The stock market opened the week on a downturn Tuesday, with key performance indicators dropping by 0.53 per cent after the Eid-el-Kabir holiday break.

The holiday was observed on Friday and Monday resulting in an extended closure of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

Market capitalisation at the NGX fell by ₦378 billion, or 0.53 per cent, closing at ₦71.897 trillion, down from ₦72.275 trillion recorded on Thursday.

Likewise, the All-Share Index shed 599.27 points or 0.53 per cent, closing at 114,017.48 from the previous close of 114,616.75.

The drop followed four consecutive days of gains the previous week, mainly driven by profit-taking among investors.

In spite of the bearish trend, sentiment remained positive, with 35 stocks gaining value while 25 declined during the trading session.

Berger Paints led the gainers’ chart, rising 10 per cent to close at ₦22.55, while DAAR Communications also gained 10 per cent, finishing at 66k.

ETranzact gained 10 per cent, closing at ₦6.60. Legend Internet advanced by 9.93 per cent to finish at ₦5.87 per share.

Omatek Ventures also recorded gains, increasing by 8.22 per cent to close at 79k per share.

RT Briscoe led the losers, falling 10 per cent to ₦2.25. John Holt Plc dropped by 9.87 per cent to ₦6.85.

Beta Glass declined 9.69 per cent to close at ₦210.10, while Aradel Holdings dropped 9.09 per cent to ₦500.00. Deap Capital Management also slipped, shedding 8.16 per cent to close at 90k per share.

Total volume traded stood at 652.64 million shares valued at ₦18.88 billion, across 23,978 transactions. This was lower than Thursday’s 1.46 million shares worth ₦33.47 billion exchanged in 16,410 transactions.

Access Corporation led trading activity with 88.29 million shares worth ₦1.97 billion changing hands. Zenith Bank followed, with 49.33 million shares worth ₦2.52 billion, while GTCO moved 47.25 million shares valued at ₦3.34 billion.

Fidelity Bank traded 42.92 million shares worth ₦844.84 million. Wapic Insurance exchanged 34.997 million shares worth ₦70.56 million.

The U.S. authorities on Tuesday rebuked two Chinese nationals arraigned for alleged smuggling and exploitation of Nigeria’s solid minerals at the Ikoyi Division of the Federal High Court, warning that such illegal activities could disrupt the global supply chain and reverberate across the U.S.

The public rebuke, dished out by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, can worsen the already frosty relations between Washington and Beijing.

The U.S. embassy in Nigeria did not hold back in criticising the Chinese nationals in a brief statement on Tuesday, days after Nigeria’s anti-graft commission, EFCC, posted mugshots of Zhang Hong Lin and Zhao Pei Hai, latest suspects of illegal mining operations which include smuggling “mica products, copper-bearing and lithium-bearing mineral resources.”

The American government said that illicit mining and smuggling of Nigeria’s natural resources posed a serious threat to the West African nation’s sovereignty and could hamper exports to other countries including the U.S.

“Illicit mining threatens Nigeria’s economic future and fuels transnational corruption,” the U.S. embassy in Nigeria stated. “Accountability in the extractives sector is essential to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring a secure and transparent global supply chain, which is core to U.S. strategic interests.”

The statement referenced a link to the EFCC report on the arraignment of the Chinese nationals.

For years, citizens of China —one of Nigeria’s biggest lenders— have been at the centre of illegal mining allegations where the nation’s solid minerals are pilfered by foreign entities who sought to bypass payment of royalties to the federal government.Naija premium gist reported EFCC’s arrest of 13 Chinese nationals in July 2023 in Kwara State.

A similar yet separate report in February 2024 detailed how two Chinese suspects were detained by the agents over alleged links to illegal mining.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump still has an axe to grind with his Chinese counterpart on tariffs, slapping a visa ban on Chinese students even as he revoked those who had been granted.

The criticism of Chinese activities in Nigeria might further dent the fractured relationship between Washington and Beijing.

The police command in Ekiti says a lady allegedly slumped in a popular hotel in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday and died.

The command’s spokesman, Sunday Abutu, told journalists that the lady was a worker in the hotel.

Mr Abutu said the lady was rushed to the hospital where she was confirmed dead.

He confirmed that investigation was ongoing as some of the staff had been invited for questioning to ascertain the cause of her death.

Mr Abutu also said that an autopsy would also be carried out.

