Category: Uncategorized

 

A middle aged lady has been arrested in Delta State for throwing her baby girl into a river 

The lady who was seen in a trending video confessed throwing her baby into the river after she was instructed by a prophet 

According to her , the prophet informed her that the child was the architect of all her problems and the only solution was to dispose of her 

She took her to the river and dumped her , fishermen who saw the sad incident quickly apprehended her and on interrogation,  she confessed to the crime 

She told them she is a native of Benin City in Edo State

The fishermen were still searching for the corpse of the baby as at the time of this report 

The United States military has begun conducting what it described as “self-defense strikes” against Iran following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command, CENTCOM, announced on Tuesday that American forces started the operations at about 5 p.m. ET, saying the action was carried out on the direction of the Commander-in-Chief and in response to what it called “Iranian aggression.”

CENTCOM described the strikes as a “proportional response” to the incident involving the helicopter, which was reportedly shot down during a patrol mission in the strategic waterway.

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

The move follows comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed that he had been briefed by the military and said the helicopter was hit overnight.

Trump added that the two pilots on board survived the incident without injuries, and vowed that the United States would respond.

US military retaliates, launches strikes against Iran

…Survey Links Pipeline Surveillance To Improved Regional Security

…South-South Insecurity Incidents
Dropped By 20.9% In Three Years

…North-West Emerges Hotspot Of Hostilities, North-East, Valley Of Death

Despite the escalating security across the country, tension in the Niger-Delta region has been on the decline, investigation has shown.

A survey carried out by THE WHISTLER also shows that majority of the respondents attribute the de-escalation of security incidents in the Niger-Delta region to the pipeline surveillance operations being executed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED) data show that violent events declined by 20.9 per cent in the South-South geopolitical region between 2023 and 2025.

The rate of fatalities arising from such violent events in the oil rich region declined by 8.3 per cent within the same period of time.

Although the rate of similar conflicts declined by a higher margin of 26.9 per cent in the South-East region, the rate of fatalities resulting from such events increased within the region by 8.3 per cent.

The violent events tracked by ACLED within the period under review include violence against civilians, battles between the authorities and armed groups, protests, strategic developments, riots, and explosions/remote violence.

The South-West recorded a decline of 14.1 per cent in the total number of incidents between 2023 and 2025. However, the fatality rate increased by 12.21 per cent.

The picture takes a different look in the three geopolitical regions of Northern Nigeria.

According to the database, North-West incidents increased by 127.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025 and in the process, recorded an increase of 99.1 per cent in fatality rate.

The North-East witnessed a rise of 19.5 per cent in the number of events and an increase in fatality rate of 26. 4 per cent within the period under review.

On the other hand, the number of incidents in the North-Central region increased by 74.1 per cent while the number of fatality rate increased by 38.3 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

ACLED tracked a total of 4,701 incidents in all the regions in 2023. The number increased to 5,815 in 2024 and 6,570 in 2025. These give a total of 17,086 incidents within a period of three years.

Regional distribution of conflicts showed that the North-West recorded a total of 1,076 events in 2023; 1,727 in 2024, and 2,452 in 2025. These give a total of 5,255 incidents for the years under review.

The North-East recorded 923 events in 2023; 985 in 2024, and 1,103 in 2025. These give a total of 3,011 for the three-year period.

Similarly, the North-Central recorded 918 incidences in 2023; 1,140 in 2024 and 1,598 in 2025. These give a total of 3,656 for the three-year period.

For the South-South, a total of 651 conflicts occurred in 2023; 720 incidents in 2024, and 515 incidents in 2025. These sum up to a total of 1,886 for the period of review.

The South-West recorded a total of 573 incidents in 2023; 654 in 2024, and 492 incidents in 2025. These give a regional total of 1,719 events for the three-year period covered by this period.

On the other hand, the South-East recorded 560 events in 2023; 589 events in 2024, and 410 in 2025. These sum up to a total of 1,559 events for the years, 2023 to 2035.

In terms of fatalities, the national figure increased from 8,847 in 2023 to 9,862 in 2024. By 2025, it increased to 12,858. These give a total of 31,567 deaths for the period of three years.

