A massive protest is ongoing in Otukpo, Benue South Senatorial District, over alleged insecurity.

Otukpo is the headquarters of the ancient Idoma people, with seven Local Government Areas of Benue South .

The Nation learnt that youths trooped to the streets and barricaded all routes going in and out of Otukpo.

Otukpo town also served as gate way to Enugu in the east and Lafia in the north.

The protest created heavy traffic grid lock as result of the barricades.

Security agents were seen pleading with the youth to open up the barricades for free flow of traffic.

Agatu Ado ,Okpokwu ,Otukpo and Ogbadigbo Local Government Areas all in Benue South have been under sustained herdsmen attacks .

Many people have been killed and property worth millions destroyed.

Queen Ashley Afolashade Ogunwusi, one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep love and appreciation for her husband.

In an Instagram post, she described the Ooni as her greatest blessing, source of joy and love of her life.

Queen Ashley praised the Ooni’s exceptional qualities, including his kindness, patience, and unwavering support.

She thanked him for being her rock, best friend, and greatest gift, and expressed gratitude for their love and life together.

Queen Ashley wrote: “My husband #ooniadimulaife is my greatest blessing, my source of joy, and the love of my life. Every single day, he fills my world with kindness, laughter, and unwavering love. His gentle heart, his patience, and his ability to lift me up when I need it most make me realize just how lucky I am to have him by my side.

“Oko mi, you are my safe place, the one who understands me without words and supports me without hesitation. Your love is not just spoken but shown in the smallest, most meaningful ways, whether it’s the way you hold my hand, the way you listen, or the way you make even ordinary moments feel special.

“Through every season of life, you have been my rock, my best friend, and my greatest gift. I am endlessly grateful for you Akande Mi Ajiwe Fun’Osha, I’m grateful for the love we share, and for the beautiful life we are building together my love. My heart overflows with love and gratitude every minute and everyday, knowing I get to spend forever with you. I love you today and forever Ninolowo Baba ADEMAKINWA, Aniyikaye Oko AFolasade, Olewalowo Mi, ikoyi Esho Mi”.

The queen’s message was accompanied by a prayer for a blessed new month, seeking happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.

“Happy New Month to us all, may it be a blessed month for us all. Awise Afogbohun,” she added.

Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, have detained a 45-year-old man for alleged cultism and illegal possession of firearms.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Ayuba said that the Assistant Inspector–General of Police (AIG), Adegoke Fayoade, in-charge of the zone comprising Lagos and Ogun states, received an intelligence report on the activities of some suspected cultists.

He said, “With the intelligence at the disposal of the AIG about the criminal activities, hideout and plans of some suspected members of Eiye fraternity terrorising Ijebu-Ife axis of Ogun led to the deployment of the Officer-in-charge of Zonal Dragon Squad II, led by DSP Akeem Adeyemi for a discrete operation. On March 19, the hideout of the said cult group was raided while they were planning an attack, the suspect was apprehended as others escaped through a nearby bush.’’

Mr Ayuba said that the suspect led the team to his residence where some exhibits were recovered.

He said, “One locally made single barrel pistol, six live cartridges, 21 voter cards with different names (suspected to be fake) and one emerald pump action gun with breach No. 1335 were recovered.”

According to her, investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court after the investigation.

On Tuesday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said a minibus collided with a Lagos Waste Management Authority truck.

The LASEMA permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the accident occurred at about 11:59 p.m. on Monday night.

He confirmed that the incident resulted in the death of a LAWMA official at Ketu.

The statement said, “Following distress calls at 23:59 hours, LASEMA activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from the Command and Control Centre, Alausa.

“Upon arrival at the scene at 00:07 hours, it was discovered that a registered commercial minibus, popularly known as ‘korope’, with registration number AGL 97 YK, had collided with a parked LAWMA truck. The registration number remains unknown.

“Preliminary investigations at the scene indicated that the accident resulted from reckless driving on the part of the minibus driver and carelessness on the part of the parked LAWMA truck.”

