Missing Babcock University student Siwajuola Oladipupo was found on Sunday alive, days after his mother, Omotayo Fijabi, cried out for help.

“My son has been found,” a relieved Ms Fijabi posted on Facebook, where she had been providing updates regarding the matter on Sunday afternoon.

During a Facebook live session on Saturday, Ms Fijabi renewed calls for help locating her son after being unable to reach him for more than 72 hours, prompting the Ogun state government and Babcock University management to act.

On Sunday, she thanked the public for their support in finding her son. The previously distraught mother noted that their “backing has not gone unnoticed”.

Meanwhile, Ms Fijabi added that she could not disclose further details about the incident due to the matter’s sensitive nature.

She explained that her priority now is taking care of her son and gathering more information.

She added, “I kindly request your understanding as I prioritise providing adequate care and gathering detailed information regarding the incident. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, we are operating under strict instructions.

“My immediate focus is on ensuring his well-being to facilitate a thorough questioning and investigation. I promise to provide a comprehensive account of the events in due course. Thank you for your patience and understanding. God bless.”

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged the public, especially pedestrians, to use designated overhead pedestrian bridges when crossing busy expressways.
LASTMA general manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki made this appeal in a statement on Sunday by Taofiq Adebayo, the agency’s spokesperson.

Mr Bakare-Oki said the advisory followed a tragic incident in which a pedestrian was fatally struck by a lorry while crossing the Ojota expressway unlawfully.

“Preliminary findings show the lorry was on the Ojota carriageway when it struck the pedestrian, who breached crossing regulations by avoiding the nearby footbridge,” he explained.

The driver attempted to flee but lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a Toyota Corolla with registration number LND 905 HN.

LASTMA officers quickly apprehended the driver and secured the vehicle to prevent further danger.

“Both the driver and vehicle were handed to Ogudu Police Division for thorough investigation and necessary legal proceedings,” Mr Bakare-Oki said.

He noted that LASTMA operatives transferred the deceased’s body to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU).

“This ensured respectful and appropriate handling of the victim’s remains in line with due process,” he added.

Mr Bakare-Oki extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, describing the event as tragic and entirely avoidable.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s dedication to preserving lives and promoting safe road habits across Lagos.

He warned that crossing expressways outside designated points is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

“It is reckless and illegal to ignore infrastructure provided for pedestrian safety,” Mr Bakare-Oki stated.

He stressed that the government has heavily invested in footbridges, and all road users must utilise them responsibly.

He urged the public to follow traffic safety rules, noting that non-compliance threatens everyone on the road

The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that its personnel, in separate operations, cracked down on notorious elements in Benue and Delta state.
The force headquarters’ public relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this on Sunday.

Mr Adejobi said the Benue State Police Command recovered several exhibits, including two locally fabricated guns and some live cartridges near the Tse-Gondo axis.

He said a group of suspected bandits from Shitele and Ukum, holding a secret meeting, eventually engaged in a gun duel with the operatives.

Mr Adejobi said that a serial car snatcher, Henry Okpor, was arrested on April 22 by the Delta State command’s CP special assignment team.

He said stolen items, including a pump-action gun, a Toyota Highlander (REG. No. RBC-414-BL) and a Hyundai Car (REG. No. LSD-367-DU) were recovered from him.

The police spokesperson said that another sting operation by the Delta team led to the arrest of Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble, confirmed members of the Vikings Confraternity.

He said two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them.

Mr Adejobi also noted that two abducted persons in Agbarho, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, were rescued following a report of the incident on April 26.

He added that the state police arrested about nine suspects and recovered several ammunition.

The force spokesperson stated that all apprehended suspects would be duly charged to court after investigations.

The Federal High Court (FHC) has announced the establishment of a Freedom of Information (FoI) desk to enhance journalists’ and public access to information in the court.
The FHC spokesperson, Catherine Christopher, announced this in a statement on Sunday.

She said the establishment of the desk was in line with the court’s commitment to uphold transparency, promote accountability, and enhance access to information.

“The court hereby announces the establishment and operationalisation of the Freedom of Information (FoI) desk.

