Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Inter Lagos defeated Ranchers Bees 2-0 in their second game at the Nigeria National League, NNL, Super Four playoff.

The modest side lost to Doma United 1-0 in their opening fixture.

It was Ranchers Bees second defeat in the competition.

Qoyum Akinpelu put Inter Lagos ahead with a powerful shot two minutes after the break.

Akinpelu was brought down inside the box in the 70th minute, with captain Bayo Oyedele slotting the ball home.

They will face Sporting Lagos in their last game of the competition on Friday..

NNL: Inter Lagos pip Ranchers Bees to boost title hopes

Lagos State Parking Authority has announced plans to introduce paid parking on designated streets across the state, with implementation expected before the end of 2026.

The general manager of the agency, Adebisi Adelabu, disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement with the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Akeem Dauda, and members of the council’s management team.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs at LASPA, Dunkwu Divine.

Adelabu explained that the On-Street Parking Scheme would begin with a pilot phase in selected local government areas, including Ikeja. She noted that the initiative is aimed at improving parking orderliness, reducing traffic congestion and creating employment opportunities for residents.

“The On-Street Parking Scheme will improve parking management, enhance traffic flow and generate employment opportunities, particularly for residents within the selected areas,” she said.

The LASPA boss further clarified that the responsibility for managing parking operations was previously under local government authorities before being transferred to LASPA by the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, LCDA.

She added that councils would benefit from the initiative based on their level of cooperation, urging them to actively support its rollout. Adelabu also emphasised the agency’s willingness to engage stakeholders and incorporate feedback to ensure effective implementation.

In his response, Dauda welcomed the initiative and pledged the council’s backing, while calling for increased public awareness to adequately prepare residents ahead of its commencement.

Authorities say the scheme is part of broader efforts to address persistent traffic congestion and disorderly roadside parking in Lagos, Africa’s commercial hub.

Indiscriminate parking has long been identified as a major factor contributing to gridlock across key commercial areas, including Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere and Apapa, where vehicles parked along roads often reduce available lanes, disrupt traffic flow and impact economic productivity.

Lagos announces plan to charge motorists for roadside parking

At least 34 people have died while 254 others have been infected following a meningitis outbreak affecting nine local government areas (LGAs) in Sokoto State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the situation.

According to a report published by the cables, the commissioner said that the outbreak has spread across several communities, prompting urgent government response measures.

He explained that many of the fatalities occurred at home before medical intervention could be accessed, as some residents reportedly attributed symptoms to spiritual causes or unknown illnesses, delaying timely treatment.

“To contain the spread, the state government has established isolation centres in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities, located in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni LGAs”

According to him all 201 patients who received treatment in government health facilities have since been discharged.

Providing a breakdown of the cases Wurno listed the affected LGAs as Dange-Shuni (26 cases), Kebbe (16), Shagari (51), Tambuwal (34), Wamakko (60), Sabon Birni (63), Bodinga (2), Kware (2), and Gada (1).

On laboratory findings, he revealed that samples were sent for testing, with eight cases confirmed as meningitis, reinforcing concerns about active transmission within communities.

The commissioner added that the government has intensified public awareness campaigns, urging residents to adopt preventive measures such as sleeping in well-ventilated spaces or outdoors, particularly amid extreme heat conditions known to worsen the spread of the disease.

He further noted that children between the ages of one and 15 are the most affected, while overcrowding and dry seasonal winds have significantly increased the risk of transmission.

Wurno said the state has strengthened disease surveillance systems, deployed surveillance officers, and improved laboratory capacity to ensure quicker detection and response, alongside the provision of essential medications to affected communities.

34 Dead, 254 Infected As Meningitis Outbreak Hits Sokoto is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged a strengthened partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure adequate security for voters and the conduct of peaceful elections across the country.

Disu gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions outlined a strategic framework for securing upcoming elections.

The meeting, attended by members of the police Force Management Team and senior INEC officials, focused on strengthening the security architecture ahead of the Ekiti and Osun off cycle governorship elections, forthcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.

“Discussions also examined the impact of prevailing security challenges on electoral processes nationwide.”

Speaking during the engagement, Amupitan stressed the need for proactive security arrangements and specialised training for security personnel.

He called for inclusive measures to guarantee that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) can vote without fear or obstruction.

In his response, Disu described the visit as timely, noting that the police had already activated key strategies to curb electoral violence and related threats.

He said the measures include intelligence-led policing to counter political thuggery and cultism, enhanced protection for electoral materials and personnel, coordinated operations with other security agencies, and efforts to combat misinformation.

The police chief further assured that officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the provisions of the law, particularly the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

He added that personnel are undergoing intensive training on rules of engagement and human rights protection.

