The police command in Anambra has arrested two suspects over alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a female bank manager in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra.

The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed their arrest in a statement in Onitsha on Sunday.

Mr Ikenga revealed that the suspects murdered their victim after the collection of a ransom of N14 million in Onitsha.

According to him, following the assurance of the Anambra State Police Command to follow up cases until suspects are apprehended to prevent further criminal activities in the state, two suspects were arrested on May 28.

“The operatives, while on diligent investigations, trailed two of the suspects, one Monday Egbe, a 32-year-old Bakersfield man, and Kenneth Nnoga, a 28-year-old man, in their criminal hideout in a neighbouring state.

“The unfortunate incident happened on Jan. 13th, when the lifeless body of the victim was found along Nnobi Road with her eyes tied after the abductors had collected the ransom of N14 million from the deceased family,” he said.

The police PRO assured that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogations for more insights into the modus operandi of the criminal gang and the possible arrest of other gang members.

Mr Ikenga said the police commissioner in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has assured that the command shall continue to live up to its mandate of protection of lives and property of the people.

He appealed to residents to ensure all cases were followed to a logical conclusion and justice was served.

Southwest chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Kano State athletes who died in a road accident while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

The accident reportedly occurred at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, when a bus conveying the athletes plunged off the bridge, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

In a condolence statement, Ajadi described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the victims were young, talented individuals who had just proudly represented Kano State at the Gateway Games 2024 and were on their way home to a hero’s welcome.

He extended sympathies to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families of the deceased, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls lost and for strength for their loved ones in this difficult time.

Ajadi also urged both state and federal governments to prioritise road infrastructure and safety to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.

Southwest chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Kano State athletes who died in a road accident while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

The accident reportedly occurred at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, when a bus conveying the athletes plunged off the bridge, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

In a condolence statement, Ajadi described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the victims were young, talented individuals who had just proudly represented Kano State at the Gateway Games 2024 and were on their way home to a hero’s welcome.

He extended sympathies to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families of the deceased, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls lost and for strength for their loved ones in this difficult time.

Ajadi also urged both state and federal governments to prioritise road infrastructure and safety to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.

“This is a painful incident coming a few days before Eid-el-Kabir. These young people were budding stars who had a lot to give to their State and country with their talents, skills, and creativity. In particular,

“It is tragic that their beloved family members, who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival, will never get to see their beautiful faces again. My prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends during this terrible period

“I, like all other parents, am deeply saddened by this incident. I pray that Almighty God will grant them eternal rest.

“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the people of Kano State over this unfortunate incident. I pray that we may never witness this kind of tragic incident again.

“l also called on various State governments and the Federal governments to improve road facilities to avoid such avoidable deaths on our roads.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted seven watchlisted containers with N9.3 billion worth of opioids and codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Port Complex (PHPC) in Onne.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the containers were positioned for joint examination by NDLEA, Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) and other security agencies.

He said the examinations were conducted between Wednesday, May 28, and Friday, May 30, during which 825,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup and tramadol worth N5.8 billion in street value were seized.

Mr Babafemi also said 5.1 million pills of opioids, especially tapentadol 225mg, worth N3.5 billion, were recovered.

“This brings the combined street value of the opioids to N9.3 billion,“ he said.

In another development, 390 compressed blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered by the NDLEA operatives.

Mr Babafemi said the drugs, which weighed 275.300kg, were recovered from a parked Toyota Sienna vehicle marked YLA-408GG along Ngurore-Yola road, Adamawa, on Tuesday, May 27.

He said NDLEA operatives in Kwara on Saturday, May 31, arrested a notorious female drug dealer, Mutiat Abdul-Fatai, in the Oja Oba area of Ilorin.

Mr Babafemi said this was where various quantities of opioids, including tramadol, flunitrazepam and codeine-based syrup, were seized from her.

Meanwhile, he said the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands continued across the country in the past week.

Some include the WADA sensitisation lecture delivered to students and staff of Government Day Senior Secondary School, Kwasarawa, Katsina; Corpus Christi College, Achi, Enugu; Epignosis Standard College, Onitsha, Anambra;

Others are Government Girls Secondary School, Utai, Wudil LGA, Kano, and Government Girls Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River.

