The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has donated N20 million to victims of the flooding disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State.
Obi made the donation on Monday when he paid a visit to the state, and he promised to personally visit the families of the victims and meet them one on one.
The philanthropist who was received on arrival at the Niger State Government House, Minna by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, expressed sympathy to the government and the people of the state over the loss.
153 people have been reported dead with over 100 others missing in the flash flood that ravaged the Mokwa communities last week.
The ex-Anambra State Governor “prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for God to grant the affected families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
The Deputy Governor who received Obi thanked the former Anambra state Governor for supporting the distressed Mokwa flood victims.
He also commended him for his kindness and love for humanity, especially in the support of victims of natural disasters.
The World Health Organization in the African Region and TY Danjuma Foundation have signed a landmark $2.26m agreement to strengthen Nigeria’s national health priorities over the next decade.
The partnership, formalized on Monday in Abuja, marks a significant step in leveraging African philanthropy to address the country’s health challenges, according to a statement on WHO’s website.
“The fully flexible funding will support the WHO Country Office in Nigeria’s work plan until December 2034, enabling strategic resource allocation to tackle evolving health needs. The initiative will prioritize expanding access to integrated health services for women, children and vulnerable populations in the states of Taraba in the northeast, Edo in the south, and Enugu in the southeast of Nigeria.
“Established in 2009, the TY Danjuma Foundation is a Nigerian philanthropic organization dedicated to improving health and education. With state offices in Taraba and Edo, the foundation supports local nongovernmental organizations to deliver impactful community programmes,” it stated.
“We are proud to partner with WHO to advance Nigeria’s health priorities,” said the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of TY Danjuma Foundation, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma. “This agreement reflects our dedication to improving lives and fostering sustainable development in our communities.”
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized the national significance of the collaboration, stating: “This agreement is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to health equity. We welcome the collaboration with WHO and the TY Danjuma Foundation to deliver sustainable, high-impact health solutions.”
The Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said, _I extend our sincere appreciation to the TY Danjuma Foundation for your generous and visionary support for WHO’s work in Nigeria.
“At a time when the global health sector is grappling with a significant funding crisis, this long-term, flexible support could not be more timely. It strengthens our ability to support national leadership, serve communities and drive impact where it is most needed.”
On his part, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo highlighted the wider impact of the initiative.
“This collaboration sets a new standard for health partnerships in Nigeria. The flexible funding and shared vision will drive measurable progress in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations.”
The statement added that a visit to Taraba State on June 3rd, 2025, will highlight the partnership’s on-the-ground impact.
The delegation will tour the TY Danjuma Foundation’s Medical Centre and commission the newly constructed Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria Hospital in Takum, donated by the foundation. The visit will assess the quality of care and explore opportunities to enhance community access to health services.
The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goroyo, on Monday, declared that the Nigerian government must spend approximately N880 billion for the maintenance of the federal road network across the country.
This is just as the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Chukwuemeka Abbasi, said that the template for deducting the road user charge from the prices of petrol and diesel has never been implemented by the defunct Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority, now the Nigeria Midstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The two government officials spoke in Abuja at an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the implementation and remittances of the five per cent user charge for road maintenance under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency.
Speaking at the event, Goroyo said, “FERMA requires an estimated ₦880bn annually for optimal road conditions. Budgetary allocations have consistently fallen short—N76.3bn in 2023, N103.3bn in 2024, while N168.9bn was budgeted for 2025.
“Though these figures show gradual increases, they remain far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance. This persistent funding gap has forced FERMA into a reactive mode of maintenance rather than a preventive approach.
“The consequences of this are glaring — deteriorating road conditions, increased repair costs, and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses alike. A proactive strategy, backed by adequate funding, is essential to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient roadways nationwide.
“Thus, the diligent implementation and timely remittance of the 5% user charge are paramount. This dedicated funding stream offers a viable solution to bridge the financial gap, providing consistent resources to address Nigeria’s infrastructure needs without over-reliance on annual budget appropriations.”
He added that inadequate funding has been the major bane of the nation’s road infrastructure, stressing that even though the user charge was supposed to address the gap, the agency and the Ministry have not been able to access it.
On his part, the FERMA boss said, “Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works remains steadfast in the Renewed Hope Agenda, an agenda dedicated to delivering world-class infrastructure that fosters economic growth, strengthens connectivity, and enhances the daily lives of our citizens.
“Our roads are the lifelines of commerce and social integration, and their maintenance is not merely a policy directive but a national imperative.
“The 5% user charge, as enshrined in the FERMA Act, was designed to serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for road maintenance and rehabilitation. However, for years, FERMA has grappled with severe funding inadequacies, hampering its ability to maintain our vast road network effectively.”
Declaring the event open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, recalled that the House had on 19th March considered a motion at plenary revealing the non-implementation of the remittance of the 5% user charge on petroleum products meant for road maintenance under the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007.
He said, “We owe Nigerians the obligation by sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the status of the 5% user charge to determine the extent of the violation of the law and the amount of money unremitted and those responsible for the non-implementation.”
