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He described the scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring instruments of unity…

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Nigerian actress Sophia Chisom has said she usually keeps her teeth closed and uses only her lips while filming kissing scenes.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed counterfeit medicines, banned sachet alcohol, and other unsafe products valued at over N1.8 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The agency said the exercise was carried out as part of efforts to prevent fake, expired, and substandard products seized across Abuja and neighbouring areas from finding their way back into circulation.

A statement by the agency said the destroyed items included fake drugs, expired pharmaceuticals, falsified products, fake chemicals, banned alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, as well as other unwholesome regulated products.

NAFDAC disclosed that some of the products were confiscated during enforcement operations, while others were voluntarily handed over by companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN).

During the destruction exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, warned that fake drug networks now use advanced cloning methods to imitate genuine products.

He said the growing sophistication of fake drug manufacturers was making it more difficult for consumers to distinguish between original and counterfeit products.

Iluyomade further disclosed that the agency recently seized several containers carrying suspicious products that were falsely declared in an attempt to evade detection at the ports.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among relevant agencies and increased public vigilance to tackle the menace.

NAFDAC stated that the destruction exercise reflected its determination to ensure seized counterfeit and unsafe products do not return to the market.

The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, warning that traders found selling or possessing such products would face enforcement actions and possible prosecution.

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to avoid buying suspiciously cheap medicines and regulated products, warning that such items could pose serious health risks.

The agency also called on members of the public to report suspicious products and activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s call centre for investigation and necessary action.

NAFDAC burns fake drugs, banned alcohol worth N1.8bn in Abuja

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, integrity, and active participation in governance as pathways to sustainable national development.

Dr. Agboke made the call while presenting a paper titled, “From Ideas to Impact: Harnessing Youth-Driven Innovations for Sustainable Governance and National Development,” at the Leadership and Empowerment Summit organised by the Students’ Union and the New Dawn Administration of the University of Ilorin on Friday.

In his presentation, the electoral commissioner described Nigeria’s youth population as the nation’s “greatest untapped development resource.”

“Empowering young people through education, technology, and participatory governance would strengthen democratic institutions and stimulate economic growth,” he stressed.

He said empirical evidence had shown that young people could generate economic value and improve social outcomes when given access to finance, mentorship, infrastructure, and innovation opportunities.

According to him, “barriers such as educational misalignment, inadequate infrastructure, financing gaps, and brain drain continue to suppress Nigeria’s innovation potential and threaten long-term national development.

“Addressing these barriers is not merely a matter of charity or social investment. It is a matter of national security and long-term economic survival.”

He cited countries including Rwanda, Estonia, South Korea, and Kenya as examples of nations that transformed their economies through youth-centred innovation policies and institutional investments.

He argued that Nigeria possesses greater human capital potential than many of those countries but lacks the institutional discipline and political commitment required to maximise it effectively.

Speaking on democratic governance, Agboke commended the rise of youth-led civic technology initiatives in Nigeria, highlighting organisations such as BudgIT and Connected Development Initiative for promoting accountability and transparency in governance.

He noted that digital advocacy and technological innovations had contributed significantly to electoral reforms, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2023 general elections.

The electoral commissioner also referenced the #EndSARS protests, describing the movement as evidence of the ability of Nigerian youths to organise peacefully and demand institutional reforms through digital platforms.

Agboke urged students and youth leaders to engage constructively in governance processes by voting, monitoring public institutions, advocating policy reforms, and participating in elections.

He advised young people to develop both technical and interpersonal skills, noting that innovation requires ethical reasoning, empathy, and communication alongside technological expertise.

Addressing students directly, he encouraged them to identify societal problems, form teams, and develop practical solutions rather than waiting for ideal conditions before taking action.

“Be innovative. Be courageous. Be audacious. Be Unilorite, not with the embodiment of knowledge and sagacity only, but with untainted credibility and unalloyed integrity,” he said.

Nigerian youths must lead change through technology — Agboke

Former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections following a decisive victory in the party’s primaries.

Wali clinched the ticket after defeating other aspirants in the governorship primary held on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Damaturu.

Announcing the outcome, Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Muttaqah Darma, said the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“I therefore declare Baba Malam Wali, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, as the winner of the primary election and the party’s governorship candidate for Yobe State,” Darma stated.

