Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has successfully completed the screening exercise conducted by the All Progressives Congress Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship primary election in Lagos State.

Hamzat, who spoke after the exercise on Saturday, described the screening process as comprehensive, transparent and consistent with the democratic principles of the APC.

According to the deputy governor, the exercise was aimed at verifying the credentials, records and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to contest on the party’s platform.

“The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records, and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag. The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable.

“We submitted all required documents and the committee asked questions based on the information provided. It is basically to confirm that what you wrote is truly reflective of your experience and service,” he said.

Hamzat explained that members of the committee thoroughly examined his documents and requested further clarification on aspects of his professional background and years in public service.

He noted that the panel also sought more insight into the various responsibilities he had handled while serving in government.

The deputy governor expressed confidence in the APC primary process and reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth, development and prosperity of Lagos State.

“I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process. Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people. Our responsibility is to continue offering our best in service to the state and the country,” Hamzat stated.

He further reiterated his belief in Lagos State’s ability to maintain its position as a leading model of innovation, governance and development in Nigeria, stressing that leadership must remain focused on improving the lives of citizens.

Lagos 2027: Hamzat cleared for APC governorship primary

Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed excitement on Saturday as 12 of the girls abducted from their secondary school in Chibok in 2014, but who eventually regained freedom, formally completed their university education at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also celebrated the graduation of the 12 girls, remarking that adversity is not the end of life when the right corrective steps are taken.

The 12 were among hundreds abducted from Chibok 12 years ago, but were later freed and subsequently enrolled at AUN with sponsorship from the Federal Government.

Vice President Shettima, during AUN’s 17th Commencement (Convocation) of the Class of 2026 in Yola, said that although the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls remains a wound on the conscience of the nation, some measure of redemption is being achieved as 12 more of the girls complete their university education.

Represented at the occasion by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Shettima commended AUN, a private university owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for holding the girls to the same academic standards as other students.

“To the girls, I assure you that your country has not finished its obligation to you,” Shettima said, while the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development noted that the Federal Government has further plans for the graduates.

The minister, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the government has invested heavily since the recovery of the first set of abducted schoolgirls and would not abandon the fresh graduates.

Although hundreds of students graduated during the convocation on Saturday, attention centred on the 12 Chibok girls, two of whom, in separate interviews, expressed their joy at becoming graduates.

The President (Vice Chancellor) of AUN, Professor DeWayne Frazier, said in his commencement address that the 12 Chibok girls would walk across the graduation stage in a sacred moment of triumph over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over everything that once sought to silence their future.

12 Chibok girls graduate from American University of Nigeria

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured the commitment of the state government to a strategic partnership with Mutual Commitment Company Ltd, China, to establish a three-million-tonnes-per-annum limestone-to-cement industrial complex aimed at the economic transformation of the state.

The governor made the commitment in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, following a courtesy visit to him by the Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Liu Long, who led a management team to the state.

According to the statement, the partnership marks a major step in the state’s industrialisation agenda for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

“The industrial complex initiative project is to be driven by the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited (YMDCL), to strengthen local value addition, support infrastructure development, attract further investment, and to position the state as an emerging hub for cement production in Nigeria.

“The Group Managing Director of MCC Ltd, Mr Liu Long, commended the proactive political will and governance environment, upon which the company will anchor its operations to partner with Yobe State in achieving the mutually beneficial, sustainable development objective”, the statement noted.

Yobe to partner Chinese firm on three-million-tonne cement complex

Chelsea interim head coach, Calum McFarlane, is expecting two of his players, Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, to be back to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend.

McFarlane stated this while speaking at his post-match interview after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.

Asked about whether Garnacho and Neto will be fit for the FA Cup final, McFarlane said, “Yeah, we are very hopeful. You have to take these things day by day.

“We are hoping that they will be available, but we don’t know at this moment in time.

“They are going to get back into training, see how they feel, see how it looks. So, fingers crossed.”

FA Cup final: McFarlane expecting two Chelsea stars to be back against Manchester City

American rapper and singer Alyssa Michelle Stephens, popularly known as Latto, has announced her retirement from music at just 27.

The Atlanta-born star said her forthcoming album, which is scheduled to arrive May 29, would be her last music project. 

“5/29 My retirement album. Thank you for everything,” she wrote via her X, alarming her fans. 

Latto became a rap sensation after winning the first season of the reality television series The Rap Game in 2016.

She gained prominence with the release of her 2019 single ‘Bitch from da Souf,’ which was certified  double platinum by RIAA and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since then, she has scored multiple platinum and Billboard Hot 100 hits.

She has has won two BET Awards, a MTV Video Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, and two Grammy nominations.

Latto is yet to disclose the reason for her abrupt retirement from music despite concerns from fans.

American rapper Latto announces retirement from music at 27

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single 4-year term.

The motion was moved at the National Convention of the NDC by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency of Anambra State in the 10th National Assembly, Afam Victor Ogene and was adopted by the delegates.

It was also resolved that after the four years single term, the Presidential ticket will be automatically zoned to the north.

