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Three health facilities have been sealed for operating without operational licences in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State

THE WHISTLER reports that they were sealed by the task force of the State Ministry of Health on Friday.

The monitoring and supervision team, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr Chinyere Ezeudu, told newsmen that the sealing was part of the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery.

According to her, the strategic supervision was aimed at evaluating the quality of healthcare services, staff performance, infrastructure, patient management, and compliance with government health policies and standards in various health facilities.

She said the state government remained committed to building a responsive, efficient, and people-centred healthcare system. She also advised health workers to remain dedicated to duty, uphold professionalism, and maintain high standards of patient care.

She explained that the supervision was “not meant to witch-hunt health facilities or their medical staff but to support continuous improvement in healthcare delivery across the state”.

Speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof George Ugwu, said the routine monitoring was to identify gaps, strengthen accountability, and ensure that residents receive quality healthcare services at all levels.

According to him, “This is meant to ensure that every community benefits from accessible and quality healthcare services.”

Three Illegal Health Facilities Sealed In Enugu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Malawi U-20 head coach Maggie Chombo is optimistic his team can record an emphatic win over Nigeria’s Falconets, DAILY POST reports.

The Young Scorchers will be looking to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg when they confront Moses Aduku’s side at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.

Chombo’s side have won all their home games in the qualifiers.

They will be banking on the  support of the home fans to turn the tie around.

The gaffer said his players are fully ready for action, and will go all out for a win.

“The girls are ready and the mood in camp is very positive. Anything is possible in football, and I am very optimistic that we can win this game,” Chombo told Malawi’s official website.

U-20 WWCQ: Chombo upbeat Malawi can upset Falconets

Arsenal are monitoring Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, with their Premier League rivals keen on a sale, according to the Daily Mail.

Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, but there are doubts whether the LaLiga leaders will make his move permanent for a reported £26m.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, will try to sign a left-sided attacker ahead of next season.

The England forward is believed to be attracting interest from not just the Gunners but Bayern Munich ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rashford has scored 13 goals in 46 games for Barca across all competitions.

It is understood that Hansi Flick’s side have until June 15 to trigger their option to buy Rashford.

EPL: Arsenal in shock move to sign Rashford, Man Utd ready to sell

‎Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has awarded a scholarship to the Welding and Fabrication department’s only female student, reflecting the institution’s dedication to inclusivity and technical education.

‎The Rector of the institution Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, announced this during the institution’s monthly Academic Board meeting held at the Polytechnic auditorium.
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According to him, the Welding and fabrication department’s operations have expanded beyond classroom training to large-scale fabrication projects serving both government and private sectors across the state.
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‎He noted that waste bins produced by the department are currently distributed across the 17 local government areas of Abia State, while several iron doors fabricated by the students are being used in government projects.
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The Rector further stated that the department also produces commercial garri processing plants and oil processing machines, which are fabricated for commercial purposes and purchased by individuals and business owners across the state.
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‎He explained that the introduction of monthly stipends is designed to motivate the students and strengthen their practical engagement as they combine academic training with productive industrial work.
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‎In addition, the Rector projected the institution’s vision to position the Polytechnic as a centre of excellence in welding and fabrication in the near future.
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He also announced the payment of monthly stipends to students of the Department of Welding and Fabrication in recognition of their growing contributions to the production and supply of fabricated products across Abia State.

Mr. Udodirim, a fabricators, who spoke during an interaction with journalists at the department, listed some of the machines currently available for production and purchase to include cassava grinding machines, cassava processing machines, kernel crackers and separators, fibre separators, hammer mills, cabinet dryers, block moulding machines, corn shelling machines, feed mixers, boilers and oil press machines.
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‎Also speaking, the Chief Fabricator of the institution, Engr. Clement, attributed the department’s growth and increased visibility to the administration of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu.
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‎According to him, the department, which was previously inactive, has witnessed a major transformation through increased fabrication projects and student engagement.
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‎“This department was dormant before Prof. Okoro came in. Since his assumption of office, the department has attracted several fabrication projects, including the waste bin receptacles used across the state, TETFund fabrication projects and agro-machinery production,” he said.
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‎He added that the department now operates almost round-the-clock, with both students and staff actively engaged in production activities.
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‎Engr. Clement further disclosed that the Rector had directed that several facilities and equipment used within the institution should be locally fabricated by the department, including seats installed at the new theatre hall and structures at the permanent site.
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‎He described the Rector’s contribution to the growth of the department as significant and transformative.
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‎An ND II student of the department, Nwosu Chibuisi, also expressed gratitude to TETFund and the institution’s management for creating opportunities that enable students to earn while learning
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Only Female Welding Student Receives Scholarship At Ogbonnaya Onu Poly is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones allegedly launched from Iran, as tensions in the region continue to rise.

In a statement posted on X, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the attack left three people with moderate injuries.

“Since the beginning of the blatant Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates, the air defences have engaged a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 UAVs,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that the country’s defence systems successfully responded to the latest attack by intercepting the incoming missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Iran has yet to respond to the UAE’s claims officially.

UAE air defences intercept Iranian missiles, drones

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the Allied Peoples Movement following his recent defection to the party
The meeting, presided over by the party’s National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, had in attendance key stakeholders and members of the party leadership.

Speaking during the session, Mohammed said the current political climate in Nigeria was increasingly characterised by undemocratic practices and political intimidation, making political participation difficult for many progressive leaders and movements.

He said his decision to join the APM followed extensive consultations with political associates, stakeholders and supporters across the country.

According to him, the party aligns with his political philosophy in the areas of good governance, internal democracy, justice, inclusiveness and respect for the rule of law.

The governor stated that several political office holders and stakeholders who previously served under the Peoples Democratic Party structure in Bauchi State had also joined the movement into the APM.

He listed members of the National Assembly, the Bauchi State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, commissioners, ward executives, party officials and grassroots supporters among those who had aligned with the party.

Mohammed assured the party leadership of his readiness to contribute resources, experience and political support towards the growth and success of the party.

The governor also announced that he had officially obtained the nomination form to contest the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat under the platform of the APM ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Bala Mohammed attends APM NEC meeting, picks Bauchi South senatorial nomination form

The Nigerian Army Corps of Infantry on Friday held a colourful and emotional pull-out ceremony for 28 senior officers retiring from active service at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The retired officers comprised 17 Major-Generals and 11 Brigadier-Generals who completed the mandatory years of service in the Nigerian Army.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Usman Yusuf thanked God for granting them the opportunity to witness the occasion in good health and high spirits.

He described the ceremony as both memorable and emotional, noting that it symbolised decades of sacrifice, dedication and service to the nation.

According to him, retirement from military service is inevitable for every officer from the day they are commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Yusuf commended the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for approving and organising the ceremony in honour of the retiring generals.

“The gesture shows that the Army under Shaibu’s leadership values the sacrifices and contributions of its senior officers,” he said.

He also praised the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Godwin Mutkut, for ensuring the successful hosting of the event.

Reflecting on their years in service, Yusuf recalled their early days at the Nigerian Defence Academy and said the retiring officers collectively contributed to the operational successes and development of the Nigerian Army.

“Every day in service brought fresh challenges, responsibilities and experiences that shaped us into stronger, more resilient and capable officers prepared for command, instructional and staff appointments,” he said.

He urged serving officers and soldiers to maintain the values of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice and loyalty demonstrated by the outgoing generals.

Yusuf also stressed the need for the military to remain proactive and prepared in the face of growing security threats across the country.

“The battlespace is expanding and the Army’s operational commitments continue to grow, with the eyes of the nation and the international community on the military,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that younger officers would sustain the legacies of leadership, mentorship and professionalism left behind by the retiring generals.

Yusuf further described the Chief of Army Staff as a visionary leader capable of steering the Nigerian Army through emerging security challenges.

He also appreciated past and present national leaders for the opportunity to serve, while thanking family members for their support, sacrifices and prayers throughout their careers.

“To the Infantry Corps, this will forever remain home to me. I am an Infantryman and shall remain one for the rest of my life—loyal, committed and steadfast,” he added.

The ceremony featured ceremonial parades, presentation of souvenirs and the symbolic pull-out of the retired generals from active service.

Army Retires 28 Senior Officers In Jaji is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has alerted residents of Kebbi State to possible flooding and other weather-related hazards ahead of the 2026 rainy season.

The warning followed projections contained in the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

In a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, the Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Tukur Abubakar, said Kebbi was among the states classified as high flood-risk areas for 2026.