According to the official results, Wali polled 236,711 votes, far ahead of his closest challenger, Dr Abubakar Kagu, who secured 9,748 votes.

Other aspirants trailed with significantly lower figures: Bashir Machina garnered 1,894 votes, Engr Mustapha Maihaja polled 1,178 votes, Hamidu Muhammad scored 1,722 votes, Inusa Muhammad recorded 1,148 votes, while Ma’aji Modu secured 1,371 votes.

Wali, an indigene of Nguru Local Government Area in Yobe North Senatorial District, had earlier emerged as the party’s consensus candidate after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam.

His emergence is expected to intensify calls for a power shift to Yobe North, the only senatorial district in the state yet to produce either a governor or deputy governor since its creation in 1991.

Born in 1958, Wali is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He began his public service career at the Chad Basin Development Authority before serving as a social mobilisation officer with the Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER).

He later rose through the civil service, serving as permanent secretary in several ministries before his appointment as Secretary to the State Government under former governors Ibrahim Geidam and Mai Mala Buni.

In March, the Progressive Governors Forum recognised him as the longest-serving Secretary to a State Government in Nigeria.

Wali Wins Yobe APC Governorship Primary is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Ahmad Tijjani Galadima, has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Adamawa State.

Galadima was declared winner on Friday in Yola, the state capital, after polling 414,444 votes in the direct primary conducted across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Professor Innocent Bariko, who announced the results, said Galadima defeated other aspirants to secure the party’s ticket ahead of the governorship election.

According to the results announced by the committee, Abdulrazak Namdas came second with 86,004 votes, while businessman and politician, Abdurahman Bashir Haske, finished third with 65,424 votes.

Speaking shortly after the outcome of the exercise, Haske called on his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while consultations continue regarding the primary process.

In a statement titled “Statement of Appreciation to Supporters Across Adamawa State,” Haske thanked his loyalists across the 21 local government areas for their support and sacrifices throughout the campaign period.

“To our resilient and committed supporters across the 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, we salute your courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment in standing by me throughout this governorship journey, from inception to the day of the direct primaries,” he stated.

“Together, we fought a strong and determined battle with conviction, unity, and hope for a better Adamawa. This journey is far from over, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, we shall emerge stronger, more united, and more determined in the days ahead.”

Haske expressed gratitude to his supporters for believing in what he described as a shared vision for the state.

“I am deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and belief in the vision we have shared throughout this journey. Your commitment, energy, and solidarity have been truly humbling, and I thank Almighty Allah for how far He has brought us,” he said.

The APC aspirant maintained that despite the outcome of the primary election, the collective pursuit of unity and development in Adamawa State must remain paramount.

“Regardless of the outcome, our collective commitment to unity, progress, and the advancement of Adamawa State remains unwavering,” he added.

“At this moment, I urge all our supporters and stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while we continue consultations with relevant stakeholders regarding the process,” he said.

Haske further assured supporters that updates would be communicated in due course concerning the next line of action.

“We appreciate everyone for their patience, maturity, and steadfastness. In due course, we shall update the public on the next line of action,” he stated.

He also commended members of his campaign structure and supporters across the state for their loyalty and dedication throughout the contest.

“To my team members and everyone who stood with us and worked tirelessly across the State, I say ‘Thank you’ once again for your loyalty, sacrifices, and dedication,” Haske said.

Haske Urges Calm As Galadima Clinches APC Adamawa Guber Primary is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State has arrested five suspected members of motorcycle and gadget theft syndicates operating in parts of the state.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesman, CSP Buhari Sa’ad, the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out in Billiri, Balanga, Akko and Gombe local government areas.

One of the suspects, Haruna Hamman, 19, of Billiri LGA, allegedly stole a Boxer motorcycle belonging to Adamu Buba. The motorcycle, stolen on April 15, 2026, was later recovered by NSCDC patrol operatives in Gombe.

The command also arrested Nura Adamu, 29, of Bambam in Balanga LGA, for allegedly receiving a stolen Jinchen Kasea motorcycle traced to Victor Thomas of Tumfure in Akko LGA.

In another operation, operatives apprehended Ishiyaka Ahmed, 20, of Arawa B area in Gombe metropolis, over an alleged burglary involving the theft of laptops, internet routers and power banks from a residence.

The statement said investigations were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects linked to the syndicates, while three of those arrested would be charged in court after investigations.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Jibrin Idris, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to tackling crime and urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

NSCDC arrests five suspected motorcycle thieves in Gombe

The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to forward a bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at strengthening legal measures and prescribing stiffer penalties against vandals of public infrastructure across the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this while hosting the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Deolu Ijose, at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism of electricity infrastructure, describing the trend as a major setback to economic growth and service delivery in the state.

According to Governor Abiodun, the activities of vandals have continued to undermine efforts aimed at improving electricity supply, lamenting that several public assets, including streetlights installed along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway from the Interchange, had been destroyed.

He described the destruction of electricity facilities as economic sabotage and a form of energy theft that should attract severe legal consequences, warning that anyone caught engaging in such acts would face the full weight of the law.

“Yes, we know that vandalisation is an issue. When we constructed the Sagamu-Abeokuta Road, we installed streetlights along the entire 42-kilometre stretch. Within one and a half years, every one of those streetlights had been stolen.

“They first started by stealing the cables — cutting them, tying them to vehicles and pulling them out — before moving on to the fittings.

“One day, while returning from Lagos, I noticed that after driving for about a kilometre, there was no single light pole again. From cables to fittings and eventually the poles themselves, the destruction continued. After a while, you could drive five kilometres without seeing a single light pole.

“Vandalisation is a serious issue, and I believe we must now put stronger legislation in place. I have spoken with the Attorney General on the need for stricter laws and stiffer penalties that will serve as a deterrent because this is economic sabotage. We cannot continue to give light punishments to people destroying critical social infrastructure,” he said.

The governor noted that the proposed legislation, being championed through the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, would provide a stronger legal framework for prosecuting offenders and deterring further destruction of critical infrastructure.

Governor Abiodun also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving electricity supply through strategic partnerships aimed at tackling the persistent challenge of unstable power across the state.

He explained that the visit by the IBEDC Managing Director was focused on deepening collaboration between the state government and the electricity distribution company to strengthen power infrastructure, expand electricity access, and improve supply to homes, businesses, and industries.

The governor emphasized that access to stable electricity remains a top priority of his administration, stressing that the government would continue to engage stakeholders and private sector players to support initiatives capable of enhancing power generation and distribution.

He reiterated the readiness of the state government to partner with IBEDC and other stakeholders in the power sector to deliver sustainable solutions to electricity challenges, improve the ease of doing business, and enhance the quality of life of residents.

Governor Abiodun expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would help reduce the burden of epileptic power supply and stimulate economic growth across the state.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said the visit was to inform the governor about the takeover of IBEDC by a new management team and to explore ways of addressing some of the challenges facing the power company, noting that meaningful development cannot take place without stable electricity.

He commended the governor for his achievements, particularly in infrastructure and energy, adding that his organisation was ready to partner with the Ogun State Government.

Also speaking, Mr. Deolu Ijose said IBEDC was seeking stronger collaboration with the Ogun State Government to address electricity challenges affecting communities and industrial clusters.

He noted that improved synergy between both parties would fast-track interventions aimed at reducing outages and improving service delivery.

The IBEDC Managing Director acknowledged Ogun State’s strategic position as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, stressing that reliable electricity remains crucial to investment, productivity, and economic development.

Mr. Ijose added that the company was committed to working closely with the state government to identify areas requiring urgent intervention, including infrastructure upgrades, network expansion, and enhanced customer service, with the ultimate goal of addressing recurring electricity instability.

Ogun to clamp down on infrastructure vandals amid renewed electricity drive

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saliu Danladi, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary election in the state.

Danladi secured victory after polling over 94,000 votes to defeat 14 other aspirants in the keenly contested primary election held across the state on Friday.

The state governor, Abdulrazaq, had earlier reversed his choice of Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki and announced the Speaker as his preferred candidate.

Danladi, who hails from Kwara North, contested the APC primary against the governor’s earlier choice and other aspirants.

The election was shifted from Thursday to Friday due to some technical issues.

Recall that in a statement issued on Thursday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states would now be held on Friday.

Kwara Speaker Saliu Danladi wins APC guber primary

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume has appealed to the people of Benue State to come out en masse to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the Saturday primary election. The SGF made the call on Friday at the Makurdi airport when he spoke with newsmen. According to the […]

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