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Media personality  Morayo Afolabi-Brown  has revealed why she left Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC)…

The post Why I left Harvesters Church — Morayo Afolabi-Brown appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has confirmed that veteran Nollywood actor, Benedict Johnson, is currently hospitalised …

The post AGN confirms actor Benedict Johnson hospitalised, set for surgery appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Nigerian Communications Commission and the Corporate Affairs Commission have introduced a strengthened regulatory framework requiring telecommunications companies in Nigeria to obtain prior regulatory approval before executing significant changes in ownership or shareholding structure.

Under the new directive, any transaction involving the transfer of 10 per cent or more of the share capital of an NCC-licensed telecommunications operator must first receive a Letter of No Objection from the NCC.

The requirement also applies to cumulative or successive transactions that, when aggregated, meet or exceed the 10 per cent threshold.

The policy establishes the NCC as a primary regulatory gatekeeper for ownership transitions in the telecom sector, while the CAC will only proceed with the registration of such corporate changes upon presentation of documented NCC approval. In effect, this creates a two-tier compliance process for all qualifying shareholding adjustments within licensed telecom operators.

According to a joint statement issued by both agencies on Sunday, the framework is grounded in existing legal and regulatory instruments, including the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Competition Practices Regulations 2007, and the Licensing Regulations 2019.

These provisions collectively empower the NCC to assess and regulate transactions that may affect market structure, competition, or control of licensed operators.

Regulators explained that the new requirement is aimed at strengthening oversight of corporate transactions in the telecommunications industry, particularly those that could lead to changes in control, influence market competition, or alter ownership concentration without regulatory scrutiny.

The CAC emphasized that it will no longer process applications involving shareholding changes in telecom companies unless applicants present evidence of prior NCC consent.

This alignment, both agencies noted, is intended to close regulatory gaps that may previously have allowed ownership changes to proceed without adequate sector-specific review.

Beyond compliance enforcement, the framework is also positioned as a market-stability measure. The regulators said it is designed to improve transparency in corporate governance practices within the telecom sector, ensure fair competition among operators, and reduce the risk of anti-competitive consolidation or undisclosed control transfers.

At the same time, the NCC and CAC maintain that the framework is intended to enhance investor confidence by providing clearer regulatory expectations and reducing uncertainty around post-transaction approvals.

By standardizing oversight procedures, the agencies argue, the policy will support a more predictable and transparent investment environment.

The regulators further noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to sustain long-term stability in Nigeria’s communications sector, particularly as the industry continues to evolve with increasing investment activity, infrastructure expansion, and strategic ownership realignments.

Reaffirming their joint position, both agencies stated, “The NCC and the CAC reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing a transparent, stable, and competitive business environment in Nigeria. Both agencies will continue to work closely to promote regulatory certainty, ensure fair market practices, and support the orderly and sustainable development of Nigeria’s Communications Sector.”

NCC, CAC Tighten Rules On Telecom Ownership Changes is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Abia State Police Command says it has apprehended a 37-year-old man, Agwu Ukpo, who was captured in a viral video assaulting a woman in Aba.

According to the Police Command, the suspect, who is an indigene of Akanu Ohafia, assaulted the victim, Amarachi Chinyere, over a dispute relating to a pot of soup.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Abia Command, who leveraged actionable intelligence.

DSP Chinaka, who said the case is currently under discreet investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), assured the public that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Abia State Police Command strongly condemned the barbaric and inhumane act of domestic violence and reiterated that such behaviour is unacceptable under any circumstances.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to desist from all forms of violence, as the Command remains fully committed to ensuring justice is served in the state and that perpetrators of crime will be made to face the wrath of the law,” the police statement said.

Police to charge man to court for assaulting lady over pot of soup

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Sen. Ayo Arise, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on

The post Ekiti guber: Senator Arise congratulates Oyebanji on re-election appeared first on Tribune Online.

Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons dominated the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Best XI of the Season, DAILY POST reports.

The two clubs have three players each in the selection.

Abia Angels have two players, while Rivers Angels, FC Robo Queens, and Bayelsa Queens have one player each.

Moses Aduku of Edo Queens was named Manager of the Season.

Edo Queens won the title for the second time in their history.

The Benin City club will compete in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League in August.

NWFL: Edo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons dominate Best X1 of the Season 

Industrial & Medical Gases (IMG) Nigeria Plc delivered a resilient performance in 2025, doubling shareholders’ equity to N11.84 billion and paying a cash dividend of N365.5 million, amounting to 50 kobo per share, despite a challenging business environment marked by inflationary pressures, rising operating costs, and foreign exchange volatility. The audited results show that total […]

The post IMG strengthens balance sheet as equity grows 100% appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has accused the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of allegedly ‘snatching’ 69 forms for various political offices in Kano, thereby creating chaos and uncertainty for the party.

Speaking at a press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano, the PRP State Chairman, Abdulkadir Musa Guza, said, “I was in Kaduna as State Chairman of PRP to participate at the party retreat and also obtained forms for my people who were contesting various offices in Kano and who paid for them but I was told that somebody had purchased all the forms”.

