White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was pushed out Friday after less than a week in the high-profile job, following a series of blunders that added to distractions for her embattled boss President Donald Trump.

“Can confirm,” a White House official told AFP, after Fox News reported that Zacharia, 41, was “transitioning out.”

The writing was on the wall earlier when Trump made clear he was ready to see his newly minted spokeswoman go amid criticism that she had pretended to be a lawyer and over her one, much-mocked press briefing.

“I said, ‘Katie, is this for you?,'” Trump told reporters. “I said, ‘Katie, you don’t have to do this’… I said to her, ‘Honestly if I were you I’d reconsider.'”

Zacharia only began her job five days ago, taking over from the combative Karoline Leavitt, who helped Trump reshape White House coverage by bringing in more friendly outlets and fiercely attacking critical media.

Zacharia had got off to a rocky start with her debut press room briefing Tuesday morning.

It lasted less than 15 minutes, beginning with a remarkably slow reading out of what she said were Trump’s many accomplishments — then taking just three questions from journalists.

She then was plunged into controversy when it emerged that her previous claims to be a lawyer were not true.

The kerfuffle is a distraction for 80-year-old Trump as he flies around the country trying to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections, with polls predicting a drubbing.

The Republican leader himself also faces ever-lower polls as Americans sour over the war against Iran, inflation and perceptions of corruption.

– Not a real lawyer –

Zacharia had described herself as a lawyer during television appearances and on social media, and listed herself as general counsel of a California-based conservative nonprofit.

While she does have a law degree from a California university, she acknowledged Thursday she had failed the bar exam, a prerequisite for practicing law in the United States.

She embarked on a series of damage-control interviews on Trump-friendly outlets, but they did no good.

In one of them, Fox News’ Sean Hannity, a close Trump ally, appeared dismissive of Zacharia.

He asked the press secretary if she ever retook the bar exam. She replied: “I did not.”

“It was never my intent to go into the practice of law,” she said.

In another interview Thursday with pro-Trump outlet Real America’s Voice, Zacharia said she had registered to take the bar exam but was “distracted and overwhelmed” by plans to move to China with her husband.

Zacharia said “many people in the field” had assured her that she could “label myself a lawyer,” given her law degree.

– China’s toilets –

“Fox and Friends,” which often conducts friendly interviews with Trump administration officials, was unusually direct Friday when a host asked Zacharia if she still had the confidence of the president.

“I hope to be able to build the trust and confidence of everyone around me,” she said, sidestepping the question.

Zacharia further stirred controversy on Thursday when she disparaged China, whose leader Xi Jinping was recently Trump’s guest in a pomp-filled Washington visit.

The press secretary recalled the perception in 2016 was that China would soon overtake the United States.

“I remember this very distinctly, having just come from China, thinking, ‘How is China the next country on the horizon? They don’t even have proper toilets,'” she told right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec in an interview.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded Friday that Zacharia should “visit China more often.”

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By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Gunmen have killed two persons at a mining site in Burdinga, Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has confirmed.

The victims, identified as Goodluck Bulus and Emmanuel Monday, both in their mid-20s, were reportedly killed on Friday, in an attack that has renewed concerns over persistent insecurity in the area.

Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen stormed the mining site at about 6pm and opened fire on the miners, killing the two young men.

The National Publicity Secretary of BYM, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, condemned the killings and called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take urgent action.

In a statement, Tengwong said, “The Berom Youth Moulders Association, under the leadership of its National President, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, strongly condemns the killing of two young men at a mining site in Burdinga, Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.”

He said, “The victims, identified as Goodluck Bulus and Emmanuel Monday, both in their mid-20s, represent yet another painful loss of young lives in a community already burdened by years of insecurity.”

The BYM spokesman said the killing was particularly heartbreaking because Goodluck’s father was reportedly killed in an attack more than a decade ago.

“More heartbreaking is the report that Goodluck’s father was killed in an attack by Fulani herdsmen more than a decade ago,” he said.

The association described the killings in the state by gunmen as a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity, saying the incidents had left families devastated and communities living in fear.

“These are not mere statistics; they are human lives cut short, families shattered, and communities left in fear,” Tengwong said.

He called on the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.

“We therefore call on the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently investigate these killings, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, strengthen security surveillance around mining sites and vulnerable communities, and establish effective measures to protect residents and commuters,” he said.

The BYM spokesman also called for sustained security operations and intelligence-driven interventions to prevent further attacks, abductions and killings across the state.

“We also demand sustained security operations and intelligence-driven interventions to prevent further attacks, abductions and killings across Plateau State,” he said.

He added, “The continued loss of innocent lives must not become normalised. The people deserve protection, the victims deserve justice, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has debunked reports that a Corp member whose death occurred in Enugu died of effects of substandard and falsified medicines.

This is contained in a statement by the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, in Abuja on Friday.

The statement noted that the deceased Corp member previously at NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, in Enugu State, did not die of what people insinuated.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the Corp member was brought to the Camp clinic aided by two other Corp members on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at about 9:00pm with symptoms suggestive of severe malaria and a known peptic ulcer disease patient.

The statement stated that the deceased was however, stabilised with intramuscular antimalarial and other supportive medications given intravenously.

It stated that the deceased was placed on bed rest for observation till Oct 8 morning when he was discharged with oral medications.

“He came back unaided on Saturday, Oct. 10, with complaints of right thigh pain for which he was asked to see a physiotherapist.

“His profuse sweating caught the attention of the medical doctor, who measured his blood pressure and found it to be low (80/40 mmHg). He was stabilised with intravenous Normal Saline.

“Serial monitoring showed recurrent episodes of hypertension. This development, coupled with poor urine output despite adequate fluid resuscitations, prompted his referral to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, in an ambulance accompanied by another doctor.

“He went into a coma at about the time of arriving at the UNTH. All efforts at resuscitating him failed.

“His friend later informed the Camp clinic doctor that his deceased friend was vomiting for two days after the initial admission at the camp. The doctor was not aware of this development.

“It is instructive to note that the same medications given to the deceased were also administered to several other patients in the camp who got well after receiving their treatments.

“The medical doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers at the camp clinic not only prescribed but also used the medications by themselves at different times,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the doctors believed that the cause of death was acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock in the meantime.