This decision has cleared the way for the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and other Southern aspirants to process and purchase the presidential form of the party.

The Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Usman Bugaje, on Saturday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plunging Nigerians into poverty and using state institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bugaje made the remarks while speaking at the SDP National Convention and Presidential Primaries held in Bauchi.

He alleged that the APC had “stolen the country high and dry” while Nigerians continue to battle insecurity, rising fuel prices, unemployment and poor electricity supply.

According to him, many Nigerians now return to homes without electricity and struggle to afford food despite enduring severe economic hardship.

The SDP chieftain also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that “national institutions like the judiciary and democratic institutions like INEC have become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians.”

Bugaje further accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition voices and shrink the democratic space.

He likened the current political atmosphere to the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha, saying past attempts to silence dissent in Nigeria ultimately failed.

The SDP leader said his party was offering Nigerians a fresh alternative, insisting that unlike established parties allegedly dominated by “big men and deep pockets”, the SDP would present competent and energetic candidates.

He urged Nigerians to support the party’s vision of “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” which is the theme of the convention.

Bugaje added that meaningful change would require sacrifice, courage and determination from ordinary Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SDP’s Bugaje accuses APC of deepening poverty, undermining opposition

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has explained why his team failed to beat Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Slot watched as goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Enzo Fernandez ensured both teams drew 1-1 at Anfield.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Slot admitted that his team struggled against the Blues during the encounter, adding that the hosts also conceded a set piece.

“I think we started really well, scored a goal, got a big chance from a set piece where we were close to scoring a 2-0,” Slot said.

“Then, in quite a large phase of the game, we struggled to control their sixes; they were constantly able to find them and set up an attack.

“Unfortunately, like last week, we conceded a set piece. That makes it really hard in a top game to win a game of football if you have a negative balance in set pieces. Especially if you look at it, and it’s such a sloppy goal.”

EPL: Why we failed to beat Chelsea – Liverpool manager, Arne Slot

A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Dr. Terwase Matthias Byuan, has defected to the Labour Party, LP.

Byuan, who until recently served as Executive Director, Finance at the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, formally resigned from the APC and joined the Labour Party in Benue State.

The development was announced on Friday by the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Philip Agbese, popularly known as the “Chief Labourer” of Benue State.

Agbese described Byuan’s defection as a major boost for the Labour Party, noting that his experience and commitment to public service would strengthen the party’s structure and grassroots mobilization in the state.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I officially welcome Dr. Terwase Matthias Byuan into the Labour Party family,” Agbese said.

He added that the Benue State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Williams Okefie, alongside other party leaders, would formally present Byuan’s membership registration card during a brief ceremony.

Agbese expressed confidence that the former APC chieftain’s entry into the party would contribute significantly to the advancement of the Labour Party’s vision in Benue State.

Benue: APC chieftain, Ex-FHA Executive Director Terwase Byuan defects to Labour Party

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development, FG-IFAD, Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, in Niger State has called on financial and insurance institutions to introduce flexible loan and insurance packages for farmers under its programme ahead of the farming season.

The State Programme Coordinator VCDP, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, made the call during a meeting with executives of Commodity Alliance Financing, CAF, financial institutions and insurance companies on the uptake of weather-index insurance held in Minna.

She said the meeting was organised to discuss ways of easing access to loans and insurance services for rice and cassava farmers participating in the programme.

According to her, IFAD-VCDP established CAF structures across the nine benefiting local government areas to ensure farmers continue to receive guidance and support even as the programme prepares to wind down operations in Nigeria.

She noted that some farmers had complained about strict loan conditions and urged financial institutions to review policies that make repayment difficult.

Hajiya Isah also called on CAF leaders to sensitise farmers on new insurance products, especially those covering farms and produce in transit.

She further stressed the need for farmers to continually update their knowledge on the programmes and products being introduced by financial and insurance institutions, including equipment financing schemes among others.

CAF State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim Kanko, appealed to financial institutions to relax their policies to enable farmers access loans and insurance more easily amid rising farming costs.

He said many farmers face enormous pressure after obtaining loans due to stringent repayment conditions and rising production costs.

The CAF chairmen for Katcha and Wushishi Local Government Areas, Mohammed Musa Kambari and Ahmed Abdullahi Wasagi, respectively, pledged to brief farmers in their areas on the outcome of the meeting and the new packages introduced by the institutions.

They lamented the rising cost of farm inputs and implements, noting that many farmers now depend on loans to sustain their farming activities as the rainy season approaches.

Also, representatives of the financial and insurance institutions pledged continued support for farmers under the programme even after the exit of IFAD-VCDP from Nigeria.

A representative of the Development Exchange Centre, DEC, Sunday Nenmene, said the organisation would continue doing business with farmers captured under the programme.

“We already have the names of the farmers in our database and will continue to do business with them after the exit of VCDP because their activities have boosted our reach and operations,” he said.

IFAD-VCDP calls for flexible insurance, loan packages for farmers in Niger