The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) rebounded on Tuesday, reversing two days of bearish trends, with a gain of N315 billion.

The NGX market capitalisation rose by N315 billion, representing 0.46 per cent, closing at N68.357 trillion, up from N68.042 trillion on Monday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 501.14 points or 0.46 per cent, closing at 108,762.61, compared to 108,261.47 in the previous session.

The uptrend was a result of bargain-hunting in some select stocks.

Meanwhile, the market breadth closed positively with 41 gainers and 24 losers.

On the advancers’ chart, Chellaram rose by 10 per cent, to close at N11.44 per share, while Oando Plc soared by 10 per cent, settling at N49.50 per share.

Transcorp gained by 9.99 per cent, ending the session at N46.25 and Beta Glass grew by 9.96 per cent, closing at N194.30 per share.

Also, Caverton Offshore Support Group increased by 9.85 per cent, finishing at N3.68 per share.

On the decliners’ chart, Haldane McCall Plc fell by 9.85 per cent, settling at N4.21, while Academy dropped by 7.33 per cent, closing at N4.30 per share.

UPDC Real Estate Investment decreased by 6.25 per cent, ending the session at N3.00, and ABC Transport shed by 6.13 per cent, to close at N2.91 per share.

Similarly, NPF Microfinance Bank lost by 5.14 per cent, finishing at N2.03 per share.

A total of 498.48 million shares worth N10.781 billion were exchanged across 14,916 transactions. This is compared to 414.57 million shares worth N10.72 billion that were exchanged across 16,664 transactions earlier.

Transactions in the shares of Tantalizer topped the activity chart with 57.80 million shares valued at N131.32 million.

Access Corporation followed with 36.79 million shares worth N784.43 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company sold 31.84 million shares valued at N2.19 billion.

Fidelity Bank traded 23.39 million shares worth N470.49 million, and Nigerian Breweries transacted 26.032 million shares valued at N1.08 billion.

Aruna Kebira, managing director of Globalview Capital Ltd., said the upward trend resulted from some investors taking their profits in line with their income objectives as short-term investors remained alert to make profits.

He said the market witnessed a culmination of various cash-outs leading to a profit spree.

The leadership of the House of Representatives has given the controller-general (CG) of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Jaji Abdulganiyu, 24 hours to appear in person and explain the events around Friday’s fire truck accident, which claimed three lives and injured others in Abuja.

The minority whip, Ali Isah, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday after the management members of the service failed to honour an earlier invitation.

The incident, which claimed the lives of three siblings, happened on Friday evening at ECOWAS junction in Wuse 2, Abuja, during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex.

Mr Isah said the House had seen viral videos of the incident but had not seen any public statement from the service.

The lawmaker directed that the service should immediately visit the family, engage and commiserate with them, take over the medical bills of those in the hospital and make arrangements for adequate compensation.

He said the service should put measures in place to ensure such an incident does not happen again.

“The non-appearance of the CG without any cogent reason is not appropriate. I do not think at this point that there is any more serious engagement that is more than the invitation from the National Assembly at a time we are all mourning the loss of lives of Nigerians.

“I also support my colleagues that we have to request the CG to appear with all his team, either within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours,” he said.

Earlier, the services’ deputy controller-general of administration and supplies, Samuel Olumode, said the agency regretted the incident.

Mr Olumode explained that the CG was not around in person, as he had to attend to other state matters and other officers were directed to represent him.

He blamed the incident on the urgency of the operation, explaining that the fire truck driver involved did not stop for fear of mob action.

The deputy controller-general, however, said the driver reported to the nearest police station and had since been in detention.

Mr Olumode stated that the service, led by the CG, had taken several actions, including visiting the deceased’s family and those in the hospital.

He said a delegation of fire officers also attended the funeral service at the National Mosque and the subsequent burial.

Mr Olumode said the service had also issued a public apology, which had been aired and published by major media organisations in the country.

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has demanded immediate payment of the seven-month arrears of their 2024 pay rise, to avert industrial action.
The decision was reached at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NUAHP and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on Tuesday in Jos.

A communique was issued at the end of the meeting, jointly signed by Kamal Ibrahim and Martin Egbanubi, the national president and general secretary of the body.

Members under the NUAHP include the pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, imaging scientists, dental technologists.

Others are occupational therapists, health information management practitioners, dental therapists, dieticians and other related Health professionals.

The union leaders said the NEC expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the 25 per cent and 35 per cent Review of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

“The NEC-in-session was particularly worried about the seven months’ arrears (June 2023 to December 2023) of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONHESS in spite of being captured in the 2024 budget and now in the 2025 budget.

