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Folarin Kehinde

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Coalition backs Tinubu’s re-election

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Coalition of retired and serving officers wives movement has announced its formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office come 2027.

Convener of the coalition Hajia Mutiat Babatunde when speaking with journalist in Abuja said after a thorough review of the administration’s first term policies and record,the coalition concludes that continuity is in the national interest.

Hajia Mutiat noted that key factors informing this decision includes commitment to ongoing reforms in education and health which requires more than one term to consolidate.

She also said the group believes that abandoning these gains mid-course would risk setbacks,therefore call on all Nigerians irrespective of party or religion to support president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming election to complete work started.

Mutiat further stressed that the coalition remain committed to issue-based politics and will hold the administration accountable to the promises made in its renewed hope agenda mandate.

The convener do call on Nigerian women,families and stakeholders to join the movement for a stronger and united future as president Tinubu’s administration is committed to national unity,grassroot mobilization,women empowerment.

According to her she said the coalition supported the Tinubu/Shettima in 2023 and will do so in 2027 for continuity of leadership and progress.

” In 2023, we stood together and supported the Asiwaju-Shettima leadership that shows that when women unite we can make history”. She stated.

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Tinubu nominates economic reform expert, Tegbe as minister of power

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office.

Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance.

He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

He is at present the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he is responsible for strengthening bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives.

Mr Tegbe’s experience includes significant engagements within the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reform involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

His nomination is expected to strengthen further ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.

 

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Tinubu picks re-election forms

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has taken a formal step toward seeking a second term, with the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The forms were obtained on his behalf by the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, during a ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja. The APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, presented the documents after declaring the process open.

Faleke, who also leads the Tinubu Support Groups, completed the purchase of the forms valued at N100 million, signalling the early stages of the President’s re-election bid within the ruling party.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are to follow on February 6, 2027.

The electoral body said party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will hold from April 23 to May 30, 2026. It added that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly contests will commence on September 9, 2026.

 

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Africa & World

Family of four dies after suspected food poisoning from watermelon

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An Indian family of four, including father, mother and their two children have died from suspected food poisoning after consuming watermelon at a family gathering on Saturday.

Reports indicated that the incident happened in Mumbai after Abdullla Abdul Kadar (40), his wife Nasrin (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13) complained of vomiting and dizziness shortly after eating watermelon.

The Assam Tribune reported that five guests at the function had been served chicken pulao at around 10:30 p.m. but the victims allegedly went back to eat the fruit at 1:00 a.m. after other relatives left the family’s residence in JJ Marg.

The four family members were subsequently rushed to a private hospital where they were treated by a family doctor before being transferred to JJ Hospital, where they died on Sunday, reports noted.

“This incident happened on the second floor and I live on the fourth floor. When I reached, there were four people inside, including two daughters and the husband. They were in a drowsy state. One of the daughters was gasping for breath. She was panting and had no pulse.

“As a doctor, I understood the situation and started CPR on her. But she was not reviving. We immediately shifted her to a nearby hospital, but by the time she reached there, she was already dead,” an eyewitness told India Today.

“As a doctor, I understood the situation and started CPR on her. But she was not reviving. We immediately shifted her to a nearby hospital, but by the time she reached there, she was already dead,” an eyewitness told India Today.

The Tribune reported that initial assessment by Mumbai Police suggested the cause of their deaths might be linked to consumption of watermelon as other relatives that ate chicken pulao at the venue showed no sign of any illness.

“An unnatural death report has been registered at JJ Marg police station. Four members of a Muslim family, husband, wife and their two daughters, have died. On April 25, they had called relatives home and ate together.

“Around 10:30 pm, the relatives left. Later at night, around 1 am, they ate watermelon. By early morning around 5–6 am, they started complaining of vomiting and loose motions,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Munde said.

Police also stated that an investigation was underway and postmortem examinations had been conducted on the victims to determine the official cause of their deaths.

Mr Munde added “Postmortem has been conducted. Food samples and body samples have been taken. Further investigation is underway.”

 

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Uncategorized

Kano, ACE adopts re-entry guidelines for married girls

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In a landmark move to tackle the growing challenge of school dropout among married girls, the Kano State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with ACE Charity and supported by the Malala Fund, has validated and officially adopted new Guidelines on the Re-entry to Education for Married Adolescent Girls and Adolescent Mothers.

The development was announced at the end of a two-day Validation and Adoption Workshop that brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society groups, education experts, and community leaders.

The newly adopted framework is designed to dismantle the barriers preventing married adolescent girls from continuing their education, while also strengthening non-formal learning pathways across the state.

Findings from extensive research conducted across Kano’s three senatorial districts revealed that early marriage remains a leading cause of school dropout among girls.

However, the study also showed that an overwhelming 99 per cent of married adolescents expressed a strong desire to continue their education.

Despite this, many face significant hurdles, including financial difficulties, socio-cultural limitations, and structural barriers that hinder both access to and the quality of education available to them.

Notably, the guidelines were shaped by the lived experiences of married girls and adolescent mothers, whose voices were incorporated through consultations and community engagements.

Their contributions influenced key provisions such as flexible learning arrangements, re-enrolment pathways, and targeted support systems to ensure sustained participation in education.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Education reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive education, stressing that no girl child should be left behind regardless of her marital status.

Participants at the workshop reviewed the draft document, made critical inputs, and reached consensus on strategies for effective implementation.

The final document was subsequently endorsed and signed by the Commissioner, marking a significant milestone for the state.

Kano has now become the first state in Nigeria to formally adopt such guidelines, a development stakeholders described as both pioneering and commendable.

The policy outlines strategic actions in areas such as access and re-enrolment, learning support, coordination, and sustainable financing. It also clearly defines roles for government agencies, communities, and development partners to ensure smooth execution.

Stakeholders further pledged their commitment to supporting the rollout through community sensitisation, strengthening of school systems, and improved support services tailored to the needs of married girls and adolescent mothers.

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Headlines

Elephant attacks Oyo residents, kills one, another missing

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Panic has gripped parts of Oyo State after a wild elephant attacked residents of Innayin community, leaving one person dead and another missing.

The elephant attacks in Oyo state, which occurred around 3:30 pm on Thursday, prompted a swift response from the Nigeria Police Force, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, following a distress call.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that the lifeless body of a 45-year-old man was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack. The remains have since been evacuated to a general hospital for examination.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, at about 1530HRS, involving the attack of Innayin Community by a wild elephant.

“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani ‘M’, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the statement read.

He added that another resident is currently missing after an encounter with the animal, with security operatives intensifying search efforts to locate him.

Authorities said personnel have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further casualties, while urging residents to remain calm, avoid affected locations, and report any sightings of the animal.

“While efforts are ongoing to secure the community, the command emphasises the importance of handling such incidents with due regard to wildlife conservation laws.

“Relevant authorities, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on safely managing the situation,” Olayinka said.

The police also disclosed that relevant agencies, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on managing the situation.

“We understand the concerns this incident has generated within the community. Our officers are fully on ground, working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected locations, and continue to cooperate with the police and other authorities as we work to bring the situation under control in a safe and professional manner,” he said.

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Health

Nigeria records fresh COVID case

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A fresh case of COVID-19 has been recorded in Nigeria.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the case was recorded in Cross River State.

Speaking at a news conference in Calabar, on Tuesday, Dr Henry Ayuk, the state’s Commissioner for Health, said the case involved a Chinese national, who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on March 17, before taking ill.

The commissioner stated that the Chinese’ case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

He explained that at the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.

“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.

Ayuk asserted that the ministry of health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration, to handle and manage any situation – diseases or epidemic outbreaks.

According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.

“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.

“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.

“When this case was reported in about three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19, are duly followed.

“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who work in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.

On her part, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, State Epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.

She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese may have been in contact with.

While noting the last case of confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese may have contacted the virus here in Nigeria.

“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two to 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on March 17 and started developing the symptoms on April.

“This is well beyond the 14 days incubation period. Like I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with, as part of our containment efforts.

“We have also activated the emergency response center and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.

“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.

“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.

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BREAKING: Tinubu sacks Edun, appoints Oyedele as Finance Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, effecting changes in the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) with the exit of two ministers and the appointment of replacements.

The decision, conveyed in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, directed the immediate redeployment of portfolios to strengthen governance delivery.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Mr. Wale Edun has been relieved of his duties as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy under the reshuffle.

He is to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who has now been elevated to the position from his previous role as Minister of State in the ministry.

Similarly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, is to exit the cabinet, with the President naming Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the ministry.

The directive also mandates that Dangiwa hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry, pending Darma’s confirmation and assumption of office.

According to the memo, all handover and takeover processes are to be completed by close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Explaining the rationale for the changes, Akume said the reshuffle was designed to “strengthen cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieve more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in effecting the changes.

The President expressed appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Akume further conveyed the President’s assurance to cabinet members that the process of reinvigorating the government would be continuous and in line with the administration’s policy objectives.

 

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Breaking: FG files treason charge against ex-minister Sylva, others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector and three others over their alleged involvement as coup plotters in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

The other defendants, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the court.

Sylva is said to be at large.

The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

At the heart of the case is an allegation that the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

According to the charge, they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but failed to alert authorities.

The charge states that they, “knowing that and was intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.”

In a related count, the defendants were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they allegedly “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Beyond treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Particularly, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of participating in meetings tied to terrorist activities.

Prosecutors claim they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge also accuses the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly, rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.

In addition, the prosecution alleged a deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”

The case further traces financial transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing, with multiple defendants accused of handling proceeds of unlawful activities.

Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000 which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution, accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10million” and also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.

All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

 

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BREAKING: Retired Police Officers Shut Aso Rock Gate, Demand Tinubu Sign Pension Bill

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidential Villa in Abuja came under tension on Monday as retired police officers staged a protest at one of the main gates of Aso Rock, demanding immediate action from Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the long-awaited Police Exit Bill.

The protesters, made up of elderly retirees and some of their family members, blocked access to the gate early in the day.

Leading Reporters reports that their action disrupted movement in the area and drew the attention of security operatives stationed at the Villa. Political podcast series

The demonstration was organised under the umbrella of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria.

The retirees said their protest was the result of years of frustration. They described the current pension system as unfair and deeply damaging to their welfare. Nigerian cultural tours

According to them, the system has left many former officers struggling to survive after dedicating decades of service to the country.

At the centre of their demand is the Police Exit Bill. The proposed law seeks to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026. However, it is yet to receive presidential assent.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters made their grievances clear. Some of the inscriptions read, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop” and “Tinubu, sign our bill now.”

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