Mr Babafemi quoted the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa as commending the officers and men of PHPC, Kwara, and Adamawa commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week.

Mr Marwa equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

The Lagos State government says the enforcement of the electronic call-up (e -e-call-up) system on the Lekki-Epe corridor will officially begin on June 16, following an earlier postponement.

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Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said this in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Sunday.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting to address pressing concerns surrounding traffic management and congestion caused by increasing industrial activities within the Lekki Free Zone and its surrounding areas.

Mr Hamzat explained that the e-call-up system was designed to regulate the movement of articulated vehicles and tankers accessing the corridor.

He added that this would promote orderly traffic flow, preventing the gridlock previously experienced in the Apapa area.

“I urge all stakeholders to remain fully committed to the initiative, as it is critical in enhancing logistics efficiency and improving road transportation infrastructure in the state,” he said.

Also, Mr Osiyemi reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the project.

He acknowledged that while previous engagements with stakeholders had resulted in consensus on implementation, challenges encountered during recent enforcement efforts necessitated a temporary pause and further consultations.

The commissioner directed the immediate removal of all articulated vehicles currently obstructing traffic along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

“Enforcement of the e-call-up system is not intended as a revenue-generating initiative, but rather as a vital strategy to improve traffic flow, safety, and road infrastructure management across the state,” he said.

The meeting witnessed the participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

Others include Major Energies Marketer Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Lekki Worldwide Investment Company (LWIC), Lekki Free Zone (LFZ), Lekki Sea Port.

Also involved in the meeting were the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC Retail), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that the 2025 Arafah sermon will be broadcast live in 34 languages, including three major Nigerian languages of Hausa, Fulani, and Yoruba.

Chairman, Edo Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Musah Muhammad-Uduimoh, disclosed this on Sunday during an interview.

He said the announcement was made in Saudi Arabia by the Presidency for the Religious Affairs of the two Holy Mosques on Saturday.

Mr Muhammad-Uduimoh described the initiative as a “landmark gesture of religious inclusivity” that will allow Nigerian pilgrims to better understand the profound message of the Khutbah Arafah (Arafat Sermon), delivered on the sacred plains of Mount Arafat.

He said, “This is a major step forward in making the hajj more accessible and spiritually impactful for all Muslims, especially our people who speak Hausa, Fulani, and Yoruba. We thank the Saudi authorities for this thoughtful and commendable gesture.’’

He stated that when people hear the sermon in a language, they understand the spiritual message would become clearer, more personal, and transformative.

He stated, “This is how true unity in the Ummah is fostered.’’

The sermon, scheduled for broadcast on June 5, will be delivered by Sheikh Bin Humaid, a senior Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, at Masjid Namirah.

The sermon marks the most spiritually significant moment of the Hajj pilgrimage and is expected to reach millions of worshippers globally.

Similarly, Executive Secretary of the Edo Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, applauded the initiative, noting that it would enhance spiritual engagement and strengthen the pilgrims’ connection to the message of Islam.

The state pilgrims, currently performing their rites in the Holy Land, are expected to join millions of other worshippers at Mount Arafat in what is regarded as the climax of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

The Federal Government has enrolled 18,670 tutors for almajirai into the conventional school system as part of broader efforts to integrate traditional education with modern education.

Registrar, National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Prof. Yahuza Imam, disclosed this on Sunday in Kaduna, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

The almajiri education programme is one of the initiatives of the Federal Government to address the problems of out-of-school children.

The programme provides access and equity to basic education for almajirai school age children, discourages and gradually eliminates itinerancy and begging of almajirai in the country.

The programme also supports the emergence of an enabling environment that could facilitate the effective integration of Islamic disciplines into basic education programmes.

The registrar said that with deliberate efforts and actions taken to integrate Arabic and Islamic education with modernity, there has been tremendous increase in school enrolment.

Mr Imam added that the feat was achieved through stakeholders’ engagement, virtual meetings, courtesy visits to some state governors and ministries of education across the country.

