Author: Daily Post Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday disclosed that he appointed Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, because he can deliver results in the area of projects and infrastructure.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed Federal Highway 105, linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in Abuja, Tinubu described Wike as a proven performer.

The President was represented by

Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning, organised to mark his third year in office.

Tinubu recalled that the road project, originally awarded in 2022, had been abandoned and had become a source of frustration for residents and businesses due to persistent gridlock, dust during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season.

He said the situation informed his “decision to appoint the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,” whom he described as a “proven performer capable of delivering results”.

“Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” he stated.

The President stressed that the significance of the road extended beyond infrastructure, noting that it aligns with his administration’s broader vision of inclusive development.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots. It must be felt in Kuje. It must be felt by every Nigerian,” he said.

According to him, the completed road will drastically reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, boost economic activities and enhance access to markets for farmers and businesses.

“You no longer have to endure the suffocating bottleneck that characterized the Kuje-Airport Road axis before now. Lost man-hours are now being returned to the people. Time is money, and we are putting that time back in your pocket,” he added.

Tinubu further noted that the road would accelerate the development of satellite towns, decongest Abuja city centre, raise property values and attract private investment.

“Abuja cannot grow if only the city centre works. With this road, we decongest the capital, lift property values, attract investment, and help our farmers move farm produce to market without delay. This is how you build an economy from the bottom up,” he said.

The President also urged residents, developers and business owners to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying taxes, ground rents and other statutory fees to enable government replicate similar projects across the country.

He equally charged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths in Kuje to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.

“This road is yours. Guard it. Protect the streetlights, the drainage, the walkways. Do not allow vandalism. Do not turn it into an illegal market or refuse dump. Protect what we have built, and it will serve your children for decades,” he said.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the road as one of the most difficult projects undertaken by the administration, revealing that its completion required persistence, stakeholder engagement and significant financial commitment.

According to him, shortly after assuming office in 2023, the FCT Administration embarked on consultations across the six area councils, where traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted the deplorable condition of the road as a major concern.

“We may not value this road except we know how it was. This is one road that I never dreamt that today we would come and commission. It was a very, very difficult road,” Wike said.

The minister disclosed that despite being awarded on February 4, 2022, at a cost exceeding N54 billion, work had stalled before the current administration intervened.

“It became a political road. The Gomo of Kuje and other stakeholders pleaded with us to revive the project. At that time, there was no contractor on site. We made a promise, but in my mind I was asking where the money would come from,” he recounted.

Wike said the administration’s determination to restore hope to residents inspired efforts to mobilise resources and ensure completion of the project.

“It was a death trap. It was a haven for kidnappers and hooligans who harassed residents. today, that story has changed,” he said.

The minister commended the management of Arab Contractors for delivering the project despite challenges and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in satellite towns.

“If anybody asks where government is, tell them Airport-Kuje Road is government. Kuje-Gwagwalada Road is government. This is government providing basic infrastructure to the people,” he declared.

Wike further revealed that the President is expected to return in July to commission the ongoing Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, another major project aimed at transforming the area.

He maintained that Tinubu’s investments in satellite towns would remain a significant chapter in Abuja’s development history.

“What this administration has done for the satellite towns, history will be on your side. We are changing the direction of development in Abuja,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of residents across the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahmoud commended Wike for what she termed his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming Abuja through the delivery of quality infrastructure.

She urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting development, improving mobility and strengthening socio-economic prosperity in the nation’s capital.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, during which several infrastructure projects are being inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory.

Why I appointed Wike FCT Minister – Tinubu reveals

The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the refund of SR123 to each pilgrim from the state who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise, as part of the reconciliation of the Basic Travel Allowance, BTA.

In a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, it was disclosed that the refund followed a review of exchange rate transactions recorded during the disbursement of the BTA.

The review revealed a surplus after the completion of all financial transactions and logistical arrangements for the pilgrimage.

The Executive Secretary explained that the surplus amounts to approximately ₦46,000 per pilgrim, which was converted at an exchange rate of ₦375 to one Saudi Riyal, giving an equivalent of about SR123 per pilgrim.

