Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that sensitive election materials for the upcoming Ondo governorship election will arrive in Akure on Tuesday, November 12. This was confirmed by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a pre-election stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Akure.

Yakubu stated that all sensitive materials, including ballots and result sheets, would be delivered to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Akure branch early next week. Representatives from political parties and other stakeholders will inspect the materials to ensure transparency before they are dispatched to local governments and ward centers across the state.

“We have arranged for the delivery of sensitive materials for the election to arrive as early as Tuesday next week,” Yakubu said. He added that political parties and other stakeholders would be invited for an inspection at the Central Bank in Akure, and would be able to monitor the movement of these materials to local government areas and wards.

Yakubu emphasized INEC’s commitment to a credible and well-organized election, noting that all logistical arrangements for the secure distribution of materials have been completed. To ensure timely deployment, he explained that both land and maritime transportation options have been secured to facilitate access to polling units across Ondo State.

Bandits launched a series of attacks on communities in Wanke, near Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, abducting over 100 residents, including a Chief Imam. This is reportedly the second time the Imam has been kidnapped.

According to a local source, the communities were left in disarray following the assault. A survivor, who spoke to the BBC Hausa Service, described the areas as under siege, with many residents fleeing in fear of further violence.

The survivor recounted how around 50 individuals were taken from areas near Sabon Layi, while another 50 were abducted near Dogon Hayi. He emphasized that the tally of missing persons is still underway, with many locals deeply unsettled and seeking safety from further attacks.

“These terrorists were pursuing people like animals,” the witness said, describing scenes of people being chased from their homes. He detailed how bandits on motorbikes traced women to their homes, abducting them or intercepting them as they fled, before herding them into the bush.

The bandits reportedly targeted the villages of Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, looting motorcycles, farm produce, and mobile phones. Shops were broken into, and provisions were stolen.

Residents in Wanke reportedly notified officials, but no action was taken, according to local sources. Efforts to obtain a response from the state police on the incident were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

The World Bank has approved a $50 million fund to tackle Nigeria’s pressing nutrition challenges through the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project 2.0.

The announcement was made by Ndiame Diop, the World Bank’s Country Director, during a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The ANRiN Project 2.0, part of the World Bank’s crisis response framework, aims to improve nutrition outcomes in vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

“It is important to recognize the Nigerian government’s ongoing commitment to nutrition. The World Bank has allocated $50 million under the ANRiN 2.0 program, which is designed as a crisis response initiative,” Diop said.

Trina Haque, the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Health, Nutrition, and Population, emphasized the importance of nutrition education for children and adolescents, noting its critical role in early child development. She called for expanded efforts to implement educational programs aimed at addressing malnutrition at its roots.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away suddenly at age 56 following an illness.

Accompanying her were the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and the wife of the National Security Adviser, Hajia Ribadu. They were received by Mrs. Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff.

During the visit, the First Lady offered words of comfort to the widow, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, and her children. Oluremi Tinubu emphasized faith in God’s timing, noting, “Only the Lord determines when a man dies.”

She encouraged the family to take solace in the legacy left by the late Army Chief.

Addressing the children, Tinubu urged them to remain focused and to pursue the values their father championed throughout his career.

Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who served with distinction as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, left a record of commitment to national service and defense. His passing has prompted a wave of condolences from leaders across the country.

Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has urged his congregation to pray fervently over Nigeria’s ongoing fuel crisis, warning that the nation could be heading toward severe famine if the situation remains unaddressed. Addressing worshippers, Fr. Mbaka expressed deep concern about the ripple effects of the recent fuel price hike, which he said threatens not only transportation costs but also the country’s food supply and overall economic stability.

“Times are difficult, but we cannot lose hope,” Fr. Mbaka began, speaking to a congregation visibly affected by rising costs. “The recent fuel hike doesn’t just mean paying more at the pump. It’s about the rising cost of food, the cost of goods, the impact on farmers, and ultimately, it’s a threat to our very ability to feed ourselves,” he said.

Fr. Mbaka’s comments reflect growing concerns across Nigeria, where families are grappling with higher prices on essential goods and services. He urged his congregation not to rely solely on government interventions but to turn to prayer and collective action to mitigate the challenges.

“We need more prayers,” Fr. Mbaka said, emphasizing the role of faith in confronting the crisis. “Prayers to avert what could be a famine. We need to ask for wisdom for our leaders, resilience for our farmers, and for God to soften the impact of these times on our most vulnerable.”

His appeal comes as Nigerians across the country continue to face the rising cost of living, with many calling for solutions to ease the economic strain on households.

Gunmen have kidnapped Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State. The abduction occurred on Tuesday evening, November 5, 2024, while Fr. Azubuike was returning from a pastoral assignment near the Ayayi community, authorities confirmed.

The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe expressed deep concern over the incident, urging the faithful to offer prayers for the priest’s safe return.

Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor and Secretary of the diocese, issued an official statement informing the public of the abduction. “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6 p.m.,” the statement read. The diocese appealed to the community for prayers, expressing gratitude for the support shown thus far.

The abduction has heightened concerns about security in Imo State, which has seen a rise in criminal activities, including kidnappings and attacks on religious leaders.

The local and wider Catholic community has been shaken by the incident, with many calling for increased efforts to address the growing insecurity in the region.

In response to the kidnapping, the Imo State Police Command, led by Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye, confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Okoye assured the public that law enforcement agencies are actively working to locate and rescue Fr. Azubuike. The police also emphasized their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Diocese of Okigwe, along with community leaders, has called on the government and security forces to intensify efforts to curb the rising violence in Imo State, which has been affecting both religious and civilian populations.

The incident underscores the broader security challenges facing Nigeria, with concerns over the safety of clergy and citizens in the region growing.

While the identities and motives of the kidnappers remain unclear, police are exploring all possible angles, including a connection to the wider insecurity in the country. As Fr. Azubuike’s family, the church, and the public await updates, they continue to pray for his swift and safe return.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States.

In a statement issued through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed optimism about the potential for closer cooperation between Nigeria and the United States under Trump’s renewed leadership.

Tinubu emphasized his eagerness to work alongside the U.S. administration to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two nations in a time marked by complex global challenges and emerging opportunities.

Tinubu highlighted the importance of Nigeria-U.S. relations in an increasingly interconnected world, underscoring the potential for both nations to collaborate on pressing issues affecting global stability and prosperity. “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens,” Tinubu stated, indicating his vision for a robust partnership in areas such as economic growth, security, and social development.

Reflecting on Donald Trump’s previous tenure as the 45th U.S. President from 2017 to 2021, Tinubu noted that Trump’s return to the White House represents an opportunity to revitalize and expand diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and African nations.

Tinubu said Trump’s experience in office could facilitate productive partnerships that are beneficial and reciprocal, enabling African countries to leverage U.S. expertise in areas critical to their development, such as technology, trade, and security.

The Nigerian president also acknowledged the unique influence of the United States on global affairs, noting its central role in shaping international policies and responses to issues ranging from climate change to economic reform.

He expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to guide the international community towards greater peace and prosperity, reiterating the belief that American leadership holds a significant influence on the future course of global events.

Tinubu further commended the American people for their commitment to democracy, describing Trump’s election as a testament to the trust and confidence the U.S. electorate has placed in his leadership.

Tinubu extended his best wishes to Trump, expressing hope that his administration would foster a cooperative spirit that uplifts both nations and the global community.

A middle-aged man named Udeme is feared dead following the collapse of a two-storey building under construction in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, at around 2 p.m., comes just a week after a three-storey building collapsed in the Iriebe area of the same local government, though no casualties were recorded in that case.

According to an eyewitness, Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building caved in while contractors were working on the second floor, killing one of the workers and leaving another severely injured. Obey suggested that the collapse may have been caused by deliberate infractions by the property developer, citing the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices.

“It’s a building collapse. One person is trapped inside the rubble. When we tried to rescue him, we couldn’t. Our investigation revealed that substandard materials were used for the project. The foundation was only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is inadequate. The rods used were of poor quality, and the structure lacked a center beam and a pillar. They also didn’t use enough cement in casting the first decking,” Obey stated.

In response, the Rivers State Government has sealed off the premises of the collapsed building and declared the property developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted in connection with the incident.

During an on-the-spot inspection of the site, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, accused Nwoye of gross negligence and violating the state’s building regulations. Bipi attributed the collapse to the developer’s failure to obtain a government-approved building plan and the use of substandard materials, which led to the tragedy.

The Federal Government has terminated the ₦740 billion contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway due to non-performance.

The decision follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the company to accept the government’s offer of ₦740.79 billion to complete the 82km Section II of the road. Despite the Federal Executive Council approving the necessary funds, Umahi expressed frustration over the company’s failure to mobilize to the site, noting that the delay has caused hardship for road users and negatively impacted the government.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, the contract was terminated after the company’s notice for completion expired on Monday. According to the ministry, while the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is nearing completion, only 27 percent progress has been made on the Abuja-Kaduna section over the past six years.

Two weeks ago, Umahi had also accused Julius Berger of politicizing the project to damage the reputation of the current administration.

The ministry’s statement read in part, “Due to non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work, and refusal to remobilize to the site as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna, and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), effective today, 4th November 2024.”

The ministry added that despite 13 months of negotiations, the company failed to reach an agreement, with Julius Berger allegedly altering the Bills of Quantities and Engineering Measurements and Evaluation in a letter dated 29th October 2024. The company’s failure to attend a meeting with the ministry’s management on 4th November 2024 further led to the contract’s termination.