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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two Nigerians residing in Europe after they allegedly swallowed 200 wraps of cocaine weighing 3.46 kilogrammes in an attempt to smuggle the illicit substance from Abuja to Paris, France.


The suspects, identified as Aliocus Godian Odife and Sam Blackborn, were apprehended on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during the outward clearance of an Air France flight, AF 832, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.


The agency said the arrests followed body scans conducted on the two passengers, which revealed foreign objects suspected to be illicit drugs in their stomachs.


In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspects had returned to Nigeria for holidays before allegedly attempting to transport the cocaine to Europe.


According to the statement, Odife, who reportedly lives in France and works in a factory, arrived in Nigeria on October 21 for a short visit.


He was intercepted while preparing to board his return flight after a body scan confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his stomach.


The statement partly read, “Two Europe-based Nigerian ‘businessmen’ who flew home on holiday and attempted to return to Paris, France with their bellies loaded with cocaine have been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.


“The duo, Aliocus Godian Odife and Sam Blackborn, were intercepted on Wednesday, 28th October 2026, during the outward clearance of Air France flight AF 832 from Abuja to Paris. Both men have excreted a total of 200 wraps of the Class A drug weighing 3.460 kilogrammes.


“Odife, who claims to live in France where he works in a factory, had arrived in Nigeria for a short holiday on 21st October.


“He was, however, arrested by NDLEA operatives on his return flight a few days later, when he was subjected to a body scan, which confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his stomach.


“Under interview, he admitted to having ingested 110 pellets of cocaine. He was placed under observation during which he excreted all 110 wraps, which tested positive for cocaine with a total weight of 1.901 kilogrammes.”


Babafemi said the second suspect, Blackborn, also tested positive for illicit substances during a body scan and subsequently admitted to ingesting 90 wraps of cocaine.


He disclosed that the suspect excreted all the wraps under medical observation, with the recovered drugs weighing 1.559 kilogrammes.


Beyond the airport arrests, the NDLEA spokesman disclosed that operatives of the agency recorded several drug seizures and arrests in different parts of the country.


In Lagos, operatives recovered 976 kilogrammes of cannabis from two commercial buses.


In Oyo State, two men, Oguntona Nasiru, 46, and Soji Balogun, 47, were arrested on Thursday, October 29, while allegedly loading 554 kilogrammes of cannabis into a truck along Idere Road in Igboora.


Similarly, a raid in the Tsamiya area of Gezawa, Kano State, led to the recovery of 247,500 tablets of diazepam weighing 57.7 kilogrammes and 100,000 tablets of Exol-5 weighing 38.7 kilogrammes.


The agency also arrested two suspects in Dorayi, Kano, with 19,250 tablets of tramadol.


In another operation, NDLEA operatives patrolling the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway arrested a woman, Aisha Isah, with 266 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition.


On the Zaria-Kano Expressway, operatives apprehended a 68-year-old man, Ifeanyi Egwolonwu, with 2,770 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 100 ampoules of diazepam injection, 11,000 tablets of diazepam and 4,500 tablets of Exol-5.


Reacting to the arrests, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), warned Nigerians living abroad against exploiting their overseas residence to engage in drug trafficking.


Marwa said, “The interception of the two cocaine couriers at Abuja airport is a fresh warning to those who think they can use their residence abroad as cover to traffic drugs across Nigerian borders.”


He added that NDLEA operatives at all entry and exit points remained vigilant.

“There is no hiding place for anyone who chooses to risk their life and liberty by ingesting illicit drugs for a fee,” he said.


 


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Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said President Bola Tinubu inherited an economy that was tottering on the brink of collapse from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.


He also declared there was no vacancy in the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock) and Plateau Government House in 2027, equally dismissing any talks of rainbow coalition.


Mutfwang, who stated this during the formal inauguration of  All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council in Jos yesterday, also defended Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and urged Plateau residents to support the President in the 2027 election.


“Where did President Tinubu meet Nigeria in 2023? He met Nigeria tottering on the brink of collapse; Nigeria that could not service its external debts; Nigeria that would not even allow businesses outside the country to take their proceeds back home.  And that is why some international airlines stopped flying to Nigeria because they could not get the dollars to take back their money.


“Our external reserve was down to just a little over $3 billion, from the over $40 billion it had accumulated for decades.  Today, by the grace of God, we have a healthy external reserve of over $50 billion,” the governor said.


He alleged further that the previous administration resorted to printing money to manage the economy, claiming more than N30 trillion was printed.


Governor Mutfwang said:  “When the President took over in 2023, the government he succeeded had run out of ideas on how to manage the economy and they resorted to printing money in the Central Bank.


“They printed over N30 trillion which went down the drain.  Today, by the grace of God, Central Bank has stabilised and that deficit has been done away with.’’


On fuel subsidy, Mutfwang described the system under the previous administration as fraudulent, alleging that the country borrowed money to pay claims supported by what he called fictitious documents.


“I say it was a fraud because we were borrowing money to pay people who brought fictitious documents. They never brought any wealth. They brought fictitious documents, claimed monies and subsidies.


“You cannot continue to borrow money to give to thieves. You have to stop it at some point. And when it is stopped, there will be a payback; there will be a recovery time,” he said.


The governor said the availability of fuel had improved, despite the increase in its cost, recalling the long queues that previously characterised fuel stations across the country.


“Today, by the grace of God, we have solved one side of the equation. Today, fuel is available. It may not be cheap but it is available.


“Those of us who are of my age bracket or little below will remember the times we spent days in petrol stations queuing for fuel that we could hardly get. But we have been able to resolve that,” Mutfwang said.


He also claimed that the previous administration had sold crude oil in advance, saying the country was now servicing obligations arising from such arrangements.


“Part of the problem of the Buhari regime is that they got to a point that they didn’t know what to do, so they sold our future crude. The crude we are yet to dig from the ground has been sold in advance.  And today, we are paying that debt. And so we cannot expect things to simply change overnight,” he said.


The governor said his administration was taking steps to cushion the effects of the economic adjustment on Plateau residents, citing the introduction of metro buses and revival of the railway system within Jos metropolis.


