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Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has disclosed that more personnel of the Nigerian Army will soon be deployed to the state to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

Soludo made this known in Awka on Friday during the third anniversary celebration of the Eighth Anambra House of Assembly.

He said a delegation of the Nigerian Army had visited the state to assess plans for the establishment of barracks to assist in the fight against criminality.

Soludo said the state was already winning the war against crime, as peace had returned to communities across the state with the support of President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that the Tinubu administration was doing a lot to combat insecurity across the country.

The governor commended the lawmakers for making laws that had helped the executive arm provide dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He also praised those who, he said, laid the foundation for the country’s present democratic governance, noting that democracy remains the best form of government in the overall interest of the people.

Earlier in his address, the Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, said the lawmakers would continue to make laws and pass resolutions that would positively impact the lives of the people.

Udeze said that irrespective of the divergent political affiliations of members of the Assembly, the progress and development of the state remained paramount.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a thanksgiving mass was also organised to mark the third anniversary of the Eighth Assembly.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, commended the healthy relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government, saying it had aided the delivery of good governance.

Mefor praised what he described as the speaker’s “specialised style” of leadership, which had fostered a harmonious relationship with members of other political parties.

The House Committee Chairman on Information, Mr Ejiofor Egwuatu, described the quality of laws made by the lawmakers as proof of the maturity of Anambra politicians.

Egwuatu urged the lawmakers to put citizens first in all their proceedings and diplomatically handle opposing issues whenever they arose.

Insecurity: More soldiers to be deployed in Anambra soon – Soludo

Leadership of the OK Movement, a support group for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Friday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

This is coming amid reports that Obi and Kwankwaso are currently enjoying the support of Obasanjo as the much-anticipated election draws closer.

The OK Movement, in a post on its official X handle on Friday night, said its leadership “held a powerful and strategic meeting with Obasanjo” on June 12.

According to the post, the meeting reaffirmed “our shared commitment to a stronger, more united, and progressive Nigeria.”

“The wisdom, experience, and leadership perspectives shared during the meeting will further energize our efforts to build a movement that is people-centered, forward-looking, and dedicated to advancing the Nigerian cause.

“The OK Movement remains steadfast in its mission to mobilize, empower, and rally the new Nigerian movement towards greater unity, growth, and prosperity for all.”

OK Movement leadership meet Obasanjo as former president backs Obi, Kwankwaso

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has paid glowing tribute to the late South-West Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, describing her as a loyal political associate, respected grassroots mobiliser, and distinguished leader whose life was devoted to the service of humanity and the growth of progressive politics.

The governor spoke on Thursday at a Day of Songs and Tributes organised in honour of the late APC South-West Women Leader at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun said Chief Adesanya was deeply passionate about the advancement of women and the strengthening of the APC, noting that she combined unwavering loyalty with uncommon humility, selflessness, and dedication to public service.

According to him, her tireless grassroots engagements inspired countless women to participate actively in the democratic process and contributed significantly to the consolidation of the party’s structure across the South-West region.

“Chief Adesanya possessed remarkable strength of character, uncommon humility, and an enduring passion for public service. She was a compassionate leader who believed in uplifting others, offering guidance, encouragement, and support to those around her,” the governor said.

He added that her death represents a painful loss not only to her family but also to Ogun State, the APC, the South-West region, and the numerous communities she impacted through decades of selfless service and purposeful leadership.

Governor Abiodun noted that the late women leader’s exceptional ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and mobilise support at the grassroots level distinguished her as one of the party’s most effective leaders.

“Through her strategic engagement, persuasive advocacy, and genuine concern for the welfare of others, she contributed significantly to the growth and strengthening of the APC in Ogun State and across the South-West,” he stated.

The governor observed that her passing has created a significant vacuum within the party’s women leadership structure at a time when her wealth of experience, wise counsel, and mobilisation capacity remained invaluable.

He stressed that her legacy of service, loyalty, and commitment would continue to inspire party members, women leaders, and younger generations seeking to make meaningful contributions to society.

Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman of the APC, Hon. Tolu Bankole described the late Chief Adesanya as “an institution and a movement,” who served the party with integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment.

