Author: GANUX

 

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said the only way to make Nigeria and Africa work is to dismantle corruption and rascality in governance.

 

He stated this on his X handle on Sunday.

 

According to him, Nigeria must also prioritise investment in the critical areas of development.

 

“I shared insights from my political journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with serving the public. I maintained that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, can work for all if we dismantle corruption and rascality in governance.

 

“Yesterday, at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, I was honoured with an invitation to address African youths in the African Together Conference tagged ‘The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents.”

 

“I was delighted to interact with these youths drawn from different African countries and passionate about making a positive difference in society. I was inspired by the energy and determination of these young leaders, and I remain committed to empowering them to shape Africa’s future.

“Our discussion centred on the pathway to dismantling corruption and building a better future for our continent. I reiterated how investing in the critical areas of human and national development, education, health, and pulling people out of poverty can drive immeasurable growth and development in any nation and continent.”

 

He pointed out that drawing examples from comparable nations such as China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the continent of Asia, he highlighted how committed leadership can turn around any country and continent by prioritising investments in these areas.

 

“With competent, committed, and compassionate leadership, Nigeria can become a beacon of hope, and Africa will rise to become a global economic powerhouse.

 

“I thank the African Society, University of Cambridge, for hosting this important event, and I also appreciate the young leaders who participated with such enthusiasm and dedication.

 

“As we strive to build the New Nigeria, we all must get involved in this important process of nation-building by ensuring that only competent, capable, committed leaders with character and integrity are elected into public offices,” he averred.

 

In a strategic move to uplift grassroots women entrepreneurs, wife of the Member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Hajiya Jamila Wada-Dasuki, has launched a N10 million trade support grant aimed at boosting small businesses across the constituency.

 

The empowerment initiative officially kicked off in Tambuwal town on Sunday with a symbolic disbursement ceremony, where 400 women drawn from all wards in Kebbe and Tambuwal local government areas received N25,000 each in the first phase.

 

The beneficiaries are engaged in various micro-enterprises such as tailoring, spice production, goat rearing, and small-scale farming.

 

Speaking at the launch, Hajiya Jamila described the programme as a strategic investment in women-led businesses, emphasizing the vital role of women in driving community development.

 

“This is not just financial assistance, it’s a recognition of the important role women play in sustaining our communities. These women are already entrepreneurs. Supporting them will trigger a ripple effect that benefits entire households and communities,” she said.

She noted that while the initial disbursement reflects current financial capacity, it marks the beginning of a broader vision to reach more rural women, particularly in districts like Romon Sarki and Sanyinna.

 

“Charity begins at home. This is just the start, we are committed to expanding this support to even more underserved areas,” she added.

 

Hajiya Jamila urged the recipients to utilise the funds judiciously, expressing optimism that the programme would yield visible and lasting impacts.

 

“We hope to return in the near future and see thriving businesses and improved livelihoods. From here, we aim to grow stronger,” she concluded.

 

The initiative has been widely praised as a timely and impactful step toward enhancing economic opportunities for women in the constituency.

 

The Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors has expressed strong support for recent federal and state government initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the region.

 

Speaking during a press conference held at Epitome Hotel Event Centre, Barnawa, Kaduna, on Sunday, the group commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan.

 

Chairman of the Forum, Professor John Laah, described the projects as “foundational interventions” that mark a turning point in the economic and political inclusion of Southern Kaduna.

 

He noted that such initiatives had long eluded the region due to years of systemic neglect.

 

“We affirm that these institutions will equip our youths with the vocational skills and healthcare support necessary for long-term development,” Laah said.

 

FOSKAP praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for championing Southern Kaduna’s cause and recognized Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive governance since assuming office in May 2023.

The group also applauded Senator Sunday Katung for sponsoring and pushing through the bill that established the university, and pledged continued support for his legislative efforts.

 

“We want to assure the Distinguished Senator that for these sterling achievements, we shall continue to watch his back. He will never walk alone,” the Forum stated.

 

FOSKAP acknowledged the contributions of other federal and state lawmakers, notably Dan Amos and Amos Magaji, for facilitating educational and health infrastructure.

 

On security, the forum lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for establishing a new military command at Samaru Kataf and for sustained efforts to restore peace in the region.

 

They also credited Southern Kaduna’s royal fathers and local communities for maintaining resilience and commitment to peaceful coexistence during challenging times.