Members of the Amagba Adolor community in the Oredo Local Government Area Edo State, have protested at the state Government House and the Oba of Benin’s palace.

They allege that their ancestral land, specifically Emokpae Camp, had been unlawfully taken over by settlers from Okoroma, who renamed the area after themselves.

The community’s leader, Pa. Joseph Iduoyekemwen, and youth leader, Monday Osasu, stated that the Okoroma people were originally tenants and not indigenous landowners.

They warned that continued encroachment could lead to unrest and called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and Oba Ewuare II to step in and clearly define the boundaries to prevent conflict.

In response, Isaac Oyeoba of the Benin Palace assured the protesters that their concerns would be communicated to the Oba.

The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has derided the Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024, poll, Agboola Ajayi, over the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal.

Mr Ajayi, in a statement on Tuesday, rejected the judgment of the election petition tribunal, which upheld the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, vowing to appeal the ruling.

He said a thorough review of the tribunal’s judgment showed “glaring inconsistencies” in the treatment of critical evidence and exhibits tendered during the proceedings.

Mr Ajayi expressed concern at how the APC representatives arrived at the court on the day of the judgment in a celebratory mood, stressing that such action of the party members suggested a possible prior knowledge of the verdict.

Responding, the spokesman for the state APC, Steve Otaloro described Mr Ajayi’s comments as an unwarranted assault on the judiciary’s integrity.

In a counterstatement, Mr Otaloro said that the insinuations of the PDP candidate did not only undermine the hard work and dedication of the judiciary but also disrespected the democratic process of the voters.

Mr Otaloro stated, “We call on the PDP to tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian judiciary and to the thousands of voters who participated in the election, which culminated in an unprecedented and overwhelming victory for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The press statement issued by the PDP reacting to the electoral tribunal verdict delivered last week, particularly the assertion that APC members and supporters arrived at the court on judgment day in a celebratory mood, indicative of prior knowledge of the verdict to be delivered, is an unfortunate comment that serves as an unwarranted assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.’’

He stated that their claims of judicial challenges were nothing more than a reaction to their electoral loss, revealing a pattern of behaviour where the PDP only praises the judiciary when it aligns with their interests.

He added, “Had the verdict favoured them, they would have undoubtedly lauded the system they now seek to vilify. The PDP’s loss at the election tribunal was not a mere coincidence; it reflected the resounding defeat they suffered at the polls, where they lost all 18 local governments, including the local government of their own governorship candidate, Agboola Alfred Ajayi. This overwhelming defeat is a clear indication of the electorate’s choice and their trust in the APC.

“While the PDP claims it will appeal the judgment, its pre-emptive chastisement of the judiciary only serves to intimidate the process, a tactic that will ultimately fail. It is a clever but misguided strategy that seeks to undermine the rule of law and the impartiality of our judicial system.”

Recall that the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, last Wednesday, dismissed the petitions filed by Mr Ajayi and the PDP, challenging the outcome of the election that produced Mr Aiyedatiwa.

A three-man panel led by Justice Benson Ogubu upheld the election of Mr Aiyedatiwa, declared the winner of the governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission with 366,781 votes, defeating Ajayi who polled 117,845 votes.

The tribunal dismissed Mr Ajayi’s petition for lacking merit and held that the candidate of the PDP ‘failed woefully’ to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims of electoral irregularities and, over-voting in the election exercise.’’

Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 Commander, Mallam Jidda, along with scores of his fighters in coordinated air and ground operations in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State.

This is contained in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Tuesday by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya.

According to the statement, the operation was launched on June 9 in the Ngazalgana area of Gujba LGA, with close air support from the Air Component of OPHK.

The statement noted, “Malam Jidda, who was identified as the Ameer of Ngorgore and Malumti villages, met his end during a fierce engagement with troops, who overpowered the terrorists with superior firepower.’’

The statement indicated that some of the terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while others were killed during a follow-up encounter in the Timbuktu Triangle, where troops conducted a snap ambush operation.

It added, “In the course of continued exploitation in the Mallamfatori general area of Abadam LGA, where recent offensives had been recorded, troops discovered more bodies of neutralised terrorists and recovered array of arms and equipment.’’

It listed recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, rocket-propelled gun tubes, magazines, large quantities of ammunition, hand grenades, hand-held radios, and other logistical items.

