Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Presidency has said electricity supply across Nigeria has improved compared to previous years, especially 2015 and 2023.

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made this known during a television interview on Arise TV, where he spoke on ongoing reforms in the power sector.

According to him, many Nigerians are already experiencing better access to electricity under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Electricity availability is gradually improving in different regions of the country,” Bwala said.

He explained that recent policy and legal changes introduced by the government are helping to reshape the electricity industry and attract more participation.

“The changes being implemented are opening up the sector and creating new pathways for power generation and distribution,” he added.

Bwala noted that one of the major shifts in the sector is the expansion of authority beyond the federal government.

He said new laws now allow states, local governments and private investors to play a more active role in electricity generation and distribution.

“The new legal environment means power generation and distribution are no longer confined to the federal level. States and private operators now have clearer authority to invest and expand supply,” he said.

He added that the goal of the reforms is to decentralise the sector and encourage more stakeholders to contribute to solving Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.

While acknowledging that the sector still faces difficulties, Bwala expressed optimism that the situation will continue to improve.

There has been a nationwide outcry over the poor state of power supply across Nigeria. Many states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have continued to experience epileptic power supply.

For instance, many parts of the FCT are only allotted a few hours of electricity supply, leading to grumbling among tax payers.

Despite outcry, presidency claims Nigeria’s electricity has improved

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwana, SAN has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to combating human trafficking following the inauguration of a State Task Force on the menace.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Uwana, who also serves as Chairman of the Task Force, described the initiative as a decisive step toward eradicating human trafficking in Abia State.

He explained that the task force is a multi-agency platform established to coordinate government efforts in tackling all forms of human trafficking.

According to him, “The Abia State Task Force on Human Trafficking was inaugurated today, and I have the privilege of serving as its chairman. The essence of this task force is to provide a coordinated, multi-agency response to address the scourge of human trafficking in our state.”

Uwana further disclosed that the committee would commence its work by developing a comprehensive action plan aimed at prevention, awareness, and enforcement.

“We are going to begin with strategic meetings to roll out an action plan. This will involve education and sensitization of the public on what human trafficking entails, its dangers, and its impact on both Abia State and humanity at large,” he said.

He added that the task force would also deploy legal mechanisms to bring perpetrators to justice, stressing the importance of enforcement in the fight against the crime.

“As Attorney-General and Chief Law Officer of the state, the responsibility for prosecution of offenders rests on my shoulders.

“Working with members of the task force, we will ensure that those involved in human trafficking are brought to justice using the full weight of the law,” Uwana stated.

The inauguration of the task force signals the Abia State Government’s renewed determination to curb human trafficking through collaboration, public awareness, and strict legal action against offenders.

Abia Inaugurates Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Vows Strong Enforcement. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter addressed to the party chairman in Ward 7, Ondo west LGA, Mimiko said, “I am tendering my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party, effective from April 10, 2026.”

The former governor said the decision became necessary following speculations about his membership status.

“As I have been somewhat distanced from party activities, I wish to put it on record that I am no longer a member of the PDP.”

While not indicating his next political move, Mimiko added that the decision was made without any ill will towards anyone.

Former Ondo Governor Resigns From PDP is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

American rap star Tyga has officially revealed his 1win VIP status under the 1win ecosystem. Following social media speculation over the past few days, Tyga shared an announcement on Instagram, shedding light on his relationship with 1win.

The confirmation was revealed via the 1win Owner’s official channels on X.com and Telegram. This ended the abundant speculation circulating across media platforms over the past few days. Earlier, fans noticed 1win brand placements in Tyga’s social media posts. Media reports also indicated that the artist had been spotted boarding a branded 1win private jet.

According to sources close to the activation, Tyga was welcomed by 1win with a full-scale premium setup. This included a private jet flight and a genuinely VIP gift – a heritage model of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14700BA watch. The experience reflected 1win’s signature approach to its top-tier clients: personalized, highly exclusive, and luxury activations.

Tyga’s involvement naturally aligns with the 1win ecosystem: the brand’s premium service, unique privileges, and tailored entertainment interactions, where users are part of a curated high-level community rather than ordinary customers.

