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Mechanisation Key to Attracting Youths, Empowering Women in Agriculture — Oluremi Tinubu

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ABUJA — September 10, 2026 — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stressed the importance of agricultural mechanisation in transforming the nation’s agricultural sector, saying it is critical to empowering women, attracting young people into farming and strengthening Nigeria’s food security. Oluremi Tinubu said modern farming methods and access to mechanised equipment would help reduce the physical burden associated with agriculture while improving productivity and making farming more attractive to the younger generation. According to her, women play a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and should be supported with the tools, technology, financing and training required to expand their contributions to food production and economic development. She also emphasised the need to encourage youths to see agriculture as a viable and profitable career rather than relying solely on traditional farming practices. The First Lady noted that increased mec...

BREAKING NEW:SEl-Rufai Family Gives Defence Minister 7-Day Ultimatum Over Southern Kaduna Killing Claim

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September 8, 2026 | Spotlight African Reporters The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has given the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, seven days to provide evidence supporting an alleged claim linking the former governor to planned killings in Southern Kaduna or retract the allegation and apologise publicly. The ultimatum followed comments reportedly made by the Defence Minister during a television appearance, in which he allegedly accused the former governor of being involved in the planning of killings in Southern Kaduna. In a statement issued on September 7 and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai on behalf of the family, the El-Rufai family described the allegation as serious and demanded that the minister substantiate it with credible evidence. The family said the Defence Minister must either present evidence to support the allegation or issue a full public retraction and apology through the same medium where the statement was reportedly made. I...

Customs, Communication Professionals Forge Stronger Media Partnership to Advance Digital Communication

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ABUJA — September 3, 2026 The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to deepen its collaboration with the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), with a focus on strengthening media engagement, digital communication and professional development. The proposed partnership is expected to create a stronger platform for collaboration between the Customs Service and communication professionals, particularly in the areas of strategic communication, public information, media relations and emerging digital communication technologies. The initiative will also provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building and professional development, while promoting more effective communication between the Customs Service and the Nigerian public. Both organisations are expected to explore practical areas of cooperation that can enhance the quality, accuracy and effectiveness of information dissemination, especially in an increasingly dig...

TINUBU CELEBRATES SHETTIMA AT 60, HAILS VP AS ‘PATRIOT, TRUSTED ALLY

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September 2, 2026 | Abuja President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Vice President Kashim Shettima as he clocks 60, describing him as a patriot, trusted ally, valued colleague and dedicated public servant. In a birthday message issued ahead of Shettima’s 60th birthday on Wednesday, September 2, President Tinubu praised his deputy for a life marked by service, commitment and sacrifice to Nigeria. Tinubu described Shettima as his “brother and partner” in the task of steering the affairs of the nation, while congratulating his wife, Nana, his children, family members and political associates on the milestone. The President also highlighted Shettima’s distinguished career in banking and his record of public service, first as Governor of Borno State and later as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to Tinubu, Shettima has demonstrated courage, diligence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians throughout his years...

Petrol Price Jumps 9% to ₦1,310/Litre Despite Drop in Crude Oil Prices

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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...

Police Invite VeryDarkMan Over Checkpoint Kidnapping Allegations, Demand Evidence

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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...

TINUBU ORDERS NLNG TO END GAS FLARING, BOOST DOMESTIC GAS USE AND DELIVER MORE VALUE TO NIGERIANS

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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...

BREAKING: Flood Disaster Kills 160, Leaves 647 Missing in Nepal and Tibet

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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...

Lawyers Crowd Around VeryDarkMan at NBA Annual General Conference 2026 Despite Earlier Protest

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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...

BREAKING NEWS: Five Die in Fatal Car-Truck Crash on Badagry Expressway

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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...

41-Year-Old Mother of Three Battles Kidney Failure, Begs Nigerians for N40m Lifeline

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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...

EXCLUSIVE: Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Sokoto, 52 Feared Dead, Including About 40 Children

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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...

BREAKING NEWS: INEC Adopts Osun Election as Benchmark for 2027 General Elections — Amupitan

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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 ...

BREAKING NEWS: Adeleke Receives Certificate of Return, Unveils N500m Fund for Election Violence Victims

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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...

BREAKING NEWS: Otti Explains Why Abia Government Won’t Interfere With Security Agencies

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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...

