Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Umar Ajiya, a former Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has urged the Federal Government to arrest and jail those who have stolen money from the company.

Ajiya spoke while addressing the Senate over claims that N210 trillion was missing from the company’s coffers.

According to the former CFO, such claims were false and inaccurate.

He said: “The figures that arise the attention of many of you and the Nigerian public that the huge sum of N5.8 billion was used to register the new company, NNPC is not true, it’s inaccurate.

“The amount that was used to register that company is N2.9 billion and it was paid to two government agencies, Corporate Affairs Commission and FIRS which is now NRS and you can corroborate it with CAC.

“What happened, perhaps someone must have misled the committee on the fact that NNPC being the child of Mobil, ought to have been given the money to be used for the registration by the federation because in accordance with the PIA, it’s these shareholders that represent the Nigerian public.

“And because Mobil did not bring the money, NNPC paid the money to FIRS and CAC. No third party was paid a kobo to register that company.

“Coming to the second issue which is the N210 trillion, this is similar to what Hon Gudaji was talking about that trillions are missing due to stamp duty. The reality here is that the whole revenue earned in the period under review for the whole NNPC, assuming no kobo was spent to produce the oil was N54.5 trillion.

“So how can N210 trillion miss, I have advice before the Auditor General to do a forensic audit of NNPC and find the truth, whoever has stolen money, go and look for him and jail the person.

“We don’t steal, we are patriotic, we block leakages, so when you hear people say that N210 trillion is missing, why is the N210trn gone to? Ask the NFIU, EFCC, and all of them to go and look for it.”

Arrest, jail those who stole NNPCL money – Ex-CFO, Ajiya to Nigerian Govt 

Nigerian actress and media personality, Bamike Olawunmi, popularly known as Bambam, has lost her phone at the service or songs held for late actor, Alex Ekubo.

DAILY POST reports that several Nigerian dignitaries, movie stars and social media personalities including Bambam gathered in Lagos on Wednesday for Ekubo’s service of songs ahead of his burial next week.

A few hours after the event, Bambam in an Instagram post on Thursday raised an alarm that her phone was stolen from her bag.

Bambam wrote, “I already tracked it instantly last night. Last known location was Nnamdi Azikiwe Street Lagos Island. It has not moved from there. Now it just says Lagos Island. It’s probably sold or dismantled.”

Also, in an Instagram post, actress Susan Peters announced that her iPhone 16 pro max was stolen at the event.

“IPhone 16 pro max white is missing at the Monarch Event Center. its an E Sim with my US line so we can’t even call it. The screen saver has my picture. Please repost this. Anyone who finds it will be rewarded. Please its URGENT. 

“How do people come to such an emotional event and still I have the guts to steal? Even after all Papa Jerry preached yesterday? Make una fear God please return my phone I beg,” she said.

Bambam, Susan Peters phones stolen at Alex Ekubo’s service of songs

The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has urged teachers to adopt play-based learning methods to enhance children’s education and secure a brighter future for them.

The chairman of the board, Professor Haruna Musa, made the call during the 2026 International Day of Play celebration held at Kiyawa Special Primary School on Thursday.

The event was themed “Protect Play, Protect Childhood” and aimed at promoting effective learning through play among children.

Representing the chairman, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim described play-based learning as one of the most effective ways of imparting knowledge to children.

He called on teachers and parents to encourage children to engage in play rather than burden them with excessive household activities.

According to him, play helps children develop creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for their overall growth and development.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF representative Malam Mukhtar Muhammad stressed that play is a fundamental right of every child and should not be regarded as a luxury.

He noted that denying children opportunities to play contributes to various social and developmental challenges.

“When children play, they become active, healthy, and develop critical thinking and other life skills that will benefit them and society in the future,” he said.

Mukhtar added that UNICEF remains committed to partnering with the Jigawa State Government to create more play spaces for children, particularly at a time when many are facing learning poverty.

He said the International Day of Play is celebrated globally to highlight the importance of play in children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Some of the children expressed their joy at the opportunity, urging parents and teachers to allow them to enjoy their rights.

Adopt play-based learning to strengthen basic education – Jigawa SUBEB urges teachers

A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, has reacted to the decision of the Senate to declare him wanted.

Kyari said he did not refuse to honour the invitation of the Senate, as insinuated.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Thursday, Kyari noted that he had earlier informed the committee of his inability to appear before it due to medical treatment abroad.

This came 24 hours after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts ordered Kyari’s arrest for failing to appear before it over an ongoing investigation into alleged unaccounted funds totalling N210 trillion between 2017 and 2023.

According to Kyari, the position of the red chamber of the National Assembly was deeply shocking.

“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, June 10, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he stated.

The ex-NNPCL boss equally denied allegations that he deliberately ignored the Senate’s invitation.

He insisted that he did not receive any subsequent summons before the warrant was issued.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the senate on Thursday distanced itself from the warrant of arrest issued against Kyari by its committee on public accounts.

‘I informed your committee of my medical trip’ – Kyari denies dodging Senate probe

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has formally received the Central Bank of the Year Award at the Central Banking Awards ceremony held in London.

He dedicated the honour to the Board, management, and staff of the Bank for their steadfast commitment to institutional reform and economic stability.

In his acceptance speech, Cardoso expressed appreciation to Central Banking Publications and the award judges for the recognition. He also congratulated fellow institutions and individuals honoured during the event.

The CBN Governor stressed that the award was not a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Central Bank of Nigeria, particularly the professionals whose dedication, integrity, and expertise – often exercised away from public attention – have strengthened the Bank and reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

“I accept this award on behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Cardoso said. “Above all, it belongs to the many dedicated professionals who serve our institution with integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”

Reflecting on the global economic landscape, Cardoso noted that recent years had presented significant challenges for central banks worldwide, with Nigeria facing its own share of economic pressures and policy tests.

He highlighted several difficult but necessary measures undertaken by the CBN, including efforts to address elevated inflation, implement major reforms in the foreign exchange market, and invest in critical digital and financial infrastructure to support the country’s long-term economic development.

Cardoso also pointed to key milestones achieved during the period, including Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and the successful completion of the banking sector recapitalisation exercise.

He noted that these accomplishments reflected the collaborative efforts of multiple institutions and stakeholders.

According to the Governor, the Bank’s reform agenda has been guided by a clear objective: restoring confidence, strengthening institutional resilience and policy credibility, and laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.

While acknowledging that significant work remains ahead, Cardoso expressed optimism about the progress made so far and the renewed confidence emerging across the economy.

He attributed these gains to the support of the Federal Government, market participants, development partners, and, most importantly, the resilience and confidence of the Nigerian people.

“We receive this recognition with humility,” he said. “We see it not as a destination, but as encouragement to continue the important work ahead.”

Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to preserving public confidence, safeguarding financial and monetary stability, and fulfilling its mandate with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

The award represents significant international recognition for the Central Bank of Nigeria at a time when monetary and financial sector reforms remain central to the country’s economic recovery and long-term growth agenda.

CBN’s Reforms Earn Cardoso Central Bank Of The Year Honour is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday disclosed that he appointed Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, because he can deliver results in the area of projects and infrastructure.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed Federal Highway 105, linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in Abuja, Tinubu described Wike as a proven performer.

The President was represented by

Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning, organised to mark his third year in office.

Tinubu recalled that the road project, originally awarded in 2022, had been abandoned and had become a source of frustration for residents and businesses due to persistent gridlock, dust during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season.

He said the situation informed his “decision to appoint the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,” whom he described as a “proven performer capable of delivering results”.

“Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” he stated.

The President stressed that the significance of the road extended beyond infrastructure, noting that it aligns with his administration’s broader vision of inclusive development.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots. It must be felt in Kuje. It must be felt by every Nigerian,” he said.

According to him, the completed road will drastically reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, boost economic activities and enhance access to markets for farmers and businesses.

“You no longer have to endure the suffocating bottleneck that characterized the Kuje-Airport Road axis before now. Lost man-hours are now being returned to the people. Time is money, and we are putting that time back in your pocket,” he added.

Tinubu further noted that the road would accelerate the development of satellite towns, decongest Abuja city centre, raise property values and attract private investment.

“Abuja cannot grow if only the city centre works. With this road, we decongest the capital, lift property values, attract investment, and help our farmers move farm produce to market without delay. This is how you build an economy from the bottom up,” he said.

The President also urged residents, developers and business owners to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying taxes, ground rents and other statutory fees to enable government replicate similar projects across the country.

He equally charged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths in Kuje to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.

“This road is yours. Guard it. Protect the streetlights, the drainage, the walkways. Do not allow vandalism. Do not turn it into an illegal market or refuse dump. Protect what we have built, and it will serve your children for decades,” he said.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the road as one of the most difficult projects undertaken by the administration, revealing that its completion required persistence, stakeholder engagement and significant financial commitment.

According to him, shortly after assuming office in 2023, the FCT Administration embarked on consultations across the six area councils, where traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted the deplorable condition of the road as a major concern.

“We may not value this road except we know how it was. This is one road that I never dreamt that today we would come and commission. It was a very, very difficult road,” Wike said.

The minister disclosed that despite being awarded on February 4, 2022, at a cost exceeding N54 billion, work had stalled before the current administration intervened.

“It became a political road. The Gomo of Kuje and other stakeholders pleaded with us to revive the project. At that time, there was no contractor on site. We made a promise, but in my mind I was asking where the money would come from,” he recounted.

Wike said the administration’s determination to restore hope to residents inspired efforts to mobilise resources and ensure completion of the project.

“It was a death trap. It was a haven for kidnappers and hooligans who harassed residents. today, that story has changed,” he said.

The minister commended the management of Arab Contractors for delivering the project despite challenges and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in satellite towns.

“If anybody asks where government is, tell them Airport-Kuje Road is government. Kuje-Gwagwalada Road is government. This is government providing basic infrastructure to the people,” he declared.

Wike further revealed that the President is expected to return in July to commission the ongoing Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, another major project aimed at transforming the area.

He maintained that Tinubu’s investments in satellite towns would remain a significant chapter in Abuja’s development history.

“What this administration has done for the satellite towns, history will be on your side. We are changing the direction of development in Abuja,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of residents across the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahmoud commended Wike for what she termed his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming Abuja through the delivery of quality infrastructure.

She urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting development, improving mobility and strengthening socio-economic prosperity in the nation’s capital.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, during which several infrastructure projects are being inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory.

Why I appointed Wike FCT Minister – Tinubu reveals

The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the refund of SR123 to each pilgrim from the state who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise, as part of the reconciliation of the Basic Travel Allowance, BTA.

In a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, it was disclosed that the refund followed a review of exchange rate transactions recorded during the disbursement of the BTA.

The review revealed a surplus after the completion of all financial transactions and logistical arrangements for the pilgrimage.

The Executive Secretary explained that the surplus amounts to approximately ₦46,000 per pilgrim, which was converted at an exchange rate of ₦375 to one Saudi Riyal, giving an equivalent of about SR123 per pilgrim.

He added that arrangements have been concluded to ensure the prompt payment of the refund to all eligible pilgrims without delay.

According to him, the development reflects the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management in the conduct of Hajj operations.

Beneficiaries are advised to liaise with their respective Area Pilgrims Welfare Officers, APWOs, or designated officials to facilitate smooth collection of the refund.

Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu also expressed appreciation to pilgrims for their cooperation and discipline throughout the Hajj exercise, while reaffirming the Board’s commitment to improving service delivery in future operations.

The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the welfare of pilgrims and upholding best practices in the administration of Hajj activities.

Hajj: Niger Pilgrims Welfare Board announces refund of SR123 to pilgrims

Allahu Akbar. What Dr. Bala Wunti told the Wunti community was more than politics. It was conscience. It was humility. It was accountability.

When his people asked him to consider running for Governor of Bauchi State, he answered with striking honesty:

“I didn’t intend to become governor. The Almighty God has blessed me with everything – all the essentials of life you can name. Alhamdulillah, I have them.”

But the call of his roots was heavier.

“When your parents, your friends, your brothers and sisters, the community that raised me, and even my younger ones are calling on me to lead with trust, that’s a serious matter to consider.”

He refused to romanticize power:  

“Being governor is not easy. Everyone who sleeps and wakes up in Bauchi – their education, their security, their entire welfare – that responsibility will be on my neck.”

Then he made a vow that silenced the hall:  “Whoever thinks that if I become governor I will steal the treasury to enrich them should think again. I will not do that. I will not let myself be used to ruin my connection with my God.”

For Dr. Bala Wunti, gratitude beats ambition.  

“The blessings He gave me are more than enough. He raised me from an orphan to the highest pinnacle of life. So tell me, which of His favors shall I deny?”

Our Prayer

May the Almighty who lifted Dr. Bala Wunti from orphanhood to prominence continue to guide his steps. May He grant Bauchi State leaders with sincerity, compassion, and the fear of God – leaders like Dr. Bala Wunti. May He protect our community from corruption and division, and bless every home with peace, security, and prosperity. And may Dr. Bala Wunti’s intentions be purified, his strength renewed, and his path illuminated by truth and justice. Ameen.

Aminu Bauchin: A Sacred Trust – Dr. Bala Wunti’s pledge to Wunti Community

The government of Enugu State has solidified surveillance across all the vulnerable entrances to the state aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola pandemic.

THE WHISTLER reports that there have been reported cases of Ebola spread in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The surveillance was announced by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr George Ugwu, on Thursday. He disclosed the proactive approaches after the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre Committee Meeting on Ebola Prevention in the state.

The commissioner stated that the state government had approved the deployment of more health surveillance officers to support existing port health quarantine service officers.

According to him, the state ministry of health would work with the management of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, aimed at ensuring adherence to standard Ebola-safe measures to avert possible spread of the disease to the state.

He further disclosed that residents of the state are being sensitised on measures to avoid contracting the disease, including personal and environmental hygiene protocols for disease prevention.

He said some of the measures adopted to achieve the goal involve engaging religious, traditional, and community leaders, as well as delivering Ebola awareness and prevention messages to take the information to the grassroots.

“The ministry is also producing electronic flyers on Ebola awareness and prevention and distributing them through various social media platforms,” he said, adding that, “We want the Ebola awareness and prevention protocol message to be a household matter, where individuals in communities will be watchful and report any observed possible symptoms even among their relatives or returnees from outside the country.”

Our correspondent reports that the meeting held with the state’s health stakeholders and partners with officials of the Port Health Quarantine Service at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, in attendance.

Enugu Govt Mounts Ebola Surveillance Amid Global Threat is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kaduna State is targeting a monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N20 billion as ongoing fiscal reforms continue to strengthen revenue generation and bolster public confidence in government, the Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams, has said.

Adams disclosed this while receiving a delegation of the Association of Non-Indigenes Support Group for Governor Uba Sani, which paid him a courtesy visit and conferred on him the title of Grand Patron of the association.

He explained that the state’s monthly IGR had witnessed remarkable growth, rising from an average of N4 billion in 2023 to about N9 billion currently, a development he attributed to reforms in tax administration and improved trust between government and taxpayers.

According to him, “More residents are willingly paying taxes because they can see evidence of government investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare.”

The KADIRS chairman noted that the administration of Governor Uba Sani has remained committed to ensuring that resources generated from taxation are channelled into projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.

He stressed that the agency would continue to implement policies that encourage voluntary tax compliance while protecting taxpayers from multiple taxation and other forms of exploitation.

Adams said revenue generation should not be seen as a burden on citizens but as a shared responsibility that enables government to provide essential services and drive sustainable development.

He also expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him by the association, describing it as recognition of the vital contributions of non-indigenes to the economic growth and social development of Kaduna State.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance, insisting that every resident, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional background, has a stake in the development of the state.

Kaduna targets N20bn monthly revenue amid tax reforms — KADIRS