“NEC described the delay in the payment as unacceptable and considered it a violation of item five of the FG-JOHESU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 29, 2024, and the resolution reached on December 20, 2024, respectively.

“NEC, therefore, demands the payment of these arrears without further delay to avert industrial action,” they said.

They contended that despite the signing of the MoU between the federal government and JOHESU on October 29, 2024, after the suspension of the union’s nationwide strike, the government had yet to fulfil its obligations in the agreement.

They urged the government to consider the implications of resuming the suspended strike action on the health sector and the nation in general if it failed to urgently address the matter.

“NEC calls on President Bola Tinubu to honour his promise to JOHESU by directing relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and other organs of the federal government to expeditiously deal with this matter for sustainable industrial harmony and in the public interest,” they said.

The unions also urged the government, at all levels, to implement tax reduction on clinical allowances like call duty, shift duty, and teaching to cushion the effects of the high cost of living on the livelihood of health workers.

“It called on the government to grant a subsidy on electricity tariffs to Nigerians in low-income residential areas, hospitals and educational institutions across the country.

“The NEC also urged the government to consider decentralisation of power generation, transmission and distribution amongst sub-national,” they said

The union leaders said NEC also called on the government to step up actions through political will to ensure the nation’s refineries are producing at optimal capacity.

They urged the government to make petroleum products available at affordable prices.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), officially inaugurated the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) platform on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the apex bank, this innovative digital gateway allows Nigerians in the diaspora to obtain a BVN remotely without needing a physical presence in Nigeria.

The CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s financial inclusion journey and a critical bridge connecting the country to its global citizens.

“For too long, many Nigerians abroad have faced difficulties accessing financial services at home due to physical verification requirements.

“The NRBVN changes that. Through secure digital verification and robust Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, Nigerians worldwide should now be able to access financial services more easily and affordably,” he said.

Mr Cardoso described the NRBVN as a dynamic platform.

“It is not the final destination but the beginning of a broader journey.

“Stakeholders across the financial ecosystem, including banks, fintechs, and International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) are encouraged to integrate and collaborate in shaping and refining the system as it evolves,” he said.

He said that remittance flows through formal channels increased from $3.3 billion in 2023 to $4.73 billion in 2024, due to recent reforms and policy shifts, including the introduction of the willing buyer, willing seller FX regime.

According to him, with the NRBVN in place, the CBN is optimistic about reaching its $1 billion monthly remittance target.

“This platform is not just about financial access, it is about national inclusion, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Mr Cardoso also reiterated the apex bank’s commitment to reducing the high cost of remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa and ensuring continued engagement with stakeholders to optimise the platform.

In his remarks, Muhammad Abdullahi, CBN’s Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, said the NRBVN stood as a transformative tool, designed to enhance the banking experience for our diaspora community.

Mr Abdullahi said that by providing secure, remote access to financial services, the platform simplifies the process of maintaining robust banking relationships, facilitating meaningful investments in Nigeria, and supporting the seamless flow of remittances.

The inauguration also featured a presentation by the managing director of NIBSS, Premier Oiwoh, and a panel discussion with key industry stakeholders.

The NRBVN is part of a broader framework that includes the Non-Resident Ordinary Account (NROA) and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account (NRNIA).

They enable access to savings, mortgages, insurance, pensions, and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s capital markets.

Under current regulations, Nigerians in the diaspora will retain the flexibility to repatriate the proceeds of their investments.

Didi Walson-Jack, head of service of the federation, says the Federal Executive Council has approved the Group Life Assurance Scheme for government workers, paramilitary and uniformed personnel.

Ms Walson-Jack said this while briefing State House correspondents on Monday at the end of the sixth FEC meeting of the year.

She said through the insurance scheme, the federal government would provide a life policy for each public servant and that in the event of death, the public servant’s next-of-kin would benefit from helping the family cushion the effect of the loss.

“This scheme underscores the importance that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has placed on the welfare of the federal workers. This year, the group life assurance scheme covers key government officials, comprising Mr President, the vice-president, the chief of staff, and the secretary to the government of the federation.

“The other beneficiaries are ministers, the head of the civil service of the federation, permanent secretaries and staff of federal government ministries and treasury-funded agencies,” she stated.

According to her, the scheme also covers the paramilitary agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

She added that the insurance scheme would be annual, and that the approval given by FEC was for the 2025/2026 policy year, and the policy would commence from the date of premium payment to underwriters in line with the no premium, no cover policy.