This philosophy is already reflected in 1win’s broader strategy of redefining VIP engagement. The company has previously made headlines for organizing private jet evacuations for its top users during global travel disruption in the Middle East. The brand also regularly cherishes 1win VIP users with extraordinary gifts and experiences, such as luxury cars and private tours to sports and art events.

While further details of the relations between Tyga and 1win remain undisclosed, the announcement is already generating buzz across digital communities, with many calling it one of the most notable brand moves of the year.

About 1win

Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto platform in the global gaming industry. Operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, 1win offers a wide range of services adapted to regional audiences. In 2024, 1win partnered with actor Johnny Sins as its brand ambassador. In 2025, MMA legend Jon Jones joined 1win as its global ambassador. Rising UFC star and Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medalist Gable Steveson stepped into the 1win global ambassador team earlier this year.

Contact
1win Press Office, press@1win.pro

Rapper Tyga shares VIP member status on 1win

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has disclosed that the state is statistically positioned as the leading light of Africa.

He said the state stands as the leading light of the continent economically and geographically.

Obasa made these remarks when he received the new leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The organisation, led by its President, Engineer Leye Kupoluyi, visited the Speaker in his office on Thursday.

Obasa, in a statement made available to DAILY POST, noted that the state has remained pro-business and pro-people.

He added that the state is the centre of Nigeria’s economy.

He also mentioned that despite the fact that Abuja is the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos continues to drive the nation’s economic strength.

Obasa, while speaking further, insisted that Lagos remains the best destination for investment in the country.

He said, “Lagos is the centre of Nigeria’s economy. We have always been pro-business and pro-people, and our laws reflect this commitment.

‘Lagos is strategically positioned to be the leading light of Africa, geographically, economically, and otherwise.’”

Lagos strategically placed to be light of Africa – Obasa

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has expressed confidence that displaced residents in Sokoto State will soon return safely to their communities amid ongoing security operations.

Aliyu spoke on Thursday while opening a State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Sokoto.

He said renewed efforts to tackle banditry and related crimes were already yielding results, particularly in 13 local government areas affected by insecurity.

“I am happy to inform you that our renewed commitment to ensuring a secure Sokoto State is yielding success,” the governor said.

He stressed that addressing insecurity remains a top priority of his administration, adding that efforts would continue until displaced residents are able to return to their homes.

The governor also reaffirmed support for security agencies, pledging continued logistical and operational backing to enhance their capacity to protect lives and property.

Aliyu urged residents to support security efforts by providing credible information to help track criminal elements.

He warned against the activities of informants within communities, describing them as threats to peace and security.

The governor further assured residents of his administration’s commitment to governance and development, while calling for continued public support.

Sokoto gov vows safe return for displaced communities

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC has temporarily suspended its airtime and data lending service, Xtratime, following the introduction of new regulatory requirements governing digital credit services in Nigeria.

The company disclosed this in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, stating that the decision was driven by compliance obligations under the 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations.

According to MTN, Xtratime an offering that allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge—falls within the scope of the updated regulatory framework and requires additional compliance processes before it can resume operations.

“MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’),” the company said.

It added that the suspension relates to “the implementation of processes under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services”.

The filing, signed by the company’s secretary, Uto Ukpanah, noted that the service would remain unavailable while the company aligns with the new requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Despite the suspension, MTN assured customers that other channels for purchasing airtime and data remain fully operational and emphasised that the move is not expected to significantly impact its earnings.

“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company said, adding that it would continue to monitor customer behaviour and provide updates in its first-quarter 2026 results.

The development underscores the expanding scope of Nigeria’s consumer lending regulations, which now extend beyond traditional financial institutions to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term digital credit services.

The FCCPC had earlier introduced a limited framework for digital lending in 2022 but strengthened oversight with the 2025 regulations, mandating all operators in the sector to register and obtain approval to continue offering such services.

