive environment for dialogue and resolution of the ongoing tensions.

A recent survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveals that civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are increasingly opting for public transportation over personal vehicles due to skyrocketing fuel prices. Many have reported that the cost of fuel has become unsustainable, prompting them to adjust their commuting habits.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ekwere (pseudonym), a civil servant, shared her experience, stating that the high pump price had forced her to pack her vehicle. “Every week I drive my car to work, I spend nothing less than N100,000 on fuel alone,” she said. Ekwere has also reduced her workdays to two a week, citing financial strain as a reason for this decision.

Mr. Festus Ugwu noted that his vehicle was now used only on Sundays for family outings, as he relies on public transport during the week. Despite concerns about safety, particularly from the notorious ‘one chance’ group, Ugwu emphasized the need for increased wages and allowances to help workers cope with the fuel price hike.

Ms. Caroline Ade highlighted how the increase in fuel costs has shifted lifestyles, likening their situation to those living abroad who often use trains for commuting. She called on the government to revive the train system to enhance transportation options for workers.

Public servant Mr. Emeka Eluagu mentioned the government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, suggesting that if properly implemented, it could alleviate transportation costs. However, he expressed concerns over safety, recalling instances of CNG vehicles catching fire.

Aisha Mahmoud also recommended the introduction of government-owned buses to provide affordable transportation for workers and reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Many civil servants are reportedly selling their fuel-guzzling cars in favor of more economical options.

Currently, the price of a litre of fuel in Nigeria ranges from N1,030 to N1,400, a significant burden for workers and families relying on personal transportation.

On Sunday, the Enugu State Government paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of Okezie Mba, the popular Ogene musician known as Igbo-Jah, who was tragically slain recently. The delegation was led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, along with Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh, and other senior officials.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Igbo-Jah was allegedly shot and killed by a police inspector at the Ant-Cultism Tactical Squad premises in Enugu. The musician had been visiting the station and was reportedly shot as he was leaving.

During the visit, Onyia expressed the state government’s condolences to the musician’s family, stating, “We have come as a delegation from Gov. Peter Mbah to extend our deep condolences on the passing and brutal killing of your son, your brother and our brother.” He assured the family that the government would work diligently to ensure justice is served, emphasizing that “enough is enough” when it comes to such incidents of violence.

He continued, “Every single life in Enugu counts, and for us to wake up to such sad news is something that we will never take lightly.” Onyia acknowledged the family’s emotional response to the tragedy and commended them for their graciousness in receiving the government delegation.

To the children of Igbo-Jah, he conveyed the governor’s message of support, promising that the state government would stand by them throughout the pursuit of justice. “We cannot sit down and fold our hands and allow such an incident to go without consequence,” he affirmed.

Chief Joseph Mba, the elder brother of the deceased musician, expressed gratitude to the state government for their visit and support during this difficult time. The tragic loss of Igbo-Jah has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding police conduct and public safety in the region.

The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reported the recovery of seven dead bodies of iron scavengers who were trapped when a portion of a demolished building collapsed in Sabon Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja. The incident occurred as a group of over 500 scavengers invaded the site, attempting to salvage iron rods from the demolished structure.

Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Director of FEMD, shared the details with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday. He confirmed that two additional victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre.

The tragic event unfolded when the scavengers began dismantling the remnants of the demolished building, causing the remaining slab to fall. Mohammed clarified that the building was among those illegally erected and had been demolished by the FCT Department of Development Control just days prior, on Thursday.

Contrary to some media reports suggesting a multi-storey building had collapsed with over 40 individuals trapped, Mohammed asserted that these claims were unfounded. “Nobody is living in the building as claimed by reports,” he stated, adding that the incident involved only the scavengers.

He expressed disappointment over the continued activities of the scavengers at the site, despite the tragic outcome. “Right now, some of them are still up there scavenging iron rods,” he noted. Authorities are taking steps to ensure their removal, with plans for the Development Control team to return on Monday to oversee the complete demolition of the remaining structures.

