President Bola Tinubu has approved N2 billion for the immediate reconstruction of homes of people affected by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, disclosed this when he visited the victims in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

He assured that the federal government would address issues raised by the affected victims of the flood disaster.

He said, “The President specifically instructed me to come to Mokwa to commiserate with the people over the tragedy that befell the town. His heart is with the grieving people of Mokwa. All issues raised will be addressed by the federal government in collaboration with the Niger State government.’’

Mr Kashim disclosed that the President also directed the ministers for environment and state for agriculture to relocate to Niger State to ensure immediate intervention under the ACRSAL project for drainage issues in Mokwa town.

He added that 20 trucks of food items had been approved by Mr Tinubu for distribution to the victims in collaboration with the village head of Mokwa.

He commended the deputy governor and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency for their proactiveness in handling the situation.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, appealed to the federal government for quick intervention to address the impact of the disaster.

“We are saddened as s state due to the flood disaster; we commend NEMA DG for promptly responding to the disaster. We need quick intervention as the four collapsed bridges have cut down social and economic activities especially in Rabba as students cannot come to Mokwa when there’s rainfall, the bridge needs to be fixed,” he said.

He disclosed that over 2,000 houses were destroyed, and victims managing with people, adding that the state had available land that could be used to build houses for them.

Earlier, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, appealed to the federal government to intervene in several road projects in Mokwa and across the state.

“There is an ongoing road project bypassing Mokwa town, but because of compensation, the work has stopped. We appeal to the FG to fast-track the project as it is making life unbearable for the people,” he said.

He also appealed to the federal government to complete the Mokwa-Brini-Gwari Kaduna Road, Lambata-Bida road, Bida-Patigi road, and Agaie-Match Boro roads.

He further called for the deployment of an ecological team to address ecological issues in the town, while appreciating Mr Tinubu for directing the vice president to visit the area to commiserate with the victims.

Also speaking, Village Head of Mokwa (Ndalile of Mokwa), Mohammed Aliyu, appreciated the federal government for the show of support to the community since the flood disaster.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, restated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property with the distribution of 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state.

According to Mr Aiyedatiwa, it is important to build a safe and more secure state by placing a premium on safety of the residents amid the escalating security challenges bedevilling the country.

He stated that the distribution of the high-grade operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the state was a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to enhance the capacity and responsiveness of security formations across the state.

The governor spoke on Wednesday at the Government House ground in Akure, the state capital, where he distributed the vehicles as part of activities, marking his first 100 days in office.

“This event underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and capacity of our security agencies to respond to any security alert or acts of criminality in the state. These vehicles are a token of our appreciation for your dedication and service. Furthermore, I wish to reiterate that the distribution of vehicles to security agencies is one of the ways by which we are strengthening our security apparatus in the state,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor recalled that in July 2024, the state government distributed 25 units of Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies, highlighting the latest presentation as a continuation of that initiative.

He added that providing operational tools to security operative was not only a constitutional responsibility but also a practical demonstration of the government’s appreciation of their sacrifices.

Stressing the importance of synergy among security stakeholders, Mr Aiyedatiwa said that collaboration between the security agencies is also critical to tackling the security challenges facing the state.

He described the event as a significant step in the collective quest to build a safer and more secure state. He expressed delight at the opportunity to once again equip security agencies with essential logistics.

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre says the creation of the ‘Nigeria Coast Guard’ may overlap and duplicate the mandates of other maritime agencies.

SEREC’s head researcher, Eugene Nweke, said on Wednesday in Abuja that though the maritime space could benefit from a coast guard that specialises in coastal security and law enforcement, it was imperative to address concerns about duplication of functions and cost implications and ensure effective coordination with existing agencies.

“SEREC recommends that the proposed bill for the creation of a Nigeria Coast Guard be stepped down for now.

“We recommend the conduct of a thorough analysis of the proposed Coast Guard Bill and stakeholder engagement to define the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities clearly to avoid overlap with other agencies.

”Experts should consider national interest above pecuniary or group interest,” he said.

The SEREC head researcher also highlighted the complexity of the Nigerian maritime domain with multiple agencies operating within it.

He stated that the Nigerian Navy had the primary responsibility for maritime security, defence, protection, and enforcement of maritime laws.

He added that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigeria Police Marine Unit, and the Nigeria Customs Marine Unit were responsible for regulating maritime safety and security.