According to the statement, the state is expected to experience heavier rainfall than in 2025, with possible flash floods in several communities.

“Kebbi has been classified among Nigeria’s high flood-risk states for 2026 and is projected to experience flooding under high, medium and low-risk categories across various communities,” the statement said.

The agency also warned of possible windstorms at the onset of the rainy season and advised residents in riverine and low-lying communities to remain vigilant and comply with flood warnings and evacuation directives where necessary.

NEMA identified July to September as the peak flood period, warning that rising water levels in the Kebbi River could affect farmlands, settlements and infrastructure.

It added that elevated water levels could persist into October and November, while about 97 road sections across the state were at risk of flooding.

The agency also cautioned motorists against driving through flooded roads, noting that floodwaters could conceal damaged roads and weakened bridges.

NEMA further warned that Kebbi might experience a prolonged dry spell between June and August, which could affect farming activities and crop yields.

Farmers were advised to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, including planting drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops.

The agency listed the affected local government areas as Arewa, Dandi, Aleiro, Kalgo, Bunza, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie, Jega and Maiyama.

Residents were also advised to clear blocked drainages and waterways, avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and relocate from flood-prone areas where necessary.

NEMA warns Kebbi residents of flooding ahead rainy season

The race for the All Progressives Congress, APC, ticket for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency is gathering steam as various aspirants have commenced consultations with party leaders and other stakeholders.

Aspirants vying for APC tickets for the 2027 elections are hoping to win the support of stakeholders ahead of the primaries, where flagbearers for the main election would be selected. Already, the APC had adopted an arrangement whereby candidates would emerge by consensus during the primaries.

An aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Sarah Ivie Adidi, on Thursday commenced grassroots ward tour across Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, with visits to Kawu, Shere and Igu wards, where she met with ward executives and community stakeholders.

The tour which marked the beginning of direct consultations at the ward level, involved meetings with party leaders and grassroots stakeholders.

In Kawu Ward, Adidi paid a visit to representatives of the chief before proceeding to hold a meeting with the ward executives. The ward leaders emphasized the need to carry the grassroots along in the governance process.

Party leaders at Shere Ward declared their support for the aspirant, describing the consultation mission as a refreshing departure from the norm. They stressed the significance of the decision to meet them on their home ground, a gesture which they said demonstrated respect for the people.

Also at Igu Ward, party executives assured the female aspirant of their readiness to mobilize support for her across the ward.

They pledged to rally behind her aspiration and work collectively toward ensuring her success in the forthcoming elections.

Adidi reiterated her “commitment to servant leadership, inclusive governance, and sustained grassroots engagement,” noting that meaningful representation begins with listening directly to the people and understanding their needs firsthand.

It would be recalled that chairmen of the six geo-political zones of the APC in the FCT had backed Adidi to represent the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They took the decision at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, where party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and key stakeholders converged to deliberate on the political future of the constituency and the need for effective representation.

2027: Grassroots leaders back female aspirant as race for APC AMAC/Bwari ticket hots up

Activist Omoyele Sowore on Friday accused Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court of bias in the trial of the cyberbullying charge filed against him by the DSS.

Sowore who was granted audience shortly after his no case submission was dismissed by the court, alleged that the judge was taken side with the Federal Government to hinder his political ambition.

Prosecution lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, had vehemently opposed granting Sowore audience since his lawyer was in court.

However, following the persistent request by Sowore and his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, that he had something to say, the judge yielded.

Upon being given the microphone, Sowore came heavily on the judge, openly accusing him of bias, adding that he (Sowore) would not get justice in his court.

While alleging that the judge had already convicted him with the dismissal of the no case submission, Sowore asked the judge to hands off his trial and allow another judge to handle it.

He alleged that the judge was playing along with the Federal Government to convict him at all costs so as to prevent him from contesting the 2027 general election.

Sowore’s position was echoed by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, who pointedly accused the judge of favouring the Federal Government in the conduct of the trial.

Abubakar asked the judge to return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge.

The DSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who had earlier asked the judge not to grant audience to Sowore, prayed that the oral recusal application be rejected.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar ordered Sowore to file a formal application for recusal and state his grievances in clear terms.

The judge subsequently fixed May 19, 2026, for the defendant to open his defense and his application for recusal.

Sowore accuses judge of bias in Tinubu cyberbullying trial