Speaking on coverage, the registrar said that NBAIS operates in 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said NBAIS introduced a Special Programme for Huffaz (Qur’anic Tsangaya Tutors) known as Qur’anic School Integration Programme (QSIP).

Mr Imam added that the board also introduced entrepreneurship education subjects in the integrated Arabic and Islamic schools.

According to him, the board had also introduced Junior Arabic and Islamic Studies Certificate Examination (JAISCE) for accelerated basic education programmes.

To further promote and enhance Arabic language and integration of Islamic education, the registrar said NBAIS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some key stakeholders.

The stakeholders included the Nigerian Arabic Language Village Ngala, Borno, Fountain University, Osun State, Borno Arabic and Tsangaya Education Board (BOSASEB) and Al-Amana Arabic &Islamic Board, Gambia.

Others were: Yobe Arabic and Islamic Education Board (YSAIEB), Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria and Tsangaya Education Board Duste, Jigawa, among numerous others.

On infrastructural development, Mr Imam said the board constructed and furnished a one-storey building complex at the Zaria Main Operation Centre and provided backup solar power for it.

He said that NBAIS constructed its zonal office in Ibadan, Minna and Gombe and rehabilitated and equipped its administrative building at the headquarters in Kaduna.

Did God create this vast universe—or was it a random act, as some scientists suggest? Most Africans will confidently say, “Of course, God created the universe,” and stop the conversation there.

But the critical question isn’t whether the universe emerged from a random act. People fixated on that question are often just defending their beliefs.

Scientists who support the “random act” theory are not married to it. They’ll abandon it the moment compelling evidence proves otherwise. They’re ready to embrace the next best theory as soon as it becomes verifiable.

The real question is this: Given what we now know about this immense, incomprehensible, ever-expanding universe, do our holy books—filled with folktale-like stories written by ancient people who knew little about the Earth, let alone the cosmos—truly honour God? Or do they diminish the concept of a higher, intelligent being capable of creating something so magnificent?

Which of these sacred texts doesn’t, in its limitations, shrink the divine to human proportions?

Scientists don’t present their theories as immutable truths. They say, “Here’s what we understand for now.” And when better knowledge arises, they evolve. Just as they discarded Dalton’s Atomic Theory, they’ll discard the Big Bang or the multiverse idea if fresh evidence demands it, whether in 100 years, 2,000 years, or 10,000 years.

But followers of holy books aren’t prepared to abandon even a single word.

Take, for instance, the idea of the immaculate conception: no matter how far science progresses—even if we colonise Saturn’s moons or conceive babies in metal wombs orbiting Jupiter—some believers will cling to it, unwavering. Many will even fight or kill in defence of what their scriptures declare to be true.

At some point, we must have the courage to admit that the problem might be the books themselves.

If I write a book, and its readers go out killing others based on their interpretation of my words, shouldn’t we question the book? If its central figure murders people, and followers imitate him, is the issue not the book?

I’ve been reading the Old Testament lately. It’s disturbingly similar to what’s happening in the Middle East today.

The Bible is filled with divine atrocities. In Genesis 6–8, God sends a flood to wipe out almost all living creatures, sparing only those that Noah shelters on the ark. If He created them, He could destroy them at will—but apparently forgot they were made in His image. Humanity, ever since, has taken that divine precedent and run with it, killing and erasing life they didn’t even create.

In Genesis 19, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone for their wickedness. In Exodus 7–12, He sends ten plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the death of innocent firstborn sons. In Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua, He commands the Israelites to annihilate entire populations—men, women, and children—in the conquest of Canaan. (Wink, wink—Gaza, 2024.) And in 1 Samuel 15, He orders the complete destruction of the Amalekites.

Biblical scholars have defended these acts for centuries, justifying the violence as necessary, righteous, and divine.

I hope someone, somewhere, is writing a new holy book.

And if no one is, and you believe you have the skill, this is your calling.

The other day, while reading the Old Testament, I had an epiphany:

The problem isn’t us. The problem is the book.

And we—”people of the book”—have failed to rise above it.

I don’t care whether you follow the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, or some forgotten gospel—it makes no difference.