It added, “The truck driver failed to indicate its parked status with a C-caution sign at the required position and appropriate distance, leading to the collision with the LAWMA compactor truck.”

Further investigations revealed that, during the accident, the minibus struck a LAWMA official who was performing his lawful duties.

“Unfortunately, the LAWMA official succumbed to his injuries before the arrival of the agency’s response team. The minibus driver sustained significant injuries and was given immediate medical attention by paramedics from the agency’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit at the scene,” it added.

The agency stated that the LAWMA compactor truck suffered minor damage at the rear, while the minibus’s front section and cabin were severely damaged. It said safety measures were implemented at the scene during the recovery operation to prevent secondary incidents.

“The deceased LAWMA official was recovered and bagged by the agency’s response team. The remains of the deceased were handed over to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for further processing,” the statement disclosed.

It said the truck had been moved to the Ketu police station.

The Emir of Kano, Mohammad Sunusi II, on Tuesday praised the state Governor Abba Yusuf for prioritising education, healthcare, agriculture, and security in the state.

Mr Sanusi expressed appreciation while paying traditional Sallah homage to the governor in Kano.

He said, “We have come to pay Sallah homage and thank you for your outstanding work, especially in education and agriculture, where you’ve provided subsidised modern farming implements. We are grateful to God for giving us the opportunity to witness this special moment, where we gather to greet the governor once again on the occasion of Sallah.’’

Mr Sanusi commended members of the Kano State House of Assembly for their lawful actions, which he said, had restored sanity in the Emirate Council.

He stated, “We are hopeful that the governor will continue to do well, and we urge local government chairmen to follow his example and complement his efforts.’’

He charged the local government chairmen to do the right things at all times.

He added, “As you are closer to the people, it is essential that you do the right thing.’’

Earlier, Mr Yusuf commended Mr Sanusi for promoting peaceful coexistence of the people in the state.

He said, “We are thankful to God for sparing us to see this day. It’s a tradition that on a day like this, the emir, accompanied by his entourage, visits us to pay Sallah homage.

We thank God for sparing us to complete our Ramadan fast in peace.’’

The governor also expressed gratitude to the emir and his entourage for their support and efforts to unite the people of Kano State.

He stated, “We appreciate the emir’s persistent calls against antisocial vices in the state. Our emir is a leader who genuinely cares for his people. His dedication to bringing together different Islamic sects is a remarkable achievement.’’

The governor described Kano State as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, adding that his administration would ensure that the peace was sustained.

Mr Yusuf said, “Everyone can see our tireless efforts to transform Kano into a megacity with well-maintained streets. I have challenged them (public office holders) to a competition in order to motivate them to perform better for their constituents.”

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong’s police chief, justice secretary and other officials over human rights concerns after China clamped down in the financial hub.

The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law.

The sanctions mark a rare action invoking human rights by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has described China as an adversary but has shown no reluctance to ally with autocrats.

The sanctions “demonstrate the Trump administration’s commitment to hold to account those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of protected rights and freedoms or who commit acts of transnational repression on US soil or against US persons,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

Other officials targeted in the latest sanctions include Paul Lam, the city’s secretary for justice.

In response, Hong Kong strongly condemned the sanctions as “an attempt to intimidate” officials safeguarding national security and defended its moves to target pro-democracy figures abroad.

The sanction list “clearly exposed the US’s barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions,” the Hong Kong government said in a statement.

The commissioner’s office of China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong also blasted the sanctions as “unreasonable” and said Beijing will take “effective measures for resolute retaliation.”

Hong Kong’s top official, Chief Executive John Lee, is already under US sanctions.

The officials were targeted in line with a US law that champions Hong Kong democracy.

The State Department also pointed to some of the officials’ roles in efforts to “intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists” who fled overseas, including one US citizen and four US residents.

Washington’s top diplomat has been outspoken on China’s human rights record dating back to his time as a senator.

In a separate action on Monday, Rubio said he was imposing visa restrictions on unspecified Chinese officials in response to denial of access to US diplomats, journalists and others to Tibet.