It stated that NAFDAC officers had visited the clinic, interviewed the doctors and other staff and taken samples of the medications for further necessary actions which included laboratory analysis.

The NAFDAC commiserates with the family of the late Youth Corp member and prays that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

NAFDAC, however, enjoined the general public to remain calm as the agency was taking all necessary steps to ensure that all medicines made available to the public were safe and of good quality and efficacious.

It advised the public to call the NAFDAC Call Centre on the following lines: 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322 for complaints and enquiries.

The agency also advised the general public to email reforms@nafdac.gov.ng (NAN).

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…As 3 others escape with gunshot injuries

By Soni Daniel

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and police have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day.

Five other suspected members of the gang, however, escaped with gunshot injuries prompting a massive manhunt for them.

The suspects were apprehended during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted at different locations in Rivers and Abia States. However, in the course of the operation, three other suspects escaped with varying degrees of injury.

Security sources disclosed that the operations were carried out between October 10 and 14 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Aba South LGA. Abia State.

Recall that 20 NYSC members were abducted by armed men along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, as they travelled to their assigned orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The victims were subsequently rescued on October 7, 2026, during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village.

The string of operations mark a significant breakthrough in efforts to track down the perpetrators, dismantle the criminal network allegedly responsible for the abduction and bring those involved to justice.

A security source described the development as a major relief, noting that security agencies had sustained a wide-ranging manhunt for the abductors.

“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged to Court by DSS and the corps members will get justice,” the source said.

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A private jet operated by Triton Aviation made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after losing a door mid-air on Thursday.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident to TheCable on Friday, saying an investigation had commenced.

“The incident happened yesterday and investigations are ongoing,” a source at the bureau said.

According to a report by Punch on Friday, the aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI and flight identification DWC052, was heading to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when the incident occurred at about 4:20 pm.

Citing an incident report, the publication said the aircraft was about three nautical miles from the airport and climbing through 3,000 feet when the crew issued a distress call.

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” the crew reportedly transmitted.

Following the distress call, airport fire and emergency personnel, alongside the medical team, were alerted and placed on standby.

Fire and rescue teams were also directed to designated positions in preparation for the aircraft’s return.

The report further stated that at about 4:29 pm UTC, while communicating with the Abuja control tower, the crew asked whether air traffic controllers could confirm if the door was open.

“The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft using binoculars, but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position. The crew was subsequently informed that the controller could not confirm the situation visually,” the report said.

The aircraft subsequently landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 4:34 pm UTC, about 14 minutes after the Mayday call.

Following the landing, the duty controller reportedly observed that the aircraft’s door was missing from the fuselage.

The jet was then taxied to the international apron extension and parked with the assistance of a marshaller.

Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media showed what appeared to be an aircraft door lying on farmland near Abuja.

According to Billionaires.Africa, the NSIB confirmed that the door had been recovered.

“The door has been recovered and secured at the NSIB wreckage hangar,” the bureau said.

The NSIB said it had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and would provide updates as the investigation progresses.

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…Says omission will be addressed soon, insists PDP candidate will win

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has expressed confidence that the omission of her principal, Ladi Adebutu, from a list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was unintentional and would be addressed soon.

Sowunmi-Kolapo also expressed confidence that Adebutu would emerge as the next governor of Ogun State in the 2027 election, describing recent political developments in the state as signs of the ticket’s growing prospects.

She spoke with journalists and Muslim faithful shortly after Jumat prayers at the headquarters of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society in Abeokuta on Friday.

The gathering featured prayers for the PDP governorship ticket, with leaders of the Muslim society expressing support for Sowunmi-Kolapo and Adebutu ahead of the election.

The Chief Imam of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society’s Abeokuta headquarters and Ogun State, Sheikh Tiamiyu Olamigoke, led other Islamic leaders in prayers for the candidates’ success and the continued peace and development of Ogun State.

The clerics acknowledged Sowunmi-Kolapo’s contributions to the Muslim community and her record of service before venturing into partisan politics, expressing confidence that she would demonstrate compassion and commitment to public service if elected alongside Adebutu.

They also cited Adebutu’s contributions to the development of Ogun State, including his support for the Muslim community, as reasons he deserved the electorate’s backing.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the INEC list, Sowunmi-Kolapo dismissed suggestions that Adebutu’s omission, alongside celebrations reportedly witnessed among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), indicated an advantage for the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

She maintained that the omission was not deliberate and would be resolved by the electoral commission.

Sowunmi-Kolapo described the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman as one of the appointments she believed President Bola Tinubu had got right.

She described Amupitan as a globally recognised professional and expressed confidence that he would protect his reputation by upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

While acknowledging the pressures associated with the position, the PDP deputy governorship candidate said she remained optimistic that the INEC chairman would discharge his responsibilities professionally.

She also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible elections, irrespective of the political interests involved.

Reacting to the excitement reportedly expressed by APC members following the publication of the INEC list, Sowunmi-Kolapo described their reaction as premature, insisting that it would not determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.

“They are ‘soon-to-be IDPs (Internally Displaced Politicians),’ exhibiting the symptoms of ‘IDPA (Impending Defeat Panic Attack),’” she said with laughter.

She maintained that no force could stop what she described as a genuine movement driven by people determined to protect their heritage and secure a better future for coming generations.

“We will soon separate the wheat from the chaff. There is a difference between those fighting for their pockets or struggling to retain their juicy positions and those fighting to protect our heritage in the interest of generations of genuine Ogun indigenes, who must not be relegated to second-class citizens by imported leaders,” she said.

Sowunmi-Kolapo stressed the need for Ogun State’s resources to be deployed for the benefit of its people, describing the principle as the foundation of the PDP’s ITURA DE agenda.

“Ogun’s resources must work for its people. This is the bedrock of our ITURA DE mandate. A PDP administration led by Hon. Ladi Adebutu will prioritise the welfare of citizens and ensure real financial autonomy for local governments, with a view to promoting accountability and effective service delivery at the grassroots,” she said.

Earlier, the Otun Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Iya Sunnah of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, urged members of the society, the Egba Muslim Community and the wider Ogun State Muslim Community to support Sowunmi-Kolapo and Adebutu.

