Author: CSNews

NYSC Boss Draws A Hard Line On Mistakes As Mobilisation Season Approaches

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The National Youth Service Corps has reaffirmed its commitment to an error free and credible mobilisation process for eligible Nigerian graduates, pledging deeper use of technology to cut manual interventions and boost transparency. Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the assurance at the opening of the 2026 NYSC Batch C Pre Mobilisation Workshop in Abuja, noting that public expectations for efficient and technology driven service delivery had never been higher. He said the Scheme would keep strengthening its systems to guarantee that every eligible graduate is mobilised in a credible, transparent and timely manner, describing the workshop’s theme on institutional accountability, data integrity and digital innovation as an accurate reflection of the priorities guiding all stakeholders. General Nafiu urged institutions and officers involved in mobilisation to take full ownership of their responsibilities, follow approved procedures strictly and remain accountable for their decisions, warning that inaccurate records, unauthorised data alterations, delayed responses or missed timelines could damage both graduates’ prospects and the Scheme’s credibility. He called on stakeholders to strengthen digital competence and cybersecurity awareness, protect institutional databases and embrace responsible innovation, stressing zero tolerance for negligence, manipulation of records or any practice capable of compromising the organisation’s integrity. The DG stressed the need for stronger internal quality assurance mechanisms before data is transmitted to NYSC, noting that the credibility of mobilisation depends heavily on the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of information from Corps producing institutions and other stakeholders. He described mobilisation as a shared responsibility that no single institution could achieve in isolation, urging stronger information sharing, open communication and prompt escalation of anomalies, and stressing that weakness in one part of the system could affect the entire mobilisation value chain. Also speaking, Director of the Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs Rachel Idaewor, said as preparations for the 2026 Batch C Orientation Course gather pace, stakeholders must comply strictly with the approved timeline, improve verification of graduates’ data before submission and strengthen internal controls to minimise errors and prevent fraud.

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Enugu Youths Take To The Streets, Tell Terror To Its Face That It Has No Home Here

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Residents and youths of Enugu State marched through popular streets in the state capital on Friday in a show of support for the government’s fight against insecurity, declaring zero tolerance for terror, criminality and violent extremism. The march, made up of undergraduates and members of the National Youth Service Corps, ended at Government House, Enugu, where the youths were received by Governor Peter Mbah and pledged to mobilise young people across the state against criminal activities and extremism. Addressing the group, Mbah said security had emerged as one of the recurring risk factors identified by his administration while mapping out the state’s developmental priorities, prompting his decision to confront the menace head on from the outset of his tenure. While commending the youths, the governor said his administration’s Tomorrow Is Here mantra was not a political slogan but a genuine commitment to investing in young people who would one day take charge of the state’s future. He noted that their willingness to march and speak out against crime and terrorism was a profound statement, effectively reversing the usual order in which government preaches to citizens. Mbah said greater youth involvement in the fight against criminality would ultimately reduce crime and free up resources for job creation and poverty eradication, pointing to countries that had shut down correctional facilities after significant reductions in crime. The governor said Enugu State had adopted a zero tolerance policy toward criminality, insisting that a safer state would attract more investors and generate wider economic benefits. He urged the youths to extend their campaign to every part of the state, describing their initiative as proof that criminality was no longer fashionable among young Nigerians, and promised government support through job creation, education and digital skills programmes. Leader of the march and Deputy Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Dr Emeka Ejim, described the coalition as a broad based youth movement of corps members and students united against crime, cultism and terrorism, pledging that members would never join bad groups within or outside Nigeria. Also speaking, Enugu State leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Okeke Kelvin, said the association would mobilise no fewer than two million youths to support the campaign, insisting the march was proof of their rejection of terror in all its forms.

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They Call Us Family Now: Nigerian Pilgrims Open Up On The Roommates Hajj Gave Them

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Nigerian pilgrims who performed Hajj across different years have shared warm and, in some cases, tearful memories of the bonds they formed with roommates and tentmates during their spiritual journeys to Saudi Arabia, describing the relationships as unexpected gifts that outlasted the pilgrimage itself. For many of them, the experience went far beyond sharing accommodation. Strangers became close friends, business partners and, in some cases, brothers and sisters bound by a shared spiritual milestone. Ismail Ademola, who performed Hajj in 2026, said his roommates in Madinah and Makkah quickly became like lifelong companions. He shared accommodation with his father and three others, and said the group bonded as though they had known one another for years, discussing work, family and life experiences. He added that the friendship later translated into business patronage, with his roommates supporting and expressing satisfaction with his services. Aluku Bisola described her roommates as beautiful souls who remain in contact despite returning home, while Fatima Olorunkemi said her 2026 Hajj roommate became like a blood sister, with the pair still keeping in touch. Olamiposi Ademola recalled the memories as deeply emotional, saying he missed being together in Ihram and the ambience of the holy land, and prayed for the chance to return. Fateema Muhammed remembered her Hajj experience as truly amazing, recalling companions including Dr Yelwa, Dr Z and Nurse Habiba who made the journey memorable, while Ash Irt described the friendships formed during the pilgrimage as among the very best and most memorable of her life. Not every memory carried joy. Khalid Sadi recalled his roommate, Alhaji Ibrahim Siniya, who died shortly after returning from Hajj, remembering how his friend had repeatedly told him he felt close to death before collapsing weeks later. Sadi prayed for the repose of his soul. Zakari Turaki said his 2016 Hajj remains cherished, recounting how six pilgrims shared accommodation in Madinah and five in Makkah, developing a brotherly bond despite starting out as strangers. Journalist Ahmed Aisha Ambali, who covered Hajj professionally, said the assignment introduced her to colleagues including Farouk Jibrin Okpanachi, Garba Muhammadu and Usman Salifu, describing the quartet’s friendship as remarkable and strengthened by shared spiritual and professional experience. Muhammad Kabir Alhaji, who performed Hajj in 2023, said he remains in contact with his roommates and tentmates and has built lasting networks from the experience. Across the accounts, one thread stood out clearly, that for these pilgrims, the people they shared a room with in the holy land became far more than travel companions, they became gifts from Allah.

