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Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and at least five state governors are expected to attend the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival scheduled to hold between May 28 and May 30 in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

The organisers of the annual cultural event, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (retd.).

According to the statement, Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour during the closing ceremony, while Obasanjo is expected to attend as the Father of the Day.

The organisers also announced that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside five governors, would attend the event as guests of honour.

The 2026 edition of the festival is themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges” and is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, unity, dialogue, and economic cooperation among the ethnic and religious groups in Southern Kaduna.

According to the organisers, the theme reflects the desire of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen harmonious relationships and encourage peaceful interaction across social and religious divides.

The statement added that the festival would also serve as a platform to promote tourism, attract investors, encourage local businesses, and improve the image of Southern Kaduna.

Activities lined up for the three-day event include cultural parades, traditional dance performances, exhibitions of indigenous cuisines, symposiums, arts and crafts displays, and sporting events such as marathon races, archery, dambe, and badminton competitions.

The organisers recalled that the maiden edition of the festival held in 2023 was themed “Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture,” while the 2024 edition focused on “Preserving Heritage, Igniting Progress.”

They noted that previous editions attracted prominent personalities including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur.

The organisers further disclosed that distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who have excelled in public service, business, academia, sports, security, and other sectors would be honoured during the event.

Award recipients are expected to receive honours including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander award.

The statement added that all activities would take place at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The committee also called on corporate organisations, development partners, government agencies, and individuals to support the festival.

Shettima, Obasanjo, Wike Headline 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Rivers United technical adviser, Finidi George, has commended his players for their bravery in the victory over Wikki Tourists.

The Pride of Rivers defeated Wikki Tourists 3-2 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi on Sunday.

Jonathan Mairiga opened scoring for Wikki Tourists in the 21st minute, before Rivers United equalised in the 34th minute through Handsome Surveyor.

Just four minutes into the second half, Wikki Tourists regained the lead through Imamu Bala.

Rivers United’s persistence paid off in the 59th minute as Chijioke Mbaoma equalized with a composed finish.

Taofeek Otaniyi scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to seal all three points for Finidi George’s side.

Finidi admitted that the encounter was difficult.

“It was a difficult match because we have to come back on two occasions to finally win the game,” Finidi stated in a post-match interview.

“I must commend my boys for doing this in Bauchi in front of their home supporters, it’s a tough one.

“We will return home to win our home game and leave the rest to what ever happens in other centers.”

NPFL: Finidi reflects on Rivers United’s win in Bauchi

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Monday in Lagos revealed that a total of 1,959,639 candidates in 24,207 secondary schools nationwide registered for the ongoing May/June 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). However, only about 450 schools (representing 1.9% of the total) against 40 recorded last year nationwide opted to sit the […]

The post 1.96 million candidates sit for May/June 2026 WASSCE – WAEC appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Department of State Services has raised concerns over rising security threats in the North-West, warning that banditry, arms trafficking, cybercrime, illegal mining, and sabotage of critical national assets continue to threaten peace and stability in the region.

The warning was issued during the 20th North-West Zonal Directors’ Conference organised by the DSS in Kano.

Speaking at the event, the Kano State Director of the DSS, Abubakar Hussaini, said security agencies must intensify collaboration and intelligence sharing to tackle emerging threats confronting the region.

According to him, crimes such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, illegal arms trafficking, and attacks on national assets have become major security concerns requiring urgent and coordinated action.

“The task of containing arms and ammunition trafficking, cyberbullying, illegal mining, and sabotage of critical national assets is not negotiable,” Hussaini stated.

He explained that the DSS, as the country’s lead intelligence agency, remains committed to gathering and sharing actionable intelligence with other security agencies while also conducting tactical operations to support enforcement efforts.

Hussaini stressed that effective collaboration among security agencies remains critical to addressing insecurity in the North-West.

Also speaking at the conference, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, pledged continued support for intelligence and security agencies operating in the state.

The governor described the conference as an important platform for security officials to develop coordinated strategies against insecurity.

Yusuf noted that Kano, as the most populous and cosmopolitan state in the North-West, remains vulnerable to threats affecting neighbouring states due to the interconnected nature of insecurity in the region.

He cited the recent abduction of the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Musa Durba, saying the victim was rescued through an intelligence-led operation carried out by the DSS and other security agencies.

The governor disclosed that his administration had invested in upgrading security equipment earlier provided for the DSS and promised continued logistical support for security operations in the state.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security operations across the country.

Yusuf, however, acknowledged that Kano still faces threats including banditry, farmer-herder clashes, cybercrime, and the activities of criminal gangs despite relative peace in the state.