Rubio earlier also imposed sanctions on officials in Thailand over their deportations back to China of members of the Uyghur minority.

Beijing promised a separate system to Hong Kong when Britain handed over the city in 1997.

China then cracked down hard against dissent, imposing a draconian national security law, after massive and at times destructive protests in favor of democracy swept Hong Kong in 2019.

A business woman, Oluwabukunola Gadzama, has been arrainged before an Ikeja High Court over alleged N34 million theft.

Oluwabukunola was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) before Justice Ismail Ijelu on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and retention of proceeds of crime.

She pleaded not guilt to the charges.

EFCC prosecuting counsel Franklin Ofoma prayed the court for a trial date and an order for the remand of the defendant at the correctional facilities pending trial.

The defence counsel I.O Lala told the court that he has a pending application dated March 26, 2025 for bail for the defendant.

Lala stated that the defendant was ready to stand trial and that the offences for which she was charged were bailable.

The EFCC prosecuting counsel objected to defence’ application for bail.

She informed the court that the defendant is a flight risk and had jumped administrative bail given to her by the EFCC on November 20, 2024.

Justice Ijelu, in his ruling granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5million.

“In line with justice, I grant the defendant N5million bail, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

“One of the sureties must be relation and gainfully employed.

“The residence of the sureties shall be verified and must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos state Government for the last three years.

“The addresses of the defendant and sureties shall be verified and the Chief Registrar of the High court of Lagos State shall verify this.

“I remand the defendant at the correctional center pending the perfection of the bail application. “

Justice Ijelu adjourned the matter to April 15, 2025 for trial.

According to the EFCC:”Oluwabukunola Gadzama and Buildcon Global Services Limited sometimes within October 2021 and April 2022, in Lagos, with a dishonest intent, stole and converted for your own use the sum of N34.5million property of Adeyemi Joshua being the purchase price of a 300sqm land of Mak Court Estate, Lekki Lagos.

In a move aimed at consolidating recent advancements in immigration management, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension of the tenure of Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap.

According to a statement on Monday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mrs Nandap will now serve in the role until December 31, 2026.

Mrs. Nandap, who began her career in the NIS on October 9, 1989, was initially appointed by President Tinubu as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with a term set to end on August 31, 2025.

However, her tenure has been extended by over a year, reflecting the administration’s confidence in her leadership and the progress made under her stewardship.

Since taking charge, Mrs. Nandap has overseen significant improvements in border management, the modernization of immigration processes, and the strengthening of national security measures.

Her leadership has been instrumental in driving reforms that align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Commending her performance, Tinubu urged Mrs. Nandap to remain committed to the strategic priorities of the Service, ensuring Nigeria’s territorial integrity while facilitating safe and legal migration.

The President also reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting the NIS in achieving its mandate of bolstering national security and streamlining immigration services.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor was at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday.

A mob had intercepted the travellers who were on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday. The victims are hunters from Kano State.

This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Monday.

“The governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims.

According to the statement, the Edo State governor disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings of the travellers are going to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation.

While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.
The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

“So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.

” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

“If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.

“I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said.

French leading opposition leader Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and banned from holding any public office after she was convicted of embezzlement by a criminal court in Paris on Monday, putting her 2027 presidential bid in jeopardy.

The judgment bars her from running for public office for five years, jeopardising the far-right leader’s plans to run for president in 2027.

According to the New York Times, Ms Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling several million euros in European Parliament funds for unrelated partisan expenses between 2004 and 2016 after she was charged alongside 20 other people in the case, which the opposition said was politically motivated.

The leader of the far-right National Rally, the largest single opposition party in the French parliament, was also sentenced to four years imprisonment and a fine of $108,000.

Ms Le Pen has long denied any wrongdoing, with Monday’s verdict coming as a huge blow for the 56-year-old politician who is widely expected to contest in the 2027 presidential election after unsuccessful attempts in 2012, 2017 and 2022.