“The information/FoI desk has been created to serve as a central point for receiving inquiries from journalists and members of the public, submitting letters, formal FoI requests, and related correspondence, providing guidance on accessing public records and information in line with the Freedom of Information Act,” Ms Christopher said.

The director said the desk, which is located at the FHC’s Headquarters in Abuja, is fully staffed with trained personnel ready to assist individuals and organisations seeking information about the court’s activities, decisions and operations.

She said the desk would also ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements in accessing information.

“This initiative reflects the court’s ongoing efforts to foster open communication and support the constitutional right to information.

“For further information, please visit the information/FOI desk at the Federal High Court Headquarters during official working hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or contact us via email at fhc.informationdepartment@gmail.com or phone 09160005854,” Ms Christopher said.

The FoI Act passed in 2011 grants citizens a legally enforceable right to access information held by public institutions, including government ministries, agencies and bodies performing public functions.

The act aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in government.

The Agbekoya Society of Nigeria has urged the implementation of community policing to address the rising security challenges in some parts of the country.

The society’s president, Okikiola Kamorudeen, made the call in a statement on Sunday.

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Agbekoya is a Yoruba farmers and hunters association committed to protecting rural communities.

Mr Kamorudeen appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on food insecurity across Nigeria.

He said such a declaration would enhance food production and curb insecurity and cybercrime, particularly among Nigerian youths.

Mr Kamorudeen noted that community policing enjoys wide support, adding that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had also endorsed it as a solution to insecurity.

“The society has deployed nearly 4,000 personnel to secure farmers in the South-West, significantly reducing kidnappings and violent clashes in rural areas,” he said.

In February 2024, Agbekoya urged the federal government to arm its members and similar local outfits to better confront regional security threats.

He stated that local outfits familiar with their communities are best placed to respond quickly and effectively to security issues.

Mr Kamorudeen said Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also backed community policing and encouraged residents to support the initiative and work with security agencies.

He maintained that the growing support from traditional institutions and local groups shows a shift toward grassroots-led security strategies.

Mr Kamorudeen said this collaboration could help build a more secure, peaceful, and united Nigeria.

The Nigerian Defence Academy has advised residents to steer clear of a Range Classification Exercise scheduled for Nigerian Army personnel serving at the academy.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Mohammed Maidawa, on Sunday in Kaduna.

According to Mr Maidawa, the exercise is scheduled to hold from May 5 to 8 at the NDA Open Range in the Afaka area.

He stated that the primary objective of the exercise was to further enhance participants’ proficiency and efficiency in weapon handling.

He said, “To ensure public safety throughout the period, the NDA urges members of the community—especially herders and farmers in surrounding areas—to avoid entering the range area during the exercise.”

He added that strict safety protocols would be enforced, and unauthorised persons would not be granted access to the firing range.

Mr Maidawa, “Media outlets and community leaders are kindly requested to disseminate this information widely to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the exercise and the necessary safety measures. The NDA appreciates the cooperation and understanding of nearby communities during this essential training. The Academy remains committed to fostering strong relationships with residents and prioritizing the safety and security of everyone around our training areas.’’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted at least 3.5 million pills of opioids and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup with a combined street value of over N3.4 billion in Rivers and Lagos States, respective.
In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said the bulk of the seizures, two million pills of tramadol 225mg and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup, were made on Tuesday, April 29.

Mr Babafemi said this was during a joint examination of a watch-listed container by NDLEA officers, men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt ports complex, Onne, Rivers State.

“In Lagos, a total of 1.5 million pills of a controlled opioid were recovered from a suspect Olarenwaju Wahab at the Alaba-Rago area of Ojo on Tuesday, April 29.

“The source of the consignment was traced to Q104B Road 25, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, which is the residence of one Obinna Kenneth, who is now at large,” he said.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 42 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 20kg.

Mr Babafemi said the drugs were concealed in tins of chocolate, milo beverage, white kidney beans and dark red kidney beans packaged.

He said this was part of cargo that came into the Lagos airport onboard a British Airways flight from Canada.

“At least three suspects, including the receiver of the consignment, Monsurat Lawson, have been arrested between Wednesday, April 30 and Saturday, May 3.