You are only as good as your book.

Humanity has clung to these texts for generations, lived by their codes, and imitated their prophets. Many have obeyed to the letter.

It hasn’t gone well.

Some custodians have tried to revise and modernise these texts to keep pace with a changing world. But those efforts have failed—Failed because the foundation itself is flawed.

Time moves faster than cautious reformers can keep up.

The core of these books is so brittle that even gentle edits threaten to collapse the whole structure.

Take the Bible—it’s the one I know best. In it, God is the protagonist. God is to the Bible what Okonkwo is to Things Fall Apart—the lead. But unlike Okonkwo, God is to be worshipped. His commands were obeyed. His actions emulated. And that’s the problem.

The atrocities God committed—or ordered—still echo through time. People replicate them, quoting chapter and verse. They justify modern horrors with ancient mandates. So many passages in the Old Testament could be mistaken for today’s headlines in Gaza or Israel.

The only difference is the weapons. The words are the same. The zeal—unchanged. The cruelty—still familiar.

My friends, the book is the problem.

Throw out the books.

We need a new one—a holy book with a God who reflects the humanity we strive for, not the vengeance we inherited.

Anything short of that, and we’re just spinning our wheels, wishing for peace while praying to gods who never modelled or mandated it.

Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo teaches Post-Colonial African History, Afrodiasporic Literature, and African Folktales at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He is also the host of Dr. Damages Show. His books include “This American Life Sef” and “Children of a Retired God.” among others. His upcoming book is called “Why I’m Disappointed in Jesus

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed a mix of optimism and concern after the 2025 Unity Cup final.

Acknowledging the positives from the tournament, Mr Chelle emphasised that Nigeria must significantly improve to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA.

He said, “This game today with the two mistakes, we need to improve, we need to step up in our group, in our team. To go to the World Cup, we need to step up, I can say my players have a good spirit, a good state of mind, I’m happy about that. We need to work and think about my game project, I think my players were focused on the game, at the end, we deserve to win the tournament.”

Mr Chelle described the Unity Cup as his first trophy as a coach despite winning several as a player.

He expressed hope that Saturday’s victory would mark the beginning of a trophy-laden era for Nigeria.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has expressed sorrow over a tragic crash on the Kaduna-Kano expressway that claimed 21 lives, calling for urgent adherence to road safety measures.

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the victims.

The crash, which involved 24 adults, is believed to have resulted from driver fatigue and excessive speed during a long night trip.

Mr Mohammed said the fatal incident occurred at Gadar Yankifi on the Kaduna-Kano expressway at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.

According to reports, a coaster bus registered KN 041 A17, owned by the Kano State Government, was involved.

He said, “The bus carried 24 occupants, 23 males and one female. Twenty-one males died on the spot, while three others, including two males and the lone female, were injured and taken to the hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest driver fatigue and speeding as primary causes, especially during night travel when visibility is reduced and risks are heightened.”

Mr Mohammed extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, describing the incident as a shared national loss.

He urged fleet operators to caution drivers against night driving, speeding, and fatigue, which were common causes of avoidable crashes.

He also called on road users to prioritise safety by complying with traffic rules, ensuring vehicles were roadworthy, and making sure drivers were well-rested before journeys.

The corps marshal reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to reducing road traffic crashes and pledged to intensify enforcement efforts to safeguard lives and prevent similar tragedies on Nigerian roads.

Two years after he championed President Bola Tinubu’s campaign in 2023, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai says he joined others in allowing a “bandit” to become Nigeria’s leader.

Mr El-rufai, who fell out with Mr Tinubu after his ministerial appointment nomination was blocked by the Senate, said this in Abuja on Saturday at the 60th birthday lecture of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State.

“Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914, and that is why we are together working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track because it is off track,” Mr El-Rufai said.

Calling Mr Tinubu’s administration a government of “bandits”, Mr El-Rufai said, “It has turned to this level because we have allowed bandits, not the ones in the bushes but the ones in the urban areas called the urban bandits, to take over leadership.”

The former Kaduna governor berated Mr Tinubu as an incompetent leader who only knows how to grab and snatch power.

“I believe that the problem that we have, which I think (former) Governor Babangida referred to, is that we just get incompetent people, and we hand over leadership to them. Most of them don’t really know what to do. They just know how to grab power but don’t know what to do with it,” Mr El-Rufai said.

Mr El-Rufai’s statement followed his earlier admission that he and others supported Mr Tinubu’s presidential bid despite his cocaine and certificate forgery scandals in Chicago after his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the Social Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, Mr Amaechi, a former minister of works, said he and other opposition politicians could seize power from the president because they are as hungry as every Nigerian.

The former governor spoke in the presence of Mr El-Rufai and other opposition politicians planning a coalition to challenge Mr Tinubu in the 2027 election.

“We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am,” said Mr Amaechi. “So, for us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power -Tinubu -we can remove him from this power.”

Mr Amaechi recalled how, as student unionists, he and others, regardless of their regional and religious differences, rallied massive crowds in protests against former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant, lost his bid to Mr Tinubu during the APC primary election in 2022.

At least 151 bodies have been recovered and over 3000 residents displaced by flood in Mokwa, Niger State.

Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in the Mokwa Local Government Area of the state were on Wednesday overrun by flood.

As of Saturday, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, confirmed that about 151 bodies had been recovered.

Mrs Umar said, “So far, 151 bodies have been recovered, 503 households and 264 houses affected, and 3,018 individuals displaced. The National Emergency Management Agency, together with other sister emergency response bodies, is intensifying efforts to rescue and save missing persons and provide relief to disaster victims and their families.”

On Friday, President Bola Tinubu in a statement commiserated with Niger State and the families of victims of the Mokwa flood.

Mr Tinubu stated, “I have received with deep concern the distressing reports of severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and the displacement of families. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.’’

The president ordered immediate search and rescue operation and relief material distribution to Mokwa residents.
He added, “Upon receiving initial reports, I immediately directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre. I have also been briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs.’’

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Rivers governor and minister of works, says he and other opposition politicians are as hungry as every Nigerian, urging the opposition to unite to seize power from President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Amaechi spoke at his birthday lecture in Abuja on Saturday. The lecture was attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other opposition politicians planning a coalition to challenge Mr Tinubu in the 2027 election.

“We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am. So, for us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power -Tinubu -we can remove him from this power,” Mr Amaechi.

The former Rivers governor recalled how, as student unionists, he and others, regardless of their regional and religious differences, rallied massive crowds in protests against former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari.

At the event, Mr El-Rufai, who championed Mr Tinubu’s presidential campaign in 2023, called for a coalition to oust the president from office.

“Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914, and that is why we are together working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track because it is off track,” Mr El-Rufai said.

Calling Mr Tinubu’s administration a government of bandits, Mr El-Rufai said, “It has turned to this level because we have allowed bandits, not the ones in the bushes but the ones in the urban areas called the urban bandits, to take over leadership.”

The troops of 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, deployed under Operation MESA, intercepted 88 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice during patrol.

Capt. Samuel Akari, acting assistant director, army public relations of 35 Artillery Brigade, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Mr Akari explained that the interception followed an intelligence report on the movement of contraband goods into the country.

He noted that the interception occurred at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday at Rounder- Imasayi road in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.

“The drivers who fled upon sighting the troops, were conveying the goods in two unregistered Mazda saloon cars.

“Also, a Ford bus without registration number that was abandoned on the road was also seen with the contraband goods.

“The intercepted items and the three vehicles have been handed over to Custom Ogun 1 Area Command for further action,” he said.

Mr Akari stated that the handover of the items underscored the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army, particularly 35 Artillery Brigade, to support the relevant government agencies.

He reiterated that it was important to collaborate in the enforcement of anti – smuggling laws and to safeguard national economic interest.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command (ATC), AVM Ahmed Dari, says physical and mental fitness are the backbone of military service.

He stated this on Saturday at the Nigerian Air Force Air Training command second quarterly 10km route match held at the NAF Base, Kaduna.

Mr Dari said the event showcased the impressive physical fitness and camaraderie of the personnel from air training command and co-located units.

He added that the event was a testament to the importance of physical fitness in the military, promoting teamwork and esprit de corps among the participants.

Mr Dari added that the jog was a success, saying that it had demonstrated the importance of sports and fitness activities in the military.

He reiterated NAF’s commitment to developing its personnel’s physical and mental well-being.

The Ondo State Government has arrested five suspected illegal sand miners at Ilu-Agbo in the Ese-Local Government Area of the state.

Senior Special Assistant on Mining to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Okitipupa.

The suspected illegal miners are David Ayara, David Monday, Bonima Boluwatife, Stanley Odoh and Wisdom Nomiye.

Mrs Sipasi-Aluko led the operation in collaboration with the Federal Mines Task Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Other officials from the State Ministry of Mineral and Energy, State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Afforestation were involved in the operation.

Also involved in the operation were the State Security Services and the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) led by one Joseph Ebisanmi, among others.

Mrs Sipasi-Aluko said several warnings issued by the government in the past, fell on the deaf ears of the miners in the area, explaining that Mr Aiyedatiwa had zero tolerance for illegal mining activities.

She said that companies involved in sand mining must legalise their operations by obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

She added that the effects of illegal mining, such as flooding, were deadly, and emphasised that the government would not watch while citizens suffer as the rainy season intensifies.

She noted, “It is high time we put an end to illegal mining in Ondo State, particularly sand mining at Ilu-Agbo along River Oluwa in Ese-Odo. The effects on the community are extremely dangerous and the state government has zero tolerance for illegal mining. All companies operating illegally must obtain their EIA certificate or Environmental Management Plan. We aim to eradicate flooding from this community as Mr Governor is committed to ensuring the safety of our people.’’

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment, Isaac Ojo, stated that miners would be given instructions during the EIA process to ensure that their activities do not harm the community.

“They will be guided on where to place their machines, loading points and how to channel waste properly. Without an EIA certificate, there is a significant risk of future harm,” he said.

A community leader in Igbobini, Taiwo Abisagbo, also commended the government over the operation and the bold step to moderate activities of illegal miners on waterways across the state.

He added that illegal sand mining in the area had caused significant damage to the community, particularly in agriculture, housing and health.

He, however, reiterated the readiness of the leadership of the community to continue to collaborate with the office of the senior special assistant to the governor on mining to ensure success.

The Federal Government has proposed the establishment of National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination infractions to serve as deterrent to others.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa said this in Abuja while receiving a committee report on improvement of quality examinations.

Affirming the recommendations of the 17-man committee, headed by the Registrar, Joint Administrations and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the minister that said it would improve the quality of examinations in the country.

Mr Alausa assured the committee members that the 12-point recommendations would be implemented, noting that the government would deploy its machinery to fight the menace of examination malpractice.

He said, “Let me assure the committee members that you have done so much work here, and the recommendations you have given us as a government, we will implement every single one of them. All the 12 recommendations that you reeled out, everyone will agree with me today that none of them will be impossible to implement. They are all practicable things. Those that will be implemented now, we will do that right away,” he said.

Recall that the minister inaugurated the committee in January and it submitted its interim report after five months of extensive work.

In one of the recommendations, the committee urged the Federal Ministry of Education to interface with the National Assembly to enact law establishing a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination malpractices.

The committee also recommended that documents, including certificates, registration and result slips, should contain National Identification Number (NIN), photograph and date of birth of candidates, to guard against identity theft and impersonation.

The committee stated, “All invigilators and supervisors must register through NIN and subscribe to the examination body’s short code, using the same pattern of 55019/66019 of JAMB to track and have full information about the examination officials, including examiners, supervisors and invigilators. Swapping of invigilators and supervisors, should commence with effect from the 2025 private SSCE due to the strong views against student swapping expressed by the four concerned examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS).

“Except where absolutely impossible, invigilators and supervisors should always be public officials, teachers on pensionable appointments. The standard requirements of examination halls/centres should not be waived for any school, while the recommended seating arrangement should be 1.5m by 1.2m. or 1.8 sqm per candidate.”