The governor further praised the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for promoting inter-agency cooperation and strengthening intelligence operations nationwide.

The conference was attended by DSS directors from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, alongside heads of other security agencies in the North-West.

DSS Raises Alarm Over Rising Banditry, Cybercrime In North-West is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The House of Representatives aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo federal constituency, Mr Obunike Ohaegbu, has has cried foul over fake news being spread on social media about of the zoning of the position to Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ohaegbu said his opponents was already jittery of the growing wave of support being garnered across Anambra State by the party since Mr Peter Obi joined it a week ago.

He urged his supporters to disregard the rumours that the NDC has zoned both the Senatorial and House of Reps tickets to Ekwusigo Local Government, saying the rumour was a fabrication being spread out of fear of defeat.

In a press release he signed and sent out to journalists, the political activist and lawyer said: “NDC, as a party that believed in justice, equity and fairness, could not make the mistake of zoning both tickets to one local government out of the three that make up the constituency.

“I call on my supporters to remain calm as no such decision has been taken. They should ignore such rumours. If the party had decided to run with a senatorial candidate from Ekwusigo, of course, it can’t make the mistake of also conceding the House of Reps ticket to same Ekwusigo.

“What happens to Nnewi North and Nnewi South? I’m from Nnewi South and we have 20 wards. How do you convince the two other local governments that the decision was just and equitable in the circumstance?

“I’m a member of the NDC and the party has not started selling forms and that mistake cannot be made because NDC is built on equity and justice,” the aspirant stated.

He insisted that the rumours were aimed at destabilizing the NDC because it was built on equity, justice and fairness. He fingered a candidate of the APC in the zone as being behind the rumours, describing him as having performed poorly.

“There is no truth in the matter. It is probably the failed APC federal government officials that can be suggesting this. They consider the NDC as a massive threat against their initial wish that Peter Obi would be edged out in ADC so they would sweep the entire South.

Opponents spreading fake news of zoning to spite NDC- Anambra Reps aspirant cries

The decision to “japa” is rarely as simple as social media makes it look. Because, behind the airport photos and relocation updates, many Nigerians silently struggle with guilt, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion after leaving their aging parents behind.

The post Japa: How to handle the emotional tax of leaving aging parents behind appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has commenced its 2026 Management Retreat with a renewed commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal governance in Nigeria.

The retreat brings together senior officials of the Commission to deliberate on a newly approved Strategic Plan aimed at repositioning the institution for improved performance and institutional reform.

Declaring the retreat open, the Acting Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Charles Abana, described the gathering as a defining moment in the Commission’s history and a critical platform for transformation.

He said the retreat would deepen reforms and prepare the Commission for emerging fiscal realities and digital governance challenges.

Abana emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional processes in line with public expectations for accountability and prudent resource management.

According to him, the retreat themed “Strengthening Institutional Performance through the Implementation of the Commission’s New Strategic Plan,” is designed to review operations, enhance coordination, and build stronger systems for fiscal oversight.

“This Strategic Plan is not simply a policy document; it is a roadmap for institutional transformation, a framework for measurable progress, and a guide for achieving sustainable results in the discharge of our responsibilities,” Abana stated.

He added that Nigerians are demanding greater transparency in public finance management, while development partners expect more robust oversight mechanisms from the Commission.

Abana explained that the Strategic Plan would improve monitoring and enforcement systems, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and integrate technology into operations for greater efficiency.

He also unveiled the Commission’s revised Vision and Mission statements, which emphasize professionalism, innovation, integrity, and service excellence.

The vision, he said, is “to be Nigeria’s leading fiscal authority ensuring transparent, accountable, and sustainable fiscal governance for national development,” while the Mission seeks “to promote fiscal integrity through evidential oversight in revenue, expenditure, and debt management decisions for efficient service delivery.”

He noted that the retreat would also examine statutory responsibilities, compliance monitoring, staff productivity, and innovation in service delivery.

The Acting Chairman further disclosed that the Commission would play a key oversight role in Nigeria’s evolving tax reforms and fiscal policies.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission will act as a watchdog and policy-support institution in the new tax regime to ensure transparency, accountability, efficient revenue management, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.

Abana urged management staff to fully commit to the implementation of the Strategic Plan, stressing that success depends on collective responsibility and discipline.

He also announced that participants would undergo capacity-building sessions on process improvement, analytical tools, process mapping, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in fiscal operations.

The retreat received backing from development partners and civil society organizations.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Country Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, Associate Project Officer, Muhammad Sani Kassim, reaffirmed RoLAC’s commitment to supporting the Commission.

