Author: Daily Post Nigeria

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of defections, resignations and party switching among political leaders, describing the development as a reflection of deeper problems within Nigeria’s political system.

Speaking in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, the former governor said the frequent movement of politicians from one party to another following disagreements raises questions about the commitment of the country’s political class to national development and the welfare of citizens.

Odigie-Oyegun noted that the growing rate at which political leaders abandon their parties suggests that fundamental issues remain unresolved within the nation’s democratic structure.

According to him, the conduct of many politicians does not reflect a genuine desire to address the challenges confronting Nigerians, including economic hardship and insecurity.

He argued that if political actors were truly focused on rescuing the country and improving the lives of citizens, much of the political realignment currently unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections would not be taking place.

The ADC stalwart said the political class appeared disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians, adding that its actions often fail to demonstrate a sincere commitment to national progress.

“If political leaders were genuinely driven by the desire to rescue the nation, many of the developments we are witnessing as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace would not have emerged,” he said.

He maintained that efforts should be directed towards tackling pressing national issues rather than engaging in political manoeuvres that do little to improve the lives of the people.

Odigie-Oyegun also urged opposition figures across the country to reflect on their motivations and determine whether their actions are truly aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

He stressed the need for opposition leaders to remain focused on providing solutions to the country’s challenges instead of pursuing narrow political ambitions.

Despite his concerns, the former governor expressed confidence in the prospects of the opposition, stating that a level playing field and strong institutions could create the conditions necessary for a change in political leadership.

He added that the opposition remains capable of challenging the ruling party successfully if the electoral process and state institutions operate fairly and transparently.

2027: Odigie-Oyegun cries out over rising political defections

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for championing initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation with digital knowledge and skills, especially the Nigerian girls.

Speaking while conducting 185 contestants of the 2026 National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT) Competition on a tour of the National Communication Museum domiciled at the Commission in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Vice Charman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the initiative also aligns with the Commission’s digital literacy advocacy.

The contestants were selected by the Ministry across the country’s geo-political zones for competition to promote digital inclusion and inspire greater participation of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The visit to the Commission by the students formed part of activities organised by the Minister under the National Girls in ICT Programme, an initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping young girls with digital skills, mentorship opportunities and exposure to innovation.

Maida, who was represented by the Director, Research and Development Department, Babagana Digima, noted that the museum tour was designed to create a link between the old and new generations in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey, helping young people appreciate the sector’s transformation from analogue systems to the current digital revolution. 

During the study tour, NCC officials guided the students through exhibits and historical artefacts that document key milestones in the Nigeria’s telecommunications history and the evolution of the communications sector to date. He emphasised that understanding the industry’s history would inspire the participants to contribute meaningfully to the future of digital innovation in Nigeria.

The EVC noted that exposing young people to the history of technological advancement and innovation is essential to building a new generation of leaders for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

“The whole idea behind this is that we are looking at the younger generation. We want to show them what communication is all about. This place is a museum meant to preserve the history of what has gone before and to keep the artefacts, ensuring that people see the evolution from the postal system to telegraphy, from analogue systems to the digital era.

“This is essentially what we are showing them in the shortest amount of time and, of course, to excite the curiosity of the young ones. When they see what happened in the past and how it has progressed into the future, they can also take it up from here and think about what it will look like going forward. That is the whole essence of having them here,” he said.

During the tour, the participants learned about generational trends in telecommunications development, dating back to 1886 when the colonial administration established first communication facilities primarily to support administrative functions.  They were also taken through the history of the country’s early telegraph services, which linked Lagos to other parts of West Africa and Europe through submarine cable connections.

The tour highlighted the state of telecommunications at Independence in 1960, when Nigeria had only 18,724 telephone lines serving an estimated population of about 40 million people. The students were also briefed on various development plans that followed Independence, the operations of the former Department of Posts and Telecommunications (P&T) and Nigerian External Telecommunications (NET) Limited, as well as the establishment of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 1985 to coordinate the provision of internal and external telecommunications services.

A major highlight of the visit was the display of rare historical artefacts preserved at the NCC Museum. Among the exhibits were a Post Office Counter dating back to 1852, Sorting Racks introduced to Lagos in 1852, the Grand “T” Key used at the Lagos Post Office in the nineteenth century, leather mail bags dating back to 1863, Drop Bag fittings from the late 20th Century, a 511A Letter Scale from the mid-20th Century, an Improved Dynamometer Scale from the 1920, Telegram machines, Teleprinter T100, Cordless PBX, Digital Card Phone and others.

Liverpool winger, Rio Ngumoha will not be able to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, even if England requires a last-minute changes.

This is due to the fact that the 17-year-old was not listed in Thomas Tuchel’s 55-man provisional squad, a decision made nearly a month ago.

Although he was not included in England’s provisional squad, Tuchel opted to include Ngumoha as part of the training players in his 26-man World Cup roster heading to the United States. 

This squad also features other promising talents such as Alex Scott, Josh King, and Ethan Nwaneri, who were just there for training purposes.

Rio Ngumoha made his senior debut for the Three Lions after coming on as a substitute at half-time during his country’s 1-0 victory over New Zealand in an international friendly on June 6.

Consequently, the Liverpool player became the fifth-youngest individual to debut for England. Furthermore, he garnered attention by winning the Player of the Match award.

Despite his commendable performance, Ngumoha will not have the opportunity to play for Thomas Tuchel and his team at the World Cup in the event of an injury or illness before their opening match against Croatia on June 17.

This is because FIFA regulations stipulate that any replacement player must be part of the provisional squad list, according to SPORTbible.

Fortunately for Ngumoha, he will still have the chance to play for the Three Lions in their final friendly match against Costa Rica on June 10.

World Cup 2026: Why Nigerian-born Liverpool star, Rio Ngumoha is not eligible to play for England

Former Ogun Central senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned her membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, alleging sustained marginalisation, rejection and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.

Obasanjo, who recently sought the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State, announced her decision in a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the state party chairman, Yemi Sanusi.

The US-based epidemiologist and former lawmaker criticised the process that produced Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s governorship candidate, arguing that the consensus arrangement did not align with the APC’s established guidelines.

According to her, while she had agreed to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus process, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was eventually announced as the party’s preferred candidate.

She further alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation during the exercise.

Despite her concerns, Obasanjo said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and immediately congratulated Adeola following his emergence as the candidate.

She disclosed that the senator later requested a meeting with her supporters, during which they presented three demands. However, she claimed that despite a promise to respond within a week, no feedback had been received more than two months later.

The former senator said the development reinforced what she described as a recurring pattern of disregard and lack of appreciation for her role within the party.

“I committed myself to supporting any candidate that emerged through a consensus arrangement, but I was not consulted before Senator Adeola was announced. Some of my supporters were denied entry to the venue and intimidated. Nevertheless, I accepted the decision in the interest of unity and publicly congratulated him that same night,” she stated.

She added that although Adeola later met with her supporters and promised to address issues raised during the meeting, no response had been forthcoming.

According to Obasanjo, the treatment she received after the primary reflected persistent rejection and disrespect, which ultimately influenced her decision to leave the party.

She, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC leadership and party stakeholders for the support and courtesies extended to her during her time in the APC.

Obasanjo returned to partisan politics earlier this year when she registered as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

She previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 before representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

Following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and largely stayed away from active politics until late 2025, when campaign billboards bearing her image appeared across parts of Ogun State, signalling a possible return ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

She subsequently declared her ambition to contest the Ogun governorship election on the platform of the APC before eventually announcing her resignation from the party.

Iyabo Obasanjo resigns from APC, alleges marginalisation

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for championing initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation with digital knowledge and skills, especially the Nigerian girls.

Speaking while conducting 185 contestants of the 2026 National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT) Competition on a tour of the National Communication Museum domiciled at the Commission in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Vice Charman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the initiative also aligns with the Commission’s digital literacy advocacy.