 

The Forum announced that it would soon hold a strategic retreat aimed at strengthening its role in regional development and national cohesion.

 

An Air Peace aircraft was grounded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after it collided with a large antelope while taxiing on the runway.

 

The impact decimated the animal and rendered the aircraft on the ground, causing flight disruptions.

 

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, on Sunday, via his official X account, clarified the implications of such occurrences.

 

According to him, “Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground).”

 

He added that as a result of this incident, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted, even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.

“Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions NOT caused by the airlines (domestic or international),” he said.

 

Achimugu emphasized that while such events are beyond the control of the airline, they do not absolve operators from their responsibilities to passengers.

 

“This explainer is for illustration purposes, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers,” he said.

 

“Even with situations like this, the airline still owes its passengers the information, refund, and other forms of care they are entitled to, and can still be sanctioned if they fail to provide the same,” Achimugu added.

 

The agency also noted that efforts are currently underway to repair the aircraft and resume normal operations.

 

The Federal Ministry of Works has assured Nigerians that the Akure-Ikere road dualisation project will be ready for inauguration by President Bola Tinubu in December.

 

The Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr Olajide Hussein, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Akure.

 

Hussein explained that the 15-km Phase 1 of the Akure-Ita Ogbolu-Iju-Ikere road dualisation will be completed and inaugurated in December by the President.

 

According to him, the Phase 1 of the road project cost N19 billion, while the Phase 2 is expected to gulp N23 billion

 

He explained that it was the policy of the ministry to always do projects in phases so that road users will have unhindered access to one lane while contractor starts work on the second lane.

 

Hussein praised the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi for being resilient to ensure that the project is delivered on scheduled.

 

“Phase one covers 15-km single carriageway from Akure to Ekiti State border with some gaps; a gap of 3-km in between. The length of the road from Akure to Ikere, Ekiti State boundary is 18.438-km.

 

“Now the phase 1 of this project is 15-km, meaning the Phase 1 is not expected to cover the whole stretch of 18-km, though we expect the contractor to complete these 18 km by December and for President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate it.

“So, that there will be a smooth unbroken traffic between Akure and Ikere before coming back to the other lane, which is the Phase 2.

 

“You know when we have a single carriageway and the road is dualised, the policy of the ministry is to construct one lane first; not to do both lanes simultaneously.

 

“This is to solve the problem of traffic first before you now think of constructing the other carriageway,” he explained.

 

Hussein, who praised the quality of work done by the contractor, said the only challenge faced in the process of construction of the road was obstructions by buildings; temporary and permanently structures.

 

He, however, commended the affected property owners for removing their structures in collaboration with the state governments.

 

Two notorious gunrunners, Yahaya Adamu and Saeedu Haruna, have been arrested in Plateau State by troops of the 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven.

 

PUNCH Online gathered that the operation leading to their arrest was conducted between May 10-11, 2025, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where the suspects were found with one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and one ITEL phone.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman for Operation Safety Haven, Samson Zhakom, said the arrests were made possible through an intelligence-based operation, which revealed that the suspects and their syndicate were responsible for most of the criminal activities in areas such as Gashish and Kurra Falls in Plateau State, and Gwantu and Fadan Karshe in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

 

According to Zhakom, the suspects are currently in custody making useful confessions, adding that troops are working to track down and arrest other members of the syndicate, as well as recover their weapons.

 

The statement partly reads, “Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN supported by an Intelligence Agency conducted an intelligence-based operation in the early hours of 11 May 2025, at Marit Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

“The operation was sequel to the arrest of a gunrunner and kidnapper identified as Mr Yahaya Adamu at Barakin Gangare in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State on 10 May 25.

 

“During the follow-up operations, troops arrested a notorious gunrunner/kidnapper, Mr Saeedu Haruna and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and one ITEL phone.”

 

The public were also commended for their cooperation in exposing criminal hideouts and encourages citizens to continue providing credible information to aid in their efforts

 

“Operation SAFE HAVEN lauds the unique cooperation of the populace in ensuring criminal hideouts are exposed to security agencies.

 

“We, encourage that more credible information should be provided to own troops as they strive to hunt down non-state actors, while also protecting lives and property within the Joint Operations Area”, the statement added

 

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission has said that the Federal Government’s Public Private Partnership initiative in the shoe and garment factory under the Nigeria Correctional Service is capable of meeting a substantial part of the uniform needs of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies.