Musa Guza added, “When I pressed hard to know who the person was, the national secretary of our party told me that it was Kwankwaso and I asked why, they said we are in talks with him for his possible defections to our party”.

According to him, after days without any sign of Kwankwaso defecting to the PRP, it became apparent that he may have been engaged in a mischievous mission against the party, as one cannot belong to another party while holding another party’s forms.

The party chairman further alleged, “We don’t know his missions, that is why we are telling every  listening ears the situation”.

The PRP leader expressed concern that hundreds of aspirants seeking to contest under the party are now left in confusion, uncertain about their political fate.

“That is why we are taking legal actions against him should he refuse to surrender our forms before INEC closes time for submission of contestants’ names to their office,” he said.

“It is not only our party that is suffering this negative fate. Other parties are facing the same problems as us”, he added.

PRP accuses Kwankwaso of allegedly taking 69 party forms

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa has stressed that the fight against substance abuse requires a multi-sectoral approach.

Marwa made this known at a Thanksgiving Service held at the African Church Bethel, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.

He was represented by the NDLEA Secretary, Mr Shadrach Haruna.

Marwa emphasised that families and faith-based institutions are the first line of defence in drug prevention and rehabilitation.

He described substance abuse as a major threat to public health, security, family stability and national development.

The United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day is celebrated every June 26 globally.

Marwa said the commemorative service was an opportunity not only to thank God but also to reflect on the challenges posed by drug abuse and renew collective commitment to addressing them.

According to him, the annual observance of the World Drug Day on June 26 serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He expressed gratitude to God for His guidance, protection and mercies in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs, noting that the menace remained one of the most significant threats confronting societies worldwide.

“The scourge of substance abuse has affected countless individuals, families and communities across the world.

“Young people, who represent the hope and future of our nation, are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of illicit drug use,” he said.

Marwa noted that drug abuse destroys dreams, weakens family structures, fuels criminal activities, undermines productivity and deprives society of its greatest asset, its human potential.

Reflecting on the sermon delivered during the service, he said the church had rightly reminded worshippers that the human body was the temple of God and should not be polluted or deliberately destroyed through substance abuse.

Despite the challenges posed by drug abuse, the NDLEA chairman expressed optimism, citing the increasing number of lives rescued through treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

He also celebrated families reunited through recovery efforts and communities promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

Marwa commended the Federal Government and various stakeholders for their contributions to the fight against illicit drugs.

He specifically acknowledged the efforts of international partners, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, educational institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies.

According to him, their commitment demonstrates that addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a shared responsibility that requires collective action.

He stressed that the church occupied a strategic position in society beyond its traditional role as a place of worship.

“The Church serves as a moral compass, a centre for community support and a source of hope for individuals struggling with addiction.

“Through prayer, counselling, mentorship and compassionate outreach, faith communities can help prevent substance abuse and support recovery efforts,” he said.

Marwa said this year’s World Drug Day observance highlighted the importance of perseverance and innovative responses in addressing the persistent challenge of drug abuse.

He emphasised that prevention begins at home, where parents and guardians must engage children in honest conversations about the dangers associated with drug use.

He added that prevention efforts must also extend to schools, where positive values and life skills were nurtured, and to communities where opportunities should be created for young people to thrive.

The NDLEA boss urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to building a society where every young person could achieve his or her full potential free from the influence of drugs.

He called on citizens to promote healthy choices, strengthen family values, support people undergoing recovery and reject the stigma often associated with addiction.

“Recovery remains possible when individuals are provided with the right support systems and interventions,”he said

Marwa further called for prayers for wisdom, strength and courage for all personnel and stakeholders engaged in drug control efforts across the country.

He also urged Nigerians to remember victims of substance abuse, affected families and the nation in prayers for peace, security and good health.

Earlier in his sermon, the Archbishop of the African Church Cathedral Bethel, Abuja, Most Rev. Peter Ogunmuyiwa, called on parents, particularly fathers, to take greater responsibility for raising their children as part of efforts to prevent drug abuse and other social vices in society.

The cleric said parents remained the first line of defence against drug abuse, stressing that neglect of parental responsibilities had contributed significantly to the growing moral and social challenges confronting young people.

He said the responsibility of parenting goes beyond providing material needs, adding that parents must be actively involved in the moral, spiritual and social development of their children.

“Parents are caretakers entrusted by God with the responsibility of raising children in the right way.

“If parents fail to train their children in the fear of God and monitor their activities, society will continue to grapple with problems such as drug abuse, crime and moral decadence,” he said.

Ogunmuyiwa stressed the need for parents to be vigilant and maintain open communication with their children, noting that prevention of drug abuse begins at home.

He urged families to strengthen moral values and provide proper guidance capable of helping children make responsible decisions.

Drug War Must Begin At Home, Says Marwa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian singer, Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, popularly known as Spyro, has explained why some of his colleagues in the music industry go broke. 

The post Why some of my colleagues went broke — Spyro appeared first on Tribune Online.