Under the new rules, companies providing non-traditional credit services, including airtime and data advances, must comply with licensing requirements aimed at enhancing transparency, consumer protection, and data governance in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital lending market.

The commission has also set a compliance deadline of April 2026 for existing operators to complete full registration under the new framework.

For telecom operators, the changes introduce additional compliance requirements for services that have become essential for many prepaid users, especially low-income subscribers who rely on short-term airtime advances to stay connected.i

MTN Stops Airtime Loan Service Over FCCPC Rules is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Obasi Emmanuel, Judy Austin’s ex-husband, has countered actor Yul Edochie’s marriage advice.

DAILY POST reports that Yul had earlier advised men to stop tolerating disrespect in marriage, claiming that respect is a man’s birthright: “Your respect as a man is non-negotiable.”

Yul’s stance about marriage has sparked mixed reactions online.

Responding to Yul in a Facebook post on Thursday evening, Judy Austin’s ex-husband, Obasi, who has accused Yul of snatching her from him, said: “If your only option is to run to another woman when you feel disrespected, you will build three football teams, including the fans, in your lifetime in the name of marriage.”

While stating that a real man’s strength lies in his ability to manage a woman’s excesses, Obasi, in a direct post to counter Yul’s advice, wrote: “Keep shouting, ‘Your respect as a man is non-negotiable.’ If you can’t take or control a woman’s excesses, you are not yet a man; you’re a boy. So you have to be very careful,” he said.

DAILY POST reports that Obasi has also called out Judy Austin for allegedly denying him access to their children after leaving their marriage to marry Yul.

 

Judy Austin’s ex-husband, Obasi counters Yul Edochie’s advice on marriage

There is a renewed call for the annulment of the audit report by Savannah Energy on Ibom Power Company, IPC, (Akwa Ibom State owned power company) and for the engagement of independent and qualified audit firms that would conduct a fresh audit of the company.

Governor Umo Eno shortly after assumption of office in 2023 had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Savannah Energy- owners of Accugas, (the gas suppliers to Ibom Power Company) to conduct a technical audit of Ibom Power with the aim of identifying the operational challenges and reposition the plant for optimum performance.

The audit, which was done under the supervision of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) was eventually submitted to Gov Eno in April 2024 amid allegations of conflict of interest and non visitation of the facility during the exercise.

Open Forum, a Non governmental organisation in the State, was first to raise concerns about the ethical validity of the Akwa Ibom State Government appointing Savannah Energy, the gas suppliers to Ibom Power Company as auditors of Ibom Power.

Then, some staff of Ibom Power lamented that Savannah Energy never visited the company before submitting its report.

Open forum was recalled to have said, “This represents a clear conflict of interest and violates international auditing standards, including the IFAC Code of Ethics and ISA 200/220. Awarding an audit to a company with vested commercial interests undermines credibility, transparency, and public confidence.”

The Convener of the Forum, Mathew Kofi Okono popularly known as MKO called for full independent audit of not just the Ibom Power Company but all other government owned investments under the supervision of AKICORP which according to him are in almost derelict states.

“The Forum calls for engagement of a fully independent and qualified audit firm for a credible, comprehensive, operational and technical audit of Ibom Power, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) and indeed all government-owned investments in the state with a view to repositioning them for optimum performance and improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“It is common knowledge that virtually all government-owned investments in the state under the supervision of AKICORP are either dead or on life support,” he said.

Meanwhile, almost two years after the audit report was submitted, the power situation in the State has not gotten better. Much has not been heard about the company aside the reforms and the sack of its Managing Director, Dr. Mayen Etukudoh.

Etukudoh was booted out of Ibom Power Company after his chilling revelations at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly where he informed the House of non-funding from the state government despite reported annual appropriations since he assumed office in 2016 till his exit in 2025.

He also reported in one of the public hearings a missing $80m said to have been given to Ibom Power Company by the Federal Government of Nigeria but never found its way to the company’s account.

Etukudoh’s exit from the company and the replacement with another has not brought significant impact in power supply in the State as Akwa Ibom is still dependent on a perennially epileptic National Grid.

