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The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), has raised the alarm over the increasing number of fire incidents linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems across the country.


As Nigeria’s power sector continues to operate below expectations, many Nigerians are turning to solar to escape blackouts. However, cases of fire outbreaks from rooftop solar panels are becoming a source of concern to both the government and citizens.


In a strongly worded public notice, NEMSA expressed serious safety concerns, noting that many of the reported incidents were associated with poor workmanship, the use of substandard materials, the absence of protective devices, and non-compliance with technical standards and regulations.


The public notice, signed by the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, stated, “The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency has observed with serious safety concern the increasing number of fire incidents allegedly linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems across the country.”


“It is important to note that while the adoption of renewable energy is strongly encouraged in line with Nigeria’s energy transition objectives, safety must remain paramount.”


Pursuant to Section 176 (m) and Section 184 (8) of the Electricity Act 2023, NEMSA has now issued comprehensive safety guidelines for the installation of rooftop solar PV systems in Nigeria.


The agency directed members of the public to engage the services of qualified and NEMSA-certified solar PV system installers only. It stressed that these certified professionals possess the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge of technical standards and regulations.


In the new guidelines released, NEMSA said, “The installation of the rooftop solar PV system must be carried out only by NEMSA-certified electrical contractors.


“The NEMSA-certified contractor must be in possession of his/her valid NEMSA competency certificate during the installation works.


“A load assessment of the facility or premises must be conducted prior to installation to ensure the system is appropriately sized and can operate safely.


“The roof must be structurally sound and capable of supporting the PV solar system.”


NEMSA warned that “panels should be installed using appropriate mounting structures, as weak roof construction or improper installation can result in roof damage, fire hazards, and significant safety risks.”


The agency further stated that PV modules with cracks, bent frames, air bubbles, hot spots, or loose junction boxes should not be used, as damaged modules can cause electrical faults, reduce system performance, and increase the risk of fire or equipment failure.


On electrical safety, the notice declared, “Maintain a minimum clearance of 0.13m between the roofing material and the PV modules to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling during high temperatures. Insufficient clearance may lead to overheating, reduced system performance, and potential damage to the modules.”


It also mandated installers to install DC and AC isolators to enable emergency shutdown. “Provide appropriately rated circuit breakers and fuses to prevent overloading and install surge protection devices to protect the system against lightning surges. Ensure proper earthing (grounding) of the entire system, with an earth resistance value of 2 ohms or below,” it stated.


NEMSA emphasised the need for proper battery installation, warning that “batteries should be installed in a well-ventilated, secure location away from living areas and heat sources.”


For lithium batteries, the agency directed that a battery management system must be provided, and the installation site should be equipped with an appropriate cooling or air-conditioning system to maintain safe operating temperatures.


When installing a solar system on the rooftop of an existing house, it was directed that if the system capacity cannot support the entire household load, the installer must ensure proper load separation at the distribution board, stressing that all solar cables should be neatly routed through conduits or trunking to maintain safety and organisation.


Operators were told to ensure that communication cables and power cables are routed separately and never run together in the same conduit, as combining them can lead to signal interference, degraded system performance, and a higher risk of electrical faults or fire.


NEMSA also advised installers and owners to perform regular checks and maintenance of the rooftop PV system by cleaning the solar panels to prevent dust accumulation and overheating, periodically inspecting cables, connectors, and the inverter, and promptly replacing any damaged components.


The agency warned installers and the public, saying, “Solar PV system installers and members of the public must take note of the guidelines outlined above and ensure strict compliance. Adhering to these standards is essential for safety, system performance, and regulatory compliance.”


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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria.


The statement comes few days after MTN Nigeria said it was suspending its airtime and data credit advance service, popularly known as “Xtratime” in compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional (DEON) consumer lending regulations, 2025. The regulations were officially gazetted and took effect on July 21, 2025.


In September 2025, FCCPC said the rules, issued under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), would serve as a comprehensive framework for registration, transparency, and ethical loan recovery.


In November 2025, FCCPC set January 5, 2026, as the deadline for full compliance with the regulations.


Providing clarity in a statement on Friday, the commission said claims circulating in some media reports and social media posts suggesting it shut down such services are “incorrect”.