“In like manner, a businessman, Bobby Osas, was on Friday, May 2, arrested at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Italy,” he said.

Mr Babafemi said a thorough search of his luggage led to the seizure of 8,130 pills of tramadol 225mg, 200mg and 100mg.

Also, NDLEA operatives frustrated an attempt by another syndicate to ship 104 grams of tramadol and skunk concealed in bottles of body cream to Iraq through a courier company in Lagos.

Mr Babafemi said the drugs were recovered on Monday, April 28, by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI).

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress has cautioned Governor Dauda Lawal to stop the judicial harassment of the state lawmakers who chose to form a parallel assembly for peace to reign in the state.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Yusuf Idris stated the governor should have sat with the aggrieved members and amicably resolve the crisis in order to move the state forward, instead of using the judiciary to harass them.

Idris stressed that the Governor would not achieve anything by using his office to harass and intimidate the Honourable members, who refused to be manipulated by his government and decided to form a parallel assembly for the benefit of their constituents.

Idris said the state government has continued to “witch-hunt” the nine elected members of the State House of Assembly by using the judiciary as a tool to order their arrest without any summon.

“We at the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have found it disturbing and embarrassing how the state government is using the machinery of the judiciary to attack constitutionally elected members of the State House of Assembly for executing their legislative functions”.Even though a case is pending in the Court of Appeal, Sokoto in addition to a petition written to the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, the National Security Adviser, the National Assembly and other stakeholders by the aggrieved law makers extracted from both the ruling PDP and opposition APC in the state, the Magistrate Court went ahead to order for the arrest of the members without any charge nor summon

“We are therefore calling on the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal to stop these harassment, sit with the aggrieved members and amicably resolve the crisis in order to move forward,” the statement reads.Idris said, ”Although the APC will continue to be on the right side of the law, the party will not allow judicial officers to be politicised and used against public interests.’

He maintained that the party would resist any attempt to witch-hunt its members just for voicing out the security situation of their various constituencies, which the government failed to address.

He finally called on the nine aggrieved members to petition the Judicial Service Commission against the court order granted by the Magistrate in order to serve as a lesson to other judicial officers.

The Lagos State Police Command has begun an investigation into the death of an 80-year-old Colombian national, Quesada Alfonso, whose lifeless body was discovered at a hotel in the Festac Town area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Saturday, said it occurred on Wednesday.

He said policemen in the area were alerted to the discovery of the deceased’s body in his room at about 3:30pm.

According to him, the late foreigner had been staying in the hotel in the last four months.

Hundeyin said, “A distress call was received on May 1, alerting authorities to the discovery of the deceased at around 3:45 pm in his hotel room (No. C85) on the 8th floor of the hotel. The police team, including homicide detectives, was dispatched to the scene to examine the situation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had been staying at the hotel for more than four months before his death. No signs of violence or foul play were found on his body.”

He added that the corpse was evacuated and transported to Mainland General Hospital morgue in Yaba, where it was preserved for autopsy.

Hundeyin further revealed that the coroner’s inquest and other necessary procedures have been initiated.

He also revealed that some hotel management staff were briefly taken into custody for failing to maintain proper records of their guests.

“They have since been released as part of the investigation. Thorough investigation will continue to determine the cause of death,” he said

The New York State Catholic Conference, an organisation that represents the bishops of the state in working with government to shape laws and policies that promote social justice and respect for life, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for sharing seemingly AI-generated images of himself dressed as the Pope.

In a post on X.com on Saturday, the NYS Catholic Conference wrote: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President.

“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.”

Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing the image on his Truth Social platform.

The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia—flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre—with one finger raised skywards.

The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.

His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.

Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) Texas, United States of America, Ike Chidolue, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to present her evidence backing her claim or quit the senate.

Mr Chidolue made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Recall that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her. The claim followed her accusation of sexual molestation against Mr Akpabio.

His reaction was in response to the suspended senator’s Facebook post, in which she dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by one Dr Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke).

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan described the live broadcast which featured audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict her public denials on several matters as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”

However, Mr Chidolue said that the senator did not present facts or evidence to defend herself.

