Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has reiterated that residents of government-owned housing estates must obtain approval before installing solar panels or carrying out any external changes to their buildings.

The directive was restated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abdulhafis Toriola, following a recent social media complaint by a resident who questioned the need for approval during a routine inspection at the Lagos State Millennium Housing Estate, Ibeshe.

Toriola said the requirement applies to all allottees and forms part of the conditions stated in the Letter of Allocation and the Allottees Guide issued at the point of purchase.

“An allottee must obtain approval from the Ministry for any intended alteration to the flat allocated and the building, and this includes installation of solar panels,” Toriola stated.

He explained that the rule is aimed at protecting shared components within the estates, including rooftops, walls and water systems, while also reducing the risk of fire incidents associated with poorly installed solar systems.

According to him, the ministry introduced stricter guidelines after noticing that solar panel installations were beginning to create more challenges than benefits within some estates.

“In recent times, the ministry had to intervene in fixing leaking rooftops and incessant fire outbreaks caused by solar panel installation by some residents,” he said.

Toriola further explained that government housing estates are designed as shared residential spaces, where multiple families ranging from two to 32 occupy a single building with interconnected facilities.

He noted that the regulations were put in place to reduce risks that could affect the entire structure.

“In order to minimise risk that will affect the entire building structure, the Ministry made regulations to stipulate guidelines for installation, the quality of materials such as cables and panel configuration, and the technical know-how of the installation personnel,” he added.

The permanent secretary said the guidelines also help to protect the interests of all residents, ensure insurance coverage for buildings, and fairly allocate available roof space to prevent disputes among occupants seeking to install solar panels.

He added that the ministry remains open to feedback from residents and has continued public awareness campaigns across estates to educate allottees on compliance.

He urged residents to always contact the ministry when in doubt and follow the laid-down procedures to ensure safety, protect building structures and promote peaceful living in all government-owned housing estates.

Lagos enforces approval for solar panels in state housing estates

The National Vice Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, South-East, Barr Ray Nnaji, has expressed optimism that PDP will reclaim its lost strength in the South-East Region of Nigeria in the 2027 general elections.

Nnaji, who spoke at an event in Enugu on Thursday, said PDP had learnt from its mistakes. He said it was lamentable that PDP that controlled five states in South East in 1999 is left with none following the defection of its governors to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“We’ll work hard to reclaim our seats,” he said. “Most people that left PDP will surely retreat. Many have tested other political parties, and realised that life is better in PDP. We are making efforts to regain our lost states. It won’t be easy, but we are equal to the task. It is annoying, especially in Enugu and Ebonyi states where the governors betrayed us. It is not easy to lose governorship seats to a party that did not labour for them. We are optimistic of reclaiming our mandates because we did not offend anybody.”
He also expressed optimism that the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the party would get a favourable judgement at the Supreme Court. He blamed the crisis rocking the party on those that abandoned the party in 2014.

He said, “Don’t blame Wike. Wike was taking care of the party. Others did not. When he was supposed to reap from his labour, something happened. That is his anger. Those that are challenging him ran away instead of facing him. They should bring a better argument. They have formed another party. The problem was caused by Atiku Abubakar when he and five governors of the PDP formed APC. PDP problem started earlier than when Wike became the minister of the FCT. PDP always comes stronger after crises. When the Supreme Court gives judgement, we know how to organise ourselves.”

He said PDP in Enugu State is united under the leadership of Hon Vitus Okechi. According to him, anybody claiming to belong to any faction aside the one Okechi is chairing is playing to the gallery.

He said, “We are the party to beat in Enugu State. Life is not better in APC. Nigerians have tested the two. I agree that the defection of Gov Mbah to APC has changed the political dynamism of the state. But Enugu is not APC. It will be a herculean task to convince Enugu people to become APC. The journey may be difficult but we shall surmount all odds. Before we used to have a governor that assisted us. Today, we are like orphans. But we are not afraid. We shall contest all elective positions in the state, including LGA polls. We are ready to give the people what they want.”

2027: PDP Hopeful Of Reclaiming South-East States is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nasarawa Amazons, Abia Angels and Remo Stars Ladies are battling for the remaining two playoff spots in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, with two games left in the regular season.

DAILY POST reports that FC Robo Queens is the only team in the group to have secured qualification for the Super Six playoff tournament.

Nasarawa Amazons occupy second position on the table with 29 points from 16 matches. Abia Angels are third with 27 points, while Remo Stars Ladies have 24 points.

The Lafia-based club will face Sunshine Queens and Robo Queens in their final two league fixtures.

A win in their next match would secure the Amazons a place in the playoffs.

Abia Angels need victories in their last two matches against Dannaz Ladies and Ahudiyannem Queens to finish among the top three teams in the group.

Remo Stars Ladies will play Delta Queens and Dannaz Ladies in their remaining fixtures.

The top three teams from Group B advance to the NWFL Super Six playoff tournament.

NWFL: Three teams battle for playoff spots in Group B

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Obi is in a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

DAILY POST reliably gathered that the meeting is holding in Bauchi State Government House.

In a phone chat, Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko disclosed that Obi came with his team which included some Southeast senators.

According to Tanko, “Obi came with his team from the Southeast which included some Southeast senators, We are in Bauchi right now and the pictures and details will soon be out.”

This comes as Mohammed is believed to be shopping for another political party to defect to following his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

It’s widely believed that the former PDP chieftain may likely settle for the ADC.

BREAKING: Peter Obi, Bala Mohammed, Southeast senators in closed-door meeting

An aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Sarah Ivie Adidi, has met with the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Tanko Ishaku Yamawo, where she unveiled what she described as a people-centred, grassroots-driven agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adidi said her agenda is to transform the FCT through youth empowerment, skills acquisition, quality education, improved healthcare delivery, while also addressing infrastructural deficits across communities in the territory.

Speaking during the visit in Abuja on Wednesday, the aspirant said her ambition is rooted in a desire to bridge the gap between leadership and the people, noting that her campaign would prioritise inclusive governance, community engagement, and sustainable development.

According to her, the agenda focuses on addressing critical challenges at the grassroots level, including youth unemployment, access to quality education, healthcare delivery, and infrastructural deficits across communities in the FCT.

“I am committed to building a representation that listens, understands, and responds to the real needs of our people. This journey is about service, accountability, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” she said.

Adidi stressed the importance of collaboration with party leaders and stakeholders, adding that her consultation with the FCT APC leadership was part of efforts to strengthen unity within the party and align her vision with its core objectives

The FCT APC chairman, Tanko Ishaku Yamawo, encouraged her to sustain engagement with party members at all levels.

He emphasised the need for aspirants to remain committed to the party’s ideals and to promote peaceful, issue-based campaigns. The chairman also assured a level playing field for all aspirants vying for the party ticket.

Adidi had earlier formally declared her ambition at her ward, Dutse Alhaji, where she unveiled her plans to represent the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency.

While outlining her agenda for residents of the constituency, Adidi emphasised the need for job creation, access to quality infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, youth empowerment, among others.

2027: FCT Reps aspirant meets APC leaders, unveils grassroots agenda

The Adamawa State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the k!lling of an Anglican cleric, Rev. Emmanuel Ezeokwe. 

The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Zinai Village, Bolki, Song Local Government Area of the state. 

The spokesperson for the command, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday said suspected gunmen invaded the village and shot Ezeokwe.

According to the PPRO, police operatives rushed the victim to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. 

“On the 21st of April, 2026, at about 6:30 am, the Command received a report from one Amos Sunday of the same community, that at about 12:48am of the same date, suspected gunmen invaded the village and shot the victim,” the statement read.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives of the Command swiftly moved to the scene, where they found the lifeless body of the victim and rushed him to a hospital. 

“He was, however, confirmed d3ad by a medical doctor, while the corpse was deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

“Preliminary investigation led to the recovery of three (3) empty shells of AK-47 rifle at the scene as exhibits.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hasaan, has ordered Deputy Commissioner of police SCID to conduct a discreet investigation and deployed tactical teams to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing useful information that may aid the ongoing investigation.”

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The confirmation followed the ministerial nominee’s screening on Thursday.

Darma was on Wednesday nominated by President Bola Tinubu as a minister in his cabinet. He is to replace the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from the President at plenary, had referred Darma’s nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action, with a directive to report back as soon as practicable.

Darma was a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF.

Senate confirms Muttaqha Darma as Minister

The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has commended the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Kamar Bakrin, and his team for the painstaking reforms they have carried out in the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) in Ilorin, Kwara state.

Senator Enoh gave the commendation during an official visit to the NSI where he emphasised the need for the Institute to become fully functional and become the driver of capacity development, technical expertise, and innovation within the sugar sector in line with its mandate.

According to him, as Nigeria continues to pursue industrialisation and self-sufficiency in sugar production, the Institute has a strategic responsibility to provide the required skilled manpower, research support, and agricultural inputs necessary for sustainable growth across the value chain.

“I have found the NSDC Executive Secretary to be passionate, focused, and committed to achieving the set objectives of the NSI. The policy reforms, capacity building and infrastructural upgrade that have taken place in the Institute within a very short time are quite commendable.

“I must however urge the Executive Secretary not to rest until this place becomes fully operational. This is because the role the Institute has to play in our drive for increased local production and industrialisation of the sugar sector is so critical,” the Minister said.

Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the NSDC and the NSI in achieving their mandates, while calling for sustained collaboration and dedication from all members of staff and stakeholders to drive the transformation of the industry.

NSI is a purpose-built national institution established to serve as the research, training, and technical backbone of Nigeria’s sugar industry. It was incorporated in June 2019 and formally commissioned in January 2021, and it operates under the strategic oversight of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

NSI is headquartered in Ilorin, with specialised bio-factory and tissue culture facilities. These laboratories play a critical role in varietal development, seedcane multiplication, and applied research, supporting both the sugar and ethanol value chains. In practical terms, the Institute exists to ensure that the industry has consistent access to quality planting materials, skilled manpower, and credible technical expertise.

The Institute was deliberately structured as a shared, industry-wide platform developed by NSDC in collaboration with key stakeholders. Its purpose is to consolidate research and development in a single national centre of excellence and to ensure that critical outputs—such as improved seedcane, training programmes, and technical services—are accessible to all industry operators, not just a select few.

Today, industry players are actively utilising NSI’s services for seedcane supply, capacity building, and technical support. The Institute is functioning as a national centre of excellence strengthening the growth, resilience, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s sugar industry.

Since coming on board in October 2023, Bakrin has transformed NSI from a largely dormant facility into a fully functional, industry-facing centre for research, training, and technical support.

Over the last two years, more than 60 NSI staff have undergone targeted capacity-building programmes spanning both managerial and technical competencies. On the managerial side, staff were trained in project management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, conflict resolution, strategic communication, and professional reporting—skills that are essential for coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder industry programmes.

On the technical front, staff received advanced, hands-on training in laboratory instrumentation, solution preparation, soil analysis, and equipment maintenance. These are highly practical skills that directly enhance NSI’s ability to run its biofactory operations, support sugar estates, and deliver credible research, diagnostics, and advisory services to industry operators.

Bakrin and his team deliberately repositioned NSI as a national hub for training and knowledge transfer. Through the NSDC/NSI Boot Camp initiative, the Institute began delivering structured, hands-on training programmes covering sugar processing, refining, quality control, industrial safety, and environmental compliance. These programmes are intentionally practical, blending classroom instruction with real-world demonstrations so participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their operations.

Significant investments were also made in curriculum development and standard operating procedures. The Factory Operations Department developed a comprehensive, end-to-end curriculum covering the full sugar production cycle—from cane preparation and juice extraction to crystallisation, refining, and by-product utilisation—with a strong emphasis on safety and sustainability.

At the same time, the Biofactory upgraded its SOPs for sugarcane and other crops, introducing detailed protocols for explant sterilisation, culture media formulation, and acclimatisation technologies.

The Institute jointly facilitated technical training for staff of Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, focusing on soil science, laboratory safety, sampling techniques, and equipment use. It also designed and delivered a comprehensive field-to-factory training programme for 20 new hires at BUA Foods’ LASUCO operations, ensuring they understood sugar production as a fully integrated system rather than a set of isolated activities.

Minister Commends NSDC Boss, Seeks Full Operations Of Sugar Institute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Tinubu, urging support for his re-election to sustain ongoing reforms and development strides.

Fubara made this appeal on Thursday at the meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt, where monarchs from the 17 southern states gathered to discuss unity, security and economic growth.

The governor noted that despite prevailing challenges, the current administration has recorded meaningful progress in economic recovery and infrastructure delivery, citing projects such as the coastal road construction.

He emphasised the importance of leadership continuity, stating that “it is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game”.

Fubara called on stakeholders across the southern region to collaborate in pursuit of common goals, stressing that unity remains essential for achieving lasting development.

He also remarked that the presence of traditional rulers at the event highlights Rivers State’s peaceful environment and its capacity to host major national engagements.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, said the gathering was aimed at promoting peace and reinforcing unity across the region.

He pointed out that the council reflects Nigeria’s rich diversity, with more than 400 dialects spoken across the southern states, describing the meeting as a clear example of unity in diversity.

Ogunwusi added that the Port Harcourt session marked the fourth in the series, following previous meetings held in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos states.

According to him, the forum allows traditional rulers to engage on shared values and collective interests that unite their people.

He further stated that the council would explore ways to support the current administration in tackling security and economic issues, noting that although participation is voluntary, it is vital for repositioning both the region and the nation.

The meeting drew prominent traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including the council’s co-chairman, the Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Illomuanya, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Nigeria in capable hands – Fubara backs Tinubu’s reelection

The Cross River Government has dismissed reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 symptomatic cases, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The rebuttal followed a publication by a national daily claiming the state had identified additional persons showing COVID-19 symptoms, raising concerns among residents about a possible resurgence of infections across communities.

It would be recalled that Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state, who was currently receiving treatment and responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded. He explained that the 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected cases, adding that they are currently under home isolation and monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

He urged the public to disregard misinformation and rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and timely dissemination of accurate information.

Ayuk added that residents should remain calm, adhere to recommended preventive measures, and continue supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases statewide.

C/River Dismisses Report Of 10 New Covid-19 Cases is first published on The Whistler Newspaper