Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Kano State Special Taskforce on Illegal Structures has sealed several plazas, hotels and other buildings across the state for violating building regulations.

The taskforce, led by Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, who also serves as the Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), carried out the enforcement exercise across parts of the Kano metropolis on Monday.

Speaking during the operation, Sani said the committee, an 11-member team recently set up to tackle illegal developments, sealed about 14 buildings in different locations, including Gandu Industrial Layout, Dangi along Zoo Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Hadeija Road and Sokoto Road.

According to him, two plazas were sealed in the Gandu Industrial Layout, while an ongoing hotel project along Sokoto Road was also shut down.

He added that construction work on another hotel was halted, alongside several other buildings, houses and cafés operating without proper approvals.

“We sealed about 14 buildings today across Dangi, Ahmadu Bello Way, Hadeija Road and Sokoto Road. This is a new committee set up to deal with illegal structures and buildings that do not follow the law,” he said.

He explained that “some of these buildings do not have approval papers at all, some have expired permits, while others changed from residential to commercial use without proper authorisation.”

He also noted that “in some places, what was approved is not what was built. That is a serious violation.”

The taskforce boss stressed that the enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring public safety and order.

He warned that failure to comply with building regulations could lead to serious consequences, including building collapse.

He added that the taskforce would continue its operations to ensure compliance, urging property owners to regularise their documents and adhere strictly to building regulations.

The enforcement exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Kano State Government to restore order to urban development and ensure that all constructions meet the required safety and planning standards.

Kano taskforce seals 14 buildings over planning violations

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State government orchestrated the recent school kidnapping to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.

Some school children and teachers were kidnapped by unknown gunmen in some local governments in Oyo State on Friday.

Aggrieved, Tinubu despatched a high powered delegation to the affected areas who promised to ensure the safe return of the abducted school children.

However, Fayose while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said: “Let me branch to Oyo State, before you get to the president in the hierarchy of leadership and governance, there is local government, there is state, state has security votes and there are people that are supposed to be working.

“In Oyo State, I strongly believe though I might be wrong but this sometimes might be orchestrated. The governor of Oyo State had his nomination and that of his candidates in the face of this abduction.

“He did not take any action, no steps were taken, it was after those nominations that he went to the families to visit them

“I sometimes believe that the abduction at Oyo School was orchestrated by the Oyo State Government to blackmail President Tinubu.”

Oyo kidnapping: Makinde govt orchestrated abduction to blackmail Tinubu – Fayose alleges 

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Daily Times and Folio Media Group, Mr Fidelis Anosike, on Monday declared that the media is the reason Nigeria still stands today.

Anosike, at an event to mark the newspaper’s 100th anniversary in Abuja, said journalists and media practitioners played a defining role in Nigeria’s political and economic development, and that Daily Times was instrumental to the country’s independence struggle.

Daily Times commemorated the anniversary at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, with media stakeholders, veteran journalists and industry leaders discussed the legacy of the institution and the future of journalism in the country.

“Daily Times preceded Nigeria since 1926. It is the instrumentality of Daily Times and other media groups that led us to independence in 1960,” he said.

The newspaper used the occasion to celebrate its contributions to nation-building, democratic development and journalism practice in Nigeria over the past century.

Anosike said the platform was not established merely as a newspaper company, but as a nation-building institution that shaped public opinion, democracy and economic development, including contributing to the establishment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

According to him, Daily Times once owned 60 per cent of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and became the first indigenous quoted company in Nigeria, adding that journalists created the structures many sectors currently benefit from.

“The Nigeria of today was built by journalists and media practitioners politically and economically,” he stated.

Anosike stated the acquisition of Daily Times by Folio Media Group in 2004 was driven by a vision to preserve the institution’s legacy and reposition it for the future despite years of legal and economic challenges.

Quoting him, “We wanted to make sure Daily Times gets to 100 years not dead, but alive,” he said. “Nobody is going to say Daily Times is dead.”

He also announced that Daily Times would complete the unfinished Congress Hall building at the NUJ FCT Secretariat as part of its contribution to the journalism profession.

Anosike urged media practitioners to embrace technology and self-development rather than fear digital disruption and Artificial Intelligence.

“This is the best time to be a journalist. You have to move with the times. If it’s AI, go and study AI. If you have knowledge, you will excel,” he said.

Anosike said the organisation had no regrets in its 100-year journey despite decades of challenges.

According to him, Daily Times remained focused on preserving its legacy and inspiring future generations, noting that the institution’s endurance through political interference, economic hardship and legal battles reflected its clear sense of purpose.

