Author

Nelson Ugwuagbo

Bala Wunti
Headlines

Bala Wunti Seeking Governorship To Buy Immunity Against Alleged N210 Trillion NNPC Scandal – Bauchi Youth 19 Group “Yan Shatara”

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
The Bauchi Youth 19 Group “Yan Shatara” led by Comrade Jaafar Saleh has alleged that Bala Wunti the Governorship candidate, is standing for Governor to gain immunity for standing trial in the reported ₦210 trillion financial scandal surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), he stated that any individual linked to such controversy lacks the moral standing to aspire for the office of Governor of Bauchi State.
The group specifically accused Bala Wunti of attempting to use political ambition as a shield from accountability, insisting that public office must never become a refuge for individuals facing serious allegations and public scrutiny.
According to the group in a statement signed by Comrade Jaafar Saleh on behalf of the group, it said Bauchi State deserves transparent, credible, and people-oriented leadership, not individuals whose public image is overshadowed by unresolved financial controversies and allegations of abuse of public trust.
“It is deeply troubling that at a time when Nigerians are demanding accountability and transparency in governance, certain individuals believe political power can be used to escape scrutiny. Those who come to equity must come with clean hands,” the statement read.
The group therefore called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee to thoroughly scrutinize all aspirants and immediately disqualify anyone whose integrity and public record fall below acceptable standards.
“We urge the APC screening committee not to sacrifice the integrity of the party and the future of Bauchi State on the altar of political convenience. Anyone associated with allegations of monumental financial scandal should not be entrusted with the mandate to govern millions of people,” the group added.
The Bauchi Youth 19 Group “Yan Shatara” further urged youths, civil society groups, and political stakeholders across Bauchi State to remain vigilant and reject any attempt to impose leadership tainted by controversy, corruption allegations, or self-interest.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for accountable governance, youth inclusion, transparency, and leadership built on integrity and service to the people.
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House of Reps
Headlines

House of Reps Approve Tinubu $516 Million Dollars Loan

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The House of Representatives has approved a request by Bola Tinubu to secure a $516,333,007 syndicated loan from Deutsche Bank AG for infrastructure development.

The approval was granted on Tuesday during plenary in Abuja following the presentation of a report by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Abdullahi Rasheed.

The proposed loan is expected to fund key sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a major project under the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure agenda aimed at enhancing connectivity across strategic regions of the country.

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Oyo State Schools
Headlines

Oyo Teachers Lament Terrible State of Public Schools Infrastructure

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Teachers across Oyo State have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of public school infrastructure as academic activities resume this week.
Several teachers who spoke with reporters lamented that many schools remain in a dilapidated state, posing challenges to effective teaching and learning. Investigations revealed widespread damage across numerous institutions, with buildings affected by recent heavy rainfall that wreaked havoc in parts of the state.
Affected schools were found to have blown-off roofs, collapsed classroom walls, damaged ceilings, and destroyed food vendor sheds. The situation is reportedly more severe in the Ogbomoso axis, where many schools were heavily impacted.
Among the affected institutions are Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, Laogun Adeoye Memorial High School, Muslim Comprehensive High School, Molete Community High School, and Methodist Secondary Grammar School. Others include Baptist Grammar School Sunsun, Baptist Comprehensive High School, Muslim Grammar School, Ogbomosho Baptist High School, Government Technical College, and Millennium Model Secondary High School.
Teachers expressed frustration that, despite the extent of the destruction—estimated to be worth millions of naira—repairs have yet to be carried out by the relevant authorities as of the time of filing this report.
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Hamzat and Sanwo-Olu
Headlines

Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat as Successor

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The governor made the announcement following a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House in Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship. The meeting was attended by members of the State Executive Council and key party stakeholders.
Also present were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, among others.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision by stakeholders, stating that Hamzat is well-qualified to lead the state.
According to the governor, Hamzat demonstrated readiness and competence, noting that he possesses a deep understanding of governance in Lagos State.
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Opposition Leaders
Headlines

Opposition Parties To Field One Presidential Candidate in 2027 Elections

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Major Opposition political parties have agreed to present a single consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following a high-level summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, where party leaders adopted what they termed the “Ibadan Declaration.” In the document, the opposition accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fostering what they described as an “oppressive and anti-democratic” political environment.
The declaration stated that despite alleged efforts by the APC to position Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate in the 2027 race, opposition parties remain committed to participating fully in the elections at all levels.
“We shall field candidates and contest the 2027 presidential and other elections,” the communiqué read, adding that parties would collaborate closely to ensure unity.
A key resolution from the summit was the commitment to work toward presenting a single presidential candidate, mutually agreed upon and supported by all participating opposition groups.
The summit, held in Ibadan, drew prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Also in attendance were members of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
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Israeli Ambassador
Headlines

Envoy Sets Agenda to Boost Nigeria-Israel Trade Ties

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Amb. Nkechi  Ufochukwu, has said efforts are underway to deepen the trade agreement between Nigeria and Israel as part of a broader plan to boost bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
Speaking over the weekend in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria-Israel Business Forum (NIBF) the envoy said strengthening trade ties between both countries remains a top priority of her diplomatic agenda.
“My main point and plan is to strengthen the trade agreement between the two countries, to strengthen bilateral trade agreement between the two countries,” she said.
Nkechi Ufochukwu receives recognition
Ufochukwu noted that beyond trade, her focus would include promoting Nigeria’s culture, agriculture, and investments, as well as facilitating training in cybersecurity and information technology.
She assured stakeholders of her commitment to delivering on her mandate and working collaboratively with partners to achieve results.
“I will put in my best in what is required of me to do the work which has been given to me, let us keep communication open and get the work done.”she said
Stakeholders at the forum stressed the need for Nigeria to address structural challenges hindering business growth, drawing comparisons with Israel’s innovation-driven economy.
A member of the forum, Pastor Henry Opara, emphasised the need for formal bilateral agreements, noting that existing engagements are largely informal and driven by individual relationships.
“What we have now is more of person-to-person business relationships, which is not ideal. With proper bilateral agreements, it becomes government-to-government engagement guided by laid-down rules,” he said.
Opara added that although some Nigerian businesses already partner with Israeli firms in areas such as security and technology, formalising these relationships would yield greater benefits.
Also speaking, a member of the forum Mr. Oseagha Solomon described Israel as a country that enables growth through clear regulations, reliable power supply, and strong institutional trust, while noting that Nigeria’s environment, though high in potential, is weighed down by operational challenges.
“Nigeria is a high-potential but high-friction environment. Entrepreneurs battle unstable power, policy inconsistencies, foreign exchange volatility, and costly financing,” he said.
Mr Solomon Oseagha

Mr Oseagah Solomon

Oseagha urged policymakers to prioritise innovation, invest in research and development, and ensure policy consistency, including stable foreign exchange and enforcement of regulations.
Osuji highlighted key Israeli exhibitions such as Agritech and Israel Food, noting Nigeria’s successful debut pavilion led by former Agriculture Minister Akinwumi Adesina, which attracted international business deals.
She pointed to additional opportunities in security and cyber technology conferences, urging Nigeria to actively participate for knowledge transfer and innovation.
National Cordinator
Osuji also called for sustained support for NIBF, stressing that the body currently lacks a functional office and secretariat despite its strategic role in Nigeria-Israel relations.
She recounted securing a medical training agreement with an Israeli hospital for Nigerian doctors, but lamented lack of follow-through from Nigeria’s Ministry of Health.
Osuji concluded with an appeal for practical implementation of bilateral agreements, stressing that NIBF remains ready to facilitate trade, training and cooperation initiatives.
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Flutterwave
Headlines

FG to Invest $75m in Flutterwave IPO

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $75 million government investment in Flutterwave, in a move seen as a major boost ahead of the firm’s planned $250 million initial public offering (IPO).

The investment will be executed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), with sources indicating that the deal is nearing completion following months of negotiations between the fintech company and federal authorities.

Officials reportedly conducted extensive due diligence before granting approval, engaging global auditing firms to review Flutterwave’s financial records and operations to ensure transparency and strengthen investor confidence.

Analysts say the development signals strong government backing for Nigeria’s expanding technology sector and could encourage greater participation from both local and international investors in high-growth ventures.

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Boko Haram
Headlines

Boko Haram Issues 72 Hour Warning to FG, Threaten to Kill 416 Captives

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, demanding action over 416 captives reportedly in its custody.

The group said the victims were abducted in Borno State and reiterated its demand for ransom in exchange for their release.

In a video circulating on social media, a masked spokesperson speaking in Hausa warned that failure to comply within the deadline would result in the killing of many of the captives, including women and children.

The insurgent group claimed it is holding 416 individuals and stressed that urgent steps must be taken before the ultimatum expires.

Addressing both the government and the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), the spokesman said the message, dated April 19, 2026, was their “first and last warning.”

“We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu,” the spokesman said. “We give you 72 hours. If you do not meet our demands, we will distribute the women and children to different locations. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. Do not exceed the given time.”

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Julius Malema
Africa & World

South Africa Jails Opposition Leader Julius Malema on Gun Charges

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A South African court on Thursday sentenced Julius Malema, leader of the left-wing opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), to five years in prison for discharging an assault rifle at a political rally eight years ago.

Hundreds of EFF supporters, many dressed in the party’s signature red attire, gathered outside the court during the sentencing in what has been a highly charged political case.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Malema had knowingly violated firearm laws when he fired the weapon into the air at a 2018 rally.

“It wasn’t an impulsive act,” Olivier said. “It was the event of the evening.”

Malema’s legal team argued that the gunfire was intended as a celebratory gesture. Prosecutors, however, had pushed for the maximum sentence of 15 years after he was found guilty in October.

The defence has indicated it will appeal the ruling.

The case was brought by AfriForum, a small conservative advocacy group that has frequently clashed with Malema, including over his use of the anti-apartheid chant “Kill the Boer,” which refers to South Africa’s white Afrikaner community.

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El Rufai
Headlines

JUST IN: Court Grants Bail to Nasir El-Rufai

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A Federal High Court of Nigeria has granted bail to Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, following his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, who also previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is currently standing trial over allegations of corrupt practices during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

Further details regarding the bail conditions and the ongoing legal proceedings have yet to be disclosed.

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