Nigeria News (Standard)
Yoruba Group Faults South-West Governors Over Oyo School Abductions, Demands Security Overhaul
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America says rising kidnappings expose failures in intelligence and security coordination across region
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America says rising kidnappings expose failures in intelligence and security coordination across region
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America has criticised South-West governors for what it described as lapses in tackling insecurity, following the abduction of primary school pupils in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The group made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday, urging urgent reforms to the security architecture across the zone.
The abduction incident, which occurred recently in Ogbomoso, has drawn condemnation from various quarters. According to the National President of Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, Dr. Ayodeji Famuyide, the kidnapping of schoolchildren highlights glaring weaknesses in governance and intelligence gathering. Famuyide said the development has heightened fear among residents and raised doubts about the authorities’ ability to safeguard citizens, especially vulnerable children within educational institutions.
Yorubaland has long been regarded as a centre for educational excellence and peaceful coexistence, but stakeholders say increasing attacks threaten this legacy. Dr. Famuyide lamented that the region is now exposed to criminal activities that instil fear and disrupt daily life for communities. He stated: “The present situation demands an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of our security system to stem kidnappings and violent crimes.”
The group called on state governments in the South-West geopolitical zone to prioritise improved intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration between local security outfits and federal agencies. While no official response had been issued by any South-West governor as at press time, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America maintained that proactive measures are critical to restoring public confidence.
With incidents of banditry and abductions on the rise nationwide, analysts say effective response from both state and federal authorities will be essential to curbing insecurity and ensuring safe learning environments across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Folmus to Host Four-Team Wheelchair Basketball Invitational in Lagos, Promotes Disability Sports
Tournament expected to boost wheelchair basketball visibility; organisers target improved inclusion for athletes with disabilities
Tournament expected to boost wheelchair basketball visibility; organisers target improved inclusion for athletes with disabilities
Folmus, a local sports development organisation, has announced plans to host a four-team wheelchair basketball invitational tournament in Lagos. The event is scheduled to take place within the city, with the aim of promoting disability sports and providing more competitive opportunities for wheelchair basketball athletes in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, preparations are underway to ensure a successful tournament that will bring together teams from across the country. The invitational will feature four selected teams who will compete for honours, with matches expected to hold at a designated sports centre in Lagos. Details regarding participating teams and exact fixtures are yet to be released by Folmus as at Thursday.
Stakeholders say this initiative is coming at a crucial time for disability sports in Nigeria, where athletes living with disabilities often face limited access to quality competitions and training facilities. The tournament is designed not only to showcase sporting talent but also to raise awareness about the challenges and achievements of wheelchair basketball players in the country.
Organisers expressed hope that the event would attract attention from both government officials and private sector sponsors. “We believe that this competition will help draw more support for disability sports and highlight the potential of our athletes,” a Folmus representative said in a statement on Thursday. The group also called on Lagos State authorities and corporate organisations to collaborate in promoting inclusive sporting events.
The tournament is expected to become an annual fixture, with organisers planning to expand participation in future editions. Stakeholders anticipate that increased visibility could lead to more investment in wheelchair basketball infrastructure and inspire greater participation among persons living with disabilities across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Orders Arrest of Ex-NNPC Boss Mele Kyari Over ₦210trn Audit Query
Lawmakers reject plea for delay as Kyari fails to appear over allegations of unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023
Lawmakers reject plea for delay as Kyari fails to appear over allegations of unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, sitting in Abuja, has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, after he failed to honour multiple invitations regarding alleged unaccounted funds totalling ₦210 trillion from 2017 to 2023. The decision was reached on Wednesday after Kyari’s repeated absence from committee hearings investigating queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on NNPCL’s financial records.
Proceedings at the National Assembly saw senators debating how to proceed, with Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) urging colleagues to grant Kyari another opportunity, citing reports that he was receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, other committee members insisted that the investigation could not be stalled further, noting that no formal medical documentation had been provided to justify his absence.
The probe follows concerns over discrepancies flagged by federal auditors, which have drawn public attention given Nigeria’s reliance on oil sector revenue amid economic challenges. Former Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL, Umar Ajiya Isa, appeared before the committee and dismissed claims that funds were missing, describing the ₦210 trillion figure as misleading relative to actual company earnings for the period under review.
Deputy Chairman Peter Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) said it was “the ninth time this committee is meeting” on queries against NNPCL. He warned that further delay would undermine the credibility of Senate oversight functions. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that only documented excuses should be accepted, while Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) formally moved for Kyari’s arrest. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) backed enforcement action, stating that “the law must be effective when it catches the lion, not only when it catches the rabbit.”
Following a voice vote, Committee Chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North) ruled that a warrant be issued for Kyari’s arrest and production before the panel. The Senate is expected to continue its probe into NNPCL’s finances as lawmakers seek answers on audit concerns highlighted by federal authorities.
Source: https://punchng.com/senate-orders-arrest-of-ex-nnpc-boss-kyari-over-n210tn-query/
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Chair Olukoyede Reveals Governorship Aspirants Spent ₦30bn on Primaries in Kwara
Anti-graft agency plans drone deployment for 2027 polls as high campaign spending sparks corruption concerns
Anti-graft agency plans drone deployment for 2027 polls as high campaign spending sparks corruption concerns
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that some governorship aspirants in Nigeria spent between ₦20 billion and ₦30 billion during party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. Olukoyede made this revelation on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Speaking at the inaugural guest speakers’ series organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Olukoyede warned that such high expenditure poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and encourages corruption among public officials. He noted that many politicians who invest vast sums in their campaigns are likely to divert public funds once in office, as they try to recoup their financial outlay.
Olukoyede stressed that the commercialisation of votes undermines good governance by compromising the political recruitment process. “Leaders who buy their way into office are more likely to focus on recovering their investments rather than serving the public interest,” he said. The EFCC chairman also highlighted that his agency has already made several arrests and secured convictions related to vote-buying and electoral offences, including politicians, electoral officials, and other individuals involved.
He further cautioned that impunity in electoral processes could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system. According to Olukoyede, there must be no sacred cows in enforcing electoral laws if credible elections are to be achieved. He announced that the EFCC is set to deploy drones and other technological tools during the 2027 general elections to improve monitoring of polling units and curb financial inducements.
Olukoyede called on political parties and all stakeholders to commit themselves to transparent election practices. As Nigeria prepares for the next election cycle, his remarks have reignited debate about campaign finance regulation and its impact on governance.
Source: https://punchng.com/2027-gov-aspirants-spent-n30bn-on-primaries-efcc-chair/
Pele Tops BBC Sport’s World Cup Legends List as Messi and Maradona Make Top Four
Folmus to Host Four-Team Wheelchair Basketball Invitational in Lagos, Promotes Disability Sports
Super Eagles Coach Laments Osimhen’s Absence Ahead of Clash With Ronaldo’s Portugal
Bet of the Day: No Key Fixture Results or Predictions Reported for Nigerian Fans
Gọvanmentị Federal Kwupụtara Malite Iwu Ọhụrụ Maka Ụlọ Ọrụ Pulisi Steeti N’ime Ụsọ Nigeria
Naira Meriri Euro N’ahịa FX, Oge Tọzdee, Ọnụ Ego Dara Ruo ₦1,582/€1
Gọvanmentị Federal Kwupụtara Atụmatụ Iweghachite Ndị Nigeria 1,000 Site South Africa N’ihi Mmekpa Nchebe Ndị Ọbịbịa
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nchịkwa Ọlụ Nsogbu Kwupụtara Mmegharị Ndụmọdụ Na Nyocha Ụzọ N’ụzọ Oyo Steeti
Google Kwupụtara Nkwekọrịta $30bn Na SpaceX Maka Ịrụ Ọrụ Kọmpụta AI
Ndị 10 Obodo Kwupụtara Mmezi Usoro Nbata Maka Ndị Nigeria Na Afọ 2026
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
Borno State Records 74 Deaths as Cholera Outbreak Overwhelms Health Facilities
Ụlọ akụ Nigeria Welie Ogo Ego Naira Maka Ịkwụ Ụgwọ Mba Ọzọ N’ihi Ndokwa N’ahịa Ego Mpụga