 

According to World Bank data, Nigeria had 223,000 military and paramilitary personnel in 2020.

 

A statement signed by the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Ifeanyi Nwoko, on Sunday, noted that the development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the procurement of locally produced goods, a key component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of Erojim Investments Limited, Dr. Jimmy Ntuen, the Director General of ICRC, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, affirmed that the Aba-based shoe and garment factory, alongside a tannery (leather processing facility) set to open in Kano, will significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.

 

“With the Aba shoe and garment factory capable of producing 1,500 shoes per day, and a tannery set to open in Kano, we are confident that Nigeria can fully meet the uniform needs of our paramilitary agencies,” Dr. Ewalefoh said.

 

“This is not just about producing shoes and garments, it’s about creating jobs, supporting local industries, and reducing our dependency on imports in line with the President’s directive to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.”

 

He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda represents more than a political promise; it is a strategic blueprint for self-reliance, local capacity development, and economic growth driven by effective PPPs.

Dr. Ntuen, CEO of Erojim Investment Ltd, the concessionaire behind the Aba facility, commended President Tinubu, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the ICRC for their support, which he described as instrumental to the success of the project.

 

According to him, the Aba factory, which he described as the largest shoe factory in West Africa, boasts an installed capacity to produce 1,500 shoes and cut 10,000 garments daily.

 

He revealed that the facility has already supplied thousands of high-quality shoes to the NCoS and is ready to meet the needs of other paramilitary outfits.

 

“We can meet the local needs of government agencies, and very soon, we will begin producing for the general public,” he said.

 

“Our Aba factory has created over 300 direct jobs, and the new leather, shoe, and garment factory launching in three months will create an additional 340 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs.”

 

Ntuen also emphasised that the quality of shoes produced at the factory is comparable to global brands, affirming the potential of Nigerian craftsmanship when adequately supported.

 

Goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in either half were enough to secure three points for Newcastle, moving the Magpies within touching distance of Champions League football next season with a crucial victory against 10-man Chelsea at St James’ Park.

 

The victory put Newcastle three points clear of Chelsea and one point behind Arsenal.

 

The Magpies and Chelsea started the day locked on the same 63-point tally before Newcastle got the perfect start when Sandro Tonali’s close-range finish gave them the lead after just 112 seconds.

 

The visitors’ task was made even harder when striker Nicolas Jackson was rightly sent off for a needless forearm smash on Newcastle defender Sven Botman 10 minutes before the break.

 

Manager Enzo Maresca adjusted by using Cole Palmer as a false nine, inspiring a Chelsea revival after the break, with keeper Nick Pope twice saving well from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.

 

Reece James missed another big opportunity for Chelsea, but Newcastle survived to wrap up a priceless three points in stoppage time when Bruno Guimaraes’ strike took a deflection off Malo Gusto and looped over keeper Robert Sanchez.

 

The celebrations when the final whistle sounded illustrated the importance of this win as Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe stand on the brink of closing out a magnificent campaign.

They secured their first major domestic trophy since 1955 – their first success of any kind since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – when they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March.

 

And now, after a hard-fought win against a Chelsea side rivalling them for a place in the Champions League, Newcastle are in a prime position to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

 

They travel to Arsenal before hosting Everton in their final game of the season, with crucial momentum gathered after surviving a nervous second half to overcome Chelsea.

 

Tonali helped his side make their usual whirlwind start on Tyneside, but the emphasis of the game shifted following Jackson’s red card and those tactical adjustments from Maresca.

 

The anxiety among the Toon Army could be heard and felt as Chelsea established control, but Newcastle found heroes in keeper Pope, who came to the rescue when required, and giant hometown hero Dan Burn, who gave a towering defensive display.

 

There was huge relief when the win was finally secured after Guimaraes scored the clinching second goal.

 

Newcastle now just need to finish the job off, and they will feel they are now in the ideal position to do so.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Kyiv would meet with Moscow for talks in Istanbul on May 15, but that Russia must first commit to a 30-day ceasefire starting from Monday.

 

Zelensky, using rare language since Moscow invaded more than three years ago, described Russia’s proposal to convene direct peace talks as a “positive sign”.

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “ready to host negotiations,” telling Russia’s Vladimir Putin in a phone call that a “window of opportunity” had opened for peace.

 

Moscow and Kyiv have not held direct talks since March 2022, shortly after the Kremlin launched its invasion in February of that year.

