Nelson Ugwuagbo

Leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun arriving at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja ahead of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for noon today.

Security operatives, including personnel from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Mobile Police, and the military, have barricaded the roads leading to Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, where the APC secretariat is located. Vehicular and human movement on the street has been partially restricted.

As of 9:50 a.m., some party members had arrived, including Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas are expected to attend the meeting.

The APC had earlier held its caucus meeting at the State House on Tuesday, presided over by President Tinubu.

Following the caucus meeting, Chairperson of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma stated that the party remained united, stronger, and committed to supporting the Tinubu administration.

This marks the first NEC meeting under Tinubu’s presidency since he assumed office in May 2023. The meeting, initially scheduled for September 11 and 12, was postponed indefinitely before being rescheduled for today.

The NEC meeting comes amid internal tensions within the party.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, recently accused the party of deviating from its progressive ideals.

El-Rufai, who was nominated for a ministerial position but was not confirmed by the National Assembly, claimed that it was President Tinubu—not lawmakers—who blocked his appointment.

“The president didn’t want me in his cabinet,” El-Rufai said in an interview with Arise Television, his first public statement since his nomination was rejected. “The National Assembly had nothing to do with me.”

Nigeria took a step closer to conducting a national population and housing census with biometric and digital components, nearly two decades after the last census in November 2006.

President Bola Tinubu, during a meeting at the State House on Monday, February 24, 2025, with officials of the National Population Commission (NPC), announced plans to establish a committee to align the census budget with the government’s current financial realities.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, indicated that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) must be part of the review process.

“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems arise without accurate data,” Tinubu said.

The president emphasized his commitment to ensuring accurate and reliable census figures to support development planning and enhance social security measures for Nigerians.

NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra, along with other commission members, briefed the president on preparations for the census. Tinubu highlighted that reliable demographic data would improve government interventions, including fertilizer distribution and other economic incentives.

He also stressed the need for biometric capturing to be central to the process, incorporating multiple identification features such as facial and voice recognition.

“We should ensure our financial capacity is well-structured before approaching development partners for support. This stop-and-go approach to the census cannot continue. We need a clear, definite plan. I will set up a committee to critically assess the financial needs, determine available resources, and explore potential assistance before making any official proclamation,” Tinubu stated.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the importance of census data for national planning and resource allocation.

“At a retreat for ministers in 2023, Mr. President reiterated his commitment to the census. In fact, at the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you asked me about the delay, and I explained it was due to funding challenges,” Bagudu said.

He noted that 40 per cent of the funding for the 2006 census came from development partners and that discussions were ongoing to determine the minimum financial requirement for the exercise.

Bagudu also highlighted collaborative efforts between key agencies, including the NPC, NIMC, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Digital Economy, and other institutions, to optimize available data sources for the government.

In his remarks, NPC Chairman Kwarra emphasized the urgent need for a new census, stating that the 19-year-old data from 2006 was no longer adequate for effective planning.

He disclosed that 760,000 tablets had been acquired and stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in preparation for the exercise, adding that the commission would engage development partners for additional support once President Tinubu formally proclaimed the census.

Nigeria and Belgium are set to strengthen their economic ties to boost food security, according to Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

In a statement released by Mr. Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, it was revealed that Edun and Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, met to discuss potential collaboration in agriculture and food security.

During the meeting, Edun highlighted Nigeria’s improving economy, noting the decline in inflation, price stability, and increased savings in the federation account. He also emphasized the government’s ongoing support for farmers through sustainable policies aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.

Edun reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to essential macroeconomic reforms to strengthen the nation’s economy.

Leenknegt, in his remarks, expressed Belgium’s interest in deepening economic relations with Nigeria for mutual benefit. He described the meeting as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties and affirmed that both countries would continue to explore opportunities for cooperation.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23-year-old Gbolahan Adebayo for allegedly beating his 25-year-old girlfriend to death at Ijedodo, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The incident occurred on Friday when the deceased, a regular visitor to Adebayo’s home, was reportedly heard screaming for help around midnight. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told PUNCH Metro that the screams continued intermittently for about an hour, before abruptly stopping. The resident further stated that at dawn, Adebayo raised the alarm after discovering his girlfriend was unresponsive following the assault.

“The girl was a regular visitor to the suspect’s home and came around as usual on Friday night. But when it was about 2 am, neighbours started hearing someone screaming and later discovered it was the suspect who was beating her girlfriend in his room. The screaming lasted at intervals for about an hour. After that, the screaming stopped. It was in the morning that the boyfriend started shouting for help,” the resident said.

The incident was reported to the Isheri-Oshun Police Division by a neighbor on Sunday. According to a police source, the girlfriend was initially rushed to the hospital, where she was later confirmed dead due to the injuries sustained. A team of detectives was deployed to the scene for further investigation.

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident, stating that visible marks of violence were found on the deceased’s body. Her corpse was taken to the morgue for autopsy.

“A neighbour reported at Isheri-Oshun Division that on 21/02/25 at about 2 am, he saw his neighbour, Gbolahan Adebayo, beating his girlfriend in his home for an undetermined reason. At about 7 am, Adebayo reportedly screamed for help, and when the neighbours arrived, they found the girlfriend unconscious on the bed. She was taken to a hospital in Ijegun, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” Hundeyin said.

