Author: Daily Post Nigeria

A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Dr. Terwase Matthias Byuan, has defected to the Labour Party, LP.

Byuan, who until recently served as Executive Director, Finance at the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, formally resigned from the APC and joined the Labour Party in Benue State.

The development was announced on Friday by the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Philip Agbese, popularly known as the “Chief Labourer” of Benue State.

Agbese described Byuan’s defection as a major boost for the Labour Party, noting that his experience and commitment to public service would strengthen the party’s structure and grassroots mobilization in the state.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I officially welcome Dr. Terwase Matthias Byuan into the Labour Party family,” Agbese said.

He added that the Benue State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Williams Okefie, alongside other party leaders, would formally present Byuan’s membership registration card during a brief ceremony.

Agbese expressed confidence that the former APC chieftain’s entry into the party would contribute significantly to the advancement of the Labour Party’s vision in Benue State.

Benue: APC chieftain, Ex-FHA Executive Director Terwase Byuan defects to Labour Party

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development, FG-IFAD, Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, in Niger State has called on financial and insurance institutions to introduce flexible loan and insurance packages for farmers under its programme ahead of the farming season.

The State Programme Coordinator VCDP, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, made the call during a meeting with executives of Commodity Alliance Financing, CAF, financial institutions and insurance companies on the uptake of weather-index insurance held in Minna.

She said the meeting was organised to discuss ways of easing access to loans and insurance services for rice and cassava farmers participating in the programme.

According to her, IFAD-VCDP established CAF structures across the nine benefiting local government areas to ensure farmers continue to receive guidance and support even as the programme prepares to wind down operations in Nigeria.

She noted that some farmers had complained about strict loan conditions and urged financial institutions to review policies that make repayment difficult.

Hajiya Isah also called on CAF leaders to sensitise farmers on new insurance products, especially those covering farms and produce in transit.

She further stressed the need for farmers to continually update their knowledge on the programmes and products being introduced by financial and insurance institutions, including equipment financing schemes among others.

CAF State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim Kanko, appealed to financial institutions to relax their policies to enable farmers access loans and insurance more easily amid rising farming costs.

He said many farmers face enormous pressure after obtaining loans due to stringent repayment conditions and rising production costs.

The CAF chairmen for Katcha and Wushishi Local Government Areas, Mohammed Musa Kambari and Ahmed Abdullahi Wasagi, respectively, pledged to brief farmers in their areas on the outcome of the meeting and the new packages introduced by the institutions.

They lamented the rising cost of farm inputs and implements, noting that many farmers now depend on loans to sustain their farming activities as the rainy season approaches.

Also, representatives of the financial and insurance institutions pledged continued support for farmers under the programme even after the exit of IFAD-VCDP from Nigeria.

A representative of the Development Exchange Centre, DEC, Sunday Nenmene, said the organisation would continue doing business with farmers captured under the programme.

“We already have the names of the farmers in our database and will continue to do business with them after the exit of VCDP because their activities have boosted our reach and operations,” he said.

IFAD-VCDP calls for flexible insurance, loan packages for farmers in Niger

A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, has declared that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will retain power in the state in 2027, despite current challenges in the party.

Gbolarumi made this assertion on Saturday shortly after he submitted his nomination form ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that Gbolarumi arrived at the PDP secretariat with a large entourage of Oyo State party faithful, where he was received by senior PDP officials and zonal leaders.

Among those who were on hand to receive him were PDP National Treasurer, Diran Odeyemi, National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo and South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi.

Others are National Women Leader, Professor Adenike Ogunshe, State Chairman, Professor Rahman Akinoso, Oyo South Senatorial aspirant, Bolanle Sarumi and other party chieftains from the 33 local government areas of the state.

Gbolarumi, speaking after submitting the form, insisted that the party is poised to retain power in Oyo in 2027.

The former deputy governor urged all members of the party to embrace unity, noting that efforts are being made to address the current challenges in the party.

Gbolarumi said, “Today is another epoch making day in the history of our great party and our dear state. I am here to submit my nomination forms.

“As at Today, PDP remains a party to beat. We remain resolute in retaining power in Oyo State in 2027.