“I’m glad that Plateau people have commended us for the metro buses we bought early in the regime. I’m glad we’re able to revive the railway system within the metropolis.  I’m glad that we’re able to reduce school fees for our students in tertiary institutions by 50 per cent. I’m glad that we’re able to raise their allowances by about 300 per cent,” he said.


He also commended the federal government’s student financing initiatives, saying Plateau indigenes studying in universities had benefited from the scheme.


“It is also a great joy in my heart that the President also came up with a new scholarship for students called NELFUND.  Today, hundreds of millions have been given to Plateau indigenes who are studying in different universities. Some are getting N20,000 monthly, N40,000 monthly. It has never happened before,” he said.


On the 2027 elections, Mutfwang called for power rotation between the North and South, saying  political arrangements should be respected.


“We must agree that power should rotate between the North and the South. And if the North spends eight years, which we have nothing to show for, it is only fair that we allow the South to do eight years because if we don’t respect that sharing arrangement, it will come back to haunt us someday,” he said.


Mutfwang also declared that there was no vacancy in Plateau State Government House, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.


“That is why in Plateau State, we have already agreed that it is two terms per senatorial zone. Except the northern zone does not want to produce a governor until 2035, then you can toy with my mandate,” he said.


Governor Mutfwang urged APC candidates and campaign council members to communicate the achievements of the administration to the electorate and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions.


“We must, therefore, go about this campaign with facts, with honesty, with seriousness. Part of the reason people are still apprehensive is because we have not communicated the real message, and we have a responsibility to ensure that that message is properly communicated.


“I’d like to urge all our candidates for the various positions, you must lead from the front. You must be bridge-builders.”


“I am confident that come January 16, 2027, by the grace of God, Plateau State will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a resounding victory. And two weeks later, the people of Plateau will renew their mandate for us to continue on the good journey we have started,” he said.


On security, Mutfwang acknowledged the persistence of insecurity, adding that his administration was taking steps to strengthen security and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their communities.


“On security, I know our opponents will say there is hunger in the land. We don’t deny it. They will say that the insecurity situation has not abated. We don’t deny it.  But if they say we have not taken steps at all to address those issues, they know they are lying.


“Insecurity is not like tap water, where you simply turn on the tap and it flows down. It requires concerted, deliberate, intentional, sustained efforts before you get results.


“By the grace of God, we have understood what the issues are, and we have begun to make sure we propose solutions in the right places that matter,” he said.


The governor said his administration would continue to protect communities and disclosed plans to deploy additional security personnel.


“One thing I have committed myself to is that I will ensure the protection of every inch of land in Plateau State.


“Very soon, we are going to be taking practical steps to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons back to their communities.  And so, all we are asking is for Plateau people to trust us, be patient with us, and by the grace of God, you will not regret it.”


No rainbow coalition, Plateau going APC


The governor dismissed talks of any “rainbow coalition” ahead of the 2027 elections , declaring that there was no vacancy in Aso Rock and the Plateau Government House as he inaugurated the presidential and state campaign councils of the All Progressives Congress, APC.


Mutfwang said Plateau people had chosen the APC as their political vehicle for the 2027 elections, urging party faithful and campaign officials to mobilise across the state.


“Some people are talking about rainbow, we are talking about a unification movement. Plateau people have decided 2027 to go one direction.  And we have chosen that the wings on which we have chosen to fly in 2027 are the wings of the APC,” the governor declared


 


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The feud between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the N70,000 monthly transport allowance to public sector workers has deepened.


Recently, Joe Ajaero, NLC president; and Festus Osifo, TUC president; have been at loggerheads over the proposed palliative from the federal government.


During an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Ajaero and Osifo renewed hostilities.


Last Tuesday, the federal government announced the allowance in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) issued after a meeting between government representatives and NLC leaders in Abuja.


Twenty-four hours later, the TUC rejected the six-month transport allowance for public sector workers, calling for an increase in salaries instead.


In a riposte, Ajaero said the TUC should have negotiated its own terms with the federal government rather than reject the outcome of the NLC’s negotiations.


Osifo, however, said discussions on the allowance began before Ajaero’s meeting with the federal government, adding that the government had engaged the TUC over its position on workers’ welfare.


‘ABSENTEE PRESIDENT WHO LIVES IN US’


Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Ajaero countered the TUC president.


The NLC president said the transport allowance was a product of NLC negotiation with the federal government after the union issued an ultimatum.


Ajaero said after the ultimatum, the federal government called for a meeting that led to a series of agreements, in which the transport allowance was included.


“When he (Festus) said I did not negotiate N70,000 transport allowance, I did not know what he meant,” Ajaero said.


“We (NLC) gave the government an ultimatum and the government asked for four days to meet with us. At the resumed sitting after four days, some agreements were reached.


“After every collective bargaining, the product is the agreement. It was in that agreement that the issue of N70,000 was reached.”


Speaking further, the NLC president said Osifo should be asked about the whereabouts of the 90 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses donated to the TUC by the federal government.


Ajaero described Osifo as an “absentee president”, while alleging that the TUC leader resides abroad and shuttles between Nigeria and the United States for meetings.


“He is an absentee president of the TUC. He does not live in Nigeria. He comes in from the US to attend meetings and rush back. He serves in the board of PENCOM,” Ajaero said.


“You cannot be living abroad and be holding a position in a central level organisation. I challenge him and the Nigeria Immigration Service to prove if he has been in this country for four to five months this year.”


After Ajaero completed his interview session during the programme, Osifo appeared for his right of reply.


‘A DISASTER TO THE LABOUR MOVEMENT’


Speaking during the interview, Osifo said he “really pities” the labour movement after listening to the NLC president, adding that the union once had great leaders.


“I can boldly say that Joe Ajaero is a disaster to the trade union movement in Nigeria,” Osifo said.


Osifo added that the NLC cannot negotiate on behalf of members of the TUC, since the trade union has a recognised body.


Commenting on the claim that he does not live in Nigeria, the TUC president said it is a shame that the NLC president made that comment.