He stressed that the investigative hearing should also be able to make strong recommendations on how to forestall further abuse of the law and streamline the remittance processes for ease of access to the funds by the relevant government agencies.
The Chairman of the Committee, who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, said the user charge is not an attempt to increase the prices of petroleum products or to amend the law since it has been part of the law since 2007.
He added that the purpose of the investigation is to address the anomalies existing through disobedience to existing laws, adding that the House will ensure that every law passed by the Parliament is complied with both by individuals and agencies of government.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has expressed sadness over the floods that struck Niger State last week, leaving at least 151 people dead and displacing more than 3,000 residents.
In a statement released on Monday via its X, the US Mission conveyed condolences to the victims and praised the efforts of emergency responders.
“The US Mission is deeply saddened by the news of last Friday’s devastating floods that have impacted Niger State.
“During this time of immense loss and hardship, our hearts are with all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, displaced by loss of homes and livelihoods, or struggling to find shelter.
“We are holding in our thoughts you and the federal and state emergency workers who are working to provide relief and alleviate the effects of this disaster,” the statement read.
The disaster has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis.
According to the Niger State Government, the floods destroyed over 260 homes as well as key infrastructure, including township roads and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba.
In response, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-level delegation to the affected areas to assess the damage and support ongoing relief operations.
State officials have appealed for additional federal and international assistance to help manage the unfolding crisis.
Saudi authorities have prevented more than 269,000 individuals without official permits from entering Mecca ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, officials announced on Sunday as reported by AlArabiya and AP.
The move came as part of a broader effort to control overcrowding and ensure safety during the annual Islamic ritual.
The Interior Ministry stated that the measure targets both foreign nationals and Saudi residents attempting to perform Hajj without authorisation.
Fines of up to $5,000 and possible deportation have been imposed on violators.
In addition, authorities have penalised over 23,000 residents for breaking Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj service providers.
At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city.
According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round.
Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari told the media, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”
The strict enforcement came amid growing concerns about the impact of unauthorised pilgrims on public safety.
Last year, many of those who died during extreme summer heat were found to be unregistered participants, according to government sources.
Currently, approximately 1.4 million pilgrims with permits are in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days.
In a sign of increased surveillance and technological intervention, Saudi Civil Defence has deployed drones for the first time during the Hajj.
These drones will assist in crowd monitoring, surveillance, and even firefighting, officials said.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
This year’s pilgrimage is being held under high temperatures, raising further concerns for health and safety.
The Take It Back Movement has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on June 12 to draw attention to the country’s worsening insecurity, shrinking civic space, and growing economic hardship.
In a statement on Monday by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement condemned the rising wave of insecurity in the Middle Belt and northern parts of the country, pointing to continued attacks in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and other states.
According to Sanyaolu, communities have been wiped out while thousands remain displaced, with the government either turning a blind eye or denying the scale of the carnage.
“In Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and across the Middle Belt, mass killings continue with terrifying frequency.
“Whole communities are decimated. Lives are snuffed out without consequences. Internally displaced persons multiply, while perpetrators roam free.
“The bloodletting has become a routine, and the state remains complicit, through its inaction, negligence, or outright denial. This is not a democracy. This is organised cruelty,” the statement partly read.
Sanyaolu also criticised the Federal Government’s alleged crackdown on dissent, citing arrests of protesters, detention of activists, and the targeting of journalists and social media users under the Cybercrime Act.
He described these actions as part of a broader campaign to silence opposition and stifle democratic expression.
Sanyaolu said, “Across the federation, the signs of democratic collapse are unmistakable. Democracy which was won through struggle, sweat, and blood has been dismantled by the very forces that once promised change. Nigeria stands today not as a democratic nation, but as a country at war with its own people.
“Freedom of speech is under attack. The state has turned on its citizens with an unrelenting campaign of intimidation and censorship. Journalists are harassed. Activists are detained. Citizens are arrested for social media posts.
“Through weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act, government agents now stalk the digital footprints of dissenters, silencing legitimate criticism and criminalising free expression.”
Rejecting official celebrations of Democracy Day, he urged Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest, calling on workers, students, civil society groups, artisans, and members of the diaspora to join the action.
“This June 12, we march not just for ourselves, but for the slain in Benue, the displaced in Plateau, the silenced in detention, and the starving masses abandoned by a corrupt elite,” the statement concluded.
Turkey has expressed sympathy to Nigeria following the devastating floods that hit Mokwa and surrounding communities in Niger State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to the Nigerian government and the families of those affected by the disaster.
The statement expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the flooding in the Mokwa region.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the devastating floods in the Mokwa region of Niger State, Nigeria.
“We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria,” the statement read.
In response to the disaster, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State to assess the situation and support relief efforts.
According to figures released by the Niger State Government, at least 151 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 3,000 residents have been displaced.