Ogunfemi described the deputy governorship candidate as a source of pride to the Muslim community and expressed confidence that she would prioritise the welfare of the people if elected alongside Adebutu.

The gathering ended with prayers by imams and Islamic scholars for the protection and success of the PDP candidates in the 2027 election, as well as peace, progress and prosperity in Ogun State.

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By Sola Ogundipe

The Federal Government has approved a ₦40.76 billion disbursement under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the third quarter of 2026, combining a major financial boost for primary healthcare with the extension of health insurance to nearly 90,000 prison inmates nationwide. The approved allocation marks an increase of approximately ₦7.88 billion over the previous quarter’s allocation of ₦32.88 billion.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the decisions in Abuja following the 16th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on the BHCPF. He said the decisions reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for poor, vulnerable and underserved populations, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

Pate noted that monthly statutory releases into the Fund had increased from approximately ₦8.95 billion to ₦13.08 billion and subsequently ₦20.43 billion. He stressed that increased financing must translate into timely disbursement, transparent financial management and improved health outcomes.

According to the Minister, the approved Q3 fund is being distributed across the four statutory gateways according to their required shares.

“The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) receives ₦19.87 billion (48.75 percent), while the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) gets ₦18.34 billion (45 percent). Additionally, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) receives ₦2.04 billion (5 percent), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is allocated ₦509.48 million (1.25 percent).”

To widen healthcare access, the Minister announced plans to expand BHCPF support from 8,309 to 13,521 primary healthcare facilities nationwide, adding 5,212 facilities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

To improve access to essential medicines, the MOC approved the operationalisation of changes to the NPHCDA gateway, including pooled procurement through MEDIPOOL, Nigeria’s national Group Purchasing Organisation. The arrangement will incorporate value-for-money safeguards, pricing benchmarks and supply-chain monitoring to strengthen transparency, quality assurance and reliable commodity supply.

Following a request from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Committee approved extending health insurance coverage to approximately 90,000 inmates of correctional facilities nationwide through the NHIA, the implementation will be subject to regular reporting and safeguards, with inmates already covered by state schemes excluded.

The Committee also considered a phased financing model to support states in recruiting and progressively absorbing Skilled Birth Attendants and Community-Based Health Workers.

To address funding delays, the MOC resolved to establish a subcommittee to investigate bottlenecks in the flow of funds through the gateways, states and local government areas to health facilities, with the subcommittee expected to report within six weeks. The Committee also directed that letters be sent to state governors on the financial requirements for the NCDC to respond adequately to disease outbreaks.

On accountability, Pate said the Federal Government was collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track health sector funds and prevent their misapplication.

“Government will not condone any act that is capable of depriving ordinary Nigerians of the health goods these funds are meant for,” he said.

Pate commended the Governor of Katsina State for releasing ₦243 million to the State Health Insurance Agency to expand BHCPF coverage and urged other states and the FCT to fulfil their counterpart funding obligations under the National Health Act, 2014.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare financing, expanding access to essential services and ensuring that public health investments deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.

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Iran on Friday denied having anything to do with attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, a day after Saudi Arabia accused it of having encouraged the group’s recent escalation against the kingdom.

Since Yemen’s civil war flared back to life in July, the pro-Iran Houthis have repeatedly struck Saudi targets including Red Sea tankers, oil facilities and Riyadh’s international airport, where 13 people were killed in a single attack last week.

A Saudi-led military coalition has supported Yemen’s internationally recognised government for more than a decade, and reported on Friday having intercepted more missiles and drones as the kingdom comes under sustained attack from the Houthis.

A day earlier, a Saudi foreign ministry official said Iran had “encouraged” the escalation, which Tehran denied.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects any claim that Iran has played a role in Yemeni (Houthi) operations,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement.

“Yemen’s armed forces act according to their own interests and assessments, and such claims are not credible to those familiar with relations between Iran and its friends. Nevertheless, Iran does not consider an escalation of tensions to be in the interests of any party,” he added.

The Saudi official, deputy minister for public diplomacy Dr. Rayed Krimly, had said the Houthis rejected an offer to meet in Oman at the outset of the latest round of hostilities.

Baqaei however reiterated an offer to mediate between the two sides, saying Tehran “has always been ready to use its good offices to help end the hostilities”.

On Friday, a spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition said it had “intercepted and destroyed three drones in the southern area and Riyadh… and two cruise missiles over the Red Sea”.

He added that “in the past hours, we intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile over Yanbu”, a city home to the terminus of a major oil pipeline on the Red Sea coast.

The Houthi attacks have proliferated since the group launched a lightning offensive in Yemen in September, seizing strategic government-held territory along the Red Sea coast overlooking a major chokepoint for global shipping.

The pressure on Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, comes as global energy markets were already rattled by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the outset of the wider Middle East war in February.

– Palace struck –

The UN Security Council on Thursday “condemned in the strongest terms continued and escalatory Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, as well as their “attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab” Strait, the southern gateway to the Suez Canal.

The Security Council also denounced the group’s “reckless strikes” on Riyadh’s airport, which the Saudi-led coalition said had been targeted at least 20 times so far this month.

Krimly, of the Saudi foreign ministry, accused Iran on Thursday of continuing “to arm, train and support the Houthi militia in violation of UN security council resolutions”.

“We think that the escalation by the Houthis at this latest stage of the conflict is encouraged by Iran,” he added.

Yemeni government forces have launched a counteroffensive with Saudi air support to retake areas seized by the Houthis, but have so far failed to reverse their gains.

On Thursday, the group launched a deadly missile attack on the presidential palace in the interim seat of the Yemeni government in Aden, killing five people and wounding 16 others, according to the health minister.

Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani denounced the “cowardly” act on X, calling it a “continuation of (the Houthis’) criminal pattern”.

A government minister said on condition of anonymity that Zindani had been present at the time, but “was not harmed in any way”.

The minister said the Houthis hit a command centre for Yemeni government forces at the complex with three missiles, and another for Saudi coalition forces with two missiles.

Media affiliated with the Houthis said they had targeted “the headquarters of military operations, led by Saudi officers, at the Al-Maashiq Palace in Aden, as well as weapons depots belonging to them”.