EXCLUSIVE: NDLEA Destroys 329,865kg of Illicit Drugs Worth ₦301 Billion in Lagos

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Date: 18 August 2026 Reporting Date: 19 August 2026 By Spotlight African Reporters LAGOS — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, with an estimated street value of ₦301.058 billion, in a court-ordered exercise at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos State. The drugs were destroyed following concluded uncontested cases and the recovery of abandoned consignments. According to the agency, the Lagos Strategic Command accounted for 246,864.535kg of the seized substances between April 2025 and May 2026, while another 83,001.05kg was recovered by other NDLEA commands operating across Lagos. The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, various cannabis varieties, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), said the exercise demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks and ...

🚨 BREAKING NEWSUS Lifts 12-Year Security Restriction on Nigerian Vessels19 AUGUST 2026 | ABUJA

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19 AUGUST 2026 | ABUJA The United States Coast Guard has lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, marking a major development for Nigeria’s maritime industry. The restriction, introduced in June 2014, subjected vessels that had called at Nigerian ports to additional security requirements and enhanced scrutiny before entering U.S. waters. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development on Tuesday, describing it as a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector. According to the minister, the lifting of the restriction followed sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other stakeholders to strengthen maritime security and ensure compliance with international port-security standards. The United States Coast Guard conducted several assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework ...

🚨 BREAKING NEWSWike Orders Immediate Demolition of Houses Blocking Abuja Waterways

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19 AUGUST 2026 ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of houses and other structures obstructing designated waterways in Maitama and other flood-prone areas of Abuja. Wike issued the directive on Tuesday after inspecting areas affected by the recent flooding in the nation’s capital. He said structures blocking natural water channels would no longer be tolerated. The FCT Administration has already commenced enforcement, with demolition activities beginning in Maitama. Officials were seen using heavy equipment to remove structures found to be obstructing designated water channels. Wike warned that the exercise would not spare properties belonging to influential individuals, including politicians and other prominent property owners. He directed the relevant FCT authorities to identify structures built on or obstructing natural waterways and remove them, stressing that the enforcement would continue through Sat...

🚨 BREAKING NEWSNo Alliance: Adeleke Denies ADC Role in Re-election Victory

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19 AUGUST 2026 OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has rejected claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) played a role in his victory in Saturday’s governorship election. Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during or after the election. The governor credited God and the people of Osun State for his re-election victory, stressing that the ADC was not part of the political alliance that supported his campaign. “I commend political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. But we must clarify for the sake of history that ADC was never part of the alliance,” Adeleke stated. The clarification followed comments by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who had said the party collaborated with Adeleke’s Accord Party to prevent the APC from returning to power in Osun State. According to Abdullahi, the ADC considered cooperation neces...

🚨 BREAKING NEWSI WOULD HAVE HELPED TINUBU WIN OSUN – WIKE

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19 AUGUST 2026 ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that he could have helped President Bola Tinubu secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent Osun State governorship election if the President had wanted to win the election “at all costs.” Wike made the statement on Tuesday, August 18, while inspecting flood-prone areas in Maitama, Abuja. According to the former Rivers State governor, the Federal Government deliberately refrained from deploying its political influence, or what he described as “federal might,” during the August 15 election. “If the President had wanted to win the Osun State election at all costs, I would have been there, and we would have won it, and there’s nothing the governor can do.” Wike further stated: “There was no federal might used in Osun. When you see the force and might of the Federal Government, you will know.” The Osun governorship election was won by Governor Ademola Adelek...

Police Warn Nigerians Against Paying for Bail at Police Stations

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August 15, 2026 The Nigeria Police Force has advised members of the public against paying money for bail at police stations, stressing that the law does not permit anyone to demand payment before granting bail. CSP Anitie Okokon, in a statement aimed at educating Nigerians about their rights, said anyone who is asked to pay money for bail at a police station should leave the station and report the matter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). “The law doesn't allow anybody to pay for bail at any police station. If you go to any police station and you're asked to pay for bail, just quietly walk outside and call the IGP,” Okokon said. Members of the public were also advised to contact the Police Gateway Sched on +2348000009111 for a quick response to complaints involving alleged demands for payment for bail at police stations. The police urged Nigerians to know and understand their rights while cooperating with law enforcement agencies to promote peace, justice and...