Osifo said before handing over as president of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in August, he was shuttling from one shop floor to another to negotiate salary increment for members.


The TUC president said he is currently in the United Kingdom for training on advanced leadership and management.


Osifo claimed that workers are being shortchanged because of Ajaero’s lack of negotiation skills.


“Ajaero has never led any union in Nigeria that is why he does not understand the principles of negotiation,” Osifo added.


“What I will recommend for him is training and retraining.”


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The Sokoto government has sealed one of the campaign offices of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, saying the building belongs to Savannah Bank.


Nasiru Dantsoho, the state’s commissioner for lands and housing, announced the sealing of the office on Monday when he led some government officials to the premises.


The commissioner said the action followed a recent clash involving supporters of different political parties.


“The purpose is simply to inform the general public that there is a government in town and that it has to be respected,” he said in a viral video seen by TheCable.


“Last week, there was some misunderstanding between some party supporters and others, and there was a report that some miscreants came here and disrupted the activities of another party.”


He said the clash prompted the government to review the certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents relating to the building, which showed that Savannah Bank owns the property.


“As of today, the records have not changed. On that basis, we have written to the NDIC, which is the custodian of this building, to establish who currently has custody of it,” he said.


“We are yet to receive a reply and are waiting for further direction from them.


“In the meantime, to preserve and protect lives, maintain order and safeguard property, this place is hereby sealed until further notice and pending a response from the NDIC.”


He urged anyone claiming ownership of the property to present the necessary documents for verification.


“For now, this property is under the control of the Sokoto state government, and that stands,” Dantsoho said.


He warned that anyone who attempts to gain access to the premises without authorisation would face appropriate action, including prosecution.


While the ADC was yet to issue an official reaction, reports indicate the development follows allegations of attacks involving its supporters and operatives of the state-owned security outfit.


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Phrank Shaibu, senior special assistant on public communication to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah was for personal reasons and not on behalf of the nation.


Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today aired on Monday, Shaibu said Tinubu’s Umrah trip had been politicised.


Shaibu argued that although the spiritual exercise was presented as being for Nigeria, the president had actually gone to pray for himself.


“It is for himself. He has gone there to pray for himself. In trying to mask this trip, they claimed it was for the nation,” he said.


“And he has come out to say, oh, he has received the wisdom he needed to rule this country. And that he has gotten what they call spiritual endorsement for his second term.


“On their own account, on the president’s account, the last time he came for Umrah was three and a half years ago, before his election. So, for them, they have politicised it.


“I will call it political Umrah. Permit me to use that expression. If not, ordinarily, there is nothing for us to discuss when a Nigerian who worships and who believes in the Islamic faith visits the holy land.


“It is for a personal purpose. Prayer is important. The holy land is precious. It is important to all Muslims.”


Shaibu also questioned Tinubu’s “sincerity of faith”, alleging that the president would not have kept Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna and a fellow Muslim, in detention over a “minor political disagreement” if he were sincere in his faith.


He said Tinubu had the power to facilitate el-Rufai’s release, citing the president’s intervention to allow the former governor to bury his mother.


“That was not the court. So, he knows what to do. The conditions they gave for his bail are obnoxious, completely obnoxious. That is a fellow Muslim,” he said.


“So, when we’re talking of sincerity of faith, we’re talking of people, Nigerians being unable to feed.”


Shaibu also claimed that Atiku sponsored Tinubu’s first trip to Makkah.


“The first trip Bola Tinubu made to the holy land was on the bills of Atiku Abubakar. He took him there. It’s on record,” he said.


“They should contest it. He took him there because of his love for people, because of his love for the Almighty as well. He loves to bring people to know God, to love God and to serve him well.”


He further claimed that the former vice-president spent 30 days in Makkah during Ramadan last year but did not publicise the visit because it was a personal spiritual exercise.


Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday, October 29 for Makkah, Saudi Arabia.


Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said in a statement that Tinubu would perform Umrah, an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the Holy City.


Onanuga said the visit would give the president an opportunity for “spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress”.


Early on Friday, October 30, after performing Umrah in Makkah, Tinubu said the exercise was a deeply spiritual experience for him, describing it as an opportunity to pray for Nigeria and its citizens.


On Sunday, Tinubu hosted some governors and members of his delegation to a dinner in Makkah, during which he prayed that God would turn Nigeria’s diversity into prosperity.


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Former Kogi West Senator and ADC Chieftain, Dino Melaye, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to a Quranic citation contest, following the President’s ongoing spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the lesser Hajj.


Melaye issued the challenge in a post on his X handle on Monday, saying he was ready to compete with Tinubu in citing passages from the Quran when the President returns to Nigeria.


He wrote, “Now that Alhaji Bola Tinubu is in Umrah. Immediately he comes back, I challenge him to a Quranic citation competition with me. No one can mock God. SDM”


The challenge comes amid public attention surrounding Tinubu’s spiritual activities in Makkah, where he performed the Umrah pilgrimage and was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah.


Recalls that Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the religious exercise, which he performed at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, on Friday, October 30.


The President was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.


According to the Presidency, Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led Tinubu into the Ka’abah, where he offered prayers of gratitude and sought divine guidance for Nigeria.


In his reflection on the spiritual experience, Tinubu said he had prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.


He also cited Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Quran, which speaks about Allah’s ultimate authority over power and sovereignty.


“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.


Tinubu subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to national development, saying his determination to build a prosperous Nigeria had been strengthened by the spiritual experience.


The President travelled to Saudi Arabia with a delegation that included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states, among other officials and business leaders.


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A Catholic priest has been filmed singing in praise of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during a church service on Sunday.


In a viral video on X, the priest is seen leading worshippers in singing a song rendered in Igbo, with members of the congregation joining him.


The song describes the NDC as a better political platform.


“Party Peter Obi ka mma; Party Kwankwaso, ka mma! [Peter Obi’s party is better; Kwankwaso’s party is better!],” the priest sang.


