Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Lagos State, Femi Olaniyi, popularly known as Ferrari, has emerged as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Olaniyi, a former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Lagos, emerged during the SDP governorship primary held on Tuesday in Somolu, Lagos.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the exercise.

Speaking after the primary, the Chairman of the SDP Governorship Primary Electoral Committee for Lagos State, Henry Amike, announced that Olaniyi was unanimously adopted by party delegates and stakeholders drawn from the 20 local government areas of the state.

“Having fulfilled all constitutional and procedural requirements of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, and following the consensus endorsement by stakeholders and delegates, I hereby officially declare Mr Femi Olaniyi Ferrari as the duly elected governorship candidate of the SDP for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election,” Amike stated.

Also speaking, C

hairman of the SDP Governorship Screening Committee in Lagos State, Adegboyega Adeniji, described Olaniyi as a leader with integrity and competence.

“He is a man of integrity, and with the SDP, there is genuine hope for security, peace and prosperity in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole,” Adeniji said.

In his acceptance speech, Olaniyi, who is also the chairman of the Forum of SDP State Chairmen in Nigeria and a former South-West zonal secretary of the party, pledged to deliver a safer and more prosperous Lagos if elected governor in 2027.

He said his administration would focus on strengthening security, improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and enhancing education and healthcare services across the state.

According to him, the outcome of the primary election reflects the collective aspiration of SDP members and Lagos residents seeking improved living conditions and expanded economic opportunities.

“Today’s result is not just my personal victory. It belongs to every member of the SDP and every resident of Lagos who desires safer communities, better schools, cleaner neighbourhoods and real economic opportunities. It belongs to the market woman in Oshodi, the tech entrepreneur in Yaba, the students of UNILAG and the fisherman in Badagry. This is your mandate,” Olaniyi said.

He further assured residents that security and public order would receive immediate attention under his administration, stressing that Lagos must function more effectively and efficiently.

Olaniyi also promised to invest in smart policing and technology-driven security systems to improve safety across communities in the state.

2027: Femi Olaniyi emerges SDP consensus governorship candidate in Lagos

Benue State has launched a N150 million School Grant Scheme aimed at supporting public schools across the state, alongside the distribution of motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers in all 23 local government areas.

The programme was inaugurated on Monday at the headquarters of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Makurdi as part of efforts to improve school management and strengthen monitoring, especially in rural communities.

Representing Governor Hyacinth Alia at the event, Deputy Governor Sam Ode described education as the most valuable investment any government can make.

He stated that the initiative would boost learning conditions, improve school administration, and enhance effective supervision of schools through the provision of motorcycles to Quality Assurance Officers.

Ode further noted that the intervention aligns with the World Bank-backed HOPE Education Grant, adding that Benue is among states implementing major reforms in the education sector.

Speaking during the ceremony, SUBEB Executive Chairman, Grace Adagba, said the programme was a key intervention by the Alia administration to tackle operational difficulties facing public schools.

She explained that every Headmaster and Principal in the state would receive N50,000 monthly under the scheme to cater for items including stationery, continuous assessment materials, first aid supplies, utility bills, and minor repairs.

According to her, the initiative reflects government’s determination to sustain free and compulsory basic education across Benue State.

Adagba also cautioned school administrators against collecting illegal levies from parents and pupils, warning that any Headmaster or Principal found guilty would be sanctioned.

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, and the UBEC State Coordinator, Idzi Baba Emmanuel, praised the Alia administration for giving priority to educational growth and promoting cooperation between the Ministry of Education and SUBEB.

As part of the event, symbolic school grant cheques were presented to RCM Primary School Ihugh in Vandeikya, UBE JSS Walomayo in Makurdi, and St. Francis Primary School in Otukpo, representing the three senatorial districts of the state.

Motorcycles were equally handed over to Coordinating Education Secretaries on behalf of Quality Assurance Officers across Benue State.