He stressed that with the activities of the Nigerian Navy, the creation of a coast guard would bring redundancies, wastage of limited national resources and inefficiencies.

He recommended adequate funding for the navy to enhance its capabilities rather than establishing a new agency.

“This will ensure that the navy effectively performs its roles, as overlapping roles between the coast guard and Nigerian Navy could lead to conflicts and inefficiencies.

“Setting up a coast guard will require significant investment in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel, which can be challenging given the current economic climate,” Mr Nweke added.

Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s chief of general staff, on Tuesday inspected the readiness of the armed forces to respond to a security breach during the Hajj operations in Mecca.

Following defence minister Khalid bin Salman’s directives, Mr Al-Ruwaili reviewed the Air Forces group at Arafat Airport.

He stated that the Saudi air force provided advanced air support, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and airspace security over the holy sites.

The Saudi naval forces secure the seaports, handle suspicious materials, and support rescue efforts with diving teams and specialised units.

For health services, the defence ministry has rolled out a comprehensive medical plan for pilgrims in 36 health centres.

They have a capacity exceeding 1,040 beds and are supported by over 1,790 healthcare personnel.

The Risk Managers Society of Nigeria has issued an urgent call for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness, and mitigation at both national and local levels.

The society’s president and chairman of the governing board, Abbas Idris, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed the May 27 downpour that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Mr Idris attributes the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, deforestation, land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow, and climate change.

Condoling the government, the people of the state, and the victims, the president advocated for strengthening Niger’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education, and land use planning.

He also recommended the development of emergency response plans and strengthening partnerships with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help strengthen the state’s preparedness and mitigation, drastically reduce the risk of flooding, and improve recovery efforts.

The recommendations will also help the Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Mr Idris recommended the creation of the ‘Office of Risk Management of the Federation’ to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country, considering it a national security issue.

RIMSON’s president also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet, in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has sealed off the facilities of 39 illegal packaged water producers in Ogun.

NAFDAC coordinator in Ogun, Mawo Benu, disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday in Ota.

Mr Benu explained that a total of 43 packaged water facilities were inspected during the period. He stated that out of these, 39 were found to be unsatisfactory due to various violations of Good Manufacturing Practices.

He said the affected facilities were subsequently sanctioned.

Mr Benu stated that NAFDAC’s enforcement activities from February to date demonstrated clearly that there was no hiding place for producers of unwholesome and unregistered regulated products.

“NAFDAC has vowed to crack down on the activities of illegal producers and non-compliant facilities within its jurisdiction,” Mr Benu said. “The agency earnestly seeks the collaboration of the public and all concerned stakeholders in our relentless pursuit to rid the nation of unregistered and unsafe products.”

Mr Benu added, “In addition, members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal production sites or suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office to help safeguard public health.”

Benu explained that some facilities, although registered, were found during routine inspections to have fallen below acceptable hygiene standards.

The NAFDAC official noted that the facilities were no longer maintaining the minimum requirements under which they were originally registered.

He listed the observed violations to include operating with expired licenses, production of unapproved pack sizes, swapping facilities to unapproved manufacturing sites, and the use of fake NAFDAC registration numbers for unregistered products.

The police command in Osun on Wednesday said it has put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Abiodun Ojelabi, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement, reassured residents of their safety of life and property before, during, and after this festive season.

Police commissioner Muhammad Abbah advised the residents to celebrate the event peacefully and avoid any act capable of jeopardising the existing peace in Osun.

He warned that the police would deal decisively with anyone found causing problems.

He appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious activity and provide prompt and useful information to the police in the event of any law infringement.

Mr Ojelabi further urged the residents to call the police’s control room via the following numbers: 08039537995, 08123823981, or the Complaint Response Unit at 08035143235, 08066286549, and 08030732461 for prompt action.

He added that police could also be reached on their social media handles, NPF Osun_State on X (formally Twitter) and Presspol Osun on Facebook or send email to osunstatepoliceng@gmail.com

The federal government states that it will impose severe sanctions on any federal university that establishes a satellite campus without the prior approval of education minister Tunji Alausa.

The minister disclosed this in a memo sent to the National Universities Commission on May 30, 2025, sighted on Wednesday.

According to Mr Alausa, the decision is based on the government’s determination to restore the quality and integrity of tertiary education in the country.

He, therefore, directed the NUC, through the memo, to inform all federal universities that no satellite campuses should be established without the prior approval of the ministry, as conveyed through the Executive Secretary of the commission.

He said that failure to comply would result in sanctions.

“There has been a noticeable and concerning trend of federal universities establishing satellite campuses across the country. Many of these campuses are created without clear strategic, academic or infrastructural justifications.

”It is also pertinent to note that instead of investing in and expanding the capacity of existing main campuses, some vice-chancellors are opting for the creation of new ones, which in most cases are often inadequately resourced.

“This practice undermines the integrity, quality and sustainability of tertiary education in Nigeria,” the minister said.

Several such satellite campuses have been established in the country, infringing on previous regulations and violating the approved guidelines for their creation, as set out by the NUC.

NUC had earlier warned that such campuses have been banned in the country.

NUC had also, in the past, set up a committee that advised on the closure of such illegal universities and campuses as the commission mandated it to identify, locate, and prosecute.

In 2021, the committee was reconstituted, with the NUC then describing it as a huge success.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has begun special patrol operations for the Eid-el-Kabir, deploying 36,000 personnel and 1,095 patrol logistics across the country.

FRSC corps marshal Shehu Mohammed said this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Mohammed said the deployment of personnel, patrol logistics and special patrol operations was pursuant to the declaration of Friday as the day of Eid-el-Kabir in Nigeria.

He stated that no fewer than 36,000 marshals would be deployed.

“About 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks and over 200 bikes would be on the road during the special operation that would begin from Thursday to June 11.

“This brings the total of patrol logistics to 1,095,” he said.

Mr Mohammed, who authorised the special operations, revealed that the mission was to ensure the free flow of traffic during and after the Sallah celebrations.

This, he said, included providing prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country, both before and after the festive period.

This, he added, as well as minimising the occurrence of road traffic crashes on the nation’s highways through effective patrol operations and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

“FRSC has a tradition of organising special patrols during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterises the road during the celebrations. As such, this year’s Eid-el Kabir would not be an exemption.

“Motorists must endeavour to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the corps, but falling prey to avoidable road crashes,” stated the FRSC chief.

The corps marshal, however, appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties.

Mr Mohammed said that mobile courts would be in session across the country to ensure the prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.

The FRSC boss directed that the operatives pay first-rate attention to effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, and the use of phones while driving. He added that driver’s license violations, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles from the road, driving with expired and worn-out tyres, and driving without a spare tyre should not be neglected.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic flood disaster in Niger State, which has claimed over 160 lives and caused the destruction of infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods worth billions of naira.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.

NEF called on the federal government to take urgent and comprehensive action to support victims, including the immediate deployment of relief materials, access to medical and psychosocial care, and the restoration of essential services in affected communities.

The forum also raised alarm over the recurring nature of such disasters, pointing to climate change, poor urban planning, weak environmental management, and inadequate disaster preparedness as root causes that must be urgently addressed to prevent future tragedies.

Jiddere said, “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people and Government of Niger State, following the tragic and catastrophic flood disaster that has claimed the lives of over 160 citizens and resulted in the destruction of homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure worth billions of naira

“This painful tragedy is not an isolated event. It echoes similar devastating floods that swept through several parts of Northern Nigeria in the past year, highlighting an alarming trend of recurrent natural disasters that continue to inflict severe humanitarian and socio-economic consequences on affected communities.

“The Forum is profoundly concerned by the recurring nature of these flood incidents, which reflect not only changing climate patterns but also systemic challenges in the areas of urban planning, environmental management, and disaster preparedness. The loss of so many lives and the scale of destruction witnessed in Niger State demand a robust, coordinated, and sustained response at the highest levels of government.”

NEF stressed that such intervention should be undertaken in close collaboration with the Niger State Government to ensure effective coordination, proper targeting of aid, and long-term recovery planning.

The forum urged the Federal Government to commission a thorough investigation into the causes and contributing factors behind the flooding.

Jiddere added; “This should involve expert assessments of water management infrastructure, drainage systems, land use practices, and emergency response mechanisms. The outcome of such an investigation must inform the development of a national flood mitigation strategy tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of Northern Nigeria.

“To avert future disasters of this magnitude, NEF recommends urgent investment in modern flood control systems, rehabilitation and expansion of existing drainage networks, reinforcement of riverbanks, and the establishment of early warning systems. Additionally, there must be a commitment to public education and community-level preparedness, particularly in flood-prone areas.

“The Northern Elders Forum stands in solidarity with the victims of this tragedy and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for policies and actions that protect the lives, dignity, and welfare of all Nigerians.”

The Katsina State government, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has declared a seven-day public holiday for students to mark the 2025 Eid al-Kabir Sallah celebrations.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Ministry Director of Schools, Kabir Dodo, and issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina.

According to the statement, “I am directed to write and inform you that all schools will go on Eid al-Kabir break from Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 and resume on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025.

“All Public, Private and Community schools are to comply with the above directives.

“Wishing you happy Sallah celebrations.”

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has praised Ugochukwu Prince Orji, an Abia-born immigration officer who rejected a N10 million bribe while on duty, describing him as a true patriot and exemplary ambassador of the state.

Governor Otti gave the commendation while receiving a 30-man delegation of the organisers and sponsors of the Oha Isiala Ngwa Grand Civic Reception/Appreciation held in his honour for his leadership strides in Isiala Ngwa and across the state.

He lauded Orji’s integrity and courage, saying his action reflects the values Abians are known for—honesty, diligence, and a strong work ethic.

“You have done your job excellently and shown that you are not just a good ambassador of Isiala Ngwa and Abia State, but of Nigeria as a whole,” Otti said. “What you did is typical of us. We are straightforward people. We don’t steal, we don’t cheat. Yes, there may be a Judas among every 12, but the good must not be drowned out.”

The governor noted that Abians are industrious people who work hard to earn a decent living and would naturally reject dubious gifts. He recalled how he recently honoured a Keke rider who returned a large sum of forgotten cash to its owner, saying Orji would receive similar recognition.

“I was told this incident happened in Enugu State, and I have asked my brother Governor there to start the celebration. We will round it off here at home,” Otti stated, adding that honesty pays and should always be celebrated.

“The whole idea is to also let people know that there is so much to gain by being straightforward. There is so much to gain by rejecting bribes. ₦10 million is a lot of money, and you could do so much with it, but you rejected it.

“And, you rejected it because it is not earned. So, I want to encourage you to continue to serve straightforwardly. This example you have shown, hold on to it.”

‎He encouraged the honest immigration officer not to let anybody make him feel bad or discouraged about what he did by telling him what N10 million could have done for him, stating, “It is foolish to think that you can cheat your way out and then become a big man tomorrow, no. Whatever you get illegally, somehow, someday, somewhere, you will lose and pay for it.

‎He thanked him for representing Abia State very well, assuring that he would be celebrated in due course.

‎Mr. Orji hails from Obikabia, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.

‎Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, revealed that they came to thank the Governor for accepting to be honoured and for honoring their invitation and presented their son, Mr. Ugochukwu Promise Orji, who made them proud by rejecting N10 Million inducement to compromise on the line of duty.

He explained that they came together on their own, agreed to celebrate the Governor, and happily contributed to doing so, noting that “The more we celebrate you, we are celebrating ourselves because you have made us proud.”

‎In his vote of thanks, the member representing Isiala North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, thanked the Governor for accepting to be honoured even though he is not given to such public outings.

Ukraine, which is defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion, has received an invitation to the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.

“We have been invited to the NATO summit. I think that is important,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The invitation was extended to Mr Zelensky during his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Vilnius.

Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has been tasked with preparing the meeting.

Mr Zelensky did not say whether he would travel to the Netherlands himself.

The summit of NATO member states is scheduled to take place in The Hague within the next three weeks.

Ukraine has been fighting the Russian invasion with Western support for more than three years.

Preventing Kyiv from joining NATO, which is enshrined in the country’s constitution, is one of the Kremlin’s main reasons for having launched the assault on its neighbour, Ukraine

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to creating a conducive business environment that fosters private sector growth.

The finance ministry said this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, finance minister Wale Edun gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by Femi Otedola.

Mr Edun said the environment would foster innovation and transparency, enabling capital investment to flourish.

Mr Otedola said the country’s evolving investment climate, particularly the expanding opportunities in banking, power and renewable energy, is commendable.

He said that improving macroeconomic conditions, enhanced regulatory clarity, and pragmatic fiscal measures are not only restoring investor confidence but also creating a more level playing field for both established conglomerates and emerging enterprises to thrive.