Ahead of the 2027 elections, religious leaders are increasingly weighing in on political candidates, with some openly criticising certain contenders while others have declared their support for them.


In August, TheCable reported that Sani Jingir, an Islamic cleric, urged Muslims to vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election.


Speaking at a mass wedding organised by the Kano state government for 1,500 couples, Jingir urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country.


President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are Muslims.


There is an informal agreement in Nigeria to balance presidential tickets along religious lines, usually pairing a Muslim with a Christian.


Kwankwaso condemned the remarks in a post on X.


TheCable also reported that the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.


The bishops endorsed the president during the 2026 synod of the CBCN, which took place in Abuja, the nation’s capital.


The synod was attended by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation.


Representatives of the CBCN from the six geopolitical zones asked Leonard Kawas, president-general of the group, to announce the conference’s decision.


Kawas said CBCN has members in 52 countries, with 950 “canonical” bishops in Nigeria alone.


He noted that CBCN was among the groups worried about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 election.


Kawas said Tinubu surprised the group with his appointments of Christians to key positions in his administration.


He added that the president had been able to “balance” Nigeria’s diversity.


“We are here today to reassure him of our solid support. We are standing with him in prayers and advocacy for the good programmes he has brought forth for the liberation of Nigeria,” he said.


“We stand with the president today, and as long as he is willing to be our president and even come in 2027, we will still be standing with him.”


TheCable


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Her Excellency Aminatu Danjuma Goje, wife of the former Governor of Gombe state Host a Grand Naming Ceremony to officially welcome her grand daughter in Asokoro Abuja

Colonel Auwal Inuwa and Zakiya Danjuma Goje were blessed with a beautiful baby girl.The couple named their precious daughter Aminatu Auwal Inuwa Baba. The family announced that the newborn was named in honor of Her Excellency Hajiya Aminatu Danjuma Goje, highlighting a deep familial respect and tribute.


The joyous occasion took place on Saturday, 31st October, at their residence located at 10 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro. Guests gathered to celebrate with the family between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM.


The ceremony served as a day of gratitude and thanksgiving. The family stated they were honored by the presence of their guests as they gave thanks to Almighty Allah for this special blessing, noting that the attendance of friends and family made the occasion even more meaningful.


The event was a beautiful gathering of love, gratitude, and community as the Inuwa and Goje families celebrated their newest addition.



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Popular Nigerian Highlife music duo, Umu Obiligbo, will headline the inaugural Obindigbo Music Fest in Abuja on November 15, 2026, alongside other celebrated artistes in a concert designed to showcase the richness of Igbo music, culture and heritage.


The event, tagged Umu Obiligbo Live (Obindigbo Music Fest), will also feature performances by Zoro, Ruffcoin, Okechi Diamond, Ned Wazobia, Ugoccie and other special guest artistes, bringing together music lovers for an evening of cultural celebration and entertainment.


The festival is an initiative of Stealth Mode Ltd, which has entered into a strategic partnership with Umu Obiligbo Global to establish an annual entertainment platform dedicated to promoting Igbo musical heritage and connecting audiences across generations.


Built around the philosophy of “Nke Bụ Nke Anyị” (That Which Belongs to All of Us), the festival seeks to celebrate Igbo identity, preserve indigenous music and provide a common platform for cultural expression.


Speaking on the initiative, the Principal Partner of Stealth Mode Ltd, Kaycee Nnamdi Oguejiofor, described the festival as a long-term investment in cultural preservation rather than a one-off entertainment event.


“Obindigbo Music Fest is our contribution to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Igbo music. We wanted to build something that goes beyond a single concert — something our people can identify with, take pride in and look forward to every year.

“‘Nke Bụ Nke Anyị’ is more than a slogan; it is our philosophy. It reminds us that our culture is strongest when we celebrate it together. This festival belongs to all of us,” he said.


Umu Obiligbo, renowned for blending traditional Igbo Highlife with contemporary sounds, have continued to attract audiences within Nigeria and internationally. The duo have recorded over 200 million streams and won the Best African Group award at the 2020 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).


Reacting to their partnership with Stealth Mode Ltd, the music group expressed excitement about headlining the maiden edition, describing the festival as an opportunity to promote cultural identity and unity through music.


“Music has always been our way of telling the stories of our people. Obindigbo Music Fest is a platform that reflects those same values — identity, unity and pride in where we come from.


“We are honoured to headline the inaugural edition and look forward to sharing this experience with our fans and everyone who believes in preserving our culture through music,” the duo stated.


Beyond musical performances, the organisers said the festival will feature premium hospitality and interactive brand experiences, while creating opportunities for corporate organisations, cultural institutions and development partners to engage with a diverse audience.


Stealth Mode Ltd also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with prospective partners as it works towards establishing Obindigbo Music Fest as a major annual cultural entertainment event in Africa.


The Abuja concert is expected to mark the beginning of a lasting tradition that celebrates the contributions of Igbo music to Nigeria's entertainment industry while introducing its rich heritage to younger generations and wider audiences.



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Abuja, Nigeria — In a moment of profound vulnerability and unexpected grace, Miss Portharcourt City contestant Victoria Jenewari has shared a life-altering experience from her recent visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja. The beauty queen, who is also a dedicated girl-child advocate, took to social media to recount a humanitarian outreach that shifted from a simple act of charity to a deep, personal awakening.


According to her, Jenewari set out on a mission to feed 100 children at the Area 1 Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. The camp, which is home to thousands of displaced individuals, is one of the largest in the region.


Armed with bags of food packed into the trunk of her vehicle, she arrived with the intention of giving. However, the experience, she said, gave her far more than she could have ever anticipated. In a now-viral quote, she stated, "I went to feed 100 children, but I left being fed."


The powerful statement captures the paradox of humanitarian work — the giver often becomes the recipient of a deeper, more profound sustenance through the resilience and spirit of those they seek to help.

The Area 1 Durumi IDP camp, where the outreach took place, is a microcosm of Nigeria's broader displacement crisis. Established around 2014, the camp has grown to house over 3,000 individuals and 340 families who have fled insecurity and violence in various parts of the country.