Benue Govt launches N150m school grant scheme

Troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Eastern Sanity on Tuesday, launched a “well coordinated raid ” at a Mammy market in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.

The raid followed alleged presence of crude oil bunkerers, illegal PMS dealers, pipeline vandals and illicit drug traffickers operating within the market and adjourning bushes.

During the raid, 21 suspected illicit drug traffickers were arrested.

The intelligence-based operation was carried out in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy Component and the Nigerian Air Force 511 Quick Response Group.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Abia State, Mazinho Attah.

Attah said upon arrival at the target area, troops swiftly cordoned off and searched the entire market as well as surrounding hideouts suspected to be criminal enclaves. 

He noted that the intensive operation led to the arrest of 21 suspected illicit drug peddlers found in possession of large quantities of Indian hemp, rizzlers, suspected hard substances popularly known as “ice”, as well as the sum of N103,000.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing preliminary profiling and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

“Meanwhile, aggressive patrols and domination activities continue across the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” the statement said. 

Troops nab 21 suspected drug traffickers in Abia community market 

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMT), has approved a 50 per cent fare discount on all train services…

The post Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50% appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Benue State Government has defended the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying the state has made significant progress under his leadership and cannot return to what it described as the “days of locust” experienced during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom.

In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the government said Benue is currently witnessing major transformation across different sectors under Alia’s leadership.

Kula stated that Governor Alia came into office prepared with a clear vision to rescue the state from years of hardship and poor governance allegedly experienced under the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration of Samuel Ortom.

According to the statement, workers and pensioners suffered neglect during the previous administration, while public infrastructure deteriorated despite several federal interventions and loans received by the state.

The governor’s aide alleged that the Ortom administration left behind debts running into over N300 billion at the state level and more than N100 billion in local government liabilities.

He also claimed that the current administration inherited several judgement debts and garnishee orders linked to actions taken during the previous government.

The statement further accused the former administration of relying heavily on propaganda instead of delivering practical solutions to the challenges facing the state.

Stating achievements recorded under Governor Alia, Kula said the administration has improved workers’ welfare through regular salary payments and renewed attention to pensioners.

He added that the government has embarked on infrastructure development projects, including the construction of over 40 intra-city roads, installation of solar streetlights, rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works, and the establishment of institutions and industries aimed at boosting economic growth.

Kula also referenced a recent television appearance by a spokesperson to former Governor Ortom, describing the outing as an attempt to undermine the achievements of the Alia administration.

“The Benue people have come to understand the difference between leadership and propaganda; the difference between progress and deception,” the statement said.

The government maintained that residents of the state have embraced the current direction of governance and are determined not to return to the past.

Benue has moved beyond ‘days of locust’ under Ortom — Tersoo Kula

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would perform better in the FCT,..

The post 2027: Wike confident of Tinubu’s victory in FCT appeared first on Tribune Online.

A major new study has found that people who are genetically vulnerable to type 2 diabetes are developing the disease at much higher rates today than they did decades ago, with researchers saying modern lifestyles may be pushing them over the edge. Scientists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology said today’s environment of […]

The post Modern lifestyle amplifies genetic risk for type 2 diabetes — Study appeared first on Tribune Online.

Persons Living With Disabilities, PWDs, under the Federal Government of Nigeria/International Fund for Agricultural Development – Value Chain Development Programme, FGN/IFAD-VCDP, in Niger State have pledged to discard attitudes and behaviours that fuel negative stereotypes against them, as part of efforts to promote inclusion and change societal perceptions.

They made this pledge during a specialised training programme organised by VCDP for PWDs beneficiaries from Bida and Kontagora Local Government Areas in Minna.

Some of the participants said they had observed that certain behaviours among a few persons with disabilities often create negative impressions and worsen stigma against the wider PWD community.

They explained that the training exposed them to better ways of relating with society and expressed readiness to step down the knowledge gained to others in their various communities.