“The commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” the statement reads.


FCCPC said its intervention in the sector followed complaints from consumers over opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, and poor disclosure standards.


According to the commission, the issues prompted the introduction of the Digital Economy and Online Lending (DEON) consumer lending regulations in July 2025 to address abuses in the market.


“The regulations were introduced to curb the excesses of abusive service providers whose practices had generated persistent consumer harm and undermined confidence in the market,” the FCCPC said.


“The primary aim is to promote a fairer and more transparent system by mandating proper registration, responsible lending conduct, clear disclosure of fees and terms, accessible consumer complaint channels, data protection safeguards, stronger accountability for third-party partners, and effective regulatory oversight.”


The agency said some telecom operators engaged in exclusionary arrangements in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, noting that the regulations were designed to open up the market and encourage fair competition.


The FCCPC said operators were initially given a 90-day compliance window from July 2025 to regularise their operations, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.


However, the commission said some service providers failed to comply within the stipulated timelines and continued operating under existing models that had attracted consumer complaints.


“Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a ban imposed by the FCCPC,” the commission added.


The commission accused some vested interests of spreading misinformation to undermine regulatory efforts.


“It is inaccurate to attribute avoidable disruption to regulation where regulated entities had adequate notice and sufficient opportunity to comply.


“Attempts to misrepresent temporary service inconvenience as the result of lawful consumer regulation are mischievous. Nigerians deserve accurate information, not sensational claims,” the agency said.

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The National Executive Council of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a strong warning over the ongoing renegotiation process between university-based unions and the Federal Government, insisting that no final agreement has been reached and threatening industrial action if talks are not concluded by the end of April.


The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a special NEC meeting held on Saturday at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, where leaders reviewed developments in the negotiation process.


According to the communiqué signed by the National President of SSANU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Muhammad Ibrahim, and made available to the press on Sunday, the NEC reaffirmed that “the renegotiation process with the Federal Government is still ongoing and has not been concluded.”


The council also expressed concern over what it described as misleading reports in the public space, suggesting that the process had been concluded.


It pointed to the circulation of a letter allegedly indicating approval of a 30 per cent increase in allowances, insisting that discussions were still ongoing and no binding agreement had been signed.


NEC stated that “SSANU will not accept any outcome that falls below the negotiated understanding reached in the course of the renegotiation process, and insists that fairness, due process, and collective bargaining principles must be respected.”


Reiterating its earlier stance under the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, the council maintained the ultimatum given to the Federal Government from April 1 to April 30, 2026, to conclude negotiations and sign agreements.


It warned that failure to meet the deadline would leave the unions with no choice but to embark on industrial action.


The communiqué stated that SSANU “will have no alternative but to, along with NASU, commence an indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action.”


The council urged members across all branches to remain calm but vigilant, and to stay united in readiness to comply with any directives issued by the union leadership.


“NEC called on all members of the Union across the branches to remain calm, vigilant, united, and prepared to fully comply with the decisions of the Union in defence of their welfare, dignity, and collective interest,” the communiqué read.


It further reiterated SSANU’s commitment to defending members’ rights and welfare, stating that the union “will continue to pursue justice with firmness, unity, and resolve.”


The latest warning follows an earlier communiqué issued after SSANU’s 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University, where the union expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of renegotiations and issued a final ultimatum to the Federal Government.


At the time, SSANU also raised concerns over salary delays, poor funding of universities, and deteriorating working conditions across the system.


In that earlier position, the union had stressed that prolonged and inconclusive negotiations were unacceptable, warning that failure to meet its demands would trigger industrial action alongside other non-teaching staff unions.


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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has asked the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule examination for the eight candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) kidnapped last Wednesday.


The victims were abducted along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue state.


On Sunday, troops of the Nigerian army rescued the remaining victims in a forest at Okere ward in Ohimini LGA of Benue.


Speaking on Sunday at the government house in Makurdi, Alia said 15 people were kidnapped in the attack, but two later escaped.


Alia confirmed that the remaining victims were rescued in the early hours of Sunday.


“Many of the students were travelling to Otukpo. Seven were regular passengers, and 15 were kidnapped that fateful day. One of the victims escaped, and another one escaped the following day,” Alia reportedly said.