The army spokesman noted that the renewed offensive underlined the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by Operation Hadin Kai, supported by precise and timely air strikes.

He reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s commitment to the complete defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents and the restoration of peace and security in the North-East.

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday remanded three men at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl (name withheld).

The state government arraigned Owhe Oghenero, Kingsley Oni, and Olorunwa Abina on a one-count charge of defilement.

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

Justice Rahman Oshodi thereafter remanded them at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, where they were currently being held.

Mr Oshodi adjourned the case until October 27 for commencement of trial.

Earlier, the state counsel, Bukola Okeowo, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in 2023 at Aradagun Area in Badagry, Lagos.

Ms Okeowo alleged the defendants defiled the girl, by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

She said the prosecution would present five witnesses against the defendant.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the Ondo governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, has rejected the verdict of the election petition tribunal, which upheld the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Ajayi vowed to appeal the rulling.

On Wednesday, the tribunal dismissed Mr Ajayi’s petitions, challenging the outcome of the election.

A three-member panel led by Justice Benson Ogubu upheld the election of Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission with 366,781 votes, defeating the PDP candidate who polled 117,845 votes.

The tribunal dismissed Mr Ajayi’s petition for lacking merit and held that the candidate of the PDP “failed woefully” to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims of electoral irregularities and over-voting.

Following the verdict, Mr Ajayi said a thorough review of the tribunal’s judgment showed “glaring inconsistencies” in the treatment of critical evidence and exhibits tendered during the proceedings.

“Due cognisance and rapt attention has been accorded to the kernel on which the Honourable Justices based their findings and conclusion, which in our opinion did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidences and exhibits submitted to tribunal while it sat.

“Thus to say the very least, we feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level, but we remain undeterred and undiscouraged in our search to ensure that justice is not only served in this matter, but also ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process.

“Therefore, we restate our conclusion to vitiate our rights and desires towards advancing our commitment to the legal process by appealing the judgement of the Tribunal at the Court of Appeal,” Mr Ajayi said.

He expressed concern at how the APC representatives arrived at the court on the day of the judgment in a celebratory mood, claiming that the action suggested a prior knowledge of the verdict.

“We are aware of prevailing concerns about the integrity of the justice system in Nigeria, especially in politically sensitive cases. Yet, we remain resolute. Electoral laws are not symbolic—they must be obeyed. Our democracy deserves better. We will leave no stone unturned in seeking redress. Justice shall reign, both in our state and across our nation,” he stated.

Last week, Mr Aiyedatiwa extended an olive branch to Mr Ajayi and other opposition parties in Ondo.

President Vladimir Putin’s regime has promised to offer not less than 500,000 scholarships to international students, including Nigerians to study in Russia.

Russia’s ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday night in Abuja, on the sidelines of the embassy’s preparation to commemorate the Russia Day on June 12.

The ambassador reeled out broader educational and diplomatic engagement strategies by Russia to include a policy to increase the number of African students through studies in various Russian universities.

Mr Podelyshev said, “The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, will increase the number of international students in Russia to 500,000 in the long term. Currently, the number is less than half of that target with about 32,000 African students enrolled in Russian universities and only about 2,000 from Nigeria.

“In line with the president’s objective, the current quota will be increased every year to achieve targets. The Russian government has currently provided 220 scholarships to Nigerian students for the 2025 academic year approved in 2024, and preparations are on for the students to begin their studies in September.”

According to him, the initiative will cover not just tuition fees but also living expenses, stating that the travel costs for selected international students will be covered by the student’s country government.

He reiterated Russia’s commitment to providing such scholarships, saying it is a strategic measures to foster long-term cooperation between Russia and Nigeria, especially in critical economic sectors, such as nuclear energy and industrial development.

“If Russia is involved in rebuilding a plant in Ajaokuta or establishing nuclear plants, we will need Nigerian professionals trained in Russia to implement these projects,” stated the Russian diplomat. “Russia is keen to integrate education with large-scale bilateral economic ventures through mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation to achieve such desired goals.”

The Russian ambassador also mentioned that strategic framework would be put in place to avoid issues about brain drain, whereby students who go abroad choose not to return due to better opportunities elsewhere, rather than return to contribute to home country growth.

“If students know they are being trained for specific national projects that require their expertise upon return, they will have stronger incentives to come back,” he added.

Several prominent Nigerian pastors have been embroiled in alleged rape and sexual misconduct allegations in recent years, raising serious concerns about abuse of power and accountability within religious institutions.

From high-profile figures like Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA to Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries, the allegations, have sparked outrage, social media campaigns, and calls for reform in church leadership practices.

Below are four Nigerian pastors who have been publicly accused of rape or sexual misconduct in recent years:

1. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo – Biodun Fatoyinbo founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), was accused in 2019 by Busola Dakolo, who alleged that he raped her when she was a teenager and a member of his church. Fatoyinbo denied the accusation. Previous allegations of sexual misconduct had also surfaced against him, including a 2013 accusation by blogger Ese Walter

2. Apostle Johnson Suleman – Johnson Suleman, leader of Omega Fire Ministries, was accused in 2017 by Stephanie Otobo, a Canadian-based singer and former church member. She alleged a sexual relationship, manipulation, and threats. She later recanted, claiming she was paid to defame him

3. TB Joshua (Synagogue Church Of All Nations – SCOAN) – After his death in 2021, multiple women came forward in a BBC Eye Africa investigation alleging that TB Joshua had sexually and physically abused his followers, including rape and torture. The allegations, made public in 2024, have been met with both support and skepticism among his followers.

4. Prophet Timothy Omotoso – Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian pastor operating in South Africa with Jesus Dominion International, was arrested in 2017 following accusations from multiple women, some minors who alleged rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.

Ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose says he is an admirer of President Bola Tinubu’s style of leadership. The former Ekiti governor, however, said he would not defect from Peoples Democratic Party to All Progressives Congress.

Asked about the purpose of his latest visit to Mr Tinubu, the PDP chieftain said, “I’m here to take the opportunity of his homecoming to visit him and to encourage him to do more for Nigerians. I’ve always believed in his leadership. I did not hide my support for him even before he became the president.

“The only thing we can do as the leaders of this country today is to continue to encourage to lift up his hands, to make the public understand how uneasy it is to lead.”

The former governor added, “I, Ayo Fayose, will not move from PDP to any political party, not even APC. I’m this year, 65 years. It’s within the choices of those who’ve chosen to move. Yes, PDP is in trouble and if the party doesn’t resolve its crisis, it may become carcass.”

Mr Fayose also saluted the president for stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

“An economy that is down, and today it’s being stabilised,” said Mr Fayose during a visit to Mr Tinubu on Monday. “There’s a difference between things changing outright. There is no miracle. But stabilising the economy, stabilising the currency. No one is saying it’s easy, but there’s no miracle that can turn around things overnight.”

Mr Fayose noted that the steps taken by Mr Tinubu’s administration are yielding positive results.

“Few courageous steps the president has taken and the achievements of this administration puts hopes in tomorrow for all of us. For the little the president has done, we must commend him. I was a one-time critic of the last administration, but you cannot compare the situation now,” he explained.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has alerted the public to the activities of impersonators claiming to represent it.

NNPCL spokesman Olufemi Soneye disclosed in a statement on Monday that the impostors demand money under the guise of soliciting fees to arrange meetings with the oil company’s board of directors, executives, and management staff.

The statement urged foreign investors and international business entities to be cautious, clarifying that all engagements are done through NNPCL official channels or recognised business units.

“Foreign investors and international business entities are especially urged to remain cautious. If approached, report the incident to the appropriate authorities immediately.

“NNPC Limited remains committed to transparency, integrity and the protection of our stakeholders in all interactions. Let’s work together to prevent scams. Stay alert and share this notice,” said the national oil company.

The Kaduna Police Command said security operatives stormed criminal hideouts in the Kawo area of Kaduna and, arrested 27 suspected criminals, recovered dangerous weapons and hard drugs.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said the arrest of the suspects followed the commissioner of police’s directive to flush out criminal elements in the state.

“The command had conducted a series of raids in a joint operation with the military, DSS, and Kaduna State Vigilante Service within the Kawo area and its surroundings, leading to the arrest of numerous suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.

“On Sunday, at about 10:30 p.m., a joint tactical operation was launched in the nooks and crannies of Kawo and neighbouring areas.

“This operation led to the arrest of 27 suspects, and a significant cache of dangerous weapons was recovered from them.

” Exhibits recovered during the operation included knives, axes, cutlasses and large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other hard drugs,” Mr Hassan said.

