Author: GANUX

Eno hails Tinubu for empowering Akwa Ibom people 26th

 

 

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Saturday commended President Bola Tinubu for extending the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer initiative to over 27,000 vulnerable residents of the state.

 

A statement issued by the governor’s aide on entrepreneurship development, Meflyn Anwana in Abuja disclosed that each beneficiary received N75,000 as part of the programme aimed at alleviating poverty and mitigating economic hardship.

 

Eno described the gesture as a timely intervention that aligns with his administration’s inclusive governance and humanitarian vision.

 

Speaking at the flag-off of the programme held at the Women Development Centre in Uyo, Eno, represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, praised the President for prioritising the welfare of the poor and ensuring that his people are not left behind in the federal government’s social investment drive.

 

The statement partly read, “Through the Renewed Hope Agenda initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over 27,000 Akwa Ibom people received a conditional cash transfer of ₦75,000 earlier today.

 

“This initiative, strategically designed to lift the poorest of the poor out of poverty and reduce economic hardship, is a social investment that aligns with the humanitarian model in Akwa Ibom State.

“His Excellency reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to support vulnerable citizens, particularly through the implementation of the ARISE Agenda.”

 

The statement further highlighted that since assuming office in May 2023, Eno’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on social welfare and embedding humanitarian responses into state policy with the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

 

“The state has delivered 205 homes, provided monthly stipends to 600 elderly persons, and facilitated health insurance coverage for 1,287 senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

 

“The governor also awarded educational grants to 243 students with disabilities, supported MSMEs with equipment and funds, and empowered youths with ₦50,000 grants.

 

“Our policies are not just about giving food or cash to people but about restoring dignity, driving economic empowerment, and building a state where no one is left behind,” Eno said.

Kano orders probe into commissioner’s alleged role in drug baron’s bail

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged involvement of the State Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Wawu.

 

The governor’s directive follows public uproar and mounting concern after reports emerged that the Commissioner’s name featured in official documentation reportedly used to secure the suspect’s release.

 

A statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, said the state government was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, noting that any attempt to shield individuals suspected of sabotaging the fight against drug-related crimes would not be tolerated.

 

“To ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry,” the statement read, “Governor Yusuf has constituted a special investigative committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate measures.”

 

The committee, chaired by Aminu Hussain, who is also the Governor’s Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters, has been tasked with investigating the case and submitting its findings with immediate effect.

 

Other members of the panel include: Hamza Haladu; Hamza Nuhu Dantani; Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmoud Umar; Maj. Gen. Sani Muhammad (retd.); Kabiru Said Dakata and Hajiya Bilkisu Maimota – Secretary.

Governor Yusuf, while unveiling the committee, expressed grave concern over the potential abuse of public office by political appointees and restated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and related social vices.

 

“Let it be known that our administration will not condone any act that compromises the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. We are fully committed to the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse, and anyone found culpable—regardless of their position—will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

 

Although no official response has been issued by the Commissioner for Transport as of press time, the formation of the investigative panel suggests a decisive move by the Kano State Government to maintain public trust and ensure transparency in governance.

 

The alleged drug baron at the centre of the controversy, Dan Wawu, is said to have been arrested on charges related to narcotics trafficking.

 

His sudden release, which allegedly involved political interference, has raised eyebrows across the state.

 

The probe comes at a time when the state government is ramping up campaigns against drug abuse and criminality, particularly among youths, which Governor Yusuf has repeatedly described as a major threat to the security and future of Kano State.

Firm seeks more investment in schoolchildren’s needs 26th July 2025

 

A financial technology company, OPay Digital Services, has called on corporate organisations, public institutions, and well-meaning individuals to increase investment in the educational needs of schoolchildren across Nigeria.

 

This appeal was made during the recent unveiling of the Back-to-School outreach held at Government College Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

A statement by the firm on Saturday said that the initiative, organised in partnership with Brace-Up The Young Foundation, provided school supplies to over 650 students from various secondary schools across Ibadan.

 

Speaking at the event, OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Itoro Udo, stressed that meaningful societal progress depends on how well a nation invests in its youths.