He added that arrangements have been concluded to ensure the prompt payment of the refund to all eligible pilgrims without delay.

According to him, the development reflects the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management in the conduct of Hajj operations.

Beneficiaries are advised to liaise with their respective Area Pilgrims Welfare Officers, APWOs, or designated officials to facilitate smooth collection of the refund.

Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu also expressed appreciation to pilgrims for their cooperation and discipline throughout the Hajj exercise, while reaffirming the Board’s commitment to improving service delivery in future operations.

The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the welfare of pilgrims and upholding best practices in the administration of Hajj activities.

Hajj: Niger Pilgrims Welfare Board announces refund of SR123 to pilgrims

Allahu Akbar. What Dr. Bala Wunti told the Wunti community was more than politics. It was conscience. It was humility. It was accountability.

When his people asked him to consider running for Governor of Bauchi State, he answered with striking honesty:

“I didn’t intend to become governor. The Almighty God has blessed me with everything – all the essentials of life you can name. Alhamdulillah, I have them.”

But the call of his roots was heavier.

“When your parents, your friends, your brothers and sisters, the community that raised me, and even my younger ones are calling on me to lead with trust, that’s a serious matter to consider.”

He refused to romanticize power:  

“Being governor is not easy. Everyone who sleeps and wakes up in Bauchi – their education, their security, their entire welfare – that responsibility will be on my neck.”

Then he made a vow that silenced the hall:  “Whoever thinks that if I become governor I will steal the treasury to enrich them should think again. I will not do that. I will not let myself be used to ruin my connection with my God.”

For Dr. Bala Wunti, gratitude beats ambition.  

“The blessings He gave me are more than enough. He raised me from an orphan to the highest pinnacle of life. So tell me, which of His favors shall I deny?”

Our Prayer

May the Almighty who lifted Dr. Bala Wunti from orphanhood to prominence continue to guide his steps. May He grant Bauchi State leaders with sincerity, compassion, and the fear of God – leaders like Dr. Bala Wunti. May He protect our community from corruption and division, and bless every home with peace, security, and prosperity. And may Dr. Bala Wunti’s intentions be purified, his strength renewed, and his path illuminated by truth and justice. Ameen.

Aminu Bauchin: A Sacred Trust – Dr. Bala Wunti’s pledge to Wunti Community

The government of Enugu State has solidified surveillance across all the vulnerable entrances to the state aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola pandemic.

THE WHISTLER reports that there have been reported cases of Ebola spread in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The surveillance was announced by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr George Ugwu, on Thursday. He disclosed the proactive approaches after the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre Committee Meeting on Ebola Prevention in the state.

The commissioner stated that the state government had approved the deployment of more health surveillance officers to support existing port health quarantine service officers.

According to him, the state ministry of health would work with the management of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, aimed at ensuring adherence to standard Ebola-safe measures to avert possible spread of the disease to the state.

He further disclosed that residents of the state are being sensitised on measures to avoid contracting the disease, including personal and environmental hygiene protocols for disease prevention.

He said some of the measures adopted to achieve the goal involve engaging religious, traditional, and community leaders, as well as delivering Ebola awareness and prevention messages to take the information to the grassroots.

“The ministry is also producing electronic flyers on Ebola awareness and prevention and distributing them through various social media platforms,” he said, adding that, “We want the Ebola awareness and prevention protocol message to be a household matter, where individuals in communities will be watchful and report any observed possible symptoms even among their relatives or returnees from outside the country.”

Our correspondent reports that the meeting held with the state’s health stakeholders and partners with officials of the Port Health Quarantine Service at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, in attendance.

Enugu Govt Mounts Ebola Surveillance Amid Global Threat is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kaduna State is targeting a monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N20 billion as ongoing fiscal reforms continue to strengthen revenue generation and bolster public confidence in government, the Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams, has said.

Adams disclosed this while receiving a delegation of the Association of Non-Indigenes Support Group for Governor Uba Sani, which paid him a courtesy visit and conferred on him the title of Grand Patron of the association.

