Category: Top News

Abuja Slaps Down Coup Rumours, Insists Nigeria Stands With Democracy, Not Guns

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, has issued a strong rebuttal to claims circulating on social media that Nigeria, through ECOWAS, backed the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, describing the allegations as false and mischievous. In a press statement numbered MFA/PR/2026/223, the Ministry said the Federal Government categorically rejects the claims as baseless and irresponsible, calling them a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image. The statement described Nigeria as a peace loving nation and a defender of constitutional order, positioning the country as a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but across the Sahel and the wider African continent. The Ministry reiterated that Nigeria would never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, regardless of who is involved or which country is concerned, referencing an earlier statement issued on August 30, 2026, in which the government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to constitutional order. It stressed that any resort to force to settle political differences runs contrary to Nigeria’s long standing foreign policy, and insisted that while Nigeria remains a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is entirely false to suggest the country endorses or condones the military coup in Niger. The Ministry urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online from individuals seeking to sow discord, affirming the country’s continued commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government. The statement, signed by Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on September 3, 2026, closed by reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend democracy and promote peace and stability across the region.

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Plateau Shuts Down Schools As State Moves Fast To Outrun A Diphtheria Outbreak

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, effective Monday, September 7, 2026, as a preventive measure against a diphtheria outbreak. The directive, issued under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang, targets suspected cases reported in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas. According to the government, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also to close from Monday, September 7, and remain shut until further notice. School proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians have been directed to comply fully with the order and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the closure period. The government said the measure was designed to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non teaching staff while health authorities work to contain the outbreak. Officials appreciated the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders, stressing that the state would continue taking appropriate steps in the best interest of residents. Further information on the resumption of academic activities is expected to be communicated to the public in due course.

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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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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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Take Shortcuts, Get Cut Short, Olukoyede Warns Nigerian Youths

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EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede has urged students and youths to build their futures through integrity and accountable conduct, warning against the temptation of shortcuts, speaking through the Commission’s spokesperson, DCE Dele Oyewale, when students of Wisdom Academy visited EFCC headquarters in Abuja. Olukoyede said many young Nigerians are drawn to criminality, internet fraud and financial infractions in search of quick success, insisting that such shortcuts ultimately cut ambitions short, and urged students to embrace sustainable, time tested values that can support them in the long run. He described Nigeria’s corruption problem as one requiring wisdom to navigate, tying the message directly to the visiting school’s name, and said Nigerians today find themselves choosing between being part of the problem or part of the solution. The EFCC boss stressed that no institution, not government nor the EFCC itself, would build the students’ futures for them, insisting that industry, resourcefulness and commitment to integrity remain the only firm ground for lasting success. Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, ACE II Aisha Muhammed, added that the Commission runs Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools and Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions, urging students to resist peer pressure and the get rich quick mentality often pushed on young people. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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