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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.

Ekiti boosts security with 404 new Amotekun, grazing marshals

 

 

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday charged the 404 newly recruited personnel of Amotekun, Agro Marshal and Grazing Marshal corps on crime reduction, protection of lives and property and as well agricultural projects to ensure food security.

 

Oyebanji charged them on the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and sharing and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure security across the nooks and crannies of the state.

 

The governor, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), spoke at the National Youths Service Corps Orientation Camp, Emure/Ise/Orun during the Passing out Parade of the new recruits.

 

He described the recruitment of the new security operatives as a sustained investment in the state’s security architecture, which underscores the All Progressives Congress administration’s commitment to safety of lives and property of residents of the state.

 

He said, “Recruitment of additional 404 personnel into Amotekun, Agro Marshall and Grazing Marshal Corps is part of its efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture especially at the grassroots.

“Recruitment of the new security operatives is a sustained investment in the state’s security architecture, which underscores the administration’s commitment to safety of lives and property of residents of the state.

 

“The move aims at further strengthening the state’s security framework as government considered it necessary to rejig the security architecture of the state by establishing additional informal security outfits that will have community participation and complement efforts of the formal security agencies in the state.

 

“The move, which marked a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of a safer Ekiti State came as a result of the marching order issued to the security agencies to reposition and address the emerging security challenges in the state.”

 

Oyebanji hinged the state’s relative peaceful atmosphere on “deliberate planning, unrelenting investment, and concerted efforts aimed at creating a safe and conducive atmosphere to grow the economy through protection of lives and property, protection of the agricultural clusters to ensure food security and enhance intelligence gathering and sharing.”

 

He further charged the new recruits to work collaboratively, discharge their responsibilities with dignity and prioritize the safety and security of our citizens at their various beats where they would be strategically deployed across the state to ensure maximum coverage.

Gambian president pays condolence visit to Buhari’s family

 

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State.

 

Barrow, who arrived in Katsina for the visit, was received by the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, alongside members of the Buhari family.

 

While offering his tribute, Barrow described the late Buhari as a pillar of democracy and a steadfast supporter of The Gambia.

 

“President Buhari stood by us and the Gambian people to ensure that our democratic mandate was fully respected and implemented to its ultimate end,” he said.

 

Barrow said that Buhari was more than a leader to him personally.

 

“Every time I saw Buhari, I saw a father, a brother, and an uncle standing before me,” he said.

 

Barrow highlighted Buhari’s role in promoting peace and democracy across West Africa through ECOWAS, the African Union, and on the global stage.

 

He stated, “I feel deeply obliged for what President Buhari has done — not just for The Gambia, but for ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria’s image across the world.

“He stood for democracy, freedom, and justice.”

 

The Gambian leader extended his condolences to the Buhari family and the Nigerian people.

 

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all Nigerians for the loss of a great man—one who helped shape who we are today,” he said.

 

In his remarks, Garba-Faskari described Barrow’s visit as a true reflection of African brotherhood.

 

He added that Buhari’s contributions to peace and stability in Nigeria and across the continent would never be forgotten.

 

Responding on behalf of the family, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit.

He said the gesture underscored the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and The Gambia, as well as the late president’s enduring legacy in Africa.

 

NAN

Post UTME: UNILAG commences online registration July 28

 

The University of Lagos has set Monday, July 28, for commencement of its online registration for the Post-UTME screening exercise for admission into all undergraduate programmes for the 2025/2026 academic year.

 

This was contained in a statement by the Registrar One and Secretary to Council, Mrs Abosede Wickliffe, obtained from the institution’s website on Friday in Lagos.

 

According to the institution, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration which commences on Monday, will come to a close on August 20.

 

The statement added, “Eligible candidates who made UNILAG their first choice in the 2025/2026 UTME, and scored 200 and above, are eligible to apply for the Post-UTME online screening.

 

“In addition, candidates must possess five credit passes at one sitting in relevant Ordinary Level (O/Level) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

 

“Only candidates who must have uploaded their O/Level results on or before Sept. 12, will be considered for admission.

 

“Candidates, who will not be 16 years of age by Sept. 30, are not eligible and need not apply. Candidates who do not participate in the post-UTME online aptitude test, will not be considered for admission.”

It further urged candidates to ensure they used their personal and active emails to register for the screening, as this would be the channel for communication.

 

The university added that its former students, whose admissions were withdrawn on the basis of poor academic performance or absence status, could reapply.

 

It, however, noted that this was on the condition that the new admission would be for a new programme/course, different from the former ones.

 

“Any student expelled from the university cannot be offered fresh admission.

 

“The university has zero tolerance for drug abuse, as it will not hesitate to withdraw admission of students who tests positive for drug use, whenever the institution conducts such test, either before or after registration,” the statement read.

 

It noted that the Mock examination for the Post-UTME online aptitude test would hold from Monday, August 25, to Wednesday, August 27, ahead of the official Post-UTME test, scheduled for September 1, to September 5

 

NAN

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