Worried by the state of power in Akwa Ibom, Gov Eno recently constituted a Power Reform Implementation Committee (to be managed by a consultant) to find lasting solutions to issues of power outages and blackouts.

However, some analysts and experts have described the committee as lacking professional expertise in electricity generation, transmission, and utility management.

Engr Emmanuel Eno, a London based Akwa Ibomite, in his post on Facebook kicked against the composition of the Akwa Ibom State Power Reform Committee on grounds of “professional negligence.”

According to him, “The committee lacks a track record and needed technical capacity. If the goal is efficiency, sustainability, or real reform, this committee is destined to fail before it even starts. Power reform is technical, complex, and affects millions of our Akwa Ibom people.”

Also speaking, the former Vice Chancellor University of Uyo, Prof. Akpan Ekpo in a radio programme anchored by MKO advocated strongly for the engagement of indigenous experts to revive and reposition the power company instead of “engaging in talk shows,” as power according to him is a technical matter.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued by Okono on Monday, he noted that Akwa Ibom State government should as a matter of urgency consider the establishment of Ibom Gas Company to facilitate a coordinated investment in the gas sector to ensure undisrupted supply of gas to Ibom Power and other investments and service other clients as a way of boosting the IGR of the state.

He also called for a diligent review of the 2009 MoU with Savannah Energy (Accugas) on the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement and other investments, like the 69km Gas Pipeline to the Gas Plant.

Going back to memory lane, MKO said with the supply of gas being projected as a potential major challenge to the operation of Ibom Power Company, the Akwa Ibom State in 2009 under the administration of former Gov Godswill Akpabio signed a $66m Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Seven Energy owners of Accugas, now known as Savannah Energy for Accugas to build and operate a gas infrastructure in the state that will supply gas to Ibom Power.

“The sum of $33m was paid upfront as a form of commitment with the balance structured for monthly deductions from the State Government account.

“Additionally, Akwa Ibom State Government built a 69km gas pipeline to assist the company in the establishment of their $350m gas processing plant in the State.

“But the 10-year agreement signed with the company saw the state paying $2 instead of 40 Cents as gas was selling for then. The price differentials later tilted in favour of the state, which meant revenue to the coffers of the government.”

He said such an agreement should be revisited to ascertain the position of the state government.

He expressed hope that with the decentralised national power policy, presence of Ibom Power plant, abundant gas and manpower in the state (experts), Akwa Ibom State would be a model in resolving the intractable power crisis in Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom’s Power sector in crisis as audit dispute deepens

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria, assuring citizens that their well-being remains central to his administration’s agenda.

Speaking while receiving members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at State House, Abuja, Tinubu said his government is steadily dismantling long-standing political and economic structures that have hindered national prosperity.

The delegation was led by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who is also Director-General of the group.

According to presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also pledged to sustain ongoing reforms aimed at expanding opportunities, particularly for poor and vulnerable Nigerians, while encouraging citizen participation in shaping the country’s future.

“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,” the President said.

The meeting was attended by the Vice President, APC National Chairman, several serving governors, and prominent political figures across the country.

Tinubu urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to intensify grassroots mobilisation and public sensitisation on government reforms, particularly efforts aimed at improving livelihoods.

“There’s no other path for us to attain national greatness other than to build one common vision for the progress and prosperity of our people. That is what we must do,” he said.

“There is no better place than our country, and no one can build it except us,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the country is on a path to sustainable growth under his leadership.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma said the group has made significant progress nationwide, including establishing structures at the grassroots and engaging citizens across communities, markets, and institutions.

He commended the president’s leadership and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the administration’s vision.

Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, praised the president’s reform efforts, describing them as necessary despite initial challenges.

“We know very well that reformers are always finding it extremely difficult at the beginning. More especially, if you are reforming in a society that is very difficult to understand, and some are willing to make people not understand,” Masari said.

He further commended the Tinubu for taking hard but necessary reforms that leaders before him could not, saying that Nigeria has become better for it.

Nigeria Must Break Free From Poverty, Hopelessness – Tinubu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper