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Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its role in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been detained in the Republic of Benin for over two years under harsh and inhumane conditions.

Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was reportedly subjected to severe mental torture and held in chains during his detention. His eventual release followed a presidential pardon granted by the government of Benin Republic under the leadership of President Patrice Talon.

Speaking on the development during a programme on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde commended the diplomatic efforts that led to the pastor’s freedom, noting that the process was long and difficult. He highlighted that significant progress was made after Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu assumed office as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

According to Dr. Kehinde, despite not having any personal relationship or financial inducement involved, the minister took decisive steps by engaging Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. Her intervention, including a visit to the country and strategic negotiations, ultimately secured Pastor Egbaji’s release.

Kehinde reiterated his gratitude to the minister for her commitment and resilience in ensuring justice and freedom for the detained cleric. He further extended appreciation to several individuals and institutions who contributed to the success of the advocacy and diplomatic efforts.

He also thanked Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Government of Cross River State, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo

He emphasized that the collective effort of these stakeholders was instrumental in achieving the pastor’s freedom.

Kehinde also noted that while Pastor Egbaji’s release marks a significant victory, the cleric now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He stressed that Egbaji requires continued support — both moral and material — to help him get back on his feet and reintegrate into society.

Kehinde called for sustained government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, strengthening diplomatic relations across West Africa, and ensuring that individuals like Pastor Egbaji receive the necessary assistance to recover fully from their ordeals.

Nigeria cleric, Egbaji regains freedom after two years in detention; FG commended

Newly elected President of the Middle-Belt Youth Congress (MYC), Comrade Obande Gideon Obande, has declared that the 2027 general elections will mark a decisive shift in political engagement across the region, warning that “it will not be business as usual.”

Obande made this known during his acceptance speech after emerging as President of the Congress for a four-year term at an elective congress held in Abuja.

Addressing delegates and stakeholders, he stressed that Middle-Belt youths are ready to redefine their role in Nigeria’s political terrain.

“The 2027 election will not be business as usual. Middle-Belt youths will no longer be passive observers. We will organise, mobilise, and ensure that our voices are heard and respected,” he said.

Obande, in his remarks, emphasised unity as the cornerstone of his administration, pledging to prioritise the collective interest of the region above personal ambitions.

“I will place the interest of the Middle-Belt above all else. This mandate is not about me; it is a call to serve, to unite our people, and to advance an agenda that reflects the true aspirations of our region,” he stated.

He further highlighted the need for purposeful and strategic leadership to confront the region’s challenges, including political marginalisation, insecurity, and underdevelopment.

“We must move beyond rhetoric to action. Our youths deserve inclusion, opportunities, and a future that is secure. We will engage institutions, build alliances, and demand accountability at all levels,” Obande added.

The new MYC President also signalled a more assertive approach to political participation, noting that the Congress under his leadership would push for increased representation of Middle-Belt youths in governance.

“We are entering a new phase where our participation in decision-making will no longer be negotiable. The time has come for the Middle-Belt to speak with one voice and act with one purpose,” he said.

Obande, a former student union leader and immediate past president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing, is widely regarded as a consistent advocate of the Middle-Belt agenda.

2027 election won’t be business as usual — Middle-Belt Youths President

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Tuesday confirmed the leadership of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, under its acting leader, Sadiq Gombe, ahead of 2027 general elections.

Gombe disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja after INEC’s verification.

According to him, the party, with the presence of members of the National Executive Committee, made up state chairmen who collaborated with INEC.

“It was an eleven-member team of the INEC team that came for the verification exercise at SDP headquarters today (Tuesday). As you are aware, part of the requirements for the registration of a political party is that it must have a presence in at least⅔ of the states of the Federation.

“INEC came to verify the membership of the NEC to see them physically and engage with them as well as the members of the National Working Committee,” he stated.

He noted that the Supreme Court on several occasions has delivered judgments that internal disputes are parties’ affairs.

DAILY POST reported that Prof. Gombe assumed leadership of the opposition party after the Supreme Court dismissed INEC’s appeal.

2027: INEC confirms Gombe-led SDP leadership after verification exercise

According to new figures compiled by the BBC, petrol theft has surged by 62% compared with a year ago, with one forecourt owner saying drive-offs are costing him £2,000 a week across his five sites.

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…says 1.8 million learners impacted in one year The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has unlocked over N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants, a move expected to significantly boost the delivery of basic education across Nigeria. Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the […]

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A dispatch rider has lost his life in a tragic road accident involving a truck at the Otedola Bridge axis in Lagos, occurring less than 24 hours after a similar crash was reported in the same corridor.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq.

The fatal crash occurred along the Ogudu–Otedola Toll Gate stretch, inward the Secretariat, where a heavy-duty Volvo truck reportedly struck the motorcycle, killing the rider instantly.

LASTMA officials on routine patrol responded promptly by securing and cordoning off the accident scene to avert further incidents, especially given the high volume of traffic in the area.

Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, later took custody of the deceased’s remains, while personnel from the Alausa Police Division provided security during the evacuation.

The damaged motorcycle and the truck were subsequently cleared from the road with the aid of a towing vehicle, after which traffic flow was gradually restored.

However, the incident led to significant congestion, with gridlock stretching toward the Berger axis before normal movement resumed.

Reacting, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged all road users to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

He emphasised the need for increased caution, particularly among drivers of articulated vehicles and dispatch riders, noting that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to curb road accidents and fatalities across the state.

“LASTMA remains resolute in its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders in intensifying advocacy initiatives aimed at reducing road fatalities and fostering a sustainable culture of road safety across,” he said.

Again, truck crushes another dispatch rider to death in Lagos

A total of five persons out of seven passengers have reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road accident that occurred near Foursquare Camp along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.

The accident, which occurred at about 10:17 p.m. on Monday, involved a black CNHTC HOWO truck, registered as TTD-145ZY, carrying iron rods, and an unregistered white Sinotruck carrying unidentified materials.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, Odunsi Afolabi, the crash was caused by speed violations (SPV) and loss of control (LOC).

Part of the statement reads: “A total of seven (7) adult males were involved in the accident. We are pleased to report that there were zero fatalities.

“Five (5) persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

He stated that three of the victims were immediately evacuated to Victory Hospital, Ogere, last night, while the other two, who were initially trapped in the wreckage, were successfully rescued this morning and have been transported to the same facility for medical attention.

Afolabi added that the Ibadan-Lagos lane is currently being blocked to allow for the removal of the trucks.

“The two trucks are currently wedged together and require heavy-duty cranes for separation and removal. To ensure the safety of motorists and recovery teams, the Ibadan-Lagos lane is currently being temporarily blocked to allow for the removal of the obstruction.

“All Lagos-bound traffic is being diverted at the Alapako Bridge to share the Lagos-Ibadan lane.

“FRSC officials have already created a corridor at the crash scene to ease the initial gridlock, but heavy delays are expected during the final recovery phase,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists to exercise extreme patience, maintain lane discipline, and follow the instructions of traffic officers on site.

He also advised travellers to consider alternative routes where possible until the obstruction is fully cleared.

Five injured in Ibadan-Lagos expressway crash

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, are influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday as plenary resumed after the Easter break, Kalu said INEC operates independently under the chairmanship of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, without interference from any arm of government.

The Abia North senator described the opposition’s allegation, pushed mainly by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as frivolous and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for the chairman of INEC. He is an erudite Professor of Law.

“So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country,” he said.

Kalu, a former Senate Chief Whip, also rejected suggestions that the ruling party is coercing governors and other politicians to defect to the APC, saying that party membership remains a matter of personal choice and negotiation.

“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join the APC, that is his business.

“When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he explained.

He urged political actors to strengthen democratic institutions and offer credible policy alternatives rather than “unproductive criticism.”

Kalu further dismissed claims that the South East is marginalised under the APC government, arguing that both the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have contributed to national development, including in the South East.

“Every President has something to add. Buhari has contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we are supposed to get… maybe even more today. That does not mean Buhari did not do well,” he said.

Assessing Tinubu’s reform agenda, he said macroeconomic indicators show progress, but challenges persist at the grassroots due to insecurity and sabotage.

“The upper end of the reform is working… investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day,” he added, citing long-term reform paths in China and Singapore.

Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives.

“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane,” he declared.

Tinubu, APC not controlling INEC – Orji Kalu dismisses opposition’s claims

African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, moved up one spot to 36th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings released on Tuesday, DAILY POST reports.

The latest women’s rankings were published on FIFA’s official website.

The Super Falcons were previously ranked 37th in the world.

Justine Madugu’s side also maintained their position as the number one team in Africa.

Banyana Banyana of South Africa, the Black Queens of Ghana, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, and the Copper Queens of Zambia complete the top five teams on the continent.

Globally, Spain retained the top spot in the rankings, followed by the United States of America, England, Germany, and Japan.

The next FIFA Women’s World Rankings will be released on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Super Falcons climb to 36th in latest FIFA women’s rankings

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Tuesday announced a major security breakthrough with the arrest of 14 suspected vandals…

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