The camp's inhabitants have long called for government support, particularly for basic amenities and healthcare, with mortality rates reportedly increasing due to deplorable living conditions. It is within this context that Jenewari's visit — and her willingness to share her emotional journey — takes on even greater significance.


Victoria Jenewari is not new to the world of advocacy. The 25-year-old beauty queen first rose to prominence when she won the Face of Democracy Competition in 2020 as an ambassador. She is the founder of the Victoria Jenewari Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of girl-child education and the welfare of children generally.


A graduate of Mass Communications, Jenewari has consistently used her platform to champion the cause of the less privileged. Her decision to visit the IDP camp is part of a broader pet project she is set to launch, which aims to address the needs of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.


The beauty queen's post has resonated deeply with her followers, sparking conversations about the true nature of service and the often-overlooked dignity of those living in displacement. Her message serves as a reminder that humanitarian work is not merely about providing material aid, but about acknowledging the shared humanity that binds us all.


As she continues her journey in the Miss Portharcourt City pageant, Victoria Jenewari has already proven herself a winner in the most meaningful way possible — by leading with her heart and reminding us all that true fulfillment comes not from what we give, but from what we allow ourselves to receive in return.

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President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, has announced plans to incorporate traditional rulers’ perspectives into global standards for responsible communication, recognising their role in grassroots peacebuilding, policy feedback and community development.


Neliaku disclosed this at the October meeting of the NIPR Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, announcing a special session for traditional rulers at the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.


He said the initiative would inform the proposed Abuja Declaration, positioning Nigeria’s traditional institutions as contributors to international discourse on responsible communication.


“Every traditional ruler is a public relations practitioner because they deal with community relations and peacebuilding, which constitute an essential part of what we do in public relations,” Neliaku said.


He explained that the initiative followed consultations with the institute’s royal ambassadors, including the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness  (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, who serves as coordinating royal ambassador.


Neliaku described the proposed declaration as a major opportunity for Nigeria to contribute to the evolution of global public relations practice, referencing the 1978 Mexico Statement as an earlier international milestone.


“It is now 48 years later. And Nigeria, your Nigeria, will now give the world another declaration,” he said.


He noted that practitioners from Australia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries had contributed to developing the document.


Neliaku also announced that NIPR had again been named the world’s best public relations institute, following its reported 2025 achievement, in a report from the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.


“It’s not for us to rest. It is for us to keep riding high,” he said.


Governance and Development Partners


The Etsu Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan, reinforced the case for traditional rulers’ inclusion, describing strategic communication as indispensable to effective leadership in Nigeria’s culturally diverse society.


He said traditional institutions occupy a distinctive position between government and citizens, communicating public policies to communities while articulating grassroots needs and providing feedback to policymakers.


“Professional, responsible, and strategic communication is very important in holding these fabrics together,” the monarch said.


He described traditional rulers as dual advocates who help government explain and implement policies while conveying citizens’ experiences and concerns back to the authorities.


“We are dual advocates for government by mainstreaming their policies in the communities we find ourselves and also providing feedback for their policies,” he said.


Beyond communication, the monarch highlighted traditional institutions’ growing role in community mobilisation, resource mobilisation and collective development, arguing that effective governance requires citizens to participate actively in improving their communities.


“We are raising communities to understand that government is not responsible for everything,” he said.


He added that traditional rulers could help government assess policy outcomes because they witness the practical effects of interventions at the grassroots.


The Etsu Kwali congratulated NIPR on its efforts to manage Nigeria’s international reputation, acknowledging the challenges of communicating the country’s image to global audiences.


Responding, Neliaku commended the monarch’s engagement with the institute and announced that the NIPR Council had approved his membership, with induction scheduled for December 5.


The proposed WPRF session highlights the development value of connecting professional communication with traditional governance, strengthening the channels through which public policies are understood, community priorities are heard and grassroots participation is translated into collective action.


 

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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) says preparations covering security, transportation, accommodation and other critical logistics are nearing completion for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).


Chairman of the WPRF Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, addressing the October meeting of the NIPR FCT Chapter and expressing confidence in the institute’s preparedness for the international event, said more than 400 members, predominantly from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have volunteered to support the global gathering in Abuja.


“At the last count, over 400 members, mostly from the FCT chapter, have registered to volunteer, even to join, to make sure that they have contributed in person to the success of WPRF,” Haruna said.


He said security arrangements had been concluded in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS).


“Arrangements, I can confidently tell you, have been concluded,” he said, adding that officers’ numbers and deployment plans had been agreed upon to safeguard participants throughout the programme.


On transportation, Haruna disclosed that between 20 and 30 vehicles had been secured through organisational partnerships to facilitate movement between the event venue and participating hotels.


Haruna also highlighted progress in international participation, saying the planning committee had received numerous enquiries about visa applications, and expressed appreciation to the Nigeria immigration officials for helping to expedite processing.


He disclosed that 19 hotels had offered discounted accommodation rates, while the aviation committee had negotiated discounts on domestic and international flights for participants travelling to Abuja.


The planning committee chairman said media partnerships had been formalised with major Nigerian media organisations, while sponsors were contributing financially and through logistical support.


He specifically acknowledged the Nigeria Customs Service for providing ₦50 million and pledging buses and sport utility vehicles, including drivers and fuel, for the forum.


Haruna urged more organisations to support the gathering, noting that sponsorship opportunities remained open.


He outlined the programme’s major components, including a knowledge conference on Monday, professional and leadership sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) conference on Thursday, and a youth summit on Friday, The opening ceremony is to hold on Tuesday.


The forum, he said, would bring together practitioners and stakeholders for professional exchange, leadership development and stronger international collaboration.


Haruna also addressed concerns generated by reports of Ebola in Nigeria, directing members to the official WPRF website for verified updates, travel guidance and accommodation information.


He said the health-related statement published on the website had come from the World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, rather than NIPR.


The preparations underscore the importance of institutional partnerships, volunteerism and coordinated communication in delivering a major international professional gathering, while positioning Abuja as a platform for global knowledge exchange and public relations development.

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Zee Munchies Spot, a growing food and snack brand, is offering Abuja residents a variety of freshly prepared snacks, small chops and treats, providing convenient options for individuals, families and event organisers.


With the slogan, Good Food, Good Mood, the brand focuses on delivering tasty and affordable snacks prepared with fresh ingredients to satisfy customers' everyday cravings and catering needs.


Its menu features beef and chicken samosas, meat pies, chicken pies, spring rolls, puff-puff, assorted small chops and yoghurt, with different package sizes designed to meet customers' preferences and budgets.


The brand has put in place pocket-friendly price system, that offers a pack of 10 beef samosas at the cost of ₦4,000, putting chicken samosas for ₦5,000. 


Customers can also purchase 10 pieces of meat pie for ₦8,000, chicken pie for ₦9,000, and spring rolls from ₦4,000.


Other offerings include puff-puff, available in quantities ranging from 10 pieces at ₦2,500 to 100 pieces at ₦25,000, while assorted small chops start from ₦2,000 per pack. Yoghurt is also available at ₦3,000 per cup.


Beyond individual purchases, Zee Munchies Spot provides snack options suitable for birthday celebrations, parties, social gatherings, corporate events and other special occasions.


The brand also offers customers the convenience of placing orders online, eliminating the need to visit a physical outlet before making purchases.


Potential customers across Abuja can place orders or make enquiries through its Call/WhatsApp line, 07062816077, where they can obtain further information about available products and their preferred packages.


Zee Munchies Spot says its focus remains on fresh ingredients, quality snacks, great taste and affordable prices, guided by its commitment to making good food a source of happiness for customers.

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The family of late singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who died from complications arising from a snakebite, has called for the availability of life-saving snakebite antivenom in hospitals across Nigeria.


The appeal was made at an evening of music organised by the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance in collaboration with the British Council in Abuja to commemorate what would have been Ifunanya’s 27th birthday.


Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs Nnenna Ani Okwuobasi urged greater awareness, advocacy and collective action to ensure that access to life-saving treatment does not depend on chance. She expressed hope that concerted efforts would help spare other families the profound pain they continue to experience following Ifunanya’s death.


She also disclosed that the family had concluded plans to establish the Nanya Music Foundation in her memory. The foundation will honour Ifunanya’s love for music by creating opportunities for young and aspiring musicians to develop their talents.


Mrs Okwuobasi further expressed the hope that Ifunanya’s story would inspire meaningful conversations and initiatives around snakebite awareness, prevention and timely access to life-saving treatment.

The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance, Rotarian Pat Ofik, paid tribute to the late singer, recognising her invaluable contributions to the early discussions and vision that culminated in the formation of the club. She described Ifunanya as a gifted and passionate young woman whose warmth, talent and love for music touched lives and brought joy to many.


Also speaking, Chikodi Onyeamerela, Programmes Director of the British Council, recalled that Ifunanya had performed on several occasions at the Council and would undoubtedly have been invited to participate in its end-of-year activities, as she had been the previous year.


He particularly recalled her performance of the national anthems at an event held last year to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. He noted that her passing represented a significant loss to the Council and the wider community that had come to appreciate her musical talent.


The event was attended by Ifunanya’s parents, Mr and Mrs Christopher Nwangene, as well as Rotary Past District Governors Goddy Nnadi and Victor Onukwugha, alongside members of the Rotary community and friends who gathered to celebrate her life and honour her memory.


The evening featured performances by some of Abuja’s finest creative talents, including Louisa, Pat the Singing Bird, Victoria, Matt de Baritone, Pascal de Tenor, Regal Bel, Zitu Benafa and Anaeto Nwannebuife. Group performances were also delivered by the Great Voices Ensemble and the Ammemuso Choir.


Through her music, Ifunanya had a unique ability to connect with people, uplift spirits and create moments of joy. Her talent, warmth and passion for music left an enduring impression on all who encountered her, and her untimely passing remains a profound loss to her family, friends, the music community and all whose lives she touched.


The Nanya Music Foundation is scheduled to be officially unveiled on 14 February 2027, to coincide with the first anniversary of her burial. Through the foundation, her family hopes to preserve her musical legacy while creating opportunities for young talents and promoting greater awareness of snakebite prevention and access to life-saving treatment.


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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain how his administration utilised nearly $100 billion in borrowed funds over the past three years.


Obi, who spoke on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during the homecoming ceremony of the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and the inauguration of the NDC secretariat, also called on Nigerians to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.


The former Anambra State governor questioned the administration’s handling of the economy, alleging that despite the huge borrowings, Nigerians were still grappling with poverty, hunger, unemployment and inadequate social infrastructure.


He argued that the country needed a president with the energy and capacity to address its challenges, insisting that Nigeria could no longer afford leadership that, in his view, had failed to deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.


He said, “Today we have a country that produces the highest number of poor people in the world. Today we have a country where our people are hungry, Nigerians don’t know where the next meal will come from anymore.


“In Nigeria today, if you are sick, instead of going to hospital, you go to church because there is no hospital, so you can only pray for God to save you. We have a country where there are no schools. We have a country where youths are looking for jobs, but no jobs.


“What do we want to do? We are telling you that NDC is coming to build a new Nigeria that is possible. We want to move Nigeria from consumption to production.”


Obi also questioned the purpose of the loans obtained by the Federal Government, demanding that the President provide Nigerians with details of how the borrowed funds had been spent.


He said, “Our president has borrowed nearly $100 billion, nobody knows what he did with the money, we want the president to come and explain to Nigerians what he used the money he borrowed to do in the past three years.


“He said he’s busy, he has been busy for the past three years going overseas, now we went into a campaign, he said he is busy. APC government is incompetent, APC government doesn’t have the capacity. They don’t have compassion, they cannot be chosen.”


The NDC presidential candidate further urged Nigerians to support his party’s proposed alternative, saying it would prioritise production as a strategy for addressing the country’s economic difficulties.


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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, has reshuffled his cabinet, redeploying two commissioners to new ministries while assigning portfolios to six newly appointed members of the State Executive Council.