 

“We are using this opportunity to call for more support for schoolchildren, especially those in underserved communities. At OPay, we believe real change starts with the child.

 

“When we provide students with basic educational materials, we’re not just helping them for today — we are building their confidence and capacity for the future,” she said.

 

The outreach, which forms the first phase of a two-part campaign, saw 650 children receive school bags, books, stationery, and learning aids in preparation for the upcoming academic session.

The second phase is scheduled for September 2025.

 

Also speaking at the event, the founder of Brace-Up The Young Foundation, Obasanjo Fajemirokun, echoed the need for collective action in closing the learning gap.

 

He said, “Education is a powerful equaliser, but many children still lack the basic tools to succeed in school. We are calling on more fintechs, companies, and individuals to get involved.

 

“This partnership with OPay has made a big impact, and we are grateful. We must all play our part in building a better future for Nigerian children.”

 

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by Mr S.O. Oladokun, lauded the initiative and called for its replication across other local government areas.

 

“This programme aligns with our mission to provide inclusive access to education. We appreciate the foundation and OPay for complementing government efforts,” Oladokun said.

Many feared dead as truck crashes into bystanders in Anambra

 

Several persons were feared dead on Friday night after a trailer lost control and rammed into them along the Chisco Park Junction in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

 

It was gathered that the fatal accident occurred around 9:30pm when the driver of the trailer experienced brake failure and crashed into pedestrians on the roadside, resulting in multiple fatalities.

 

The incident which was also captured on the Amichi City-wide CCTV system, showed some of the knocked-down victims lying on the ground, while some residents and other road users were seen bemoaning the incident and offering rescue assistance to the victims.

 

Some eyewitnesses near the scene told our correspondent said the accident occurred within a short period of time as the victims who were mostly doing their usual night business did not see the incoming trailer towards them.

 

One of the eyewitnesses, who gave his name simply as Uche, said, “The crash, which occurred at about 9:30pm yesterday(Friday) came as a shock given the short period within which everything happened.

“The people were doing their usual night business and engaging in their usual activities while some passengers were waiting to board vehicles when the trailer uncontrollably rammed into them, knocking many down, including motorcyclists, a little girl, bystanders, and some petty traders.

 

“Some road users who saw the trailer on time as it was dangerously approaching the area were able to escape the tragedy. Several persons who were knocked were mostly those waiting to board vehicles and some people doing business near the park.

 

“The bodies of the victims lay on the ground before the rescue operations from pedestrians and the arrival of security operatives.”

 

When contacted on the development on Saturday, the Spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra sector, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident, but could not give the actual casualty figure.

 

“Yes, we received the accident of the accident, but information about the crash and the casualty rate is still being gathered, we will issue a statement soon,” Onabe said.

Kebbi gov mourns Emir of Gusau

 

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has extended condolences to the government and people of Zamfara State over the passing of the Emir of Gusau, Dr. Ibrahim Bello.

 

In a condolence message addressed to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Idris described the late monarch as a man of wisdom and peace whose leadership and counsel were instrumental to the stability and progress of his domain.

 

The message, made available by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, on Saturday, noted that the death of the Emir came at a time his guidance was most needed for the sustenance of unity and relative peace in Zamfara State.

Idris fondly recalled the Emir’s significant contributions to public service, especially in the health sector, dating back to the old Sokoto State, saying his legacy would be remembered for generations.

 

While praying for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and eternal rest for the late royal father, the Governor urged the bereaved family and the Gusau Emirate Council to find comfort in the Emir’s remarkable service to Allah and humanity.

 

“On behalf of the government and people of Kebbi State, I offer our deepest sympathies and pray Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” the statement concluded.

Naira strengthens against dollar, closes week at N1,534.72

 

 

The Naira closed the week on a positive note, gaining 4.52 kobo against the U.S. dollar at the official market on Friday.

 

According to the latest figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Naira traded at N1,534.72 per dollar.

 

The figure represents a modest gain of 0.05 per cent on Thursday, when it was valued at N1,534.79 to the dollar.