According to him, her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.

He said, “What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now familiar pattern; sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence.”

Mr Chidolue added that if the materials presented by Ms Duru were authentic, they paint a troubling picture of a public official weaponising unproven accusations for political mileage.

He listed claims by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan which had not been backed by verifiable evidence to include accusations of sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as well as claims that a former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello was contracted to assassinate her.

Others he said were allegations that the Akpabios were involved in the 2021 death of a minor, assertions that her reassignment on the senate floor was punishment for rejecting sexual advances among others.

“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, senate resolution, or authenticated document. When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable; attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts,” Mr Chidolue said.

He therefore called for a four-step course of action to restore credibility.

According to him, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan should authenticate or refute Ms Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic lab—publicly.

He stated, “She should also present evidence, police reports, court filings, senate records to back every claim, or seek legal redress if defamed.”

He added that failing all else, she should tender a public apology and vacate the Senate seat.

Mr Chidolue noted, “Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment. When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama. The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now her; evidence or exit.”

The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establish four additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state by the end of 2025.

This initiative aims to address Gender-Based Violence through the establishment of the new centres in each of the four emirates in Kebbi.

The state Secretary of the Technical Working Group on GBV in Kebbi State, Nasiru Idris, gave then update in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

Mr Idris explained that the initiative followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, chaired by the governor’s wife, Zainab Nasir-Idris, who also serves as the chairperson of the TWG on GBV.

He said the meeting was attended by key government officials, consultants, and sectoral leaders, who discussed strategies for training SARC personnel and enhancing social work services across the state.

“I thank all participants, and I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring the new SARCs are fully operational before the end of 2025,” Ms Nasir-Idris said.

The governor’s wife also emphasised the importance of grassroots accessibility and collaboration across ministries.

She called for sustained media engagement to raise public awareness about GBV prevention and reporting.

Additionally, she highlighted the need to educate the public on survivors’ rights and the legal consequences for perpetrators.

In her opening remarks, Lead Consultant from Pearl Services Limited, Amina Ibrahim-Bamalli, commended the state government for its leadership in GBV programming in Northwestern Nigeria.

She highlighted the crucial role of social workers in helping survivors cope with trauma and suggested establishing skill acquisition centres to support survivors’ economic independence.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Women Affairs, Dr Suwaiba Salihu, underscored the need for the SARCs to be well-equipped.

In response, stakeholders were reassured that consultations with non-governmental organisations were ongoing to ensure adequate resource mobilisation for the centres’ operational readiness.

Further solidifying the state’s coordinated approach, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, A’ishatu Abbas, announced the upcoming formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to oversee the implementation of GBV policies.

Director and Medical Consultant of the Maitalle Tara SARC in Kalgo, Dr Nura Mohammed-Kangiwa,also provided insights into the necessary requirements for the operation of each centre.

A former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Basic Education, Rafa’atu Hammani, reiterated the importance of robust social services.

She emphasised the need for strong support systems to enhance the well-being of communities.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, A’ishatu Maikurata, pledged to ensure that social work training reached the grassroots. She expressed her commitment to improve accessibility to such training for local communities.

She also committed to reviving services at the community level, especially in rural areas where most GBV cases arose due to lack of awareness.

The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has said the bank’s goal is returning to Nigeria’s top tier of banking.

He stated this during the Gala Night in Lagos, celebrating the bank’s 80th anniversary under the theme, “Timeless Elegance.’’

Mr Oseni said, “We have a bold vision for Nigeria’s financial future. Our immediate aim is to reclaim our place at the industry’s forefront. We’ll keep innovating, using technology to offer financial services that empower Nigerians and Africans to succeed wherever they are.”

Mr Oseni expressed confidence in the bank’s future, anchored on creativity, innovation, and unwavering customer focus.

He also stressed the bank’s commitment to nurturing future talent, while honouring the role of women in banking’s past and present.

Encouraging unity, Mr Oseni shared the bank’s internal identity: “At Wema, we call ourselves knights — skilled, ready to face challenges, and fulfil our God-given potential.”