“The approval for today was for the appointment of 17 insurance underwriters for the group life insurance cover and for the year 2025/2026, as I had earlier mentioned.

“The premium is paid to the insurance companies for 12 months. So, this policy will expire in 2026,” she disclosed.

A 16-year-old student in SS2 class of a private secondary school in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, faked her kidnap and demanded a ransom of N2 million for her release.

The teenage girl allegedly contacted a family member, claiming she had been kidnapped.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, disclosed to reporters on Monday that a family friend helped her plan the hoax.

Ukandu said the girl attends a privately owned school located on Watchman Street in Abakaliki.

She is a native of Izzi Local Government Area and was due to return to school for the third term on Saturday.

The girl told police she had gone to buy second-hand clothes, known locally as ‘Okirika’, when someone tapped her from behind.

She claimed to have lost consciousness and woke up the next day at Ishieke Junction in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

She added that she often dreams of being kidnapped, and her mother regularly prays against it.

Upon regaining consciousness, she asked for directions back to Abakaliki town.

Instead of returning home, she went to the house of a family friend who had no idea she was missing.

Using the man’s phone, she messaged her brother, claiming she had been kidnapped and demanded ₦2 million ransom.

Her brother asked to speak with the kidnappers and requested their location, but she refused and blocked his number.

Later, she unblocked his number and sent an account number belonging to the family friend hosting her.

Unfortunately for her, the phone was tracked. Police raided the house and arrested everyone involved in the plot.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the command has launched a full investigation into the incident.

The girl has since been reunited with her family, though the matter remains under police investigation due to her age.

The Israeli military said it struck a Gaza hospital housing Hamas militants in a raid Tuesday that, according to the Palestinian group, killed a journalist wounded in an Israeli attack last month.

The strike, which Hamas said happened at dawn, ended a brief pause in fighting to allow the release of a US-Israeli hostage.

The military said in a Telegram post that “significant Hamas terrorists” had been “operating from within a command and control centre” at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza’s main city.

“The compound was used by the terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF (army) troops,” it said.

In a statement, Hamas said the strike killed a journalist and wounded a number of civilians.

“The Israeli army bombed the surgeries building at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis at dawn on Tuesday, killing journalist Hassan Aslih,” said Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal.

Aslih, head of the Alam24 news outlet, had been at the hospital for treatment after being wounded in a strike on April 7, he told AFP.

Two other journalists, Ahmed Mansur and Hilmi al-Faqaawi, were killed in that bombing, according to reports at the time.

The Israeli military said the April strike had targeted Aslih, alleging he operated for Hamas “under the guise of a journalist”.

It said Aslih had “infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in the murderous massacre carried out by the Hamas terrorist organisation” on October 7, 2023.

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the strike.

It said Aslih had worked for international media outlets until 2023, when the pro-Israeli watchdog HonestReporting published a photo of him being kissed by then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The CPJ says at least 178 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Israel and Lebanon since the start of the war.

Israel had paused military operations in Gaza to allow for the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old US-Israeli soldier who had been held hostage since October 2023.

Alexander, believed to be the last surviving hostage with US citizenship, was released Monday ahead of a Middle East visit by US President Donald Trump.

Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza on March 18 after a two-month truce in its war against Hamas, which was triggered by the Palestinian group’s October 7 attack.

The attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday at least 2,749 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,862.

Hamas, on Monday, released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza following a direct deal between the group and the United States government, which surprisingly circumvented the Israeli government.

Mr Alexander was handed over to Red Cross officials by Hamas and was subsequently taken to an Israeli military base for medical assessment and a long-awaited reunion with his family.

The agreement to release the 21-year-old was reached on Sunday night following several days of talks between Hamas and officials of the Trump administrations, with the group hoping to reach a ceasefire deal and resume the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Mr Alexander, who is an American-Israeli citizen, was among roughly 250 people seized and taken to Gaza during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that ignited the war in Gaza.

Unlike the previous deals for hostages release, this was done without a formally announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the Trump administration also bypassing the Israeli government by negotiating directly with Hamas.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Monday that “along with all the defense establishments, the Israeli government will support his reception and accompany him and his family.”

The statement added, “The government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons – both the living and the dead,” Netanyahu’s office said. “We will continue operating tirelessly until the return of everyone home to Israel.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Monday, says no fewer than 400,000 children in Adamawa communities require support for nutrition treatment.

