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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has cautioned against the misuse of social media and other digital platforms, warning that unregulated online engagement could compromise operational security, undermine institutional integrity, and negatively affect ongoing military operations.

He further charged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army to deepen and reinforce the warrior ethos as a strategic imperative for sustaining combat power, enhancing operational effectiveness, and ensuring mission success across all formations and units of the Nigerian Army.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement said the COAS gave the charge on Thursday, May 7, 2026, during the closing ceremony of the First Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Convention 2026 held at the JN Garba Hall, Postgraduate School, Old Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

The convention, themed “Empowering Regimental Sergeant Majors to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence,” provided a critical platform for professional engagement, exchange of operational experiences, and strategic discourse focused on strengthening leadership capacity, mentorship culture, and regimental standards in support of the transformation drive of the Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu highlighted the strategic importance of RSMs as custodians of discipline, regimentation, and military tradition, stressing that their leadership influence remains vital in sustaining troop morale, operational cohesion, and esprit de corps, particularly among personnel deployed across various theatres of operations.

He noted that the cultivation of a strong warrior ethos remains central to building resilient, disciplined, and mission-oriented forces capable of effectively confronting emerging and asymmetric security threats.

He, therefore, urged RSMs to lead from the front by enforcing responsible digital conduct, strengthening information discipline, and ensuring strict compliance with established communication protocols within their respective units and formations.

COAS warns against social media misuse

The Corporate Affairs Commission has introduced a direct payment option on its registration portal as part of efforts to simplify business filing processes, improve service delivery, and strengthen transparency in government revenue collection.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, the Commission said customers can now make payments directly on its Intelligent Company Registration Portal (iCRP) through the Revenue Optimisation and Assurance Project (REV-OP) platform.

“The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) wishes to notify its esteemed customers that payments for the following filings can now be conveniently made directly on our portal via ReVOps on the Intelligent Company Registration Portal (iCRP),” the statement said.

The development marks a significant shift in the Commission’s digital transformation drive, aimed at reducing bottlenecks associated with company registration and post-incorporation filings while enhancing the efficiency of its online services.

Under the new arrangement, users can now process payments directly for services including Annual Returns Filing, Change of Business Address, Cessation of Business, Change of Name, and Change of Objects.

Other filings covered include changes to Proprietor or Partner details as well as requests for Certified True Copies.
Before the introduction of the new payment option, the Commission relied mainly on the Remita payment gateway, which supported transactions through debit cards, bank transfers, and branch payments.

Industry observers say the transition to direct portal payments could shorten processing timelines, improve transaction tracking, and reduce payment-related delays often experienced by businesses and legal practitioners using the Commission’s platform.

The REV-OP initiative, launched by the Federal Government last year, is designed to strengthen public financial management systems by blocking revenue leakages, improving accountability, and promoting greater transparency across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The project is anchored on three major pillars, transparency, efficiency, and digital transformation, with a focus on leveraging technology to modernise government revenue administration.

Analysts note that the CAC’s adoption of the platform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digitalisation agenda, which seeks to improve internally generated revenue collection through technology-driven systems and real-time monitoring mechanisms.

The Commission said the integration would also support data-driven decision-making and create a more seamless experience for businesses interacting with the agency’s online registration services.

CAC Rolls Out Direct Payment Gateway For Business Services is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Flutterwave has announced that its Head of Marketing, Yewande “Wendy” Akomolafe-Kalu, and Senior Manager, Branding and Storytelling, Noel Ozoemena, have been recognized in the first edition of the Top 100 Content Leaders in UK Banking Technology.

This global list, curated by Influential Index and sponsored by FirstWord Media, celebrates marketing leaders who consistently deliver persuasive B2B content that builds brand recognition and drives business in complex, highly regulated industries.

The list brings together some of the most influential voices shaping marketing across financial technology, featuring leaders from globally recognized companies such as Mastercard, PayPal, Binance, Wise, and Checkout.com.

Being recognized alongside these industry leaders underscores how the narratives emerging from Africa’s fintech ecosystem are increasingly resonating on a global level.

At Flutterwave, storytelling and marketing are a strategic growth engine, driving product adoption and shaping how African fintech innovation is understood globally.

Akomolafe-Kalu and Ozoemena have helped translate complex payment infrastructure into narratives that resonate with businesses, developers, and partners across continents. Their work sits at the intersection of creative storytelling and commercial impact, bridging product complexity with human understanding.

Akomolafe-Kalu leverages her background in psychology to craft campaigns that inspire audiences, build trust, and directly meet commercial goals.

Working closely under her leadership, Ozoemena has been instrumental in driving the go-to-market strategies and brand storytelling that anchor Flutterwave’s expansion across Africa, North Africa, Europe, and North America.

Annette Akpolo, Head of People and Culture, Flutterwave, said: “At Flutterwave, we pride ourselves on building an environment where top-tier talent can do their best work. Under Wendy’s leadership, both she and Noel have excelled at doing exactly that.

“However, this milestone also belongs to the incredible professionals across our broader Marketing team. Their combined creativity and strategic execution are what truly allow our brand to resonate across continents,” Akpolo added.

Flutterwave marketing leaders named among Top 100 Content Leaders in UK Banking Technology

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

The tour, which marks the beginning of direct consultations at the ward level, was warmly received by party leaders and grassroots stakeholders who commended the aspirant for personally visiting them in their local communities rather than summoning them to town meetings.

In Kawu Ward, Hon. Adidi first paid a respectful visit to representatives of the Chief before proceeding to hold aSarah meeting with the ward executives. The ward leaders praised her humility, sincerity, and commitment to grassroots politics, noting that she was the only aspirant who deemed it important to come directly to their locality to engage them personally.

The same sentiments were echoed in Shere Ward, where party executives openly declared their support for her aspiration. They commended her accessibility and described her consultation style as a refreshing departure from the norm, emphasizing that her willingness to meet them on their home ground demonstrated genuine respect for the people.

At Igu Ward, executives noted that Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi is the first female aspirant to personally visit and engage with them at the ward level. They applauded her courage, determination, and people-centered approach, assuring her of their readiness to mobilize support for her across the ward.

Across all three wards visited, stakeholders consistently described Hon. Adidi as sincere, grassroots-oriented, and deeply committed to inclusive representation. They pledged to rally behind her aspiration and work collectively toward ensuring her success in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking during the engagements, Hon. Adidi reiterated her commitment to servant leadership, inclusive governance, and sustained grassroots engagement. She emphasized that meaningful representation begins with listening directly to the people and understanding their needs firsthand.

The ward tour is expected to continue across other wards in Bwari Area Council in the coming days as consultations intensify ahead of the elections.

Adidi Begins Bwari Grassroots Tour, Gains Massive Ward-Level Support is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has hit back at critics regarding the allocation of land to diplomatic personnel, accusing them of hypocrisy for questioning policies from which they had previously benefited.

In a response to recent criticisms that the government is prioritizing foreign diplomats over “ordinary” Nigerians, the minister argued that land allocation is a standard government procedure designed to drive investment and urban development.

Addressing journalists during a project inspection on Thursday, Wike emphasised that media houses operate as profit-driven businesses rather than charitable organizations.

He noted that these organizations charge for adverts, live coverage and commercial news to fund their operations and salaries.

The minister specifically named major media outlets such as Channels TV and AIT, stating that they currently operate from headquarters built on land allocated by the FCT government rather than purchased from the open market.

“When you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones.

“You were given land, and you are not among the poor, so why are you complaining now?” he stated.

The minister sought to dispel misconceptions regarding the “sale” of land in the FCT, clarifying that the government allocates land based on developmental agreements.

He said: “The FCT does not sell land; it allocates it based on specific conditions and investment proposals.

“All allottees, including diplomats, are required to pay procedural fees for the processing of their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).”

Wike noted that many of the allocations being questioned were made by previous administrations, as government is a continuous entity.

The minister warned that land allocated for development must be used as agreed.

He cited the case of Jabi Lake, where land allocated 20 years ago for entertainment and tourism hubs remained undeveloped and was reclaimed by the government for new investors.

Wike dismissed the “emotional” arguments that land should only go to the poor, stating that high-value areas require significant investment to transform into world-class facilities and tourist attractions.

He vowed to “always stand by the truth,” maintaining that his administration would prioritize realistic urban development and investment over playing to the gallery.

Critics are hypocritical – Wike clarifies FCT land allocation policy

Israeli health authorities have confirmed the country’s first diagnosed case of hantavirus after a patient who recently traveled to Eastern Europe tested positive for the rodent-borne disease.

According to reports, the patient initially showed symptoms that prompted antibody screening, which indicated exposure to hantavirus. A follow-up PCR test confirmed the active infection.

The patient is reported to be in stable condition and is under medical observation. They have not required intensive care or strict isolation measures.

Health officials have clarified that this case involves a European strain of hantavirus, typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

Human-to-human transmission is not a significant concern with this strain.

Authorities emphasized that the infection is unrelated to the ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

That outbreak involves the rarer Andes strain, which has been associated with limited human-to-human transmission.

The case has been formally reported to Israel’s Ministry of Health, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely while reassuring the public that the risk of wider spread remains low.

This marks Israel’s first confirmed hantavirus diagnosis, highlighting the importance of awareness for travelers returning from areas where the virus is present in rodent populations.

Israel Confirms First Diagnosed Case Of Hantavirus is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor Dauda Lawal has nominated Professor Yahaya Zakari Abdullahi as a commissioner and member of the Zamfara State Executive Council.

The nomination was sent to the Zamfara State House of Assembly by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, for screening and approval in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

A statement issued by Suleman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Secretary to the State Government, said: “At its 177th sitting held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, the State Assembly swiftly screened and confirmed the appointment.”

Professor Zakari is known for his work in the education sector and public service. He has spent more than 20 years in academia, policy development and administration.

He also served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Zamfara State University.

Zamfara governor nominates ex-VC Prof Yahaya Abdullahi as commissioner

There is tension in the Real Madrid dressing room, amid different clashes between players in recent days.

According to Marca, Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital, after a “very serious” confrontation with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.

This forced head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to summon an emergency meeting to address a dressing room that is spiralling out of control.

The bust-up between Valverde and Tchouameni is described as “much worse” than previous disagreements.

The fight broke out after a fiery exchange between the two midfielders over a foul during Wednesday’s training session.

Valverde suffered a cut from an accidental blow, which led to his decision to seek treatment in the emergency room.

This comes after Antonio Rudiger had to apologize for slapping Alvaro Carreras during another training session.

LaLiga: Real Madrid in disarray as Valverde lands in hospital after fight with Tchouameni

Kaduna State Government says it has strengthened its partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle drug abuse, mental health challenges and insecurity across the state and the wider North-West region.

This was disclosed by Governor Uba Sani on X after a courtesy visit by the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Touré.

According to him: “I was honoured to receive the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Touré, on a courtesy visit of mutual goodwill and constructive engagement.”

He said both sides discussed ways to improve joint responses to substance abuse, mental health issues and insecurity, especially in affected parts of Northern Nigeria.

“Our discussions were anchored on the imperative of strengthening collaborative responses to the intersecting challenges of substance abuse, mental health conditions, and insecurity, with particular attention to the North-West region and other affected parts of the country”.

Governor Sani also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to a health-focused approach that prioritises prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of affected persons into society.

“I reaffirmed Kaduna State’s steadfast commitment to a public health–centred and evidence-based approach, one that prioritises prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting reforms in peacebuilding, healthcare and community security, as well as commending the UNODC for its technical support and partnership.

UNODC representative Mr Touré praised Kaduna State for its leadership in drug prevention and treatment, describing it as a model for other states in Nigeria.

He highlighted the state’s mental health law, its implementation of the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme and the Child Amplified Protection System.

Kaduna strengthens partnership with UNODC on drug abuse, mental health, insecurity

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed June 15 for ruling on whether an EFCC’s witness statement sought to be tendered in the ongoing trial of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is admissible in line with the Evidence Act.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the EFCC, Kayode Enitan, SAN, and lawyer to the ex-governor, Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, made their submissions on the propriety of the application.

The development occured when Enitan sought to tender the statement made by the 14th prosecution witness (PW-14), Shehu Bello, in continuation of the evidence-in-chief.

Earlier, when the matter was called, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, told the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of the examination-in-chief of PW-14.

He said he would allow his colleague, Enitan, to lead the witness in evidence.

While being led in evidence, the witness told the court his involvement in the property located at Plot 1891, Dalla Hills, Maitama in Abuja.

“My friend, Ali Bello, approached me if I know any good construction company that can build a house for him.

“So I recommended a company, Metro Deck Construction Company limited. I brought them and he gave them the job to build the house for him.”

Asked on how the company was paid, the witness said that Ali Bello made transfers to them, and on some occasions, he paid them in cash.

When he was asked the currency in which the money was paid in cash, the witness said it was in naira.

The PW-14 also told the court that he knew the property located at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.

He explained what he knew about the property.

“My friend, Ali Bello, asked me if I could get him a property around Wuse II, where he can build shops.

“After we spoke, I went out and got some people and spoke with some colleagues of mine.

“We got a plot of land in that location, Durban street, Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja,” he said.

He said the property was purchased from SFC Foods Limited.

When Enitan Asked him whether he could remember when he made a statement in the EFCC, the witness responded in affirmative.

He also confirmed his statement when he was asked to do so.

‘It’s my statement, it carries my signatures on all pages,” he said.

But when Enitan sought to tender the statement in evidence, Adedeji raised an objection.

Adedeji argued that the statement was inadmissible for a purpose the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement.

“Before I give my reasons as to why it is inadmissible at this stage, the same having been sought to be tendered by the prosecution, it is important for us to put it in context.

“Why do I say so, I’m referring my lord to the proceedings of yesterday.

“My lord, we submit with respect of the statement sought to be tendered this morning by the prosecution as though it constitute substantive evidence in support of the prosecution’s case is a misconception of the law and inadmissible at this stage.

“We submit that the same extra-judicial statement, my lord, is for the use of the defence under Section 223, 224, 225, 230, 232, 237 and 38 of the Evidence Act.

“My lord this category of statement is generally inadmissible except for the narrow purposes for the defence to impeach the credibility of the witness.

“My Lord, this position was not made by me but by the Supreme Court in 1989,” he said.

Adedeji argued that what was sought to be tendered by the prosecution was not a confessional statement, hence, it was inadmissible against the defendant.

“So my lord, the situation is different from what your lordship ruled on earlier that the prosecution could refresh the memory of the witness,” he said.

Responding, Enitan disagreed with Adedeji.

He said the submission of the defence was an extreme exercise of confidence in the absence of cogent legal authorities in the misapplication of the law and case law cited.

After taking their arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 15 and June 18 for ruling and continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, the PW-13, Baba Bappa, told the court that he did not transact any property business with the ex-governor.

Bappa told Justice Nwite while being cross examined by the lead counsel for the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The witness, who said he is an estate surveyor and facility manager, admitted that he only knew the former governor as a public figure, not in relation to the property transaction before the court.

Court to rule on admissibility of EFCC witness’ statement in Yahaya Bello’s trial June 15.