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First Lady Tinubu Sweeps Through South South With ₦500 Million Relief, Healthcare And Digital Hope

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, brought a wave of federal intervention to the South South on Friday, touching lives across Cross River State through a series of humanitarian, health and education initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative. The First Lady was received in Calabar by Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, alongside wives of governors, RHI coordinators and other dignitaries, for the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South South Zone and the commissioning of several RHI projects. The highlight of the visit came with the presentation of a ₦500 million cheque from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support victims of the Calabar Mall fire disaster. Senator Tinubu handed the cheque to Governor Otu and his wife, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to standing with Nigerians during difficult times. Speaking at the event, the First Lady stressed the importance of collective action in supporting vulnerable citizens and building stronger, more resilient communities across the country. Beyond the formal proceedings, the visit carried moments of genuine warmth. The First Lady was seen interacting closely with a young persons’ chorale group as they performed, and she also held talks with traditional rulers in Cross River State on the role of community leadership in driving development. At the Edina Primary Healthcare Centre in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Senator Tinubu engaged directly with mothers and children, underscoring RHI’s continued focus on maternal, child and community health. Working alongside Governor Otu, Bishop Otu, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and other government officials, the First Lady formally commissioned several RHI projects and launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South South Zone. The tour extended to the University of Cross River State, where she commissioned the RHI TETFund ICT Experience Centre, a facility designed to expand access to technology and digital opportunities for young Nigerians in the region. From disaster relief to healthcare and digital empowerment, Friday’s tour captured a single message in many forms, that renewed hope is steadily reaching communities across Nigeria, one intervention at a time.

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Kaduna Governor Hands Youths Millions as Innovation Takes Center Stage at Youth Day Summit

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has rewarded a group of young innovators with ₦3 million each after they impressed at the International Youth Day Conference 2026, describing their creativity as proof that investing in young people remains the wisest decision any government can make. The conference, organized by the Kaduna State Government through the Ministry of Youth Development, brought together youths from across the state to showcase innovative projects spanning technology, entrepreneurship and digital skills. The governor said he left the opening events visibly moved by what he described as the brilliance, courage and determination on display. Governor Sani said the testimonies shared by beneficiaries of the state’s technology support initiatives stood out as one of the most heartening parts of the event. He noted that their appreciation for the interventions, and their acknowledgment of Kaduna’s investment in youth development as among the most ambitious of any Nigerian state, reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to keep pushing forward. According to him, the government will continue widening access to digital skills, technology and entrepreneurship support, along with the resources needed to convert ideas into real businesses and talent into steady income for young people across the state. The ₦3 million grants, facilitated through the Ministry of Youth Development, are meant to help the selected innovators scale their ventures and push their projects to the next stage of growth. Governor Sani described the gesture as more than a financial gift, calling it a vote of confidence in the ability of Kaduna’s youth to shape the state’s future. He commended the Ministry of Youth Development for creating a platform where young people could connect, learn and present their innovations to a wider audience, adding that such initiatives strengthen the pipeline between youthful ambition and practical opportunity. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s long term commitment to youth empowerment, stating that Kaduna would continue building an environment where every young person can learn, create, prosper and lead. The event forms part of activities marking International Youth Day 2026 and reflects a broader push by state governments across Nigeria to formalize support for youth led enterprise and innovation. Officials say more details on the beneficiaries and their projects are expected to be released by the Ministry of Youth Development in the coming days.