However, the Naira had experienced minimal losses earlier in the week, trading at N1,535.62 on Wednesday and N1,535.24 on Tuesday.

 

The trading week began with a minor decline of 20 kobo on Monday.

 

NAN

At least 3 killed as Russia, Ukraine exchange strikes

 

Russia struck several regions of Ukraine overnight, officials said Saturday, reporting one person killed in Dnipro, while Moscow said two people died after a Ukrainian drone attack in the Rostov region.

 

Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov said one person was killed in a high-rise apartment complex.

 

Across the border, Russia’s acting governor of Rostov said a car caught fire following a drone strike.

 

“Tragically, two people died,” Yuri Sliusar posted on Telegram.

 

Ukrainian officials in Dnipro, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia all reported coming under Russian fire overnight.

 

In Dnipro, Filatov urged people to take precautions during Russian attacks.

 

“I understand that there aren’t enough shelters, but I must say: during shelling, it is absolutely not advisable to stay on the upper floors, especially when there is an underground parking area available,” he posted on Telegram.

 

Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said that his city had come under sustained bombardment “for almost three hours”.

“The enemy used several types of weapons simultaneously: guided bombs, ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones,” he added.

 

In Zaporizhzhia, Governor Ivan Fedorov said several fires broke out following Russian drone attacks, one of which hit a residential building while another damaged a farm warehouse.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing for a meeting with counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the war, with Kyiv proposing talks by the end of August.

 

But the Kremlin on Thursday downplayed the likelihood any such meeting was imminent.

 

Both sides have radically different positions at the negotiating table, and Ukraine has accused Russia of sending only low-level officials with no decision-making power.

 

Russia has called on Ukraine to effectively cede four regions that Moscow claims to have annexed, a demand Kyiv has called unacceptable.

Ukraine meanwhile has been pleading with its Western backers to send more weapons for its troops to withstand daily Russian attacks.

Police arrest two soldiers, 20 others

 

 

The Ogun State police command on Saturday said that its Anti-Cultism Unit in collaboration with other tactical squads have arrested two soldiers and 20 others suspected to be cultists during a midnight raid on Hilton Hotel, Osiele, Abeokuta.

The Spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday.

Odutola said, “Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team comprising operatives from Odeda Division, Aregbe Division, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT, led by SP Adejoh Israel, stormed the location at about 2020hrs on 25th July, 2025.

“The operation was targeted at suspected members of the Aiye confraternity gathered at the hotel.

“In the course of the operation, twenty-two (22) suspects were arrested, including two (2) soldiers, nineteen (19) male suspects, and three (3) females.

“Recovered from the suspects were one cut-to-size locally made gun, one UTC axe, and several blue beret caps associated with the cult group”

She stated that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Anti-Cultism Unit, Eleweran, for further investigation and that no casualty recorded during the operation.

Odutola disclosed that the state police command remains resolute in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes and urges residents to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing operations.

Missing Ogun teenager found dead, body mutilated — Police 26th July 2025

 

The Ogun State Police Command is investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was discovered days after he was declared missing.

 

Wahab, who was living with his grandmother, was reported missing by his father, Lawal Olumide, before his decomposing remains were found on July 23 along the Old Express Road in Igbile-Ijebu.

 

In a statement released on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, described the case as a disturbing case of suspected ritual murder.

 

She said, “A preliminary examination revealed that the head, both wrists, heart, and genitals had been gruesomely removed — suggesting ritualistic motives.”

 

Odutola confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the killing.

 

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from Omu-Ijebu Division apprehended suspects identified as Salawu Omikansola (25 years), Serefusi Agemo, and others,” she said.

 

According to her, one of the suspects made a voluntary confessional statement, which was also recorded on video.

Odutola confirmed that the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the condition of his remains.

 

“The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the state of the remains,” she said.

 

Odutola said that the case file and relevant exhibits were being prepared for immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran.

 

She added, “Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.

 

“The Ogun State Police Command condemns this heinous act and assures the public that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”

 

She further urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

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