The Rural Institution Gender Mainstreaming Officer of VCDP, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar Ahmed, said the training was organised to build the capacity of PWDs in relating with people in society, adding that the programme has transformed many lives since they were mainstreamed into the intervention about four years ago.

According to her, although the programme started in 2014, PWDs were not initially included until the need for intentional inclusion was recognised, leading to improved livelihoods among beneficiaries now engaged in rice and cassava farming and other productive activities.

She explained that beneficiaries have been profiled and supported in cassava and rice farming as well as home gardening, enabling many to cater for their families and sponsor their children’s education.

Facilitator, Mr. Retle Obed, said the training is aimed at helping persons with disabilities understand who they are and accept their condition, so they can confidently show the world that although they may have physical disabilities, they are still capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

He commended VCDP for including persons with disabilities in its programme, noting that the initiative has helped to build confidence, promote inclusion, and demonstrate their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Furthermore, beneficiaries of the programme commended VCDP for improving their livelihoods and giving them a sense of inclusion in society.

According to them, the intervention had enabled them to leave the streets and engage in productive farming activities, particularly cassava and rice production.
“The support we are getting has restored their dignity and independence. We are no longer on the streets begging. Today, we can farm, feed our families and support our children’s education,” said Amina Mohammed.

Another beneficiary, Hamza Abdullah, added that the training and farm inputs provided by VCDP had changed their economic conditions and helped them become self-reliant 

PWDs under VCDP in Niger pledge to drop negative behaviours, fight stereotypes

The Joint Security Taskforce has moved into the forest in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State to flush out criminals from their hideouts, as the Chairman of the Council, Engr Akeem Olatunji, warned intruders against attempting to hide in the area to perpetrate crimes, insisting that such individuals or groups would have themselves to […]

The post Oyo: Kidnapped CRIN, IBEDC staff freed as joint security team moves into Oluyole forest appeared first on Tribune Online.

Muslim pilgrims from Kaduna State have offered special prayers in Saudi Arabia, asking God to bring an end to insecurity and strengthen peace and unity in Nigeria during the Day of Arafat.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the government described the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafat, as one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.

According to the statement, pilgrims are encouraged to pray to Allah for their personal needs, their families, loved ones, and their countries.

Speaking during the prayers, Sheikh Haliru Maraya stressed the importance of prayer in overcoming challenges. He said praying for leaders is part of Islamic teachings.

The cleric also said it is wrong for people to curse their leaders, describing such actions as un-Islamic. He added that no problem is too difficult to be solved through sincere and consistent prayers backed by faith.

Sheikh Maraya advised the pilgrims to continue praying in their tents after the special session until dusk, when they would move to Muzdalifah to continue other Hajj activities.

Some of the Islamic scholars who led the prayers included Sheikh Aliyu Telex, Imam Buhari Mararaban Jos, Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, Malam Rabiu Abdullahi, Imam Tukur Adam Almanar, and Malam Aliyu Kassim.

Others were Sheikh Aliyu Rasheed Makarfi, Malam Lawan Na’ibi Ikara, and Malam Kassim Aminu.

After the prayers, the leader of the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, praised Governor Uba Sani for putting in place structures that helped ensure smooth Hajj operations.

The former Head of Kaduna State Civil Service also commended the Special Hajj Committee and staff of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their efforts toward a successful pilgrimage exercise.

Chairman of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Interfaith and Hajj, Hon. Naziru Abubakar, also praised the agency, saying it has become a standard used by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to assess other state pilgrims boards.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, said Governor Uba Sani set up a Special Hajj Committee in December 2023 to improve all aspects of the pilgrimage process.

He said the committee has carried out its responsibilities faithfully since it was inaugurated and added that the governor has consistently supported requests aimed at improving Hajj operations and pilgrims’ welfare.

Dhul Hajja: Kaduna pilgrims hold special prayers for peace in Nigeria