Those talks, which also took place in Istanbul, led to a now-aborted peace deal that would have seen Kyiv adopt a neutral status and renounce any NATO ambitions.

 

Russia’s invasion has since dragged on, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, the destruction of Ukrainian cities, and a total collapse in relations between Moscow and the West.

 

Moscow now occupies a fifth of the country and has claimed to have annexed four Ukrainian regions as its own, in addition to Crimea, which it seized in 2014.

 

“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire — full, lasting and reliable — starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said on social media.

 

“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war,” the Ukrainian leader said in a break of tone.

 

“The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”

 

– ‘First ceasefire’, then the rest –

 

Kyiv and its Western allies have said an unconditional ceasefire to pause the fighting is the only way to advance a diplomatic solution in the three-year-old conflict — Europe’s worst since the Second World War.

 

On a visit to Kyiv on Saturday the leaders of France, the UK, Germany and Poland pressured Russia — with US President Donald Trump’s support — to commit to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine starting from Monday.

 

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said that Kyiv would only come to the table if Moscow agreed to the ceasefire from Monday.

“First, a 30-day ceasefire, then everything else,” he said on social media.

 

“A ceasefire is the first step towards ending the war, and it will confirm Russia’s readiness to end the killing.”

 

Russia has hit Ukraine with a string of deadly attacks this spring.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in 2022 collapsed, and fighting has been raging ever since.

 

Communication channels have only been open for exchanges of prisoners of war and bodies.

 

– Putin mute on truce –

 

At a press conference close to 1:00 am (2200 GMT) in the Kremlin, Putin did not respond to the 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Kyiv’s allies.

 

He instead suggested resuming the Istanbul talks scuppered in 2022.

 

“We propose to the Kyiv authorities to resume the talks that they broke off in 2022, and, I emphasise, without any preconditions,” he said.

 

“We propose to start (negotiations) without delay on Thursday, May 15 in Istanbul,” Putin said.

 

“We do not exclude that during these talks, we will be able to agree on some new ceasefire,” the Russian leader added.

 

But he also accused Ukraine’s Western backers of wanting to “continue war with Russia” and — without mentioning the specific proposal for a 30-day ceasefire — slammed European “ultimatums” and “anti-Russian rhetoric”.

 

Turkish President Erdogan told Putin in a phone call Sunday that Ankara was ready to host talks “aimed at achieving a lasting solution.”

 

Returning from Ukraine, French leader Emmanuel Macron said he expected Russia to commit to the ceasefire “without setting any condition.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia’s offer to negotiate directly was a “good sign” but “far from sufficient,” pressuring Moscow to agree to a truce.

 

But US President Donald Trump said it was a “potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” and vowed to work with both sides to end the fighting.

 

Kyiv on Sunday accused Moscow of launching more than 100 drones on Ukraine after a Russian-announced 72-hour ceasefire had ended at midnight.

 

Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has denied involvement in the arrest of Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda, a constituent alleged to have been detained over criticism of the Gashua Water Supply Project.

 

The senator representing Yobe North was reacting to an online newspaper report linking him to the incident.

 

In a statement released on Saturday by his media adviser, Dr Ezrel Tabiowo, the senator described the report as “malicious” and “false,” asserting that it was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

 

The publication in question had connected Lawan to the arrest, claiming it stemmed from Jadda’s public disapproval of the newly commissioned water project in Gashua, a town within Lawan’s Yobe North Senatorial District.

 

Lawan, however, refuted the allegation, stressing his commitment to democratic values, free speech, and the rule of law.

 

He also cited his legislative record as evidence of his tolerance for dissent and respect for opposing views.

The statement partly read: “Senator Ahmad Lawan has never, and will never, use his office or influence to suppress dissent or intimidate critics.

 

“To suggest that a man of such pedigree would orchestrate the arrest of a constituent for exercising his constitutional right to free speech is not only absurd but an affront to his decades of principled service.”

 

Lawan also defended the Gashua Water Supply Project, noting that it was initiated in response to a severe health crisis in the area.

 

According to him, Gashua has one of the highest incidences of kidney disease in Yobe State — conditions reportedly linked to contaminated water sources.

 

“Rather than being threatened by criticism, Senator Lawan welcomes constructive feedback as a vital tool for improving public service delivery,” the statement added.

 

While challenging the online platform to provide evidence supporting its claims, the lawmaker assured that he remains focused on delivering “impactful representation” to his constituents in Yobe North.