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United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is set to become the first domestic airline to issue commercial paper, with an initial tranche of N20 billion under its N100 billion programme.

According to its September 2026 investor presentation, which outlined its financial performance and five-year expansion strategy, the commercial paper will be issued in Series 1 and 2, with tenors of 270 days and 364 days, respectively. The proposed issuance will be the first under the airline’s N100 billion commercial paper programme.

Meristem Capital Limited will serve as the lead arranger for the transaction, while Cordros Advisory Services Limited, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, FSL Advisory Limited and Quantum Zenith Capital & Investments Limited will serve as dealers.

The issuance comes as the airline seeks to strengthen its financial position and expand its domestic, regional and international operations.

United Nigeria Airlines has also secured investment-grade ratings from two rating agencies. Agusto & Co. assigned the airline a short-term rating of A3 and a long-term rating of BBB-, with a stable outlook, while DataPro assigned it short-term and long-term ratings of A1 and BBB, respectively.

The airline’s financial performance has recorded significant growth, with revenue rising from N10.3 billion in the 2021 financial year to N90.8 billion in 2025.

Profit after tax also increased from N1.3 billion to N23.8 billion over the same period.

The airline recorded revenue of N95.6 billion in the first half of 2026. Its August performance also showed an improvement, with turnover rising to N19.4 billion from N14.1 billion in July, while it returned to a net profit of N1.2 billion.

The airline expressed optimism that its performance would continue on an upward trajectory for the rest of the year and beyond.

United Nigeria Airlines currently operates 10 aircraft, including Embraer ERJ-145s, Boeing 737-800s, Embraer E190s and CRJ900s. It plans to take delivery of six additional aircraft before the end of the year.

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. As Tijani commissions first NUCAP site in Abia

. Kalu identifies 16 more locations needing coverage in Bende

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide to connect about 20 million Nigerians currently without access to telephone and internet services.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Friday while commissioning a telecommunications tower under the National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP) in Bende, Abia State.

Tijani said the Bende facility was the first site being commissioned under the national initiative aimed at extending reliable telecommunications and broadband services to unserved and underserved communities.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us a clear mandate: work towards bringing every Nigerian online. Through NUCAP, we are delivering 3,700 telecommunications towers across Nigeria. Today, we are commissioning the first of these sites here. More will follow across the country in the coming days, weeks and months,” he said.

The minister said the project was designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure that geographical location did not prevent Nigerians from accessing opportunities.

According to him, rural farmers should be able to contact buyers without struggling to find network signals, while traders should not lose sales because customers cannot make electronic transfers.

He also said families should be able to contact loved ones and seek emergency assistance without the difficulties associated with poor network coverage.

Tijani urged residents to see the telecommunications tower as an investment whose benefits would extend beyond immediate connectivity to education, commerce, skills acquisition and improved social interaction.

Drawing an analogy between the tower and a tree, he said its benefits would grow over time, creating opportunities for farmers to find new markets, young people to acquire digital skills, traders to secure orders from other towns and families to communicate more easily.

He assured that the intervention in Bende would not end with the commissioning of the first facility, adding that the Federal Government would continue working with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, network operators and community leaders to reach other unconnected communities.

Speaking at the event, Kalu described reliable telecommunications connectivity as a critical requirement for financial inclusion, education and effective healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.

He said that although reliable network service might appear ordinary to people who enjoyed it daily, its absence could deny rural residents economic opportunities and access to essential services.

“For a rural trader whose payment repeatedly fails, a student who cannot join an online lesson, or a family struggling to contact a doctor, it is anything but ordinary. It can determine whether an opportunity is secured or lost,” Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker noted that financial inclusion increasingly depended on reliable telecommunications infrastructure, as mobile banking applications, electronic transfers and agent banking services required dependable network coverage.

He explained that poor connectivity could prevent traders from confirming payments, make it difficult for farmers to receive money for their produce and deny households access to funds sent by relatives.

According to him, improved connectivity, combined with affordable services, financial literacy and consumer protection, would help more rural residents participate in the formal economy.

On education, Kalu said the facility would expand learning opportunities beyond the physical classroom, enabling pupils to access online lessons and educational materials while helping teachers improve their skills through wider learning resources.

He added that young people in Bende would be better positioned to apply for scholarships, acquire digital skills and explore opportunities without travelling elsewhere simply to access a network signal.

“The talent is already here in Bende. We must provide the connections through which that talent can grow,” he said.

Kalu also identified healthcare as a major beneficiary of the intervention, noting that reliable connectivity would enable health workers to consult specialists, exchange medical information securely and coordinate referrals for patients in remote communities.

He further linked the project to civic engagement and public safety, saying residents needed access to accurate information and reliable channels to communicate with their representatives, while electoral and emergency personnel required dependable communication networks.

Describing Bende’s location and proximity to neighbouring states as an advantage, the Deputy Speaker said improved connectivity would facilitate trade, movement and relationships among communities beyond the constituency.

He, however, disclosed that 16 additional locations requiring telecommunications intervention had been identified in Bende Federal Constituency.

Kalu urged the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and its implementing partners to work with his office and community leaders to validate the locations, assess coverage gaps and establish a clear programme for extending services to them.

He stressed that the success of the intervention would depend not only on installing towers but also on ensuring reliable service, adequate power supply, regular maintenance and prompt repairs when faults occurred.

The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for the initiative and for choosing Bende for the commissioning.

He also commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for supporting federal development efforts in the state, assuring that he would continue to collaborate with the state government to accelerate development.

Kalu called on traditional rulers and Presidents-General of town unions to protect the telecommunications infrastructure against vandalism, describing it as a critical national asset whose benefits should be safeguarded for present and future generations.

The event featured a live demonstration of e-learning at Bende Grammar School using the newly deployed infrastructure and the distribution of mobile phones to constituents.

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State and former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Inuwa Bwala, have traded accusations over claims about Governor Babagana Zulum’s treatment of opposition parties in the state.