The minor cabinet adjustment was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the governor’s Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, in Kano.


Under the new arrangement, the former Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.


Similarly, Hamza Kachako, who previously headed the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.


The governor’s spokesman said the ministries previously occupied by the two commissioners would remain without substantive commissioners pending further decisions by the state government.


“Following the reshuffle, the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as that of Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, remain vacant pending further decisions by the state government,” he said.


In another development, the governor assigned portfolios to six newly appointed commissioners who were recently sworn into the State Executive Council.


The appointees include retired Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u, who will oversee the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi-Dala, Investment; and Prof. Sani Lawan-Manunfashi, Higher Education.


Others are Mukhtar Ishaq-Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim-Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba-Mustapha, Special Duties.


The commissioners were sworn in alongside three advisers and 19 Permanent Secretaries.


Yusuf said the appointments and changes in ministerial responsibilities were designed to strengthen government institutions, enhance administrative effectiveness and reposition strategic ministries for improved service delivery.


He urged the newly inaugurated commissioners, advisers and Permanent Secretaries to discharge their duties with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.


The governor also called on the appointees to place public interest above personal considerations and contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.


He further urged them to work together in implementing his administration’s development agenda and ensuring that residents benefit from democratic governance.


Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.


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Organised labour unions across several states have intensified efforts to persuade their respective governments to implement the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public sector workers, with some state chapters seeking higher payments to reflect local economic conditions.


The development follows an agreement between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to introduce a six-month transport support package beginning in November 2026 to cushion the effects of rising living costs on workers.


While some state labour leaders are demanding that their governments adopt the N70,000 benchmark, others are pushing for higher allowances, depending on the cost of transportation and the financial capacity of their states.


In Lagos State, the NLC Chairperson, Agnes Sesi, said the union would formally approach the state government to negotiate a monthly allowance of N100,000 for workers.


She argued that the high cost of transportation, accommodation, feeding and other essential expenses in Lagos justified an allowance above the Federal Government’s proposed package.


Sesi, however, maintained that workers should not receive less than the N70,000 negotiated for their federal counterparts.


She said, “If the NLC is asking for N70,000, it should cut across states. If the state government cannot do more, we do not expect them to do less because of Lagos peculiarity.


“In fact, we are even expecting the state government to increase ours to N100,000 because of our sacrifices and resilience. But if they cannot do more than the N70,000, we are not expecting anything less.


“Transportation is expensive in Lagos. Livelihoods are high, accommodation is high, and feeding is on the high side. Everything is on the high side in Lagos State,” she added.


The labour leader also urged the state government to commence implementation promptly rather than allow the payments to accumulate as outstanding arrears.


“We don’t want the government to drag its feet on it. We don’t want this to enter into arrears.”


In Kaduna State, the NLC Chairman, Ayuba Magaji, said the union would demand at least N70,000 monthly for workers and had commenced arrangements to formally engage Governor Uba Sani on the matter.


According to him, the national secretariat had circulated directives encouraging state and local government chapters to approach their respective administrations for discussions on adopting the initiative.


He said, “We have received a circular from the national headquarters of the Congress. As I am talking to you, my secretary and I are making arrangements, and immediately after this programme, he will write a letter to the government to intimate it about this and the need for us to commence discussions immediately,” he said.


Similarly, the Benue State NLC Chairman, Terungwa Igbe, said the union would insist on the N70,000 allowance, although it was yet to receive an official communication from the national secretariat.


The state government, however, said discussions on the proposed package had not commenced. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, nevertheless expressed confidence that Governor Hyacinth Alia would support initiatives aimed at reducing the financial burden on residents.


In Bayelsa, the NLC Chairman, Barnabas Simon, insisted that workers in the state should benefit from the agreement, arguing that the economic challenges confronting the state were not different from those experienced elsewhere in the country.


He said, “Bayelsa State is not operating a different economy from other states. We are not living under a separate economic system. Whatever affects other states also affects Bayelsa. Therefore, Bayelsa should not be left out of the implementation of the resolution.”


In Kebbi State, the labour union has begun lobbying members of the State House of Assembly to support its proposed transport allowance, which would range between N40,000 and N70,000 monthly.


The state NLC Chairman, Murtala Usman, explained that the final amount would depend on the government’s financial capacity and the different categories of workers.


“I have already commenced lobbying for it. I was at the state House of Assembly on Thursday to speak with some lawmakers on how they can support us when the discussion begins,” Usman added.


Meanwhile, the Ondo State NLC Chairman, Ademola Olopade, said the union planned to meet with the state government to discuss implementation of the agreement.


He ruled out the possibility of the state chapter negotiating terms outside the position already reached by the national leadership.


“We can’t go contrary to what the national body has negotiated with the Federal Government. Don’t forget the TUC came up with another idea; they were not part of the decision. But we at the NLC, there’s no way I can do anything contrary to the agreement between the NLC and the government on the N70,000,” he said.


The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the government would implement its transport relief arrangement in line with the agreement between the Federal Government and organised labour.


In Edo State, the NLC caretaker committee Chairman, Prof. Monday Igbafen, disclosed that the union would begin discussions with the government on extending the N70,000 package to workers.


He, however, indicated that industrial action was not imminent unless the government refused to cooperate with the union.


In Rivers State, the NLC said it had written to the state government requesting a meeting on the proposed allowance.


The state NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, said, “For us in the state, we have already written to the state government on what has been agreed between the Federal Government during the meeting with our leaders.”


However, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Samuel Ogan, questioned the sustainability of the intervention, arguing that a temporary six-month allowance would not adequately address workers’ economic difficulties.


He said, “It’s a good gesture, but the TUC is saying the economic hardship is beyond the N70,000 or palliative, and that it is not sustainable in the sense that it’s for a short period of six months.


“We want a situation where the government increases the wage of the workers beyond the current wage. In fact, what they are proposing, let it be there before we even go and discuss the new wage,” he added.


In Gombe State, the NLC Chairman, Yusuf Bello, said the union had received instructions from its national headquarters and would formally approach the state government.


