KHARTOUM, Sudan — August 31, 2026: Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan, Yakubu Nyaku Danladi, has formally presented his letters of credence to the President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, General Abdalfattah Al-Burhan Abdalrahman, marking the beginning of his diplomatic assignment in the country. The ceremony was held at the Republican Palace in Khartoum and was followed by bilateral discussions between Ambassador Danladi and the Sudanese leader. During the engagement, Danladi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining and deepening the longstanding friendship and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Sudan. The Nigerian envoy also reiterated Nigeria’s support for the peace, stability and sovereignty of Sudan, while advocating for an inclusive national dialogue as a viable pathway toward ending the ongoing hostilities in the country. Ambassador Danladi pledged to work toward expanding cooperation between Nigeria and Sudan across ...

Abuja, August 31, 2026  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has raised Nigeria’s concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa before the African Union (AU), calling for urgent collective action to address the situation. The President urged African leaders to strengthen efforts to protect African nationals living and conducting legitimate businesses across the continent, stressing the need for African solidarity and mutual respect among member states. Tinubu also called for the issue of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa to be placed on the agenda of the African Union Summit scheduled for January 2027, where leaders can deliberate on concrete measures to prevent further attacks and safeguard the rights and welfare of African citizens. The development comes amid renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, with calls growing for stronger dip...

August 30, 2026 The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, has increased by about nine per cent to ₦1,310 per litre in parts of Nigeria, despite a decline in international crude oil prices. According to a report by Vanguard, crude oil prices fell by about five per cent, from $92 to $87.31 per barrel, while the domestic pump price of petrol moved in the opposite direction, rising from ₦1,205 to ₦1,310 per litre. Checks showed that MRS, a major downstream petroleum marketer, adjusted its retail price to ₦1,310 per litre in Lagos and surrounding areas. Other marketers were reportedly selling petrol between ₦1,315 and above ₦1,400 per litre. The development has raised questions about the relationship between international crude oil prices and petrol prices in Nigeria, as domestic fuel prices increasingly appear to be influenced by factors beyond the cost of crude. Depot prices also remained elevated. Data from the Daily Depot Price Intelligence Report s...

Minna, Niger State — August 29, 2026:  The Niger State Government on Saturday received the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who paid a working visit to the state as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and address ongoing security challenges. The IGP was received by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, who represented the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago. The visit was aimed at enabling the Inspector-General to obtain first-hand information on the security situation and operational activities of the Nigeria Police Force in Niger State, engage relevant stakeholders and review strategies for improving peace and security across the state. Speaking during the visit, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities. He stressed the need for sustai...

EXCLUSIVE | August 29, 2026 A series of major and disturbing developments dominated the news, ranging from an alleged case involving a man who was deceived into selling his kidney to the rescue of Colombian women reportedly held captive, while health authorities also monitor a reported diphtheria outbreak in Katsina State. Friend Allegedly Deceives Man Into Selling Kidney A man has reportedly been deceived by a friend into selling one of his kidneys, in a disturbing case that has raised concerns over illegal organ trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction and determine whether criminal offences were committed. Police Rescue Colombian Women Held Captive Police operatives have reportedly rescued Colombian women who were allegedly held captive. The rescue has raised concerns about human trafficking, unlawful detention and the exploitation of foreign nationals. Invest...

ABUJA — August 29, 2026  Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Angola to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the African Union (AU) summit, where African leaders are expected to deliberate on peace, security and conflict resolution across the continent. Shettima’s participation at the summit underscores Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening regional stability and promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts affecting African countries. The summit in Angola is expected to provide an important platform for leaders and representatives from across the continent to discuss strategies for addressing armed conflicts, insecurity and other challenges threatening peace and development in Africa. Representing President Tinubu, the Vice President is expected to convey Nigeria’s position on continental peace initiatives while engaging with other African leaders on measures aimed at preventing conflicts and strengthening cooperation among membe...

ABUJA | AUGUST 28, 2026 The Federal Government has opened the 2026 Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Prize, an annual academic competition with a total prize fund of ₦365 million aimed at recognising outstanding research, innovation and academic excellence among students of Nigerian tertiary institutions. The initiative is designed to encourage high-quality research and reward exceptional academic work capable of contributing to Nigeria’s development. How Students Can Win The prize structure includes three major Star Prizes: Undergraduate Star Prize — ₦35 million Master’s Star Prize — ₦50 million Doctoral Star Prize — ₦100 million In addition, 15 Thematic Excellence Prizes, each worth ₦12 million, will be awarded to outstanding entries in designated areas. Who Can Participate? The programme is open to eligible students and researchers from accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and other rec...