He noted that she remained a strong advocate for women and the girl child while contributing immensely to the growth and stability of the APC.

Representing the National Woman Leader of the APC, the South-West APC Ex-Officio, Mrs. Bunmi Orileowo, described the deceased as a selfless and hardworking party stalwart whose contributions played a pivotal role in the party’s successes across the region.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said Chief Adesanya was a dependable friend of the legislature who gave her all to every cause she believed in.

The Ogun State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, represented by the party’s Deputy Chairman, Chief James Dina, described her as “the voice that spoke when others were silent and the hand that lifted others when they were weary,” adding that women across the South-West found strength, direction, and purpose under her leadership.

In a sermon titled “Remember You Have a Short Time,” Pastor Abolaji Olufemi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church reminded the congregation of the brevity of life and the importance of fulfilling God’s purpose.

The cleric urged people to make meaningful impacts with the gifts and opportunities entrusted to them by God, stressing that only those who surrender their lives to God can fully accomplish their divine assignments.

Reflecting on the life of the deceased, Pastor Olufemi described Chief Adesanya as an exemplary, trustworthy, and empathetic leader who was committed to mentoring younger generations and helping them grow into responsible and productive members of society.

The event attracted party leaders, government officials, women groups, family members, friends, and admirers who gathered to celebrate the life, service, and enduring legacy of the late APC South-West Women Leader.

Abiodun pays tribute to late APC South-West women leader, hails loyalty, grassroots leadership

The Borno State government has reintegrated 720 repentant Boko Haram members into their communities after completing a rehabilitation programme.

The beneficiaries, who make up batch 9 of the programme, were described as low-risk and minor clients.

They swore by the Holy Quran before they were released to return to communities across the state.

The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), announced this on Friday during the completion of the rehabilitation ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri.

He said the exercise was another milestone in Borno’s non-violent approach to tackling insurgency in the North-East, describing it as one of the most effective peace-building models in the world.

Abdullahi said the programme, which began on July 5, 2021, under Governor Zulum, had recorded thousands of former fighters who voluntarily dropped their arms and surrendered.

“It has been a success story since 5th July 2021, when the good people of Borno State, under the leadership of our dynamic leader, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who were willing to drop their weapons and embrace peace,” he said.

“Today, the Borno model is regarded as one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind, with over 350,000 persons who voluntarily left the bush and surrendered to the military.” He added.

He said with the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of people reintegrated under the programme had risen to 9,680 across Batches 1 to 9.

The exercise also covered 992 spouses and 2,050 children of the former insurgents, he added.

Abdullahi explained that the reintegration process begins when repentant insurgents voluntarily leave the bush and report to military locations, where profiling and disarmament are carried out.

He said participants undergo rehabilitation programmes covering Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness and vocational training.

“The camp administrators kept them busy with programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp. Tuesdays and Thursdays were for Islamic programmes and lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and other topics, while Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were for skill acquisition such as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pot making, brick laying, barbing, cap making, phone repair, solar installation, vulcanising and motorcycle repairs,” Abdullah said.

He added that the state government provided support for beneficiaries as they returned to civilian life.

According to him, community leaders, alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters, screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration.

“They are from Bama, Konduga, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Gambolu Ngala, Kalabalge and Gubio Local Government Areas,” he added.

Abdullahi urged the beneficiaries to return to their communities, remain law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to peace and development.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, described the programme as a symbol of hope, reconciliation and resilience.

She commended Governor Zulum for his leadership in peacebuilding and said the administration had continued to resettle displaced families and rebuild communities affected by insurgency.

Borno Reintegrates 720 ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Members is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has pledged that the state will deliver 95 per cent of its votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the President deserves a second term in office in recognition of the far-reaching economic reforms initiated by his administration.

Governor Abiodun gave the assurance on Friday during a strategic meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta.

The governor noted that the reforms introduced by President Tinubu have helped to reposition the nation’s economy and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development.

He also commended members of the APC in Ogun State for conducting peaceful and crisis-free primary elections, saying the state had distinguished itself from others through the orderly and transparent process.

According to him, the success of the primaries was made possible by the high level of unity, maturity, and discipline displayed by party faithful.

“Our primary election was inclusive, transparent, and fair. This was made possible by the commitment and mutual trust among our leaders. Such a process has never happened in the history of our state.

“We sat down, discussed, and chose our candidates without rancour. It underscores the exemplary political maturity that exists in Ogun State. Though many people contested, only one person could emerge. Those who aspired, contested, and later stepped down in the interest of party unity are the unsung heroes of this process,” he said.

Speaking on the choice of a running mate for the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the party had unanimously zoned the position of deputy governor to Ogun East Senatorial District, specifically the Ijebu axis, considering that the governorship candidate is from Ogun West Senatorial District.

“We recognise the need to commence political activities in earnest, and only one key position remains to be filled—the office of the Deputy Governor. We therefore consulted widely with party leaders and agreed that the position should go to Ogun East.

“Since I have emerged as the senatorial candidate for Ogun East and I am from Remoland, it was decided that the Ijebu people should produce the Deputy Governor.

“We have also substantially agreed on the area within Ijebuland from which the candidate should emerge, and that is the Ijebu-Ode Federal Constituency. That was one of the major reasons for today’s meeting,” he stated.

The governor congratulated the people of Ogun West Senatorial District on producing the party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming election, noting that his administration had broken the over 50-year jinx of the district not producing a governorship candidate since the creation of the state.

Governor Abiodun described the development as a major milestone in the state’s political history and a demonstration of the APC’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and equitable power-sharing among the three senatorial districts.

He further stated that his administration would deploy technology-driven solutions to tackle banditry and kidnapping while strengthening security across the state. He stressed that the people deserve a robust security architecture capable of protecting lives and property, particularly children who represent the future of society.

The governor noted that, having invested heavily in infrastructure development across the state, his administration would now place greater emphasis on human capital development and social investment programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of the current economic challenges on residents.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people and ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt across all sectors of the state.

In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, also commended party members for their exemplary conduct during and after the primaries. 

He noted that the meeting was convened to strategise on securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

2027: Ogun will deliver 95% of votes for Tinubu – Abiodun

A truck driver has died while his assistant sustained injuries in a lone accident involving a 40-foot containerised articulated vehicle along the Isheri Elemu-Ijegun corridor in Lagos.

The driver died at the scene after he was trapped beneath the truck, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA confirmed that the motor boy was rescued by emergency responders and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Taofiq said preliminary findings showed that the empty articulated truck suddenly lost stability while in motion and overturned, leading to the crash.

LASTMA said its Rescue and Recovery Unit responded to the scene, recovered the driver’s body and evacuated the injured assistant for medical attention.

“The unfortunate incident resulted in the immediate death of the driver, who became trapped beneath the overturned truck and succumbed instantly to the impact of the crash.

“The motor boy accompanying the deceased, however, survived the accident with multiple injuries and fractures and was promptly rescued and evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent medical attention.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the articulated truck, which was not carrying any cargo suddenly lost stability while in motion and overturned, leading to the devastating accident,” LASTMA said in a statement.

The agency added that its personnel secured the accident scene, managed traffic flow and coordinated emergency operations to prevent secondary crashes and ensure the safety of other road users.

It also noted that officers of the Isheri Osun Police Division provided security support during the rescue and recovery operation.

A heavy-duty crane and a flatbed recovery truck were deployed to remove the overturned vehicle and clear the wreckage from the road to restore normal traffic flow.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Bakare-Oki Olalekan, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased driver and wished the injured motor boy a speedy recovery.

Olalekan also reiterated the need for routine mechanical inspections and proper maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly articulated trucks operating on Lagos roads.

He said critical components such as braking systems, steering mechanisms, tyres and suspension assemblies should undergo regular professional checks to prevent avoidable accidents.

Truck Driver Dies In Lagos Container Accident is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops from the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai have continue to assert their dominance on the battlefield, achieving significant operational successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality in the North East region.

The army said that it has arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition in the Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

A statement released via its social media platform indicated that, acting on reliable intelligence, the troops executed a meticulously planned operation along a recognized criminal corridor in Magumeri. This operation resulted in the capture of five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing innocent civilians in the vicinity.

During the course of the operation, the troops confiscated two AK-47 rifles, along with magazines and ammunition, effectively disrupting the operational capabilities of the criminal network and preventing the suspects from carrying out further violent acts.

Preliminary investigations, as stated, suggest that the suspects are connected to kidnapping and various other criminal activities in certain areas of Borno State.

The detained individuals are currently in custody and are cooperating with security agencies in ongoing investigations aimed at identifying additional members of the syndicate and dismantling their support systems.

The statement emphasized that this successful operation underscores the unwavering dedication of the Nigerian Army to protect lives and property while maintaining offensive measures against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements that pose a threat to national security.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to ensuring enduring peace, security, and stability throughout the nation.

Insecurity: Troops arrest suspected kidnappers, recover weapons in Borno

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has unveiled a mobile application and electronic card system aimed at reducing patient waiting time and improving healthcare service delivery.

The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi Koli, said the innovation, known as the DHS Mobile App and DHS SmartQueue System, is designed to provide digital healthcare solutions that will streamline patient flow and enhance access to medical services.

According to him, the SmartQueue System introduces a structured and transparent queuing process that allows patients to obtain electronic queue tickets and receive services in an orderly manner.

He noted that the system is expected to ease congestion in waiting areas, improve clinic operations, boost patient satisfaction, and provide real-time data for monitoring service delivery and decision-making.

Koli said the solutions were recently demonstrated and piloted at the Family Medicine Department’s General Outpatient Unit (GOPU) during a technical presentation attended by hospital management and staff.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Yusuf Bara Jibrin, described the initiative as a significant milestone in ATBUTH’s digital transformation drive and a demonstration of its commitment to delivering efficient, patient-centred healthcare services.

He explained that the pilot phase at the General Outpatient Department would enable the hospital to assess the effectiveness of the system before extending it to other departments and service points.

Jibrin disclosed that the DHS Mobile App is currently available on the Google Play Store and will soon be launched on the Apple App Store.

He said the platform enables patients to book appointments, access healthcare services and make payments remotely, particularly for amenity services.

“The app is presently in its pilot phase and requires a DHS e-Card for access. Patients are advised to visit the hospital for registration and additional information,” he said.

The CMD further revealed that telemedicine services are being integrated into the platform and will soon become operational, allowing patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely and improving access to specialist care.

He said the introduction of the DHS Mobile App and SmartQueue System aligns with the hospital’s vision of leveraging technology to improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, accountability and overall patient experience.

Explaining the e-Card system, the hospital stated that the DHS e-Card is an upgraded version of the traditional patient card issued during registration.

While newly registered patients automatically receive the card, those registered before the implementation of the DHS Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system on November 22, 2024, are required to renew their registration and obtain the new card to access the full benefits of the digital platform.

The hospital also noted that whilst the mobile application is expected to significantly reduce waiting time by enabling electronic appointment booking and payments, queues at clinics and other service points may still persist temporarily as the system is gradually integrated into routine operations.

ATBUTH launches mobile app, e-card for digital healthcare access

Former Senegal coach, Alain Giresse, has tipped his country to go all the way to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

At the 2022 edition in Qatar, Morocco became the first African team to achieve the feat.

In an interview with Wiw Sport, Giresse noted that the Teranga Lions have the raw potential to make the last four.

“I think that one day, an African country will play in the final. If we’re talking about Senegal, it has the potential to at least reach the semi-finals.

“Of course, we know there can be unforeseen events during matches, but intrinsically, the potential is there. We see that African teams are increasingly displaying a level that is approaching the top and the best rankings in the world,” Giresse said.

Senegal are in Group I, alongside Norway, Iraq and France.

2026 World Cup: Giresse names African country to reach semi-finals

Ghana has suffered a major blow ahead of their first World Cup game in Toronto as their midfielder Thikas Partey has been denied entry to Canada, The Athletic reports.

Ghana is set to face Panama on Wednesday in their World Cup opener at Toronto’s BMO Field.

However, Partey cannot travel to Canada and therefore will not be able to feature against Panama.

The Canadian government website outlines that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Partey has been charged with sexual assault recently, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

The former Arsenal star had denied the charges.

World Cup 2026: Ghana suffer major blow as Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada