Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former Kaduna State governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi. This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to mark Makarfi’s 70th birthday today (Saturday). Tinubu described the celebrant’s seven decades of life as a testament to integrity, principled leadership and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development. He stated that the statesman’s contributions to public service have earned him admiration across political divides. The president underscored his enduring value of integrity and civility in governance. He noted…

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions to dismiss, after due investigation, any student involved in kidnapping or related crimes. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia, yesterday. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said: “Any student found culpable, after due investigation, of planning or participating in the kidnapping of fellow students has no place in our tertiary institutions. Such individuals must be dismissed. Our campuses must never become…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that his political camp sought the removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara rather than his suspension under the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. Wike made the revelation on Tuesday during his monthly media chat in Abuja while explaining the circumstances that led to the prolonged political crisis between him and his successor. The former Rivers State governor said although both camps had at one point agreed to reconcile and move on from their differences, fresh political realities prompted his allies to reconsider their position. According…

Thirty years after guiding Nigeria to its historic Olympic football triumph in Atlanta, former Dream Team coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo says he has yet to receive any reward or official recognition from the Nigerian government for the achievement. The Dutch tactician expressed disappointment that, despite leading Nigeria to become the first African nation to win Olympic football gold, his contribution has remained largely unrecognised. Speaking in a recent interview with newsmen, Bonfrère said many members of the victorious squad received national honours, houses and financial rewards, but he was left out. They were claiming that everyone has received their rewards,…

In a bid to ensure neutrality of security agencies in the conduct of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has deployed CP Election, Mr Erale Samuel Etaifo, to the State to oversee the security architecture for the election. A statement issued by the Osun Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Friday, stated that CP Etaifo will coordinate election security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and all…

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has joined growing opposition to FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, insisting football must remain in the hands of the people rather than private investors. The former Spain international, who won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, threw his support behind UEFA’s strong resistance to the proposal, warning that the sport’s authenticity and emotional appeal must not be sacrificed for commercial gain. Speaking in Sydney on Friday, where Chelsea are on a pre-season tour, Alonso said football’s greatest strength lies in its accessibility and shared ownership by…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that his administration would never negotiate with kidnappers or terrorists, insisting that Nigeria’s security forces would continue to confront criminal groups without paying ransom, even as he confirmed plans to establish state police and expand military formations to strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity. The President spoke while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa. Tinubu said the recent security operation that led to the rescue of victims in Oyo State demonstrated the effectiveness of the country’s security architecture and credited the success to…

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has reported profit after tax of N50.3 billion in the first half of the year ended June 30, 2026. The group released its unaudited results for the half-year, showing gains across revenue, deposits and capital. The group’s gross earnings rose 31.5 per cent to N279.6 billion over the corresponding period in 2025, led by a 33.7 per cent jump in interest income to N223.6 billion as the loan book expanded and asset yields improved. Net interest income climbed 41.0 per cent to N137.4 billion, while non-interest income grew by 23.3 per cent to N56.0 billion,…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that those responsible for the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar will be brought to justice. The assurance was given yesterday when a high-powered military delegation paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government. The delegation, led by the Chief Administration Officer, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. I.M. Abdullahi, conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of the retired senior military officer. Abdullahi described the late Rabe as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would remain indelible. He said the…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue unit and said he would consider requests for a military base after a high-level federal delegation visited communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State yesterday, May 31. According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa and the President’s media…