Kebbi State — August 28, 2026 Nigerian troops have rescued a kidnapped woman after successfully disrupting a planned ransom exchange involving terrorists in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, who acted on intelligence regarding the planned handover of ransom money for the abducted victim. According to reports, the troops moved to intercept the exchange, prompting the terrorists to flee into the surrounding area and abandon the woman in their custody. The rescued victim was subsequently taken to safety and is expected to receive necessary medical and psychological support following her ordeal. The successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to disrupt terrorist and kidnapping networks, particularly their attempts to generate funds through ransom payments. Security forces have continued to intensify operations across Kebbi and other parts of the Nor...

Abuja, August 27, 2026  The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence supporting his allegation that some police officers stationed at checkpoints collude with kidnappers and bandits. The invitation follows claims made by the activist concerning alleged misconduct and collaboration between some security personnel and criminal elements operating around police checkpoints. The Police said VeryDarkMan is expected to provide relevant information and evidence that could assist authorities in investigating the allegations and determining their veracity. The development has attracted public attention, particularly amid growing concerns over kidnapping, banditry and the conduct of security personnel across parts of the country. The Force is expected to examine any evidence presented and take appropriate action if the allegations are established. The invitation also underscores the importance of backi...

ABUJA — August 27, 2026 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to intensify efforts to curb gas flaring, expand the domestic utilisation of Nigeria’s gas resources and ensure that Nigerians derive greater economic benefits from the country’s vast gas reserves. The President stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond exporting its natural resources and place greater emphasis on using gas to drive domestic industrialisation, generate employment and strengthen the national economy. Tinubu called on the NLNG and other stakeholders in the gas sector to pursue initiatives that would increase the availability of gas for power generation, manufacturing and other productive activities across the country. He also emphasised the importance of reducing gas flaring, describing the wasteful practice as a missed economic opportunity and an environmental concern. According to the President, Nigeria’s abundant gas resources should be strategically developed t...

NEPAL — August 27, 2026 Experts have shed light on the factors behind Nepal’s devastating floods and landslides, pointing to the country’s extreme mountainous terrain, intense rainfall, glacial hazards and the growing impact of climate change. Nepal’s rugged topography makes many communities particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Steep mountain slopes can rapidly channel large volumes of water downstream, increasing the speed and destructive force of floods. Experts also highlight Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) as a major threat in the Himalayan region. These occur when water stored behind a glacial lake’s natural dam is suddenly released, sending powerful torrents downstream and potentially sweeping away roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Climate change is adding another layer of concern. Rising temperatures are contributing to the rapid retreat of glaciers and changes in precipitation patterns, increasing the risks associated with unstable ...

NEPAL — August 27, 2026 Desperate families are continuing a frantic search for missing relatives following devastating floods along the Nepal–Tibet border, with the disaster reportedly claiming at least 165 lives . The severe flooding has left communities devastated, while families remain anxious and uncertain about the fate of relatives who have yet to be located. Rescue teams and authorities are working to search affected areas and assist survivors as the scale of the disaster continues to emerge. The flooding has caused widespread destruction, disrupting communities and leaving many families searching for information about their loved ones. For relatives waiting for news, the search has become a race against time, as emergency responders continue efforts to locate missing people and provide assistance to those affected. Authorities and rescue workers are expected to continue search-and-rescue operations while assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the floods. ...

ABUJA — August 27, 2026 Nigeria and Thailand are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations, with agriculture, technology and renewable energy emerging as key areas of cooperation between both countries. The two nations are reviewing their bilateral ties with a focus on expanding economic and development partnerships that could create new opportunities for investment, trade, innovation and knowledge exchange. Agriculture remains a major area of interest, as Nigeria seeks to improve food production, agricultural processing and value addition, while Thailand brings experience in modern farming, agro-processing and agricultural technology. Both countries are also exploring stronger collaboration in technology and innovation, with potential opportunities in digital transformation, skills development, research and knowledge transfer. Renewable energy is another important area under consideration, particularly as Nigeria continues efforts to expand electricity access and promote c...

August 27, 2026 Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Federal Government to investigate his record in office and prosecute him if it has credible evidence of any wrongdoing. Atiku made the challenge amid ongoing political debates and allegations concerning the conduct of public officials and the management of government affairs. The former Vice President maintained that if the government possesses evidence linking him to any criminal or administrative offence committed while in office, the appropriate authorities should investigate the matter and take legal action. His position places the emphasis on evidence and due process, rather than political allegations, as he called on the government to demonstrate any wrongdoing through a proper investigation. The statement is expected to further intensify political discussions surrounding accountability, transparency and the conduct of former public officials in Nigeria. Atiku, a prominent opposition figure and fo...