He said the state police commissioner, Rabiu Muhammad, had reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.

Mr Muhammed emphasised that Kaduna remained a peaceful state, and the police would not allow miscreants or criminally minded individuals to destabilise the peace of the state.

“The police will continue to clamp down on miscreants and give them no breathing space within the state,” he added.

Hussein Al Qahtani, spokesman of the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), said this year’s Hajj marks the end of the Hajj season coinciding with the summer months.

Mr Al Qahtani said that in 2026, the annual Islamic pilgrimage will gradually move into milder seasons — spring, winter, and autumn — offering cooler conditions for millions of worshippers each year.

The spokesman noted that the next eight Hajj seasons will occur during spring, followed by eight more in winter, then in autumn with gradually rising temperatures, before returning to summer after approximately 25 years.

The NCM spokesperson cited that this shift is due to the lunar calendar cycle, which offers pilgrims the opportunity to perform Hajj rituals in more moderate weather conditions during the coming years.

NCM has released a 25-year Hajj calendar outlining how the pilgrimage dates, based on the Hijri (Islamic) calendar, will align with the Gregorian calendar seasons through to 2050.

Due to the lunar nature of the Hijri calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Hajj shifts earlier each year.

He said pilgrims performing Hajj will not experience the searing heat of summer again for another quarter of a century.

Mr Al Qhatani said pilgrims will benefit from increasingly favourable weather conditions until the pilgrimage eventually returns to the summer months in 2050.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, has suspended its six-day warning strike.

The chapter’s president, Josiah Yakubu, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Kaduna on Monday.

Mr Yakubu said the suspension followed an emergency congress on Saturday, a series of meetings and interventions, particularly by the national and state leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

He said work would resume at the hospital by 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, while other resident doctors there would resume by 10:00 a.m.

Mr Yakubu added that the congress stated that since the commencement of their industrial action, the secretary to the state government had stepped into the situation to arbitrate on behalf of the state government.

According to him, the leadership of the NMA had a follow-up meeting at the instance of the secretary to the Kaduna State government.

”This was unlike our first meeting, where, unfortunately, some of our members were issued with letters of termination of appointment as resident doctors. Some others were given warning letters with a notice of intention to terminate their appointments.

” We have come to understand that the action was unilaterally taken by the management of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital,” he said.

Mr Yakubu said the meeting with the medical association, which lasted for about two hours, enabled both parties to appreciate the issues of concern.

He said possible solutions were highlighted in a manner that doctors are not shortchanged and the healthcare delivery is not compromised.

Mr Yakubu said the state government had accepted and acknowledged the veracity of all concerns and demands of the doctors and had made a commitment towards addressing them.

He said the SSG appealed for a two-month duration to allow the government to resolve doctors’ concerns about manpower and remuneration.

“A cost implication of the transition from CONMESS 2014 to CONMESS 2024 has been drafted and submitted to the SSG for onward submission to the Governor for consideration.

“A Memorandum of Understanding was jointly drafted to this effect, which the SSG, chairman, NMA Kaduna State, NARD president, president, ARD Kaduna and president, ARD BDTH co-signed.

“The meeting ended with an expectation of these developments to be communicated to the congress of ARD Kaduna and ARD BDTH for appraisal,” Mr Yakubu stated.

He added that the leadership of NMA and NARD would follow up on the entire process until all the demands were me

Political stakeholders from Lafia Local Government Area have urged the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to contest the Nasarawa governorship position in 2027.

They made their position known at a stakeholders’ engagement on Monday in Lafia.

Speaking at the event, Mohammed Mainoma, a former vice-chancellor of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said the decision to urge Mr Adamu to contest the governorship was borne out of his pedigree in public service.

Mr Mainoma, chairman of the occasion, described Mr Adamu as an administrator par excellence throughout his career in the police force.

He maintained that Nasarawa State needed such a man who had distinguished himself nationally and internationally to steer its affairs to greatness.

“We want him to come and replicate what he did at Interpol for more than 10 years, and as Nigeria’s IGP, to ensure peace and security in Nasarawa State.

“We want Nasarawa State to leverage his wealth of experience and international connections to ensure rapid growth and development of the state.

“Adamu is bold, accountable, knowledgeable, and resourceful to steer the ship of Nasarawa State to greater heights in 2027.

“We, therefore, urge him to heed the clarion call of the people he is so passionate about to contest the governorship in the next general election,” he said.