He explained that the state’s monthly IGR had witnessed remarkable growth, rising from an average of N4 billion in 2023 to about N9 billion currently, a development he attributed to reforms in tax administration and improved trust between government and taxpayers.

According to him, “More residents are willingly paying taxes because they can see evidence of government investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare.”

The KADIRS chairman noted that the administration of Governor Uba Sani has remained committed to ensuring that resources generated from taxation are channelled into projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.

He stressed that the agency would continue to implement policies that encourage voluntary tax compliance while protecting taxpayers from multiple taxation and other forms of exploitation.

Adams said revenue generation should not be seen as a burden on citizens but as a shared responsibility that enables government to provide essential services and drive sustainable development.

He also expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him by the association, describing it as recognition of the vital contributions of non-indigenes to the economic growth and social development of Kaduna State.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance, insisting that every resident, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional background, has a stake in the development of the state.

Kaduna targets N20bn monthly revenue amid tax reforms — KADIRS

The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has confirmed that five operatives of the command were among those injured in the train derailment accident in the state.

The Delta State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Chinedu Igbo, disclosed this in a press statement he made available to journalists after visiting the accident scene on Thursday.

Igbo in the statement he signed said he led a team of officers on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the train derailment at Owa-Oyibu, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where he inspected the level of damage, before visiting injured passengers, including five of his operatives who were on board the train to provide security.

He said: “The purpose of the visit was to assess the incident, evaluate the circumstances surrounding the derailment, monitor ongoing recovery efforts, and ensure adequate security coverage at the affected location.

“My team also visited injured victims, including five (5) NSCDC personnel who were part of the train escort team and were affected by the accident. They are currently receiving medical attention at Central Hospital, Agbor.

“We commiserate with the injured personnel and assure residents, commuters, and the general public that NSCDC, in collaboration with sister security agencies, remains committed to the protection of lives and property along the railway corridor and critical national assets across Delta State.”

He noted that the accident scene revealed extensive damage to several sections of the train coaches and tracks as a result of the derailment. He added that railway engineers and technical personnel were actively engaged in examining the scene to determine the immediate and remote causes of the accident.

The team also interacted with relevant stakeholders, railway officials, engineers, sister security agencies, and officers on ground as investigations into the cause of the incident continue.

The Divisional Officer of NSCDC in Ika North-East Division, CSC Meye Kingsley, and other officers of the division were among the commandant’s team during the visit.

NSCDC confirms five operatives injured in Delta train accident, assures of safety

Unilever Nigeria Plc has officially announced the winners of the Rexona FIFA World Cup 2026™ Consumer promotion, giving loyal consumers of its leading deodorant brand, Rexona, the chance to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live in Vancouver, Canada.

The ticket presentation ceremony, held at Prince Ebeano Supermarket, Ikeja, marked the successful conclusion of the consumer promotion designed to reward loyal customers who purchased Rexona products. Under the campaign structure, consumers who purchased three Rexona aerosol products were eligible for the grand prize, while all participating shoppers also received guaranteed rewards.

Winners emerged from the promotional draw after meeting the purchase criteria, with their prize packages fully sponsored by Rexona. The rewards included return flight tickets, accommodation, match tickets and other travel arrangements, offering them a memorable FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience.

Speaking at the event, Head of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Zainab Obagun, stated that the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Consumer promotion sponsored by Rexona reflects Unilever’s commitment to building stronger connections with consumers through initiatives that reward loyalty and create memorable experiences.

Obagun noted that the promotion underscores the importance of partnerships within the retail ecosystem, emphasizing that collaborations with trade partners remain essential for delivering value to consumers nationwide.

“At Unilever, we believe our relationship with consumers goes beyond providing quality products. It is about creating meaningful experiences and rewarding the trust they place in our brands every day. This presentation demonstrates that when we make a promise to our consumers, we fulfill it. We remain committed to creating value for Nigerian consumers while strengthening our partnerships with retailers and trade partners across the country,” she said.

Also speaking, Brand Manager, Rexona, Olaide Olumide, explained that the campaign was inspired by the success of previous football-focused consumer activations and forms part of Rexona’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with consumers through passion points that resonate strongly with them.

Olumide added that the emergence of winners and the presentation of prizes validate the integrity of the campaign and encourage continued participation with future brand initiatives and promotions.

“Rexona is a performance-focused brand globally, and football provides the perfect platform to demonstrate what performance means. Following our successful partnerships with CAF during AFCON and WAFCON, where we rewarded consumers with unique football experiences, this promotion around the FIFA World Cup 2026™ represents an even bigger opportunity to celebrate and reward our loyal consumers. More importantly, it shows that we care about our consumers not only through our products but also by creating life-changing experiences for them,” she added.

Expressing her excitement, one of the winners, Fatima Ahmed, described the opportunity as a dream come true and thanked Rexona for enabling her to witness one of the world’s biggest sporting events live.

As one of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ official sponsors, Rexona leveraged the global football spectacle to connect with consumers and reward their loyalty. The campaign also featured other Unilever personal care brands, including Dove and Axe, extending the opportunity to households across different consumer segments while creating excitement around the tournament.

About Unilever:

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Personal Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Foods products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. Unilever Nigeria is a locally listed business that has been operating for over 100 years, selling brands such as Closeup, Pepsodent, Vaseline, Rexona, Knorr, Royco, and Pears.

Winners emerge at Rexona Consumer Promotion, get tickets to watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches­­

The House of Representatives has adjourned plenary until July 7, 2026.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, made the announcement on Thursday.

Abbas said the adjournment is to mark the end of the legislative year and give room for the legislators to review other constitutional amendment proposals.

According to him, the review of constitutional amendment proposals would be the first item they vote on after their recess.

The Speaker further stated that the break would afford lawmakers the opportunity to return to their constituencies and interact with their constituents.

DAILY POST reports that before the adjournment, the green chamber passed the State Police Bill following a decisive vote during plenary on the legislative proposal.

The passage of the bill followed the voting by 289 lawmakers in favour of state police during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker.

The green chamber witnessed  a fair share of drama, as shortly after the lawmakers settled down for the business of the day, Kaduna lawmaker, Bashir Zubairu, moved a point of order.

According to him, the document on the proposed state police put together by the House Committee on Constitution Review got to the lawmakers only on Thursday afternoon.

“Mr Speaker, this document was only made available to lawmakers in the chambers, and we are yet to go through it. We cannot do justice to it because we have not gone through it,” Zubairu said.

House of Reps adjourns plenary till July

An Islamic cleric and the first Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman, has called all Imams, Islamic organizations, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and all well-meaning citizens of the state to unite in confronting the challenges of insecurity.

Usman made the call in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Thursday.

The Islamic cleric who doubles as the Chief Imam of Kere in Ogbomoso, explained that security is not the responsibility of government alone, noting that it is a collective trust (amanah) that requires the cooperation and vigilance of every member of society.

Usman while speaking in the recent happenings in the state, condemned the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire local government area.

He appealed to the security agencies to intensify efforts towards the release of the victims.

In view of the happenings in the state, Usman appealed to Muslims to dedicate at least two minutes after every obligatory prayer to supplicate for the safety and swift release of all teachers, pupils and other innocent persons in captivity.

He added that parents and community leaders should strengthen cooperation with schools and relevant authorities on matters relating to safety and security.

He also urged young people to channel their energy into education, skill acquisition, community development, and peace-building initiatives.

Usman said, “Accordingly, we call upon all Imams, Islamic organizations, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and all well-meaning citizens of Oyo State to unite in confronting the challenges of insecurity. Security is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a collective trust (amanah) that requires the cooperation and vigilance of every member of society.

“Islam is a religion of peace, justice, mercy, and human dignity. Corruption, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality constitute manifestations of fasād fi al-arḍ (mischief and corruption on earth), which Islam strongly condemns. Genuine peace can only flourish where justice prevails, truth is upheld, and the sanctity of human life is respected.

“We therefore urge all Muslims to become ambassadors of peace in their homes, schools, marketplaces, places of worship, roads, and online platforms. Let our words promote harmony, our actions reflect compassion, and our conduct embody the noble teachings of Islam.