August 27, 2026 At least 160 people have died while 647 others remain missing following catastrophic flooding that has devastated parts of Nepal and Tibet , leaving communities badly affected and disrupting major pilgrimage routes. The disaster has triggered extensive search-and-rescue operations as emergency teams race against time to locate missing people and provide assistance to those stranded by the floods. Several communities have reportedly been overwhelmed by floodwaters, with homes, roads and other infrastructure affected. The destruction has also disrupted access to important pilgrimage destinations, raising concerns about the safety of residents and travellers in the affected areas. Rescue authorities and emergency personnel are continuing efforts to reach isolated communities and establish the whereabouts of those reported missing. The high number of missing persons has heightened fears that the death toll could rise as rescue teams gain access to areas cut off...

Accra, Ghana — August 27, 2026: The Ghanaian government has reportedly rejected a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana intended to support victims affected by recent xenophobic attacks. The government explained that it had already committed public funds to the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaian citizens affected by the incidents, making the proposed donation unnecessary for that purpose. The decision comes amid heightened concerns over the welfare of citizens affected by xenophobic violence and the broader implications of attacks targeting foreign nationals. Authorities said government resources had been deployed to facilitate the safe evacuation of affected Ghanaians and assist them as they returned and reintegrated into their communities. The rejection of MTN Ghana’s proposed financial support has sparked public discussion, with attention now focused on how businesses and other stakeholders can contribute to addressing the humanitarian and social consequen...

Abuja — August 27, 2026 The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of electric vehicles to civil servants as part of its broader efforts to promote cleaner energy, reduce transportation costs and encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly mobility solutions across the country. The initiative is expected to provide civil servants with access to more affordable and sustainable transportation while supporting the government’s transition towards cleaner sources of energy. The distribution of the electric vehicles is also aimed at reducing dependence on conventional petrol-powered vehicles, which have continued to impose significant transportation costs on workers amid changing energy prices. Government officials said the programme forms part of ongoing measures to promote the use of electric mobility and support Nigeria’s clean-energy transition. The move is expected to generate wider interest in electric vehicles among Nigerians and potentially encourage gre...

ABUJA, August 25, 2026 — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on Nigerian Muslims to use the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration to promote peace, compassion, unity and peaceful coexistence across the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her message marking the celebration, urged Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly his virtues of compassion, tolerance, humility and concern for others. She emphasized the importance of extending kindness and understanding to people of different backgrounds, noting that the values associated with the Prophet’s teachings remain relevant to Nigeria’s quest for peace and national unity. The senator encouraged Nigerians to reject hatred, division and intolerance, stressing that peaceful coexistence is essential to building a stronger and more prosperous nation. She also urged Muslim faithful to use the celebration as an opportunity to pray for Nigeria and demonstrate the values of love, gener...

RIVERS STATE — August 25, 2026 Several lawyers were spotted taking photographs and recording videos with controversial social media personality VeryDarkMan at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference 2026 in Rivers State. The development came despite earlier reports that some individuals had protested against his presence at the conference, with some reportedly expressing opposition to seeing him at the event. However, scenes at the ongoing conference appeared to present a different picture, as a number of lawyers were seen approaching VeryDarkMan for photographs and videos. The interactions have attracted attention among attendees and online observers, particularly because of the apparent contrast between the earlier protest and the reception VeryDarkMan received from some members of the legal profession. The NBA Annual General Conference brings together lawyers from across Nigeria for professional discussions, networking and other a...

ABUJA, August 25, 2026 — An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has warned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy could plunge Nigeria back into an era of corruption, fraud and diversion of public funds. The APC figure argued that the subsidy regime had historically created opportunities for financial leakages, manipulation and the alleged diversion of billions of naira meant to cushion the impact of fuel costs on Nigerians. According to the chieftain, returning to the subsidy system would reverse ongoing efforts to reform the petroleum sector and establish greater transparency in the management of public resources. The warning followed Atiku’s renewed advocacy for policies aimed at reducing the economic hardship facing Nigerians, including his proposal for a return to fuel subsidy as part of measures to lower petrol prices and ease the cost-of-living crisis. The APC chieftain, however, maintained that rather than restoring subsid...

Date: Saturday, August 23, 2026 LAGOS — Five adult men have died following a fatal road crash involving a Toyota Camry and an Iveco truck on the Badagry Expressway in Lagos State. The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, around Sawmill, near Mowo Bus Stop, along the Badagry Expressway. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said its Dolphin Team from the Igando Base was deployed to the scene after the agency received a distress call at about 5:16 a.m. According to LASEMA, the collision involved a Toyota Camry and an Iveco truck. The impact resulted in the deaths of five adult male victims. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and commenced rescue and recovery operations. The remains of the deceased were subsequently handled by the relevant authorities for further necessary action. The incident caused concern among motorists and residents in the area, while emergency agencies worked to manage the situat...

NIGER STATE — Terrorists have attacked a mosque in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers during Friday’s Juma’at prayers. The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, when armed men invaded communities within the Dekara District, including Gidan-Zana and Kpenya, before storming a mosque where worshippers had gathered for prayers. According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers abducted an unspecified number of worshippers while others reportedly escaped into a nearby forest. Police said no death had been recorded as of the latest update. The incident has caused renewed fear among residents of the affected communities, with reports indicating that the attackers also moved through other nearby villages, including Sabon Gida and Masaka, during the operation. Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun said a joint security detachment had been deployed to the area to assess the situation and commence res...

ABUJA — August 23, 2026:  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he does not require any official position in the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council to contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election. Wike made the declaration while reaffirming his commitment to supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid, stressing that his political contribution does not depend on receiving a formal campaign appointment. The FCT Minister maintained that he is prepared to work for the President’s victory regardless of whether he is given a role in the campaign structure. His comments come amid growing political activities and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and influential stakeholders intensifying consultations and mobilisation. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent political figure, has remained an influential voice in Nigeria’s political lan...

KOGI — August 23, 2026: The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, has reportedly died shortly after attending a reconciliation meeting in the state. The sudden death of the APC chieftain has sent shockwaves through the party, with political associates, members and supporters mourning his passing. Oyewole Mayowa Solomon was actively involved in the affairs of the APC in Ijumu LGA and was regarded as one of the party’s key grassroots figures in the area. According to reports, the APC chairman attended a reconciliation meeting aimed at resolving issues and strengthening unity within the party before his death was reported. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain limited as of the time of filing this report, and there has been no detailed official statement providing further information on what happened after the meeting. The development has nevertheless generated concern among par...

ABUJA — August 23,  2026:  Ambassador Yahaya Seriki Gambari has inaugurated the newly constituted executives of the City Boy Movement in Abuja, charging them to remain committed, united and focused on the objectives of the movement. The inauguration brought together members and leaders of the movement as the newly appointed executives formally assumed their responsibilities. Following the inauguration, Ambassador Seriki Gambari led members of the City Boy Movement on a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where the delegation engaged the party leadership on issues concerning the movement and its political aspirations. The visit highlighted the group’s determination to strengthen its relationship with key stakeholders within the APC and contribute to grassroots mobilisation and political organisation. Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Seriki Gambari urged the newly inaugurated executives to demonstrate discipline, ...

By Spotlight African Reporters | August 22, 2026 A 41-year-old mother of three, Omolade Bolaji, is battling severe kidney failure and urgently needs about N40 million to undergo a life-saving kidney transplant. Bolaji, a caterer who runs a restaurant in Ikorodu, Lagos State, reportedly began experiencing persistent headaches in 2025. After being treated for typhoid at several hospitals, doctors eventually diagnosed her with kidney disease and high blood pressure. She commenced dialysis in July 2025 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, undergoing treatment twice every week as her condition continued to deteriorate. Medical test results reviewed by PUNCH reportedly showed that her creatinine level had risen to 14.2mg/dl in May 2026, while her haemoglobin level dropped as low as 6.1g/dl. The situation became critical last month when Bolaji reportedly fainted at home and remained unconscious for about four days. Doctors subsequently advised the family to begi...

By Spotlight African Reporters | August 22, 2026 Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other presidential hopefuls to come before Nigerians, defend their records and subject their programmes to public scrutiny. Obi made the call on Friday during a press conference marking the commencement of the 2027 presidential and National Assembly campaign season. According to him, Nigerians deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead the country rather than having candidates rely on proxies and political surrogates during the campaign. “Every candidate seeking the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny,” Obi said. The former governor stressed that the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the competence, character, capacity and policy proposals of presidenti...

By Spotlight African Reporters | August 22, 2026 Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is continuing his sensational start to the 2026/27 season, scoring back-to-back braces for Turkish champions Galatasaray. Osimhen was once again the star of the show on Friday night, scoring twice and providing an assist as Galatasaray cruised to a commanding 4–0 victory over newly promoted Erzurumspor FK in their second league fixture of the season. The Nigerian forward had already scored twice in Galatasaray's opening league match against Çorum FK, rescuing a 2–2 draw for the Turkish champions. His latest double means he has now found the net four times in his first two league appearances. Osimhen's explosive form comes as speculation surrounding his future continues to dominate the transfer window, with several Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest in the 27-year-old striker. Arsenal have been strongly linked with the Nigerian international, with reports indicating tha...

GORONYO, SOKOTO STATE — At least 52 people are feared dead after an overloaded boat reportedly capsized near Gorau in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The boat was said to be carrying more than 70 passengers, including farmers and labourers travelling to rice farms when the tragedy occurred. Reports indicate that about 40 children, mostly between the ages of 10 and 15, were among those on board. At least 16 people have reportedly been rescued, while search and recovery operations remain ongoing. Rescue teams and local authorities are continuing efforts to locate survivors and recover victims, amid fears that the death toll could rise. Preliminary reports suggest that overcrowding and inadequate enforcement of waterway safety measures may have contributed to the incident. The tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of rural waterways in Sokoto State, particularly the transportation of farmers, labourers and children by boats without...

By Spotlight African Reporters August 21, 2026 | Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adopted the recently concluded Osun State governorship election as a benchmark for the 2027 general elections, Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has disclosed. Amupitan said the commission would build on the gains recorded during the Osun election as it prepares for the much larger and more complex 2027 electoral exercise. The INEC chairman highlighted improvements recorded during the Osun poll, including the opening of polling units, the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), electronic transmission of results and the management of electoral challenges. According to the commission, the experience gained from Osun will provide valuable lessons for strengthening the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development comes as political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders ...

By Spotlight African Reporters Date: August 21, 2026 Location: Abuja ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, belongs to his political camp, while asserting that they all ultimately belong to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wike made the declaration on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, against the backdrop of Adeleke’s recent meetings with both the FCT Minister and President Tinubu. According to Wike, the developments are part of an emerging political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, which he said would produce a broader “Rainbow Coalition” in support of President Tinubu. Wike dismissed claims by some members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that they played a major role in Adeleke’s recent electoral victory, arguing that such individuals were attempting to benefit from a victory they did not create. He s...

By Spotlight African Reporters Date: August 21, 2026 The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked a federal court in Washington, D.C., for permission to keep some records connected to a long-running investigation involving allegations of drug trafficking linked to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from public disclosure. According to reports filed in the ongoing legal proceedings, the FBI wants to submit confidential declarations to the court explaining why certain investigative materials should remain withheld. The agency reportedly argues that releasing some of the information could expose sensitive law-enforcement methods and potentially endanger individuals. The development comes amid renewed legal efforts to obtain records held by US agencies concerning an investigation dating back to the 1990s. A US federal court had previously ordered the release of records connected to the allegations after finding that the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administra...

By Spotlight African Reporters August 20, 2026 OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election. The certificate was presented to Adeleke on Wednesday, August 19, at the INEC office in Osogbo, formally confirming his re-election for another four-year term. In a major announcement during the ceremony, Adeleke unveiled a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund aimed at supporting verified victims and families affected by pre-election violence in the state. The governor also announced that children of victims would receive scholarships through the Springtime Development Foundation, with the support extending to university level. Adeleke used the occasion to call for healing, unity and cooperation among political leaders and supporters following the election. He said the certificate belonged not only to h...

By Spotlight African Reporters August 20, 2026 UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained why his administration deliberately avoids interfering with the operations of security agencies in the state, saying professionalism, coordination and respect for institutional responsibilities are critical to maintaining security. Otti’s position comes amid renewed efforts by the Abia State Government to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and improve the state’s security architecture. The governor’s administration has maintained that security agencies must be allowed to perform their statutory duties without political interference, while the state government provides the necessary support and creates an environment that enables them to operate effectively. The approach is being complemented by stronger communication and coordination between the government and security agencies. The Abia State Government recently reaffirmed its commitment to deeper collaboration...

Abuja, Nigeria — August 19, 2026 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to address world leaders at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. According to the provisional speaking schedule, President Tinubu is expected to be the 10th speaker during the morning session of the high-level General Debate. His address is scheduled for around 11:30 a.m. to noon New York time, equivalent to approximately 4:30 p.m. Nigerian time. The appearance will place Nigeria among more than 190 participating countries, with over 150 heads of state and government expected to attend the global gathering. Tinubu is expected to use the international platform to highlight the progress of his administration’s economic reforms and outline Nigeria’s priorities on development, security and international cooperation. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier confirmed that the Presiden...