The ECOWAS Parliament has called on governments across West Africa to make the creation of decent and sustainable jobs for young people a top priority, warning that unemployment and shrinking economic opportunities continue to fuel irregular migration and human trafficking across the region. The regional legislature made the call after a week-long citizen engagement in The Gambia, where parliamentarians interacted with young people, returnees, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the root causes of irregular migration and recommend solutions. Presenting the report of the engagement, head of the delegation, Hon. Billay Tunkara, said participants overwhelmingly identified unemployment, underemployment, low…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old South African woman at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria while travelling with her three-year-old son, whom investigators said she used as a cover to avoid suspicion. The agency also announced the seizure of 4,143.5 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, valued at more than N10.3 billion, at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos, alongside the interception of an alleged drug courier who excreted 100 wraps of methamphetamine after arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport…
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced an additional N200 million donation to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul Local Government Area of the state, raising the state’s total financial support for the federal health facility to N400 million. The Governor made the announcement on Saturday, 11 July, 2026, during an inspection visit to the hospital, where he lauded its remarkable transformation within six months of commencing full clinical services, describing its performance as a model of visionary leadership, dedication and prudent management. The National Orthopaedic Hospital, established following President Bola Tinubu’s approval about a year ago, has…
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has condemned the recent killings in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the attacks as a grave assault on peace, security and national unity, while calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible. In a statement issued on Monday by its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Institute expressed deep concern over the attacks on the Otukpo-Nobi community in Okete District and Akpachi-Ugboju, where several people were reportedly killed. The IPCR described the incidents as “senseless, tragic and unacceptable,” extending its condolences to the families of the victims, the…
Reverend (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, has declared that the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) “now belongs to God” following his appointment as Patron of the association. Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Appointment and official insignia from the National Chairman of NCYP, Isaac Abrak, and the Kaduna State Coordinator, Hon. Daniel John, Rev. Buru urged the leadership of the organisation to remain steadfast in their faith and allow divine guidance to shape their decisions. “NCYP now belongs to God. The leadership are merely instruments in His hands and must allow God to…
Forty one indigenes of Edo State evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks were in a joyous mood on Monday, 13 July, 2026 as the state Governor Monday Okpebholo pledged N41 million to support them. Okpebholo, who made the announcement on Monday, while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, said each returnee would receive N1 million within 24 hours to secure accommodation, while the state government would also provide soft loans to help them start businesses and reintegrate into society. According to the governor, said the support was aimed at helping the…
Gunmen have allegedly kidnapped the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release. Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, 11 July, 2026, between 5pm and 6pm. The victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said, “The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area. “Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and…
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter on Monday, 13 July, 2026 said that its overwhelming victory in the local government election showed the party was well-positioned ahead of the 2027 general elections. The state APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who stated this at the party secretariat while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the local government poll on Monday said the party secured 2,158,600 votes. He added that it was ready to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Tenebe lauded the conduct of the local government election, adding that the elected chairmen…
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday, 13 July, 2026 upheld a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) from recognising or participating in state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress. In a two-to-one majority decision, the appellate court dismissed the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026, affirming the April 29 judgment of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which barred the caretaker leadership from interfering with the tenure and functions of the party’s elected state executive committees. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Okon Abang held that there was no basis…
A former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday, 13 July, 2026 pleaded not guilty over allegations of certificate forgery and misappropriation of funds leveled against him. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Nnaji on Monday,13 July, 2026 before Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Joyce Abdulmalik, on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery and misappropriation of funds. The ex-Minister pleaded not guilty to the charges. After the former Minister took his plea, Ogwu Onoja, his counsel, informed the court about the bail application that had been filed. However, the…