Similarly, Musa Hussaini, an associate of the former IGP, said, “I dare say that we have never experienced an occasion where the entire Lafia LGA will rise in one voice to endorse a particular person.

“There is no voice of dissent, no criticism; everybody that is supposed to be somebody in Lafia is here to attest and to support the endorsement of our governor to become in 2027,” he said.

He charged the people to do their bits by registering as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their wards to participate actively in the electoral process that would ensure Mr Adamu’s victory in 2027.

Mr Hussaini noted that at the last count, 30 imminently qualified persons had indicated interest in vying for the Nasarawa State governorship position.

He, however, pointed out that Mr Adamu stands tall above them, given his leadership qualities and experience.

In his remarks, Abubakar Sarki-Dahiru, a member representing the Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said Mr Adamu deserved to be Nasarawa State governor in 2027, describing him as peace-loving and accommodating.

He urged the former IGP to accept the call to contest and charged the people to rally around him to succeed for the betterment of the state.

Responding, Retired IGP Adamu said that although he had no intention of contesting the governorship of Nasarawa State, he would not turn down the request of the people since he had led all his life serving the people.

He, however, said he would still be consulting with stakeholders across the state in the interest of Nasarawa.

The Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency has developed an inventory system called PLASUPPLY to enhance the efficiency of its operations.

Kim Bot, the executive secretary of the agency, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Jos.

Mr Bot, who is a pharmacist, said the tool, which was invented locally, was used by the agency to carry out the entire inventory of commodities at the central warehouse.

He said PLASUPPLY aided in the overall effective management of raw materials, drugs, and other medical materials.

According to him, the inventory tool was designed to streamline various processes, such as stock tracking, order placement, and hinting of when drugs and commodities were close to expiration.

“The PLASUPPLY tool informs us of drugs in the warehouse that will be expiring in the next six months and where such drugs are needed in our healthcare facilities.

“This system, aside from boosting efficiency, also helps in saving costs, as we do not have cases of expired drugs in the warehouse,“ he said.

Mr Bot further stated that the agency, which is responsible for ensuring the availability and affordability of essential drugs and medical supplies in the state, had signed various memoranda of understanding with both local and international pharmaceutical companies.

He said the agency, in a bid to enhance healthcare outcomes for the state’s citizens, had opened a Drug Information Centre for tracking adverse drug reactions from hospitals and individuals.

Mr Bot said a 50 per cent toll-free line, 081299924, was opened to enable the agency to receive complaints of adverse drug reactions from the public.

He called on members of the public with adverse drug reactions to call the toll number to enable the agency to determine if the reaction was caused chemically or due to the individual’s genetic makeup.

Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, states that Nigeria has yet to fully tap into its technological potential despite the sector’s vast opportunities.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Ms Samuel said that stable power and technology, which are crucial drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification, were still lacking.

She noted that, as long as Nigeria remained unable to ensure stable power and technology, its growth would be hindered.

The NACC boss said the rapid global pace of technological advancement, with everything interconnected through the internet and data, was a significant factor.

Emphasising the role of collaborations, both local and international, she cited U.S. collaborations with other regions and countries to advance its tech sector despite being the largest tech sector in the world.

“An example of America’s collaborative efforts is the recent investment of approximately $600 billion by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince in the U.S. technology sector to advance its technological capabilities.

“If America is collaborating with other regions and countries on advancing the tech sector, whereas America is the biggest tech sector, then who are we in Africa not to follow suit?” she stated.

Ms Samuel highlighted the global dominance of U.S. tech giants like Meta, Google, Tesla, and X, along with advancements in artificial intelligence like ChatGPT and Meta AI, as evidence of the transformative power of technology.

Connecting technology and power, Samuel emphasised that consistent power supply was fundamental for technological progress, especially as Nigeria sought to diversify its revenue away from oil.

“Without power, how do we even drive technology? So, power is correlated to technology. Technology is correlated to power. Given the current global trade landscape, particularly with tariffs imposed by America on various countries and the potential limitations of the African Growth and Opportunities Act for African exports, technology is a key avenue for diversification.

“One of the easiest ways, one of the easiest platforms West Africa can diversify into is the technology sector,” she said.

Ms Samuel noted further that the banking sector was an example of how technology had driven growth and improvement, with online banking and mobile banking methods enhancing financial transactions.

Ms Samuel referenced the World Bank’s projection that the banking and financial technology sectors will be among Nigeria’s fastest-growing in 2025.

According to her, the growth can be attributed to technological innovations that enable online and mobile banking.

Ms Samuel called on technology-focused platforms in Africa to leverage conferences within and outside the country to drive their growth.

She also stressed the importance of government involvement, particularly ministers of communication and commissioners of science and technology, in shaping policies that supported the growth of the sector.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has officially unveiled its 60th anniversary logo.

The logo sets the stage for a series of celebratory events marking six decades of commitment to excellence in sports journalism, advocacy, and development.

Founded in 1964, SWAN has grown into a cornerstone of sports reportage and promotion in Nigeria.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Association’s headquarters, showcased the commemorative logo — a striking design in green and white, incorporating the number ’60’ alongside the iconic SWAN emblem. A ribbon inscribed with ‘Years Anniversary’ underscores the significance of the milestone.

SWAN president Isaiah Benjamin hailed the unveiling as a defining moment in the association’s history.

“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he said.

According to Mr Benjamin, the anniversary celebrations — slated for October — will feature an array of events.

These include public lectures, awards ceremonies, sports activities for media professionals, tributes to sports legends, and a gala night to honour long-time supporters and contributors to SWAN’s mission.

The celebration coincides with Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, adding to the national significance of the commemoration.

In its 60 years of existence, SWAN has played a pivotal role in shaping the sports media landscape, championing the cause of ethical reporting, and influencing policy discussions on sports governance and inclusion at all levels, according to the association.

The SWAN president called on media professionals, stakeholders, partners, and the public to join in honouring its landmark achievement and support its vision for continued growth and impact.

National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles on Sunday amid ongoing protests against immigration raids, despite California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections.

Mr Newsom formally requested President Donald Trump’s administration to rescind the order to deploy the troops.

The governor made the request via a letter to defence secretary Pete Hegseth, which he then shared on X.

“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty – inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed,” Mr Newsom wrote. “Rescind the order. Return control to California.”

Mr Trump signed a memorandum on Saturday deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen “to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester”, the White House said.

An expert cited by The New York Times said this is the first time in 60 years that a president has deployed a state’s National Guard without the governor’s consent.

The last instance was in 1965 when President Lyndon B Johnson used troops to protect predominantly Black demonstrators during the civil rights movement in Alabama.

The protests began on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers executed search warrants across the city as Mr Trump pushed forward with his goal of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Mr Newsom appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and not give the government an excuse to act.

“Trump is trying to manufacture a crisis in LA County — deploying troops not for order, but to create chaos,” he wrote on X. “Don’t take the bait. Never use violence or harm law enforcement.”

Los Angeles Police said protests continued on Sunday, even when authorities had declared it an unlawful gathering.

Protesters had blocked traffic on a freeway and had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre, where soldiers had formed a perimeter around the building.

“Officers are reporting that people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles and other objects. Arrests are being initiated,” police wrote on X.
Cars had also been stopped and set alight on roads, the police said.

An infantry brigade combat team of the guard has deployed approximately 300 soldiers to three separate locations in the greater Los Angeles area, the U.S. Northern Command stated.

“They are conducting safety and protection of federal property and personnel,” it added.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said Los Angeles had been “invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals”.

“Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations. But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” he wrote.

He had directed his officials “to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the migrant invasion and put an end to these migrant riots”.

He added, “Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city would “always stand” with those who call it home.

“Deploying federalised troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation,” she wrote on X. “The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real – it’s felt in our communities and within our families, and it puts our neighbourhoods at risk. This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful. Los Angeles will always stand with everyone who calls our city home.”

Mr Trump’s administration has threatened to deploy regular armed forces domestically, which would represent an even greater breach of norms.

Mr Hegseth stated that, if necessary, U.S. Marines stationed in California could also be mobilised.

Mr Newsom condemned Hegseth’s threat to deploy U.S. soldiers against its own citizens on U.S. soil, calling it “deranged behaviour” in a post on X.

Mr Hegseth responded to Newsom on X stating that the National Guard “and Marines if need be” stood with ICE.

“There is plenty of room for peaceful protest, but ZERO tolerance for attacking federal agents who are doing their job,” he wrote.

The U.S. Northern Command said about 500 Marines were “in a prepared to deploy status” should they be needed