Mr Otedola said the gathering reflects the federal government’s determination to work hand in hand with the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth and equitable development across the country.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reform agenda and renewed confidence in the direction of policy under the current administration.

The business tycoon affirmed the readiness of major Nigerian investors, including himself, to increase their commitments in sectors critical to inclusive growth and national competitiveness.

Modibbo Umar, charge d’affaires at the Nigerian embassy in Riyad, says pilgrims performing the 2025 hajj without a permit are liable to a 100,000 riyals fine, a 10-year ban and deportation.

Mr Umar said this at the hajj 2025 pre-Arafat stakeholders’ meeting organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in Mecca on Monday.

He stated during the 2024 hajj, the fine for illegally performing pilgrimage without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

He, therefore, urged Nigerian pilgrims to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of their host, Saudi authorities.

“We should also let our people around here know that the Saudi authorities this year have sent very strong signals that hajj without a permit will not be condoned.

“They have raised the stake. Last year, the fine for illegally performing hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals, but this time around, their message is 100,000 riyals, including deportation and being banned from the kingdom for 10 years. So, please, I urge you to tell our people all this,” he said.

Mr Umar also urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for Nigeria in order to leave a better country for future generations.

“We would like to use this opportunity to call on all our pilgrims who are in this holy session of the hajj to pray for our country and Muslims all over the world. May we have a world that is far better than what it is now for our children and our grandchildren,” he said.

NAHCON chairman Abdullahi Saleh said the common goal of the Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting was to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive the benefits and services they deserve.

Officials on Tuesday reported that more than 200 prisoners in Karachi have escaped after they were permitted to leave their cells following a series of earthquake tremors.

Zia-ul- Hasan Lanjar, the provincial law minister, told reporters at the scene that hundreds of prisoners were allowed into the jail courtyard due to the tremors.

“There was panic here because of earthquake tremors,” said Mr Lanjar, adding that it was hard to control a throng of up to 1,000 people.

The jailbreak began just before midnight on Monday and carried on till the early hours of Tuesday, he said.

Police said the prisoners snatched guns from prison staff, leading to a shootout, and then forced open the main gate.

On Tuesday, a Reuters reporter at the site saw shattered glass and damaged electronic equipment inside the jail.

A meeting room for prisoners to see their families had been ransacked.

Anxious family members gathered outside the jail on Tuesday.

Mr Lanjar said this was one of the largest jailbreaks ever in Pakistan.

The prison in the Malir district of Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city, is in a poor residential and industrial neighbourhood.

Local footage also showed prisoners running through the area through the night, some barefoot, chased by police.

The police were able to round some up into police vans, the footage showed.

Provincial police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon said that most of the inmates had been involved in small-time crimes like drug addiction.

Mr Memon added that at least one prisoner was killed in the shooting, which also wounded three prison staff.

Murad Ali Shah, the provincial chief minister, said that around 80 prisoners had so far been caught, adding that it was a mistake for the prison authorities to have allowed the inmates out of their cells.

He warned those still at large to hand themselves in or face a serious charge for breaking out.

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity have launched the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index Methodology Handbook.

The event, held in Abuja on Monday, drew participation from senior officials and representatives of ministries, departments, and agencies across the country.

Now in its fifth year, the TII offers a consistent framework for evaluating over 500 national and sub-national bodies across five key governance pillars.

These pillars include Fiscal Transparency, Open Procurement, Control of Corruption, Human Resources and Inclusion, and Citizens Engagement.

The revised methodology is anchored in national laws and international frameworks, including the UN Convention Against Corruption.

It promotes the proactive online disclosure of essential information, such as budgets, procurement records, staff data, and anti-corruption policies.

In his keynote address, the secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, highlighted the TII’s relevance to national development and accountability.

Mr Akume said transparency and integrity form the foundation of public trust.

“Through TII implementation, we can drive a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in public administration,” he said.

He urged MDAs to adopt the methodology and embed it within their operational frameworks for improved governance and ethical service delivery.

Presenting the updated methodology, CeFTPI executive director Umar Yakubu stressed the importance of proactive information disclosure by public institutions.

“Institutional performance is assessed by the publication of statutory data, including budgets, staff records, procurement details, and anti-corruption measures.

“Each of the five categories carries equal weight, with scoring based on accessibility, completeness, and legal compliance,” Mr Yakubu explained.

He clarified that the index was intended to drive reform, not embarrass institutions, by encouraging self-assessment and transparency.

“The TII serves as a preventive tool against corruption. MDAs should carefully review the criteria and work towards improved openness,” he stated.

The 2025 evaluation is currently underway, with final rankings scheduled for release on September 28, International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Mr Yakubu urged MDAs to align with the revised methodology to strengthen public confidence and enhance service delivery outcomes.

BPSR director-general Dasuki Arabi commended CeFTPI’s efforts and noted that the index aligns with Nigeria’s broader reform goals.

“There is increasing compliance with the TII framework. The updated methodology addresses emerging governance challenges and fosters continuous improvement,” he said.

According to him, the index supports Executive Order 001 on public service transparency and backs the Tinubu administration’s economic reform agenda.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration will ensure that residents of the Guzape and Kpaduma communities, who are affected by road construction in the area, are duly compensated without delay.

FCT minister Nyesom Wike made the pledge during a meeting with traditional rulers and representatives of the Kpaduma and Guzape communities in Abuja on Monday regarding the road project.

He explained that the meeting was to address concerns about the delay in relocating affected villagers living on the road corridor.

The minister expressed concerns over the continued presence of the residents on the road corridor marked for construction to ease traffic and boost connectivity within Abuja.

He assured the traditional leaders and community members of the government’s commitment to ensure justice and fairness to everyone affected.

Mr Wike promised that every affected individual would be duly compensated, adding that a right of occupancy for new resettlement areas would be provided without delay.

The FCT minister directed the director of resettlement to evaluate the cost of resettling the affected residents. He pointed out that the compensation rate was too meagre and asked the director to increase it by 100 per cent.

“Increase their rate. If they are supposed to get N50, give them N100. We are not here to displace anyone unjustly. This is about building a better Abuja for all.

“We will ensure your people are properly compensated and given legal documents for their new homes,” Mr Wike said.

He, however, clarified that compensation would be paid only for structures along the road corridor, not the entire community.

The minister reiterated the critical importance of the road project to the overall development plan of the capital city. He acknowledged the deep-rooted attachment the communities have to their ancestral lands and appealed for their understanding.

According to him, the government’s development efforts must sometimes involve difficult decisions.

The traditional leaders, led by the Sa’peyi of Garki, Usman Nga-Kupi, commended Mr Wike for his transparency and willingness to engage them directly.

Mr Nga-Kupi acknowledged the benefits the road project would bring to the area and pledged their resolve to cooperate and support the resettlement process.

“We are grateful for the minister’s assurance and the respect shown to our people.

“We will support this effort in the interest of peace and progress”, the community leader said.

More than 10,000 Israeli soldiers have been killed or injured since the start of Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, a senior military officer has said, according to Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

The figure includes combat injuries and psychological trauma, although the official toll is far lower.

“We have a shortage of more than 10,000 soldiers who have been killed or injured and a few thousand who repeatedly enter the cycle of post-traumatic stress disorder,” the unnamed officer was quoted as saying.

The officer did not provide specific details or a breakdown of the figure.
According to official figures from the Israeli military, at least 861 soldiers have been killed and 5,921 others injured in the Gaza war since October 2023.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pursued a devastating offensive in Gaza since October 2023, killing nearly 54,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

Aid agencies have warned about the risk of famine among the enclave’s more than two million.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war crimes against civilians in the enclave

The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps has warned motorists against drunk driving and recklessness to minimise road crashes during the Sallah celebrations.

Temitope Oseni, the Ijako unit commander of TRACE, gave the warning on Tuesday in Ota, Ogun.

Ms Oseni said that the warning became necessary to prevent unnecessary loss of lives during the Eld-el-Kabir celebrations.

She noted that motorists were accustomed to flouting traffic rules and regulations, especially during festive periods, which resulted in road crashes.

“We are warning them ahead to refrain from reckless driving and desist from taking intoxicating substances that could affect their sense of reasoning negatively, thereby leading to loss of lives and properties.

“In addition, they should ensure that their vehicles are in good condition and plan their journeys to prevent travelling at night because of poor visibility.

“They should also stop driving against one-way (sic) and abide by all the rules and regulations of the road to reduce fatality rates in case of any crash,” the TRACE commander said.

She also urged market women to desist from placing their goods on the roads to prevent being rammed by vehicles.

The federal government had declared Friday and Monday as public holidays for the Muslim faithful to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir across the country.