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Air Force Chief Takes Welfare Talk Straight To Personnel In Lagos

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The Nigerian Air Force has renewed its commitment to the welfare and professional growth of its personnel, describing both as essential to keeping the force operationally sharp. In line with that commitment, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, approved an interactive engagement between the Air Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Chidiebere Obinna Obiabaka, and NAF personnel at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre in Oshodi, Lagos, on September 2. The session, known as a durbar, also brought in participants of the Pre Discharge Course 2 of 2026 and covered issues around welfare, career progression, training and professional development. Organisers said the engagement reflected the Air Staff’s determination to ensure personnel are properly supported, developed and motivated to serve the nation effectively. The Resettlement Centre’s Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, thanked the CAS for his continued attention to personnel welfare and reaffirmed the Centre’s role in preparing service members for life after active duty. AVM Obiabaka commended the Centre’s work in personnel development and education, describing it as central to how the Air Force treats its people. The engagement, officials said, underscores how much value the NAF places on both its serving and retired personnel as a national resource whose experience remains important to Nigeria’s security and economic development. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Alleged £110,000 Fraud Lands Two Men Before Lagos Judge

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Two men accused of laundering proceeds from an alleged £110,000 and ₦500 million fraud scheme appeared before a Lagos High Court on Friday, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission pressed ahead with prosecution. Ali Bala, also known as Barrister Ahmed, and Yusuf Umar Anka were arraigned before Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi in Ikeja on a ten count charge bordering on money laundering, stealing and retention of stolen property. One of the counts accuses the pair of conducting financial transactions in 2025 involving proceeds of unlawful activity in order to disguise the source of the stolen £110,000, an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges read against them. Prosecution counsel H.U. Kofarnaisa asked the court to fix a trial date and requested that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial. Defence counsel informed the court of a pending bail application on behalf of the accused. Justice Ogunjobi adjourned the matter to September 8, 2026 for hearing of the bail application and ordered that both men remain in EFCC custody until then. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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INEC Opens Its Vault Of Voter Tech To Help JAMB Guard Its Exams

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has offered to lend its biometric verification technology to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, a move both agencies say will deepen cooperation between two of Nigeria’s most consequential federal institutions. The offer came on Friday when the , Prof. Segun Aina, led the Board’s management team on a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja. Aina told his hosts that JAMB had approached INEC as a sister agency with extensive experience deploying biometric systems to identify and verify millions of Nigerians, and was hoping to tap into equipment INEC may no longer be actively using. He appealed to the Commission to consider releasing some of that equipment to strengthen the integrity of JAMB’s examination processes, a system that screens hundreds of thousands of candidates every year. Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, welcomed the delegation and praised JAMB’s role in shaping the country’s education system and its youth. He was joined by senior INEC officials including the National Commissioner for Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and the Director of ICT, Dr Lawrence Bayode. Amupitan pointed to INEC’s recent electoral outings, including the Anambra and FCT Area Council elections and the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, as proof of the Commission’s growing technical capacity, noting that the deployments had drawn commendation from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the UK High Commission. He directed the Director of ICT to review JAMB’s request and carry out a proof of concept assessment to determine what equipment is available and suitable for handover. The INEC boss described the visit as evidence of the value of inter agency collaboration and assured JAMB that the Commission remained open to further cooperation. Aina, in turn, thanked INEC for the reception and reaffirmed JAMB’s interest in building a stronger institutional relationship with the Commission. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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From Ballots to Blueprint: BRC Chieftain Charges New Oredo Boss to Deliver for the People

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Chairman of the Benin Recreation Club Inter-Club Relations and Affiliation Committee, Olorogun Peters Jaboro, has congratulated Hon Engr Gabriel Iduseri, popularly known as Gabros, on his official swearing in as Executive Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area by Governor Monday Okpebholo. Jaboro described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter in Oredo’s administration and development, expressing confidence in Iduseri’s ability to justify the trust placed in him by the electorate. He said the swearing in places significant responsibility on the new administration to deliver effective, transparent and people oriented governance at the grassroots, with residents expecting a swift shift from campaign promises to tangible development that touches their daily lives. He urged the new chairman to prioritise infrastructure and road maintenance, environmental sanitation, primary healthcare, education, youth empowerment, market development, community engagement, security and sustainable economic growth, describing Oredo as the heart of Benin City with enormous potential under visionary and inclusive leadership. Jaboro called on Iduseri to remain accessible to residents and build an administration anchored on transparency, accountability and service, expressing confidence that his leadership experience and commitment to excellence would help him leave a lasting legacy in Oredo. He further called for strong collaboration between the local government, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society and private sector stakeholders to accelerate development across the area, wishing Iduseri a successful tenure on behalf of the BRC Inter-Club Relations and Affiliation Committee. Congratulating the new chairman once again, Jaboro urged him to seize the opportunity to build an Oredo that works for everyone. By Edoko Wilson Edoko

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$2 Billion and Counting: FG Doubles Down on CNG Push to Cut Transport Costs

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The Federal Government has restated its commitment to reducing transportation costs for Nigerians by deepening adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as a cheaper, cleaner alternative to conventional fuels, with Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosing that more than two billion dollars in private investment has been secured since the CNG Initiative launched in 2023. Ekpo said over 120,000 vehicles have been converted through more than 400 conversion centres nationwide, while over 90 CNG refuelling stations are now operational, with 7,700 technicians trained and over 10,000 jobs created under the programme. He said commuters, transporters and fleet operators are already recording significant savings on fuel costs, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the establishment of 500 additional CNG refuelling stations, which will expand the national network to 1,000 stations. Ekpo urged more state governments to key into the programme, saying wider CNG adoption would further ease transportation costs and reduce the financial burden on ordinary Nigerians. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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