“We are not unmindful of some challenges, we are making efforts to overcome all our challenges in the party. Each political party has its own peculiarities. But, we will overcome all our challenges before the election.

“None of the political parties in Oyo State has the capacity to beat us in the election. We are going to retain the power in Oyo State. I want to thank the party leadership and grassroots members for their support. My aspiration was anchored on party unity, strengthening the PDP’s base in Oyo, and presenting a credible alternative to voters in 2027.”

2027: PDP will retain power in Oyo despite challenges – Ex-Deputy Gov Gbolarumi 

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has appeared before the governorship election screening committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the primaries.

Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had, reportedly, quietly defected to the APC a few days ago.

The lawmaker is said to be one of the two allies of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, who bought the forms, with the other being Dax Kelly.

DAILY POST reports that other buyers include Governor Sim Fubara and Tonye Cole.

Chinda appears before APC governorship screening committee

Nigeria midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has expressed his desire to remain at Olympic Marseille beyond this summer, DAILY POST reports.

Nnadi linked up with the Ligue 1 club from Belgian Pro League outfit, Zulte Waregem during the winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old has however struggled for regular playing time at the club.

The defensive midfielder has featured in six league matches for Marseille, mostly coming off the bench.

Nnadi has been linked with an exit from Les Phocéens this summer.

The player has however ruled out that possibility, insisting that he is ready to fight for his place.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to stay and prove that I belong to this club. I deserve to be here. I think I’ve reached the most difficult point,” Nnadi was quoted by L’Equipe.

Transfer: Nnadi rules out Olympic Marseille exit

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, a former minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, wanted for alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds. 

In a statement shared on its website, the anti-graft agency said “anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” should contact the EFCC offices through the number listed on the page.

“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice reads.

Umar Farouq was minister from 2019 to 2023 in the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

EFCC is investigating the ministry she oversaw over an alleged N37bn fraud.

On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Apo issued an arrest warrant against Umar Farouq.

Jude Onwuegbuzie, the presiding judge, also “granted an order of arrest against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.”

The order was granted following an application by the EFCC after the defendants failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment.
 
Umar Faruoq and Alkali, alongside one Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office as filed by the EFCC.

The commission had alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3m and N746.6m.

According to EFCC, part of the funds, meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme, was allegedly converted for personal use.

EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Wanted is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Anxiety is growing in Taraba State following the alleged arrest of the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, by suspected operatives of the Department of State Services.

Bodejo, who is seeking to contest the Taraba Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, was reportedly arrested on Thursday evening shortly after meeting supporters in Jalingo, the state capital.

The Miyetti Allah leader was said to have received a large welcome from supporters drawn from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district during his visit to the state.

Reacting to the development, the Abdullahi Bello Bodejo Central Zone Senatorial Campaign Council condemned the alleged arrest, describing it as politically motivated and a threat to democratic engagement.

In a statement issued in Jalingo by the Director-General of the campaign council, Alhaji Adamu Isa Kurmi, on Saturday, the organisation alleged that Bodejo was arrested shortly after visiting the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat as part of consultations ahead of his senatorial ambition.

The statement claimed that Bodejo was taken away from the Blue Nile Hotel in Jalingo at about 6:30 pm by plain-clothes operatives suspected to be DSS officials and moved to an undisclosed location.

“The campaign council views this development as a violation of the aspirant’s fundamental rights and an act of intimidation against his planned consultations with party leaders and supporters across Taraba Central Senatorial District,” the statement said.

The council also alleged that the large crowd that accompanied Bodejo from the Jalingo airport through major parts of the city to the APC secretariat may have unsettled his political opponents.

According to the organisation, the aspirant had complied with all legal and political requirements connected to his senatorial bid, including the purchase and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms.

It further stated that relevant security agencies had been formally informed ahead of the visit and that acknowledgement copies of the notifications were duly obtained.

The campaign council appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while noting that Bodejo’s legal team had already begun efforts to secure his release.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS and other security agencies had yet to issue any official statement regarding the alleged arrest.

Tension in Taraba over alleged arrest of Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo

With just hours to go before the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), the excitement is already impossible to ignore. Somewhere in Lagos right now, your favorite celebrities are probably meeting up with their stylists, make-up artists, getting everything locked and ready down to the last detail. Who wouldn’t want to snatch up that Best Dressed Award?

Every year, the AMVCA gives us moments to obsess over, unforgettable fashion statements, viral red-carpet interviews, emotional award speeches, and of course, the brands that know exactly how to own the moment. This year, Johnnie Walker wasted no time setting the pace with its unforgettable Icons Night.

More than just another pre-AMVCA gathering, Icons Night felt like a love letter to Nollywood’s journey. Rooted in Johnnie Walker’s iconic “Keep Walking” philosophy, the evening celebrated progress, legacy, and the relentless spirit it takes to build greatness over time. And honestly, the guest list alone told the story. Legends like Patience Ozokwor (Mama Gee), Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola, Shaffy Bello, Saheed Balogun, Susan Peters, Patrick Doyle, Zeb Ejiro, Gloria Young, Nobert Young, and Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), alongside many others, gathered under one roof to celebrate the industry they helped shape.

One of the most emotional highlights of the evening came as legendary filmmaker Zeb Ejiro received a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his incredible contribution to Nollywood. The recognition was paired with a rare Johnnie Walker Gold series presentation, a timeless symbol of distinction that reflected the depth, rarity, and impact of his journey. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone in the room that Nollywood didn’t become a global cultural force overnight. It was built step by step, story by story, by people who refused to stop pushing forward.

And that’s what made Icons Night feel so special. Beyond the glamour, the music, and the perfectly curated experience, it celebrated resilience. It honored the pioneers who opened doors, broke barriers, and created opportunities for the new generation of storytellers now taking African cinema to the world.

But Johnnie Walker didn’t stop there. To crown the celebration, the brand is teaming up with headline sponsor Don Julio to host Blue-42, an exclusive after-party experience bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry leaders, and cultural tastemakers. It marks the first time two of the world’s most celebrated premium spirits brands are collaborating in honor of African talent and culture, and honestly, it feels like the perfect AMVCA match-up.

Guests at Blue-42 will get to experience Johnnie Walker through bespoke cocktail expressions crafted by expert mixologists, adding another layer of sophistication to an already iconic awards weekend.

If there was ever a masterclass on how brands should show up at the AMVCA, Johnnie Walker may have just delivered it. By staying true to its “Keep Walking” philosophy, celebrating legacy while embracing the future, the brand has managed to create moments that feel bigger than sponsorships, moments that genuinely honor the culture.

Now, all that’s left is for the cameras to roll, the stars to arrive, and the magic to unfold.

Johnnie Walker is bringing something different to AMVCA 2026 – here’s what to know

Nigerian rapper and singer, Shallipopi, has revealed why he switched from rap music to singing.

Featuring in a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the ‘Cast’ hitmaker explained that he was originally a rap star but embraced Amapiano for financial reasons.

According to him, Amapiano is more lucrative than rap music.

“I have been rapping for a while. I am a trap star. They made me do Amapiano. It is Amapiano that bring food to the table, so we will do it. I will drag it with them,” he said.

Shallipopi said rap was his “first love” but he struggled to make a fortune from it partly due to Nigerian music fans’ orientation and lack of support.

On why he rejected the Headies award for Best Rap Song, which was won by his song ‘Cast’ last year, Shallipopi said he rejected it because the organisers attempted to box him as just a rapper.

He insisted that they should have given awards in both singing and rapping categories.

Amapiano more lucrative than rap – Shallipopi claims

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command have arrested one Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ilebaye, over suspected domestic violence.

DAILY POST earlier reported how reality TV star cried out for help during an Instagram Livestream on Friday night.

A viral video clip captured moments where the father was brutally assaulting the celebrity, raising concerns amongst Nigerians.

Responding to the concerns, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Saturday said the lady was immediately rescued and taken to hospital after the alarm.

“At about 12:00 a.m., the FCT Police Command responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, reporting an ongoing physical assault on Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya.

“Following the report, a patrol team from Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, FCT Police Command, was immediately deployed to the scene. The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present to monitor the operation.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered that the gate to the residence was locked. After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m. Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued alongside her brothers and rushed to NNPC Hospital, Abuja, where she received medical attention.

“Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

Police arrest ex-BBNaija winner Ilebaye’s father over assault after viral video