Regional fatalities showed that the North-East recorded 3,469 deaths in 2023; 2,530 in 2024; and 4,486 in 2025. These come to a total of 10,485 in the three-year period.

The North-West recorded 2,351 deaths in 2023; 3,952 in 2024; and 4,680 in 2025. These sum up to a total of 10,983 within a period of three years.

The North-Central region recorded 1,921 fatalities in 2023; 2,038 in 2024; and 2,657 in 2025. These come to a total of 6,616 within the three years under review.

Turning down south, the South-East recorded 471 deaths in 2023; 598 in 2024; and 510 in 2025. These sum up to 1,579 in the three-year period.

In the South-South, regional fatalities rose from 399 in 2023 to 438, but declined significantly to 366 in 2025. These add up to 1,203 within a period of three years, 2023 to 2025.

The South-West recorded 231 deaths in 2023; 306 in 2024; and 259 in 2025. These come to a regional fatality of 796 within the three-year period under review.

For the first five months of this year ending on May 23, 2026, the ACLED data showed a total of 3,477 incidents occurring in the regions in the following order: North-West, 1,318; North-East, 910; North-Central, 781; South-South, 158; South-West, 206; and South-East, 104.

In the first five months of the present year ending on May 23, 2026, the casualty figure stood at 7,061. The casualty figure is shared among the six geopolitical zones in the following order: North-East, 3,303; North-West, 2,153; North-Central, 1,335; South-East, 56; South-South, 124, and South-West, 90.

The ACLED statistics show that Nigeria’s security environment deteriorated significantly between 2023 and 2025, with both conflict events and fatalities rising sharply.

Within the period under review, the North-West became Nigeria’s primary conflict hotspot, recording the highest number of violent events.

The North-East remained the deadliest region, reflecting the continued impact of insurgency-related violence.

The North-Central zone experienced sustained escalation, suggesting a widening geography of insecurity, according to experts.

The southern zones generally recorded lower levels of violence. The South-East, however, experienced elevated insecurity in 2023–2024 before the declining in 2025.

The trends show that Nigeria’s security challenge is increasingly becoming a North-West–North-Central corridor, while the North-East remains the country’s most lethal conflict theatre.

Together, these three zones accounted for approximately 78 per cent of all conflict events and over 90 per cent of all fatalities in 2025, making them the decisive drivers of Nigeria’s national security outlook.

The South-South’s conflict profile is fundamentally different from northern Nigeria. The region’s insecurity is driven less by insurgency and more by criminality, cult violence, communal tensions, and localised armed confrontations.

The overall decline in most categories between 2024 and 2025 suggests a modest improvement in the security environment, although the persistence of civilian-targeted violence and the increasing lethality of riots remain areas of concern.

Unlike northern Nigeria, where attacks on civilians increased sharply, the South-South experienced a gradual decline. These incidents include cult-related killings, community clashes, criminal attacks, kidnappings, and localised armed violence.

The relatively stable fatality figures suggest that although incidents remain common, they have not become significantly more lethal.

Apart from the data provided by ACED, an online survey conducted by THE WHISTLER between Friday, June 5 and Sunday, June 7 on regional security perception validated some of the findings presented through the statistical report.

A total of 1,110 persons responded to the survey which employed random sampling methodology. The study assessed perceptions of violence, peacefulness, and the relative contribution of various armed groups to insecurity.

Key findings indicate that the North-East is overwhelmingly perceived as the most violent region, with 582 citations. The South-South and South-East were seen as the most peaceful, accounting for over 81 per cent of the respondents.

Bandits and Boko Haram were rated as the most significant contributors to insecurity, while Oduduwa agitators received the lowest threat rating.

Respondents were asked to identify which of Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions records the highest occurrence of violence. An overwhelming majority cited the North-East (582 respondents), driven by the long-running Boko Haram insurgency.

The North-Central (210) and North-West (204) followed closely, reflecting bandit and herder-farmer conflict concerns. Southern regions recorded significantly fewer citations.

When asked which region is the most peaceful, respondents overwhelmingly picked the South-South (540 respondents, 48.6 per cent) and South-East (366, 33 per cent). The South-West followed with 156 citations (14.1 per cent).

This variation from the statistical report may have been influenced by recent security breaches, which seem to suggest that the profile of the South-West region has been rising in insecurity ratings.

The survey was conducted when the media were awash with the mass kidnaping of 39 children and seven teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as well as the high-profile kidnap of the sister of a former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

Despite decades of resource-control agitation, the Niger-Delta was perceived as relatively peaceful today. Respondents attributed this to pipeline security contracts (600 citations, 54.1 per cent), followed by the Niger-Delta Amnesty Programme (378, 34.1 per cent). A small minority credited government appointments or the Petroleum Industry Act.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had in August 2022 awarded the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), a company linked to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, for a sum of N48bn per annum.

A total of 54.1 per cent of respondents believe that the deployment of thousands of former militants in the execution of this contract must have contributed to the relative peace in the region which used to be the hotbed of insecurity in the country.

Several stakeholders including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, credit this contract for the restoration of peace in the oil producing region.

While there had been calls for the splitting of the contract, traditional rulers and other stakeholders had in a recent forum asserted that such action could destabilise the peace being enjoyed in the region.

THE WHISTLER learnt that the Tantila employs both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieve lasting peace in the region in the bid to protect the nation’s pipeline infrastructure.

While it has employed about 136,000 persons involved directly in pipeline activities, it has offered indirect employment to more than 300,000 in its strategy to ensure peace and stability in the oil region directly responsible for the wealth of the nation.

One of the non-kinetic approaches of the company aimed at ensuring peace and tranquillity in the Niger Delta region is its partnership with Stakeholders Development Network (SDN) and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Limited to launch the Tantita Sustainable Rice Farming Initiative.

The company said on its portal that this initiative aimed to transition communities previously engaged in illicit oil-related activities into structured, large-scale rice farming that would not only provide them employment opportunities, but also feed communities beyond the region.

Managing Director of TSSNL, High Chief Kestin Pondi, underscored the strategy at the launch of the programme in 2025 when he said, “We recognise that security enforcement is only one part of the solution. Providing alternative, sustainable livelihoods is the real way to break the cycle of illegal oil activities.”

A Thisday report asserted that the activities of the company resulted in the rise of the country’s crude oil production from 1.2 million barrels per day to 1.7 million barrels per day.

Similarly, a report by The Guardian quoted, quoted the President General of the Ughelli Descendants Union, Mr. Sam Akpemegi, praising the commencement of the company since it started the execution of the pipeline surveillance contract.
Akpemegi had said, “They have done very well and improved security since they began operations.”

The same report quoted Civil Society Organisations backing the security services of the company in a forum convened by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency.

In a communiqué issued by Dr. Opialu Fabian, the forum said the fragmentation of the contract could weaken operational efficiency, reduce accountability, and create openings for criminal networks.

Fabian said, “Pipeline protection is not a routine contractual engagement but a sensitive national security function requiring discipline, trust, intelligence coordination, and a clear chain of command.”

Amid Rising National Insecurity, Niger Delta Finds Stability Through Tantita—Investigation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 

Armed men suspected to be bandits have reportedly killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter along with several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Residents said the attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents, many of whom fled for safety.

Amid the confusion, the attackers reportedly forced their way to the residence of the NSCDC officer, shot him and abducted his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.

A community source said Olukotun was rushed to a hospital shortly after the attack but was confirmed dead on arrival.

“Mr. Olukotun was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary,” the source said.

The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and heartbreaking.

Olokun, who also serves as Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the death of the NSCDC officer was a painful loss to his family, the Odo-Ere community and the entire local government area.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyemi Babarinde.

The council chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities in the area.

Also reacting, the member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, described the incident as tragic, barbaric and a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting communities across the country.

“The news of the killing of Mr. Ayo and the abduction of his daughter came to me with profound sadness. This is a painful moment for the people of Odo-Ere, Yagba West and Kogi State as a whole,” Abejide said in a statement.

The lawmaker called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims, particularly the daughter of the slain officer.

Meanwhile, residents have urged security agencies to deploy the advanced surveillance drones recently unveiled by the state government to monitor vulnerable communities and forest corridors prone to criminal activities.

According to them, the drones were introduced to enhance intelligence gathering and improve rapid response against banditry and kidnapping across the state.

“The government and security agencies should leverage technology-driven security infrastructure to prevent further attacks and improve the protection of lives and property in Yagba West,” said Ayobami, a resident of the community.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, simply responded, “Noted.”

The police command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Onus Igwe Nwankwo, has accused party officials of withholding the results of the party’s primary election for the Ohanivo Federal Constituency and warned against any attempt to alter the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwankwo claimed that the NDC primary election for the constituency was conducted on May 29 across the three local government areas of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo, despite reported disruptions during the process.

According to him, delegates participated in the exercise and votes were cast, but the results were never publicly announced.

“The primary election took place. I participated in the election, my delegates participated, voting was conducted, and delegates exercised their democratic rights,” he said.

Nwankwo stated that he possesses video recordings and other materials documenting the conduct of the election, adding that the evidence has been preserved.

He expressed concern over the failure to officially declare the results, describing it as a threat to transparency and due process.

“In every credible democratic exercise, results must be openly declared in the presence of aspirants, agents, delegates and observers. The withholding of results creates uncertainty and opens the door to potential manipulation of the democratic process,” he said.

The aspirant further alleged that he had received credible information suggesting that efforts were being made to alter or substitute the genuine results of the primary election.

“I wish to state clearly that any result which differs from what was actually recorded at the polling locations across Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo will be challenged through all available lawful and party mechanisms,” he said.

Nwankwo called on the NDC Election Appeals Committee, National Working Committee and other party leaders to ensure transparent collation of votes and immediate public declaration of the authentic results.

He also urged the party to suspend the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the results are properly collated and announced.

The aspirant additionally raised concerns over what he described as the concentration of both the Senate and House of Representatives tickets within the same ward and village in Onicha Community, warning that such an arrangement could generate feelings of exclusion among other parts of the constituency.

“Given the diversity of our constituency, equity, inclusiveness and balanced representation remain essential to party unity and electoral success,” he said.

Despite the dispute, Nwankwo reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC, saying he remains committed to the party and its democratic ideals.

He also appealed to his supporters and residents of Ohanivo Federal Constituency to remain calm and peaceful while pursuing the matter through lawful channels.

“The people of Ohanivo have spoken through the democratic process, and I am confident that the leadership of the NDC will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, justice and equity,” he added.

The NDC leadership had yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

Withheld primary results may undermine party credibility – NDC Reps aspirant warns

  

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo, over alleged defamatory statements.

According to Obi’s lawyers, Okonkwo made comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026, which they say were false and damaging to Obi’s reputation.

In a legal letter dated June 9, 2026, the lawyers accused Okonkwo of alleging that Obi and some NDC leaders collected money from political aspirants, made fraudulent demands, and engaged in misconduct during party activities.

They described the claims as “false, malicious, and without evidence,” saying they portrayed Obi as corrupt and dishonest.

Obi’s legal team is demanding that Okonkwo:

Withdraw all the statements immediately

Publish a full public apology on TV and all social media platforms

Give a written promise to stop further comments on the matter

Pay ₦5 billion as damages for reputational injury

They warned that if he fails to comply within seven days, they will take legal action.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that some persons are sponsoring insecurity to distract President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign for Local Government Council elections in Edo South Senatorial District, the governor said, “They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

He said insecurity had suddenly increased in the country, alleging that it is being orchestrated to tarnish the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Okpebholo said promoting insecurity would not guarantee the perpetrators seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, or the presidency, as there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.”

“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” Okpebholo said.

The governor said the President had done more for the country than his predecessors.

He noted that the impact of removal of the fuel subsidy had been seen and felt in various projects dotting the state.

He commended those, who scaled through the party’s primary election to emerge as candidates for the forthcoming council elections.

He said their victories would signal the possibility of delivering the 2.5 million votes pledged to President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking also, the party’s chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the APC as the only viable party in the state.

He urged the candidates to take the message of the governor’s developmental strides to the nooks and crannies of the state, and to replicate it in their various local government areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of the Edo South candidates of the party by the governor, including Ogbeide Ihama as – senate, Dr Paddy Iyamu -Oredo federal constituency, Omorede Igbinedion -and Ovia Federal constituency among others 

(NAN)

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer,  Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO) for an alleged N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fraud before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Nkiruka was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000.

At the commencement of the proceedings,  prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge.

However,  defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, hence the charges were subsequently read to the defendant.

Count one reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to confer a benefit of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on you under the representation that the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to you and was leased to the company for a period of five years, a representation you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.”

Count two reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), being the property of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

In view of this, Okezie asked for a trial date and prayed  the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 10, 2026, for another alleged fraud case.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi remanded the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till July 16, 2026 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

In a related development, Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, granted Blessing Nkiruka, who is being prosecuted for an alleged N36m fraud, bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a family member and is required to provide proof of employment, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and a valid phone number. 

The sureties must also submit a valid international passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs

The defendant was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36million

….Advances Gas Pipeline, Other Projects Despite Funding Constraints

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) says less than 10 per cent of the N140bn appropriated to it in the 2026 federal government budget has been released.

The commission disclosed this on Tuesday after appearing before the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission at the National Assembly.

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, chaired the session.

In a statement issued after the engagement, SEDC said it “used the opportunity to highlight progress made despite significant funding constraints,” adding that it had “advanced preparatory work on several strategic regional initiatives, including high—impact transformational projects such as the gas pipeline, railway projects.”

“Of the N140 billion appropriated to the Commission in the 2026 budget, less than 10% has been released to date across all budget lines,” the commission said.

SEDC called on the federal government to speed up releases of its budgetary allocations.

“The Commission emphasised that the scale of development required across the South East demands sustained funding, institutional coordination, and continued collaboration among all stakeholders,” the statement read.

Since its board was inaugurated in February 2025, the commission says it has made progress on multiple fronts.

This includes the South East Vision 2050 stakeholder consultations, which “brought together senior government officials, development partners, business leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders to develop a long-term framework for the economic transformation and sustainable development of the region.”

The commission also reported the launch of the inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP). Through “a transparent and competitive selection process, twenty-five startups from across the South East received equity investment under the Programme.”

The initiative was “designed to catalyse innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment across the region” and is housed within the South East Investment Company, which the commission said seeks to build “a more structured and credible venture capital ecosystem for the South East.”

The SEDC also listed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afreximbank, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Bank of Industry, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, and the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria among its partners.

The Senate Committee had asked for additional documentation on the commission’s operations and budget performance. The SEDC has until 23 June 2026 to submit the materials.

The commission said it “views accountability, transparency, and constructive engagement as fundamental to the successful delivery of its mandate and will continue to provide all information required to support effective legislative oversight.”

The development commission covers Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Its mandate includes infrastructure development and post-conflict reconstruction across the South East.

SEDC Says Only 10% Of N140bn 2026 Budget Released is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As part of preparations for the state’s planned mass wedding, the Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that nearly 720 prospective couples have so far undergone medical screening across 24 local government areas.

The figure forms part of the 3,000 prospective couples the state intends to marry soon in a state-sponsored mass wedding for the less privileged.

DAILY POST recalls that the Hisbah Board, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, has been mandated to conduct mandatory tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype compatibility, drug use, pregnancy, and other sexually transmitted infections to ensure healthy unions.

The Deputy Commander-General of the Board, Mujahideen Aminudddeen, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the exercise is ongoing, with couples from metropolitan local government areas scheduled to continue their screening on Wednesday at the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) office along Naibawa.

He explained that participants are expected to present copies of their registration forms at the venue, adding that couples from the remaining local government areas will be notified of their screening dates in due course.

The mass wedding programme, revived under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is designed to support widows, divorcees, orphans, and other less-privileged residents by covering marriage expenses and providing financial and household support.

Kano Hisbah screens 720 couples ahead of mass wedding exercise