The committee also recommended that examination halls and centres should be equipped with stationary CCTV cameras for surveillance and monitoring purposes.

It stated, “In addition, every examination centre shall have a mini control room where the CCTV camera is monitored for urgent and immediate alert.”

The committee also recommended that examination bodies shall jointly own central control facilities for their use during examinations to save cost; and body camcorders should be deployed to examination halls and centres for effective monitoring.

Also recommended by the committee was that, at the point of entry into basic school, every pupil must generate a unique code which is linked to his/her NIN which must be identified with the pupil throughout his/her educational journey in Nigeria.

The committee noted that the non-implementation of the 1999 Examination Malpractice Act suggested either a lack of political will or non-implementable.

It, therefore, recommended a review of the Act in such a manner that it could be immediately implemented to curb examination malpractice.

“Rather than wait till 2027 as initially suggested, the Computer Based Examination (CBE) should be implemented for objective questions in 2025 private examinations and in full for school candidates in 2026. The 30 per cent continuous assessment component in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations has become a veritable source of corruption in the examination system due to the fraudulent process of inputting the scores in arrears.

The committee, therefore, recommended the immediate review of the continuous assessment system by the relevant agencies.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed optimism that the three Sahel countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which recently withdrew from ECOWAS, will soon return to the bloc.

The minister gave the assurance when he received the ECOWAS Parliament’s Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima, who led a delegation from the parliament on a courtesy visit to him on Friday in Abuja.

The visit was part of the parliament’s efforts to strengthen intergovernmental relations and democratic governance ahead of its 25th anniversary later in November.

He said, “We will continue to work hard towards the success of ECOWAS and all member states, including the three recently withdrawn ones, we are encouraging them to come back. As we keep saying, we have not closed the door on their return, we are confident that they will return because they are part and parcel of the region, it is just a matter of time.’’

According to him, although the three countries have exited ECOWAS, Nigeria and other member countries will continue relating with them as neighbours and work together in certain areas for mutual benefits.

The minister urged the media to de-emphasise the issues of their unfortunate exit and instead focus attention on the subregion’s economic development.

He also admonished the media and other West African stakeholders to highlight the prevailing positive developmental projects in the remaining 12 member states.

Mr Tuggar listed such projects to include the West African Power Pool, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation scheme, Abidjan- Lagos Corridor, Abidjan –Dakar Corridor, among others, that would enhance regional development.

He described the ECOWAS Parliament as an embodiment of the representation of the citizens of member states with demonstrated commitment toward constitutional and democratic governance.

Speaking earlier, Ms Ibrahima told the minister that the delegation visited him to update him on the activities of the parliament over the last one and half years, as well as its future activities.

She disclosed that the parliament, which was established in 2000, was preparing for its 25th anniversary as a regional legislature.

She said, “We are working on how we can have some capability and enhancement so that we can have a more legislative role in the ECOWAS Community. We are looking at how we can support ECOWAS in all their programmes and activities.’’

Ms Ibrahima was accompanied on the visit by the parliament’s Fourth Deputy Speaker, Billay Tunkara and its Secretary General, Bertin Some, among others.

The China-Africa Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has announced plans to establish the first museum dedicated to African history and culture in China, signalling a significant step in fostering cultural exchange between the two regions.

Director of the China-Africa Institute, Ye Hailin, said that these plans during an ongoing Workshop themed “China-Africa Cooperation in the New Era: Responsibilities of Think Tanks and Media,’ on Saturday in Beijing.

The workshop was organised by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

According to him, the proposed museum aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of African heritage, showcasing artifacts, artworks, and historical narratives that highlight the continent’s diverse cultures and traditions.

He said, “We believe that the museum will serve not only as an educational resource but also as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between Chinese and African scholars, artists, and communities. The museum is expected to attract both local and international visitors, providing a unique perspective on African history that is often overlooked in traditional narratives.’’

Mr Hailin also highlighted that China was in the process of establishing five China-Africa research centres, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of the Beijing-Southeast Asia 2024 partnership actions.

“One of these centres will be based in South Africa, where we have conducted extensive consultations with the executive academy there,” he added, stating that an agreement for cooperation had already been signed.