A police officer at the scene confirmed that the scavengers entered the site after the demolition was completed. Eyewitness Mr. Aliyu Musa recounted that warnings had been issued to the scavengers not to enter the building, but they ignored them. “I know one of the deceased; we warned him, but he did not listen. He climbed the slab and started hitting the iron when it suddenly fell, and he died,” he lamented.

The tragic incident has raised concerns about safety regulations and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has officially sworn in 44 newly elected local government chairmen, emphasizing the importance of resource management and grassroots development. The chairmen, all members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), secured their positions in the recent election conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Yusuf urged the new chairmen to manage their resources wisely to achieve the goals of providing democracy dividends at the grassroots level. He encouraged them to replicate the state government’s programs in their localities, assuring them of the state’s support for development initiatives.

The governor highlighted the necessity of cooperation with various stakeholders, including the judiciary, security agencies, civil service, and traditional rulers, to foster transformation in their respective areas. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of constituents through enhanced services in health, education, water supply, and agriculture.

Yusuf remarked, “We have made giant strides in the areas of education through the provision of basic learning materials and a conducive atmosphere for learning,” urging the chairmen to align their efforts with the state government’s vision for development.

The oath of office was administered by the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Haruna Daderi, marking the beginning of a new chapter for local governance in Kano State. The governor’s call for prudence and collaboration reflects a commitment to advancing the welfare of the community at the grassroots level.

During a recent interactive session with the committee, Minister of Works and Housing, David Umahi, was met with intense scrutiny from the panel members, particularly its chairman, Remi Oseni. A video of the session has gone viral, showing Oseni expressing frustration over what he perceives as Umahi’s mismanagement of priorities concerning the nation’s road infrastructure.

Oseni criticized Umahi’s claims that the deplorable state of roads was primarily due to a lack of resources, firmly asserting that funding is not the root of the problem. He emphasized, “You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” urging the minister to stop using it as an excuse for the ongoing failures in road maintenance.

The committee chairman pointed out that last year, Umahi received a ₦300 billion supplementary budget approval, questioning his commitment to addressing the nation’s urgent infrastructure needs. Oseni stated, “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources… it is a clue that you have no plan for us as a nation.”

Critics have also voiced concerns that Umahi has been focusing on less critical projects, such as the ambitious 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which is projected to cost ₦15 trillion. Meanwhile, many existing roads across the country remain neglected. Recently, Umahi launched the construction of Section I, Phase 1A of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a 1,068-kilometer project awarded to Hitech Construction Nigeria Limited, further fueling the debate over his priorities.

Oseni’s remarks have resonated with many Nigerians who are increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating state of roads and the apparent lack of action from the minister. The committee’s stern feedback underscores the urgency for effective solutions to Nigeria’s pressing infrastructure challenges.

The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of Vice President Kashim Shettima following an incident involving the presidential aircraft he uses for official duties. Lawan’s alarm comes in the wake of a mishap that occurred during Shettima’s recent trip to the United States, where the aircraft sustained damage while on the tarmac at JFK Airport in New York.

The Vice President was scheduled to attend the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa but had to cancel his trip after a foreign object struck the plane, causing damage to parts of the aircraft, including the cockpit’s windscreen. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the damage rendered the aircraft unfit for travel.

In a statement released on October 27, 2024, Lawan urged the Federal Government to take immediate action by providing a new aircraft for the Vice President. He highlighted the potential dangers posed by the aging and faulty presidential aircraft, emphasizing the need for reliable transportation for the nation’s second-highest official.

“I want to sympathize with the Nigerian Government, especially the office of the Vice President, his crew, and staff over the unfortunate incident at JFK Airport in New York. I express my gratitude to Allah (God) for saving the precious life of our dear Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and those on board the ill-fated VP’s plane,” Lawan stated.

