An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday remanded the former manager of P-Square, Jude Okoye, for allegedly stealing one million dollars and 34, 537 pounds.

Jude, who is also the elder brother of Peter Okoye (Mr P) and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited on a four-count charge bordering on theft.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded Mr Okoye at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre where he is being held, pending the hearing of his bail application.

Mr Oshodi adjourned the case until March 6, for hearing of the bail application.

The EFCC Counsel, Mohammed Bashir, earlier asked the court for a trial date and that the defendant be remanded at the correctional centre.

Lead counsel to the defendant, Clement Onwuenwunor, however, informed the court of a bail application dated January 27 and urged the court to grant bail to his defendant.

Mr Bashir also informed the court that the prosecution intended to file a response to the application.

He prayed the court for a short adjourned date for the prosecution to file the counter affidavit to the bail application.

In the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, EFCC alleged that Jude dishonestly converted the sum of 767,544 dollars to his own use.

It alleged that the sum was paid to Lex Records Ltd for music digital distribution/publishing royalties.

It said that the payment was with intent to permanently deprive the complainant, Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that sometime between 2016 and 2023, the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of 34,537 pounds paid by Lex Records Ltd for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties.

It said it was with intent to permanently deprive the complainant Okoye of his special interest in the property.
The commission alleged that the ex-manager also dishonestly converted the sum of 133,566 dollars paid by Kobalt Music for digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency equally alleged that the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of 118,652 dollars, paid by Mtech Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Okoye of his special interest.

According to EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

China announced on Tuesday that it will impose fresh tariffs on a range of agricultural imports from the United States next week in retaliation against Washington’s recent tariff hike.

“An additional 15 per cent tariff will be imposed on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton,” Beijing’s finance ministry said in a statement.

It added, “An additional 10 per cent tariff will be imposed on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.”

US President Donald Trump signed an order on Monday increasing a previously imposed 10 per cent tariff on China to 20 per cent, adding to existing levies on various Chinese goods.

In response, Beijing condemned the “unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US” while announcing its own countermeasures.

The move “exacerbates the burden on US companies and consumers and undermines the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States,” the finance ministry stated.

Additionally, China’s commerce ministry said it would file a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation over the additional 10 per cent tariffs.

The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has commended Dangote Refinery and NNPC Retail Ltd. for slashing the petrol price from N920 to N875 per litre.

PETROAN said the bold move was expected to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians amidst rising inflation.

In a statement on Monday, PETROAN’s national president, Billy Gillis-Harry, praised NNPCL for taking proactive steps to support the Nigerians.

“This price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

Mr Gillis-Harry said the reduction in pump price was expected to positively impact Nigerians by reducing transportation costs, making it easier for people to commute and transport goods.

He said the reduced transportation costs would lead to reduced food prices, making it easier for Nigerians to access affordable food.

PETROAN’s president also lauded Dangote for agreeing to refund N65 to retail outlet owners affected by the price reduction. This refund initiative follows Dangote Refinery’s recent reduction of its gantry price from N890 per litre to N825 per litre.

According to the refinery, customers who purchased petrol at higher rates than the advertised prices from Dangote’s key partners are eligible for a refund.

The refund amount is N65 per litre on over 200,000 metric tonnes of petrol purchased by marketers at the old gantry price.

He said Dangote had absorbed a N16 billion loss to implement these refunds, demonstrating its commitment to fair pricing and consumer welfare.

The refund initiative, he said, would also positively impact retail outlet owners, who would benefit from reduced prices and refunds.

“Many retail outlet owners purchased PMS at a higher rate before the price reduction, and the refund will help mitigate their losses.

“We commend Dangote Refinery for this initiative, which will help reduce the financial burden on our members,” Mr Gillis-Harry said.

The Rivers House of Assembly has written to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.

The House made this known in a five-point resolution by Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly at plenary on Monday in Port-Harcourt.

The Amaewhule-led members of the assembly resumed on Monday, following a Supreme Court order on February 28, which stopped federal allocations to Rivers until the state government recognised the Amaewhule-led members of the assembly.

By the Supreme Court directive, the N1.1 trillion appropriation bill presented by a rival speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, to the governor for assent in January was also nullified.

Mr Amaewhule said the governor’s quick response to the resolution was urgent to enable the state to tackle the impending financial crisis following the halt of statutory federal allocations to the state by the Supreme Court.

The plenary also deliberated on the annulled local government election by the Supreme Court.

The letter to the governor read, in part:

”That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in suit no. SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of statutory federal allocations to the Rivers government and halting spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state, pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill:

”You are requested to present the 2025 appropriation bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”

The House, also in its letter, announced readiness to commence the process of amending the Rivers Local Government Law and the State Independent Electoral Commission law to pave the way for fresh local government elections.

The House also drew his attention to the 2023 amendment to the constitution, which prohibited Heads of Local Government Administrators (HLGAs) or individuals other than democratically elected persons to head local government administration.

Mr Fubara, in response to the nullification of the local government election by the Supreme Court, had ordered HLGAs in the 23 local government areas to immediately assume office as administrators of the local councils.

The potential month-long ceasefire in Ukraine proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is intended to test Russia’s readiness to end the conflict.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.

Mr Macron said he and Mr Starmer proposed a month-long ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

However, the French president said the proposal does not address the situation on the ground, as the length of the front line makes it difficult to verify compliance with the ceasefire.

“This ceasefire in the air, at sea, and in relation to energy infrastructure will allow us to verify the good faith of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that was when real peace negotiations will begin,” he said.

Mr Barrot told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that “first of all, this is a way to test whether Russia really wants to put an end to this war.’’

During a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council in January, Mr Putin said the goal in resolving the Ukraine conflict should be long-term peace.

Mr Putin was opposed to a short ceasefire that would enable the Ukrainian military to regroup and rearm to continue the conflict.

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

The Israeli army said two suspects approached Israeli troops in the south of the Gaza Strip and posed an immediate threat, prompting the soldiers to fire at them.

The fatal incident took place in the centre of the city in the south of the coastal area, WAFA reported.

Over the weekend, the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas came to an end.

So far, the two sides have been unable to agree on an extension.

The Lagos House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely to prevent potential violence from the ongoing leadership crisis.

The directive, issued by acting clerk Babatunde Ottun, was communicated in a memo to all staff on Sunday.

The memo is titled ‘Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement’.

The crisis in the parliament began in January after 32 lawmakers removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-clerk Olalekan Onafeko.

Mr Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

The crisis worsened on February 17 when SSS operatives sealed off the assembly complex, preventing a plenary session.

Despite this, lawmakers forced their way into the chamber, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely, declaring a vote of confidence in Ms Meranda.

Meanwhile, three employees of the assembly face trial for assaulting SSS operatives during the standoff.

Mr Obasa rejected his removal as unconstitutional.

On February 27, he stormed the assembly complex with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the speaker’s office.

He resumed duties, and his supporters besieged the assembly, demanding Mr Obasa’s reinstatement.

Mr Obasa filed a lawsuit against Ms Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The court will hear the case on Friday.

Despite the ongoing crisis, the head of service, Bode Agoro, recognised the leadership change and urged staff to support the new speaker and acting clerk.

Mr Ottun explained that the directive was to ensure staff safety and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“This directive is necessary pending the resolution of the leadership dispute.

“All staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and legislative aides are requested to work remotely until further notice,” said the memo.

The police command in Ondo says investigations are ongoing into the assassination of a businessman, Ismaila Awoyinka, in Ore, Odigbo LGA.

The command’s spokeswoman, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the killing on Sunday in Okitipupa.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the assassination of the businessman,” Ms Odunlami said.

Residents of Ore were left in shock after the killing of Mr Awoyinka, a building materials dealer, by gunmen.

The murder occurred on Saturday near his home, opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore.

A witness revealed that the businessman was ambushed after performing the Taraweeh prayer, usually held after each day of Ramadan fasting.

“He had just left the mosque at 8:35 p.m. when some men in white clothes arrived on a motorcycle.

“As he approached his residence, they shot him at close range,” the witness said.

News of his death spread quickly, drawing a crowd of sympathisers to his home, many of whom were in shock.

Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, expressed his deep concern over the security situation, calling the assassination a tragic loss.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has been told that Odoh Ocheme, an aide to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, and others named in the theft of $6,230,000 cash from the CBN are currently residing in the United Kingdom (U.K).

A police prosecutor, Celestine Odo, revealed this in the court when an eight-count of theft pending against them was mentioned on Thursday.

The others who are non-staff members of the apex bank are Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar.

Odo recalled that the court had on February 7, 2024, issued an arrest warrant on the trio and that the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) was notified.

“They are in the UK. Until they are pinned down and arrested, we cannot bring them before the court. We are relying on the cooperation of INTERPOL member states to achieve this,” he said.

The Police prosecutor subsequently applied for an adjournment to enable the INTERPOL to explore available options for their arrest.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who was uncomfortable with the explanation, threatened to strike out the case on the next adjourned date should Odo repeat the excuse.

He adjourned till November 3 for the arraignment of the defendants.

A document filed along with the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/19/2014, provided insight into how the $6,230,000 was allegedly stolen on February 8, 2023 and shared.

A special presidential investigative team led by Jim Obaze, which probed Emefiele’s tenure, claimed that the money was stolen to pay election observers.

Investigators revealed, in the court document, that the alleged theft was an insider job by mainly CBN officials with the connivance of the two Abubakars.

Ocheme, who was described in the document as a personal assistant to Emefiele allegedly received$3,730,000 out of the $6.23 million from the money. The remaining $2,500,000 was shared by others.

*That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large) Bashirudeen Maishanu and others (also now at large), on or about the 23’ day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, forged a letter dated 23 January, 2023 purportedly written by Muhammad Buhari to the Mr Boss Mustapha, with the intent that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch may in the belief that the documents are genuine be induced to pay you $6,230,000.00 and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010; and

*That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, forged a letter dated 26th January 2023 purportedly written by Boss Mustapha to Mr Godwin Emefiele as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, with the intent that the CBN, Abuja branch believe that the documents are genuine and be induced to pay you $6,230,000.

*That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others (also now at large) on or about the 23rd day of January 2023, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, by false pretence that one man who held out himself as Jibril Abubakar is a staff of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and had approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to source money from the Central Bank of Nigeria for foreign Election Observers, and with intent to defraud, obtained $6,230,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja branch and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)[a] and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010.’’

France is committed to supporting Nigeria’s roadmap for mining development, French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier said yesterday.

The envoy also reaffirmed France’s commitment to remain Nigeria’s formidable ally in developing the solid minerals sector.

Fonbaustier gave the commitment during a courtesy call on Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake in Abuja.

A statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, quoted Fonbaustier as expressing France keen interest in investing in the rapidly developing solid minerals sector of Nigeria.

Alake acknowledged and identified France’s frontline position among prospective stakeholders who have shown interest in the solid minerals sector.

The minister noted that France has shown “enthusiasm, commitment, and readiness to implement tangible projects” in the mining sector of Nigeria

He expressed optimism that the long-standing and robust bilateral relationship between Nigeria and France will be further enhanced “through key initiatives in the solid minerals sector backed by actionable goals with clear timelines.”

Alake reiterated that the core agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policy initiatives has been the diversification of the economy with emphasis on solid minerals development.

He highlighted the imperative of continued engagement with the French team to identify serious French companies interested in the mining sector whilst also fine-tuning areas of collaboration to concretize partnership based on the earlier signed MOU.

Nigeria and France signed an MOU late last year on the heels of President Tinubu’s state visit to France to develop joint projects for promotion and diversification of the critical minerals value chain with emphasis on technical assistance, capacity building, and remediation of abandoned pits.

Corroborating the ambassador, Deputy Head, Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy, Carole Libreton, expressed France’s readiness to fund projects in the mining corporation and collaborate with the ministry to galvanize French companies for development of the mining value chain.

On Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier’s entourage were the French embassy’s head of regional economic department, Florent Mangin and Deputy Head, regional economic department, Carole Lebreton.

Protests broke out across the United States on Saturday following a tense confrontation between former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House.

According to The Guardian, the clash, which occurred on Friday, prompted hundreds of demonstrators to gather in cities such as Waitsfield, Vermont, New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, expressing their support for Ukraine and condemning the actions of Trump and Vance.

The protests were initially planned to coincide with Vance’s visit to Vermont for a ski trip with his family. However, tensions from the Oval Office meeting earlier in the week fuelled further participation.

The Guardian reported that demonstrators in Vermont, including members of the grassroots group Indivisible, held signs reading “Vermont stands with Ukraine” and “International embarrassment,” while many waved Ukrainian flags in solidarity.

“After what he did yesterday, he crossed the line,” protester Cori Giroux told Vermont Public Radio.

The protest in Vermont took place despite a call from Republican Governor Phil Scott for residents to be respectful towards Vance during his visit.

Vance, who admitted to never having visited Ukraine, reportedly fled to an undisclosed location to avoid the protesters.

The Oval Office meeting, during which Trump told Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire with Russia or risk losing US support, was widely criticised.
Trump also accused Zelenskyy of not showing enough gratitude for US military aid and warned that Ukraine’s actions could lead to “World War III.”

Zelenskyy, who has remained in Ukraine despite the ongoing Russian invasion, rejected the suggestion, emphasising that Ukraine could not accept a ceasefire without security guarantees due to Russia’s repeated violations of previous agreements.

The confrontation led to widespread condemnation, with European leaders and officials from countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand voicing their support for Ukraine.

US lawmakers, including Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, described the meeting as an “ambush” and rallied behind Zelenskyy.

Protests also took place in major cities across the US. Demonstrators in New York gathered in Times Square, many draping themselves in Ukrainian flags, while in Los Angeles, a pro-Ukraine rally was held outside a SpaceX facility.

“Ukraine wants fair peace. Ukraine wants the war to end,” the group Boston Supports Ukraine wrote on Facebook. “Ukraine wants all of this on fair terms with security guarantees.”

Protesters in Boston, along with others across the country, expressed their desire for the war to end on terms that ensure Ukraine’s security.

The remains of Sarkin Sasa, Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, who died at the age of 125, were laid to rest on Sunday at his residence in the Sasa community, Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State.

He was interred at exactly 1:45 pm.

Until his demise, Sarkin Sasa was the Chairman of the Council of ArewaTraditional Rulers in the 17 Southern States of Nigeria.

In a swift move to fill the leadership vacuum, one of his sons, Ahmed Haruna (Ciroma), was unanimously nominated as the new Sarkin Sasa by the family and the traditional councils of the 17 Southern states, our correspondent reports.

During a meeting held on Sunday, a committee was constituted to formally convey the decision to the Olubadan of Ibadanland ahead of the official turbaning of the new Sarkin Sasa, scheduled to take place during the seventh-day Fidau prayer for the late leader.

An impeccable family source disclosed, “The meeting was centred on the next Sarkin Sasa. There must not be a vacuum.

“The over 100 leaders across the 17 Southern States of Nigeria are here, and they have reached a compromise on the new leader. Though, the committee set up in that regard must visit Olubadan.

“The committee has to present the name of the new Sarkin to the paramount ruler (Olubadan) before turbaning him.”

Confirming the development, the Speaker of the Arewa Traditional Rulers, Suleiman Rabiu, stated, “Leaders across 17 states were in attendance during both the burial ceremony and the meeting to nominate the late Maiyasin’s successor.”

Rabiu, who is also the Sarkin Hawusawa of Lagos, Kuje-Amodun-Odofin, added, “Yes, we have nominated Ciroma, one of the late leader’s children. Other children and over 100 leaders across the southern states were in attendance during the exercise.”

Rabiu further emphasised unity among the late leader’s children, saying, “Even before this, we have tutored them (children) that others must support whoever becomes the next Sarkin Sasa.

“And he must not turn himself to a beggar. He shouldn’t be using the seat to extort money from people.”

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the demise of the Sarkin Sasa as “the end of a great era.”

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Moses Alao, the governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and the entire Hausa/Fulani community in the state and Southern Nigeria.

“I met the late Sarkin years before I became governor, and our relationship had always been cordial, as the late leader had always been supportive. On behalf of the government and the good people of the state, I express my condolences to the Hausa/Fulani community in this state over the demise of Maiyasin Katsina, the Sarkin Sasa Sardaunan Yamma,” Makinde stated.

He added, “His cooperation with our government was top-notch and exemplary. May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdausi.”

In the same vein, Senators representing Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts under the All Progressives Congress, Yunus Akintunde and Sharafadeen Alli, also mourned the revered traditional ruler.

Akintunde, through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kunle Olatunji, described the late Maiyasin as a staunch advocate of good governance and democracy.

“Well-loved and highly respected by his subjects and associates across the country, the Sarkin Sasa, as he was fondly called, will be sorely missed,” he said.

Similarly, Alli expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abass, he described the late traditional ruler as a towering figure in leadership and an unwavering advocate of good governance.

Alli noted, “His leadership virtues were unparalleled, and his peaceful nature was a source of inspiration. He was a father figure to many, always offering wise counsel and unwavering support.”

The Sarkin Sasa, Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, has passed away at the age of 125.

Until his death, he served as the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers in the 17 southern states of Nigeria.

He died on Saturday evening at his residence in the Sasa community, Ibadan, in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

A family source, who spoke with The PUNCH on Sunday morning, confirmed his passing, stating: “Actually, I am not the family spokesperson, but our revered Sarkin Sasa died yesterday evening. We will issue a statement in this regard as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, senators representing Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts under the All Progressives Congress, Yunus Akintunde and Sharafadeen Alli, have expressed their condolences over the passing of the revered traditional ruler.

In separate statements issued in Ibadan on Sunday, the lawmakers mourned the loss of Sarkin Sasa.

Akintunde, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kunle Olatunji, described the late Maiyasin as a staunch advocate of good governance and democracy.

He further described him as an epitome of humility, piety, and dedication to humanitarian service.

“Well-loved and highly respected by his subjects and associates across the country, the Sarkin Sasa, as he was fondly called, will be sorely missed.

“He was both a political and spiritual leader to many, endowed with exceptional leadership qualities and a peaceful disposition. We will miss his unwavering support, guidance, and wisdom.”

“My heartfelt condolences go to his immediate family, his subjects, and the Hausa communities across Nigeria, even beyond his traditional jurisdiction. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Akintunde prayed.

Similarly, Senator Alli expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the monarch.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abass, Alli described the late traditional ruler as a towering figure in leadership and an unwavering advocate of good governance.

He praised the late ruler’s humility, piety, and dedication to humanity, noting that he remained a beacon of wisdom and a guiding light for many.

Alli commended his invaluable contributions to nation-building and community development through his spiritual and political influence.

“His leadership virtues were unparalleled, and his peaceful nature was a source of inspiration. He was a father figure to many, always offering wise counsel and unwavering support,” Alli said.

The lawmaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, the Arewa community, and the people of Sasa.

Wife of Plateau State governor, Helen Mutfwang, has supported the couple that had quadruplets in Jos, with cash, food and other essential items.

Mrs Mutfwang, who visited the couple – Mr and Mrs Samuel Atanu – in Jos on Saturday, said that the gesture was to ease the upkeep of the children.

“These children are a gift to your family and our state; they will grow to do great things and fulfil their destiny,” she said.

The babies – three boys and one girl – born on January 23, appeared healthy and well-fed.

Mr Atanu, while thanking God for the babies, described their arrival as “a divine miracle and a blessing from the Almighty.’’.

He said, “See how the babies have brought us face to face with the governor’s wife. I never imagined we would be blessed with four babies at once.’’

He expressed gratitude for the support, saying that the governor’s wife’s visit had brought joy and encouragement.

He said, “My family is overwhelmed by the show of love and kindness from the governor’s wife. Our joy knows no bounds.”

The Nasiru Haladu Danu (NHD) Foundation has begun feeding 15,000 students at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State, as part of its 2025 Ramadan Special Feeding Programme.

The programme coordinator, Abubakar Mijinyawa, announced this during the inauguration at the university’s cafeteria in Dutse on Saturday.

Mr Mijinyawa, who is also the university registrar, explained that 500 students would receive free food, including pap (Kunu) and water, daily throughout Ramadan.

“This initiative, led by the Nasiru Danu Foundation, chosen to feed FUD students for 30 days of Ramadan, is a special programme,” Mr Mijinyawa said.

He stated that in addition to the feeding programme, the foundation was also sponsoring 148 indigent students at the university, studying various courses.

“Plans are also underway to sponsor more indigent students,” Mr Mijinyawa added.

The coordinator commended the gesture, noting that the food was distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We are grateful to the foundation and appreciate it on behalf of the university’s management and community. We look forward to continued cooperation. There’s no discrimination; we provide tickets to students, and anyone with a ticket can collect a meal,” Mr Mijinyawa added.

On behalf of the students, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Nasir Isa-Gogori, praised the foundation for its support, stating that the gesture would greatly aid beneficiaries during Ramadan.

“I thank Almighty Allah for allowing us to witness another Ramadan,” he said.

“This is a commendable gesture, especially in tough times when many struggle to feed themselves. Only God can reward such kindness,” Isa-Gogori added.

He also commended students for their orderly conduct while collecting food and assured that the union would monitor the programme’s success.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said strong partnership with nine members of the National Assembly from the state is benefiting residents’ lives.

The governor stated this on Saturday in Ikosu-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of the state during an empowerment programme hosted by a House of Representatives member, Akinlayo Kolawole.

Mr Oyebanji noted that the successful collaboration was responsible for the increase in federal projects and the appointment of many Ekiti State indigenes under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

The governor, represented by Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, praised the federal lawmakers for their loyalty to the electorate and their efforts in enhancing development through projects and human capital initiatives.

He commended Mr Kolawole for his commitment to human capital development, noting the significant amount of materials distributed to citizens as part of his administration’s efforts.

Mr Oyebanji urged the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency not to sell the materials at giveaway prices, warning that it could hinder government’s poverty reduction efforts.

The governor pledged to intensify efforts in poverty reduction, employment generation, agricultural expansion, road infrastructure, rural development, security, and youth economic opportunities.

In a display of generosity, Mr Kolawole distributed N15 million to over 300 widows and vulnerable people across the Local Governments of Ido/Osi, Ilejemeje, and Moba.

The lawmaker stressed the importance of federal lawmakers working closely with Mr Oyebanji to address poverty and neglect in the state, enhancing the impact of democracy at the grass-roots.

The distributed items included 100 motorcycles, fridges, generators, dryers, roofing sheets, knapsack spraying machines, sewing machines, grinding machines, cash gifts, and others.

Head of Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has hailed the construction of a new nine-storey civil servants’ secretariat by the Bayelsa State Government.

She spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Yenagoa on Saturday.

Mrs Walson-Jack said that upon completion, the iconic structure would remain in her memory as an exciting legacy of Governor Douye Diri’s administration.

She described the event as a significant milestone, recalling her time in Bayelsa’s public service and feeling nostalgic about witnessing the foundation-laying ceremony.

She said: “The civil service is the engine of government, providing expertise and structure for effective governance. A well-motivated and efficient civil service needs capable personnel, strong policies, and an enabling work environment that fosters professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.”

The head of service emphasised that the project demonstrated the Bayelsa State government’s commitment to strengthening governance and service delivery.

She stated, “This new state secretariat is a commendable effort to provide public servants with a conducive workplace. I applaud the Bayelsa State government for its dedication to infrastructure development. This project aligns with the broader vision of strengthening Nigeria’s civil service at both state and federal levels to enhance governance.’’

Earlier, the state governor stated that the workers’ complex would be an electronic secretariat, with the project costing N46 billion.

He said the government had already mobilised contractors with 30 per cent of the project sum and approved the release of another 20 per cent upon take off.

Mr Diri assured that funding would not be an issue and that the project would be completed in 24 months.

He urged state workers to reciprocate the government’s commitment to their welfare and well-being.

“What propelled me to build a new secretariat was the civil servants’ request for office accommodation, which was raised repeatedly every Workers’ Day,” he said.

He expressed delight that the new secretariat would end complaints from labour unions about inadequate office space.

The state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, said that the project was conceived and initiated by the Diri administration.

He stated that the structure would provide a conducive and befitting communal space for the state’s workforce.

The proposed structure would feature modern, eco-friendly green solutions to support key functional needs of the state.

It would cover a footprint of 3,675.633 square metres within a gross area of 26,762.99 square metres and include parking for 155 cars.

Operations Director of Megastar Technical and Construction Company Ltd., Carlos Zanone, said that the building would be equipped with a solar power-backed system.

Additional features would include conference halls, a six-bed sick bay, and a crèche to support working families.

He added that the facility would be built to modern standards, using high-quality materials to enhance the area’s aesthetics.

Mr Zanone assured that the 24-month completion timeframe was achievable.