“Today, all the remaining 13 kidnap victims were rescued by the security agents with the cooperation of the communities.


“I call on JAMB to look into the case of the eight young students and reschedule dates for them to write their examination.”


On Friday, the Benue state police command said the abducted passengers in the Makurdi-bound commercial bus were not UTME candidates.


In a statement, Udeme Edet, the command’s spokesperson, said reports describing the victims as UTME candidates were “misinformation and incorrect.”


On Saturday, JAMB also said the abducted travellers were not UTME candidates.


The Board’s Public Communications Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, said in a statement that those involved had travelled to Makurdi to participate in an ongoing police recruitment exercise and were returning to Otukpo at the time of the incident.


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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released additional results from the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), covering candidates who sat for the test on its second and third days.


In a statement issued Sunday evening, the Board’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, advised affected candidates to check their results using their registered phone numbers.


The statement read: “The results of candidates who sat the examination on Friday, 17 April and Saturday, 18 April 2026 have now been released. A total of 1,264,940 results from these two days are available for candidates to check/view


“To view their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the phone (SIM)number they used to register for the 2026 UTME..”


Earlier, the Board had made public 632,752 results for candidates who wrote the examination on Thursday, 16 April 2026, bringing the cumulative number of released results to 1,897,692.


A total of about 2.2 million candidates registered for this year’s UTME.


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The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has denied allegations of concealed spending and diversion of federation revenue, insisting that such claims stem from a misinterpretation of the latest Nigeria Development Update released by the World Bank.


In a statement issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, the government said narratives circulating in parts of the media had wrongly portrayed established fiscal procedures as financial leakages.


“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Finance has been drawn to recent media reports and commentaries that misrepresent the findings of the latest Nigeria Development Update by the World Bank, particularly claims suggesting that a significant portion of federation earnings is being ‘diverted’ or constitutes ‘hidden spending’,” the statement read.


The ministry explained that such interpretations reveal a poor understanding of Nigeria’s fiscal framework, particularly the mechanisms governing revenue distribution through the Federation Account Allocation Committee.


It maintained that deductions from the federation account are frequently misread as waste or missing funds, a position it strongly refuted.


“FAAC deductions, as presented in the World Bank report, include statutory transfers, savings and investments, security-related expenditures, cost-of-collection charges, refunds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and transfers and interventions benefiting subnational governments,” it stated.


According to the ministry, these deductions represent legitimate financial operations within the public finance system.


“Refunds and transfers to states and other tiers of government are not leakages. They represent legitimate fiscal flows, including repayments of obligations and statutorily backed allocations,” the ministry added.


The government also criticised analysts for relying on outdated figures while overlooking reforms introduced in 2026.


It noted that the World Bank report acknowledged ongoing policy measures, including a newly signed Executive Order aimed at ensuring proper remittance of petroleum revenues.


“The World Bank explicitly notes that reforms implemented in early 2026, including the recently signed Executive Order to safeguard remittance of petroleum revenues, are already addressing concerns around deductions,” the statement said.


The ministry added that these reforms are expected to enhance transparency and boost distributable revenue to all tiers of government by approximately 0.4 per cent of GDP annually.


It further argued that the overall tone of the World Bank report was positive, contrary to suggestions of fiscal instability.


The report, it said, highlighted broader economic growth across multiple sectors, easing inflation driven by policy interventions, and an improved external position supported by stronger reserves and a current account surplus.


The ministry also pointed to a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio, describing it as the first improvement recorded in more than a decade.


“These developments reflect the outcomes of the current administration’s ongoing macroeconomic policies and public financial management reforms,” it said.


It stressed that the World Bank’s findings do not indicate a breakdown of reforms but instead affirm that current efforts are producing results that need to be sustained.


“The World Bank does not conclude that Nigeria’s fiscal system is collapsing or that reforms have failed. Rather, it states that reforms are working, and they must be sustained and deepened,” it added.


The ministry urged stakeholders, including the media, to exercise caution in interpreting fiscal data, warning that inaccurate narratives could weaken ongoing reform efforts.


“We urge stakeholders, media organisations, and the public to engage constructively with fiscal information and avoid twisted interpretations that may undermine reform efforts and fuel public discord,” it said.