Reaffirming the police’s leadership role in election security, Disu declared a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that any officer found compromising the integrity of the electoral process would face disciplinary action.

He reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for all voters, especially vulnerable groups, while calling for sustained collaboration between INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders to guarantee credible and peaceful elections.

Disu Assures Tight Security As Police, INEC Map Out Election Strategy is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ogun State Command, has arrested 210 suspects for offences ranging from vandalism to fraud and illegal mining in the last one and a half years.

The State Commandant, Mrs Remilekun Ekundayo, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun Council in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Ekundayo also stated that the command had recovered over N23 million in fraud-related cases for victims and resolved over 1,700 disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms during the period under review.

The state commandant stated that the command had continued to embark on intelligence-driven operations that had prevented several criminal activities, including the protection of pipelines, railway corridors, and power installations across the state.

She noted that the achievements underscored the command’s commitment and called for stronger collaboration with the media to enhance security and public awareness in the state.

Ekundayo explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the corps and the media, reiterating that journalists play a vital role beyond reporting by shaping public perception, influencing attitudes, and serving as a bridge between government institutions and the people.

“In matters of security, your role becomes even more strategic and impactful.

“NSCDC is statutorily empowered to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, prevent vandalism and economic sabotage, and support disaster management and emergency response,” she said.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Wale Olanrewaju, assured the commandant of the council’s support and said the union would continue to partner through accurate and prompt reporting of security issues.

NSCDC arrests 210 suspects over vandalism, fraud in Ogun

Former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said only the Supreme Court of Nigeria can determine the fate of Muhammadu Sanusi II in the ongoing emirship dispute, a position he said will ultimately be upheld and given effect by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in line with the rule of law.

Ganduje made the clarification while reacting to reports alleging that he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

In a statement on Wednesday by the former commissioner of information and his chief of staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje described the reports as a misinterpretation and said that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor was merely a matter of courtesy and protocol.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” he said.

He stressed that the emirship tussle remains sub judice, cautioning that public commentary must be handled carefully to avoid actions that could amount to contempt of court.

The former governor recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case.

“The subsisting legal position recognizes Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he explained.

He further emphasized that as a former governor, he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship, noting that the matter rests entirely with the judiciary and subsequently with the state government.

Ganduje regretted that the issue had been unnecessarily amplified by sections of the media, adding that what may have been a routine acknowledgment of already established protocol was blown out of proportion.

“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated, and he urged all parties to exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment, which is expected to be delivered in April next year,” he stated.

Kano Emirship: Supreme Court, Gov Yusuf have final say, not me – Ganduje

Enugu State Government has unveiled plans to build a 660MW coal-fired power plant in the state, starting from July this year, as part of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s strategy to actualise its vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn.

This was even as the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN), an umbrella body for Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI); Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), and the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) endorsed the governor for a second term in office.

They said he had made them proud as a private sector player himself by his outstanding leadership that had “strengthened confidence in Enugu as an emerging destination for investment, commerce, enterprise development, and living.”

Governor Mbah spoke during a solidarity visit by OPSN, Enugu State, to him at Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday.

Mbah recalled that Enugu State, under his leadership, was the first subnational to set up an electricity market following the Constitution and Electricity Act amendments that effectively transferred power from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, thus paving the way for states to participate in all the power value chain, namely generation, transmission, and distribution.

“But we have gone beyond just setting up the electricity market to now being interested in producing the electricity here. I am pleased to inform you that in July we are going to be breaking ground for a 660MW coal-fired power plant.

“The outlay in terms of time for building the plant is 24 months. So, our target is to commission that power plant 24 months after the groundbreaking in July.

“What that simply means is that post-2027, you will not have your power go off in Enugu, whether for businesses or for residential. You are also going to have affordable electricity because it is going to be by far the cheapest in the country.”

The governor allayed concerns normally associated with coal, citing the low sulfur content and high calorific value of Enugu coal, standing at about 7,000 kilocalories per kilogramme.

“The interesting thing about our coal is that we have the best quality of coal in the world. Our sulfur content is less than 0.5 per cent. With 1 per cent you are happy, but this one is 0.5 per cent. The only country that comes close is Japan.

“So, instead of just exporting our coal, we are going to be benefiting from it by adding value, generating electricity with it,” he said.

He said the project was not a knee-jerk decision, as his administration had taken about two years to undertake the necessary studies and also secure coal assets to guarantee unhindered supplies to the plant.

Mbah equally listed investment in security, establishment of a one-stop shop for prospective investors, the ongoing construction of a technology incubation centre, and partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission to build an Artificial Intelligence Institute as part of his administration’s strategy to further improve the Enugu business environment and prepare for the future.

