The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Monday in Lagos revealed that a total of 1,959,639 candidates in 24,207 secondary schools nationwide registered for the ongoing May/June 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). However, only about 450 schools (representing 1.9% of the total) against 40 recorded last year nationwide opted to sit the […]
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The Department of State Services has raised concerns over rising security threats in the North-West, warning that banditry, arms trafficking, cybercrime, illegal mining, and sabotage of critical national assets continue to threaten peace and stability in the region.
The warning was issued during the 20th North-West Zonal Directors’ Conference organised by the DSS in Kano.
Speaking at the event, the Kano State Director of the DSS, Abubakar Hussaini, said security agencies must intensify collaboration and intelligence sharing to tackle emerging threats confronting the region.
According to him, crimes such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, illegal arms trafficking, and attacks on national assets have become major security concerns requiring urgent and coordinated action.
“The task of containing arms and ammunition trafficking, cyberbullying, illegal mining, and sabotage of critical national assets is not negotiable,” Hussaini stated.
He explained that the DSS, as the country’s lead intelligence agency, remains committed to gathering and sharing actionable intelligence with other security agencies while also conducting tactical operations to support enforcement efforts.
Hussaini stressed that effective collaboration among security agencies remains critical to addressing insecurity in the North-West.
Also speaking at the conference, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, pledged continued support for intelligence and security agencies operating in the state.
The governor described the conference as an important platform for security officials to develop coordinated strategies against insecurity.
Yusuf noted that Kano, as the most populous and cosmopolitan state in the North-West, remains vulnerable to threats affecting neighbouring states due to the interconnected nature of insecurity in the region.
He cited the recent abduction of the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Musa Durba, saying the victim was rescued through an intelligence-led operation carried out by the DSS and other security agencies.
The governor disclosed that his administration had invested in upgrading security equipment earlier provided for the DSS and promised continued logistical support for security operations in the state.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security operations across the country.
Yusuf, however, acknowledged that Kano still faces threats including banditry, farmer-herder clashes, cybercrime, and the activities of criminal gangs despite relative peace in the state.
The governor further praised the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for promoting inter-agency cooperation and strengthening intelligence operations nationwide.
The conference was attended by DSS directors from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, alongside heads of other security agencies in the North-West.
DSS Raises Alarm Over Rising Banditry, Cybercrime In North-West is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The House of Representatives aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo federal constituency, Mr Obunike Ohaegbu, has has cried foul over fake news being spread on social media about of the zoning of the position to Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Ohaegbu said his opponents was already jittery of the growing wave of support being garnered across Anambra State by the party since Mr Peter Obi joined it a week ago.
He urged his supporters to disregard the rumours that the NDC has zoned both the Senatorial and House of Reps tickets to Ekwusigo Local Government, saying the rumour was a fabrication being spread out of fear of defeat.
In a press release he signed and sent out to journalists, the political activist and lawyer said: “NDC, as a party that believed in justice, equity and fairness, could not make the mistake of zoning both tickets to one local government out of the three that make up the constituency.
“I call on my supporters to remain calm as no such decision has been taken. They should ignore such rumours. If the party had decided to run with a senatorial candidate from Ekwusigo, of course, it can’t make the mistake of also conceding the House of Reps ticket to same Ekwusigo.
“What happens to Nnewi North and Nnewi South? I’m from Nnewi South and we have 20 wards. How do you convince the two other local governments that the decision was just and equitable in the circumstance?
“I’m a member of the NDC and the party has not started selling forms and that mistake cannot be made because NDC is built on equity and justice,” the aspirant stated.
He insisted that the rumours were aimed at destabilizing the NDC because it was built on equity, justice and fairness. He fingered a candidate of the APC in the zone as being behind the rumours, describing him as having performed poorly.
“There is no truth in the matter. It is probably the failed APC federal government officials that can be suggesting this. They consider the NDC as a massive threat against their initial wish that Peter Obi would be edged out in ADC so they would sweep the entire South.
Opponents spreading fake news of zoning to spite NDC- Anambra Reps aspirant cries
The decision to “japa” is rarely as simple as social media makes it look. Because, behind the airport photos and relocation updates, many Nigerians silently struggle with guilt, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion after leaving their aging parents behind.
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The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has commenced its 2026 Management Retreat with a renewed commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal governance in Nigeria.
The retreat brings together senior officials of the Commission to deliberate on a newly approved Strategic Plan aimed at repositioning the institution for improved performance and institutional reform.
Declaring the retreat open, the Acting Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Charles Abana, described the gathering as a defining moment in the Commission’s history and a critical platform for transformation.
He said the retreat would deepen reforms and prepare the Commission for emerging fiscal realities and digital governance challenges.
Abana emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional processes in line with public expectations for accountability and prudent resource management.
According to him, the retreat themed “Strengthening Institutional Performance through the Implementation of the Commission’s New Strategic Plan,” is designed to review operations, enhance coordination, and build stronger systems for fiscal oversight.
“This Strategic Plan is not simply a policy document; it is a roadmap for institutional transformation, a framework for measurable progress, and a guide for achieving sustainable results in the discharge of our responsibilities,” Abana stated.
He added that Nigerians are demanding greater transparency in public finance management, while development partners expect more robust oversight mechanisms from the Commission.
Abana explained that the Strategic Plan would improve monitoring and enforcement systems, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and integrate technology into operations for greater efficiency.
He also unveiled the Commission’s revised Vision and Mission statements, which emphasize professionalism, innovation, integrity, and service excellence.
The vision, he said, is “to be Nigeria’s leading fiscal authority ensuring transparent, accountable, and sustainable fiscal governance for national development,” while the Mission seeks “to promote fiscal integrity through evidential oversight in revenue, expenditure, and debt management decisions for efficient service delivery.”
He noted that the retreat would also examine statutory responsibilities, compliance monitoring, staff productivity, and innovation in service delivery.
The Acting Chairman further disclosed that the Commission would play a key oversight role in Nigeria’s evolving tax reforms and fiscal policies.
“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission will act as a watchdog and policy-support institution in the new tax regime to ensure transparency, accountability, efficient revenue management, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.
Abana urged management staff to fully commit to the implementation of the Strategic Plan, stressing that success depends on collective responsibility and discipline.
He also announced that participants would undergo capacity-building sessions on process improvement, analytical tools, process mapping, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in fiscal operations.
The retreat received backing from development partners and civil society organizations.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Country Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, Associate Project Officer, Muhammad Sani Kassim, reaffirmed RoLAC’s commitment to supporting the Commission.
Kassim said RoLAC considers the FRC a key partner in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria, adding that the organization would continue providing technical assistance to strengthen institutional reforms.
He expressed optimism that by the end of the year, the Strategic Plan would be fully institutionalized within the Commission.
FRC Unveils Strategic Plan To Strengthen Fiscal Governance is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Fadewa (rtd.) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.
The appointment was confirmed on Monday in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
The circular was conveyed through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Kana.
Tinubu said the appointment recognised Fadewa’s outstanding service record, strategic expertise, and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
He said the decision reflected his administration’s resolve to strengthen internal security coordination across relevant institutions.
The President also emphasised the importance of intelligence-led operations in addressing evolving security threats across the country.
He noted that stronger collaboration among security agencies remained critical to protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and preserving national stability.
“His appointment demonstrates our commitment to building a more responsive and coordinated security framework,” Tinubu stated.
Fadewa retired from military service after more than three decades in strategic security and intelligence operations.
His professional experience covers counter-terrorism operations, intelligence coordination, defence planning, and international security diplomacy.
He also served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021.
During his tenure, Fadewa coordinated the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The centre was designed to improve operational collaboration among intelligence and security agencies nationwide.
These agencies included the Defence Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.
The Armed Forces also benefited from the enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms introduced during his service.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Fadewa would strengthen intelligence integration and homeland security coordination nationwide.
“I urge him to deploy his experience, professionalism and strategic insight in advancing our national security objectives,” the President said.
He added that the appointment would support the effective implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu Appoints Fadewa As Homeland Security Adviser is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
By Cajetan Mmuta Fresh tension is brewing within the All Progressives Grand Alliance as some aspirants seeking elective positions in Anambra and other parts of the country have expressed concerns over the party’s screening requirements ahead of the 2026 exercise. The development follows a directive issued by the party leadership mandating all aspirants for State […]
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Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (NMRC) has listed its N11.50bn 10-year 17.25 per cent Series 1 Fixed Rate Bond on FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited.
The bond issuance, listed under NMRC’s N440bn Medium Term Note Programme, is expected to strengthen the company’s refinancing operations, improve liquidity for mortgage lenders, and support affordable housing delivery across the country.
FMDQ Exchange, said the transaction underscored the growing capacity of the Nigerian debt market to mobilise long-term capital for critical sectors of the economy, particularly housing finance.
NMRC, a mortgage refinancing institution licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, was established in 2013 to provide long-term funding to primary mortgage lenders and promote home ownership in Nigeria.
Since commencing operations in 2014, the company has served as a liquidity facility for the mortgage sector, helping lenders access stable funding for housing loans.
According to the Exchange, proceeds from the bond issuance will be deployed to expand NMRC’s refinancing activities, strengthen its lending support to mortgage institutions, and advance the Federal Government’s housing accessibility and affordability agenda.
The transaction was sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited�, which acted as the sole issuing house and Bookrunner for the issuance.
Commenting on the successful listing, the Managing Director of Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc, Kehinde Ogundimu, said the strong investor response to the bond reflected confidence in NMRC’s business model and its role in Nigeria’s housing finance ecosystem.
He noted that the successful execution of the transaction would enable the company to deepen support for mortgage lenders through access to long-term funding while advancing affordable housing finance in the country.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Oladele Sotubo, described the bond issuance as evidence of strong investor appetite for quality fixed-income instruments in the Nigerian debt market.
According to him, the oversubscription recorded by the offer highlighted investor confidence in well-structured credit instruments and reinforced the growing attractiveness of long-term securities in the market.
He added that the successful issuance aligned with Stanbic IBTC Capital’s commitment to supporting issuers in accessing innovative long-term financing solutions.
In her remarks, the Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group Plc, Tumi Sekoni, said the listing demonstrated the importance of long-tenor fixed-income securities in mobilising capital for sectors critical to national development.
She stated that housing finance remained central to inclusive economic growth and noted that NMRC’s presence on the Exchange further reinforced FMDQ’s commitment to providing a transparent and efficient marketplace that connects issuers with investors while supporting sustainable economic development.
Market analysts said the successful bond listing is expected to further boost confidence in Nigeria’s debt capital market and improve access to long-term financing for the housing sector, which continues to face significant funding gaps despite rising demand for affordable homes.
NMRC Lists N11.5bn 10-Year Bond On FMDQ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
West Ham are set to contact referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) over their late equaliser being disallowed against Arsenal.
The Hammers had appeared to have dealt a significant blow to the Gunners’ title hopes – as well as boosting their own Premier League survival prospects – when Callum Wilson struck in stoppage time on Sunday.
But after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the goal was ruled out for a foul by Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
West Ham will raise concerns and request further explanation from PGMO following the controversial decision.
BBC Sport understands they will also request the audio between referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England.
The Gunners went on to win 1-0, taking them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and making West Ham’s future that bit more uncertain – as they sit in 18th place, with Tottenham Hotspur a point above them before the host Leeds on Monday.
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes VAR “did a really good job” in disallowing the goal.
“It’s a clear foul,” Rooney said on the Wayne Rooney Show.
“You’re going to obviously get a lot of people saying they think it should have stood because it’s controversial and probably all the [Manchester] City players, staff, fans are going to say it should have stood. And then you’re going to get all the Tottenham fans, players, staff saying it shouldn’t have stood and of course the Arsenal fans and stuff.
“But it’s a clear foul. I think you can clearly see the arm crosses his face and it impacts him getting to the ball. So I think it’s the right decision.
“It’s the one time I actually think VAR has done a really good job in such an important game.”
Despite being satisfied the correct decision was made, Rooney lamented the advantage goalkeepers get inside their own area.
“I think where VAR is consistent and the referees are consistent – and I hate it – is you go anywhere near the goalkeeper and it’s a foul,” he said.
“You go anywhere near the goalkeeper and you give a foul. Throughout my career as a player, I’ve had a dislike for goalkeepers because of that reason. I think because (…) they can jump with their arms and so they have got a big advantage and normally they come out with their knees and the studs down your back and stuff.
“But I think it is consistent with goalkeepers that [if] you go near them, they normally get a free-kick.”
West Ham Set To Contact Referees’ Body Over Disallowed Goal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to resume industrial action, accusing the Federal and state governments of failing to faithfully implement the December 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement reached after nearly eight years of negotiations. The threat followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, where the union accused […]
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