The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reaffirmed that its substantive drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, remains firmly on track, clarifying that recent court proceedings discharging him on a separate matter do not affect the ongoing trial. The agency said the core drug case is scheduled to continue before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, 16 March, 2026. NDLEA’s clarification follows the decision of Justice James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge relating to alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets. The anti-narcotics agency stressed that…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
Nigeria’s battle against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) must move beyond routine vaccination campaigns to embrace deeper research, free nationwide screening and aggressive grassroots engagement if the country is to defeat cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, medical experts declared on Wednesday in Abuja. The call came during activities marking the 2026 International Human Papillomavirus Awareness Day, a global initiative championed by the International Papillomavirus Society to spotlight the dangers of HPV and promote prevention strategies. Speaking at the event, Professor Imran Oludare Morhason-Bello of the University College Hospital Ibadan and the University of Ibadan warned that limiting HPV conversations to cervical…
A coalition of government officials, lawmakers and civil society leaders have rallied behind sweeping reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s human rights architecture, as the House of Representatives held a public hearing on two key bills aimed at reinforcing the mandate and independence of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). At the centre of deliberations were the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2025 and the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 — proposals advocates say could redefine institutional safeguards for rights protection in the country. Leading the charge was the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, who…
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr .Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff and students of the institution, has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of one of the College students following a shooting incident that occurred outside the College premises. The institution extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased student and prays for the repose of his soul. “The College has become aware of reports circulating on social media alleging that a Nigerian soldier was responsible for the shooting. The Management wishes to categorically state that there is…
In a historic and morale-boosting decision, the Federal Executive Council has approved the implementation of a transformative Exit Benefit Scheme that grants retiring Federal civil servants a gratuity equal to 100% of their total annual emolument. Effective from Thursday, 1 January, 2026, this landmark scheme signifies a major milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare architecture of the Civil Service and ensuring that officers who have devoted a minimum of ten years of service to the nation retire with dignity and financial security. The approval followed extensive deliberations and technical input from an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee constituted…
By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi Kebbi State Governor Comrade Nasir Idris has continued to deliver on his socio-economic development promises, thereby affording the people more opportunities to continue reaping democracy dividends. According to Abdulllahi Idris Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, recent flag-off of a new initiative on making life better for the people was performed by the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari. The programmes include: free 2,000 units of solar powered irrigation pumps, 5,000 units of power tillers, about 6,000 sprayers, 24,000 litres of herbicide, 70,000 litres of organic fertiliser and 5,000 loaded trucks of different brands…
Dr Atinuke Owolabi, a member of the North Central Development Commission representing the Southwest, has established a 10-year Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) empowerment initiative for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) children. Owolabi, who is also a Society for Women Engineers (SWE) Ambassador in the United States, disclosed this during an outreach at the IDP camp in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expert, who is also a fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), established the empowerment initiative to mark her 50th birthday and World Engineering Day. She said, “As you can see, most of the…
In a touching display of gratitude, students of Caleb University Staff School, Imota, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, in a gesture of appreciation for his continuous support for education and youth development within the council area. The visit, which took place on Wednesday, 4 March, 2026, provided the students with a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the operations of local government, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical civic engagement. Accompanied by their Head Teacher, Mrs. Fasanmi, and other members of staff, the…
The Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, on Wednesday, 4 March, 2026, received the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Ikorodu Division, Comrade Japheth Odesanya, and his team during a familiarization visit aimed at strengthening political collaboration and grassroots mobilization. The strategic meeting, held at the Imota LCDA Council Secretariat, focused on fostering unity, encouraging inclusive participation, and consolidating support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The engagement brought together key political stakeholders committed to advancing progressive governance across Ikorodu Division. In his remarks, Hon. Benson…
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of efforts to reinforce transparency and accountability in the nation’s railway sector. The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RAAC), Lagos Office, Mr. Alexander Chukwumah, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at the Corporation’s headquarters. Chukwumah said the ICPC is willing to support the corporation by providing training programmes for its workforce to help them identify and avoid practices that could expose them to corruption-related offences. According to…