Its chief of field office in Bauchi, Nuzhat Rafique, stated this in Yola at a two-day workshop on legislative action and commitment to nutrition organised by the Adamawa planning commission with support from UNICEF.

She said about 50 per cent of children were suffering from chronic malnutrition in the state, while encouraging exclusive breastfeeding.

Ms Rafique said UNICEF had supported Adamawa with nutrition supplements and called on all to collaborate to end the malnutrition crisis.

Bathiya Wesley, Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, assured the readiness of the house to facilitate legislative actions and commitment to nutrition policy and financing to improve the well-being of Adamawa children.

Mr Wesley, represented by Kate Mamuno, majority leader of the assembly, said the programme was apt and necessary.

“We in the assembly, we will make sure that these policies are taken into consideration so that our children will have the benefit of these nutrition programmes.

“Therefore, we will ensure that these policies are backed up by legislation, and we are ready to do so for the betterment of Adamawa children,” Mr Wesley said.

Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s nutrition specialist, Bauchi Field Office, said the objective of the meeting was to provide an opportunity to discuss strategies to strengthen multi-sectoral approaches to nutrition investment.

Ms Irene said the programme would also foster partnerships between the legislature, government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations.

Mary Padinga, chairman, Adamawa planning commission, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state government.

According to her, the steps taken are deliberate to ensure that there are good policies with legislative backing toward strengthening the fight against malnutrition in the state.

Ms Padinga expressed optimism that the state assembly would ensure legal backing for the programme.

Operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, have been allegedly attacked and injured by hoodlums at the corps’ command post in Awo, Egbedore Local Government Area.

A statement on Monday in Osogbo by Yusuf Idowu, the state Amotekun Corps spokesperson, disclosed that the incident happened on Friday.

“The Oniwoye of Iwoye reported an unauthorised interment of a corpse on the community ancestors’ land to the corps command post in Awo.

“Upon the receipt of the report, four Amotekun operatives were deployed to the location to investigate the matter,” he said.

Mr Idowu explained that on arrival at the site, the operatives discovered that the burial had taken place.

“Shockingly, a notorious and long-wanted thug, Ismaila Aluko, emerged from hiding with a gang armed with dangerous weapons and attacked the operatives, injuring them in the process.

“The operatives, however, tactically withdrew to the Awo command to seek reinforcement.

“In a shocking turn of events, the hoodlums regrouped and staged a second attack on the Amotekun office in Awo,” he said.

Mr Idowu said the assailants, while trying to disarm the Amotekun operatives, inflicted serious injuries on them.

The spokesman said the injured personnel were immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment.

He said, “This violent act represents a direct threat to the security and peace of our communities and will not be tolerated.”

Mr Idowu said the corps was working with other security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of lives, property and community peace,” he stated.

Former Bayelsa State military administrator, Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade (rtd), has died at 70.

Mr Olubolade’s daughter, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, and son, Dayo Olubolade, said in a statement that their father passed on Sunday in Apapa, Lagos.

“He drove himself to the facility to play lawn tennis in the evening and slumped while playing,” Mr Olubolade’s children said on Monday.

“Efforts were made by medical officers around to revive him to no avail. He was immediately rushed to Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital, Apapa, where he was pronounced dead.”

The family said burial arrangements will be disclosed later.

Mr Olubolade, born in Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State, celebrated his 70th birthday on November 30, 2024.

He was Bayelsa’s military administrator from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998.

Also, Mr Olubolade once served as Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State, FCT, and Minister of Police Affairs under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Monday inaugurated the Expanded State Oversight Committee on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The Commissioner of Health, Umma Kaltum-Ahmed, inaugurated the committee in Kaduna on Monday.

In her remarks at the event, Ms Kaltum-Ahmed said the inauguration marked another significant step in the Kaduna State government’s commitment to ensure a healthier future for its citizens.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of the oversight committee on the BHCPF, established under the National Health Act of 2014, in improving healthcare delivery, particularly for the most vulnerable.

She noted that the committee’s expansion reflected the governor’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in the health sector.

Ms Kaltum-Ahmed urged the newly inaugurated members, drawn from state and federal institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and the traditional institution, to work collaboratively and provide robust oversight for the effective implementation of the fund.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its full support for the committee’s mandate to strengthen healthcare systems and improve the well-being of all citizens.

Enyimba International FC of Aba has congratulated sister club, Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia, on the club’s clinching of a continental ticket in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Abia Warriors defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 in the Umuahia township stadium on Sunday, to cement their place in the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.