The dispute followed a Facebook post by Bwala defending Zulum’s record on political tolerance, which the ADC described as a distortion of the situation on the ground.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the ADC State Publicity Secretary, Baba Ahmed Mustapha, challenged Bwala’s position, citing the demolition of a property belonging to opposition figure Atom Magira, alleged threats against opposition supporters, the detention of youths who displayed “Tinubu Must Go” placards, and claims that the party had faced restrictions on campaign venues and billboards.

But Bwala dismissed the ADC’s response, questioning Mustapha’s experience in public communication and describing the party’s statement as an attempt to misrepresent his earlier analysis.

The ADC said it was disheartening for Bwala to portray Zulum’s administration as tolerant of opposition parties.

“Ordinarily, we would not join issues with a former commissioner looking for relevance and patronage, but when falsehood is dressed as analysis, the record must be set straight for Borno people and for history,” Mustapha said.

The party questioned whether the demolition of Magira’s three-storey plaza in Maiduguri, alleged threats by the Commissioner for Sports, Youths and Poverty Alleviation, Saina Buba, and the arrest and detention of five youths who displayed “Tinubu Must Go” placards were consistent with political tolerance.

It also alleged that it had been denied approvals for campaign venues in Maiduguri, that its billboards had been removed by the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), and that some of its members had been profiled.

The ADC called on the Nigerian Bar Association, Borno Chapter, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and civil society organisations to speak out over what it described as a shrinking political space in the state.

However, Bwala denied that his earlier article was directed at the ADC, saying it was an opinion piece written from his perspective as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“In the first place, what I wrote was neither a letter nor a rejoinder, rather, it was an opinionated analysis from a partisan viewpoint, because I am a stakeholder, as a member of the APC,” he said.

Bwala also rejected the ADC’s claim that Magira’s property was demolished because of his political affiliation.

He said the Borno State Urban Planning Board (BOSUPB) had issued multiple notices over alleged violations of building approval requirements and encroachment on the right of way.

According to him, properties belonging to APC members had also been demolished for similar violations.

“To reduce an urban renewal enforcement to ‘opposition witch-hunt’ is mischief, no matter what coloration you try to give it,” he said.

Bwala challenged the ADC to publish any court judgment supporting its claim that due process was not followed in the demolition.

On the alleged threat by Buba, Bwala said the commissioner had clarified his remarks, which he described as a warning against political violence and thuggery at a youth rally.

He said the ADC was interpreting the comments as a threat to attract public sympathy, adding that any genuine threat should be reported to the police.

Addressing the arrest of the youths who displayed “Tinubu Must Go” placards, Bwala said security agencies acted to maintain public order during a period of heightened tension.

He denied that Zulum ordered their detention and said the state government facilitated their release after preliminary investigations.

“I challenge the ADC to prove otherwise,” he said.

Bwala also disputed the party’s claim that it had been denied campaign venues and that its billboards had been removed unfairly, urging it to produce documentary evidence of rejected applications and the removal of the billboards.

He argued that opposition parties had held major rallies in Borno during the 2023 elections without attacks, and said Zulum had encouraged constructive criticism of his administration.

On the governor’s support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections, Bwala said the position reflected political conviction rather than an attempt to undermine opposition parties.

He advised the ADC to concentrate on building its structures at the ward level rather than engaging in public exchanges with him or the governor.

“Professor Zulum will not be distracted. He is focused on resettlement, security, and rebuilding Borno,” Bwala said.

The post Borno ADC, Bwala trade words over Zulum’s opposition record appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Juliet Umeh

Pan-African technology company, Onafriq, has announced plans to wind down its agent banking business in Nigeria, operated under the Baxi brand by Onafriq Nigeria Payments Limited, citing inflation, naira depreciation and intensifying competition.

The company said the economic pressures had increased operating costs and affected transaction volumes, while the rapid growth of instant account-to-account payments had altered the mix of transactions handled by point-of-sale (PoS) agents.

It added that tighter margins and increased competition had further undermined the sustainability of its agent banking operations.

Onafriq said it entered Nigeria’s agent banking market in 2021 through the acquisition of Baxi, also known as Capricorn Digital Limited, and invested in the business through 2023 to strengthen and expand its agent network.

“This investment reflected the Group’s belief in agent banking’s role in expanding financial access and digitising cash-based transactions,” the company said in a statement.

However, it said trading conditions changed significantly from 2024, prompting a review of the long-term strategy and sustainability of the operation.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Onafriq, Dare Okoudjou, said the company entered the Nigerian market “with conviction and commitment” but did not achieve its expected results.

“Closing this business was a difficult decision to arrive at, one that affects colleagues, agents, and business partners across Nigeria who poured their hearts and soul into building out the Baxi network,” he said.

Okoudjou said the company remained committed to ensuring “honesty, fairness, and a well-managed transition” for those affected by the decision.

The planned closure will affect employees whose roles are linked to the agent banking business. Onafriq said it would consult each affected employee and provide support throughout the transition.

The company also disclosed that agents using the Baxi payments platform had been transferred to another principal bank. It advised them to move their funds to a principal bank of their choice within 30 days.

“Onafriq’s teams are available to provide support and guidance throughout the process,” the statement said, adding that the company would honour its commitments to affected stakeholders and maintain open communication during the transition.

Despite the planned closure, Okoudjou said the decision was limited to the agent banking business and did not represent the company’s exit from Nigeria.

“Nigeria remains central to our mission, and we will continue to serve the market as a Payment Solution Service Provider through the Onafriq payments network and our card issuing services,” he said.

Onafriq said it would now focus on integrating its payments network and card-issuing services into Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

The post Naira Depreciation: Onafriq exits Nigeria’s agent banking appeared first on Vanguard News.

A White House official said Friday that Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was leaving her role after just a few days on the job, following a lackluster press briefing performance and scrutiny over her resume.

Asked about reports that Zacharia was “transitioning” out of the role, a White House official confirmed to AFP on condition of anonymity.

The post White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia quits days into job appeared first on Vanguard News.

…As Nawair-ud-deen Society Offers Prayers, Support

By Jimoh Babatunde

The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has expressed confidence that her principal, Ladi Adebutu, will emerge as the next governor of the state.

Kolapo spoke on Friday after Jumat prayers at the headquarters of the Nawair-ud-deen Society in Abeokuta, where leaders of the Muslim organisation offered prayers for her and Adebutu ahead of the 2027 elections.

She said recent developments in the political space, including the controversy surrounding a list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reinforced her confidence in the PDP ticket.

The leaders, led by the Chief Imam of the Nawair-ud-deen Society in Abeokuta and Ogun State, Sheikh Tiamiyu Olamigoke, took turns to pray for the success of the candidates.

They described Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, as a compassionate prospective leader, citing her conduct and community service before entering politics.

The leaders also said Adebutu had contributed to the welfare of Ogun residents, including members of the Muslim community, and deserved their support.

Responding to questions about the jubilation among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the publication of the controversial INEC list, Kolapo expressed confidence that the omission in question was unintentional.

She commended the appointment of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, by President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a globally recognised professional whose integrity she believed would withstand political pressure.

Kolapo also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, irrespective of the political interests involved.

She dismissed the excitement among APC members over the INEC list as a sign of panic, describing their reaction as a “dead-on-arrival mission.”

“They are ‘soon-to-be IDPs (Internally Displaced Politicians)’ exhibiting the symptoms of ‘IDPA (Impending Defeat Panic Attack),” she said, drawing laughter from those present.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate maintained that no force could stop what she described as a genuine movement by people determined to protect their heritage.

“We will soon separate the wheat from the chaff. There is a difference between people who are fighting for their pockets or fighting to retain their juicy positions and those fighting to protect our heritage, in the interest of generations of true Ogun indigenes, who must not be relegated to second-class citizens by imported leaders,” she said.

Kolapo said the PDP’s Itura De mandate would prioritise citizens’ welfare and ensure greater financial autonomy for local governments to promote accountability and grassroots service delivery.

She added that an Adebutu-led administration would seek to ensure that Ogun State’s resources worked for the benefit of its people.

Earlier, the Otun Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Iya Sunnah of the Nawair-ud-deen Society, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, urged members of the society, the Egba Muslim Community and Muslims across Ogun State to support Kolapo and her principal.

Ogunfemi described Kolapo as a source of pride to the Muslim community, expressing confidence that she would serve the people if elected alongside Adebutu.

The gathering ended with joint prayers for the PDP ticket, the protection of both candidates and the continued progress of Ogun State.

The post Ogun 2027: Adebutu will win, running mate insists appeared first on Vanguard News.

…accuses him of aiding Tinubu

By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, ADC-PCC, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will win Kano State in the 2027 presidential election without Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s support, accusing the former Kano governor of working to divide the opposition and advance President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The council was reacting to Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step down for Peter Obi, describing the intervention as self-serving and an attempt to distract opposition parties from the task of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, amid mounting hardship, hunger, poverty and insecurity.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC questioned why Kwankwaso was targeting opposition leaders instead of challenging the Tinubu administration.

“Rather than campaigning against President Tinubu, whose administration Nigerians are eagerly working to vote out, Kwankwaso is fixated on Atiku Abubakar, the ADC candidate, whom millions of Nigerians believe can restore economic stability and make life affordable again,” Ologbondiyan said.

He accused Kwankwaso of playing into the hands of the APC by allegedly sowing division within the opposition, insisting that the former Kano governor’s political influence should not be mistaken for the ability to deliver a presidential victory.

“What Kwankwaso is doing amounts to advancing President Tinubu’s interests. It is a familiar APC strategy to use willing collaborators within the opposition to create confusion, sow division and weaken the collective efforts to bring about political change,” he said.

Dismissing the suggestion that Atiku would need Kwankwaso’s backing to win Kano, Ologbondiyan cited former President Muhammadu Buhari’s victories in the state in the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections, arguing that Kwankwaso’s support was not indispensable to electoral success there.

He also contrasted Atiku’s nationwide political networks with Kwankwaso’s concentrated influence in Kano, questioning whether the latter could translate his regional strength into broader national support.

“Atiku Abubakar is a cosmopolitan, detribalised and nationally recognised political figure who has built relationships across the North, South, East and West over more than three decades.

“Kwankwaso, on the other hand, has concentrated much of his political strength within Kano State. His ability to translate that regional influence into broad national electoral success remains a major question,” Ologbondiyan said.

The ADC-PCC spokesman further pointed to Kwankwaso’s fourth-place finish in the 2023 presidential election to challenge claims about his national electoral strength.

“If his political relevance were as extensive as he suggests, why did he finish fourth in the last presidential election?” he queried.

Ologbondiyan also alleged that Kwankwaso’s position on Obi’s candidacy was influenced by personal calculations ahead of the 2031 presidential race, rather than a genuine commitment to defeating the APC in 2027.

The council urged Kwankwaso and other opposition leaders to set aside personal ambitions and unite behind Atiku, warning that division could undermine efforts to remove Tinubu from power.

“The task before opposition leaders is not to undermine one another for personal political advantage but to unite around the urgent national mission of rescuing Nigeria,” Ologbondiyan said.

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By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for chairman of the board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Abdullahi Saidu, has told the Senate that the commission has operated without a board for more than 13 years, a situation he said has hindered its operations.

Saidu spoke on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance for screening alongside six other nominees.

He said the absence of a board had left the commission with significant institutional challenges, adding that the incoming board would have to rebuild its operations if confirmed.

Saidu said the commission was expected to establish offices in at least one location in each of the six geopolitical zones but currently operated only from Abuja.

He pledged to work with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to strengthen the commission and improve its capacity to discharge its mandate.

The nominee also disclosed that the commission lacked prosecutorial powers, explaining that it could investigate cases and forward its findings to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for prosecution.

He said the proposed board would seek a review of the law establishing the commission to strengthen its independence and operational capacity.

Saidu further pledged to improve government revenue by strengthening the monitoring of operating surpluses generated by government-owned and other organisations covered by the commission’s mandate.

According to him, some revenue-generating organisations fail to remit the appropriate share of their operating surpluses to the Federal Government.

He said such organisations were expected to remit 80 per cent of their operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund while retaining 20 per cent for their operations.

“Because the commission is not informed, so they just declare whatever they feel they want to declare,” he said.

Saidu assured the committee that, if confirmed, the board would strengthen monitoring to ensure that the appropriate revenues were declared and remitted.

He expressed confidence that the commission’s performance could improve within a year, provided it received the necessary support from the National Assembly and other stakeholders.

The screening was presided over by Senator Lere Oyewumi, vice-chairman of the committee, who represented its chairman, Senator Sani Musa.

Addressing the nominees, Oyewumi said managing the commission required specialised knowledge and preparation, noting that the assignment differed from other public service roles.

He urged them to participate in retreats with experts and undertake extensive reading to prepare for the responsibilities ahead.

Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, moved a motion for Saidu and the other nominees to take a bow and leave, while Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North, seconded the motion.

The other nominees screened alongside Saidu were Muhammad Asma’u, Muhammad Makama, Suleiman Gidado, Louis Ndukwe, Amechi Ugwele and Olaniyi Onikola.

The committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate for further legislative action.

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Smartphones with 10,000mAh batteries or more are becoming an option for users who need extended battery life for gaming, streaming, outdoor activities and work on the go.

Unlike conventional smartphones, which often have batteries ranging from 4,000mAh to 6,000mAh, these devices offer substantially larger capacities that can reduce the need for frequent charging.

While most phones in this category are rugged devices designed for demanding environments, newer models are increasingly combining large batteries with features such as AMOLED displays, fast charging and 5G connectivity.

However, a larger battery often means a heavier and thicker phone. Buyers should also distinguish between models with exactly 10,000mAh batteries and those offering higher capacities.

Here are 10 smartphones with batteries rated at 10,000mAh or more.

1. REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G — 10,000mAh

The REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G is listed among the large-battery smartphones aimed at users who want extended battery life without choosing a rugged handset.

Its advertised specifications include a 10,000mAh battery, 100W fast charging, a 6.83-inch AMOLED display and 5G connectivity. These features position it as an option for users who want a large battery alongside the everyday functions of a mainstream smartphone.

Buyers should verify the model name and specifications with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing.

2. realme P4 Power — 10,001mAh

The realme P4 Power is designed for users who prioritise battery endurance without giving up modern smartphone features.

It features a 10,001mAh silicon-carbon battery, an AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra processor and 80W fast charging.

The high-refresh-rate screen is suited to smooth scrolling and gaming, while the large battery provides substantial capacity for extended daily use.

3. realme Narzo Power — 10,001mAh

The realme Narzo Power is another smartphone in the large-battery category, combining a 10,001mAh battery with modern display and charging technology.

Its specifications include an AMOLED display, a high refresh rate and fast charging, making it an option for people who spend considerable time gaming, watching videos or using mobile applications.

As with other recently introduced models, availability and specifications should be confirmed for the buyer’s market.

4. POCO X8 Power — 10,000mAh

The POCO X8 Power has been listed in some 2026 smartphone specification reports as a large-battery device with a 10,000mAh capacity.

The model is presented as an option for users seeking extended battery life alongside everyday smartphone performance.

However, its official model identity, specifications and market availability should be independently verified before it is included in a purchasing shortlist.

5. Oukitel WP100 Titan — 33,000mAh

The Oukitel WP100 Titan stands out for its 33,000mAh battery, which is more than three times the capacity of a typical 10,000mAh phone.

Designed for demanding outdoor use, the rugged smartphone targets people who work in remote locations, travel extensively or spend long periods away from electrical outlets.

Its enormous battery makes it suitable for users who value endurance over a compact design. However, its size and weight make it less convenient for people who prefer lightweight everyday smartphones.

6. Ulefone Armor 29 Pro — 21,200mAh

The Ulefone Armor 29 Pro is a rugged smartphone designed for demanding environments, including outdoor activities and industrial work.

Its 21,200mAh battery provides considerably more capacity than conventional smartphones, making it attractive to users who need a device that can remain operational for extended periods.

The reinforced design also targets people who need greater physical durability than a typical consumer handset offers.

7. Oukitel WP300 — 16,000mAh

The Oukitel WP300 combines a 16,000mAh battery with a rugged design intended for outdoor use.

Its battery capacity makes it an option for people who frequently travel, camp or work in environments where charging facilities may be limited.

The phone prioritises durability and endurance over the slim profile associated with many mainstream smartphones.

8. Blackview BV9300 Pro — 15,080mAh

The Blackview BV9300 Pro is a rugged Android smartphone with a 15,080mAh battery.

It is designed for users who require a durable device for activities such as camping, construction work and outdoor travel. Its large battery reduces reliance on frequent charging, while its rugged construction makes it an alternative to conventional smartphones for demanding environments.

The model may appeal to buyers who want a substantial battery without moving to the exceptionally large capacities offered by devices such as the Oukitel WP100 Titan.

9. Oukitel WP35 — 11,000mAh

The Oukitel WP35 features an 11,000mAh battery, exceeding the 10,000mAh threshold while offering a rugged smartphone design.

It targets users who need extended battery life for outdoor activities, fieldwork and travel.

Its capacity makes it a practical consideration for people who want more endurance than a standard smartphone can typically provide, although its dimensions and weight should be considered before buying.

10. Oukitel WP200 Pro — 10,000mAh

The Oukitel WP200 Pro is a rugged Android handset listed with a 10,000mAh battery.

It is intended for users who want substantial battery capacity and smartphone functionality

Vanguard News

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka, has expressed confidence that Ndigbo will rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, urging eligible voters in the South-East to make their votes count.

Obidike, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clarivo Oil and Gas, said the South-East could no longer afford to approach national politics solely from the standpoint of opposition, urging voters to assess the Tinubu administration based on infrastructure, representation, economic opportunities and federal presence in the region.

Speaking in an interview, he identified the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) as a significant institutional response to the region’s longstanding demand for coordinated federal intervention and development.

He also cited the approval of the South-East Investment Company, an investment vehicle designed to mobilise capital and accelerate industrial and infrastructure development across the five South-East states, with initial funding of N150 billion.

According to him, the investment framework, alongside the SEDC, provides a platform for the region to pursue large-scale development beyond the limitations of individual political administrations.

Obidike further pointed to the Federal Government’s support for the South-East Vision 2050 development blueprint, a long-term regional framework intended to promote coordinated economic planning, industrialisation, infrastructure development and regional integration.