Earlier, Wema Bank Chairman, Dr Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, reflected on the institution’s long and storied history.

She said, “We celebrate God’s grace, foresight, resilience, hard work, and inclusivity — traditions we proudly uphold.’’

She recounted the bank’s founding in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank, Nigeria’s first indigenous bank during colonial rule.

“It was these values that gave our founder the courage to establish Agbonmagbe Bank under colonial rule. What a solid foundation,” she noted.

Ms Olorunshola praised Wema Bank’s resilience through key moments in history, including war, economic booms, and global crises.

She stated, “We welcomed information, explored new terrain, and embraced innovation fearlessly. We’re not just counting years — we’re celebrating seasons, generations, eras, and transformational milestones.’’

The event welcomed dignitaries such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Job Creation & MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, and philanthropist, Kessington Adebutu. They applauded Wema Bank’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s economic progress.

Mr Shettima noted that Wema Bank had “stood the test of time” and shaped the nation’s financial journey.

Mr Adebutu echoed this, praising the bank’s resilience and foresight from humble roots to major industry presence.

A health and wellness expert, Adenike Adebagbo, has raised concerns about the growing issue of an overworked and stressed labour force in the country
Mrs Adebagbo, Chief Executive Officer of Beth Beauty Medical Spa in Lagos, was responding to a recently published workplace report.

In an interview on Saturday, she noted that workplace stress affects both organisations and the national economy.

“A 2025 study shows nearly half of workers in the country suffer chronic stress, causing reduced productivity, mental health problems, and physical illnesses,” she stated.

She referred to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, which assesses how employees feel about their jobs and general life.

“It found worker stress remains historically high, placing Nigeria sixth among Sub-Saharan African nations with the most stressed employees,” she said.

She also cited the International Labour Organisation, saying, “Workplace stress costs businesses billions in lost productivity and rising healthcare costs.”

Mrs Adebagbo noted that this growing burden cannot be overlooked, especially as Nigeria’s economy already faces significant pressures.

She proposed relaxation therapy as a viable way to address the crisis and improve worker well-being.

According to her, the therapy uses various methods to ease stress, sharpen mental focus, and boost general health.

“Relaxation therapy provides an effective solution to the growing stress threatening individual success and national economic progress. Adopting such practices makes worker welfare a national priority and strengthens Nigeria’s workforce resilience.

“Moreover, it helps build a healthier, happier, and more adaptable workforce ready for 2025 and future demands,” she said.

She urged employers and policymakers to take action by introducing relaxation therapy into workplace wellness initiatives.

The CEO recommended massage therapy under staff health insurance as a required benefit.

She added, “Also, set up dedicated spaces for short breaks where staff can relax and recharge. Employers should consider flexible schedules, remote work to reduce commuting stress and improve employee well-being. Policymakers must also promote a culture that values health as much as productivity by including relaxation therapy in national healthcare plans.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also present at the funeral service of late elder statesman and former factional leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Adebanjo passed away on February 14 at 96.

A solemn evening of tributes initially held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos earlier this week.

However, in a post via the X handle of the Lagos Governor, on Saturday, he disclosed his attendance at the funeral service.

He described his presence at the funeral as ‘respect to a man who lived a life of purpose, integrity, and service’.

Sharing photos on X, he wrote: “Today, I attended the funeral service of late Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

“We honoured and paid our respects to a man who lived a life of purpose, integrity, and service and one whose legacy will continue to inspire many of us.”

Also present at the event was the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, his Ogun state counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, amongst many others.

Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has vowed to cap the number of temporary workers and international students at five per cent by 2027 in a drastic measure to mitigate the housing crisis bedevilling the nation.

In a public address on Friday, Mr Carney said the five per cent cap had become imperative to control the immigrant population and the support the government could offer.

“We would turn out immigration to sustainable levels by capping the total number of temporary workers and international students at less than five per cent of Canada’s population by 2027,” Mr Carney said.

“It’s a sharp drop from the recent high of 7.3 per cent. It will help ease strains on public housing on public infrastructure and social services.”

Mr Carney implicitly rebuked his predecessor for allowing the nation to welcome an influx of immigrants post-pandemic at unsustainable levels. In March during his campaign, he said the surge in immigration triggered the housing crisis.

The prime minister said this immigration cap will not apply to the world’s best brains—people he needs to build a strong economy.

“At the same time, we would work to attract the best talents in the world to build our economy,” Mr Carney said.

The Canadian leader is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on May 6 where he plans to negotiate trade tariffs and have other discussions that can benefit both nations.

“We can have a bigger boost to our economy, to incomes, to jobs, by focusing on building one Canadian economy, building these nation-building projects, by focusing on getting productivity up, by reducing revenue waste, by driving investment in this country,” the prime minister said. “We’re going to focus on that while we have these negotiations with the Americans, and if negotiations with the Americans take longer, so be it.”

The livelihoods of some mechanics in Lagos State were crushed on Friday after task force officials of the state government demolished the automobile market at First Gate, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

A viral video shared on Saturday by X user @chude_ showed aggrieved workers at the market accusing the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration of tribalism, while others alleged they were given inadequate time to evacuate and received no compensation.

Confirming the demolition to Peoples Gazette, the governor’s special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the state government — the original owner of the land — can reclaim it at any time without explanation.

Responding to a claim by one of the affected workers that Ojodu Local Government had sold the land to them over 30 years ago, Mr Akosile said the allegation was untrue. “Can anybody send you away from something you bought? They would have gone to court to stop it,” he said.

Mr Akosile explained: “Let me tell you what usually happens. There’s an expanse of land. Mechanics, through their association, lease it because the government doesn’t want miscreants to take over the space. It’s better to let the mechanics use it as a workshop.

“But when the government decides to use it for something more productive and purposeful, they inform them to vacate. They don’t even need to give a reason. That’s generally what happens.”

Responding to some workers’ allegations that they were given only two days’ notice, Mr Akosile denied the claim, stating that his own mechanic — who operates in the same market — informed him that the market leaders were notified well in advance but failed to communicate it to members.

“I can bet my life they weren’t given just two days — it’s not possible,” Mr Akosile said. “Which government types a letter and gives only two days’ notice? I passed there yesterday. That’s where my personal mechanic works. He told me they were sent away. I asked what happened. He said, ‘Don’t mind our chairmen. They held meetings with government officials and got the notice, but didn’t tell us.’ This is what my mechanic told me. People lie so much against the government.”

Mr Akosile, however, promised to get more information from the leadership of the task force that carried out the demolition and revert.

The UN Refugee Agency has warned that a worsening funding crisis is placing refugees – who cannot return home due to war or persecution – in increasing danger.

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With humanitarian resources running dry, critical support for millions of forcibly displaced people is under threat.

UNHCR, in a statement, said that two-thirds of countries hosting refugees were already severely overstretched and urgently needed support to continue providing education, healthcare and shelter.

Global solidarity with those fleeing conflict and violence is weakening, the agency added.

‘No one wants to be a refugee for life’ The safety that refugees seek in neighbouring countries is at risk,” said Elizabeth Tan, Director of International Protection at UNHCR.

Ms Tan added, “Without international solidarity and burden-sharing, the institution of asylum is under threat.”

Ms Tan noted that some 12,000 Central African refugees in Chad and Cameroon have expressed a desire to return home but cannot do so safely without transport and reintegration assistance.

“No one wants to be a refugee for life,” she said.

Marking the agency’s 75th anniversary, Ms Tan reminded journalists that refugees – unlike migrants – have lost the protection of their home countries.

“They arrive across borders traumatised, often after experiencing torture or persecution, and they need specialised support – including mental health care,” she said.

Children separated from their families face especially grave risks, including recruitment by armed groups, exploitation and trafficking. Protecting them, Ms Tan stressed, “is not a luxury – it is lifesaving.

Police nab 95 suspected cultists, recover firearms in Edo raids
Mr Yamu noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

News Agency of Nigeria • May 3, 2025
Edo State
Edo State[Credit: Facebook]
The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin City metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both members and innocent citizens,” he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court and remanded in the custodian centre and investigations on the remaining cases continued.

The command’s spokesperson assured Edo residents continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.