“In four years from now, AI will contribute $20trn to the global economy. We just do not want Enugu State to miss out on such huge funds. We want to be at the epicentre, not just as consumers, but as producers,” he stated.

OPSN had earlier endorsed Mbah and called for improved power supply, expressing the need for the sustained implementation of harmonised taxes and levies, continuous improvement in access to land, affordable financing, and technical support for SMEs, among others.

Speaking, the Convener, OPSN, Enugu, and Chairman, NECA South East Zone, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, expressed the group’s satisfaction with the Mbah administration, citing security, improved infrastructure, transportation, hospitality, social services, and other enablers of business and investment.

“We particularly commend your administration’s significant investments in security, because we all know that business only goes to secure and peaceful destinations, urban renewal, and city expansion developments.

“The construction and rehabilitation of strategic road networks have improved mobility, enhanced access to commercial centres, and stimulated economic activities across the state,” Chime stated.

Chime said Mbah, by his exploits, had made it imperative for more private sector players to join politics.

“Organised Private Sector is particularly proud that you are one of its distinguished products. Your private sector background, where practical and common-sense decisions prevail, has enabled you to appreciate the critical role of businesses in economic growth, job creation, and improved welfare of the people,” he said.

Other speakers, including Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye of NECA; founder of Peace Group of Companies, Dr. Maduka Onyishi; ECCIMA President, Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe; ECCIMA Vice President, Princess Egbo; and Chairman of Wilson Group, Chief William Agbo, lauded Mbah for turning the state’s fortunes around as a centre for business and investment.

Some of the members used the opportunity to present several made in Enugu products to the governor.

Enugu targets 660MW coal-fired power plant, sets July groundbreaking date

Azzam al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, has been killed in an Israeli strike in the Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to Hamas-affiliated media.

The strike in eastern Gaza City is the latest in Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the leadership and infrastructure of Hamas.

Khalil al-Hayya is a prominent figure within the Hamas political bureau, having served as a key deputy and major negotiator for the group, frequently representing Hamas in international ceasefire and hostage negotiations in Cairo and Doha.

The IDF has not yet released a formal statement confirming the specific operational details of the strike.

This is not the first time the al-Hayya family has been struck. Another son, Imam al-Hayya, was killed in September 2025 during an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. In 2014, another bombardment killed his eldest son Osama, Osama’s wife, and three of their children.

Khalil al-Hayya currently serves as part of Hamas’s acting five-man leadership council following the killing of Yahya Sinwar by the IDF in October 2024. He has been the group’s chief negotiator in ceasefire talks with Israel.

Son Of Hamas Leader Killed In Israeli Strike On Gaza is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Ijesa Community Development Assembly, ICDA, has announced the death of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran.

In a statement issued by Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi on Wednesday and obtained dby DAILY POST, the assembly, while describing the development as a moment of deep sorrow, added that the monarch “took his final bow and joined his ancestors” earlier on May 6, 2026.

The ICDA noted that the late traditional ruler served as a custodian of culture and a unifying figure within Esa-Oke and the wider Ijesaland.

It stated that his reign was characterised by dignity, wisdom, and commitment to peace, unity and development across his domain.

According to the statement, Oba Adediran was “a monarch of quiet strength and thoughtful leadership who upheld the responsibilities of his office with honour.”

The assembly added that he ensured the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Esa-Oke throughout his time on the throne.

It stated that “the monarch provided stability during periods of uncertainty and played a reassuring role in times of communal challenges.”

The ICDA said beyond traditional leadership, “the late king supported initiatives aimed at advancing education, social harmony and community development.”

Describing him as a father figure, the statement said “his leadership fostered unity and strengthened communal ties among the people of Esa-Oke.”

The assembly added that his contributions extended beyond his immediate domain to the broader development of Ijesaland.

It also extended condolences to the royal family, the people of Esa-Oke, the Obokun Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adediran is dead

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has screened Prince Adewole Adebayo and other presidential aspirants ahead of its national convention in preparation for the 2027 general election.

Speaking during the event on Wednesday in Abuja, National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe, disclosed that the party has made “extensive preparations” to conduct its convention aimed at fielding a candidate capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress.

Gombe revealed that more than four committees have been constituted to drive the process.

“We have set up over four committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and several sub-committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” he said.

He explained that the screening of aspirants would take place at the party’s conference hall at the National Secretariat, its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, “The screening exercise will cover all aspirants contesting for elective positions, including the office of the president, governorship seats across the 36 states, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly.”

“We have confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members. They must carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, and transparency.”

On his part, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima, emphasized strict compliance with the party’s rules.

“Despite our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity,” Lima said.

2027: SDP screens Adebayo, other presidential aspirants