The floods have also destroyed over 260 homes, township roads, and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, says Nigerians will soon experience a reduction in the cost of living, as the effects of the administration’s economic reforms start to materialise
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday, Onanuga stated that the positive effects of Tinubu’s policies would soon be felt across all segments of the nation.
Onanuga highlighted that the President had not only introduced progressive reforms but had also tackled challenges that previous administrations avoided.
He added that two years is an insufficient yardstick to fully measure the administration’s achievements, noting that policy experts typically assess the impact of policies over a period of 10 years to 12 years.
“The President’s years in office began with clear policy directions and implementation.
“A lot of reforms have taken place across sectors. The President has laid down many fundamentals that would ensure growth,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while the positives of the President’s actions over the past two years were gradually trickling down, a significant paradigm shift had occurred in the economy, addressing many pre-existing problems.
Onanuga, while referring to the situation before the subsidy removal, said, “There was no fuel. Many stations were saying no fuel, no fuel.
“What was happening at that time was that the NNPC had reached the bottom point. It had no money to import fuel, it claimed that it was owing suppliers about six billion dollars and the government was owing it about four trillion dollars. So, it could not import any more.”
Addressing concerns about borrowing, Onanuga clarified that it is a common practice globally, with even countries like the U.S. engaging in it.
“Nigeria has abundant resources that we are harnessing, but not as much readily available money as people might think,” he explained.
He stressed that borrowed funds were not squandered but rather used for their intended purposes, citing large-scale projects like the coastal roads that necessitate external financing due to their immense benefits.
Regarding currency devaluation, Onanuga explained that it is a universal economic principle, citing instances where even the UK and the US have resorted to it.
“Even UK and the US at some point devalued. These are economic principles that are universal and cannot be changed because it is Nigeria,” he asserted.
He added that the government had made tough decisions and simultaneously created opportunities through infrastructure development, noting that many ongoing road constructions were not initially part of the budget.
Onanuga further stated that Nigeria had seen an increase in production and a rise in disposable income.
He pointed to companies like Nestle and Nigerian Breweries, which initially faced challenges but were now sourcing materials locally and reporting profits.
“This economy has opened up opportunities in many forms for Nigerians. Those who can really exploit it. And they are making money,” he emphasised, giving examples of individuals making profits from exporting agricultural products like cocoa and even Zobo.
According to him, many companies are now investing and producing in Nigeria, and these positive shifts will soon become evident and tangible for all Nigerians.
Onanuga stressed the importance of public understanding of the economic context, saying, “We don’t do our people any good when we keep on pushing stories of gloom and doom without allowing them to see the truth, without allowing them to see the context, and without allowing them to know that there’s actually light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to mourn and sympathise with the families of 22 young athletes, coaches, and officials, who died in a ghastly auto crash while returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Abba Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, described the accident as a “dark moment” for the state, saying it claimed the lives of some of Kano’s most promising youths.
In a statement on Saturday and signed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, the governor expressed deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the entire sports community.
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief,” the governor was quoted as saying.
The statement added that the victims were part of Kano’s official delegation to the National Sports Festival and included athletes, coaches, and other state officials.
The accident occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway.
“This tragedy is a collective loss that has thrown the entire state into mourning.
“Most of the victims were young, vibrant talents who went out to make Kano proud at a national stage,” the statement read.
Yusuf called on the public to remain calm and united during this difficult time, assuring them that the government will provide all necessary support to the families of the deceased and the injured survivors.
To honour their memories, the governor directed that Monday be observed as a public holiday, encouraging residents across the state to use the day to reflect, pray, and support the grieving families.
“As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency has directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be declared a public holiday for the people of Kano to mourn and pray for the departed souls,” the statement added.
The state government also appealed to Islamic clerics and the wider Muslim community within and outside Kano to offer special prayers for the victims and ask for strength and patience for the bereaved families.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that the Federal Government did not destroy any property belonging to Landmark Africa during the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The minister disclosed this during the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Phase 1 in Lagos on Saturday.
The management of Landmark, operators of Landmark Beach, sought compensation for the alleged demolition of its property worth billions of naira by the Federal Government during the road construction.
However, on Saturday, Umahi told President Bola Tinubu, who inaugurated phase 1 of the project, that no property of Landmark was touched. According to him, what was touched was Landmark’s encroachment on the front shoreline.
“Mr President, I want to state that we did not harm Landmark Property. As you are going, sir, you will see where this dual carriageway is divided into two. It is by your order that we should save as much infrastructure as possible, even though they violated the gazetted route, we did that, Mr President.
“The Landmark infrastructure is intact; what went off was their encroachment on our front shoreline. And the Supreme Court ruled that 250 metres from the shoreline belong to the Federal Government, and so we didn’t do that,” Umahi said.
The minister announced that the President has ordered the governors where major Federal Government projects pass through their states to give a minimum of 500 metres from the edge of the carriageway, which will be part of the tolling arrangement.
He said that by law, the federal government is not supposed to pay compensation for shanties along the road, but the President directed that compensation should be paid.
Umahi disclosed that a total of N18bn has been paid in compensation for Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