He said, “There is a directive from the national headquarters and we will write to them (Gombe State Government). We can’t push for less than N70,000, and from there, we will go and relate with our executives.”


The Niger State NLC chapter has also taken steps towards engaging the government, although its chairman, Idris Lafene, said formal negotiations had yet to begin because the Head of Service was unavailable.


In Abia State, the NLC Chairman, Ogbonnaya Okoro, said the union would pursue the N70,000 allowance for the agreed six-month period while ensuring that the intervention did not interfere with ongoing minimum wage negotiations.


He said the union would approach the state government after receiving further guidelines from the Federal Government.


Responding, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said it was too early for the government to make a definite statement without the implementation details.


“Let us wait until the Federal Government rolls out the details for us to know how it will be,” he said.


Labour leaders in Sokoto and Kano states also said they were awaiting official directives from their national headquarters before opening discussions with their respective governments.


In Osun State, however, the TUC Chairman, Abimbola Fasasi, said organised labour had been engaging Governor Ademola Adeleke on measures to reduce the economic pressure on workers.


He attributed part of the hardship confronting local government workers to the non-release of allocations to local government areas in the state since February 2025.


“We have been engaging the governor and appealing to him to find something to do for our people due to the hike in petrol pump prices. Also, the seizure of local government allocations in Osun State has caused a lot of hardship,” Fasasi said.


In Ogun State, the TUC Chairman, Akeem Lasisi, said organised labour had yet to initiate discussions on the new Federal Government package, as its immediate priority was persuading the state government to extend its existing N10,000 monthly transport support to more public officers.


He said, “Organised Labour has not initiated discussions on this, but we have been engaging the government on ways to ease the suffering of workers across the state. One proposal is to extend the N10,000 transport relief currently offered to public officers in the state. We shall meet next week to discuss the next course of action,” he said.


The negotiations across the states come ahead of the planned November commencement of the Federal Government’s six-month transport relief intervention.


(PUNCH)


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The Federal Government is set to begin monthly payments of N50,000 to selected vulnerable households under its National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs.


Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the initiative was designed to provide financial relief to Nigerians facing economic difficulties.


Doro explained that selected beneficiaries would receive text messages from designated telecommunications service providers seeking their consent before the money is transferred directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.


“This message is genuine. Once consent is given, payment is made directly to the beneficiary’s account/mobile wallet,” Doro said.


He described NERSI as a complementary intervention to the Federal Government’s existing social protection and economic support programmes.


According to him, the initiative underscores the government’s determination to provide immediate assistance to vulnerable citizens while strengthening household resilience and promoting economic stability under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.


“We recognise the challenges many Nigerians are facing. The ministry is committed to delivering this intervention with dignity, transparency and accountability,” he said.


The minister cautioned prospective beneficiaries against falling victim to fraudsters, stressing that participation in the programme does not require an application, payment of fees or registration through intermediaries.


“Never share your PIN or BVN with anyone,” he cautioned.


He further advised Nigerians who have doubts about messages purportedly relating to the programme, or anyone asked to make payments to access the intervention, to verify such information through the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.


Doro also disclosed that the programme would undergo periodic reviews to accommodate changes in the cost of living. He added that beneficiaries would receive direct notifications before any adjustments to the intervention are implemented.


Information published on the NERSI portal indicates that beneficiaries are selected through verified national identity records and the National Social Register, with priority given to poor and vulnerable households.


The portal identifies ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank and NairaGram as approved payment channels for the programme.


It further explains that the intervention is being rolled out in phases, meaning eligible beneficiaries may receive their notifications at different times.


Under the programme’s guidelines, recipients can access their funds through mobile wallets, transfer the money to their bank accounts or withdraw through designated agents, although applicable transaction charges may apply.


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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s position on government borrowing, describing as “absolute nonsense” the president’s assertion that borrowing should not be regarded as a negative practice.


Obasanjo made his position known on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while speaking at the Ajibosin Platform, a public forum themed “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to solve grassroots problems and accelerate National Development.”


In April, Tinubu defended his administration’s decision to continue borrowing when necessary, arguing that loans were not inherently bad if the government worked hard to repay them.


The president made the remarks at the State House during a meeting with Plateau State leaders led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.


“If we have to borrow, we borrow. Borrowing is not leprosy, we just have to work hard to be able to pay for it,” the president had said.


However, responding to the president’s position, Obasanjo argued that the consequences of excessive borrowing were more damaging than those associated with leprosy, particularly because public debt could affect several generations.


The former president said: “And for anybody to say debt is no leprosy, is absolute nonsense. Debt is worse than leprosy. Because leprosy destroys only one person. Debt destroys generations.”


Obasanjo also expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic performance, particularly the sharp depreciation of the naira against the United States dollar over the years.


To illustrate the extent of the currency’s decline, he recalled the exchange rate when he established his farm nearly five decades ago.


“When I started my farm, 47 years ago, naira to the dollar was one naira to $1.85. Forty-seven years ago. What has Nigeria done in 47 years that we now have 1,500 naira to the dollar? What have we done?” he asked.


He further questioned the knowledge and decision-making capacity of the country’s political leaders, demanding to know what they understood about governance and how such knowledge could translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.


“What do our leaders know? And what do they not know? And from what they know, what can they do for us?” he asked.


The former president also faulted Nigeria’s reliance on international financial institutions, particularly the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arguing that their economic prescriptions might not adequately reflect the country’s peculiar needs and development challenges.


He maintained that the institutions were established before Nigeria gained independence and questioned their suitability in determining the country’s economic direction.


Recalling Nigeria’s agricultural policies, Obasanjo said the country was discouraged from providing certain forms of support to farmers despite similar interventions being available to agricultural producers in developed economies.


“World Bank and IMF were not designed for us. They were not built by us. They were built before we became independent. And that’s the people who would determine what we do,” he said.


Obasanjo also cautioned against the unquestioning adoption of economic policies recommended by foreign-trained experts, stressing the need for policymakers to consider Nigeria’s peculiar economic conditions when making decisions.


 


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