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Momentum is gathering as the Igbo communities across Nigeria converge to confer awards of recognitions on deserving individuals at the forthcoming Igbo Nwere Madu Awards (INMA) taking place at the Merit House in Maitama Abuja, on June 19, 2026. 

The award, being spearheaded by the Igbo Prestigious Awards Initiative will honour individuals in categories such as Governor of The South East of the Year, Best South East Governor in Infrastructural Development and Best Governor in Security. 

Others include, Outstanding Igbo Persons in Business, Trade & Investment, Politics, Education, Entertainment, Health, Religion, Culture & Tradition, Humanitarian Services/Community Development, Outstanding Igbo person in Public Service, Akuruo-ulo person of the Year, the People’s Person in Igbo Land and Friends of  Ndigbo Award. 

"To the Glory of God we are set to deliver the Biggest Igbo Award Project. We are set to make a statement that every Igbo Person needs to be celebrated in all ramifications of Life", the organisers said. 

Meanwhile, nominations are ongoing, and can be sent through a WhatsApp message to 08066005802 & 08033544217. The deadline for nomination is May 20th.




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The quiet streets of Jahi are about to get a serious wake-up call as the highly anticipated “Disturbing the Kapital” event officially touches down in Abuja tonight.

 Led by the enigmatic Kaptain Snipper—famously known as the force behind “De 6th Wave”—this high-octane showcase is promising to be more than just a party; it is a full-scale cultural disruption.

 As the countdown clock hits zero, the Soul Lounge Resort is transforming into the epicenter of Nigerian entertainment, drawing in a crowd hungry for a mix of high-energy hype, competitive games, and unfiltered comedy.

The atmosphere is already electric with the "01 Day To Go" fever reaching its peak, as fans and socialites scramble for the final remaining tickets.

 Whether you’re rolling in with the 5K Regular crowd or making a statement at the 1.5M Sponsor Table, the evening is designed to cater to every level of the Abuja elite.

 The festivities kick off with a glittering Red Carpet at 5 PM, where the city’s most stylish are expected to flaunt their best looks before the Main Event erupts at 6 PM.

 With a lineup that promises a seamless blend of infectious vibes and world-class dance performances, Kaptain Snipper isn’t just hosting an event—he’s launching a movement that has the entire capital talking.

 If the rumors of the “6th Wave” energy are true, tonight’s gathering at Soul Lounge won’t just be a night to remember; it will be the night that redefined the Abuja social scene for 2026.
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Chelsea’s hopes of securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League suffered a major setback following a narrow home defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.


Matheus Cunha’s decisive strike ensured a 1-0 victory for the visitors, significantly strengthening United’s push to return to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence.


The result leaves Manchester United sitting comfortably in third place, now 10 points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, with just 15 points still available this season.


Only the top five teams in the Premier League will earn qualification for next season’s Champions League.


Chelsea’s fourth straight league loss has severely dented their chances of finishing in those spots, while also increasing scrutiny on head coach Liam Rosenior barely three months into his tenure.


Once again, the Blues struggled in front of goal, failing to capitalise against a United defence weakened by injuries and suspensions.


United manager Michael Carrick deployed an improvised backline that included three natural full-backs and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven, but the makeshift defence stood firm to secure all three points. The performance further strengthens Carrick’s case to remain in charge beyond the current campaign.


READ ALSO:Former Chelsea star retires at 34 over heart condition


Chelsea were without leading scorer Joao Pedro due to injury, and former United target Liam Delap was unable to make a meaningful impact in attack.


Rosenior reinstated Enzo Fernandez to the starting lineup after the midfielder served a two-match suspension imposed by the club for comments indicating openness to a potential move to Real Madrid.


Fernandez nearly made an immediate impact but saw his curling effort drift narrowly wide.


United, who had looked off the pace in their 2-1 loss to Leeds earlier in the week following a lengthy break, showed greater composure this time around.


Cunha broke the deadlock just before halftime, finishing clinically from Bruno Fernandes’ 18th league assist of the campaign.


Chelsea showed improvement after the restart but could not find a way through.


Delap came closest when his header struck the woodwork, while Noussair Mazraoui nearly turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Wesley Fofana.