The contestants were selected by the Ministry across the country’s geo-political zones for competition to promote digital inclusion and inspire greater participation of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The visit to the Commission by the students formed part of activities organised by the Minister under the National Girls in ICT Programme, an initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping young girls with digital skills, mentorship opportunities and exposure to innovation.

Maida, who was represented by the Director, Research and Development Department, Babagana Digima, noted that the museum tour was designed to create a link between the old and new generations in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey, helping young people appreciate the sector’s transformation from analogue systems to the current digital revolution. 

During the study tour, NCC officials guided the students through exhibits and historical artefacts that document key milestones in the Nigeria’s telecommunications history and the evolution of the communications sector to date. He emphasised that understanding the industry’s history would inspire the participants to contribute meaningfully to the future of digital innovation in Nigeria.

The EVC noted that exposing young people to the history of technological advancement and innovation is essential to building a new generation of leaders for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

“The whole idea behind this is that we are looking at the younger generation. We want to show them what communication is all about. This place is a museum meant to preserve the history of what has gone before and to keep the artefacts, ensuring that people see the evolution from the postal system to telegraphy, from analogue systems to the digital era.

“This is essentially what we are showing them in the shortest amount of time and, of course, to excite the curiosity of the young ones. When they see what happened in the past and how it has progressed into the future, they can also take it up from here and think about what it will look like going forward. That is the whole essence of having them here,” he said.

During the tour, the participants learned about generational trends in telecommunications development, dating back to 1886 when the colonial administration established first communication facilities primarily to support administrative functions.  They were also taken through the history of the country’s early telegraph services, which linked Lagos to other parts of West Africa and Europe through submarine cable connections.

The tour highlighted the state of telecommunications at Independence in 1960, when Nigeria had only 18,724 telephone lines serving an estimated population of about 40 million people. The students were also briefed on various development plans that followed Independence, the operations of the former Department of Posts and Telecommunications (P&T) and Nigerian External Telecommunications (NET) Limited, as well as the establishment of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 1985 to coordinate the provision of internal and external telecommunications services.

A major highlight of the visit was the display of rare historical artefacts preserved at the NCC Museum. Among the exhibits were a Post Office Counter dating back to 1852, Sorting Racks introduced to Lagos in 1852, the Grand “T” Key used at the Lagos Post Office in the nineteenth century, leather mail bags dating back to 1863, Drop Bag fittings from the late 20th Century, a 511A Letter Scale from the mid-20th Century, an Improved Dynamometer Scale from the 1920, Telegram machines, Teleprinter T100, Cordless PBX, Digital Card Phone and others.

NCC commends ministerial initiative on girls ICT empowerment, hosts 185 students on excursion tour 

 

Following renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, the Federal Government has approved five evacuation flights to bring Nigerians home, with more than 500 citizens already screened and cleared for repatriation.

The update was given on Sunday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who also announced an extension of the screening exercise to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to accommodate additional applicants.

Ebienfa said President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of five Air Peace-operated evacuation flights, with the first expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening, subject to final aviation clearances.

“I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals that have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, 10th June, 2026. So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said.

He added that the first flight would airlift about 270 passengers, pending the issuance of necessary permits.

“Mr. President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace and the first flight, which will airlift about 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft,” Ebienfa stated.

He noted that final departure time and arrival details would be released once confirmed by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.

The evacuation follows rising xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, where attacks and threats against foreign nationals have triggered fear and displacement.

Nigeria had earlier begun screening citizens at its High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African immigration, police, and diplomatic authorities to verify those willing to return home. Initial estimates put the figure at about 400, though officials said the number remained provisional.

Authorities had explained that the screening exercise was necessary to establish a verified list before any evacuation flights could be deployed.

The situation in South Africa has seen sporadic violence and intimidation targeting migrants, forcing some to seek refuge in temporary shelters as tensions persist in affected communities.

South Africa authorities have condemned the attacks and warned that security agencies would act against individuals or groups involved in unlawful actions against foreigners.

Nigeria’s evacuation effort joins similar moves by other African countries, including Ghana and Mozambique, which have also begun repatriating their citizens amid the unrest.

According to the Federal Government, the evacuation remains voluntary and will continue in phases, while diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are ongoing to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country.

As Apple kicks off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) today, excitement is building around iOS 27, the next major update to the iPhone’s operating system.

According to leaks and analyst reports that THE WHISTLER saw, the most anticipated features, show a mix of AI-driven innovations, interface refinements, and foundational improvements, signalling Apple’s continued push into generative AI.

The biggest anticipated change is a complete rebuild of Siri, powered in part by Google’s Gemini models.

Expectations include a dedicated Siri app and chatbot interface for more conversational interactions, deeper integration with the Dynamic Island and Camera app, enhanced on-screen awareness, personal context recall, and complex task handling, along with support for third-party AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini.

Analysts describe this as potentially the most significant Siri update in years, aimed at closing the gap with competitors.

AI-powered tools will also expand across several apps. The Photos app is expected to gain capabilities to extend or reframe images using artificial intelligence.

Users may create custom AI-generated digital passes in the Wallet app, while the Camera app could receive a fully customizable interface and new Siri modes.

Additional AI features reportedly include a grammar checker, an AI Calendar app, and options for custom AI wallpapers.

Design and usability tweaks form another key area of focus.

These include refinements to the Liquid Glass aesthetic introduced in the previous version, landscape split-screen support, redo and undo controls for Home Screen customisation, and a revamped AirPods controls section in Settings.

Apple is reportedly treating iOS 27 as a stability-focused release similar to past “Snow Leopard”-style updates, with strong emphasis on bug fixes, glitch reduction, and battery life improvements through underlying performance tweaks.

Other additions include preparations for a future foldable iPhone, new satellite features, a bill-splitting functionality, and support limited to iPhone 12 and newer models.

Broader Context For WWDC 2026

The keynote (streaming today at 10 a.m. PT) will officially reveal details across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and other platforms. Developer betas are expected shortly after the event, with a public release likely in September alongside new iPhone hardware.

Apple has not yet confirmed the full feature list, so today’s presentations will provide the definitive outlook.

Smarter Siri, AI Upgrades Lead Expectations For iOS 27 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

One of Nigeria’s commercial banks, Access Bank, risks a mass exodus of customers over poor handling of its loan service, the president of the Bank Customers’ Association of Nigeria, Dr. Uju Ogunbunka, has said.

He disclosed this in an interview with DAILY POST at the weekend. 

Ogunbunka was reacting to an issue between Access Bank and a customer, Lydia Okodogbe, disputing an N18.81 million loan obtained in November 2022 valued at N26.3 million over a 36-month repayment period.

According to Okodogbe, Access bank had failed to offer her bank statement despite repeated requests since 2023. 

Access Bank’s refusal had prompted her suspicion over alleged foul play. Okodogbe further alleged that at one point she noticed a fresh loan entry of about N2.5 million, which she did not apply for. 

She said banks’ actions had crippled her enterprise, which led to at least 400 jobs lost. 

“My business suffered significantly. At our peak, we employed about 400 people, many of whom have now lost their jobs because operations became unsustainable,” she said.

She had urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, the regulator of the country’s banking sector, to intervene. 

Reacting, Ogunbunka said Access Bank had no reason to withhold customers’ bank statement requests. 

He stated that Access Bank’s poor services may risk them a mass exodus of customers if the issue is not addressed. 

“The customer is not asking for anything that should be too difficult for the bank to provide. The request for statements of account is within the right of the customer. The bank should avail the statements to her.

“The bank has no reason not to give her a bank statement upon her request if they have nothing to hide. 

“Access Bank should explain to her why they are not giving her a reply; they may face a mass exodus of customers following their ill treatment.

“No bank customers should be treated badly on whatsoever account,” he told the DAILY POST. 

Earlier, in a response to Okodogbe’s allegation, Access Bank, through its official, Hassan Dawodu, said the bank had taken steps to address technical issues affecting the customer’s account while continuing investigations into outstanding concerns. 