He added that Adebayo was arrested and that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly has demanded the immediate release of three staff members detained by the Department of State Services (DSS). The Assembly is calling for urgent intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The three employees were reportedly arrested last Friday following an incident at the Assembly complex earlier in the week. DSS operatives allegedly entered the premises on Monday, claiming to be acting on an invitation, before detaining the staff for questioning.

At a press briefing on Monday, Babatunde Ogunlana, Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Lagos Chapter, condemned the arrests, describing them as unjust. He urged the Director-General of the DSS, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the NLC, and other relevant authorities to act swiftly.

“We call on the Director-General of the DSS, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the NLC, and all relevant authorities to intervene immediately. We will not back down until our colleagues are released,” Ogunlana stated, warning that PASAN would escalate its actions if the staff members were not freed.

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize the late Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents.

Speaking to Senate correspondents before plenary on Tuesday, Kalu urged that Abiola’s portrait be placed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa. His call follows revelations in the recently released memoir of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), who admitted that Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously,” Kalu stated.

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring a national honor on Abiola but stressed that further recognition was necessary.

“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honor, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succor to his family,” he added.

On Babangida’s memoir, Kalu described it as incomplete and urged the former military leader to release a second volume addressing unanswered questions about the annulment of the June 12 election.

“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration,” he said.

Addressing historical narratives, Kalu dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was an ethnic conspiracy, stating that it was “not an Igbo coup, but a Nigerian coup, executed by the military.”

Beyond June 12, the senator also subtly launched a campaign for President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. When asked about the next presidential election, he responded confidently: “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”

Kalu, who is known for wearing white traditional attire, appeared in a burgundy-colored outfit, which he said symbolized continuity. “This is continuity; it means Asiwaju, continue,” he declared.

He further urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s reform agenda, asserting that history had shown even presidents with perceived underperformance had secured second terms.

“We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the reform process. We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside our party; we are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting president,” Kalu stated.

“The good news is that we will win again in 2027. The president will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. That is inevitable,” he concluded.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided a N50 million grant to the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, to support 1,000 women petty traders in the state.

The grant, issued under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was presented in a symbolic cheque at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre on Monday. Senator Tinubu directed that each beneficiary receive N50,000 to help recapitalize their businesses.

In addition to the grant, the First Lady launched the distribution of 10,000 professional kits for midwives across the North-West states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The kits, consisting of 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of Crocs, were donated by an anonymous global donor and handed over to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for distribution.

Senator Tinubu emphasized that the initiative complements the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. She assured that all six geopolitical zones would benefit from similar distributions, noting that the North-Central zone received its allocation in January, while the South-South would be next.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) recognizes the essential role of midwives and the need to provide them with proper tools to enhance their work,” she stated.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, commended the First Lady for her support, describing the distribution of professional kits as a demonstration of her commitment to the welfare of Nigerian women, particularly in underserved communities.

He highlighted maternal mortality as a pressing challenge, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access, and stressed the importance of equipping midwives with proper gear to ensure hygiene and infection control.

Governor Sani also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to improving healthcare services, disclosing that the government had recruited 100 ad-hoc midwives and was upgrading 290 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) with state-of-the-art equipment. An additional 255 PHCs are set for upgrades this year, with construction ongoing for 143 facilities.

The First Lady’s initiatives, he noted, would further strengthen healthcare delivery and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been inaugurated as the governor of Ondo State, marking the start of his first full four-year term following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in 2023.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa secured victory in the governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aiyedatiwa took the oath of office at 12:59 p.m., shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami. Following the ceremony, the governor toured the venue in an open van, acknowledging cheers from supporters.

In his inaugural address, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to governance and development, pledging to prioritize the welfare of residents, particularly vulnerable groups.

“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars,” he said.

“I and my deputy make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state. We will prioritize the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us—the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.”

Aiyedatiwa also outlined economic development plans for the state, emphasizing efforts to attract investment.

“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality,” he said.

“We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposit of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue for the state.”

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Shaikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi, has stated that Nigeria remains in need of visionary leaders who prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal wealth accumulation.

Gumi made the remarks during an award presentation organized by the Sultan Bello Primary School Old Pupils Association (SUBOPA) in honor of two members, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) and Brigadier General Abdulkadir Gumi (Rtd), who recently received government appointments.

Major General Jibrin was appointed Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire Service, and Immigration Board (CDCFIB) by the Federal Government, while Brigadier General Gumi was named Chairman of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund Board.

Speaking at the event, Gumi described Jibrin as a hardworking and disciplined officer, emphasizing the need for leaders with commitment and patriotism.

“Nigeria is still searching for great leaders to move this country forward. We need well-trained and well-mannered individuals who genuinely want to assist others, not just themselves. Leadership should be entrusted to those with good character and selflessness, not those who only think of themselves and their families,” he said.

He also expressed concerns over the impact of insecurity on states like Zamfara, citing its effects on education and community stability.

Gumi commended the Zamfara State Government for appointing Brigadier General Gumi to the Security Trust Fund Board, urging Nigerians to contribute to national development.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, General Jibrin dedicated the recognition to all members of SUBOPA, expressing gratitude for their support.

SUBOPA President Mohammad Babayo Hassan described the appointments as a reflection of the values and excellence instilled in their alma mater, emphasizing that the achievements of their members serve as an inspiration to others.