“Therefore, we strongly demand the immediate and unconditional release of all teachers and pupils currently held in captivity. We call upon security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts toward securing their freedom and restoring confidence in our educational institutions. We also call upon the captors to fear Allah and desist from actions that violate the sanctity of innocent lives.

“In view of the foregoing, we make the following appeals: All Muslims should dedicate at least two minutes after every obligatory prayer to supplicate for the safety and swift release of all teachers, pupils, and other innocent persons in captivity. Parents and community leaders should strengthen cooperation with schools and relevant authorities on matters relating to safety and security.

“Young people should channel their energy into education, skill acquisition, community development, and peace-building initiatives. Members of the public should verify information before sharing it, especially on social media, as misinformation can endanger lives and undermine security efforts.

“Religious and traditional leaders should continue to promote unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence among all members of society. We pray to Allah Almighty to protect our communities, preserve our schools, safeguard our scholars, teachers, and students, and grant lasting peace and security throughout Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“O Allah, improve the condition of the Muslims, grant them security and peace, protect our scholars, teachers, and students, free those in captivity, and establish justice and tranquility in our land. Āmīn.”

Security not responsibility of govt alone – Islamic cleric tells Oyo residents

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Thursday expressed concern that allegations of corruption within Nigeria’s electoral system continue to erode public confidence in the country’s democratic process.

Akume stated this while delivering a lecture at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

Speaking on the theme, “27 Years of Democratic Governance: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead,” the SGF said Nigeria had recorded significant democratic gains since returning to civilian rule in 1999 but warned that persistent concerns about electoral integrity remained a threat to democratic consolidation.

According to him, allegations of corruption in the electoral process have continued to undermine citizens’ trust in elections and democratic institutions.

“Electoral integrity remains a work in progress. While our electoral management body and the judiciary have demonstrated growing independence, persistent allegations of corruption in the electoral system and processes remain critical to its integrity.

“Democracy is not merely the act of voting; it is the guarantee that every vote counts equally,” Akume said.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to actively participate in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the country’s democratic achievements.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 27 years, Akume described the period as one marked by resilience, determination and notable progress.
He stated that the country had successfully conducted eight consecutive general elections and witnessed peaceful transfers of power across political parties and regions, including what he described as a historic transition from a ruling party to the opposition.

“The democratic journey since 1999 has nevertheless had its challenges. The significant lesson however is that it has been a journey of resilience and determination. Nigeria has conducted eight successive general elections each one testing, and ultimately affirming, the democratic will of our people.

“We have achieved back-to-back peaceful transfer of power from one civilian administration to another, across party lines, and across the diverse regions of our great nation. We have also experienced a transfer from a sitting government to the opposition, ” he said.

Despite these achievements, he urged stakeholders to address challenges undermines the confidence in democracy.

“While acknowledging the gains of democratic governance, Nigeria must confront lingering challenges threatening the credibility of its democratic process,” he said.

The SGF also cautioned against allowing ethnic, religious and regional divisions to weaken the country’s democratic foundations.

“Finally let me leave us all with a charge. Nigeria is worth all our sacrifices and our democracy is worth defending.

“The present and upcoming generations are standing on the shoulders of those who struggled for civil rule and they have both the responsibility and the opportunity to build the nation our founding fathers envisioned and which our children deserve to inherit,” he added.

Akume highlighted achievements recorded under democratic governance, including economic expansion, improved financial inclusion and investments in critical infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

He also cited reforms in the power sector and expanded access to education and healthcare through initiatives including the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Universal Basic Education programme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

Describing the Democracy Day lecture as an opportunity for national reflection, Akume challenged Nigerians to envision the type of democracy they hoped to build over the next 27 years.

Concerns over electoral malpractice, vote-buying, result manipulation and other forms of corruption have continued to generate debates about the credibility of elections and public trust in democratic institutions.

Electoral reforms have remained a recurring issue, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for measures to strengthen transparency, accountability and confidence in the electoral process.

Electoral Corruption Erodes Public Trust, Says Akume is first published on The Whistler Newspaper