Enyimba chairman, Nwankwo Kanu, in a statement in Aba on Monday, urged Abia Warriors to make a bold statement in the CAF competition.

“On behalf of Enyimba International FC, I sincerely congratulate you and the entire Abia Warriors FC for your continental ticket in the history of the club.

“This achievement is worthy of celebration by every football-loving fan of your club, the state and the nation in general,“ he said.

Kanu praised Abia Warriors chairman, John Obuh, for his remarkable strides in barely two years in office.

“As chairman of our sister club and partner in progress, I celebrate your remarkable strides in just two years in office. Abia Warriors have become a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.

“I warmly congratulate the management, technical crew, players and staff of Abia Warriors for their determination and perseverance, making this dream a reality.

“You deserve the praise as a worthy representative of Abia. I urged you to make a bold statement by lifting the image of the state and Nigeria in the CAF competition.

“We at Enyimba celebrate your moment of glory, we join other clubs in the state to commend you for this remarkable achievement,” Kanu said.

Abia Warriors are third on the league table with 60 points, followed by Ikorodu City FC in fourth position with 56 points after 37 matches.

League champions, Remo Stars and runner-up, Rivers United, will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League. Abia Warriors and the Federation Cup winner will play in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed that a multiple-vehicle crash has claimed the life of one person and injured two others in Lagos.

Sector commander Kehinde Hamzat confirmed this in a statement that said the crash occurred in the early hours of Monday.

Mr Hamzat disclosed that the crash occurred at about 5:36 a.m., along the Tradefair–Agbara route, specifically at Iyana Era Bus Stop.

”The unfortunate crash involved two vehicles: a blue Mack truck with registration number AKD 579 XM (commercial), and a silver Lexus saloon car with registration number LSR 545 JN (private).

”A total of five adult males were involved in the incident. Preliminary investigations by FRSC indicate that the crash was caused by speed violation (SPV) and loss of control (LOC), in spite of the smooth condition of the road.

”The violent impact of the crash led to the death of one male adult, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said.

The FRSC commander added that the emergency response team arrived within four minutes of the report and worked swiftly to manage the situation.

He said the injured victims were immediately referred to the Alimosho General Hospital for medical attention.

He expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to road safety and called on all motorists to avoid speeding and maintain full control of their vehicles.

Ogungbemi Oguntula, a retired director of the News Agency of Nigeria, is dead.

He passed away on Sunday, May 11, at age 69, a few days to his 70th birthday.

Family sources said Mr Oguntula took ill suddenly and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died despite medical efforts.

Born in 1955, Oguntula was a seasoned journalist and administrator dedicated over three decades of service to the nation’s news agency.

He joined NAN in 1983 and rose through the ranks to become director of planning, research and statistics before his retirement in 2016.

Colleagues described him as diligent, humble, and committed to mentoring younger journalists within and outside the agency.

The late Oguntula was survived by his wife, Olusola Oguntula, two children, and grandchildren, who mourn his sudden demise.

A Professor of Medicine and Consultant Psychiatrist, Chris Piwuna, has been elected as the national president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He takes over from Emmanuel Osodeke, a Professor of Agriculture at the University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, who was elected in May 2021.

Prof. Piwuna was the immediate past National Vice President of the union.

Piwuna, a former Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Jos, Plateau State, emerged victorious at an election during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Congress at the University of Benin in Benin City, Edo State.

The new President defeated his opponent, Adamu Babayo, a professor from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State.

An official communique is expected from ASUU at the end of its congress on Monday.

Details shortly…

Governor Ademola Adeleke says work will commence on the state’s house project abandoned for 13 years in the Central Business District, Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday.

Mr Adeleke expressed delight that all contractual issues that delayed the completion of the project for 13 years had been resolved.

According to the governor, the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will commence work on the project by next month.

“In line with the policy of our administration to complete all inherited projects, we have resolved all bottlenecks and the ministry of works is to commence work without further delay.

“I urge the ministry to fast track the project. Our administration is committed in completing the project started and almost completed by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

“From 2023 to date, we have successfully navigated the contractual issues. I can assure Osun people that the coast is now clear now and Osun will soon be reaping the fruits of its investment in the project,” said the Osun governor.

A comprehensive report by the IPC-SPJ Hub has revealed that reported cases of attacks on journalists rose to 45 in 2024, with 70 journalists and three media outlets in Nigeria affected.

The report was released to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, titled ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom and the Media’.

The IPC-SPJ Hub, which serves as the safety and protection arm of the International Press Centre, Lagos, underscored the critical need for enhanced protection mechanisms for journalists.

According to the report, male journalists accounted for 40 of the victims attacked, while five were female journalists.

The report noted that the genders of 25 other affected journalists were not specified in the documented cases.

The findings identified security operatives as the most frequent perpetrators, accounting for 28 incidents.

Other alleged perpetrators include six “unknown persons/gunmen, five hoodlums/thugs, two armed robbers, one anti-protester, one armed youth, a bandit and a private security guard.”

According to the report, notably, more than 50 per cent of the attacks on journalists and media outlets were linked to duty bearers and carried out by security personnel, highlighting a pressing concern for press freedom in Nigeria.

The report provided a detailed breakdown of the media outlets affected, with 10 incidents involving print media, 18 involving broadcast media, and 25 involving online media.

However, the type of media outlets was not specified in 17 cases.

“Journalists in Nigeria face a myriad of safety and security challenges, including unlawful arrest, abduction, invasion of premises, physical assault leading to injuries and prolonged detention.

“Other issues include robbery attacks, harassment and intimidation, gunshot injuries, confiscation of personal belongings and working equipment, vandalisation, murder, threat to life, disruption of live programmes, and being barred from covering public proceedings, among others.

“To mitigate these risks and enhance journalist safety, the IPC-SPJ hub recommends inter-agency collaboration among media professional bodies,” the report stated.

The report also advocated for regular safety training for journalists covering ethics, media laws, conflict-sensitive journalism, risk analysis, and secure communications using AI tools.

Furthermore, the hub recommended the provision of psycho-social support and legal assistance for affected journalists as well as strengthening of media advocacy bodies, and regular engagement with government and security agencies on press freedom concerns.

The report further stressed the need for dialogues with media executives on providing safety equipment and emergency funds for journalists under attack.

It also noted the need for improved synergy between media NGOs and professional groups.

It highlighted the need for advocacy actions such as monitoring attacks, dialogues with security forces, media law reform, and campaigns promoting safety.

The report also emphasised the need for collaborations with international partners on safety resources for journalists and decision-makers, underscoring the importance of a multi-faceted approach to promoting press freedom and journalist safety in Nigeria.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum and former governors have named former Senate President Bukola Saraki the head of a seven-member reconciliation committee.

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The PDP-GF chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, announced this while briefing journalists after the forum’s crucial meeting with former governors, on Sunday night in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed said that the seven-member committee was mandated to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 27 and the forthcoming national convention in August.

“We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.

Answering questions on the recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Mr Mohammed said the party was working to strengthen its structures and reclaim its states.

“Well, these are some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together. Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.

“They will be able to produce governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up,” he said.

The committee members include Governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Muftwang, Peter Mba, Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Okezie Ikpeazu.

Others in attendance at the meeting held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja were Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun and Oyo governors. There were also FCT minister Nyesom Wike, the board of trustees secretary, and former governor of Kaduna, Ahmed Makarfi.

Also in attendance were Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Seriake Dickson, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Muazu and Idris Wada

The Universal Basic Education Commission has unveiled a three-year strategic development plan to reposition the basic education sub-sector.

The roadmap, tagged ‘UBEC 2025–2027 Strategic Blueprint’, was officially launched at a two-day management retreat held by the commission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, by UBEC executive secretary Aisha Garba.

A UBEC statement said the strategic gathering brought together directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and chief education officers from UBEC’s national, zonal, and state offices.

Ms Garba said the primary objective was to align on the implementation roadmap for the UBEC 2025–2027 Strategic Blueprint and build consensus around refining the commission’s implementation plan.

The executive secretary said this includes robust measures to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation at all levels.

The UBEC executive secretary said the retreat also aimed to re-orient management staff on critical leadership competencies to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, and foster a culture of effective and accountable leadership in the commission.

Additionally, the team collaboratively reviewed and aligned on critical components of its revised organisational structure, redesigned with KPMG support, to better position the commission for effective functioning.

The executive secretary emphasised the need for deeper collaboration among departments and other relevant education MDAs.

Ms Garba underscored the importance of reviewing team structures and internal processes to strengthen institutional effectiveness and reaffirm UBEC’s collective commitment to delivering quality basic education nationwide.

She said a key focus was the need to work collaboratively, internally and externally, to fulfill this commitment, especially by supporting states in developing context-specific work plans aligned with national priorities.

She reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to translating the insights and strategic decisions into measurable actions to strengthen the basic education system and improve learning outcomes for every Nigerian child.