Moises Caicedo, who recently committed his future to the club with a new seven-year contract, also threatened but could not salvage a result for the hosts.


The final whistle was greeted with loud boos from the home supporters, reflecting growing frustration as Chelsea now appear destined for, at best, a place in the Europa League next season.


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The Federal Government has revised its list of restricted imports, adding cement, fertiliser, soaps and several other products, increasing the total number of affected categories to 17.


This update was contained in a circular from the Federal Ministry of Finance, endorsed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, following presidential approval of the 2026 fiscal policy framework.


Titled “Approval for the Implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments,” the circular indicated that the new policy took effect on April 1, 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff.


According to the document, “This is to confirm that His Excellency, Mr President, has approved the implementatiAon of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures made up of Supplementary Protection Measures (SPM)… with effect from 1st April 2026.”


The ministry noted that the import restrictions target goods coming from countries outside the ECOWAS bloc, forming part of efforts to strengthen trade protection.


“The approved SPM, in line with the provision of the ECOWAS CET, comprises… Import Prohibition list (Trade), applicable only to certain goods originating from non-ECOWAS Member States. It consists of 17 items,” the circular stated.


Annex III of the document lists the affected goods, which include poultry (live, frozen or processed), pork, beef and other meat products such as carcasses and offal; eggs except those meant for breeding or research; refined vegetable oils (excluding linseed, castor and olive oil); packaged sugar; cocoa products; tomatoes in all forms; and non-alcoholic beverages with sweeteners.


Other items on the list are bagged cement, various medicaments and pharmaceutical waste, fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, soaps and detergents, paper and carton materials, large glass bottles, certain steel products, as well as ballpoint pens and related parts.


Additionally, the circular introduced an Import Adjustment Tax covering 192 tariff lines, with a plan for gradual removal in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area.


It stated, “With effect from January 2027, all Import Adjustment Taxes except for products on the African Continental Free Trade Area 3 per cent list, shall be gradually reduced on an annual basis until full elimination to 0 per cent by 2036.”


The government also disclosed that new excise duties, including a green tax, will commence on July 1, 2026, with a 90-day grace period granted for compliance.


“A grace period of ninety (90) days commencing from the date of this circular is hereby granted to all importers, manufacturers, and service providers before the implementation of the new excise duty rates,” it added.


It further clarified that goods backed by valid import documentation before April 1, 2026, could be cleared under the previous rules within the grace period, while transactions initiated after that date would be subject to the new regime.


“However, any new import transaction entered from the 1st of April 2026 shall be subjected to the new import duty regime,” the circular stated.


The updated measures replace the 2023 fiscal policy framework and are expected to be formally gazetted as part of efforts to support local industries and cut import dependence.


Meanwhile, the World Bank has consistently advised Nigeria to reconsider its import restriction policies to enhance competitiveness. In its Nigeria Development Update: May 2025, the institution projected that removing import bans and tariff distortions could raise customs revenue by 66 per cent.


It also warned that restrictive trade policies often encourage evasion and weaken revenue collection. “The government should consider seizing the opportunity created by the market-reflective, competitive exchange rate to reorient trade policy for growth and jobs.


“Nigeria maintains higher-than-average tariffs on many products, bans the imports of others, and imposes many non-tariff barriers. The average tariff rate in the country is twice as high as the sub-Saharan average,” the report read.


In its April 2026 edition of the Nigeria Development Update, the World Bank reiterated concerns, cautioning that broad import bans could undermine efforts to control inflation and stimulate growth.


The report urged authorities to relax certain trade restrictions, particularly on food and industrial inputs, to improve supply and ease price pressures.


Specifically, it stated that policymakers should “reduce import tariffs and lift import bans for selected products, particularly food and key intermediate inputs,” noting that such reforms would help ease supply constraints and moderate inflationary pressures.


The bank added that stringent import restrictions, including bans and surcharges, have driven up production costs and consumer prices, especially in sectors dependent on imported raw materials such as agriculture and manufacturing.


(PUNCH)


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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded that his side’s chances of retaining the Premier League crown could effectively end if they suffer defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.