She is expected to appeal the decision, which would put most of her sentence on hold, but not the ban on running for public office after the court ruled that her ineligibility to contest in any election for the next five years will begin immediately.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded a truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC national public relations officer (NPRO), Afolabi Babawale, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Babawale explained that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) had acted on orders to prevent incidents of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the CGS SIS responded swiftly to an intelligence tip-off and impounded a long caravan truck with an in-built tank fully loaded with stolen crude oil.

“The truck was spotted while in transit around Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt, and was subsequently impounded by the CGS SIS,” he said.

Mr Babawale quoted the squad commander, AS Dandaura, who revealed that his team was quickly deployed to the crime scene.

“Upon arrival, they seized a red-head, navy-blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY.

“The truck was fully loaded with siphoned crude oil illegally drawn from vandalised wellheads and destroyed pipelines.

“However, the truck’s occupants fled as the operatives approached the scene of the crime,” Mr Babawale added.

He confirmed that the exhibits, including the red-head, navy-blue container truck and the estimated 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil, had already been confiscated.

“An investigation has been launched to track down the syndicate responsible for the act of economic sabotage.

“For the record, the exhibits recovered at the point of arrest include A red-head and navy-blue container truck with 10 tyres (Reg. No. AGL574XY), containing approximately 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil,” he stated.

Mr Babawale emphasised that once the investigation concluded, the NSCDC would seek the forfeiture of the truck and its contents in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He said proceeds from the sale of the assets would be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).

The CGS SIS commander further reiterated the squad’s commitment to waging an unrelenting battle against oil thieves and their sponsors, affirming that any suspects arrested would face the law after thorough investigations.

One person was confirmed dead when operatives of the Abia State combined security agencies nicknamed Operation Crush, were involved in an accident.

The accident, it was gathered, occurred at Ihie Ibeku along the Bende Road in Umuahia, the state capital, leaving one of the operatives dead and several team members injured.

The incident, which happened on Sunday evening, left three security personnel reportedly missing while rescue efforts continue at the crash scene.

According to eyewitness reports, the vehicle carrying the operatives veered off the road and plunged into a deep ditch, apparently as the driver lost control while on motion.

The road, known for its narrow and challenging topography, is part of the federal highway linking the state capital to Bende to Ohafia, Arochukwu and other parts of the State.

Six operatives have been rescued and taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia for urgent medical attention while one NSCDC officer has been confirmed dead.

One of the members of “Operation Crush” who was declared missing after the accident was found alive.

Movie star Monalisa Chinda has announced the passing of her mother, Dame Comfort Chinda, on March 30, 2025.

In an emotional Instagram post, Monalisa expressed grief and gratitude for the time they shared, celebrating her mother’s selfless devotion, unwavering love, and guiding principles.

“Rest in peace, Mom – Dame Comfort Franca Chinda. You will forever be in our hearts. I’m thankful for the time we shared, for your selfless devotion to our family, for your unwavering love, and for the principles you instilled in us,” she wrote.

Fellow actress Uche Ogbodo and numerous fans have offered their heartfelt condolences.

Sending her condolences, Uche wrote: “Whaaaaatttt???? Oh my! So very sorry to hear this dearest Mona, how are you holding up? May mummy’s soul RIP. Will call you soon.”

Supporters have flooded Monalisa’s post with messages of comfort and strength, including one that read, “My Condolences Darling, May God Rest Her Soul And Comfort You And Your Family.”

The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) starting April 1 for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

She explained that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025.

Accoding to her, the closure will affect traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2.

Kesha advised motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion during the repair period.

She apologised for any inconvenience the closure might cause and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation as the government worked to ensure the safety and stability of road infrastructure.

The National Assembly has commended Governor Alex Otti for signing the Abia State Electricity Bill into Law and creating a regulatory body for electricity generation and distribution in Abia State.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy to pay the Governor a working visit.

“Your Excellency, let me begin by thanking you for agreeing to meet with us.

“I also want to thank you for signing into law, the Abia State electricity bill and in that bill, we saw how you prioritised the place of renewable energy.

“You have gone ahead to put in place the Abia state Electricity Regulatory Authority, signifying that you have moved on since the National Assembly moved the issue of electricity to the concurrent list. Going forward, it is going to be a partnership,” Ogene stated.

He appreciated other giant strides of Otti especially in the areas of road infrastructure, saying that the areas he visited across the state bears testaments of the Governor’s commitment to the bettering of Abia State.

Ogene said that the enormous power challenges confronting the nation can not be over emphasized, hence, the attention being paid to renewable energy.

According to him, the transition of Nigeria to renewable energy is a top priority to the House of Representatives, hence, it’s popularisation by the House.

Ogene invited Otti to participate and partner with the National Assembly in that regard.

“This strategic approach tends to popularize the new technology and encourage Nigerians to adopt renewable energy solutions, thereby, strengthening National energy options and security.

“They don’t need you to give them money. Our people don’t believe in hand outs, they believe in the raw energy that God has given them.

“It’s just a little support; create an enabling environment, create a State where security can be guaranteed and the social Infrastructures of healthcare and education, and then of course, the hard infrastructure like roads,” Otti stated.

French antitrust authorities handed Apple a 150-million-euro ($162 million) fine on Monday, accusing the US tech giant of abusing its dominant position in advertising through its enhanced privacy feature.

The watchdog said the way Apple implemented its App Tracking Transparency software was “neither necessary nor proportionate to the company’s stated goal to protect user data” and also penalised third-party publishers.

Details later…

United States President Donald Trump expressed strong displeasure over recent remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticising his call for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be removed in favour of a transitional government.

In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump made it clear that he was frustrated by Putin’s comments, emphasising that such actions could derail the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the two countries.
Trump argued that Putin’s statement questioning Zelensky’s credibility was a setback, stating, “If I feel we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when Putin started getting into Zelenskyy’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right direction.

“New leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time,” he added.

He also issued a stern warning, threatening to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a ceasefire deal was not reached.

The proposed tariffs could range from 25 percent to 50 percent on all Russian oil exports, and would be enforced in a month if no ceasefire agreement was made.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia.

“That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States.

“There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil,” Trump added.

The US President also criticised Ukrainian leadership, particularly Zelensky, last month, referring to him as a “dictator” and questioning his approval ratings in Ukraine.

As of now, Moscow has not responded to Trump’s comments, though he indicated he would speak with Putin later this week.

The Ondo State government has promised to investigate the public display and sale of caskets at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure.

Simidele Odimayo, the special adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Health Matters, disclosed this to reporters on Sunday.

“We have been informed about what is happening (open sales of caskets) in the hospital and have responded appropriately,” said Mr Odimayo.

“We’ll continue with our investigation to be sure so that we don’t have any unexpected things happening within the hospital system.”

This came after members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state condemned the development, citing its psychological effect on sick patients.

In a communique issued on Friday by the union, the journalists described the open sales of the caskets in the facility as inappropriate and demanded its urgent relocation.

They also urged the state government to declare a state of emergency in the state government-owned hospitals.

Mr Odimayo, however, said the state government was committed to the healthcare system, hence the need to respond to their yearnings.

“So, we need to get the authenticity of the information they have given us. And then from there, you can be sure that we will respond appropriately, and what is needed will be done,” Mr Odimayo said.

The governor’s aide also noted that Mr Aiyedatiwa’s leadership was improving healthcare delivery in the hospital by providing adequate and affordable services.

He said the government is also giving the hospital a facelift as part of the promise by the present administration to improve the standard of health care delivery and facility.

According to him, the new buildings and structures at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure are nearly completed to address the shortage of space and congestion at the facility.

“The new building we have here is about 95 per cent complete. We have new developments coming up within the hospital on a daily basis.

“The government is committed. We are making more efforts to give quality healthcare services to the people of the state. And we have almost 2000 staff within the hospital,” he said.

Adesina Akintan, acting chief medical director (CMD) of the hospital, said the facility is witnessing development with the construction of more extensions of buildings for better health services.

Mr Akintan assured that the congestion at the hospital would soon be over, stressing that the medical personnel are always overwhelmed by the number of patients patronizing the hospital.

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu has pledged 24-hour services for the newly built 260 Type Two Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state to improve healthcare delivery.

Mr Mbah made this announcement during his supervisory visit to the newly completed Emene PHC on Sunday in Enugu.

His administration is constructing 260 Type Two PHCs across the state with some already completed and others in progress.

Emene, located in the Enugu East Local Government Area, was one of the PHCs visited by the governor.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring these facilities offered round-the-clock services.

“Each Type Two PHC will have 24-hour electricity, powered sustainably by renewable energy.

“There will also be staff quarters to ensure healthcare officers are available to meet the people’s health needs without delay, along with access to water, sanitation, and hygiene,” he said.

Mr Mbah further assured the people of Emene that a Type Three healthcare facility would be built in the area to complement the Type Two PHC, catering to the community’s needs due to its population density.

The governor explained that the initiative was prompted by alarming statistics on maternity and under-five mortality rates, which he described as unacceptable.

“We needed to act quickly, and this is why we’re focused on building functional healthcare facilities across both urban and rural areas,” Mbah emphasised.

Additionally, the governor revealed that similar interventions were ongoing in secondary healthcare facilities, with the renovation of 22 cottage and general hospitals.

He also mentioned plans for a world-class 300-bed international hospital in the state.

“We will attract top-notch medical professionals to provide world-class healthcare services to Enugu people,” Mr Mbah assured.

Mr Mbah also commended the Enugu East chairman, Beloved-Dan Anike, for registering 5,000 residents for universal healthcare insurance and encouraged other local government chairmen and state civil servants to follow suit.

He urged the people of Emene to take ownership of the facility and ensure its continued functionality.

Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, zonal coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the South-East, lauded Mr Mbah for revitalising the state’s PHCs and investing in the economic prosperity of the people.

He encouraged the governor to prioritise universal healthcare coverage as an investment that would benefit the state.

Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, executive secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, described Mr Mbah’s interventions in primary healthcare as life-saving and radical.

She noted that the Emene PHC had already registered 140 residents and facilitated the delivery of two babies, named after the governor, within three weeks of operation.

The Tinubu Family Youth Initiative, formerly known as the Olodode Youth Initiative, has empowered 19 youths in Lagos on Saturday.

Each received a N100,000 cash gift to support their businesses and education.

Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Akintunde Tinubu, said the initiative was part of a broader effort to equip young people with essential resources for success.

By providing financial assistance, the organisation aims to foster entrepreneurship, educational growth, and economic development among young family members.

He announced Feyisara Atobatele-Tinubu as the face of the empowerment project and confirmed that the second phase would be launched soon.

Additionally, four other family members received N300,000 each for welfare support.

He said, “Today, we take a bold step toward a future where every Tinubu youth is empowered, supported, and positioned for success. This initiative is more than financial aid. It represents our shared responsibility and commitment to uplifting one another. Economic uncertainty and limited opportunities threaten many dreams. We must empower artisans, traders, and professionals within our family. As a family known for generosity and strength, we must ensure that no member is left behind.’’

According to him, the programme prioritises education, entrepreneurship, and career growth.

He said, “We extend financial aid to students, helping them complete their education without undue hardship. But our vision goes beyond scholarships.’’

Secretary of the group, Rotimi Tinubu, urged the family to remain committed to leveraging its network to create sustainable empowerment.

He expressed appreciation for donations from privileged family members and encouraged them to make empowerment a tradition.

He noted, “This is not just an event. It is a movement toward self-reliance and progress, defining the Tinubu family’s future for generations to come.’’

A beneficiary and entrepreneur in the luxury wear industry, Yekini Tinubu, plans to use the funds to acquire digital skills and enhance his marketing strategies.

He expressed gratitude for the financial support extended to him.

Ms Atobatele-Tinubu praised the organisers for their efforts and said she would invest her fund in expanding her fruit juice business.

As the face of the project, she pledged dedication to uniting the family.