Meanwhile, the bank’s spokesperson, Olakunle Aderinokun, did not respond to a request from DAILY POST to give an update on the matter as of the time of filing this report.

Customers may boycott Access Bank over poor services – Ogunbunka

 

Fawaz Abdulkareem, 36, fatally stabbed Daniel Manuel, 32, at his flat on Bondway following an argument over a debt he owed.

Met detectives quickly identified him as the murderer – arresting him at the scene and charging him the following day.

They saw through Abdulkareem’s claims that he had acted in self-defence and found the murder weapon after he had tried to dispose of it – throwing it from the window of the 14th floor flat.

Abdulkareem, 36  of Bondway, Southwark, was unanimously convicted of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 21 May. He was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 17 years on Friday, 5 June.

Zulal, Daniel’s wife, said: “Daniel was not just my husband, he was my partner, my home, my emotional safety and the person I built my entire life around.

“Losing him in such a violent and sudden way has completely shattered my world.

“This loss has affected every part of my life, emotionally, physically, financially and I am still trying to survive the aftermath of it.”

Daniel was found with three stab wounds in the lobby of the block of flats where Abdulkareem lived on Saturday, 5 July 2025.

Police were called at 05.38hrs and officers arrived within six minutes, performing emergency first aid. But despite their best efforts and the work of doctors and paramedics he died at the scene.

Daniel and Abdulkareem had spent the evening at a nightclub, returning with a group of friends to Abdulkareem’s flat in the early hours of the morning. It was following an argument about money that Daniel was suddenly stabbed three times with a kitchen knife.

Following the attack, Abdulkareem left the flat with the knife still in the waistband of his trousers, taking his t-shirt off and using it to disguise the weapon when he reported Daniel’s injuries to staff in the communal lobby.

When Abdulkareem realised emergency services were on their way, he tried to dispose of the blade out of the window.

But one of the responding officers noticed Daniel’s blood on his clothing – arresting him at the scene

 

A United Kingdom court has remanded a 32-year-old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian, Taiwo Ekerin, following an assault in Lewisham, London.

The Metropolitan Police disclosed this in a statement obtained on Sunday.

The police noted that Oguanaya was charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries sustained during an altercation.

According to the statement, officers were called to Lewisham High Street at about 4:40am on May 24, following reports of an altercation.

The police said Ekerin later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 30.

The statement read, “Police were called at around 04:40hrs on Sunday, 24 May, to Lewisham High Street following reports of an altercation.

“Officers attended the scene and discovered a 41-year-old man with a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and taken to the hospital. On Saturday, 30 May, he was sadly pronounced dead.

“He can now be named Taiwo Ekerin. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.”

The Metropolitan Police said Oguanaya, 32, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 4 and charged the following day.

Oguanaya appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court on June 5, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

The police said he is expected to appear in court again on June 9.

“Maxwell Oguanaya, 32 (21.07.1993), of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, 4 June.

“He was charged on Friday, 5 June, and appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He was remanded in custody and will next appear on Tuesday, June 9,” the police added.

The statement also disclosed that a second man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5 and remains in police custody while investigations continue.

The police have yet to reveal the circumstances surrounding the altercation that resulted in Ekerin’s death.

Meanwhile, Taiwo’s brother, Kehinde Ekerin, confirmed that he died from an unprovoked assault during a night out.

In a GoFundMe appeal, Ekerin said the family seeks public support to cover funeral costs.

“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Taiwo Ekerin, who tragically lost his life following an unprovoked attack during a night out.

Born on 25th December 1984, Ekerin was a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared a special bond with his twin brother, and his loss left an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

“Above all, Taiwo was a devoted father to his daughter, who now faces the future without her dad. He was known for his warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was taken far too soon, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.

“As we prepare to lay Taiwo to rest, we are asking for support to help cover funeral expenses and give him the dignified farewell he deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden on the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the appeal read.

As of the time of filing this report, a total of £3,710 has been raised out of the £10,000 target.