The highly anticipated clash between the top two teams is set to take place at Etihad Stadium, in a fixture widely seen as pivotal to the outcome of the title race.


City head into the encounter trailing the league leaders by six points, although they still have a game in hand.


“Arsenal will be champions if they manage to get a win at the Etihad. If we lose, it’s over,” Guardiola said.


Guardiola acknowledged Arsenal’s all-round quality, highlighting their strength across different aspects of the game.


“They are so strong in all departments — duels, physicality. If you allow them to build up without being aggressive, they will punish you. [David] Raya is extraordinary, and their set-pieces are also very good.


“That’s why they are where they are — top of the Premier League all season. I’m proud to be there challenging them.”


A victory for City would reduce the gap to three points, and they could move to the summit if they secure another win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday.


Despite that possibility, Guardiola warned that even triumph over Arsenal would not necessarily guarantee success in the title race, citing a demanding run of fixtures before the end of the campaign.


“Our calendar is terrible — Everton away, Bournemouth away, and Aston Villa at home,” he said.


“We still have Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brentford at home, and games in Europe as well. There are still many things to do.”


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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abduraham Mohammed, to begin reconciliation efforts by reaching out to former members and persuading them to return.


The minister made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.


The faction of the PDP aligned with Wike had taken over the party’s headquarters on April 10, several months after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) shut the premises amid a leadership crisis that escalated into violence.


Wike expressed optimism that the internal dispute is nearing resolution, noting that his faction has recorded favourable judgments at both the federal high court and the court of appeal, while awaiting a final decision from the supreme court.


“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of the crisis. It is not going to be easy. It requires a lot of hard work. It requires a lot of sacrifice to move the party forward,” Wike told the NWC members.


“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected. Make sure you attract them back into the fold.


“Talk to them, and send a powerful team to interact with them. Most of them are uncertain about securing tickets when they return. You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer this party to all of those making noise.”


He dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be regarded as the country’s leading opposition, arguing that such recognition must be earned through electoral success.


In his response, Mohammed assured that the party would reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.


“The PDP has come to stay, and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to our teeming aspirants and those who will emerge as candidates, to ensure that we win elective positions in the 2027 general election,” he said.


The supreme court is expected to hear appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction against Wike’s group on April 22.


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The Naira wrapped up the trading week on a modest decline at the official market, closing at N1,343.63 against the United States dollar.


Figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday showed the local currency shed N1.33, representing a 0.09 per cent drop from Thursday’s closing rate of N1,342.30.


The week’s performance marked a reversal from a two-week streak of gains, as the naira weakened at the close of trading on Friday.


Earlier in the week, the currency opened at N1,356.18 on Monday before strengthening to N1,343.76 on Tuesday. It remained relatively stable midweek, closing at N1,343.74 on Wednesday.


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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep grief following the death of U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who was in the state on a humanitarian medical outreach.


In a condolence message he personally signed and released on Friday in Umuahia, Otti said he received news of her death with shock, describing the late doctor as a committed and compassionate professional.


The outreach, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, was a five-day programme held from April 13 to April 17.


Otti noted that Nwaubani, a member of ANPA, had travelled to Nigeria alongside her husband and daughter—who is a final-year medical student in the United States—to offer free healthcare services to residents of the state.


He explained that during the outreach, she suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital for urgent attention.


According to him, both ANPA members and local medical professionals collaborated intensively to stabilise her condition.


“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.


The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, loved ones, and members of ANPA, noting that the state government had already established contact with both her family and the association’s leadership.


He assured that the government would provide necessary support to them during the mourning period.


Otti also praised the late doctor’s family and ANPA for allowing the outreach programme to continue despite the loss.


He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and safeguarding the well-being of both residents and visitors in the state.


The governor further prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for her family to bear the loss.

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Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who serves as Director-General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), has approved the appointment of senior officials to oversee critical divisions within the organisation.


In a statement issued by Mr Tunde Rahman, Director of Media and Publicity for the RHA, Uzodinma explained that the appointments were aimed at “strengthen the structure and improve the operational effectiveness of the RHA” ahead of the 2027 general elections.


PlatinumPost reports that the RHA, set up in November 2025, functions as a strategic platform for promoting the programmes, policies, and achievements of the Tinubu-led administration nationwide.


Under the new arrangement, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has been designated as Deputy Director-General, while Gov. Mohammed Yahaya of Gombe will serve as Secretary, alongside Mr James Faleke as Deputy Secretary.


The organisational framework also includes six zonal coordinators, 37 state coordinators, and 774 local government coordinators.


Among the newly named directors, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), will lead the Youth Directorate, while Chief Olisa Metuh heads Organisation and Mobilisation.


Rahman will continue as Director of Media and Publicity, with Sunday Dare taking charge of Digital and New Media.


Other appointments include Mr Mele Geidam (Finance); Mr Muiz Banire (Monitoring, Compliance and Legal); and Mrs Bisoye Coker-Odusote (Technology and Data).


Also listed are Mr Abubakar Abubakar (Support Groups); Mr Ibrahim Garba (Intelligence); Sen. Sani Musa (Special Duties); and Simon Karu (Planning).


Further appointments include Dr Halima Zakari (Welfare); Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri (Administration); Mrs Bilikisu Muhammed Kaika (Women Affairs); Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Diaspora); and Ms Hadiza Bala Usman (Research and Innovation).


According to the statement, the appointments represent a strategic move to establish a broad-based and efficient structure capable of engaging Nigerians effectively while communicating government policies across all levels.


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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted on Thursday.


In a statement issued late Friday by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, candidates who sat for the examination were advised to proceed to check their results.


It reads: “The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.


“To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.


“At this stage, candidates may view their results only; printing is not yet available.


“Candidates are strongly cautioned against manipulating the SMS received from the official platform (55019/66019) to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to mislead others, including parents. Such actions constitute a serious criminal offence. The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity. Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.


“The examination is ongoing, and results will continue to be released as they become available.”


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In a moment that has stirred excitement across Igbo communities online and beyond, respected cultural promoter Lilian Ogechi has been honoured with a prestigious Hall of Fame Award by Nma Alaigbo in recognition of her relentless efforts in promoting Igbo culture, language, values, and heritage.

The award, presented by the management of Nma Alaigbo, celebrates Lilian’s consistency and dedication through her widely followed cultural platform, Adaigbo Global, where she has built a strong community of thousands of followers committed to preserving and celebrating Igbo identity.

Visibly humbled by the recognition, Lilian Ogechi expressed deep gratitude, describing the award as more than a personal achievement but a validation of years of hard work and passion.

“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to receive this recognition from Nma Alaigbo, one of the foremost promoters of Igbo culture and entertainment on Facebook. This award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament that every effort made in promoting our people, culture, values, and heritage is seen and appreciated,” she stated.
Known for her investigative approach to cultural storytelling, Lilian Ogechi has distinguished herself as one of the most consistent voices advocating Igbo pride. Through Adaigbo Global, she travels across communities, gathers firsthand information, conducts cultural reviews, and documents heritage stories that highlight the beauty and strength of Alaigbo.

Recently, she drew significant attention following her in-depth review of Dr. Godwin Maduka, examining his influence, philanthropy, and contributions toward community development. In pursuit of accurate reporting, she reportedly visited Umuchukwu to witness projects firsthand — a move widely praised for professionalism and commitment to factual storytelling.

Her followers also credit her for promoting initiatives that encourage Igbo unity, economic support, and cultural preservation. Many describe her work as bridging the gap between tradition and modern digital storytelling, ensuring younger generations remain connected to their roots.

With over 94,000 followers and growing influence, Adaigbo Global has evolved into a major online hub for Igbo cultural discourse, entertainment, language promotion, and heritage education.

Reacting further to the award, Lilian called on her followers to support organizations that promote cultural heritage.
“To everyone at Nma Alaigbo, thank you for this great honour. Your recognition means so much to me and will only inspire me to do even more in service of Alaigbo and our beautiful culture. May we continue to uplift, preserve, and celebrate the richness of our heritage for generations to come,” she added.

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, many observers say the recognition is long overdue for a woman whose consistency, dedication, and passion have positioned her as one of the most influential promoters of Igbo culture on social media today.

Indeed, for Lilian Ogechi and the growing Adaigbo Global community, the mission remains clear — preserve the culture, promote the language, and celebrate the pride of Alaigbo.

Igwebuike. The movement continues.
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Nigeria has ruled out any immediate plans to seek loans from the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral institutions, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said.


He made this known on Thursday at the Finance Ministers’ press briefing during the ongoing IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C..


Edun spoke as Nigeria intensified efforts to host the African Monetary Institute, signaling renewed commitment to deeper monetary cooperation and financial integration across Africa ahead of the institute’s planned launch in September 2026.


“Nigeria has no plans at the moment, to approach the IMF or any other institution to borrow funds,” Edun said.


He expressed deep concerns over the cost of borrowing, saying the premium paid for borrowed funds remains a turn off for many African economies.


He said: “At the elevated interest rates that African countries pay, the premium that they pay for commercial debt is out of the reason and contributes to debt distress. There is also this discomfort in the first place in terms of the percentage of revenue that has to be given over to debt service, as opposed to health, education and so forth”.


Edun noted that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also called for a reassessment of the high premiums African countries pay on borrowed funds.


According to him, reducing the debt premium would make development financing more affordable across the continent.


He said lowering debt servicing costs would require economies to undertake key reforms, improve GDP ratios, and deploy technology, including artificial intelligence, to automate operations.


These measures, he added, would reduce dependence on costly and high-priced debt.


Edun also urged the IMF to expedite the disbursement of the proposed $50 billion financial support for economies impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.


He said: “I think the IMF has even talked about $50 billion loan support for economies affected by the crisis, and we all know that the funding will largely go to Africa, because those are the most vulnerable countries.


“And the reality is that what we’re asking for in this instance is that the funds and the support be released quickly and at scale in terms of domestic resource mobilization”.


He further stressed the need for African countries to adopt sound macroeconomic policies.


“And the example I will give is that in Nigeria, it began with removal of untargeted fuel subsidies that were costing up to five per cent of GDP,” Edun said.

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The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the complete automation of the authentication and evaluation process for academic credentials, describing it as a major step toward improving transparency, data management, and service delivery.


According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on Friday, the initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s digital transformation drive and reflects efforts to leverage technology to boost efficiency, safeguard data integrity, and support evidence-based policymaking in the education sector.


“With the introduction of the new system, all applications for authentication and evaluation of academic credentials will now be processed strictly online through the Ministry’s official verification portal.


“Accordingly, applicants seeking authentication or evaluation of academic credentials are required to register and upload all relevant supporting documents via the official portal: essverify.education.gov.ng.


“Applicants are also required to contact their respective awarding institutions and request that their academic transcripts be forwarded directly from the institutions’ official email addresses to [email protected] for verification and processing,” the statement said.


The ministry stressed that physical visits to its offices for verification are no longer necessary, as the entire process has been transitioned to an electronic platform.


It added that the shift is expected to streamline procedures, cut down processing time, and reinforce the credibility of academic credential verification across Nigeria.


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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will not emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.


Wike characterised the 2023 presidential contender as a consistent opposition figure who has repeatedly lost elections, insisting that the next presidential contest is not within Atiku’s reach.


He further challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain to account for his performance during his tenure as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, declaring that “2027 is not available for Atiku.”


Atiku has made six attempts at the presidency, appearing on the ballot three times—in 2007, 2019, and 2023.


Wike’s remarks followed comments made by the former vice president during an interview on Arise News TV’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, where he criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had not performed well.


“Atiku is a serial failure, there is a certain age you will reach in life, you will be able to say, look, at my level, this government has done well in this area, this government has not done well in this area. But it will be very wrong, and Nigerians would be laughing at such a person making that kind of statement that nothing has been done.


“I am sure he lives in FCT, let him compare FCT now and when he was the Vice President for eight years and now, that we are just in government for almost three years. Can he compare what is FCT today and what it was when he was VP?


“So, I don’t know who is the one that told him that this government has not achieved anything. I would be surprised if he said this government has achieved a lot. He is a serial opposition person, there’s nothing we can do about it.


“It is unfortunate for him. But let him leave this 2027, it is not available for him. I believe by 2031, he should be 82 years old. I don’t know. We would encourage him to run. Even if he doesn’t want to run, I would encourage him to run. That is my position”.


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