He called for a thorough investigation by the U.S. government into the incident, pointing out that the Vice President’s safety is at risk while utilizing old and potentially dangerous aircraft. Lawan concluded with an urgent appeal for the acquisition of a new aircraft to prevent further incidents that could jeopardize the lives of Shettima and his team.

A looming crisis in Nigeria’s fuel sector has put around 10,000 oil marketers at risk of shutting down due to a dramatic drop in fuel consumption and soaring prices. According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMPDRA), daily fuel consumption plummeted to just 4.5 million litres in August 2024, a staggering 92% decline from 60 million litres per day in May 2023. This sharp decrease has been attributed to rising fuel prices and product scarcity, with only 16 out of the 36 states receiving fuel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited during the same period.

Since President Bola Tinubu ended the petrol subsidy on his first day in office in 2023, fuel prices have skyrocketed from ₦185 to over ₦1,000 by October 2024. This continuous price surge has exacerbated the economic situation, leading to soaring costs for food and transportation and driving inflation to a three-decade high. As a result, many Nigerians have been forced to abandon their vehicles, turning to public transportation amid widespread hardship.

The national leadership of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed deep concern over the impact of reduced petrol consumption on its members, many of whom are facing significant financial losses. Dr. Joseph Obele, the National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, indicated that about 10,000 members could exit the business within 45 days due to severely impacted trading capital. He revealed that the cost of loading a truck of fuel has surged from ₦7 million to ₦47 million in just 16 months.

In response to the crisis, PETROAN has appealed to President Tinubu for a grant of ₦100 billion to help save the affected businesses from collapse. Abubakar Maigandi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed the downturn in consumption and higher prices, noting that members are buying less fuel than before due to economic pressures.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PENGASSAN) has also raised alarms, stating that the inability of oil marketers to purchase products has resulted in job losses among truck drivers and petrol station workers. PENGASSAN Secretary-General Afolabi Olawale highlighted the extensive reach of this crisis, affecting workers in both formal and informal sectors, particularly in the downstream sector.

As the situation evolves, the oil marketers’ struggle underscores the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria amid rising fuel costs and product scarcity.

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has expressed her determination to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu despite being ousted in a recent cabinet shake-up. Alongside four other ministers, she was dismissed as part of a broader reorganization by the President, which also involved the nomination of seven new ministers and the reassignment of others to different portfolios.

In her statement on X (formerly Twitter) on October 26, 2024, Kennedy-Ohanenye reaffirmed her commitment to Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future. She emphasized the importance of perseverance during this transitional period, stating, “This is a test of time, a highly spiritual movement that no human being can stop.”

Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed her belief in Tinubu’s potential to bring about positive change in Nigeria, asserting, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is destined to fix Nigeria and I, Barr Uju Kennedy, will fight alongside him to the last.” Her statement reflects a commitment to contribute to the nation’s progress and encourages citizens to maintain optimism about Nigeria’s path forward.

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has publicly criticized UK politician Kemi Badenoch, referring to her as a “little girl” for her continuous derogatory remarks about Nigeria as she campaigns for leadership within the Conservative Party.

Kemi Badenoch, a British-Nigerian politician serving as the Member of Parliament for North West Essex since 2017, was born in Wimbledon but spent significant parts of her childhood in Nigeria. In her pursuit of the UK Prime Minister position, Badenoch has drawn on her Nigerian experiences, often sharing negative anecdotes about her upbringing in Nigeria, claiming it was filled with fear and horror due to violence and insecurity.

In an interview with MailOnline, she stated her commitment to the UK, expressing her desire for it to remain distinct from Nigeria, which she depicted as a place she fled from: “I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I want it to get better and better, not just for me, but for the next generation.”

Fani-Kayode responded vehemently on his X account on October 26, 2024, condemning Badenoch’s comments. He described her as a “s****d little girl and notoriously self-righteous,” suggesting that she should focus on improving Nigeria instead of criticizing it. He compared her to “Aunty Jemima,” a reference implying that she is out of touch with her roots.

He concluded by urging Badenoch to concentrate on her political ambitions within the Conservative Party while refraining from disparaging Nigeria: “By all means, try your luck at being elected leader of the British Conservative party but leave my country out of your pretty yet stinking mouth.”

The organizers of the second edition of Cross River’s Queen of Humanity Pageantry have announced that the winner for 2024 will take home an impressive ₦42 million. Michael Moses, the Producer of the pageantry, shared this news during a press conference in Calabar on Saturday.

Initiated by Enyoawan Otu, the wife of the Cross River governor, the Queen of Humanity Pageantry aims to mentor young girls in the state, focusing on ethics, morality, and selflessness. Moses emphasized that this competition integrates beauty with intelligence, requiring participants to develop proposals addressing community challenges in Cross River.

The pageantry will take place from November 1 to December 27, culminating in the crowning of the new queen. Following her selection, the winner will engage in a marketing campaign starting in January 2025, touring all 18 Local Government Areas of the state and collaborating with local chairmen on humanitarian initiatives.

The newly crowned queen will also occupy an office created for her within the governor’s wife’s office, where she will oversee her pet projects for a year. Moses confirmed that the 2023 winner would be present to crown her successor.

The competition is open to all Nigerian girls aged 18 to 30 who reside in the country. Dr. Comfort Oko, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor’s Wife, expressed gratitude to the media for their support in advancing state development and encouraged continued backing for the pageantry, which is designed to empower young girls in Cross River.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her recent election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The election took place on Friday during a meeting of leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations in Apia, Samoa.

Botchwey, a former lawmaker who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for the past seven years, will assume her role as the 7th Secretary-General on April 1, 2025. She is notable for being the second African to hold this position in the Commonwealth’s 75-year history, following Nigeria’s Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who served from July 1, 1990, to March 31, 2000.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Tinubu believes Botchwey’s extensive background in public administration, foreign affairs, and regional development makes her well-suited for this vital role. Tinubu expressed confidence that her leadership would reinvigorate the Commonwealth’s initiatives aimed at fostering significant economic and political partnerships among member nations.

Moreover, President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a Commonwealth that enhances intra-Commonwealth trade, boosts African exports, and supports a unified stance at the United Nations for an African bid for permanent representation on the Security Council.

In conclusion, the President thanked the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of service and leadership, wishing her success in her future endeavors

The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger, has summoned the immediate past Rector, Dr. Abubakar Abdul-Dzukogi, to address certain issues concerning his administration. This invitation was announced following the council’s recent meeting in Bida.

Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Ismail Muazu-Hassan, stated that Dr. Abdul-Dzukogi is expected to appear before the council to provide clarity on various matters related to his eight-year tenure. He was originally scheduled to attend on Friday but requested an extension, citing insufficient preparation time and health challenges.

In light of his reasons, the council granted him an additional ten days to present himself and clarify the issues at hand. Muazu-Hassan emphasized the importance of this meeting, noting that it aims to establish a clear record of the former rector’s administration. “We are not saying he has not done well, but want him to clarify some issues pertaining to his 8 years of administration,” he remarked.

The council chair also reassured stakeholders that the incumbent leadership would uphold the institution’s standards in all academic and extracurricular activities, reiterating the council’s commitment to the institution’s development. He expressed confidence that the council would support the current leadership in advancing the polytechnic’s goals

Dr. Idowu Audu, the Deputy Incident Manager of the National Polio Emergency Operations, revealed on Saturday that Nigeria accounts for 70 percent of the world’s polio vaccine consumption, yet the country has not achieved significant progress in eradicating the virus.

Speaking at the Third Quarter Review/Engagement Meeting of the Kwara State Traditional Leaders’ Council Committee on Health in Ilorin, Audu lamented the resurgence of polio infections among children, particularly in Northern states, with Zamfara State reporting a staggering 35 percent prevalence of the virus. He attributed the ongoing challenges in polio eradication to widespread non-compliance, stating, “Non-compliance cases are buried and hidden. These are some of the problems that disrupt vaccine programmes in the country.”

Audu urged traditional leaders to support government efforts in improving routine vaccinations for polio, measles, and whooping cough. He emphasized the need for community involvement in vaccine initiatives.

Dr. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and stakeholders. Represented by Dr. Michael Oguntoye, she noted that trained healthcare workers were instrumental in implementing vaccine programs in the state. Elelu appealed to parents to ensure their children receive essential vaccinations, despite facing challenges from resistant individuals.

In a related address, Ademola Enikanselu, Programme Officer of the Chigari Foundation in Kwara, called on traditional leaders to actively monitor vaccine coverage and report any barriers to effective immunization in their communities. He stressed the importance of tracking progress and identifying areas needing improvement to enhance vaccination efforts.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has officially approved the payment of the new ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage to state workers. The announcement was made by Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture, during a news briefing in Dutse on Saturday.

This decision follows a report from the state’s Minimum Wage Committee, led by Muhammad Dagacire, the Head of Service. Governor Namadi expressed his commitment to implementing the new minimum wage, aligning Jigawa State with other states in the country.

Musa stated, “The Jigawa State Government had previously set up a committee that deliberated and advised the government on the necessity of adopting the new minimum wage.” He emphasized that the governor’s announcement signifies a positive step towards ensuring fair compensation for workers in the state.

While a specific date for the payment of the new minimum wage has not been confirmed, Musa assured that the government is working diligently to prepare for its successful implementation. He encouraged state workers to reciprocate this gesture by dedicating themselves to their duties, noting, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly condemned the unauthorized use of its official uniform and accoutrements by controversial blogger and activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a viral video posted on social media. In the video, Otse introduced himself as CSP VeryDarkMan, claiming to be Nigeria’s number one online police and vowing to combat oppressors in the social media space, particularly targeting online vendors.

The NPF stated that it has launched an investigation into the matter to determine the source of the police gear used by Otse and the authority under which he operated. The police emphasized that unauthorized use of police uniforms and insignia constitutes a criminal offense under Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, which carry strict penalties.

While acknowledging the creativity of young Nigerian content creators, the NPF cautioned against the misuse of police regalia, stating that such actions undermine the values and integrity of the force and will not be tolerated.

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has declared candidates of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) as winners in all 44 Local Government Areas and 484 wards following Saturday’s local government elections. Prof. Sani Malumfashi, KANSIEC Chairman, announced that NNPP candidates swept both chairmanship and councillorship seats, with 44 candidates winning chairmanship and 484 securing councillorship positions.

Malumfashi praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, crediting security agencies, media, political party leaders, civil society groups, and community leaders for their support. He emphasized that the successful and credible nature of the elections reflected strong public acceptance, with voters also preventing underage children from participating in the process.

In a viral video circulating on social media, former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo accused the Yoruba people of betraying the Ijaw community, following what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s neglect. Dokubo, who claimed to have extensively supported Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, expressed disappointment, saying he emptied his bank account and dedicated resources to canvass votes for Tinubu.

Dokubo alleged that despite his commitment, the Ijaw people have been disregarded by the current administration, which he perceives as betrayal. Reflecting on this experience, he announced plans to align with the North, expressing apologies to elders who initially formed alliances with Northern Nigeria. Dokubo’s remarks signal potential shifts in alliances, with implications for the Ijaw community’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

A fire broke out on a small section of the Lagos Blue Line track on Saturday, October 26, 2024, near the NEPA Station close to the Eko Bridge in the Apogbon area of Lagos State. Gboyega Akosile, spokesperson for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the incident, reporting that it occurred around 4:12 p.m.

Akosile assured the public that there were no casualties and that no trains were in service at the time. A team of emergency responders promptly controlled the fire, restoring safety to the area. Residents and commuters have been advised to continue their activities as usual, with Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) expected to provide further updates on train operations.

Akosile’s statement read, “Lagosians in that axis can go about their business peacefully as the situation is under control.”