The state Head of Service, Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, thanked the state governor, describing the project as a dream come true for all Bayelsa civil servants.

The federal government once again paid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members N33,000 as allowance for February despite assurances that a new monthly allowance of N77,000 would commence in the just-concluded month.

Corps members have been anticipating an increased monthly allowance since President Bola Tinubu approved an upward review of the national minimum wage to N70,000 last year.

However, the current administration has failed to accommodate the NYSC members in the new payment system.

This persistent neglect has prompted many corps members to voice their frustration against the government and NYSC management on social media. They cited the bad conditions they endure away from their comfort zones due to the country’s harsh economic situation.

Many were relieved when the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, announced in January to corps members in Katsina State that they would start receiving an allowance of N77,000 starting from February.

However, Mr Ahmed’s commitment turned out to be another empty promise, as corps members across the country were once more paid N33,000 monthly.

Meanwhile, some corps members have taken to social media to decry the government’s latest decision to pay them N33,000 again, with one saying, “They’ve given us 33k again! I’m tired of this selfish gov’t!”

Another posted, “But why the confidence the Nigerian government has in inflicting pains on citizens ..Nysc is causing us excruciating pains, I spend 100k+ every month — 33k can’t even sort out data bills nor transportation, so 77k is too much to pay.”

Some residents of Makurdi, the Benue capital, have lamented the acute scarcity of water in the metropolis.

Almost all the households in Makurdi that depend on wells for their daily water supply have lost them to the drought.

A cross-section of residents who spoke to journalists on Saturday lamented that they could not get water to buy, even when they had money.

Rose Abah, a resident of Makurdi, said that the well in their compound dried up as early as December 2024, and she had been depending on people selling water, popularly called ‘Mairuwa,’ for both domestic use and bathing since then.

However, Ms Abah said that it had also become difficult for her to get water from Mairuwa since the beginning of February 2025.

She said that her Mairuwa customers kept telling her that they could not find water to buy and resell to her.

Ms Abah, who also complained that Mairuwa had increased the price of their water per truck, lamented that even the price hike had not encouraged them to supply water promptly to customers.

“A truckload of water, which contains 10 of 20-litre jerrycans, used to be N600, but I am now buying it at the rate of N1,000.

“Some Mairuwa even sell for N1,500, depending on the distance from the source of supply, yet we do not see to buy,” Ms. Abah explained.

Joseph Akogwu, another resident, said he used his motorcycle to carry two 25-litre jerrycans from his Ankpa Quarters residence as far as BENARDA in search of water every day.

“Our area is not connected to the water board, so people depend on boreholes, which mostly dry up during the dry season.

“Mairuwa, too, are not finding it easy to get water because they have to solely depend on water tankers to supply them before they resell. So we are just praying to God for rain to start falling early this year,” Mr Akogwu said.

Sunday Orinya said he had a 3,000-litre tank at home, where a water tanker driver used to supply him with water monthly at the rate of N4,000 during the rainy season.

However, Mr Orinya said he had to start filling the tank weekly at the rate of N10,000 after his well dried up in January.

He said that sometimes he found it difficult to get the tanker driver to supply him with water because of the scarcity.

“Right now, it is not even about the money but about the availability of water because sometimes I have my money ready to buy, but the tanker driver, too, will not have to sell to me.

“I have got the phone numbers of three sets of tanker drivers so that I can switch customer service, but the story is the same with all of them as they always complain that the queue for water at the source is too long,” Mr Orinya said.

The residents, therefore, called on Gov. Hyacinth Alia to rescue them from the scourge of water scarcity by providing the whole of Makurdi with clean, pipe-borne water.

National Youth Service Corp member, Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.

PUNCH Online reports that Lawal was kidnapped while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State from Benin, Edo State to resume at her place of primary assignment.

The abductors were said to have demanded an N20m ransom which her family appealed that they could not afford.

Following back-and-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the N20m ransom to N5m.

Giving an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend identified as Agbakwara, who was privy to the incident, disclosed on Saturday that Aminat has regained her freedom.

Sharing a video of the victim in a Facebook post, Agbakwara wrote, “In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that if we failed to meet their demands, we should not expect her return.

“In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could, her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family.

“Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 pm on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.

“The recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped and assured us he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.”

He stated that Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning.

“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital.

“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible,” he concluded.