On road infrastructure, the APC chieftain cited the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, describing it as one of the region’s most important economic corridors.

He also referenced the 107-kilometre Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, being reconstructed under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, with MTN Nigeria involved in the project.

Other projects he highlighted included the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, particularly the Umuahia-Aba section; the Enugu-Ninth Mile-Makurdi Expressway; the Enugu-Abakaliki Highway; the Okigwe-Owerri Road; the Onitsha-Owerri Road; the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road; and the Owerri-Aba Road.

Obidike also highlighted what he described as increased federal attention to education and healthcare infrastructure in the South-East.

Among the projects he cited were the Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, Abia State; and the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State.

He also pointed to the Federal Government’s approval for the upgrade of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, as well as investments in medical facilities at the institution.

Obidike, who also chairs Clarivo Holdings Limited and Bidiks Nigeria Limited, said the central issue for voters in the South-East should be whether their political choices advance the interests of the people, rather than whether they support the party controlling the Federal Government.

He argued that supporting an incumbent president did not amount to abandoning regional interests, adding that the 2027 presidential election would provide an opportunity for voters in the region to reassess their political choices.

The APC chieftain expressed confidence that Ndigbo across the five South-East states, as well as those residing in other parts of the country, would rally behind Tinubu in the election.

He urged eligible voters to participate in the electoral process, stressing that the region should not allow the opportunity to secure greater federal attention, investment and development to slip away.

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

The wife of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, Chief Titi Atiku Abubakar, has decried human trafficking, saying Nigerian girls going abroad are becoming a “nuisance” in their host countries.

She spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the presentation of NACTAL’s review of the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the United States Department of State. Explaining why international partners supported Nigeria’s anti-trafficking work, she said they wanted Nigerian girls to remain in the country.

“Our girls are becoming nuisance in overseas countries. So that is why these partners are helping us,” Abubakar said.

She added that the partners were supporting both Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts and the girls themselves.

“They are supporting us, they are supporting the girls. They want them to stay at home and do whatever they want to do in their homes, in their country,” she said.

Abubakar, who is also the founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), further urged civil society organisations to work together, saying NACTAL could not tackle trafficking, abuse and child labour without wider participation. She described the groups working with the network as frontline actors in the fight.

“NACTAL has about 286 foot soldiers, those are the CSOs that are working with NACTAL because NACTAL alone cannot do it. So we must bring everybody on board to help in this fight,” she said.

The immediate past NACTAL president and regional representative of the West African Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, Abdulganiu Abubakar, said the network’s review found that the contributions of the Nigerian government, development partners and civil society organisations were underrepresented in the US report.

He said NACTAL commissioned the review after the report’s release to examine its assessment of Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in victim protection, rehabilitation and shelter provision. Development partners, he said, had supported policy development, assisted victims and helped refurbish shelters run by civil society organisations and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

Abubakar said about 10 NAPTIP shelters had received refurbishment support, but the interventions were not adequately reflected in the US report. He added that the work of more than 289 NACTAL member organisations and Nigeria’s role in regional anti-trafficking initiatives deserved greater recognition.

However, he acknowledged that Nigeria continued to face challenges in implementing anti-trafficking policies, including inadequate funding, weak political will and shortcomings in prosecuting cases, particularly high-profile ones.

“The government of Nigeria needs to do a lot in terms of funding. The political will and commitment should improve,” he said, urging the Federal Government to increase funding for agencies responsible for tackling trafficking and create an enabling environment for civil society groups and development partners.

NACTAL President Osita Osemene said he planned to expand the network from about 286 civil society organisations to 500 within three months and at least 1,000 within a year. He said the expansion would be accompanied by capacity-building programmes to strengthen support for victims and vulnerable groups.

“The fight against human trafficking is a collective responsibility, and everybody must come together to ensure that this fight is won,” Osemene said.

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By Vincent Ujumadu

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed concern over rising hardship in Nigeria, lamenting that more citizens are being pushed below the poverty line amid persistent insecurity and economic difficulties.

Achebe, in his royal message to mark the 2026 Ofala festival, titled “Celebrating 500+ Years of the Onitsha Monarchy,” cited a World Bank development update which stated that about 104 million Nigerians were classified as poor in 2023.

The monarch said the situation had been worsened by persistent insecurity in several parts of the country.

He recalled the recent visit by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu, during which the clerics raised concerns over national security and the severe economic hardship facing the majority of Nigerians.

Achebe said the issues highlighted by the bishops transcended political, religious and ethnic considerations and required urgent attention from the government.

“Hunger, unemployment, poor and inaccessible medical service, insecurity, and such other inadequate factors of human development, are pervading in the country. We plead with Mr President to give urgent attention to the fire situation on the ground,” he said.

On the 2027 general elections, the monarch observed that the attention of the political class was increasingly shifting towards political positioning at the expense of governance.

He urged stakeholders to intensify advocacy, mobilisation and public enlightenment to promote free, fair and credible elections.

Achebe also called on political parties to shun violence and conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would enable voters to make informed choices.

Specifically, he urged people of the South-East to participate massively in the 2027 elections, warning that voter apathy would deepen the region’s political marginalisation and weaken its ability to influence decisions affecting its future.

According to him, the people of the region could no longer afford to stay away from the electoral process while complaining about inadequate representation.

“I call on the people of the South-East States to shake off their historical apathy towards elections. We cannot stay away from elections and turn around to complain of marginalisation. In democracy, all votes count. Therefore, we must come out and vote for our candidates,” the monarch said.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections, stressing that the integrity of the electoral process was essential to strengthening public confidence in democracy.

The Obi appealed to President Tinubu to prioritise the challenges confronting Nigerians, insisting that the issues required practical solutions beyond political, religious and ethnic considerations.

He said the country’s leadership should focus on governance and addressing citizens’ needs, particularly as the next general elections draw closer.

On community development, Achebe spoke about the activities of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (ONAF), an initiative established to implement programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

He said that after five years of operation, the foundation needed a comprehensive review of its achievements, processes and overall impact.

According to him, the proposed review would help reposition the organisation, strengthen its programmes and identify areas requiring improvement to deliver better results.

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