“The establishment of the first China-Africa research centre is expected to be officially inaugurated before the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa later this year. We are currently in the legal negotiation phase, and we are optimistic about launching this centre as a hub for collaborative research and exchange,” Mr Hailin stated.

According to him, the initiative also focused on enhancing media relations, with active exchange programs planned for African media and journalists, aimed at promoting bilateral understanding and cooperation.

Mr Hailin stated that these efforts reflected China’s commitment to deepening its partnership with African nations through cultural diplomacy and academic collaboration.

After a career spanning nearly two decades, Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans has officially hung up his boots following his departure from Manchester United.

The veteran signed out during United’s post-season tour in Asia, playing against Hong Kong. He was substituted at half-time with Ayden Heaven, his side a goal down before the break. But after half-time, United found their rhythm.

A brace from 17-year-old Chido-Obi and a late finish from Heaven turned the match around as they both marked their first senior goals for the club, ending 3-1 in favour of the Reds.

The 37-year-old kickoff from the United academy, the centre-back then broke into the first team in 2007 under Sir Alex Ferguson and quickly established himself as a reliable figure in defence. Calm on the ball and composed under pressure, Evans went on to make 241 appearances for the Red Devils across two separate spells.

During his first time at the club, Evans lifted three Premier League titles (2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11), a UEFA Champions League title in 2008, two League Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup. After departing Old Trafford in 2015, Evans enjoyed successful spells with West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City, where he added the 2021 FA Cup to his collection and earned the captain’s armband in 2022.

Evans returned to the club in 2023, initially on a short-term basis. What began as a temporary solution soon turned into a memorable final chapter, as he helped Erik ten Hag’s side win the 2023/24 FA Cup.

The veteran bids farewell scoring 23 goals and 16 assists in 538 club appearances for club side. He scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists in 241 games for Manchester United, added 7 goals and 5 assists in 152 matches for Leicester City, and contributed 5 goals and 4 assists at West Brom. He also scored once on loan at Sunderland and twice at Royal Antwerp.

On the international stage, he made 107 appearances and scored 6 goals for Northern Ireland, featuring prominently in their Euro 2016 campaign and retiring from international football in 2024. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE for his contributions to football in Northern Ireland.

Jonny Evans has had an incredible campaign both for club and country leaving him well-disciplined from a teenage prospect to a decorated veteran

The United States has reiterated its resolve to continue partnering with the militaries of African countries, including Nigeria under the administration of Bola Tinubu, to fight terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, among others.

U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, disclosed this on Friday during a digital press briefing on the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025, a forum for military leaders on the continent to address security challenges in the region.

Responding to the media on why U.S. AFRICOM is not directly involved in combating Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, Mr Langley said the U.S. respects the sovereignty of countries on the continent and “only go where we’re asked,” but noted that the U.S. still provides support for the Nigerian military.

Mr Langley said, “We respect nation sovereignty and only go where we’re asked as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives. I was just in Nigeria back in November, where I got to see firsthand how we actively work with and support Nigerian defense objectives.

“During my entire command, I’ve been on a campaign of learning, and when I was in Nigeria, I sat across from our Nigerian partners to hear how we can assist. Because again, the United States, we act with our partners, and in this particular case with Nigeria, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa to promote regional security,” Mr Langley noted.

He stated that Nigeria is a strategic African partner of the U.S., with a long history of receiving critical material and training support, including military sales, excess defense articles, training, as well as intelligence sharing.

Mr Langley, who was joined online by senior military leaders from over 37 African nations, had in his opening remarks from Nairobi, Kenya, expressed satisfaction that militaries in African countries are not waiting to be saved.

He stated, “Now, to do this, first of all, Africa – AFRICOM is increasingly focused on helping our African partners address the root causes of terrorism. That means tackling instability at the local level – through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and institutional strengthening – using and recommending tools beyond just the military might.”

“African militaries are taking on security challenges head-on, and leverage opportunities for their nations to achieve stability and prosperity. So right now, as I speak to you, they continue to step up and take control of their own futures,” the U.S. AFRICOM commander stated.