“There are no regrets in life. If Daily Times didn’t have a legacy, I wouldn’t come here. We knew from day one what we needed to execute, and we are still executing it,” he said.

He added that the organisation’s philosophy was rooted in resilience and continuity, stressing that challenges were inevitable but necessary in building enduring institutions.

Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, congratulated Daily Times on attaining 100 years. Ike described the milestone as evidence of resilience, professionalism and service to the nation.

“One hundred years is not just a number, it is a testimony to resilience, relevance and service to the Nigerian nation and the media profession,” she said.

Ike said Daily Times had remained a reference point in the history of the Nigerian press through its contributions to public enlightenment, democratic values and ethical journalism.

She commended the organisation for beginning its centenary activities at the NUJ Secretariat and described Anosike’s commitment to complete the Congress Hall as “a step in the right direction.”

“For us, it is a thing of joy. Most times, we sit outside for Congress under the sun and rain. This commitment means a lot to journalists in the FCT,” Ike stated.

Vice Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, said Daily Times introduced the era of mass circulation newspapers and became a major platform for public discourse and nationalist movements in Nigeria.

According to him, the newspaper also served as a training ground for generations of journalists and helped shape the power and influence of the Nigerian press.

“Daily Times became the marketplace for public conversation and the rallying point for the nationalist movement,” he said.

He challenged journalists to uphold the legacy of professionalism and context-driven reporting amid the rise of social media and content creation.

Ishiekwene, “Journalism today is in far greater demand because this is the time that calls for separation between the men and the boys. It is the quality, context and meaning you bring to stories that define journalism.”

Pioneer Librarian of Daily Times, Mr Oke Bola, noted efforts to digitise the newspaper’s archives, noting that all editions of Daily Times had now been preserved in digital format.

He said the organisation pioneered several publications and journalism initiatives in Nigeria, including West Africa Magazine, Business Times, Women’s World and Times Review.

“Daily Times produced independent media and many editors and journalists passed through the institution,” he said.

Also speaking, pioneer editor and consultant to Daily Times, Mr Tony Amokeado, described the newspaper as the “reference point” for journalism in Nigeria.

“Any editor that did not pass through Daily Times should check that credential,” he said while commending the management for sustaining the institution’s legacy.

Barrister Alex Onyekum of Folio Media Group recounted the legal and financial battles encountered after the acquisition of Daily Times in 2004, saying the organisation survived years of litigation and institutional resistance.

“It has been a legal challenge, but also a successful challenge. We have survived it all to get to this stage,” he said.

Former General Manager of Daily Times and consultant to Folio Media Group, Charles Ozoemena, announced plans for special awards, veteran recognition programmes, journalism training and an international lecture series as part of the centenary celebration.

He said the organisation would honour media veterans and continue initiatives aimed at strengthening ethical and developmental journalism across the country.

“Journalists know how to make people, but we don’t make ourselves,” he said, urging practitioners to continue building the profession despite prevailing challenges.

Daily Times @100: Journalists Built Nigeria, Says Anosike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has defended his decision to refer to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “Kachalla,” saying the title is commonly used by people such as notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to address their local leaders.

Lawal made the remarks while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, shortly after announcing his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

According to him, “Kachalla” is a title used by people in the bush to address their leaders, adding that Atiku, being a Fulani man, should not find the description unusual.

The former SGF also alleged that some Fulani groups were celebrating Atiku’s emergence as a presidential candidate because they believed it would improve their chances of producing Nigeria’s next president.

Lawal further accused the former vice president of failing to publicly condemn killings, kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria and his home state of Adamawa.

He questioned Atiku’s response to recent attacks that claimed several lives, including incidents in Adamawa, alleging that the former vice president had neither condemned the violence nor visited affected communities to sympathise with victims.

Lawal also referenced the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto in 2022, claiming that Atiku initially issued a statement condemning the incident before later distancing himself from it.

He argued that a presidential aspirant should openly condemn acts of violence and what he described as ongoing killings in different parts of the country.

Lawal said:

“I called him ‘Kachalla’ because that’s the title people like Bello Turji call their local leaders. That’s the title their people in the bush use. Is he not a Fulani?

“Fulanis are celebrating now that their brother has gotten a ticket, aren’t they? And they are beginning to celebrate that they will produce the president.

“Why are they celebrating if they are not intending to use it for you? Have you ever heard Atiku condemn any of these kidnappings? Have you ever heard him on record condemning all these massive killings?

“Whether it is all these killings, eighteen people killed and maimed, what has Atiku said about it, not even talking about going there? Not even going to sympathise with the victims.

“Even in Adamawa, they killed seventeen villagers recently. Has he ever condemned it? Because the victims are not his people, has he ever condemned it, for God’s sake?

“Go and ask him. When they did that thing to Deborah in Sokoto and he made a press statement condemning it, he had to retract it. He had to retract it and started saying that it was his SA acting without his authority. He said that.

“He wants to be the president and he cannot condemn the genocide that is going on right before him, in his own state.”

Fulani celebrating his ADC ticket — Babachir Lawal speaks on calling Atiku ‘Kachalla’

China has announced expanded market access for African products and increased employment opportunities for Nigerian youths as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomatic engagement. The commitment was made at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar held in Abuja, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of […]

The post China opens market access, job opportunities for Nigerian youths appeared first on Tribune Online.

Chelsea on Monday announced that Academy defender Justin Osagie has signed a new contract with the club.

The new deal will keep Osagie at the Premier League west London club until 2029.

Osagie joined Chelsea during the opening months of the 2025/26 season.

He has quickly established himself as an important part of the club’s Under-21s squad.

The 20-year-old centre-back made 11 appearances across all competitions in his debut campaign for Chelsea.

He is an Irish-Nigerian defender, meaning he is eligible to play for Nigeria’s senior national team and also for the Irish national team.

Chelsea announce deal for Osagie

Nollywood actor, Stan Nze, has shared his views on love, forgiveness and infidelity, stating that cheating can be forgiven in some situations. Stan Nze made the remarks during an interview at a movie premiere when he was asked whether love alone is enough to sustain a relationship or marriage. Responding to the question, the actor […]

The post Cheating can be forgiven in relationship, marriage — Actor Stan Nze appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), John Onoja, has alleged that foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities are sponsoring attacks aimed at discrediting the Mining Marshals, while rejecting a police report linking one of his officers to over ₦2 billion in suspicious transactions following the […]

The post Foreign interests behind attacks on mining marshals — NSCDC commander appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has said residents of the nation’s capital, Abuja, are finally feeling the impact of governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike, who made the remarks when he inspected some ongoing projects in the territory on Monday, added that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is actively […]

The post FCT rural dwellers now feeling impact of govt – Wike appeared first on Tribune Online.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, marked Africa Day with a group-wide celebration across its offices in 20 African markets, bringing employees together in a shared observance of cultural and continental pride.

For UBA, which has spent over seven decades building operations from Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Abidjan, Dakar to Douala, and Maputo to Kinshasa, Africa Day served as a moment to reflect on how far the institution has come in terms of impact and the ambition that lies ahead

The day’s wider programme featured cultural showcases, a fashion runway, music and food presentations drawn from the Group’s operating markets, with participation from all 20 countries.

Speaking at the event, UBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, drew a direct line between the Group’s pan-African footprint and the wider economic transformation underway across the continent.

“As a Group with presence in 20 African countries, UBA is more than a bank. We are a bridge across markets, cultures, people and opportunities,” Alawuba said. “Every day, through our people, our technology, our capital and our customer relationships, we connect Africa to itself and Africa to the world.”

Alawuba’s address came at a moment of notable momentum for African banking, as digital finance is reshaping how individuals and businesses transact, cross-border trade volumes are growing, and demand for locally owned, globally competitive institutions is intensifying.

“Africa’s story is changing,” Alawuba noted. “Young people are innovating, entrepreneurs are creating new businesses, women are leading boldly, creatives are taking our culture global, and institutions are beginning to reimagine the future of trade, finance, technology and development. At UBA, we must continue to see ourselves as enablers of this transformation.”

In his address, Alawuba challenged staff to see the Group’s diversity of languages, cultures, and geographies as a structural advantage in serving African markets that no external institution can replicate.

The GMD demanded that all UBA staff transfer the energy of the celebration into their client relationships and day-to-day execution, citing simplicity, responsiveness, and goal orientation as core standards the Group must hold passionately.

“Let us bring the same energy we display today into our work, with excellence, enterprise and execution,” Alawuba said. “Let us continue to prove that African institutions can be world-class, trusted, innovative and globally competitive.”

UBA also used the occasion to activate Red Vault, its innovative lifestyle rewards platform, bringing a curated selection of African consumer brands directly into the event space. Lush Hair, Zayith, Tobi’s Closet, and Sweet Tooth Cafe were among the brands featured, providing staff with an on-the-ground demonstration of what Red Vault is designed to do at scale, which is to connect UBA customers to a rewards ecosystem anchored in African businesses and everyday experiences.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.