Kassim said RoLAC considers the FRC a key partner in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria, adding that the organization would continue providing technical assistance to strengthen institutional reforms.

He expressed optimism that by the end of the year, the Strategic Plan would be fully institutionalized within the Commission.

FRC Unveils Strategic Plan To Strengthen Fiscal Governance is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Fadewa (rtd.) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

The appointment was confirmed on Monday in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

The circular was conveyed through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Kana.
Tinubu said the appointment recognised Fadewa’s outstanding service record, strategic expertise, and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.

He said the decision reflected his administration’s resolve to strengthen internal security coordination across relevant institutions.

The President also emphasised the importance of intelligence-led operations in addressing evolving security threats across the country.

He noted that stronger collaboration among security agencies remained critical to protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and preserving national stability.

“His appointment demonstrates our commitment to building a more responsive and coordinated security framework,” Tinubu stated.

Fadewa retired from military service after more than three decades in strategic security and intelligence operations.

His professional experience covers counter-terrorism operations, intelligence coordination, defence planning, and international security diplomacy.

He also served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021.

During his tenure, Fadewa coordinated the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The centre was designed to improve operational collaboration among intelligence and security agencies nationwide.

These agencies included the Defence Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Armed Forces also benefited from the enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms introduced during his service.

Tinubu expressed confidence that Fadewa would strengthen intelligence integration and homeland security coordination nationwide.

“I urge him to deploy his experience, professionalism and strategic insight in advancing our national security objectives,” the President said.

He added that the appointment would support the effective implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu Appoints Fadewa As Homeland Security Adviser is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By Cajetan Mmuta Fresh tension is brewing within the All Progressives Grand Alliance as some aspirants seeking elective positions in Anambra and other parts of the country have expressed concerns over the party’s screening requirements ahead of the 2026 exercise. The development follows a directive issued by the party leadership mandating all aspirants for State […]

The post 2027: Tension brews in APGA over strict screening requirements for aspirants appeared first on Tribune Online.

Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (NMRC) has listed its N11.50bn 10-year 17.25 per cent Series 1 Fixed Rate Bond on FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited.

The bond issuance, listed under NMRC’s N440bn Medium Term Note Programme, is expected to strengthen the company’s refinancing operations, improve liquidity for mortgage lenders, and support affordable housing delivery across the country.

FMDQ Exchange, said the transaction underscored the growing capacity of the Nigerian debt market to mobilise long-term capital for critical sectors of the economy, particularly housing finance.

NMRC, a mortgage refinancing institution licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, was established in 2013 to provide long-term funding to primary mortgage lenders and promote home ownership in Nigeria.

Since commencing operations in 2014, the company has served as a liquidity facility for the mortgage sector, helping lenders access stable funding for housing loans.

According to the Exchange, proceeds from the bond issuance will be deployed to expand NMRC’s refinancing activities, strengthen its lending support to mortgage institutions, and advance the Federal Government’s housing accessibility and affordability agenda.

The transaction was sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited⁠�, which acted as the sole issuing house and Bookrunner for the issuance.

Commenting on the successful listing, the Managing Director of Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc, Kehinde Ogundimu, said the strong investor response to the bond reflected confidence in NMRC’s business model and its role in Nigeria’s housing finance ecosystem.

He noted that the successful execution of the transaction would enable the company to deepen support for mortgage lenders through access to long-term funding while advancing affordable housing finance in the country.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Oladele Sotubo, described the bond issuance as evidence of strong investor appetite for quality fixed-income instruments in the Nigerian debt market.

According to him, the oversubscription recorded by the offer highlighted investor confidence in well-structured credit instruments and reinforced the growing attractiveness of long-term securities in the market.

He added that the successful issuance aligned with Stanbic IBTC Capital’s commitment to supporting issuers in accessing innovative long-term financing solutions.

In her remarks, the Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group Plc, Tumi Sekoni, said the listing demonstrated the importance of long-tenor fixed-income securities in mobilising capital for sectors critical to national development.

She stated that housing finance remained central to inclusive economic growth and noted that NMRC’s presence on the Exchange further reinforced FMDQ’s commitment to providing a transparent and efficient marketplace that connects issuers with investors while supporting sustainable economic development.

Market analysts said the successful bond listing is expected to further boost confidence in Nigeria’s debt capital market and improve access to long-term financing for the housing sector, which continues to face significant funding gaps despite rising demand for affordable homes.

NMRC Lists N11.5bn 10-Year Bond On FMDQ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper